Tuesday, December 29, 2009

CJGA World Junior Challenge presented by GolfWeek

Canadian Junior Golf Association 2009



WJC - CJGA World Junior Challenge presented by GolfWeek


Dec 28 - Dec 30 at Reunion Resort - Independence (Watson) (Reunion, FL) & Reunion Resort - Legacy (Palmer) (Reunion, FL)

Par and Total Yardage By Competition

Boys 14 & Under - Reunion Resort - Legacy (Palmer) (Par: 72 Distance: 6002 Rating: 69.2 Slope: 128)
Boys 14 & Under - Reunion Resort - Independence (Watson) (Par: 72 Distance: 6241 Rating: 70.6 Slope: 124)

Boys 15-19 - Reunion Resort - Legacy (Palmer) (Par: 72 Distance: 6765 Rating: 73.4 Slope: 137)
Boys 15-19 - Reunion Resort - Independence (Watson) (Par: 72 Distance: 6922 Rating: 74.7 Slope: 140)

Girls 11-19 - Reunion Resort - Legacy (Palmer) (Par: 72 Distance: 5529 Rating: 67.0 Slope: 116)
Girls 11-19 - Reunion Resort - Independence (Watson) (Par: 72 Distance: 5809 Rating: 74.2 Slope: 126)

Recap - Round 2
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Tight Finish Ahead for CJGA World Junior Challenge

Reunion, FL (December 29, 2009) – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) hosted the second round of the World Junior Challenge presented by GolfWeek today. The first round took place on the Independence Course at Reunion Resort, while the second round witnessed action head to the Legacy Course. Heading into today there was a five-stroke gap between first and second place in both the Boys 15-19 Division and the Boys 14 & Under Division, but as play drew to a close all divisions where separated by a maximum of two strokes.

Making the biggest move today was Blake Soni (Bradenton, FL), who shot 68 (-4) to earn the lead in the Boys 15-19 Division with a two-day total of 143 (-1). “The difference today was that I was able to make putts, which really brought my game around,” explained Soni, “I was also able to give myself a lot of birdie opportunities.” Curtis Griffiths (England) remains in second place with a two-day total of 145 (+1). There is a two-way tie for third place between Davis Schaller (Celebration, FL) and Harrison Winger (Orlando, FL).

Alexandra Milan (Lutz, FL) shot 73 (+1) to jump ahead of first round leaders Brogan McKinnon (Mississauga, Ont.) and Isabell Gabsa (Germany). “I really started to gain momentum on the tenth hole when I made a solid approach shot to five-feet,” stated Milan, “I continued to make putts and that made a big difference.” McKinnon is one stroke back of Milan, while Gabsa is in third place three shots off the pace.
Matt LeMay (Waterloo, Ont.) remains in first place of the Boys 14 & Under Division with a score of 148 (+4). Andy Zhang (Reunion, FL) shot 70 (-2) to move from fourth to second, only one shot back of LeMay. Timothy Colanta (Monroe Township, NJ) is in third place, but still within striking distance at 151 (+7)

The final round of the CJGA World Junior Challenge presented by GolfWeek occurs tomorrow morning, with tee-times beginning at 7:40 a.m.

About the CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a “registered Canadian amateur athletic association” (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit http://www.cjga.com/.

The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partner, LEXUS.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

CJGA Announces 2010 National Schedule

MARKHAM, ON - The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is pleased to announce the release of the 2010 National tournament schedule. Once again, the CJGA will provide unmatched junior opportunities for junior golfers aged 5-19 right across Canada with over 80 events on the schedule. The Junior Tour (boys and girls aged 11-19) will have over 60 events across Canada to participate in while the Junior Linkster Tour (boys and girls aged 5-13) will have 20 events across the country.

There will be a number of fantastic events CJGA members can participate in throughout the season, including the NIKE Golf Junior Series, PUMA Challenge, Humber College Invitational, PING CJGA Canadian Junior Match Play Championship, Mizuno CJGA National Golf Championship, NIKE Golf Junior Championship and the Lipton Brisk Canada Cup.

In 2010, juniors will have the chance to play a golf course that the pro’s play! The CJGA will be heading to Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, British Columbia, home of the 2010 Telus World Skins, just two weeks before the Skins event.

CJGA members will also be eligible for unmatched international competition in 2010 including the Stephen Ames Cup (Trinidad & Tobago), Euro Junior Golf Cup (Scotland), Junior World Golf Championships (United States), Tri Nations cup (South Africa), and the Canadian International Junior Challenge (Canada) just to name a few.

“We continue to move forward with the support of our members and sponsors,” said Earl Fritz, Executive Director of the CJGA. “Junior golfers in this country will have no shortage of options for tournament competition this summer and we’re excited about the prospects of another successful season both within Canada and on the international stage.”

