Holland College has been selected by the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association to host the 2008 Ping CCAA Golf Open Championships/ Championnats Ouverts Ping de golf 2008 de l'ACSC next October, Albert Roche, Manager of Student Services and Athletics for the college announced today.
"As relatively new members to the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association, it is a great honour for us to have been selected to host this important event." Roche said. "Our college has more than a decade of involvement with golf education and tournament play. That experience will stand us in good stead as we prepare for the championships."
The tournament will be supported by the students in Holland College’s Golf Club Management program and Professional Golf Management program.
"We are in a unique situation where we can integrate learning into the hosting of a national golf championship ensuring a memorable educational experience for our students and players," Paul Murnaghan, golf programs coordinator at the college noted.
Holland College varsity golf has come a long way in a very short period of time. The Holland Hurricanes have proven to be highly competitive on the national varsity golf stage in the past two years, garnering men’s bronze in 2006 and women’s silver in 2007. Rookie Jessica Norris from St. John’s, NL is quite excited about the opportunity to host the nationals next year. "When I came last fall I really didn’t know what to expect, but after competing in the Atlantic and Canadian championships I see just how close we are to actually winning a national title. It gives the players great motivation to work on our games knowing that next year we are playing at home at Fox Meadow. It’s a very exciting time to be a Hurricane golfer." Roche echoes her comments, "The success of our teams has provided a heightened profile for the college and we look forward to our players maintaining or improving on our high placements here at home."
The annual Ping CCAA/ACSC Golf Open Championships bring together the cream of men’s and women’s varsity golf from across the country to participate in a week of intense play and activities from October 13 th to 17 th . The college will host the tournament at Fox Meadow, which was awarded four stars by Golf Digest, and is home to Holland College’s Canadian Golf Academy. Both Fox Meadow and the Canadian Golf Academy have received national recognition for high calibre of their operations.
Humber College Hawks are the perennial powerhouse in both men’s and women’s play and will be the standard by which other teams are measured. The Hurricanes will be focused on making a run at a national title.
"These are worldclass facilities, and we know the players will enjoy the challenge," Roche said. "When you combine the renowned Prince Edward Island golf product, national competition, and our reputation for hospitality we are confident our event will be successful."
Rob Younker, Business Manager for Fox Meadow Golf Course, sees the event as a great opportunity to showcase the golf club and the Canadian Golf Academy.
"This national championship will feature some of the best young golfers in Canada. We’re excited to host them at our course. The facilities and services that we can offer to organizers showcase the best of Island golf and Island hospitality. We are looking forward to working with the staff and students in Holland College’s golf programs to make sure that the 2008 championships is a success", he said.
The tournament is expected to draw approximately 100 players to the Island from across the country. Participants will be treated to special events in conjunction with the championship, including opening ceremonies, a banquet, and a skills competition.
For more information about this release, please contact: Sara Underwood, Media and Communications Officer Tel: 902-566-9695
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2008
