NEW ROCHELLE, NY - This past week the Iona University Men's Golf team competed in their annual Iona UCD Challenge Cup match against University College Dublin thanks largely to the sustaining support of the Peter '68 and Barbara Ripp Endowment for the Challenge Cup. The Ryder Cup style event dates back to 2003 with this year being the 21st edition. The event is a highlight on the schedule every year as the Gael & UCD student athletes are treated to incredible courses, competition, and hospitality.  

The schools, athletic departments, Alumni and supporters of both institutions go over and above to ensure the matches occur and leave lasting memories for all involved. Iona University's Director of Golf, Sean Burke said, "This is such a special week for us. We couldn't be more thankful to President Dr, Carey, Athletic Director Matt Golvaski, and alumni Mr. Peter Ripp and Mr. Jim Hynes for their continued support and belief in the value of this competition. Our young men get an up close look at what Iona can propel them to in life while playing in a fabulous and truly unique competition. We are blessed to have this on our schedule year over year."

The event kicked off on Tuesday with 4 four-ball matches contested at St. Andrew's Golf Club, America's oldest private golf club. The Gaels jumped out to a 3-1 lead over UCD with wins by the pairing of Baldwin/Smith, Balyan/Coogan, and Richards/Henderson.  

Wednesday for the second day of competition another 4 four-ball matches went off at Siwanoy Country Club, host of the first ever PGA Championship in 1916.  The Gaels once again took the day by a 3-1 margin with wins by the pairs: Richards/Tucker, Balyan/Baldwin, and Smith/Lin.
  
Eight singles matches closed out the week at famed Winged Foot Golf Club.  The student athletes got the privilege to compete on the West Course, host of 7 US Opens and numerous other prestigious events in its history.  The UCD students got off to a hot start in their attempted comeback leading in 7 of 8 matches as each reached their 11th hole. Solid and steady play saw the Gaels flip the script and win 5 ½ points on the day with wins by Baldwin, Richards, Balyan, Lin, & Tucker along with a halved match by Smith. In the end the Gaels won the Challenge Cup by a final margin of 11.5 to 4.5

In the early years of the event University College Dublin had the Gaels number for the majority of the matches. The 2017 playing saw the first ever Iona win on Irish soil and started a run of success that has seen the Gaels come out on top in 4 and halve one additional out of the last 6 editions.
  
Both sides will renew the competition in Dublin, Ireland next August with the goal of claiming the Challenge Cup.