GOLFWEEK STAFF
When Tiger Woods returns to the PGA Tour next season, he won’t be playing out of a Buick-logoed bag.
Buick-parent General Motors, struggling to stay afloat amid the worst sales environment in a quarter-century, announced Nov. 24 in a message to dealers that Woods no longer will pitch company products, effective at the end of this year.
Woods had one year remaining on a five-year deal worth $40 million, according to Advertising Age magazine.
“It’s with great emotion that I wish to inform you that the time has come forour longterm relationship with Tiger Woods to end,” Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC, said in the e-mail announcement to employees, dealers, partners and suppliers.
According to the message and a subsequent news release by Buick, the break-up was amicable. A message left by Golfweek with Mark Steinberg, Woods’ agent, was not immediately returned.
“I am very proud of the long-standing partnership I’ve had with GM and have enjoyed being a part of the company’s dramatic product evolution,’’ Woods said in a statement.
Woods, who has won 65 Tour events, earns nearly $100 million annually from endorsements with such brands as Nike, EA Sports, American Express and Tag Heuer, among others, according to Ad Age.
In October, Buick approached Woods about the possibility of renewing the contract beyond 2010. However, in recent weeks, both sides re-evaluated their positions, according to a source close to the negotiations. Woods and wife Elin are expecting their second child early in ’09.
GM’s troubles have deepened in recent weeks, with chief executive Rick Wagoner joining CEOs from Ford and Chrysler in lobbying Capitol Hill for a federal bailout of the ailing automakers.
Earlier this month, GM reported a $2.5 billion quarterly loss and warned that by the end of the year it might reach the minimum level of cash needed to run the company.
Experts say a company that falls below minimum cash levels will have to stop paying some of its bills, a move that could force GM into bankruptcy protection. In that climate, marketing budgets are a prime target for cost savings.
Mark LaNeve, GM’s vice president for North American marketing, said GM and Woods started discussing an end to the deal earlier this year, and it had nothing to do with GM’s quest for $25 billion in federal loans for the auto industry.
But the company’s statement said the decision was made as part of “the search for budget efficiencies during a difficult economy for General Motors.’’
GM is so concerned about costs that it cut advertising during the 2009 Super Bowl, although it still plans to sponsor the National Football League and likely air ads before and after the game. GM also has pulled out of the Oscars and Emmy awards in 2009 – the first time in more than a decade that it is not running ads before, during or after the two events.
U.S. automakers, the largest category of advertisers, cut ad spending 18 percent to $1.37 billion in the second quarter compared with the same period in 2007, according to TNS Media Intelligence in New York.
Foreign automakers also are trimming their spending on advertising in U.S. markets, with a 5.4 percent cut in the second quarter, for an overall 11 percent drop in U.S. auto ad spending to $3.27 billion, the 12th quarterly dip in a row.
“Everything we do right now we are taking a harder look at,” Larry Peck, Buick and Pontiac promotions manager, said of the break-up with Woods.
The decision to jettison Woods, the most-visible face of the Buick brand since January 2000, speaks volumes about the deteriorating economic climate for manufacturing and, perhaps, golf.
As part of his deal, Woods carried a Buick bag, appeared in Buick promotions and made personal appearances for the carmaker. He recently caddied for a contest winner at Torrey Pines, site of the Woods’ dramatic U.S. Open victory in June. Woods has not played since, recovering from knee surgery. His return date has been the subject of much conjecture.
Buick remains the official car of the PGA Tour, but it recently eliminated some regional relationships that will limit some tournaments’ use of Buick “courtesy cars’’ next year.
Buick still will sponsor two events on the PGA Tour, the Buick Invitational in February at Torrey Pines and the Buick Open in Flint, Mich., but those deals expire in 2010. With the mantra of cost savings, it’s unclear what will happen with those Tour stops in the future.
Hank Haney, Woods’ instructor, also had his endorsement deal cut short by a year. Haney had signed a three-year deal, which expires at the end of 2010.
“Our budgets are being reduced,” Peck said. “Most likely the money we are now saving will be put towards budget savings or cost elimination.”
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
RBC Canadian Open Included in PGA TOUR’s Inaugural Kodak Challenge
- Position on 2009 PGA TOUR Schedule improves for Canada’s Open Championship -
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Eastman Kodak Company and the PGA TOUR announced the creation of the Kodak Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition for PGA TOUR players that celebrates beautiful holes and memorable moments on the PGA TOUR.
The Kodak Challenge is a competition for PGA Tour players and challenges players to perform their best on Kodak Challenge holes, with the winner taking home $1 million, a trophy and bragging rights.
24 tournaments on the 2009 PGA TOUR schedule will feature a Kodak Challenge hole. Players must play at least 18 of the designated holes throughout the season and a player’s lowest score relative to par on 18 of the designated holes will be counted. Holes were chosen by a panel based on their beauty and connection to memorable moments at that particular course and tournament.
The picturesque 11th hole at Glen Abbey Golf Club has been selected as one of the Kodak Challenge holes.
More information on the Kodak Challenge is available online at www.kodakchallenge.com.
The PGA TOUR also released its 2009 schedule which includes all events through the third leg of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup.
The Buick Open contested in Flint, Michigan, moves to the week immediately following the RBC Canadian Open giving an extra week between the RBC Canadian Open and the Bridgestone Invitational World Golf Championships.
The 2009 RBC Canadian Open will be held July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPENIn partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Eastman Kodak Company and the PGA TOUR announced the creation of the Kodak Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition for PGA TOUR players that celebrates beautiful holes and memorable moments on the PGA TOUR.
The Kodak Challenge is a competition for PGA Tour players and challenges players to perform their best on Kodak Challenge holes, with the winner taking home $1 million, a trophy and bragging rights.
24 tournaments on the 2009 PGA TOUR schedule will feature a Kodak Challenge hole. Players must play at least 18 of the designated holes throughout the season and a player’s lowest score relative to par on 18 of the designated holes will be counted. Holes were chosen by a panel based on their beauty and connection to memorable moments at that particular course and tournament.
The picturesque 11th hole at Glen Abbey Golf Club has been selected as one of the Kodak Challenge holes.
More information on the Kodak Challenge is available online at www.kodakchallenge.com.
The PGA TOUR also released its 2009 schedule which includes all events through the third leg of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup.
The Buick Open contested in Flint, Michigan, moves to the week immediately following the RBC Canadian Open giving an extra week between the RBC Canadian Open and the Bridgestone Invitational World Golf Championships.
The 2009 RBC Canadian Open will be held July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPENIn partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
Friday, November 28, 2008
NGCOA Canada Launches Environmental Webpage
NEW In today’s world, golf is often unjustly portrayed as being detrimental to the environment. In order to change this perception, we need to educate the public on all of the positive things that golf does to enhance the environment. The NGCOA Canada is committed to ensuring that the environmentally friendly programs and initiatives
undertaken by the golf industry are presented in a consistent and uniform manner. The goal of our Association is to promote and provide recognition of the golf industry for fostering the principles of sustainability, stewardship and the best environmental practices with the objective of illustrating that golf courses and their operations are environmental assets to the community.
The NGCOA Canada believes that we must continue to educate ourselves, in order to be able spread this message. As part of the NGCOA Canada commitment to provide assistance to its members, we have created this environmental section on our website. By creating this central starting point, our membership will have the ability to quickly access resources and expertise on environmental issues that we all face in our operations.
The site contains our Environmental Position Statement and will soon contain a key contacts database broken down by chapter to allow the membership to access those individuals and associations who will be most familiar with any issues that affect their operations.
In the future we will add further features and resources to assist the membership in communicating the message of golf’s benefits to the environment so please check back regularly for updates.
undertaken by the golf industry are presented in a consistent and uniform manner. The goal of our Association is to promote and provide recognition of the golf industry for fostering the principles of sustainability, stewardship and the best environmental practices with the objective of illustrating that golf courses and their operations are environmental assets to the community.
The NGCOA Canada believes that we must continue to educate ourselves, in order to be able spread this message. As part of the NGCOA Canada commitment to provide assistance to its members, we have created this environmental section on our website. By creating this central starting point, our membership will have the ability to quickly access resources and expertise on environmental issues that we all face in our operations.
The site contains our Environmental Position Statement and will soon contain a key contacts database broken down by chapter to allow the membership to access those individuals and associations who will be most familiar with any issues that affect their operations.
In the future we will add further features and resources to assist the membership in communicating the message of golf’s benefits to the environment so please check back regularly for updates.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
CN Future Links Eclipses 748,000 Mark for Junior Golf Participation
- Canada’s junior golf program welcomes 112,527 participants in 2008 -
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Canada’s junior program once again welcomed record numbers in 2008 as CN Future Links celebrated its 12th anniversary by eclipsing the 748,000 mark for junior golf participation.
Since the inception of Future Links in 1996, 748,104 Canadian boys and girls have taken part in some aspect of the national, provincial and community-based grassroots golf participation program.
The program – proudly sponsored by CN – enjoyed a banner year in 2008 with a record 112,527 junior participants taking part in more than 3,600 events at 805 sites across Canada.
"CN cares deeply about the communities through which our trains travel, which is why we are proud to support CN Future Links,” said Mark Wallace, CN's Assistant Vice-President, Public Affairs. “CN is committed to helping build stronger communities. We believe young people in these communities should have the opportunity to participate in a sport that can lead to a lifelong passion and that introduces values that will travel with them through to adulthood."
CN Future Links is Canada’s national junior golf development program designed to help more kids enjoy a lifetime involvement in the game of golf. The program is a joint initiative of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (CPGA) and Canada’s provincial golf associations. The program also receives support from official supplier ClubLink.
A driving force behind the program is the CN Future Links grants distributed annually to each of the 10 provincial golf associations. These $15,000 grants help offset the cost to run junior golf programming such as instructional clinics, in-school programs, player camps, skills competitions and a CN Future Links branded vehicle used to deliver a mobile junior golf program. The grants also help fund junior golf supplies such as signage, golf balls, tees, equipment and CN Future Links branded clothing.“2008 was another banner year for Canadian junior golf participation through the CN Future Links program,” said Ian Giles, CN Future Links Advisory Committee Chairman.
“With the generous support of CN and the partnership between the RCGA, CPGA and the provincial golf associations, we proudly celebrate our 12th year knowing that close to 750,000 young boys and girls having been introduced to a game they can enjoy for life.”
2008 CN Future Links Highlights:
- More than 22,000 kids participated in Instructional Clinics hosted by CPGA professionals. - The 10 provincial golf associations ran successful Mobile Clinic outreach programs for more than 57,000 children at various sites including schools, youth groups, day camps, golf courses, etc.
- A network of 65 Kids Club Connection Depots provided golf equipment to 4,450 kids.
- More than 4,600 children participated in Golf Buddy events at 100 sites nation-wide.
- 279 schools ran CN Future Links programs for more than 36,000 children.
- More than 10,000 children tested their abilities at 170 Junior Skills Competitions.- Six high-profile CN Future Links Junior Championships gave almost 600 young golfers the opportunity to play competitive golf at an elite level.- Free junior golf clinics and 'Walk with the Pro' events were conducted at the CN Canadian Women’s Open and the RBC Canadian Open, giving youngsters the chance to meet and learn from some of the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour’s brightest stars.
Total CN Future Links participation (1996 – 2008)1996 – 3,5071997 – 7,5951998 – 19,7361999 – 21,4122000 – 32,6352001 – 39,2822002 – 55,7662003 – 66,7312004 – 78,0782005 – 95,3152006 – 104,4042007 – 111,1162008 – 112,527Grand Total since 1996 – 748,104CN
FUTURE LINKSCN Future Links is Canada’s national junior golf program conducted by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (CPGA) and Canada’s provincial golf associations. The program is designed to forge a link between Canada’s youth and golf to ensure the future of the game in Canada. Since its inception in 1996, more than 748,000 young Canadians have taken part in Future Links. Additionally the CN Future Links Championships provide Canada’s best junior golfers a chance to hone their competitive skills in multiple day championships in two age divisions: Junior (boys and girls aged 14-18 years) and Bantam (boys and girls aged 11-13 years). Almost 5,000 top juniors have competed in these premier championships since their inception in 2000. For more information about CN Future Links, please visit www.future-links.org.
NORTH AMERICA’S RAILROAD CN – Canadian National Railway Company – spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key cities of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, St. Louis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For further information please visit www.cn.ca.
ABOUT CPGA: Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit www.cpga.com
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATIONThe Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf. For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
For more information contact: Terry LenykCoordinator, Media and Public Relations Royal Canadian Golf Association (t) 1-800-263-0009 x 335(c) 416-407-3893 (e) tlenyk@rcga.org
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Canada’s junior program once again welcomed record numbers in 2008 as CN Future Links celebrated its 12th anniversary by eclipsing the 748,000 mark for junior golf participation.
