Humber College’s Mark Hoffman’s win at the 2011 Investors Group Ontario Amateur Championship comes as no surprise. The 22- year- old golfer has been making a name for himself on the golf scene with a string of recent successful performances.
Hoffman demonstrated his skill, with an opening round of 68 (-3), to secure his place on the leader board. His strong play continued with four sub-par rounds, giving him the opportunity to lay claim to the Gary Cowan trophy.
“This win means so much to me, and there are so many big names on this trophy,” an overjoyed Hoffman said. “I don’t think this has really sunk in yet, but I’m sure it will once I’m sitting back at home.”
Hoffman is no stranger to the golfing world; family members have long since made their mark on the golf green. Mother, Liz Hoffman, past president of the GAO, and former Ontario Junior Girls and Quebec champion; and brother, Matt Hoffman, current Canadian Tour player, were both big influences in his golfing career. Particularly Matt, who Hoffman watched lose a playoff during the 2010 Ontario Amateur.
“I wasn’t going to let that happen again,” he said. “This is a big win. My mom is so involved with the GAO and my grandfather’s name is on the Ontario Match Play trophy. I’ve grown up around this my entire life.”
Having recently completed the Golf Management Program at Humber, Hoffman was deeply involved with its golfing community. He led the Humber Hawks men’s golf team to victory at the University/College Championship and also acquired the individual gold medal. In addition, he won both the team and individual titles at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association championship and at the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association championship. Hoffman’s accomplishments did not go unrecognized by the Humber society, as he was awarded Male Athlete of the Year by the school.
Ray Chateau, who coached Hoffman during his time at Humber, believes that Hoffman’s success sets an example for future golfers.
“More than anything it proves to young golfers that you do not need to go the NCAA route to be successful. Mark has proven this year that you can develop into the best golfer in the province and likely the country, while attending Humber College,” he said.
Future events will place Mark at the World University games in Shenzhen, China this August.
With files from the OCAA
