Brock Men's and Women's Golf makes return to OUA Thursday
ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - After a five-year absence, the Brock University men's and women's golf team will start the ball rolling on their 2011-12 golf season when they tee off this Thursday at the University of Western Invitational Golf Tournament.
"I want to compete right out of the gate, and win," said Badgers head coach John White. "It might take a little time to hone our skills, but it wouldn't surprise me if we are near the top this season."
Leading the charge for the Badgers will be Kristina Littlefield (Brampton, Ont.), Amy Mikula (London, Ont.), Lisa Romanin (Thorold, Ont.), Stephen Wingfield (Hamilton, Ont.), Taylor Tyminski (Fonthill, Ont.) and Jack Gibson (Fort Erie, Ont.).
Gibson is a local talent who hails from a golf family. His dad is a Canadian Professional Golfers Association (CPGA) professional and owner-operator of Fort Erie Golf Club. Gibson also has tonnes of experience after playing tournaments at the national, provincial, and local levels, plus he will feel right at home playing for White, who is Gibson's full-time coach and Beechwood Golf and Country Club's Head Golf Professional.
"Jack (Gibson) is a great player who plays his best golf in high-pressure situations," said White. "Overall, I am impressed with the quality of all the players we have attracted, and I have been overwhelmed by the amount of resumes that were submitted for the team."
Brock University's varsity golf program is back in business thanks to an alumnus contribution from Toronto lawyer Grant Dow (Bachelor of Arts, 1978) who donated $30,000 to develop the golf program for the next five years.
"The contribution by Mr. Dow is the most important thing to happen for Brock Badgers golf," said White. "Without his generosity this wouldn't be possible."
Jon Blomme will also complement the coaching staff. He has been teaching golf as a CPGA Professional for eight years, graduated from both Humber College in Professional Golf Management and Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Commerce.
"Jon is a young aspiring coach I am helping to mentor," White said. "He will be instrumental in honing the skills of our players."