Since the inception of Future Links in 1996, 748,104 Canadian boys and girls have taken part in some aspect of the national, provincial and community-based grassroots golf participation program.
The program – proudly sponsored by CN – enjoyed a banner year in 2008 with a record 112,527 junior participants taking part in more than 3,600 events at 805 sites across Canada.
"CN cares deeply about the communities through which our trains travel, which is why we are proud to support CN Future Links,” said Mark Wallace, CN's Assistant Vice-President, Public Affairs. “CN is committed to helping build stronger communities. We believe young people in these communities should have the opportunity to participate in a sport that can lead to a lifelong passion and that introduces values that will travel with them through to adulthood."
CN Future Links is Canada’s national junior golf development program designed to help more kids enjoy a lifetime involvement in the game of golf. The program is a joint initiative of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (CPGA) and Canada’s provincial golf associations. The program also receives support from official supplier ClubLink.
A driving force behind the program is the CN Future Links grants distributed annually to each of the 10 provincial golf associations. These $15,000 grants help offset the cost to run junior golf programming such as instructional clinics, in-school programs, player camps, skills competitions and a CN Future Links branded vehicle used to deliver a mobile junior golf program. The grants also help fund junior golf supplies such as signage, golf balls, tees, equipment and CN Future Links branded clothing.“2008 was another banner year for Canadian junior golf participation through the CN Future Links program,” said Ian Giles, CN Future Links Advisory Committee Chairman.
“With the generous support of CN and the partnership between the RCGA, CPGA and the provincial golf associations, we proudly celebrate our 12th year knowing that close to 750,000 young boys and girls having been introduced to a game they can enjoy for life.”
2008 CN Future Links Highlights:
- More than 22,000 kids participated in Instructional Clinics hosted by CPGA professionals. - The 10 provincial golf associations ran successful Mobile Clinic outreach programs for more than 57,000 children at various sites including schools, youth groups, day camps, golf courses, etc.
- A network of 65 Kids Club Connection Depots provided golf equipment to 4,450 kids.
- More than 4,600 children participated in Golf Buddy events at 100 sites nation-wide.
- 279 schools ran CN Future Links programs for more than 36,000 children.
- More than 10,000 children tested their abilities at 170 Junior Skills Competitions.- Six high-profile CN Future Links Junior Championships gave almost 600 young golfers the opportunity to play competitive golf at an elite level.- Free junior golf clinics and 'Walk with the Pro' events were conducted at the CN Canadian Women’s Open and the RBC Canadian Open, giving youngsters the chance to meet and learn from some of the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour’s brightest stars.
Total CN Future Links participation (1996 – 2008)1996 – 3,5071997 – 7,5951998 – 19,7361999 – 21,4122000 – 32,6352001 – 39,2822002 – 55,7662003 – 66,7312004 – 78,0782005 – 95,3152006 – 104,4042007 – 111,1162008 – 112,527Grand Total since 1996 – 748,104CN
FUTURE LINKSCN Future Links is Canada’s national junior golf program conducted by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (CPGA) and Canada’s provincial golf associations. The program is designed to forge a link between Canada’s youth and golf to ensure the future of the game in Canada. Since its inception in 1996, more than 748,000 young Canadians have taken part in Future Links. Additionally the CN Future Links Championships provide Canada’s best junior golfers a chance to hone their competitive skills in multiple day championships in two age divisions: Junior (boys and girls aged 14-18 years) and Bantam (boys and girls aged 11-13 years). Almost 5,000 top juniors have competed in these premier championships since their inception in 2000. For more information about CN Future Links, please visit www.future-links.org.
NORTH AMERICA’S RAILROAD CN – Canadian National Railway Company – spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key cities of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, St. Louis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For further information please visit www.cn.ca.
ABOUT CPGA: Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit www.cpga.com
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATIONThe Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf. For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
For more information contact: Terry LenykCoordinator, Media and Public Relations Royal Canadian Golf Association (t) 1-800-263-0009 x 335(c) 416-407-3893 (e) tlenyk@rcga.org
Monday, November 24, 2008
Canadian Rutledge wins Q-school event
by Jeff Brooke
Three more Canadians, led by veteran journeyman Jim Rutledge, advanced to the third and final stage of the PGA Tour's qualifying school on Saturday. Two others came agonizingly close.
Rutledge shot seven-under-par 65 to win one of Q-school's remaining two second-stage tournaments. He finished the four-day tournament at Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont, Calif., at 15-under 273, three shots clear of U.S. runner-up Steve Friesen.
Rutledge had his first full-time stint on the PGA Tour in 2007 as a 47-year-old rookie.
By being the Beaumont medalist, he gets another chance to get back on golf's biggest stage.
The top 25 at the final stage earn PGA Tour cards for 2009. The rest of the field gets at least part-time status on the lower-tier Nationwide Tour.
Canadian Tour rookie of the year Kent Eger and teen prodigy Richard Lee will join Rutledge at the 108-hole final stage, which begins Dec. 3.
Eger of Regina shot three-under 69 on Saturday at Beaumont to reach 10 under and tie for seventh place. Lee, an 18-year-old from Vancouver who turned pro at 16, was two shots further back, tied for 14th place.
While those three celebrated, Chris Baryla felt the sting of narrow defeat. The Vernon, B.C., golfer, who played on the Nationwide Tour this year but was hampered by chronic back problems, finished 72 holes at six under, tied for 20th spot — one stroke away from advancing.
Just the top 19 in Beaumont moved on.
Bryn Parry of North Vancouver, B.C., suffered a similar fate at another second-stage tournament in Lantana, Tex. The teaching pro, who played regularly on the Nationwide Tour in 2007, tied for 23rd place at one-over 289, a shot beneath the cut line.
Five other Canadians competed in Beaumont and Lantana but did not advance. Julien Trudeau of Montreal and David McKenzie tied for 29th at Beaumont, and Barrett Jarosch of Edmonton shared 47th place.
Two stars of the Canadian Tour — Derek Gillespie of Oshawa, Ont., and Wes Heffernan of Calgary — failed to get through at Lantana Golf Club.
The Q-school's second stage had six tournaments in total, with roughly the top 20 at each advancing to the final stage. The Beaumont and Lantana events concluded Saturday, and the other four wrapped up on Nov. 15. Four Canadians survived at the first four events — Brennan Webb, Jon Mills, David Hearn, and Dustin Risdon. Just four Canadians made it to the final stage in 2007.
This year's final stage will be played at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif. Golf Channel will broadcast the final three rounds.
Three more Canadians, led by veteran journeyman Jim Rutledge, advanced to the third and final stage of the PGA Tour's qualifying school on Saturday. Two others came agonizingly close.
Rutledge shot seven-under-par 65 to win one of Q-school's remaining two second-stage tournaments. He finished the four-day tournament at Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont, Calif., at 15-under 273, three shots clear of U.S. runner-up Steve Friesen.
Rutledge had his first full-time stint on the PGA Tour in 2007 as a 47-year-old rookie.
By being the Beaumont medalist, he gets another chance to get back on golf's biggest stage.
The top 25 at the final stage earn PGA Tour cards for 2009. The rest of the field gets at least part-time status on the lower-tier Nationwide Tour.
Canadian Tour rookie of the year Kent Eger and teen prodigy Richard Lee will join Rutledge at the 108-hole final stage, which begins Dec. 3.
Eger of Regina shot three-under 69 on Saturday at Beaumont to reach 10 under and tie for seventh place. Lee, an 18-year-old from Vancouver who turned pro at 16, was two shots further back, tied for 14th place.
While those three celebrated, Chris Baryla felt the sting of narrow defeat. The Vernon, B.C., golfer, who played on the Nationwide Tour this year but was hampered by chronic back problems, finished 72 holes at six under, tied for 20th spot — one stroke away from advancing.
Just the top 19 in Beaumont moved on.
Bryn Parry of North Vancouver, B.C., suffered a similar fate at another second-stage tournament in Lantana, Tex. The teaching pro, who played regularly on the Nationwide Tour in 2007, tied for 23rd place at one-over 289, a shot beneath the cut line.
Five other Canadians competed in Beaumont and Lantana but did not advance. Julien Trudeau of Montreal and David McKenzie tied for 29th at Beaumont, and Barrett Jarosch of Edmonton shared 47th place.
Two stars of the Canadian Tour — Derek Gillespie of Oshawa, Ont., and Wes Heffernan of Calgary — failed to get through at Lantana Golf Club.
The Q-school's second stage had six tournaments in total, with roughly the top 20 at each advancing to the final stage. The Beaumont and Lantana events concluded Saturday, and the other four wrapped up on Nov. 15. Four Canadians survived at the first four events — Brennan Webb, Jon Mills, David Hearn, and Dustin Risdon. Just four Canadians made it to the final stage in 2007.
This year's final stage will be played at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif. Golf Channel will broadcast the final three rounds.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Player Development Trust Fund Scholarship Winners Announced
Please click here to view a full list of the recipients!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Kyle German wins CPGA Club Professional Championship
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA (November 19, 2008) - Kyle German, Head Professional at Point Roberts Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, BC proved once again that he could fight his demons on the 18th hole after winning by one shot over Marc Girouard, Head Professional at Balmoral Club de Golf in Morin Heights, QC in an exciting playoff that brought him back to the hole where he posted a ten only two days before.
German fired a 72 adding to his first round 73 and second round 68 for a 213 three-day total. “Today I made a commitment to myself to just play golf and not think about how the rest of the field was playing, I have struggled with that in the past, so going into our final hole I had no idea where I was until Girouard and I chatted about it on the tee.” German posted four birdies and four bogeys in his round today hitting 14 greens in regulation.
German admitted he was fairly nervous when his first shot off the tee in the playoff was heading in the same direction as the tee shot from the first round where he posted a ten. “That ten almost bit me but I got away with it,” stated German who has placed tied for fifth for the past two years in this Championship. “My birdie on 18 yesterday definitely helped my confidence heading into the playoff hole, I just told myself to make the same swing as the day before, but after I hit it about three paces from where I was in the first round on pine straw and wood chips, I felt a little bit nervous. I called the rules official, got relief, then I hit one of the new hybrids that I picked up this week from Titleist and hit it 193 yards just left of the hole off the fringe into a really bad lie,” states German.
I tried to call on my inner Tiger, but chunked it unfortunately.” German finished the playoff hole by putting from the fringe to three feet from the pin and then sunk the putt for the win. “It was a challenging day out there today with the wind, as it was blowing fairly strong putting you two or three clubs back in selection,” stated German who was tied with Danny King at four under par at the turn, one shot off the co-leaders Dean North and Marc Girouard.
“I was really comfortable with my ball striking today and so I felt that if you connected solid, the wind wouldn’t affect your position. My ball striking combined with my confidence on the green really gave me the advantage out there today.” With this win, German receives an exemption into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey in Oakville, ON. When German was reminded of this, he admitted that he had not even recalled the opportunity until friend Rob Anderson mentioned it on the 18th green after the win. “I have played in a few Canadian Tour events through qualifiers and a few zones events in BC but have never played in a PGA Tour event, that’s for sure.” This is German’s fourth year playing in the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship. “From the moment you get here until the moment you leave it feels like a tour event,” states German who has won two events on the Vancouver Tour.
“Everything about the event from Acushnet’s presence on the range to the facility itself feels first class.” When asked what he will do with the $12,000 prize cheque, German says that he and his wife will be putting the money towards their first born, who is due late March of 2009. “I am definitely going to be putting these funds aside for baby supplies and a lot of diapers,” states German who is heading to Las Vegas next week to play in the “Vegas Baby” pro-am.
The Ontario Zone team (Danny King– 69-72, Matt Peavoy – 71-77, Dan Clark – 68-76, Dan Greenwood – 78-77) had two successful rounds to claim the InterZone team competition, after competing against the eight other zones across Canada. Going into the final, leading by three shots over Alberta, Ontario arrived victorious with a final score of 434 over the British Columbia Zone team 436, and the Quebec Zone team with a total score of 437. The score for the InterZone competition is determined by the calculation of the best three scores in each four man team.
The purse for the InterZone competition is $5000, with $500 going to each player on the winning team, $400 to each player on the second place team, and $350 going to each player on the third place team. Owned and operated by the PGA of America, The PGA Golf Club is a public facility designed by Tom Fazio with rolling hills, majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards. The course has been selected for numerous awards including the 2004 “Best Places To Play” by Golf Digest. For more information, visit http://www.pgavillage.com/
For final results please go to http://www.2broadcast.ca/lt/t_go.php?i=407&e=MjU5NTQ3&l=-http--www.cpga.com About Acushnet: The Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra brands have a tradition of excellence that have always been predicated on providing golfers with quality and performance superior golf equipment.