All CJGA events will continue to be ranked on Junior Golf Scoreboard in 2010. As well, there will be RCGA Future Links Order of Merit points available, Golfweek ranked events, along with AJGA exemptions and performance stars available at certain events. Check back on the CJGA website in the New Year for further details.

Registration will open up online for the events starting January 1, 2010. With the majority of the events filling up on a first come, first serve basis we encourage juniors to register early to avoid missing out on an event.

ABOUT THE CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a “registered Canadian amateur athletic association” (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit http://www.cjga.com/

The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partner, LEXUS.

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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

New Office for the BCGA

Effective December 18, 2009 The BC Golf Association will now be located at...

2110, 13700 Mayfield Place
Richmond, BC
V6V 2E4

All other contact information will remain the same.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Canada’s Golf Team Announced for 2010 Copa de las Americas

Hill, Taylor, Kirby and Sherlock to represent Team Canada in Argentina January 6-9, 2010

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Team Canada members Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont., Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont. and Stephanie Sherlock of Barrie, Ont. have been selected to represent Canada at the 2010 Copa de las Americas being held January 6-9, 2010 at Buenos Aires Golf Club and Olivos Golf Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Copa de las Americas is a biennial amateur team competition for countries in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. There are three 72-hole competitions – men’s, women’s and overall – with 18 holes played on each of the four days.

Canada has enjoyed tremendous success at the Copa de las Americas since the event’s inception in 2003. Canada won the overall team championship in 2003 and 2005, the men’s team titles in 2003 and 2005 as well as the women’s title in 2003.

Canada also played host to the 2007 Copa de las Americas at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont., where the team of Keven Fortin-Simard of Roberval, Que., Graham Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont., Laura Matthews of Essex, Ont. and Stephanie Sherlock finished third overall. The men’s team finished fourth while the women’s squad finished second.

Accompanying the four-member team to Argentina as Team Canada’s Co-Captains are men’s head coach, Henry Brunton, and women’s head coach, Derek Ingram.

The venues for the 2010 Copa de las Americas – Buenos Aires Golf Club and Olivos Golf Club – are the same two golf courses that will be used during the 2010 World Amateur Team Championships, scheduled to be played in October.

Originally scheduled to be contested in 2009, the Copa de las Americas were rescheduled to 2010 due to the troubled world economy.

Matt Hill, 21, captured eight individual NCAA wins, including six in-a-row as a member of the North Carolina State Wolfpack golf team. He won his regional championship, conference (ACC) championship and the NCAA individual title. For his efforts, Hill was awarded with the Jack Nicklaus award as the NCAA’s top golfer. Hill was also a member of Canada’s winning Four Nations Cup team, won the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, tied for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship and made the cut at the PGA TOUR’s AT&T National (T70).

Nick Taylor, 21, finished first at the 2009 U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier in Roslyn, WA and went on to capture the Low Amateur Medal at the U.S. Open held at Bethpage State Park - Black Course after finishing tied for 36th. He also won the Sahalee Players Championship, was a member of Canada’s champion Four Nations Cup team, was runner-up at the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and managed a tie for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship.

The University of Washington Husky also tallied three individual victories (Hawai’i-Hilo Intercollegiate, Oregon Duck Invitational, and U.S. Intercollegiate) and a tie for medalist honours at the CordeValle Collegiate. He finished second at the NCAA Regional Championship and the Pac-10 Championship, tied for ninth at the NCAA Championship and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year as well as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Ben Hogan Award. He also was presented with the Mark H McCormack Medal which recognizes the top-ranked golfer in the R&A’s World Amateur Golf Ranking at the end of each amateur season and following the European and U.S. Amateur Championships.

Jennifer Kirby, 18, claimed a slew of titles across Canada in 2009 including the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship, the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship, the Ontario Junior Girls Championship, the 2009 CN Future Links Pacific Championship and the Toronto Star Women's Amateur Championship. This fall, she also joined the University of Alabama Crimson Tide golf team as a freshman.

Stephanie Sherlock, 22, finished third at this year’s Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship and second at the Ontario Women's Amateur. As a member of the University of Denver golf team, she finished eighth at the East Regional Championship and tied for 11th as an individual at the NCAA Championships.

Other players who have represented Canada at the Copa de las Americas include:

2007: Beacon Hall Golf Club, Aurora, Ont., Canada, June 18-24, 2007
3rd overall, 4th men’s team, 2nd women’s team
Keven Fortin-Simard, Roberval, Que.
Graham Hill, Bright’s Grove, Ont.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Stephanie Sherlock, Barrie, Ont.

2005: El Tigre Golf Club, Nueva Vallarta, Mexico, June 22-25, 2005
1st overall, 1st men’s team, 3rd women’s team
Richard Scott, Kingsville, Ont.
James Lepp, Abbotsford, B.C.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Lindsay Knowlton, Toronto, Ont.

