Waterloo, ON - The Mustangs Men's Golf team secured a spot in the 2024 national championship with a 2nd place team finish at the 2023 OUA Golf Championship this weekend and Mustangs Women's team member Lexi McKay finished in 2nd spot individually at the event to finish off a successful season for Western.

The conditions for both days of the event were challenging with cool temperatures and rain at times making it extrememly difficult to play at Grey Silo in Waterloo.

The Men's team shot a 10 over par total of 578 which secured them a silver medal. The goal for the team coming into the event was to break 300 in the first round which they did by 8 strokes at 292 and then to break 290 on day two and they did that by 4 strokes at 286. The Mustangs top individual finisher on the men's side was Will Herbert with an even par finish of 142, shooting 71's both days.

"I've played some of my best golf this season, and really happy with my performance this weekend." said Herbet "It felt great to have a chance to win the individual trophy, and help the team to a great team score."

Riley Mathieson & Sheldon Pryce both finished tied for 9th at +2, Luca Ferrera finished tied for 20th at +6 & William McHenry finished ties for 37th at +11.

"It was an outstanding showing by all on the team. We could not be happier with the result" said Mustangs Men's Golf Head Coach Jim Waite "We were batting all year with Waterloo, Guelph, Laurier, Windsor, Toronto and Brock. To beat them all (except Waterloo) for second place showed the skill level and determination of this team."

On the women's side, McKay finished solo in 2nd with a +5 for the two days.

"I'm happy to get a medal this weekend with some really tough conditions. Obviously I was really fighting for the win but I tried 110% on every shot and gave it the best I had." said McKay "I had a tough regular season so to have my best performance be during OUAs was a great feeling!"

She shot a 74 on day one and followed that up with a 73 on day 2 to take home the individual silver medal.

"I am so genuinely impressed with Lexi's performance at the event and throughout this season! I knew from the start of this weekend she was eager for a gold medal and to finish her time at OUAs with a win." said Mustangs Women's Head Coach Lana McIlwain " She played very well given the conditions, but Laurier's- Lauren Bevan, had a great second round that was tough to beat. I know Lexi is eager for a top 3 finish at Nationals this spring."

Other Mustangs scores included Hadley McHenry finishing tied for 23rd at +26, Abby Bush finished 31st at +33 & Isabelle Funk finished 44th at +58.

"As a team, we had 3 out of 4 new players coming into their first OUA Championship and I am exceptionally impressed with the talent they have." said McIlwain "We kept up with some of the more experienced teams and kept the results of the tournament very close! We were only 2 strokes back from finishing fourth place and getting the ticket for Nationals. It looks like we will be in great shape for next season!"

The Men's team, along with McKay now set their focus on the Canadian University/College Championship which will be in May of 2024 in B.C.

TEAM RESULTS
Men

Pos.	School	To Par	Total
1	Waterloo	-3	565
2	Western	+10	578
3	Laurier	+13	581
4	Guelph	+17	585
5	Brock	+21	589
6	Windsor	+25	593
7	Toronto	+29	597
8	Queen's	+34	602
9	McMaster	+35	603
10	Laurentian	+41	609
11	Ottawa	+42	610
12	Trent	+43	611
13	Carleton	+44	612
14	Toronto Metropolitan University	+64	632
15	Ontario Tech	+94	662

Women

Pos.	School	To Par	Total
1	Laurier	+24	450
2	Toronto	+42	468
3	Windsor	+51	477
4	Guelph	+62	488
5	Waterloo	+63	489
T-6	Western	+64	490
T-6	Queen's	+64	490
8	McMaster	+77	503
9	Ottawa	+92	518
10	Brock	+98	524
11	Carleton	+100	526

For individual scores go to : https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/9880182893752403992