The Canadian PGA Golf Professional has a tradition of excellence devoting their careers to helping golfers improve and enjoy the game. Together, Acushnet and the Canadian PGA Golf Professional share a successful relationship of providing the golfer with best in class products and services. For more information, visit http://www.2broadcast.ca/lt/t_go.php?i=407&e=MjU5NTQ3&l=-http--www.titleist.com and http://www.footjoy.com/
About CPGA: Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country.
For more information, visit http://www.2broadcast.ca/lt/t_go.php?i=407&e=MjU5NTQ3&l=-http--www.cpga.com For more information contact: Erica Duffy Communications Coordinator Canadian PGA erica@cpga.com 800.782.5764 (x234) Brad Moyer Manager of Events and Employment Canadian PGA brad@cpga.com 800.782.5764 (x227)
German fired a 72 adding to his first round 73 and second round 68 for a 213 three-day total. “Today I made a commitment to myself to just play golf and not think about how the rest of the field was playing, I have struggled with that in the past, so going into our final hole I had no idea where I was until Girouard and I chatted about it on the tee.” German posted four birdies and four bogeys in his round today hitting 14 greens in regulation.
German admitted he was fairly nervous when his first shot off the tee in the playoff was heading in the same direction as the tee shot from the first round where he posted a ten. “That ten almost bit me but I got away with it,” stated German who has placed tied for fifth for the past two years in this Championship. “My birdie on 18 yesterday definitely helped my confidence heading into the playoff hole, I just told myself to make the same swing as the day before, but after I hit it about three paces from where I was in the first round on pine straw and wood chips, I felt a little bit nervous. I called the rules official, got relief, then I hit one of the new hybrids that I picked up this week from Titleist and hit it 193 yards just left of the hole off the fringe into a really bad lie,” states German.
I tried to call on my inner Tiger, but chunked it unfortunately.” German finished the playoff hole by putting from the fringe to three feet from the pin and then sunk the putt for the win. “It was a challenging day out there today with the wind, as it was blowing fairly strong putting you two or three clubs back in selection,” stated German who was tied with Danny King at four under par at the turn, one shot off the co-leaders Dean North and Marc Girouard.
“I was really comfortable with my ball striking today and so I felt that if you connected solid, the wind wouldn’t affect your position. My ball striking combined with my confidence on the green really gave me the advantage out there today.” With this win, German receives an exemption into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey in Oakville, ON. When German was reminded of this, he admitted that he had not even recalled the opportunity until friend Rob Anderson mentioned it on the 18th green after the win. “I have played in a few Canadian Tour events through qualifiers and a few zones events in BC but have never played in a PGA Tour event, that’s for sure.” This is German’s fourth year playing in the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship. “From the moment you get here until the moment you leave it feels like a tour event,” states German who has won two events on the Vancouver Tour.
“Everything about the event from Acushnet’s presence on the range to the facility itself feels first class.” When asked what he will do with the $12,000 prize cheque, German says that he and his wife will be putting the money towards their first born, who is due late March of 2009. “I am definitely going to be putting these funds aside for baby supplies and a lot of diapers,” states German who is heading to Las Vegas next week to play in the “Vegas Baby” pro-am.
The Ontario Zone team (Danny King– 69-72, Matt Peavoy – 71-77, Dan Clark – 68-76, Dan Greenwood – 78-77) had two successful rounds to claim the InterZone team competition, after competing against the eight other zones across Canada. Going into the final, leading by three shots over Alberta, Ontario arrived victorious with a final score of 434 over the British Columbia Zone team 436, and the Quebec Zone team with a total score of 437. The score for the InterZone competition is determined by the calculation of the best three scores in each four man team.
The purse for the InterZone competition is $5000, with $500 going to each player on the winning team, $400 to each player on the second place team, and $350 going to each player on the third place team. Owned and operated by the PGA of America, The PGA Golf Club is a public facility designed by Tom Fazio with rolling hills, majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards. The course has been selected for numerous awards including the 2004 “Best Places To Play” by Golf Digest. For more information, visit http://www.pgavillage.com/
For final results please go to http://www.2broadcast.ca/lt/t_go.php?i=407&e=MjU5NTQ3&l=-http--www.cpga.com About Acushnet: The Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra brands have a tradition of excellence that have always been predicated on providing golfers with quality and performance superior golf equipment.
The Canadian PGA Golf Professional has a tradition of excellence devoting their careers to helping golfers improve and enjoy the game. Together, Acushnet and the Canadian PGA Golf Professional share a successful relationship of providing the golfer with best in class products and services. For more information, visit http://www.2broadcast.ca/lt/t_go.php?i=407&e=MjU5NTQ3&l=-http--www.titleist.com and http://www.footjoy.com/
About CPGA: Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country.
For more information, visit http://www.2broadcast.ca/lt/t_go.php?i=407&e=MjU5NTQ3&l=-http--www.cpga.com For more information contact: Erica Duffy Communications Coordinator Canadian PGA erica@cpga.com 800.782.5764 (x234) Brad Moyer Manager of Events and Employment Canadian PGA brad@cpga.com 800.782.5764 (x227)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
THE CANADIAN PRESS NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. -- Mike Weir is the first to point out that he's not getting any younger.But when you see him deftly work his way through a room of dignitaries or hear him speak about his budding golf course design business, he doesn't exactly seem like an aging athlete on the verge of fading into oblivion.
In fact, the 38-year-old looks more entrenched than ever with an evolving career that hinges on more than just his wedge game or putting stroke.With a growing roster of interests away from the links, it might be time to start referring to the Canadian icon as both a golfer and a businessman. Even Weir admits the transition is inevitable."When you're pushing 40, you've got to think about what you're going to do when you're done (playing)," he said Monday. "I still feel I can play for a long time, but you've got to set yourself up and be smart.
"To be clear, the lefty from Bright's Grove, Ont., hopes his health allows him to play at the highest level of pro golf for at least another 10 years. At the same time, it's hard to ignore the growing role of business in his life.Weir was the guest of honour at the beautiful Chateau des Charmes vineyard in the heart of Ontario's wine country for Monday's announcement that he would be moving his operation there after three years with Creekside.
The importance of his presence in the region was evidenced by the wide spectrum of people from within the province's wine industry in attendance -- not to mention the handful of local politicians.And that event was only part of the reason for this week's business trip to Ontario.
On Tuesday, he'll conduct one-hour interviews with five Canadian golf course architects who are vying to become his design partner. Each of the men has already submitted plans for a course that could be built adjacent to the Predator Ridge resort in Vernon, B.C., and will essentially be pitching themselves to Weir.His objective is to establish a long-term partnership with someone he can trust and lean on, similar to what Ben Crenshaw has successfully done with designer Bill Coore over the past couple decades.
"That would be ideal -- to have a guy that's going to be there for me," explained Weir. "When you jump around with different guys, you kind of get different flavours of golf courses all over the country."I want people to recognize my golf courses and have a feel for how it might be different than somebody else's."The design business is likely to become the crowning jewel of Weir's off-course activities, which is why he's waited until now to get it started.
His agents at IMG have received many proposals over the years and not just from within Canada. Weir has also been invited to take part in projects in places like China, Korea, Belize and the Caribbean. However, none of those offers came along at the right time.
"Since probably '99, there have been opportunities thrown my way through IMG for course designs," said Weir. "I was like, `No way I'm ready for that yet.' I was still trying to establish myself on the tour and didn't want to be distracted by that. And I also didn't really have the experience. Now that I've been 10 years out there and played a number of majors and courses all over the place, I feel like I'm ready to give my point of view. I feel like it's the right time."
Not only has he played more courses and formulated a personal taste, Weir also feels he has a better understanding of how to balance his time.Even with his new interests, Weir's main focus is going to remain on his golf game.
"As long as I'm healthy enough to keep pushing and I don't feel like I'm fading away, I'm going to keep going," he said. "The exciting thing for me with the change in my swing is I've been able to practise more. I'm not the most natural golfer in the world so I have to work really hard at it.
"To be able do that now and be mostly pain-free and see myself moving back up the world rankings, I feel like if I can stay healthy for the next 10 years I can still be very competitive.
"Weir has made almost US$24 million in official earnings over the past 10 years and established himself as the most successful Canadian golfer ever. As he pushes for similar success in his business ventures moving forward, he'll continue to lean heavily on the people that have supported for a number of years. Weir's brothers Jim and Craig each play a role in his off-course dealings along with Brad Pelletier, IMG's managing director in Toronto, and several others.
"I have a great team," said Weir.In addition to the new course design business, they help oversee a winery that will soon include a retail and hospitality space alongside Whirlpool Golf Club in Niagara. There's also his successful clothing brand, various sponsorship deals and a charitable children's foundation. Weir had none of this in mind even as recently as 15 years ago, when he was struggling to earn enough money to cover expenses and dreaming about one day reaching the PGA Tour."I just wanted to play golf, I never thought of the business side," he said.
Times have certainly changed.
In fact, the 38-year-old looks more entrenched than ever with an evolving career that hinges on more than just his wedge game or putting stroke.With a growing roster of interests away from the links, it might be time to start referring to the Canadian icon as both a golfer and a businessman. Even Weir admits the transition is inevitable."When you're pushing 40, you've got to think about what you're going to do when you're done (playing)," he said Monday. "I still feel I can play for a long time, but you've got to set yourself up and be smart.
"To be clear, the lefty from Bright's Grove, Ont., hopes his health allows him to play at the highest level of pro golf for at least another 10 years. At the same time, it's hard to ignore the growing role of business in his life.Weir was the guest of honour at the beautiful Chateau des Charmes vineyard in the heart of Ontario's wine country for Monday's announcement that he would be moving his operation there after three years with Creekside.
The importance of his presence in the region was evidenced by the wide spectrum of people from within the province's wine industry in attendance -- not to mention the handful of local politicians.And that event was only part of the reason for this week's business trip to Ontario.
On Tuesday, he'll conduct one-hour interviews with five Canadian golf course architects who are vying to become his design partner. Each of the men has already submitted plans for a course that could be built adjacent to the Predator Ridge resort in Vernon, B.C., and will essentially be pitching themselves to Weir.His objective is to establish a long-term partnership with someone he can trust and lean on, similar to what Ben Crenshaw has successfully done with designer Bill Coore over the past couple decades.
"That would be ideal -- to have a guy that's going to be there for me," explained Weir. "When you jump around with different guys, you kind of get different flavours of golf courses all over the country."I want people to recognize my golf courses and have a feel for how it might be different than somebody else's."The design business is likely to become the crowning jewel of Weir's off-course activities, which is why he's waited until now to get it started.
His agents at IMG have received many proposals over the years and not just from within Canada. Weir has also been invited to take part in projects in places like China, Korea, Belize and the Caribbean. However, none of those offers came along at the right time.
"Since probably '99, there have been opportunities thrown my way through IMG for course designs," said Weir. "I was like, `No way I'm ready for that yet.' I was still trying to establish myself on the tour and didn't want to be distracted by that. And I also didn't really have the experience. Now that I've been 10 years out there and played a number of majors and courses all over the place, I feel like I'm ready to give my point of view. I feel like it's the right time."
Not only has he played more courses and formulated a personal taste, Weir also feels he has a better understanding of how to balance his time.Even with his new interests, Weir's main focus is going to remain on his golf game.
"As long as I'm healthy enough to keep pushing and I don't feel like I'm fading away, I'm going to keep going," he said. "The exciting thing for me with the change in my swing is I've been able to practise more. I'm not the most natural golfer in the world so I have to work really hard at it.
"To be able do that now and be mostly pain-free and see myself moving back up the world rankings, I feel like if I can stay healthy for the next 10 years I can still be very competitive.
"Weir has made almost US$24 million in official earnings over the past 10 years and established himself as the most successful Canadian golfer ever. As he pushes for similar success in his business ventures moving forward, he'll continue to lean heavily on the people that have supported for a number of years. Weir's brothers Jim and Craig each play a role in his off-course dealings along with Brad Pelletier, IMG's managing director in Toronto, and several others.
"I have a great team," said Weir.In addition to the new course design business, they help oversee a winery that will soon include a retail and hospitality space alongside Whirlpool Golf Club in Niagara. There's also his successful clothing brand, various sponsorship deals and a charitable children's foundation. Weir had none of this in mind even as recently as 15 years ago, when he was struggling to earn enough money to cover expenses and dreaming about one day reaching the PGA Tour."I just wanted to play golf, I never thought of the business side," he said.