2003: Rio Mar Country Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, June 25-28, 2003
1st overall, 1st men’s team, 1st women’s team
Peter Laws, Mississauga, Ont.
James Lepp, Abbotsford, B.C.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Lisa Meldrum, Montreal, Que.

ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
The RCGA National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. The RCGA allocates over $1 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.

The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.

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 http://www.rcga.org/

Friday, December 18, 2009

Weekly Olympic Happenings for Locals

Olympic News This Week
On December 11th John Furlong announced the creation of a new award, The Vancouver 2010 Terry Fox Award, at an event on Ottawa with the Fox family. "This award will be presented to an athlete who embodies the same values that Terry Fox did," Furlong continued. "This athlete will be someone who is the epitome of... click here to read the full blog

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Nancy Lopez Golf, Proud Sponsor of Golf Fore the Cure, Launches NEW Pink Ribbon Collection to Benefit Breast Cancer Research

World Golf Hall of Famer ‘Gives Back’ through specially-branded collection


Now there’s a way for Golfers everywhere to support the fight against Breast Cancer this Holiday Season. 10% of every online purchase from the Nancy Lopez Golf Pink Ribbon Collection will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society in support of critical Breast Cancer Research here in Canada.

Nancy Lopez Golf has been a proud sponsor of the RCGA Golf Fore the Cure program for the past three years – the largest grassroots recreational golf participation program for women in Canada. 48-time LPGA Tour winner Nancy Lopez and her company are now extending that support into a year-round fundraising initiative.

“The exciting part about launching this special Pink Ribbon Collection is the important donation to Breast Cancer Research that every sale will generate, and we at Nancy Lopez Golf are proud to support such an important cause,” comments Lopez.

The Nancy Lopez Golf Pink Ribbon Collection includes a complete selection of ladies’ apparel – shirts, vests, caps and visors – equipment packages and golf balls. Each item is branded with the iconic Pink Ribbon symbol, and product tags proudly display the Cancer Society’s ‘Proud Supporter’ logo.

Ladies, you’re going to love the Pink Ribbon Collection... quality products, in a variety of ‘pink ribbon’ colours ... pink, black, white, silver, beige – sure to please everyone on your Holiday Shopping List. Golfers and non-Golfers alike will enjoy this Collection... especially those planning to head south this winter! Lopez shirts feature a unique Desert DryTM moisture wicking system to keep you cool, no matter how hot things get! The fashionable styles and lightweight fabrics fit perfectly into any ‘casual’ wardrobe and travel extremely well.

And, guys... the Pink Ribbon Collection offers you wonderful Holiday gift ideas for the special ladies on your list. In addition to apparel, three Pink Ribbon equipment packages will certainly bring a smile to the special lady Golfer on your list... Ashley Elle series 10-pc set with head covers and two bag choices, or the Ashley Elle series Smart Set with matching head covers and bag.

Purchasing online at www.NancyLopezGolf.com makes Holiday Shopping easy. View the Collection and fill your cart right from the comfort of your home. Not only will your order arrive on your doorstep within a few days, but as an RCGA member, you enjoy the benefit of FREE Shipping!

SIMPLY USE RCGAMEMBER AS YOUR PROMO CODE DURING CHECKOUT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL OFFER.

Cancer has touched the lives of Canadians everywhere ... in 2009, an average of 437 Canadian women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer every week. A gift from the Nancy Lopez Golf Pink Ribbon Collection will be a gift that also gives much-needed research funding to find a cure for this dreaded disease ... a gift that gives twice.

Visit http://www.nancylopezgolf.com/ to start your Holiday Shopping today!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Should Martin Brodeur Be Team Canada's Starting Goalie

Brodeur Becomes a US Citizen
This blog doesn't come with the sex appeal or potential scandal of Tiger Wood's recent escapades and even the media didn't really grab on to this story like they did with the great one (Tiger not Wayne). Maybe the timing was too close to run both stories? However when Martin Brodeur became a U.S. citizen did he also give up his right to represent our country in the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics?

Can a US Citizen Play for Canada?
Brodeur, who at 37 has played his entire NHL career with the New Jersey Devils, passed his citizenship test and has dual citizenship in Canada and the United States. However, as ... READ MORE

Monday, December 7, 2009

Graham DeLaet Wins 2010 PGA Tour Card

DeLaet Joins PGA Tour in 2010
Canada's Graham DeLaet will be joining Mike Wier, Stephan Ames and Chris Baryla on the PGA Tour in 2010.  DeLaet earned his PGA Tour card with a T8 finish at the 2010 Tour school finishing at 15 under par for the 6 round test of golf.

