SQUAMISH, B.C. – Ethan Banks is the men's individual champion after an impressive Day 2 and playoff victory at the 2021 Canada West Golf Championships, hosted by the UBC Thunderbirds at Squamish Valley Golf Club.

UBC's Russell Howlett (66-71), the Day 1 leader, and Banks (69-68) needed some extra golf after both finishing at -7. On the second playoff hole, Banks knocked in his par putt to win the Canada West gold medal.

Banks credits his win this week to managing his swing on the second day and believes the team's ability to stick to their game plan in the tough scoring conditions helped them to qualify for nationals.

"I can't believe I can call myself a Canada West champion. It's something I'll be incredibly proud of for the rest of my life. I feel very lucky and humbled to be a champion," said Banks. 

The Dinos men started the day in fifth place, only two shots back from the final automatic qualifying spot for nationals, and battled to win the bronze medal in the team format with a combined score of 575. Calgary also got a big performance from first-year Dino Tommy Sluka who started the day tied with Banks. Sluka was able to stay calm and shot a 1-under 71, to finish tied for seventh in his first ever Canada West Championships. The eventual team champions of the men's event were the Thunderbirds who were led by three players finishing in the top 5.

"It's easy to see that this tournament is completely different than the other ones. Overall, the tournament feels very prestigious, and I would love to win it in the future," said Sluka.

In addition to Banks and Sluka's efforts, the men's bronze medal win was fuelled by Ronnie Postnikoff, Cale Singular, and Ben Wong who all improved on their first day scores to help boost the Dinos onto the podium. 

Battling difficult scoring conditions, the Dinos women were unable to cover the same gap as the men had, as they started and ended the day in fifth place with a combined score of 487. Victoria Tse shot 157 over the two days which secured her a 10th-place finish. This marks Tse's second top 10 finish in the Canada West Championships following 2019's second-place result. In addition to Tse's steady play, Raveena Masuta continued to play consistent golf firing another 82, which resulted in a tie for 17th. Just behind her was Lana Wong who roared back with an 84. The eventual champions of the women's event were the Thunderbirds, who went wire to wire, and were led by Grace Bell who won the individual title by five strokes. 

Victoria was happy with her individual performance but was more so impressed by her team's performance given the rainy conditions. Given the scoring conditions and the added yardage it was quite the challenge said Tse, but she was proud of the way they all played and added that playing the top players in the west was an added challenge she enjoyed. 

"I think it's safe to say the team had an enjoyable Canada West weekend. Lots of laughs were had and memories made. It's awesome getting to travel to new places and play new courses with your closest friends." 

With the Canada West Championships behind them, the Dinos golf teams have one more tournament to close out fall competition. The teams will be off to Kelowna, B.C.  to take part in the UBC-Okanagan Invitational on Oct. 10 and 11.