Times have certainly changed.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Scott Allred Sets the Pace at the 2008 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Pro Championship
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA (November 17, 2008) – Competition is heating up on the Wanamaker course at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida as Scott Allred of Calgary, AB fired a scorching four-under par 68 in the first round to lead the 2008 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship by one shot over Danny King of Milton, ON and Dan Clark of Aurora, ON.
After playing in chilly and windy conditions this morning, Allred, Head Professional at Elbow Springs Golf Club, carded five birdies and one bogey en route to his 68 finish today. “When I got here this morning I was a bit concerned about the weather as I had an early tee time and I thought the wind and the cold would affect my play, but I hit my driver well and just tried to get my ball in good position and keep it in bounds which seemed to work for me in my round today,” stated Allred who won the Alberta Zone Club Professional Championship this past July.
“Today I had about 34 putts in total and on the front nine six of them were within ten feet of the pin, but you have to be careful to not set yourself up above the pin as the greens are in fabulous condition, rolling quite true and undulating quite a bit,” notes Allred who has played in this event seven times. “The key to success today out there was to play consistent fairways and greens and get it as close to the pin to be as aggressive as possible,” states Allred who just arrived back from Hawaii after playing in the Pro Team Classic Pro-Am averaging scores of 69.
Dan Clark, Head Teaching Professional at Golden Ridge Golf Range in Gormley, ON is one shot off the lead after carding a 69 today with five birdies and two bogeys. “This morning I found it to be very challenging out there as wind is always an issue with me, but I kept it together, putted very well, drove the ball in play, and didn’t make any big mistakes,” stated Clark who has played in this event since 2001 after trying to qualify for the European Senior Tour. “Tomorrow I am going focus on the same techniques as today, but the course is very ‘user friendly’ leaving some room for error, but not too much to take advantage of.”
2005 and 2006 champion Danny King had a solid day on the course carding a three-under 69, with five birdies, one eagle and a triple bogey on 10. “On the 10th hole I hit it in the left rough, and then used my wedge to hit it out, but I guess there was mud or something on it and it just went 40 degrees left which lead to the triple,” states King who has recently been working with Canadian PGA Member Sean Foley on varying swing techniques.
King, the Head Teaching Professional at Magna in Aurora, ON was four-under on the front nine with his eagle on seven before his slight hiccup on ten. “It’s demanding out there,” states King regarding the change in course from the Ryder to the Wanamaker, “the green sites are a little more demanding than last year so you’ve got to hit some good, quality shots. I think the other course isn’t as challenging. This course is a little more difficult off the tee, so you have to gear back a little bit in order to place your shot appropriately.”
One thing that most players have mentioned is the difficult undulation of the greens on the Wanamaker course. “There are a lot of slopes to these greens. If you’ve got anything side hill or downhill, they’re tricky, really tricky,” states King who narrowly missed qualifying for the second stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying School only a few weeks ago. “Q-School was a funny animal,” states King who has now attempted the challenging task for the sixth time, “I played really well the first three days and didn’t get a lot out of the round. The last day there was 50 mile an hour winds and rain. Everyone has a story, but it was not ideal conditions. You’re only as good as your last round, right?”
One note of interest is the hole-in-one by Gary Boyce of Mississauga, ON on the sixth hole. Boyce who is the Head Professional at The Rock in Minett, ON hit his four iron 175 yards to drain his third career hole-in-one.
It was a successful day on the course for the Ontario team (Danny King – 69, Matt Peavoy – 71, Dan Clark – 68, Dan Greenwood - 78) in the InterZone team competition. Ontario scored a total of 209 to lead the InterZone competition by three shots over the Alberta Zone. The score is determined by the calculation of the best three scores in each four man team.
The second round of the InterZone competition will continue tomorrow where a winner will be determined. The purse for the InterZone competition is $5000, with $500 going to each player on the winning team, $400 to each player on the second place team, and $350 going to each player on the third place team. Title sponsor of the event, Acushnet Canada was onsite for the practice rounds and on the range providing all Canadian PGA Professionals with the latest innovative Titleist & FootJoy products and equipment.
Today Titleist executives were present on the first tee and recorded an 88% ball count with the ProV1 golf ball. Also onsite for the tournament is Association partner SkyCaddie – “Official Rangefinder of the Canadian PGA” who lent their distance measuring devices to all participants and unquestionably added to the improved pace of play with over 81% of the field using the GPS rangefinders.
The second round of the championship will take place tomorrow, with the field being cut after the first 36 holes to 70, plus ties. The first tee time will commence at 7:30AM with the last group departing at 12:42, in a crossover fashion. For first round results please click here. For second round tee times please visit www.cpga.com The CPC purse is $85,000 and the Champion will receive an exemption into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open to be held at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, ON.
The 2008 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian Club Professional Championship kicked off last night with the Club Car Canadian PGA Awards Show. Plaques were presented to the 2007 Canadian PGA National Award Winners: Ted Stonehouse – Jack McLaughlin Junior Teacher of the Year, Eric Thorsteinson – Merchandiser of the Year, Derek Ingram – Teacher Professional of the Year and Patty Howard – Club Professional of the Year.
Owned and operated by the PGA of America, The PGA Golf Club is a public facility designed by Tom Fazio with rolling hills, majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards. The course has been selected for numerous awards including the 2004 “Best Places To Play” by Golf Digest. For more information, visit www.pgavillage.com
About Acushnet: The Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra brands have a tradition of excellence that have always been predicated on providing golfers with quality and performance superior golf equipment. The Canadian PGA Golf Professional has a tradition of excellence devoting their careers to helping golfers improve and enjoy the game. Together, Acushnet and the Canadian PGA Golf Professional share a successful relationship of providing the golfer with best in class products and services. For more information, visit www.titleist.com and www.footjoy.com
About CPGA: Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit www.cpga.com
After playing in chilly and windy conditions this morning, Allred, Head Professional at Elbow Springs Golf Club, carded five birdies and one bogey en route to his 68 finish today. “When I got here this morning I was a bit concerned about the weather as I had an early tee time and I thought the wind and the cold would affect my play, but I hit my driver well and just tried to get my ball in good position and keep it in bounds which seemed to work for me in my round today,” stated Allred who won the Alberta Zone Club Professional Championship this past July.
“Today I had about 34 putts in total and on the front nine six of them were within ten feet of the pin, but you have to be careful to not set yourself up above the pin as the greens are in fabulous condition, rolling quite true and undulating quite a bit,” notes Allred who has played in this event seven times. “The key to success today out there was to play consistent fairways and greens and get it as close to the pin to be as aggressive as possible,” states Allred who just arrived back from Hawaii after playing in the Pro Team Classic Pro-Am averaging scores of 69.
Dan Clark, Head Teaching Professional at Golden Ridge Golf Range in Gormley, ON is one shot off the lead after carding a 69 today with five birdies and two bogeys. “This morning I found it to be very challenging out there as wind is always an issue with me, but I kept it together, putted very well, drove the ball in play, and didn’t make any big mistakes,” stated Clark who has played in this event since 2001 after trying to qualify for the European Senior Tour. “Tomorrow I am going focus on the same techniques as today, but the course is very ‘user friendly’ leaving some room for error, but not too much to take advantage of.”
2005 and 2006 champion Danny King had a solid day on the course carding a three-under 69, with five birdies, one eagle and a triple bogey on 10. “On the 10th hole I hit it in the left rough, and then used my wedge to hit it out, but I guess there was mud or something on it and it just went 40 degrees left which lead to the triple,” states King who has recently been working with Canadian PGA Member Sean Foley on varying swing techniques.
King, the Head Teaching Professional at Magna in Aurora, ON was four-under on the front nine with his eagle on seven before his slight hiccup on ten. “It’s demanding out there,” states King regarding the change in course from the Ryder to the Wanamaker, “the green sites are a little more demanding than last year so you’ve got to hit some good, quality shots. I think the other course isn’t as challenging. This course is a little more difficult off the tee, so you have to gear back a little bit in order to place your shot appropriately.”
One thing that most players have mentioned is the difficult undulation of the greens on the Wanamaker course. “There are a lot of slopes to these greens. If you’ve got anything side hill or downhill, they’re tricky, really tricky,” states King who narrowly missed qualifying for the second stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying School only a few weeks ago. “Q-School was a funny animal,” states King who has now attempted the challenging task for the sixth time, “I played really well the first three days and didn’t get a lot out of the round. The last day there was 50 mile an hour winds and rain. Everyone has a story, but it was not ideal conditions. You’re only as good as your last round, right?”
One note of interest is the hole-in-one by Gary Boyce of Mississauga, ON on the sixth hole. Boyce who is the Head Professional at The Rock in Minett, ON hit his four iron 175 yards to drain his third career hole-in-one.
It was a successful day on the course for the Ontario team (Danny King – 69, Matt Peavoy – 71, Dan Clark – 68, Dan Greenwood - 78) in the InterZone team competition. Ontario scored a total of 209 to lead the InterZone competition by three shots over the Alberta Zone. The score is determined by the calculation of the best three scores in each four man team.
The second round of the InterZone competition will continue tomorrow where a winner will be determined. The purse for the InterZone competition is $5000, with $500 going to each player on the winning team, $400 to each player on the second place team, and $350 going to each player on the third place team. Title sponsor of the event, Acushnet Canada was onsite for the practice rounds and on the range providing all Canadian PGA Professionals with the latest innovative Titleist & FootJoy products and equipment.
Today Titleist executives were present on the first tee and recorded an 88% ball count with the ProV1 golf ball. Also onsite for the tournament is Association partner SkyCaddie – “Official Rangefinder of the Canadian PGA” who lent their distance measuring devices to all participants and unquestionably added to the improved pace of play with over 81% of the field using the GPS rangefinders.
The second round of the championship will take place tomorrow, with the field being cut after the first 36 holes to 70, plus ties. The first tee time will commence at 7:30AM with the last group departing at 12:42, in a crossover fashion. For first round results please click here. For second round tee times please visit www.cpga.com The CPC purse is $85,000 and the Champion will receive an exemption into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open to be held at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, ON.
The 2008 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian Club Professional Championship kicked off last night with the Club Car Canadian PGA Awards Show. Plaques were presented to the 2007 Canadian PGA National Award Winners: Ted Stonehouse – Jack McLaughlin Junior Teacher of the Year, Eric Thorsteinson – Merchandiser of the Year, Derek Ingram – Teacher Professional of the Year and Patty Howard – Club Professional of the Year.
Owned and operated by the PGA of America, The PGA Golf Club is a public facility designed by Tom Fazio with rolling hills, majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards. The course has been selected for numerous awards including the 2004 “Best Places To Play” by Golf Digest. For more information, visit www.pgavillage.com
About Acushnet: The Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra brands have a tradition of excellence that have always been predicated on providing golfers with quality and performance superior golf equipment. The Canadian PGA Golf Professional has a tradition of excellence devoting their careers to helping golfers improve and enjoy the game. Together, Acushnet and the Canadian PGA Golf Professional share a successful relationship of providing the golfer with best in class products and services. For more information, visit www.titleist.com and www.footjoy.com
About CPGA: Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit www.cpga.com
Monday, November 17, 2008
World Golf Foundation's GOLF 20/20 Announces New Player Development Program
Get Golf Ready Seeks to Connect Adults to Golf
St. Augustine, Florida (November 11, 2008) – GOLF 20/20, the World Golf Foundation’s initiative focused on the development and support of programs to grow interest and participation in the game of golf, today announced the creation of a new adult player development program, Get Golf Ready. Approximately 250 golf industry leaders were on hand at the 2008 GOLF 20/20 Forum at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida to learn the details of the new industry initiative.
Get Golf Ready is targeted to the millions of U.S. adults who have never played golf, or who have minimal previous connection to the game. Participants will be provided with skills training as well as background on the game’s rules, etiquette and values. The initiative is designed to bring adults into the game in a comfortable, enjoyable manner through a series of five introductory lessons in a small-group environment. Each of the five sessions features significant on-course learning opportunities. The program will be offered in many locations at $99, although pricing may vary by facility.
Beginning in 2009, Get Golf Ready programs will be offered at several hundred golf facilities around the U.S., with a goal of having 3,000 facilities offering the program by the end of 2011.
“We are excited about Get Golf Ready and its potential to expand the industry’s customer base,” said Joe Steranka, PGA of America’s CEO and Chairman of GOLF 20/20’s Executive Committee. “We feel this program and curriculum will be successful in bringing more people to the game based on the extensive work and research that has been previously accomplished through industry initiatives such as Play Golf America and Link Up 2 Golf. Now, we’re able to take an important step forward by having the entire industry collaborate on the development, roll-out and support of this new initiative.”