Congratulations Graham!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Canada’s Nick Taylor Presented with The Mark H McCormack Medal in Special Ceremony at University of Washington

St. Andrews, Scotland (Courtesy of the R&A) - Canada’s Nick Taylor, a member of Team Canada, was presented with the Mark H McCormack Medal last weekend. The Medal was presented by Steve Sander, on behalf of The R&A, during a special ceremony at the University of Washington, where Taylor is in his senior year. The award recognizes the top-ranked golfer in the World Amateur Golf Ranking at the end of the amateur season and following the European and US Amateur Championships.

The 22-year-old from Abbotsford, B.C., had a truly outstanding season. Taylor ascended five places to the top of the R&A’s Ranking in June after heading the U.S. Open sectional qualifying at Tumble Creek, Washington, at which the First Team All-American finished two shots clear of the largely professional field, and claimed one of the two places available.

He maintained that form in the U.S. Open itself at Bethpage State Park. In the process of achieving an impressive 36th-place finish – the low amateur – on the formidable Black Course, Taylor shot a second-round 65, the joint-lowest score by an amateur in the Championship’s history, to make the cut in tied-seventh position.

He followed his Bethpage performance with a win at his next tournament, the Salahee Players Championship in Sammamish, Washington, before finishing runner-up at the U.S. Public Links Championship at the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club in Norman, Oklahoma.

By the end of his junior year at the University of Washington he had rewritten the school’s record book, becoming Washington’s first Pac-10 Player of the Year, registering the most collegiate victories in a single year (4), the lowest 54-hole total (198) and the lowest third-round score (63).

Taylor topped the World Amateur Golf Ranking for 21 weeks before being displaced by France’s Victor Dubuisson. Taylor is currently ranked third behind Dubuisson and Italy’s Matteo Manassero.

THE MARK H MCCORMACK MEDA
The Mark H McCormack Medal is awarded to the player ranked number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking after the European Amateur Championship or US Amateur Championship, whichever is the last to conclude. The award is named after Mark H McCormack, the late founder of sports marketing company IMG and an avid supporter of amateur golf.

ABOUT THE R&A
Based in St Andrews, The R&A is golf's governing body and organiser of The Open Championship. The R&A is committed to working for golf and operates with the consent of 136 organisations from the amateur and professional game and on behalf of over 30 million golfers in 123 countries.

ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
The RCGA National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. The RCGA allocates over $1 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.
The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.

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.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Steve Carroll Joins the RCGA in Newly Created Membership & Business Development Position

Former Canadian PGA Executive Director entrusted with engaging and collaborating with the Canadian golf industry to help build the RCGA’s Membership base and program.

Oakville, ON. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that Steve Carroll has been named the Association’s new Director of Membership and Business Development.
Carroll most recently served as Executive Director of the Canadian PGA, finishing his 22-year tenure with the CPGA on October 31, 2009. His deep roots in the Canadian golf industry, stellar record of success with the Canadian PGA and extensive contact base across provincial and national golf administration circles made him a perfect fit for the RCGA’s new role aimed at growing its membership base and enhancing the RCGA’s relationship with its customers and stakeholders across the country.

“This is a very exciting day for the RCGA and golf in Canada and we are delighted to have someone of Steve’s credibility and experiences in the Canadian golf industry join our team,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. ”Steve demonstrated tremendous leadership during his tenure with the CPGA and more recently as NAGA Chair and spokesperson for the recently announced Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study. He holds a valuable knowledge of the RCGA, Canadian PGA and other golf associations in Canada and has gained an incredible level of respect through his proven record of career success in senior executive positions. We are confident that Steve is the right person to engage the Canadian golf industry and help create and articulate a bold new vision for the future direction of our sport in Canada that will resonate and be proudly supported by the Canadian golf consumer.”

As Director of Membership and Business Development for Ontario and Atlantic Canada, Carroll will be responsible for the growth of membership programs and relationship management objectives. A key member of the RCGA’s Membership Team led by newly appointed Chief Operating Officer Peter Beresford, Carroll will assist with the development and execution of Golf Canada branded membership programs. In addition, Carroll will recruit, train and manage Golf Canada Ambassador volunteers and will be counted on to help increase the profile and awareness of Team Canada in Ontario and Eastern Canada.

“I have such deep respect for the leadership and vision of Scott Simmons and have developed such positive working relationships with many of the existing RCGA staff and Directors that this transition in my career feels like moving from one family to another,” said Carroll. “There are thousands of Canadians who make significant contributions to the industry and game in this country along with many thousands more in Canada who through their passion for the game have elevated Canada to the highest participation levels in the world. I welcome the challenge and look forward to working with the Board, staff, and all RCGA partners across the country to develop even more pride and support for the growth and development of our sport across Canada.”

Carroll joins the RCGA following a successful 22-year executive management career with the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association, including a 13-year stint as Executive Director of the Canadian PGA’s BC Zone and most recently five years as the Canadian PGA’s national Executive Director. During that time he and his teams have delivered enhanced member value, key reforms in strategic planning and governance areas and many new partnerships and improved profile for the Canadian PGA with corporate Canada, government agencies and golf associations in Canada and around the world.

