Jackson Jacob fires a 63 to maintain lead in men’s individual division

From Golf Canada:

As temperatures continue to soar in Komoka so does the action at FireRock Golf Club. Jackson Jacob (Fraser Valley Cascades) recorded two eagles and five birdies on his way to a 9-under, 63 to continue to hold the lead in the individual men’s division after three rounds of the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship presented by BDO on Thursday.

Ed. Note: Both local teams – the host Fanshawe Falcons men’s squad, and the Western Mustangs women’s squad – failed to make the cut. The Mustangs’ Lexie McKay made the cut as an individual golfer at T5 and tees off at 8:20 a.m. Friday.

Jacob got off to a hot start with an eagle on the opening hole. He followed up the front nine with three birdies for a 31. “Today, I didn’t do anything super crazy, I hit a lot of greens, hit a lot of fairways, let the putter do the work and add a chip in here and there,” he said with a smile.

Both the Fraser Valley Cascades and Université Laval Rouge et Or are trailing the Victoria Vikes for first place. The Vikes hold a one-shot lead on Laval heading into the final day. The Cascades had a day to remember, firing a combined 17-under, 271 to move into third place in the men’s team division. Jacob and his teammates have been looking forward to this tournament for a while, “it means a lot, this is the last nationals that Aaron (Pauls), our head coach is going to be with us so we’re all just trying to do our best and win it for him,” said Jacob.

Western Mustangs’ Lexie McKay

Élizabeth Labbé (UBC Thunderbirds) shot a 2-under, 71 on Thursday. She currently sits in third with teammates Sonja Tang leading at 5-under and Grace Bell in second at 1-over to round out the top three in the women’s individual division.

“This course sets up really well, not just for me but for our whole team,” said Labbé. “I just try to stay patient and know that the birdies are coming. It’s nice because there’s five par 5’s, definitely good opportunities. Overall, just staying patient and the birdies will come.”

In the women’s team division, the UBC Thunderbirds will be taking their lead into the final round on Friday after shooting a combined 216 on Thursday and currently sit at 6-under with a 45-shot lead.

“I think we just want to keep doing what were doing, we’ve had a really great season overall. I think just sticking to our game plan, having fun, and we’ll manage,” added Labbé ahead of tomorrow’s final round.

The field has now been cut to the top ten (10) men’s teams and the top six (6) women’s teams. Individuals within ten (10) shots of third place have made the cut, in addition to any players in the top ten (10) men’s teams and top six (6) women’s teams.

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