After a very successful 2016-17 golf season that saw the Knights win the OCAA and CCAA championships, the team looks to build on their past success with a roster full of fresh faces. Out of the 7 players on the roster, only one is returning from last year's championship team.
New to the team this year are players John Hickson (Grimsby, Ont.), Eric Clare (Frankfor, Ont.), Andrew Noble (St. Catharines, Ont.), Marshall Pemberton (Guelph, Ont.), Nolan Von Kalckreuth (Fort Erie, Ont.), and Rein Zenka (Caistor Centre, Ont.).
Knights' head golf coach Cameron Thin has recognized that "there will be a learning curve with our rookie players being integrated into the collegiate golf atmosphere," but also notices the unbelievable amount of raw talent and "is excited to be given the opportunity to help these young players harness their high levels of playing potential."
The golf team has performed in three OCAA events this current season, and has seen their ability to perform improve throughout each event. With a team mainly rostered with rookies, there were some understandably nerving starts. However, as most of the golfers settled into their rounds, they became more comfortable and their play began to improve. Prior to the Niagara Knights Fall Classic, the Knights participated in the Fanshawe Invitational the Georgian Invitational.
At the most recent Niagara Knights Fall Classic, the Knights looked to round into form, as the team finished tied for second in the men's team competition. The Knights shot a combined 305, a single stroke behind the tournament leading Georgian Grizzlies (304). The top golfer for the Knights was rookie Marshall Pemberton, who finished his day at 75 to sit in a tie for ninth place.
Rounding out the rest of the Knight's performances were 12th place finishes by John Hickson (76) and Logan Lammerant (76), 18th place finishes by Nolan Von Kalckreuth (77) and Eric Clare (77), a 23rd place finish by Andrew Noble (78), and a 29th place finish from Rein Zenka (79).
One of the most notable stories from this season so far was at the event hosted by Fanshawe where Knights' rookie golfer, Rein Zenka, made a hole in one.
The next challenge for the Knights will be the OCAA championships, which will be hosted from October 2-4 at Crimson Ridge Golf Course in Sault Ste. Marie.