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, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum and CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, 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 http://www.rcga.org/

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Ben Boudreau Steals the Show at the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship

Port St. Lucie, Florida (November 25, 2009) Ben Boudreau of Longueuil, QC stole the show at the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship after he birdied the 18th hole in regulation and then birdied it again in a playoff to claim the Canadian PGA National Championship over first and second round leader Jeff Buder of Vancouver, BC.

Canadian PGA TV clips of the final putt and an interview with Boudreau are available at http://www.cpga.com/

“I was two shots back on the final hole but I thought if I could hit a big drive down the fairway I would have a chance to make a birdie and I just tried to do it all over again in the playoff,” said Boudreau, who now earns an exemption into the 2010 RBC Canadian Open at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto. “Jeff and I had a wild fight all day long and I know he is a little disappointed but he played great golf all week and I’m just happy to be the last man standing.”

Boudreau, Head Professional at Le Parcours Du Cerf, made four birdies and no bogies during his trip around the Wanamaker Course at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida but it was his back-to-back birdies on the hardest hole on the golf course for the win that had everyone talking after the round.

“He had to putt first to save his par before I had a shot at my birdie on the last hole and when he missed it I said to myself this is it, just knock it in,” said Boudreau, who just got back from the final stage of Champions Tour Q-School where he finished tied for 72nd place.

Boudreau, who played in the 1994 Canadian Open at Glen Abbey, looked like he was going to run out of steam in his pursuit of Buder but after making great par saves on the 16th and 17th hole the dramatics for the 18th hole fell into place.

“I’m so excited to play in the Canadian Open next year at St. George’s,” said Boudreau, who’s scorecard was surprisingly vacant of any birdies on the par-5’s in the final round, rare considering he is one of the longest players in the field. “I don’t know how I did it but I didn’t think about it all day until the final putt dropped.”

Buder pegged it in one of the first groups in round one and lead the Championship for almost 54 straight holes but an errant tee shot into the left fairway bunker on the 18th hole led to a bogey and allowed Boudreau the chance to sneak in the birdie for the tie.

“I’m obviously a bit disappointed not to close it out but my hat is off to Ben after making birdie on the hardest hole on this entire golf course, not once but twice,” said Buder, Head Professional of Point Grey Golf & Country Club. “I had a fun week and I’ll be back next year to see if I can win this thing.”

2005 & 2006 Champion Danny King fired a 4-under par 68 to finish alone in 3rd place. If not for a double bogey on the ninth hole King would have joined the playoff with Boudreau and Buder.

Almost 90% of the 105 Canadian PGA Professionals that played in the Championship used SkyCaddie – Official Rangefinder of the Canadian PGA during the event, contributing to the fantastic pace of play throughout the week.

Boudreau wins $12, 000 for the victory and will also receive an exemption into the 2010 RBC Canadian Open to be held at St. George's Golf and Country Club in Toronto, 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 quali! ty 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 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.cpga.com/


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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Buder Still Leads but the Gap Tightens at the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship

Port St. Lucie, Florida (November 24, 2009) Jeff Buder of Vancouver, BC followed up his scorching first round score of 64 with an even-par 72 on Tuesday to carry a three shot lead into the final round of the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship over Ben Boudreau of Longueuil, QC and 2007 Champion Eric Landreville of Melocheville, QC.

Canadian PGA TV interviews and live scoring results can be found at http://www.cpga.com/

“It was little breezy out there today and the greens were a little bumpier because we played in the afternoon,” said Buder, who missed the 2008 version of this event because he was renovating his pro shop at Point Grey Golf & Country Club. “I just didn’t hit enough great shots today like I did yesterday but maybe I’m saving them up for the final round tomorrow.”

Buder, Head Professional at Point Grey Golf & Country Club, birdied his first hole of the day to increase his lead to five shots but followed it up with bogies on his 7th and 9th holes of the day before making one final birdie on the way back to the clubhouse at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

“Today was a funny day out there for me,” said Buder, who played collegiate golf at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. “I seemed to get some interesting breaks including some putts that had old cups in the middle of my line but that’s just golf and something we all have to deal with.”

Buder is rooming with close friend and defending champion Kyle German of Surrey, BC and is actually staying in the exact same room that German did last year when he won this National Championship.

“The champion gets to pick the biggest room so we gave Kyle the big suite and I’m down in the basement hoping to get the same luck that he had last year in the final round,” stated Buder.

2007 Champion Eric Landreville of Melocheville, QC made six birdies en route to a second round 70 to sit at 5-under par for the Championship.

