The UBC Okanagan golf teams are looking to sit atop the country as both the men and women are set to compete in the 2025 Golf Canada Canadian University/College Championship.
Taking place at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops from June 3-6, both teams are looking for their first national title.
Last year, the women's team came so close, coming second to the UBC Thunderbirds at Idylwylde Golf and Country Club in Sudbury, Ont. However, the second place finish was the team's third consecutive podium placement (bronze in 2022 and 2023).
Going into the tournament, third-year Julia Alexander-Carew is once again leading the ladies. Last season, she finished with first or second in five of the six events she competed in, including a silver medal finish at last year's national championship to also earn All-Canadian honours.
The team also includes veterans Lauren Nedo, Emily Cornwall and Bess Chan. At this tournament last year, Cornwall and Nedo both earned top 10 finishes while Chan, who was UBCO's top finisher at the 2024 Canada West Championship, is competing in her second national championship after helping the Heat win bronze in 2023.
As for the men, they are also coming off of their best result in this tournament from a season ago when they finished in sixth. This year marks their third time playing in the championship.
The group is led by fourth-year Andrew Rouble, who is a former all-Canadian at this event after finishing fourth in the field in 2023. Ryan Gillis, set to compete for the second time, finished 13th a year ago. Three rookies are also hitting the links - Thomas Lemay (2024 Canada West individual silver medalist), Chris Jo and Carl Arndt.
The UBC Thunderbirds are also the defending men's champs.
This year, the men's field has 19 teams while the women's has 13. Competition started Tuesday afternoon.
Following the third round on Thursday, the field will be cut to the low nine men's teams and the low six women's teams, or any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within 10 shots of the leader will also make the cut, or any player within the top 10.
