NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona College golf team made the trek overseas this past weekend to take part in the Iona-UCD Challenger’s Cup. The event took place over three days at three separate courses and pinned the Gaels against the University College Dublin in match play.
The Maroon & Gold fell to UCD over the course of the three days, 4.5 to 11.5, however the event itself was something that head coach Sean Burke and the players won’t soon forget.
“It was a great and valuable trip for the student-athletes. They got the opportunity to play, and learn a different style of golf,” says coach Burke. “In addition, they now have an appreciation of a completely different culture. That’s something that can’t be replaced.”
Iona was led by sophomore Alex Anderson who went 2-1 over the course of his three matches.
Fellow sophomore Kevin Kramarski wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything; “Ireland was an amazing experience for me as well as the team. We were warmly welcomed by the UCD guys and I immediately felt at home. We had the privilege to play some of the best courses in the world, against very talented players.”
“I’d like thank Mr. Hynes and all of the Iona alumni that made this experience possible. It opened so many doors for us and helped us create many long-lasting friendships and connections. I am already very excited to return to Ireland in 2017.”
The Gaels return to the links on Oct. 8 for the Monmouth Tri-Match at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune City, NJ.