“I played some sloppy golf today with too many little mistakes around the green,” said Landreville, who played in the 2008 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey thanks to the winning exemption. “I’m excited for tomorrow, I really like this golf course and I know I can make up some ground if I can just minimize the mistakes.”

Boudreau moved up the leaderboard in a hurry after a blistering front nine score of 5-under par 31 that included five birdies on the opening side. Boudreau kept it steady on the back nine until the 18th hole where he made a double bogey after hitting his tee shot into the hazard just off the fairway to close with a 3-under par 69.

The low round of the day belonged to Geoff Kehler of Selkirk, MB who fired a second round 7-under par 65 that included six birdies, an eagle and two bogies. Kehler now sits at 2-under par for the Championship.

The turnaround of the day belonged to Jeff Chambers of Swift Current, SK who fired a scorching 6-under par 66 in round two to rebound after his opening round score of 83. Chambers, Head Professional at Elmwood Golf & Country Club and a rookie in this event, commented that going back to the basics is what caused the seventeen shot difference for him.

“I’ve always been known for having a tiny pause at the top of my backswing and for some reason I just forgot about it in the first round,” stated Chambers, who’s wife Carrie caddied for him in the second round. “I put that pause back in today and the game seemed a whole lot easier when I did.”

Scott Allred of Calgary started the round in second place but stumbled to a 5-over par 77 in round two to sit in a tie for 18th heading into the final round tomorrow.

The Ontario Team stormed back in the second round to secure the InterZone Competition by one shot over Team Quebec and two shots over Team BC. Ontario’s winning score of 426 (-6) were a combination of scores from Ken Tarling (70), Danny King (72), Bruce Rogerson (73) & Ian Doig (74).

The $5000, 36-hole InterZone competition consists of teams of four players representing one of the nine Zones of the Canadian PGA. The team score is made up of the best three scores each day for the first two rounds at the CPC.

The CPC purse is $85,000 and the Champion will also receive an exemption into the 2010 RBC Canadian Open to be held at St. George's Golf and Country Club in Toronto, 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 http://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 qualit! y 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.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.cpga.com/
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Monday, November 23, 2009

Jeff Buder Goes Low to Lead the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship

Port St. Lucie, Florida (November 23, 2009) Jeff Buder of Vancouver, BC fired a 8-under par 64 in the first round of the 2009 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship to open a four shot lead over Scott Allred of Calgary.
Canadian PGA TV interviews and live scoring available at http://www.cpga.com/ .
Buder, Head Professional at Point Grey Golf & Country Club, enjoyed a stress free tour around the Wanamaker Golf Course at PGA Golf Club recording eight birdies and eleven pars and he only missed one green in regulation.
“I’ve had this date circled on the calendar for two years since I couldn’t come down at play last year,” said Buder, referring to his absence last year due to renovations in his pro shop. “I absolutely love coming down here and I seem to get off to some great starts so hopefully I can keep it going this time.”
Buder pegged it early in the third group of the day and cruised around the opening nine at 3-under par before knocking in birdies on 10, 11, 12, 14 & 16 on the back nine to end up in the Canadian PGA scoring tent with a smile on his face.
“I was actually a little nervous on the first few holes as I haven’t played a competitive round in about three months but I rolled in about a 90 foot putt on the 4th hole that I thought might be a good sign for the day and that seemed to calm me down a bit,” said Buder, who has enjoyed success over the last few years at the PGA Golf Club, finishing in a tie for 4th in 2005 and a tie for 5th in 2006.
Buder’s round of 64 was two shots off the course record that was set only a few weeks ago at the PGA Tour’s First Stage of Qualifying School by Canadian Tour player Hugo Leon.
Allred, Head Professional at Elbow Springs Golf Club, fired the same score in the first round as he did a year ago in the opening round. Last year he was the overnight leader, this year he sits four shots back.
“I hit the ball so well out there today, as good as I’ve hit it in a long time,” said Allred, who finished tied for 9th place in 2008 at this event. “I had a chance to roll in some more putts to get even closer to Buder but I’ll take it after day one.”
2005 & 2006 Champion Danny King, Head Teaching Professional at Magna Golf Club and 2007 Champion Eric Landreville of Club De Golf Belle Vue sit in a tie for 3rd place after opening rounds of 3-under par 69.
Defending Champion Kyle German of Surrey, BC opened with a 1-over par 73 largely due to a shaky putter.
“I was surprised that my putter was shaky today as usually it’s my bread and butter,” stated German, who spoke to his fellow competitors at Sunday night’s Canadian PGA Awards Show about the thrill of being the National Club Professional Champion and playing in the RBC Canadian Open. “I can’t believe how different the course is playing this year with completely opposite conditions than last year and I think I may have given my pal Jeff Buder too many tips in the practice rounds.”

