As the season ends, Qualicum Beach’s Matt Haddad was named the 2014 PacWest Golf men’s player of the year.
Haddad, a Kwalikum Secondary School grad, is in his fifth year at Vancouver Island University and just wrapped up his second year as the captain of the VIU men’s golf team.
Haddad was also named an all-star, one of five in the PacWest (Pacific Western Athletic Association), for his performance.
“It’s kind of bitter sweet when I really think about it,” Haddad said. “It’s disappointing because, as a team, we wanted to be in contention to win but we finished up in fourth spot.”
“After the season was finished, I had a few days to really think about it and let everything sink in and it’s an honour to win both of those awards. Ultimately, it would have been much better to have the recognition as a team, but I’m still very honored to win both of those awards.”
Haddad had an excellent season, finishing in the top six of each tournament the VIU squad took part in, on an individual score.
He finished the season with an average round of 72, which was good enough to land him at the top of the leader board, six strokes ahead of the competition.
“I was able to be consistent all season and that felt really good,” Haddad said. “I had a few chances at some tournaments to win but came runner up. But still, being able to average a round of 72 on the season was real nice and I’m pretty happy with those numbers that I put up.”
Fellow Qualicum Beach resident and former KSS Kondor Kyler Bourgeault, joined his old friend Haddad at VIU this year.
“It was pretty cool to have him on board, for sure,” Haddad said. “I knew him for a few years before I came here and he’s always been a good golfer. So to have him join our team this year and give us some great rounds, it was really nice to be able to have him in the fold.”
Haddad will now turn his attention to the PING Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association National Championships, which take place October 14–17 at the Club de Golf Lorette in Quebec City, Quebec.
He’s competing for VIU, but it will be in the individual tournament, where he hopes to continue the success he’s had all year.
“I’m just hoping to stay consistent like I’ve been all year,” he said. “If I can stay in contention and put myself in a good position to try and win it on the last day, I think anything is possible.”
“It’s all about keeping up the good golf I’ve been playing so far and I feel like I can do it. It’s an honour to be there representing VIU and I hope that I can do them proud and bring home one more trophy in my final year here.”
