Moncton man competing in 12th World University Championship

D4

By Gerard McLaughlin
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

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It sure has been a golfing summer to feel good about for Moncton's Mathieu Gingras.

It started in late May when he recorded a second-place finish at the Canadian University Championships at Victoria, B.C.

Then he earned a spot on the New Brunswick Willingdon Cup amateur team and has a lock on the New Brunswick Player of the Year points competition.

And, it's finishing with an even louder bang.

He heads out today to compete in the 12th World University Championship at the famous Sun City Resort in Sun City, South Africa.

The 72-hole championship, scheduled next Tuesday through Friday, will be played over the Gary Player Golf Course.

Gingras can't wait.

Heading out, his heart is bursting with pride because it's the first time he's ever played and represented Canada in a world or foreign competition.

"It's a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity and I'm very proud, very excited to be representing Canada,'' he said.

"It's a great resort. I've heard so much about it and they played big PGA events there. It's going to be so much fun.''

Currently beginning his third season at Laval University, Gingras, 20, will be one of 11 Canadian players in the tourney.

The men's roster is comprised of six players and the women's team five.

Gingras will spend 10 days in South Africa so if possible he'll also try and see a little of the country.

"There isn't a lot of time but I'd like to be a tourist for a couple of days,'' he said. "I hope we can see a few other spots besides the golf course.''

Yes. Gingras confesses it's been a summer to remember for sure.

He's no different than all the elite players. Part of their preparation is setting goals for each season and he exceeded most of his this summer.

"I attained a lot of my objectives, making the New Brunswick team and making the cut at nationals,'' he said. "It's been a summer of positive progress.

"I want to become a pro after a few years so I need to move my game and get better year after year. I've did things this summer I feel very good about but there still a ways to go.''

What he feels could be a another positive boost to this career will come this winter when he spends January to April in Florida.

It's part of a re-designed Laval golf program, a first in history, and he's excited to be a part of it.

"When you strive to get to the next level it's opportunities like this you need to try out,'' he said. "I worked out indoors all last winter but this is going to be different. It's a little harder as far as school and golf is concerned but it's going to be fun, too.''

NOTES - This is the second season in a row that a New Brunswick player has earned a spot in the World University Games. Darren Roach of UNB earned a spot in the 2007 championships. Roach plays out of the Riverside Country Club at Rothesay.