German is currently writing a daily blog after his rounds at the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship over at http://http://www.golfnewsnow.ca/
The British Columbia team leads the InterZone Competition by one shot with a score of 210 (-6). Team Ontario trails by a single shot and Team Quebec sits two shots back from the lead. The B.C. team is made up of Buder (64), Darryl Stubbs (72) , Scott Dickson (74) & Ross Mantell (76) . The Ontario team consists of King (69), Ian Doig (71), Ken Tarling (71) & Bruce Rogerson (73). Team Quebec consists of Landreville (69), Eric Laporte (71), Daniel Talbot (72) Marc Girouard (72).
The $5000, 36-hole InterZone competition consists of teams of four players representing one of the nine Zones of the Canadian PGA. The team score is made up of the best three scores each day for the first two rounds at the CPC.
The 2009 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian Club Professional Championship was kicked off last night with the Canadian PGA Awards Show. Plaques were presented to the 2008 Canadian PGA National Award Winners: Mike Kelly – Jack McLaughlin Junior Teacher of the Year, Tim Moore – Merchandiser of the Year, Rob Anderson – DELL Teacher Professional of the Year and Bill Wogden – Club Professional of the Year.
The CPC purse is $85,000 and the Champion will also receive an exemption into the 2010 RBC Canadian Open to be held at St. George's Golf and Country Club in Toronto, 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 qualit! y 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.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.cpga.com/
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Friday, November 20, 2009

RCGA Names Golfers to 2010 Team Canada

11 athletes selected to represent Team Canada; Under-22 Development Team welcomes six players

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today the names of the athletes who have been selected to join Team Canada’s 2010 golf team.
In all, 11 players comprise Team Canada including five on the men’s side and six on the women’s. Team Canada welcomes back six returning players, a trio of Development Team members graduating to the amateur ranks, one athlete returning after a year hiatus and the addition of a single rookie.

Coming off a stellar 2009 campaign, Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., will anchor the 2010 edition of the men’s Team Canada squad. The 21-year old was solidified as one of the world’s most predominant amateur golfers in 2009. After finishing first at the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier in Roslyn, WA, Taylor went on to capture the Low Amateur Medal at the U.S. Open held at Bethpage State Park - Black Course after finishing tied for 36th.

Taylor also captured the Sahalee Players Championship, was a member of Canada’s champion Four Nations Cup team, was runner-up at the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and managed a tied for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship.

The University of Washington Husky also enjoyed great success on the NCAA circuit with three individual victories (Hawai’i-Hilo Intercollegiate, Oregon Duck Invitational, and U.S. Intercollegiate) and a tie for medalist honours at the CordeValle Collegiate. He also finished second at the NCAA Regional Championship and the Pac-10 Championship, tied for ninth at the NCAA Championship and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year as well as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Ben Hogan Award.

Taylor was also ranked No. 1 on the Royal and Ancient’s (R&A) World Amateur Golf Ranking for 21 weeks.

Returning Team Canada member and Bright’s Grove, Ont. native, Matt Hill, also catapulted himself to international notoriety with an outstanding 2009 golf season. The 21-year old North Carolina State sophomore rewrote collegiate golf’s record books with eight individual NCAA wins, including six in a row.
He became only the second Canadian to win the NCAA Individual Championship and the first since Tiger Woods to win his regional championship, conference (ACC) championship and the NCAA individual title. For his efforts, Hill was awarded with the Jack Nicklaus award as the NCAA’s top golfer.

Hill was also a member of Canada’s winning Four Nations Cup team, won the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, tied for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship and made the cut at the PGA TOUR’s AT&T National (T70).

Hill also enjoyed notoriety on the R&A’s World Amateur Golf Rankings, spending consecutive weeks ranked as the No. 2 player.

Eugene Wong, 19, of North Vancouver, B.C. returns to Team Canada fresh off a solid 2009 season. Wong’s accomplishments in 2009 include making it to second round of match play at the British Amateur Championship, a tie for 10th at the Canadian amateur and a tie for 19th at the Sahalee Players Championship.

Collegiately, as a member of the University of Oregon Ducks, Wong tied for ninth at the Pac-10 Championship and tied for fifth at the West Regional Championship.
Wong, who was a member of Team Canada’s Developmental Team in 2007, also captured victory as part of Canada’s winning Four Nations Cup contingent.

New to Team Canada for 2010 is 22-year old, two-time Canadian Amateur Champion (2008, 2009) Cam Burke of New Hamburg, Ont. In 2009, the Eastern Michigan Eagle became just the fourth person to win back-to-back Canadian Amateur titles, rounding out his 2009 season with a third place finish at the Ontario Amateur Championship.

Mitch Sutton, 18, of London, Ont., a two-time Canadian Junior Champion (2008, 2009) graduates from Canada’s Developmental Team to join Team Canada after a standout season.