In addition to providing the basic skills instruction, Get Golf Ready sessions will offer participants the opportunity to understand the game’s etiquette, rules and values. The education and insights will be provided in a way that gets people on the golf course as a fundamental part of the learning experience. Following the completion of the five-session program, students will be offered the opportunity to smoothly transition into other playing opportunities, such as leagues, family programs and additional instruction.
A unique feature of the Get Golf Ready roll-out is that each facility that agrees to offer the designated curriculum and use the Get Golf Ready brand in local market promotional efforts will be eligible to receive a stipend of up to $1,000 from World Golf Foundation.
Steve Mona, CEO of World Golf Foundation, said “The enthusiastic response we are receiving from all segments of the industry for this program is extremely gratifying. It’s clear that golf’s leaders are energized by the prospect of this new initiative helping to grow interest and participation in our game.”
Today’s announcement of Get Golf Ready will be followed by a number of additional steps leading to the full roll-out in the Spring of 2009. A new website,
GetGolfReady.com, will be launched as a site for consumers to learn more about the new program and for facilities to sign up as participating sites. Those facilities signing up to offer Get Golf Ready will be provided with a package of basic curriculum, branding, educational and marketing materials to ensure the program’s consistency across the country.
Leadership for the development of the new Get Golf Ready initiative has been provided by GOLF 20/20’s Executive Committee, consisting of a broad cross-section of industry leaders. Significant aspects of the program fell under the auspices of the Player Development Committee (chaired by Cindy Davis, President of Nike Golf), Research Committee (chaired by Joe Barrow, CEO of The First Tee and World Golf Foundation EVP) and Communications Committee (chaired by Page Thompson, President of GOLF CHANNEL).
The new program’s name, logo, graphics and creative executions were developed by GSD&M Idea City, a leading national branding, marketing and advertising firm with headquarters in Austin, Texas.
Note: The full text of GOLF 20/20’s Get Golf Ready presentations by Cindy Davis, Joe Barrow and Page Thompson may be reviewed on golf2020.com
About World Golf Foundation
The World Golf Foundation is a nonprofit organization that unites the golf industry and those who love the game in support of initiatives that promote, enhance the growth of, and provide access to the game of golf worldwide, while preserving golf’s traditional values and passing them on to others. The Foundation, which was founded in 1993 and is supported by major international golf organizations and professional Tours, provides oversight to World Golf Hall of Fame, The First Tee, GOLF 20/20 and other industry initiatives in support of its mission.
St. Augustine, Florida (November 11, 2008) – GOLF 20/20, the World Golf Foundation’s initiative focused on the development and support of programs to grow interest and participation in the game of golf, today announced the creation of a new adult player development program, Get Golf Ready. Approximately 250 golf industry leaders were on hand at the 2008 GOLF 20/20 Forum at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida to learn the details of the new industry initiative.
Get Golf Ready is targeted to the millions of U.S. adults who have never played golf, or who have minimal previous connection to the game. Participants will be provided with skills training as well as background on the game’s rules, etiquette and values. The initiative is designed to bring adults into the game in a comfortable, enjoyable manner through a series of five introductory lessons in a small-group environment. Each of the five sessions features significant on-course learning opportunities. The program will be offered in many locations at $99, although pricing may vary by facility.
Beginning in 2009, Get Golf Ready programs will be offered at several hundred golf facilities around the U.S., with a goal of having 3,000 facilities offering the program by the end of 2011.
“We are excited about Get Golf Ready and its potential to expand the industry’s customer base,” said Joe Steranka, PGA of America’s CEO and Chairman of GOLF 20/20’s Executive Committee. “We feel this program and curriculum will be successful in bringing more people to the game based on the extensive work and research that has been previously accomplished through industry initiatives such as Play Golf America and Link Up 2 Golf. Now, we’re able to take an important step forward by having the entire industry collaborate on the development, roll-out and support of this new initiative.”
In addition to providing the basic skills instruction, Get Golf Ready sessions will offer participants the opportunity to understand the game’s etiquette, rules and values. The education and insights will be provided in a way that gets people on the golf course as a fundamental part of the learning experience. Following the completion of the five-session program, students will be offered the opportunity to smoothly transition into other playing opportunities, such as leagues, family programs and additional instruction.
A unique feature of the Get Golf Ready roll-out is that each facility that agrees to offer the designated curriculum and use the Get Golf Ready brand in local market promotional efforts will be eligible to receive a stipend of up to $1,000 from World Golf Foundation.
Steve Mona, CEO of World Golf Foundation, said “The enthusiastic response we are receiving from all segments of the industry for this program is extremely gratifying. It’s clear that golf’s leaders are energized by the prospect of this new initiative helping to grow interest and participation in our game.”
Today’s announcement of Get Golf Ready will be followed by a number of additional steps leading to the full roll-out in the Spring of 2009. A new website,
GetGolfReady.com, will be launched as a site for consumers to learn more about the new program and for facilities to sign up as participating sites. Those facilities signing up to offer Get Golf Ready will be provided with a package of basic curriculum, branding, educational and marketing materials to ensure the program’s consistency across the country.
Leadership for the development of the new Get Golf Ready initiative has been provided by GOLF 20/20’s Executive Committee, consisting of a broad cross-section of industry leaders. Significant aspects of the program fell under the auspices of the Player Development Committee (chaired by Cindy Davis, President of Nike Golf), Research Committee (chaired by Joe Barrow, CEO of The First Tee and World Golf Foundation EVP) and Communications Committee (chaired by Page Thompson, President of GOLF CHANNEL).
The new program’s name, logo, graphics and creative executions were developed by GSD&M Idea City, a leading national branding, marketing and advertising firm with headquarters in Austin, Texas.
Note: The full text of GOLF 20/20’s Get Golf Ready presentations by Cindy Davis, Joe Barrow and Page Thompson may be reviewed on golf2020.com
About World Golf Foundation
The World Golf Foundation is a nonprofit organization that unites the golf industry and those who love the game in support of initiatives that promote, enhance the growth of, and provide access to the game of golf worldwide, while preserving golf’s traditional values and passing them on to others. The Foundation, which was founded in 1993 and is supported by major international golf organizations and professional Tours, provides oversight to World Golf Hall of Fame, The First Tee, GOLF 20/20 and other industry initiatives in support of its mission.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Pacific Northwest Golf Association Announces 2008 Players of the Year
The Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA) has announced their 2008 Player of the Year recipients. Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, BC received the Men’s Player of the Year award; Erynne Lee of Silverdale, Wash. received both the Women’s and the Junior Girls’ award; Kent Brown of Colville, Wash. received the Senior Men’s; Jackie Little of Port Alberni, BC received the Senior Women’s; and Cameron Peck of Olympia, Wash. received the Junior Boys’.
Nick Taylor, a junior at the University of Washington, finished third in the Pacific Coast Amateur, second in the World Amateur Championship, second in the NCAA West Regional and second in the NCAA National Championship. He was the Sectional medalist in qualifying for the U.S. Open. He made the Round of 32 at the U.S. Amateur, and was the low amateur in the PGA Tour’s Canadian Open. Taylor is No. 1 in the Canadian National Order of Merit, and No. 1 in the British Columbia Order of Merit.
At age 15, Erynne Lee has been awarded both the Women’s and Junior Girls’ honor. She was a semifinalist at the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Eugene Country Club, was the Local Qualifier Medalist in making it into the U.S. Women’s Open, had five top-5 finishes in AJGA events (including two victories) and was selected to play in the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup. Lee’s outstanding season was also recognized by the Washington State Golf Association, which also awarded her the Player of the Year honor in both the Women’s and Junior Girls’ category.
Kent Brown won the PNGA Senior Public Links (for the second consecutive year) and the WSGA Senior Men’s Amateur, and finished third at the PNGA Mid-Amateur. He also finished third in the Senior Oregon Open.
Jackie Little won six championships this season – the PNGA Senior Women’s Amateur, the BC Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur, the BC Zone 6 Women’s Amateur and Senior Women’s Amateur, and the RCGA Royale National Senior Women’s Amateur. She was also the Local medalist qualifier for the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur, where she eventually made it to the Round of 16.
The easiest choice was Cameron Peck, who had a remarkable summer. Peck won the U.S. Junior Amateur in record-setting fashion, and also won the AJGA HP Junior Boys and the AJGA FootJoy Invitational. In winning these three events, he holds the titles of three of the top five Junior tournaments in the world. He also played in the U.S. Amateur and the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship, and was selected to play in the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup. He was named the AJGA Rolex Player of the Year, and is No. 1 in the POLO/AJGA Junior Golf Ranking.
The PNGA Player of the Year candidates are nominated by the various state and provincial golf associations that comprise the PNGA (Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington), and are selected by a vote of the PNGA Championship Committee and members of the Northwest Golf Media Association. Awards are annually given in the six different categories: Men’s, Women’s, Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, Junior Boys’, and Junior Girls’. The awards are officially presented at the PNGA Annual Meeting in the spring. Visit www.thepnga.org for more information.
2008 Winners Men’s Player of the Year
Nick Taylor, BCGA• NCAA National Championship – 2nd• World Amateur – 2nd• NCAA West Regional – 2nd• U.S. Open Qualifier• U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying Medalist• Pacific Coast Amateur – 3rd• U.S. Amateur – Round of 32• PGA Tour Canadian Open – Made Cut (low amateur)• Canadian Amateur – 9th• Scratch Players World Amateur Ranking - #18• Ping/Golfweek Division I Honorable Mention All-American• RCGA National Team Member
Women’s Player of the Year
Erynne Lee, Silverdale, WA • U.S. Women’s Amateur – Semifinalist• U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier• U.S. Women’s Open Local Qualifying Medalist• Golfweek Women’s Amateur rankings - #11
Senior Men’s Player of the Year
Kent Brown, Colville, WA • Washington State Senior Men’s Amateur – Champion• PNGA Senior Public Links – Champion• PNGA Mid-Amateur – 3rd• Senior Oregon Open – 3rd
Senior Women’s Player of the Year
Jackie Little , BCGA• RCGA Royale National Women’s Senior Amateur – Champion• PNGA Senior Women’s Amateur - Champion• BCGA Senior Women’s Amateur - Champion• BCGA Women’s Mid-Amateur – Champion• RCGA Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur – Runner-up• U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur – Round of 16• BCGA Zone 6 Women’s – Champion• BCGA Zone 6 Senior Women’s – Champion
Junior Boys’ Player of the Year
Cameron Peck, Olympia, WA • U.S. Junior Boys’ – Champion• AJGA HP Junior Boys – Champion• AJGA FootJoy Invitational – Champion• AJGA Wellstone Communities Junior - Champion• Junior PLAYERS Championship – 5th • AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions – 11th • AJGA Traditions Championship – 4th• PGA Tour Wyndam Memorial – Participant • U.S. Amateur – Participant• WJGA Sub-District 3 - Champion• AJGA Canon Cup Selection and U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Selection• POLO/AJGA Junior Golf Ranking - #1• AJGA Rolex Player of the Year
Junior Girls’ Player of the Year
Erynne Lee, Silverdale, WA • U.S. Women’s Amateur – Semifinalist• U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier• U.S. Women’s Open Local Qualifying Medalist• Golfweek Women’s Amateur rankings - #11• U.S. Junior Girls’ – Round of 64• AJGA Wenatchee Junior – Champion• AJGA Kathy Whitworth Invite – Champion• AJGA Rolex Girls Junior – 2nd • AJGA Traditions Championship – 2nd • AJGA Stockton Sports Classic – 4th • Junior Girls’ PGA Championship – 5th• AJGA Canon Cup selection and U.S. Junior Ryder Cup selection• Golfweek Women’s Amateur rankings - #11• POLO/AJGA Junior Rankings - #8
Nick Taylor, a junior at the University of Washington, finished third in the Pacific Coast Amateur, second in the World Amateur Championship, second in the NCAA West Regional and second in the NCAA National Championship. He was the Sectional medalist in qualifying for the U.S. Open. He made the Round of 32 at the U.S. Amateur, and was the low amateur in the PGA Tour’s Canadian Open. Taylor is No. 1 in the Canadian National Order of Merit, and No. 1 in the British Columbia Order of Merit.
At age 15, Erynne Lee has been awarded both the Women’s and Junior Girls’ honor. She was a semifinalist at the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Eugene Country Club, was the Local Qualifier Medalist in making it into the U.S. Women’s Open, had five top-5 finishes in AJGA events (including two victories) and was selected to play in the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup. Lee’s outstanding season was also recognized by the Washington State Golf Association, which also awarded her the Player of the Year honor in both the Women’s and Junior Girls’ category.
Kent Brown won the PNGA Senior Public Links (for the second consecutive year) and the WSGA Senior Men’s Amateur, and finished third at the PNGA Mid-Amateur. He also finished third in the Senior Oregon Open.
