A national collegiate championship had never been contested in Alberta—let alone won by a school from the province. But that’s exactly what happened earlier this month, when the women’s team at Red Deer College won the national championship, with the men’s team coming in a respectable ninth-place.

Both teams had Golf Town employees, who are full-time students, helping to lead the charge to victory at Desert Blume Golf Club in Medicine Hat, AB.

Golf Town is passionate about growing the game of golf across Canada, which is why we are proud to support young athletes who share our love for the game. We wanted to make sure the Kings and Queens of Red Deer College were properly outfitted for fall golf conditions in Alberta. That’s why we provided each team member with full outerwear and new bags so they can focus on their game and not the weather, as well as golf balls and golf bags.

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“We kind of struggled in the earlier tournaments because of weather,” says Bradie Ouelette-Pillman, a sales associate at Golf Town for the past year who is studying in the bachelor of education program at Red Deer. “But we really played to our potential in the national championship.”

The team, which consists of five female students, three of whom represented the college at the championship, lead the tournament for all four rounds. The best two scores on each day determined scoring. Contested in Medicine Hat, assistant coach Jeff Willmer says the student athletes should be applauded for their commitment.

“It is hard to be a student, but to work and play golf is that much more difficult,” says Willmer, the director of golf at Whispering Pines Golf and Country Club. “The women’s team really showed their talent.”

The men’s team captain is also a Golf Town employee. Logan Hill, now 21, has worked at Golf Town since he was 16. With a specialty in club fitting—“I like helping people get a few extra yards,” he says—Hill is completing a business administration degree at Red Deer. Juggling his studies, playing on the golf team, and working at Golf Town has made him a better student, Hill says.

“When you’re out on the course five days a week, working and studying, you learn not to procrastinate,” he says. “You find the right balance to be able to get things done.” The women’s team finally played to their ability, says Hill.

“I don’t think they knew how good they were heading into the championship, what they were capable of,” he says. “But they found a way to get the job done every day out there.”

Their coach says it is a testament to the dedication of Hill and Ouelette-Pillman that they are successful as student-athletes.

“It is a real challenge,” he says. “But they’ve both done very well.”