West Linn High School’s boys golf team won the Canby Invitational at Willamette Valley Country Club on March 18, defeating reigning state champion Lake Oswego by five strokes in a field of 20 teams. The Lions finished with a score of 21-over-par 309, while Lake Oswego posted a 314.
The victory marks a strong start for West Linn after missing the Class 6A tournament last season. Coach Adam Edwards said, “I feel like we’re still growing as a team, but a win’s a win, and we’re excited to start the season that way.”
Senior Cade McVicker led West Linn with a medalist round of two-under-par 70, highlighted by an eagle on the par-five second hole. He edged out Clackamas senior David Lim and Lake Oswego senior Drew Woolworth among others in what was described as a competitive field featuring several previous state champions and top finishers.
Edwards acknowledged there were missed opportunities despite the win. “We had some ups and downs,” he said. “They should be down lower, and they all know that. Putting was our nemesis. We couldn’t put the ball in the hole on the green. That’s what killed us.” He also called the early win over Lake Oswego “fantastic” and predicted tough competition throughout the season: “We’re going to be battling them all season… It’s going to be a grind all season with us and them. And Lakeridge is pretty good, too.”
McVicker’s performance builds on his fourth-place finish at state last year and recent honors including OGA Junior Player of the Year for 2025. Edwards said expectations are high: “He’s going to be one of the top players in the league… He’s up against Drew, but he’s right there with him. He doesn’t give up. He’s a huge competitor.”
Elsewhere in Oregon high school golf this week, Westview junior Melinee Udom won Metro League girls play at Rock Creek Country Club with a three-under-par 69, while Westview senior Alex Yang led boys play with a round of 69. In southern Oregon, Eagle Point junior Jordan Giles tied Douglas sophomore Wyatt Winters for medalist honors at the Marshfield Invitational.
