Institute golfers win USA battle

Golfers from our partners Myerscough College have retained the Mike O'Keefe Collegiate Ryder Cup after a thrilling contest against Ohio State University.

Ten students and two staff travelled to Columbus to compete in the second playing of the tournament and returned home victorious after a 6.5 – 5.5 win. The event brings together Ohio State University's Professional Golf Management Programme and the UCLanSport/Myerscough International Institute for Golf Education (IIGE) Partnership.

In addition to playing two competitive rounds at the Collegiate home of Jack Nicklaus, the Scarlet Course, the students were treated to watching the final round of The Memorial Tournament, one of The PGA Tour's premier events, held at Murfield Village Golf and Country Club.

They also played a further five rounds of golf, including at prestigious venues such as Scioto Country Club and the Firestone Golf and Country Club. The group also toured the University's 105,000 capacity American Football Stadium, watched a Columbus Clippers baseball game and visited Jack Nicklaus Museum.

A replica of the real Ryder Cup was made for the event and presented to Myerscough at the end of the contest. It's hoped the competition will be held annually, with Myerscough aiming to host Ohio next year to defend their crown.

Stuart Priestley, Course Leader for Golf Management, commented: "We've tried for a number of years to get this event off the ground and we're delighted to have finally now completed two tournaments.

"Ohio have been formally invited to return to UK next year to take on Team Myerscough to defend our title on home soil, and we'll hopefully be making the event an annual fixture in both our academic calendars - a superb addition to our already extensive provision of enrichment activities we already offer."

For more information about The International Institute for Golf Education (IIGE) please click here. To view a selection of pictures from the trip please click here.

UCLan students help England to Four Nations win

UCLanSport students Joe Gilpin and Aaron Hall enjoyed international success as England Universities retained their University Rugby League Four Nations title in emphatic fashion.

England began the tournament with a comfortable victory against Scotland, before coming from behind to defeat hosts Ireland. A final day success against Wales ensured England remained undefeated to secure their second successive title.

Head Coach Colin Baker was delighted to see his first Four Nations end in victory: "Everyone involved with the squad is over the moon to have come away winning the tournament," he said. "A lot of hard work on and off the field went into this and it's been outstanding to see us retain the title.

"It was my first involvement in the student game in an international tournament and I thought the playing standard was great. It was a really competitive tournament over the three days it was played and it was good to be a part of it and to come away as the champions."

Joe Gilpin added: "It was a huge achievement to win the Four Nations against tough opposition with a great bunch of lads and excellent coaching staff, and the experience is something I'll never forget."

UCLanSport Volunteers of the Year 2015

Five students have been rewarded for their volunteering efforts after being crowned UCLanSport Volunteers of the Year 2015.

Lauren Shrewsbury, Jason Seddon, Brian Tendo, Sam Hough, Joe Scargill and Nathan Lockwood were recognised for their commitment and contribution to society through volunteering at the recent Centre for Volunteering & Community Leadership Awards.

Congratulations and thank you for your efforts from everyone at UCLanSport.

Success for Cycling team at BUCS Championships

UCLan Cycling enjoyed a productive weekend at the BUCS Track Championship 2015 held at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester.

Ryan Whatmough (left), James Claydon and Chris Nicholson secured Bronze in the Men's Team Sprint after a hard-fought race against Strathclyde.

Whatmough also won Silver in the Men's Individual Sprint and Men's Points Race, while Claydon picked up Silver in the Men's Elimination Race.

For more information about the BUCS Cycling programme please click here.