Jackie Little won six championships this season – the PNGA Senior Women’s Amateur, the BC Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur, the BC Zone 6 Women’s Amateur and Senior Women’s Amateur, and the RCGA Royale National Senior Women’s Amateur. She was also the Local medalist qualifier for the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur, where she eventually made it to the Round of 16.
The easiest choice was Cameron Peck, who had a remarkable summer. Peck won the U.S. Junior Amateur in record-setting fashion, and also won the AJGA HP Junior Boys and the AJGA FootJoy Invitational. In winning these three events, he holds the titles of three of the top five Junior tournaments in the world. He also played in the U.S. Amateur and the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship, and was selected to play in the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup. He was named the AJGA Rolex Player of the Year, and is No. 1 in the POLO/AJGA Junior Golf Ranking.
The PNGA Player of the Year candidates are nominated by the various state and provincial golf associations that comprise the PNGA (Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington), and are selected by a vote of the PNGA Championship Committee and members of the Northwest Golf Media Association. Awards are annually given in the six different categories: Men’s, Women’s, Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, Junior Boys’, and Junior Girls’. The awards are officially presented at the PNGA Annual Meeting in the spring. Visit www.thepnga.org for more information.
2008 Winners Men’s Player of the Year
Nick Taylor, BCGA• NCAA National Championship – 2nd• World Amateur – 2nd• NCAA West Regional – 2nd• U.S. Open Qualifier• U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying Medalist• Pacific Coast Amateur – 3rd• U.S. Amateur – Round of 32• PGA Tour Canadian Open – Made Cut (low amateur)• Canadian Amateur – 9th• Scratch Players World Amateur Ranking - #18• Ping/Golfweek Division I Honorable Mention All-American• RCGA National Team Member
Women’s Player of the Year
Erynne Lee, Silverdale, WA • U.S. Women’s Amateur – Semifinalist• U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier• U.S. Women’s Open Local Qualifying Medalist• Golfweek Women’s Amateur rankings - #11
Senior Men’s Player of the Year
Kent Brown, Colville, WA • Washington State Senior Men’s Amateur – Champion• PNGA Senior Public Links – Champion• PNGA Mid-Amateur – 3rd• Senior Oregon Open – 3rd
Senior Women’s Player of the Year
Jackie Little , BCGA• RCGA Royale National Women’s Senior Amateur – Champion• PNGA Senior Women’s Amateur - Champion• BCGA Senior Women’s Amateur - Champion• BCGA Women’s Mid-Amateur – Champion• RCGA Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur – Runner-up• U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur – Round of 16• BCGA Zone 6 Women’s – Champion• BCGA Zone 6 Senior Women’s – Champion
Junior Boys’ Player of the Year
Cameron Peck, Olympia, WA • U.S. Junior Boys’ – Champion• AJGA HP Junior Boys – Champion• AJGA FootJoy Invitational – Champion• AJGA Wellstone Communities Junior - Champion• Junior PLAYERS Championship – 5th • AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions – 11th • AJGA Traditions Championship – 4th• PGA Tour Wyndam Memorial – Participant • U.S. Amateur – Participant• WJGA Sub-District 3 - Champion• AJGA Canon Cup Selection and U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Selection• POLO/AJGA Junior Golf Ranking - #1• AJGA Rolex Player of the Year
Junior Girls’ Player of the Year
Erynne Lee, Silverdale, WA • U.S. Women’s Amateur – Semifinalist• U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier• U.S. Women’s Open Local Qualifying Medalist• Golfweek Women’s Amateur rankings - #11• U.S. Junior Girls’ – Round of 64• AJGA Wenatchee Junior – Champion• AJGA Kathy Whitworth Invite – Champion• AJGA Rolex Girls Junior – 2nd • AJGA Traditions Championship – 2nd • AJGA Stockton Sports Classic – 4th • Junior Girls’ PGA Championship – 5th• AJGA Canon Cup selection and U.S. Junior Ryder Cup selection• Golfweek Women’s Amateur rankings - #11• POLO/AJGA Junior Rankings - #8
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Vancouver Golf Tour - Updates
2009 VGT MEMBERSHIP AND SCHEDULE
Our 2009 membership sign-up will be available on the website very soon! Early bird membership pricing will be available until the end of 2008, after which time our regular 2009 membership rates will apply. We are finalizing the last few details of our event schedule for next year and should have all tournament sites and dates confirmed by early December.
2008 VGT TOURNAMENT VIDEOS
We have compiled a collection of our video footage throughout the year and archived as much as we can in our Video archives. Click on the following link to see our year in video: http://www.vancouvergolftour.com/2008/2008VideoFiles/index.htm. We will continue to upload the remaining couple of tournament videos we are working on as soon as we can and upload these highlights as well. Thanks for taking the time to watch our best players in action!
CANADIANS REACH 2ND STAGE IN RECORD NUMBERS
Canadians at 2008 PGA Tour Q-School A record twenty-eight Canadians will tee-it-up at 2nd Stage of PGA Tour Q-School, including Vancouver Golf Tour OOM Winner Bryn Parry. Parry is scheduled to play Nov.19-2nd in Lantana, Texas – a place he feels very familiar with having successfully qualifying through this site in 2006.
Parry will be joined by a strong cast of 28 Canadians at 2nd stage which starts this week at four different sites. Fellow BC Professionals Chris Baryla of Vernon and Jim Rutledge are both competing at Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont, California from Nov.12-15th. The top 20 players and ties from each site out of approximately 80 players will qualify to tee-it-up at Q-School Finals the week of Dec.3-8th at PGA West Golf Course in Palm Springs, California.Tune-into all the Canadians starting this week on the PGA Tour’s Q-school homepage: http://www.pgatour.com/qschool/index.html.
VGT would like to extend all Canadians down at 2nd Stage the best of luck in their ‘Quest for the Card’.
Best regards,
Fraser Mulholland, Commissioner Vancouver Golf Tour
Our 2009 membership sign-up will be available on the website very soon! Early bird membership pricing will be available until the end of 2008, after which time our regular 2009 membership rates will apply. We are finalizing the last few details of our event schedule for next year and should have all tournament sites and dates confirmed by early December.
2008 VGT TOURNAMENT VIDEOS
We have compiled a collection of our video footage throughout the year and archived as much as we can in our Video archives. Click on the following link to see our year in video: http://www.vancouvergolftour.com/2008/2008VideoFiles/index.htm. We will continue to upload the remaining couple of tournament videos we are working on as soon as we can and upload these highlights as well. Thanks for taking the time to watch our best players in action!
CANADIANS REACH 2ND STAGE IN RECORD NUMBERS
Canadians at 2008 PGA Tour Q-School A record twenty-eight Canadians will tee-it-up at 2nd Stage of PGA Tour Q-School, including Vancouver Golf Tour OOM Winner Bryn Parry. Parry is scheduled to play Nov.19-2nd in Lantana, Texas – a place he feels very familiar with having successfully qualifying through this site in 2006.
Parry will be joined by a strong cast of 28 Canadians at 2nd stage which starts this week at four different sites. Fellow BC Professionals Chris Baryla of Vernon and Jim Rutledge are both competing at Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont, California from Nov.12-15th. The top 20 players and ties from each site out of approximately 80 players will qualify to tee-it-up at Q-School Finals the week of Dec.3-8th at PGA West Golf Course in Palm Springs, California.Tune-into all the Canadians starting this week on the PGA Tour’s Q-school homepage: http://www.pgatour.com/qschool/index.html.
VGT would like to extend all Canadians down at 2nd Stage the best of luck in their ‘Quest for the Card’.
Best regards,
Fraser Mulholland, Commissioner Vancouver Golf Tour
Friday, November 14, 2008
RBC Canadian Open Earns “Best Of” Award from PGA TOUR Tournament Advisory Council
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (Courtesy PGA TOUR) - The RBC Canadian Open was honored by the PGA TOUR at the TOUR’s Tournament Advisory Council (TAC) Meetings this week.
The RBC Canadian Open earned an award for “Most Improved On-Site Presentation” for its initiatives at the 2008 RBC Canadian Open captured by rookie Chez Reavie.
This award recognizes the RBC Canadian Open for creating excellent on-site spectator experiences and sponsor branding opportunities.
“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am pleased to acknowledge and congratulate the outstanding job and special recognition the RBC Canadian Open has received for its efforts,” said Rick George, PGA TOUR executive vice-president and chief of operations. “The tournament committee should be extremely proud for being recognized as the best among their peers on the TOUR.”
“This award was made possible because of our title sponsor RBC,” said tournament director Bill Paul. “With the support of RBC, we challenged ourselves and set goals to improve the tournament. We look forward to raising the bar at our tournament every year.”
The 2009 RBC Canadian Open will be held July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit http://www.rbccanadianopen.ca/ or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPENIn partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
The RBC Canadian Open earned an award for “Most Improved On-Site Presentation” for its initiatives at the 2008 RBC Canadian Open captured by rookie Chez Reavie.
This award recognizes the RBC Canadian Open for creating excellent on-site spectator experiences and sponsor branding opportunities.
“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am pleased to acknowledge and congratulate the outstanding job and special recognition the RBC Canadian Open has received for its efforts,” said Rick George, PGA TOUR executive vice-president and chief of operations. “The tournament committee should be extremely proud for being recognized as the best among their peers on the TOUR.”
“This award was made possible because of our title sponsor RBC,” said tournament director Bill Paul. “With the support of RBC, we challenged ourselves and set goals to improve the tournament. We look forward to raising the bar at our tournament every year.”
The 2009 RBC Canadian Open will be held July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit http://www.rbccanadianopen.ca/ or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPENIn partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Crowd of Canucks try to get PGA card
THE CANADIAN PRESS
David Hearn has a hunch. It's been a couple of years since he had any success at the PGA Tour's qualifying school but the 29-year-old feels like that's about to change. Hearn is one of more than a dozen professional Canadian golfers who will tee it up in the second stage of Q-school this week. "I'm really looking forward to it and ready for it this year," Hearn said Tuesday. "I've got a good feeling about getting through. "That in itself should be considered a victory. After all, there's nothing quite like it in sports.
Nearly a thousand golfers sign up for Q-school each year and compete in a series of pressure-packed tournaments with the hope of claiming one of 25 spots on the PGA Tour for the next season. "It's a giant job interview," said Hearn. Four of the second stage tournaments start Wednesday while another two will be played next week. Roughly 20 golfers from each of the six venues will advance to the final stage of qualifying next month in California, where the 25 PGA Tour cards will be handed out. It's best not to do math because the odds are pretty long.
Fortunately for Hearn, he's survived it before. The native of Brantford, Ont., made it all the way through in 2004 and has good vibes heading into his second stage qualifier at Deerwood Golf Club near Houston. The past experience certainly helps. "You get more accustomed to your expectations going in and the way you should play at Q-school," said Hearn. "I think when you're younger you try to play a little bit differently when you get to Q-school as opposed to just playing your own game. "I think you learn from that year after year." Hearn has entered the PGA Tour's qualifying school seven or eight times and admits that he "hasn't had the best success. "That throw-away comment illustrates what makes the experience so difficult. The fact that Hearn has ever made it through Q-school makes him exponentially more successful than average, but he still feels a little beaten down. Just like everyone else. This year could be different."I'm here to play well," said Hearn. "I want to compete and try to win this tournament. "I'm planning on getting to the final stage. And when I get there, I have no doubts that I'll get through. "Those kind of positive thoughts are often tough to find at these events. One other golfer declined an interview, citing stress - a testament to just how difficult Q-school can be on players.Hearn chooses to embrace the challenge and focus on the positive outcome that can come from it. "I think it's pretty unique from any sport," said Hearn. "The NHL, you can get drafted in the first round but that doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be in the NHL. "But this tournament, if you finish in the top-25 of final stage you are guaranteed a spot on the PGA Tour next season."
One benefit he enjoys over many others is that he still has status on the minor league Nationwide Tour. That gives him somewhere to play if he doesn't qualify for the PGA Tour in the coming weeks.
Besides Hearn, there are several players of interest to follow at Q-school. Jon Mills is back after recently completing his second season on the PGA Tour, where he didn't earn enough money to retain his card. The 30-year-old from Oshawa, Ont., is at the Southern Hills Plantation Club in Florida. He's looking to graduate from Q-school for the first time. Former PGA Tour winner Ian Leggatt is competing in Pine Mountain, Ga., alongside a trio of young Canadian pros - Mark Leon, James Love and three-time Canadian Amateur champion Richard Scott. Graham DeLaet and Dustin Risdon each won events on the Canadian Tour over the summer and are entered at the same venue in Texas as Hearn.
