The second team at Warren Golf Club

University of Exeter shines in second annual Golf Varsity

On Wednesday 3 February the University of Exeter’s second annual Golf Varsity took place at the club’s home course, Warren Golf Club in Dawlish Warren. The event is the only time in the year when all five teams play at home on the same day, and the Varsity was a success both on the off the course. 

The first team started the day with a decisive 5-1 win against Bath University. Although the second team couldn’t quite match this result, a dominant performance set up a 4-2 win and subsequent excellent results. Although the thirds were the only team to lose on the day, their performance this year has been exceptional; back in October, they even managed to beat their older sibling, the second team, in the first game of the season. Meanwhile, the fourth and fifth teams faced difficult opposition at the Varsity, playing against first teams from the University of the West of England (UWE) and Gloucestershire respectively. However, the Exeter teams produced strong performances and convincing wins, ending the day on a high note and proving the strength of the University’s five teams.

Steve Buzza, the University’s Golf Performance Coach, commented, “The day was a great example of the inclusive nature of our set up, with performance elites, good golfers and even some of our beginners being able to participate as caddies. The strong performance by our women’s teams was also great evidence of the ‘This Girl Can’ ethos that the University has endorsed. The amount of people staying after the games and celebrating together was not only great to see, but also showed the great team spirit surrounding the group. Although only in its second year, the event surpassed its inaugural showing and demonstrated the excellent calibre of Golf at the University as well as the scope to expand in all areas, from elite to beginner.”

The first two teams are comprised of our High Performance athletes, who have access to Strength and Conditioning training as well as extensive coaching, while the other three teams also play to a high level.

Golf is one of Exeter’s nine focus sports. The University has a proud golfing tradition and is currently ranked first in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) Golf rankings 2014/15, having amassed more BUCS points in Golf last season than any UK institution previously. Last year, Exeter also became the first University to enter five teams into the BUCS Golf leagues, and the club is represented across the three leagues available in the South of England.

For more information about this story, please contact High Performance Coach Steve Buzza at S.Buzza@exeter.ac.uk or on 07791513358.

The University of Exeter Sports Scholarship Scheme is one of the most prestigious in the UK, helping the best student athletes reach their full potential. The scheme provides a comprehensive support package and is tailored to suit the needs of each individual athlete. Many of our graduating scholars have progressed to a professional level in their chosen sport and represented their respective countries on the global stage.

The University of Exeter has been awarded The Times / The Sunday Times Good Universities Guide 2016 Sports University of the Year, following significant investment and development over the past 10 years. The University has also achieved a Global 100 ranking in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The prestigious rankings, which mean Exeter retains its position as best in the South West, take into account a wide range of factors, including student satisfaction and research excellence. 

Date: 18 February 2016