Powell River’s Robbie Potesta just missed the cut at the Canadian University Golf Championship at Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, held from May 31 to June 3. The close call was not a problem for Potesta.
The whole experience, he said, was “phenomenal, incredible and so much fun to be a part of.”
According to Potesta, it was the biggest event he ever played in.
In a field of 157 golfers representing the best university and college programs in Canada, Potesta, who plays for Vancouver Island University Mariners in Nanaimo, posted an 11-over-par score of 227 over three rounds. His best round was an impressive three-under-par 69 on the second day of play.
“It was actually the best tournament round I ever played,” he said. “I was ecstatic.”
Potesta’s teammate Kyler Bourgeault finished seven over par. VIU golfers competed for just the third time in the 14-year history of the event.
According to Potesta, he and Bourgeault applied as individuals rather than as a team, which is the normal way of entering the championship.
For two months, the pair were unsuccessful with sending emails to gain entry into the tournament, said Potesta. Then, three days before the it started, they received a phone call and were told two spots became available and they were able to play.
“I just wanted to be part of the experience,” said Potesta. “This is my final year of college golf.”
