The Ryder Cup — a battle between four golf teams representing their respective northern B.C. cities and towns — had, up until Sunday, never been won by a visiting team.
A group of 12 Williams Lake Golf and Tennis Club members changed all that, marching into the 108 Resort and Golf Links on the weekend to snatch the title away from the host team, and the Aberdeen Glen (Prince George) and Quesnel Golf Club teams.
George McGibbon, captain of team Williams Lake, said the tournament went extremely well thanks to solid play from the top to the bottom of their roster.
"It's the first time we've won away from home," McGibbon said. "And it was good to beat 108. We had a strong performance by all team members that led to an exciting finish."
2013 marks the second year in a row a team from Williams Lake has brought home the Ryder Cup. Last year Williams Lake won the tournament as the host team.
Williams Lake scored the most points — tallying 69.5 — to edge the 108 Resort's 59-point total.
McGibbon said Morgan Day, acting as the team's pro, accumulated more points than any other Williams Lake pro at past events.
Team member Jordan Siegmueller, likewise, was on his game scoring eight of a possible nine points to lead all players.
McGibbon added the course at the 108 Resort was in excellent condition and said teams were treated to great weather throughout the weekend.
Prince George finished the tournament in third place with 50 points, while Quesnel placed fourth with 37.5 points.
The Williams Lake team was made up of McGibbon, Day, Siegmueller, Cody Wells, Evan McDonald, Jim Rolston, Chris Durrant, Scott Zimonick, Chris Hicks, John Pickard, Ernie Manchur and Harvey Lammi.
Golfers each played three head-to-head rounds versus the opposing team members worth three points toward an overall score.