Thunder Golf Wins Back-to-Back Women's & Mixed Team Championships
Thunder Golf finished their ACAC season on Tuesday of this past week at Alberta Springs Golf Resort. By the end of the tournament, the Thunder had won back-to-back ACAC Championships in the Women's Team and Mixed Team categories. The women's team saw Ella Gifford win the tournament individually, finishing +23 over the tournament. Lauryn Psutka was right behind Gifford in 2nd place at +26, shooting career best 75 in round three of the ACAC Championships. Ava Stach finished fourth overall, shooting +57 and shot her season best 88 on Day 2 of the tournament. In total, the women's team shot a combined +49, which was a 72 stroke lead over the second place NAIT Ooks, who ended at +121. For the Thunder Mixed team, their ACAC Championship win is the second in team history. The group shot a combined 688 over the three days, edging out second place NAIT by three strokes. This year's mixed team at the championship consisted of Ella Gifford, and Lauryn Psutka on the women's side, as well as Hayden Prins, Evan Couch, and Mateo Gallo on the men's side.
On the awards front, Gifford won her third straight Female Golfer of the Year after winning the ACAC Championship individually, becoming the only golfer in ACAC history to accomplish that feat. Ella's season has been one of hard work and incredible play, capped off by her best performance of the year at the ACAC Championships. After shooting 83 on Day 1, Gifford finished the day second overall. Ella kicked things into high gear shooting 77 on Day 2, pushing herself into first place. She continued her dominance on Day 3 shooting a 79 and winning the Women's Individual category. Throughout the season she was challenged and persevered to continue her impressive run in ACAC golf.
"Winning Female Golfer of the Year for the third consecutive year is an incredible achievement, reflecting Ella's relentless work ethic and passion for the sport", Director of Athletics & Recreation Nate MacLellan commented. "She consistently raises the bar, inspiring her teammates and our entire athletic community. We are proud to honor her talent and commitment as she continues to shine both on and off the course."
Additionally, our women's team trio of Ella Gifford, Lauryn Psutka, and Ava Stach each received an all-conference honour. It's the first time in CUE Golf history that Thunder Golf was recognized with three female all-conference players. Psutka saw a big jump as a player in 2024, winning the North and South Regionals individually and Stach finished sixth or better in all three tournaments, including two fourth place finishes.
Rounding our the golf awards for the year, Thunder Head Coach Larry Petryk was named the 2024 ACAC Golf Coach of the Year. This is the third time Petryk has won the ACAC Golf Coach of the Year award, with his last two coming in the 2019-20 and 2022-23 seasons. Larry has done an incredible job with Concordia Golf this year. Under his guidance, Concordia was able to capture back-to-back mixed team and women's team championships for the first time in program history.
"Larry's recognition as Golf Coach of the Year is a well-deserved testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication to our athletes", MacLellan added. "His ability to inspire and develop each of our players has transformed our program into a force to be reckoned with. We are grateful for his commitment and proud to celebrate his achievements this season!". Larry was honoured with the award at the 2024 ACAC Golf Championship hosted at the Alberta Springs Golf Resort in Red Deer, Alberta.
Thunder Golf will push for a national championship in October as Ella Gifford, Lauryn Psutka, and Ava Stach will travel together to Ontario and participate in the CCAA National Championship tournament hosted by Humber College.