David Hearn has a hunch. It's been a couple of years since he had any success at the PGA Tour's qualifying school but the 29-year-old feels like that's about to change. Hearn is one of more than a dozen professional Canadian golfers who will tee it up in the second stage of Q-school this week. "I'm really looking forward to it and ready for it this year," Hearn said Tuesday. "I've got a good feeling about getting through. "That in itself should be considered a victory. After all, there's nothing quite like it in sports.
Nearly a thousand golfers sign up for Q-school each year and compete in a series of pressure-packed tournaments with the hope of claiming one of 25 spots on the PGA Tour for the next season. "It's a giant job interview," said Hearn. Four of the second stage tournaments start Wednesday while another two will be played next week. Roughly 20 golfers from each of the six venues will advance to the final stage of qualifying next month in California, where the 25 PGA Tour cards will be handed out. It's best not to do math because the odds are pretty long.
Fortunately for Hearn, he's survived it before. The native of Brantford, Ont., made it all the way through in 2004 and has good vibes heading into his second stage qualifier at Deerwood Golf Club near Houston. The past experience certainly helps. "You get more accustomed to your expectations going in and the way you should play at Q-school," said Hearn. "I think when you're younger you try to play a little bit differently when you get to Q-school as opposed to just playing your own game. "I think you learn from that year after year." Hearn has entered the PGA Tour's qualifying school seven or eight times and admits that he "hasn't had the best success. "That throw-away comment illustrates what makes the experience so difficult. The fact that Hearn has ever made it through Q-school makes him exponentially more successful than average, but he still feels a little beaten down. Just like everyone else. This year could be different."I'm here to play well," said Hearn. "I want to compete and try to win this tournament. "I'm planning on getting to the final stage. And when I get there, I have no doubts that I'll get through. "Those kind of positive thoughts are often tough to find at these events. One other golfer declined an interview, citing stress - a testament to just how difficult Q-school can be on players.Hearn chooses to embrace the challenge and focus on the positive outcome that can come from it. "I think it's pretty unique from any sport," said Hearn. "The NHL, you can get drafted in the first round but that doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be in the NHL. "But this tournament, if you finish in the top-25 of final stage you are guaranteed a spot on the PGA Tour next season."
One benefit he enjoys over many others is that he still has status on the minor league Nationwide Tour. That gives him somewhere to play if he doesn't qualify for the PGA Tour in the coming weeks.
Besides Hearn, there are several players of interest to follow at Q-school. Jon Mills is back after recently completing his second season on the PGA Tour, where he didn't earn enough money to retain his card. The 30-year-old from Oshawa, Ont., is at the Southern Hills Plantation Club in Florida. He's looking to graduate from Q-school for the first time. Former PGA Tour winner Ian Leggatt is competing in Pine Mountain, Ga., alongside a trio of young Canadian pros - Mark Leon, James Love and three-time Canadian Amateur champion Richard Scott. Graham DeLaet and Dustin Risdon each won events on the Canadian Tour over the summer and are entered at the same venue in Texas as Hearn.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
2008 World Golf Hall of Fame Inductees
Each year, the World Golf Hall of Fame adds to its membership by inducting the greatest players and contributors within the game of golf.
On Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, six new individuals will be welcomed as members of the World Golf Hall of Fame: Bob Charles (Veterans Category), Pete Dye (Lifetime Achievement), Carol Semple Thompson (Lifetime Achievement), Denny Shute (Veterans Category), Herbert Warren Wind (Lifetime Achievement) and Craig Wood (PGA TOUR Ballot).
Upon the induction of the Class of 2008, the Hall will be home to a total of 126 individuals who have influenced the sport of golf throughout history.
On Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, six new individuals will be welcomed as members of the World Golf Hall of Fame: Bob Charles (Veterans Category), Pete Dye (Lifetime Achievement), Carol Semple Thompson (Lifetime Achievement), Denny Shute (Veterans Category), Herbert Warren Wind (Lifetime Achievement) and Craig Wood (PGA TOUR Ballot).
Upon the induction of the Class of 2008, the Hall will be home to a total of 126 individuals who have influenced the sport of golf throughout history.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Jun Earns Top Honors In Duramed LPGA FUTURES Tour Qualifier
LAKELAND, Fla., – LPGA Tour member Hannah Jun of San Diego, finished with a round of even-par 72 to win the Duramed FUTURES Tour’s four-day qualifier at Cleveland Heights Golf Course. She finished with a four-day score of 12-under-par 276.
Jun edged out amateur Pernilla Lindberg of Bollnas, Sweden, who finished one stroke back at 11-under-par 277. Amateur Victoria Kiser (69) of Orlando battled back from a five-shot deficit heading into today’s final round to claim third place at 10-under-par 278, just two shots off the lead.
Amateur Kira Meixner (70) of Richmond, British Columbia, tied with Molly Birmingham (72) of Cornelius, N.C. for fifth at 5-under-par 283.
Click here to view final scores for the full field!
The 94 players who made the 54-hole cut will receive exempt or non-exempt status for the 2009 Duramed FUTURES Tour season. The number of exempt players will be determined following the final stage of LPGA Qualifying School in early December.
Jun called it a “so-so” day with two birdies and two bogeys in her final round, but it was enough to claim her first tournament win since the Canadian PGA Women’s Championship in Mississauga, Ontario, in August. Jun and Lindberg headed into today’s round tied for the lead at 12-under-par 204 through 54 holes.
“I made a lot of pars today, but I just didn’t hit the ball close enough for birdies,” Jun said. “I didn’t really know how I was standing during the day, so it was easy to not think about it and just play my game.”
Jun is now armed with momentum heading into the final stage of LPGA Qualifying School in December. She tied for 25th last year at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament to earn non-exempt status for the 2008 season.
“I learned I was a lot more patient as a player than I thought because I didn’t get off to a great start,” Jun said. “I felt like things could have gone really bad, but they didn’t.”
Lindberg finished out of sub-par red numbers for the first time this week, missing a 5-foot birdie putt on her final hole that would have tied her with Jun at the end of 72 holes. The Duramed FUTURES Tour does not play off a tie for medalist honors in the annual Q-School.
“I missed a lot of putts, but I was hitting it close all day,” said Lindberg, a senior at Oklahoma State University. “I knew I could have had a lower score today, but I had a great experience all week. It’s going to be a while before I play another tournament, but I feel really good about the way I played.”
Kiser gave a glimpse at how bright her future is, recording her fourth consecutive sub-par round. The 16-year-old Kiser politely declined to speculate on her future, but the four-time AJGA winner and 2008 Future Collegians World Tour Player of the Year proved she could spend time and stay at the top of the leaderboard in this week’s qualifier.
“Some of my best rounds begin with a bogey,” Kiser said. “I had to get over some early adrenaline, but I really enjoyed the week.
The low round of the day at The Heights went to 2008 Tour member Perry Swenson (67) of Charlotte, N.C. The former collegian at the University of Texas had fellow Tour member Meghan Little of Sturgis, S.D., on the bag as her caddie for the final round. Swenson’s round moved her up the leaderboard into a tie for 29th after she made the 54-hole cut by one stroke.
“We were able to get some good reads on the green and agreed with most of the slopes,” said Swenson, whose lone bogey was a three-putt green on No. 17. “That led to a more confident putting stroke and one of my better putting days.”
Meixner quietly maintained her status in the top 10 during the week, ending today’s round with a 2-under-par 70 to climb into a fifth-place tie. A member of the Canadian National Team, Meixner graduated from Kent State University in May, where she was a four-year starter. The Tour’s qualifier had been in Meixner’s plans for some time, but the Canadian wanted to finish college before attempting to earn status.
“I think it showed that my iron play was really good this week,” Meixner said. “I have high expectations, but I tried not to put pressure on myself. I thought I stayed calm and level all week and I’m very happy with how I finished today.”
The Duramed FUTURES Tour’s 2009 season begins March 20-22, in Winter Haven, Fla., at the inaugural Florida’s Natural Growers Charity Classic.
For final scores and more information, visit www.duramedfuturestour.com.
Weather: Sunny with a high temperature around 82 degrees with light and variable winds from the northwest.
Contact: Ben Schlesselman, 386-214-9726, Ben@duramedfuturestour.com.
Jun edged out amateur Pernilla Lindberg of Bollnas, Sweden, who finished one stroke back at 11-under-par 277. Amateur Victoria Kiser (69) of Orlando battled back from a five-shot deficit heading into today’s final round to claim third place at 10-under-par 278, just two shots off the lead.
Amateur Kira Meixner (70) of Richmond, British Columbia, tied with Molly Birmingham (72) of Cornelius, N.C. for fifth at 5-under-par 283.
Click here to view final scores for the full field!
The 94 players who made the 54-hole cut will receive exempt or non-exempt status for the 2009 Duramed FUTURES Tour season. The number of exempt players will be determined following the final stage of LPGA Qualifying School in early December.
Jun called it a “so-so” day with two birdies and two bogeys in her final round, but it was enough to claim her first tournament win since the Canadian PGA Women’s Championship in Mississauga, Ontario, in August. Jun and Lindberg headed into today’s round tied for the lead at 12-under-par 204 through 54 holes.
“I made a lot of pars today, but I just didn’t hit the ball close enough for birdies,” Jun said. “I didn’t really know how I was standing during the day, so it was easy to not think about it and just play my game.”
Jun is now armed with momentum heading into the final stage of LPGA Qualifying School in December. She tied for 25th last year at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament to earn non-exempt status for the 2008 season.
“I learned I was a lot more patient as a player than I thought because I didn’t get off to a great start,” Jun said. “I felt like things could have gone really bad, but they didn’t.”
Lindberg finished out of sub-par red numbers for the first time this week, missing a 5-foot birdie putt on her final hole that would have tied her with Jun at the end of 72 holes. The Duramed FUTURES Tour does not play off a tie for medalist honors in the annual Q-School.
“I missed a lot of putts, but I was hitting it close all day,” said Lindberg, a senior at Oklahoma State University. “I knew I could have had a lower score today, but I had a great experience all week. It’s going to be a while before I play another tournament, but I feel really good about the way I played.”
Kiser gave a glimpse at how bright her future is, recording her fourth consecutive sub-par round. The 16-year-old Kiser politely declined to speculate on her future, but the four-time AJGA winner and 2008 Future Collegians World Tour Player of the Year proved she could spend time and stay at the top of the leaderboard in this week’s qualifier.
“Some of my best rounds begin with a bogey,” Kiser said. “I had to get over some early adrenaline, but I really enjoyed the week.
The low round of the day at The Heights went to 2008 Tour member Perry Swenson (67) of Charlotte, N.C. The former collegian at the University of Texas had fellow Tour member Meghan Little of Sturgis, S.D., on the bag as her caddie for the final round. Swenson’s round moved her up the leaderboard into a tie for 29th after she made the 54-hole cut by one stroke.
“We were able to get some good reads on the green and agreed with most of the slopes,” said Swenson, whose lone bogey was a three-putt green on No. 17. “That led to a more confident putting stroke and one of my better putting days.”
Meixner quietly maintained her status in the top 10 during the week, ending today’s round with a 2-under-par 70 to climb into a fifth-place tie. A member of the Canadian National Team, Meixner graduated from Kent State University in May, where she was a four-year starter. The Tour’s qualifier had been in Meixner’s plans for some time, but the Canadian wanted to finish college before attempting to earn status.
“I think it showed that my iron play was really good this week,” Meixner said. “I have high expectations, but I tried not to put pressure on myself. I thought I stayed calm and level all week and I’m very happy with how I finished today.”
The Duramed FUTURES Tour’s 2009 season begins March 20-22, in Winter Haven, Fla., at the inaugural Florida’s Natural Growers Charity Classic.
For final scores and more information, visit www.duramedfuturestour.com.
Weather: Sunny with a high temperature around 82 degrees with light and variable winds from the northwest.
Contact: Ben Schlesselman, 386-214-9726, Ben@duramedfuturestour.com.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Canadian Tour is proud to announce its list of award winners for the 2008 season
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich OAKVILLE, Ont.
ROLEX Player of the Year – John Ellis
John Ellis won the Stockton Sports Commission Classic in a playoff over Tommy Barber for his first Canadian Tour title. He followed it up with a win the next week at the Mexican PGA Championship where his five stroke lead after the first round set a Tour record.
In July, Ellis won the TELUS Edmonton Open and finished second at the Players Cup the next week in Winnipeg.
Overall, Ellis made 11 of 12 cuts in his 2008 season, won the Order of Merit with $113, 315 and finished outside the top ten just once. He also qualified for both the U.S. Open and the RBC Canadian Open.
