Golf team eyes individual and team success in Kelowna – University of Alberta

UBC Okanagan is set to host the 2024 Canada West Golf Championships, as student-athletes from nine schools vie for the top spot on the conference podium in both team and individual competition.

Joining the host UBCO Heat will be competitors from Victoria, UBC, Fraser Valley, Calgary, Alberta, Lethbridge, Regina and Manitoba. This year’s event takes place at the stunning Okanagan Golf Club in Kelowna, BC. The 36-hole championship kicks off with the opening round on Monday, Oct. 7, followed by the final round on Tuesday. Both rounds begin with an 11:00 a.m. PT shotgun start.

The Golden Bears and Pandas head to Kelowna with serious momentum, having performed well over the first three weeks of the fall season. Alberta swept the team and individual titles at their home event to open the 2024 season, led by Ethan Howes and Kalee Seto. Howes would go on to also win the UofC Invitational two weeks later, and heads to Kelowna as a medal threat having a team-best scoring average of 69.67 through three tournaments. Fellow first-year Bears Kai Baerg, Seth Mottershead-Yee, and Brad McKeating lead the most talented Bears team under coach Jacques Plouffe. 

For the Pandas, veteran Jenna Sand leads a young squad full of potential and talent. Sand placed second at the UofA invitational, and will be joined by rookies Hayden Desmarais, Anna Kibria, and Amy Smith. 

Not only is Canada West hardware up for grabs in Kelowna, but so too is spots at the 2025 Golf Canada University Championship. The top five men’s teams and top four women’s teams will earn a berth into the national tournament, hosted in early June. 

2024 Canada West Roster

Golden Bears

Kai Baerg
Scoring Average: 72.5
Best Result: 2nd (UofA Invitational)

Ethan Howes

Scoring Average: 69.67

Best Result: 1st (UofA, UofC Invitationals)

Nicholas Mah

Scoring Average: 75.83

Best Result: 2nd (UofL Invitational)

Brad McKeating

Scoring Average: 76.17

Best Result: 3rd (UofC Invitational)

Seth Mottershead-Yee

Scoring Average: 75.83

Best Result: 3rd (UofA Invitational)

Pandas

Hayden Desmarais
Scoring Average: 86.83
Best Result: 3rd (UofA Invitational)

Anna Kibria

Scoring Average: 87.17

Best Result: 2nd (UofL Invitational)

Jenna Sand

Scoring Average: 87.00

Best Result: 2nd (UofA Invitational)

Amy Smith

Scoring Average: 92.50

Best Result: 7th (UofA, UofL Invitationals)