April 10, 2003

West Coast Conference men's and women's golf teams are turning their attention to the upcoming WCC Golf Championships on April 14-15. This year's tournament is once again being held at Riverbend Golf Club in Madera, CA.

With the tremendous golf success in the West Coast Conference over the years, the conference added a women's golf championship beginning in 1997. The title has been the property of Pepperdine and San Francisco during its six-year history, with the Lady Dons winning twice and the Waves taking it home four times. Both schools have finished either first or second in all six tournaments.

Last year, Pepperdine's Lindsey Wright led five Waves golfers finishing in the top 10 by winning her second title in the last three years. The Victoria, Australia native broke her own WCC championship record by winning the individual crown by an impressive seven strokes. Wright also claimed the title in 2000 when she was just a freshman, claiming the indivdual title by a then record five strokes. Wright, who will be looking to defend her crown, is the only two-time individual crown winner WCC women's or men's golf history.

The WCC has sponsored men's golf championships since 1969, and the event has dominated in the last decade by Pepperdine University. The Waves, winners of four straight WCC tournaments, have claimed 10 WCC championships since 1990 (and 12 in all dating back to 1987) and took home the NCAA championship title in 1997.

In 2002, the Waves continued their dominance, leading from the opening day till the final round. The last team other than the Waves to win the championship was the Santa Clara Broncos who took home the award in 1998. John Chirila of Saint Mary's is the highest returning finisher from last season, capturing third place in last year's championship with a two over par 218.