International Rookie of the Year – Daniel Im
Daniel Im made an immediate impact on the 2008 Canadian Tour. The Irvine, Calif., resident earned his card at the Florida Q-School and won the Riviera Maya Classic in his first Canadian Tour start. After a T-13 at La Loma, Im took the Times Colonist Open in a playoff over James Lepp.
Im also finished 2nd at the Seaforth Country Classic and lost a playoff to Graham DeLaet at the Desjardins Montreal Open. He finished third on the Order of Merit with $82, 954 and qualified for the RBC Canadian Open.
ECCO Canadian Rookie of the Year – Kent Eger
Eger, who joined the Tour at the California Q-School, had just one top-ten coming into the Seaforth Country Classic and had missed three of his last four cuts. However, everything fell into place at Seaforth. Rounds of 65-64-65-64 gave him not only a Tour record for lowest cumulative score but also his first Canadian Tour title and a two year exemption.
Most Improved Canadian – Andrew Parr and Dale Vallely (tie)
Andrew Parr (pictured) joined the Canadian Tour at the Spring 2007 Q-School but finished 121st on the Order of Merit, necessitating a trip to the Fall School. Having regained his card, Parr finished second at both Modesto and Edmonton and picked up additional top tens in Montreal and Seaforth. He also earned a berth in the RBC Canadian Open and Monday Qualified for the Houston Open and finished ninth on the Order of Merit.
Fighting injuries in 2007, Dale Vallely slid to 150th on the money list but returned with a vengeance in 2008. Starting the year on a partial medical exemption, Vallely finished 4th at the Saskatchewan Open where he opened with a 62 and he also earned a T-6 at the Tour Championship. His consistent play saw him jump 129 spots on the Order of Merit to 21st.
ROLEX Player of the Year – John Ellis
John Ellis won the Stockton Sports Commission Classic in a playoff over Tommy Barber for his first Canadian Tour title. He followed it up with a win the next week at the Mexican PGA Championship where his five stroke lead after the first round set a Tour record.
In July, Ellis won the TELUS Edmonton Open and finished second at the Players Cup the next week in Winnipeg.
Overall, Ellis made 11 of 12 cuts in his 2008 season, won the Order of Merit with $113, 315 and finished outside the top ten just once. He also qualified for both the U.S. Open and the RBC Canadian Open.
International Rookie of the Year – Daniel Im
Daniel Im made an immediate impact on the 2008 Canadian Tour. The Irvine, Calif., resident earned his card at the Florida Q-School and won the Riviera Maya Classic in his first Canadian Tour start. After a T-13 at La Loma, Im took the Times Colonist Open in a playoff over James Lepp.
Im also finished 2nd at the Seaforth Country Classic and lost a playoff to Graham DeLaet at the Desjardins Montreal Open. He finished third on the Order of Merit with $82, 954 and qualified for the RBC Canadian Open.
ECCO Canadian Rookie of the Year – Kent Eger
Eger, who joined the Tour at the California Q-School, had just one top-ten coming into the Seaforth Country Classic and had missed three of his last four cuts. However, everything fell into place at Seaforth. Rounds of 65-64-65-64 gave him not only a Tour record for lowest cumulative score but also his first Canadian Tour title and a two year exemption.
Most Improved Canadian – Andrew Parr and Dale Vallely (tie)
Andrew Parr (pictured) joined the Canadian Tour at the Spring 2007 Q-School but finished 121st on the Order of Merit, necessitating a trip to the Fall School. Having regained his card, Parr finished second at both Modesto and Edmonton and picked up additional top tens in Montreal and Seaforth. He also earned a berth in the RBC Canadian Open and Monday Qualified for the Houston Open and finished ninth on the Order of Merit.
Fighting injuries in 2007, Dale Vallely slid to 150th on the money list but returned with a vengeance in 2008. Starting the year on a partial medical exemption, Vallely finished 4th at the Saskatchewan Open where he opened with a 62 and he also earned a T-6 at the Tour Championship. His consistent play saw him jump 129 spots on the Order of Merit to 21st.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tee Times Released for 2008 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship
ACTON, ON (November 6, 2008) — The Canadian PGA released the tee times today for the 2008 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship. One of the largest and most competitive fields in recent history for this event will battle it out for the National Championship title as well as an exemption into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open.
The Championship will be held November 17th to 19th for the fifth consecutive year at The PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. This year the Championship shifts to the Wanamaker course, one of three championship layouts at PGA Village.
Defending champion Eric Landreville (Belle Vue Club De Golf, QC) will be back at PGA Golf Club to defend his title against a staggering list of past champions that include: 2005 and 2006 winner Danny King (The Academy Tee at Magna GC, ON), 2003 winner Brett Burgeson (Country Hills GC, AB), 2001 winner Ken Tarling (Ken Tarling's Golf Academy, ON), 1999 winner Dale Pedersen (The Landings GC, ON) and 1987, 1990, 1992 & 1997 winner Gar Hamilton (Mississauga G&CC, ON). Last year, Eric Landreville, Head Professional at Belle Vue Club de Golf in Ville De Lery, Quebec, won by three shots over Jean-Louis LaMarre, from St-Jean Richelieu, Quebec to take home his first Canadian PGA National title, shooting rounds of 66-68-73 for a 207 tournament total earning him the $12,000 first prize from the $85,000 purse.
This year, 108 Club Professionals from across the country will compete for the National Championship. Competitors qualify for this event through a variety of means. Players become eligible for this championship through qualifying at their respective Zone championships, as a past champion of the event, through an exemption letter, or by finishing in the Top-15 in the 2007 CPC (not otherwise exempt), thus ensuring an elite field of professional competitors from across the country. Activities will begin Saturday, November 15th with registration and practice rounds. On Monday, November 17th the three day 54-hole stroke play championship will begin with the field cut to 70 plus ties after the first 36 holes.
The Canadian PGA National Awards Show takes place on Sunday, November 16th to kick off the Club Professional Championship. There will be 36-hole InterZone competition compiled of four players on each team representing the nine Canadian PGA zones. The team score is calculated from the best three out of four scores accumulated over the first two rounds. The purse for the InterZone competition is $5000. The Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship purse is $85,000 and the Champion will also receive an exemption into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open to be held at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, ON. Owned and operated by the PGA of America, The PGA Golf Club is a public facility designed by Tom Fazio with rolling hills, majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards. The course has been selected for numerous awards including the 2004 “Best Places To Play” by Golf Digest. For more information, visit www.pgavillage.com
About Acushnet: The Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra brands have a tradition of excellence that have always been predicated on providing golfers with quality and performance superior golf equipment. The Canadian PGA Golf Professional has a tradition of excellence devoting their careers to helping golfers improve and enjoy the game. Together, Acushnet and the Canadian PGA Golf Professional share a successful relationship of providing the golfer with best in class products and services. For more information, visit www.titleist.com and www.footjoy.com.
About CPGA: Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit www.cpga.com
The Championship will be held November 17th to 19th for the fifth consecutive year at The PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. This year the Championship shifts to the Wanamaker course, one of three championship layouts at PGA Village.
Defending champion Eric Landreville (Belle Vue Club De Golf, QC) will be back at PGA Golf Club to defend his title against a staggering list of past champions that include: 2005 and 2006 winner Danny King (The Academy Tee at Magna GC, ON), 2003 winner Brett Burgeson (Country Hills GC, AB), 2001 winner Ken Tarling (Ken Tarling's Golf Academy, ON), 1999 winner Dale Pedersen (The Landings GC, ON) and 1987, 1990, 1992 & 1997 winner Gar Hamilton (Mississauga G&CC, ON). Last year, Eric Landreville, Head Professional at Belle Vue Club de Golf in Ville De Lery, Quebec, won by three shots over Jean-Louis LaMarre, from St-Jean Richelieu, Quebec to take home his first Canadian PGA National title, shooting rounds of 66-68-73 for a 207 tournament total earning him the $12,000 first prize from the $85,000 purse.
This year, 108 Club Professionals from across the country will compete for the National Championship. Competitors qualify for this event through a variety of means. Players become eligible for this championship through qualifying at their respective Zone championships, as a past champion of the event, through an exemption letter, or by finishing in the Top-15 in the 2007 CPC (not otherwise exempt), thus ensuring an elite field of professional competitors from across the country. Activities will begin Saturday, November 15th with registration and practice rounds. On Monday, November 17th the three day 54-hole stroke play championship will begin with the field cut to 70 plus ties after the first 36 holes.
The Canadian PGA National Awards Show takes place on Sunday, November 16th to kick off the Club Professional Championship. There will be 36-hole InterZone competition compiled of four players on each team representing the nine Canadian PGA zones. The team score is calculated from the best three out of four scores accumulated over the first two rounds. The purse for the InterZone competition is $5000. The Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship purse is $85,000 and the Champion will also receive an exemption into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open to be held at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, ON. Owned and operated by the PGA of America, The PGA Golf Club is a public facility designed by Tom Fazio with rolling hills, majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards. The course has been selected for numerous awards including the 2004 “Best Places To Play” by Golf Digest. For more information, visit www.pgavillage.com
About Acushnet: The Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra brands have a tradition of excellence that have always been predicated on providing golfers with quality and performance superior golf equipment. The Canadian PGA Golf Professional has a tradition of excellence devoting their careers to helping golfers improve and enjoy the game. Together, Acushnet and the Canadian PGA Golf Professional share a successful relationship of providing the golfer with best in class products and services. For more information, visit www.titleist.com and www.footjoy.com.
About CPGA: Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit www.cpga.com
Monday, November 3, 2008
52 Canadian Tour Members Moving On at PGA Tour School
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
OAKVILLE, Ont. – An additional group of 28 Canadian Tour members are heading to second stage of PGA TOUR Qualifying School after the second wave.
At Spring, Texas, James Love captured a share of medalist others while Ryan Carter finished T-7. Mark Leon finished solo 13th while Kevin Fortin-Simard ended up T-16. George Bradford finished T-18 and Jeff Rangel advanced with a T-21 finish.
At McKinney, Texas, Dustin Risdon (T-8) heads to second stage as do Chris Wall and Richard Scott (T-12) and Alan McLean (T-19). At Durham, N.C., Brad Fritsch finished T-14 while Andy Matthews, Adam Speirs (pictured) and Derek Gillespie finished T-21. Lee Williamson (T-25) advanced on the number.
In Hollister, Calif., Brady Stockton took medalist honors and fellow Canadian Tour members Troy Kelly and James Hahn took second and third. Barrett Jarosch and Steve Friesen shared fourth spot while Luke Hickmott finished T-10.Dong Yi (T-15) and Nick Manfre (T-19) also advanced.At Palm City, Fla., Peter Laws finished T-5 while in Santee, Calif., John Lieber, Ben Fox, Kent Eger and Michael Walton all advanced.
Alumni who made it through to second stage include Rodney Butcher, Patrick Damron, Brock Mackenzie, Lee Williamson, Julien Trudeau, Brian Smock, Travis Bertoni, Anders Hultman, Steve Wheatcroft, Sal Spallone and Madalisto Muthiya. Overall, 52 current Canadian Tour members are heading to second stage of PGA TOUR Q-School.
OAKVILLE, Ont. – An additional group of 28 Canadian Tour members are heading to second stage of PGA TOUR Qualifying School after the second wave.
At Spring, Texas, James Love captured a share of medalist others while Ryan Carter finished T-7. Mark Leon finished solo 13th while Kevin Fortin-Simard ended up T-16. George Bradford finished T-18 and Jeff Rangel advanced with a T-21 finish.
At McKinney, Texas, Dustin Risdon (T-8) heads to second stage as do Chris Wall and Richard Scott (T-12) and Alan McLean (T-19). At Durham, N.C., Brad Fritsch finished T-14 while Andy Matthews, Adam Speirs (pictured) and Derek Gillespie finished T-21. Lee Williamson (T-25) advanced on the number.
In Hollister, Calif., Brady Stockton took medalist honors and fellow Canadian Tour members Troy Kelly and James Hahn took second and third. Barrett Jarosch and Steve Friesen shared fourth spot while Luke Hickmott finished T-10.Dong Yi (T-15) and Nick Manfre (T-19) also advanced.At Palm City, Fla., Peter Laws finished T-5 while in Santee, Calif., John Lieber, Ben Fox, Kent Eger and Michael Walton all advanced.
Alumni who made it through to second stage include Rodney Butcher, Patrick Damron, Brock Mackenzie, Lee Williamson, Julien Trudeau, Brian Smock, Travis Bertoni, Anders Hultman, Steve Wheatcroft, Sal Spallone and Madalisto Muthiya. Overall, 52 current Canadian Tour members are heading to second stage of PGA TOUR Q-School.
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