In addition to successfully defending his Canadian Junior title, Sutton finished second at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship, tied for eighth at the Ontario Men's Amateur Championship, won the Ontario Junior Boys Match Play Championship as well as the Ontario Men's Better-Ball Championship. Sutton also joins Team Canada teammate Matt Hill this fall as a member of the N.C. State Wolfpack golf team.

On the women’s side, Team Canada will have one of the strongest teams in years with a lineup of seasoned experience and exuberant youth. The 2010 women’s team includes Sara Maude Juneau of Fossambault, Que., Stephanie Sherlock of Barrie, Ont., Maude-Aimée LeBlanc of Sherbrooke, Que., Sue Kim of Langley, B.C., Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont. and Nicole Vandermade of Brantford, Ont. All six players enjoyed tremendous success in 2009.

Rejoining the National Team program after a year hiatus is Sara Maude Juneau. Juneau, 22, is a junior at the University of Louisville, where she finished last season ranked second on the team with a 74.5 stroke average and had one top 10 finish and two top 20 finishes. She was also named an All-BIG EAST selection for the second consecutive season, finished third in the Royale Cup Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and qualified for her third U.S. Amateur after winning her qualifier, where she advanced to the first round of match play.

Sherlock, 22, joins Team Canada for a fourth season. Last year she finished third at the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship and second at the Ontario Women's Amateur. As a member of the University of Denver golf team, she finished eighth at the East Regional Championship and tied for 11th as an individual at the NCAA Championships.

In 2009, LeBlanc, who plays for the Purdue Boilermakers golf team, amassed a fourth place individual finish at the Women’s Central Regional Championship in addition to a tie for seventh at the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship and a win at the Quebec Ladies Amateur Championship. LeBlanc, now 20, returns for a third year with Team Canada. She also spent a year with Team Canada’s Developmental Team in 2006.

Kim, a freshman at the University of Denver, continued to build upon her successes from 2008. Last summer, the 18-year old tallied a tie for fourth at the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship, a second place finish at the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship, a fourth place finish at the CN Future Links Pacific Championship and a third place finish at the B.C. Women’s Amateur Championship.

Kirby is coming off of one of the most impressive amateur years in Canadian history. In 2008, the 18-year old claimed a slew of titles across Canada including the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship, the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship, the Ontario Women' s Amateur Championship, the Ontario Junior Girls Championship, the 2009 CN Future Links Pacific Championship and the Toronto Star Women's Amateur Championship. This fall, she also joins the University of Alabama Crimson Tide golf team as a freshman.

Vandermade, 19, is a sophomore at the University of Texas. Her summer included a sixth place finish at the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship and a third place finish at the Ontario Women's Amateur Championship. She also made it to the round of 32 at the British Amateur Championship.
As part of Team Canada, the RCGA also named a 22-and-under Development Team which features three male and three female athletes. One additional male Development Team member will be named to join the team by March 31, 2010. The Development Team is designed to help facilitate the continued development for Canada’s top young players.

“We are proud, excited and privileged to welcome each of these athletes to Team Canada for 2010,” said Jeff Thompson, the RCGA’s Chief Sport Development Officer. “2009 was a monumental year for Canada’s most promising young golfers and we look to build upon those results for the upcoming season.”
The 2010 coaching team will consist of Master Canadian PGA Professional Henry Brunton who is returning as the men’s coach and newly appointed Derek Ingram as the women’s coach. Robert Ratcliffe will also return as women's assistant coach.

Team Canada is designed to offer athletes a year-round environment which incorporates state of the art coaching and sport science expertise. The intent of this aggressive program is to aid Canada’s top up and coming amateur players in all areas of their development to produce the best golfers in the world.

The program encompasses fitness, sports psychology, nutrition, technique development and exposure to international competition. Leaders in the field of sport science are an integral aspect of building and executing the program from the perspective of mental management, strength and conditioning as well as planning and periodization.

The RCGA’s Player Development programs have helped to foster the development of many Canadian players including; Jon Mills, Alena Sharp, David Hearn; Brad Fritsch, Chris Baryla, Richard Scott, James Lepp, Jessica Shepley and Cindy Pasechnik.

The following athletes have been selected to golf’s 2010 Team Canada

Team Canada – Women
Sara Maude Juneau, Fossambault, Que.
Jennifer Kirby, Paris, Ont.
Sue Kim, Langley, B.C.
Maude-Aimée LeBlanc, Windsor, Que.
Stephanie Sherlock, Barrie, Ont.
Nicole Vandermade, Brantford, Ont.

Team Canada – Men
Cam Burke, New Hamburg, Ont.
Matt Hill, Bright’s Grove, Ont.
Mitch Sutton, London, Ont.
Nick Taylor, Abbotsford, B.C.
Eugene Wong, North Vancouver, B.C.
The following athletes have been selected to the 2010 Team Canada - Development Team (22-and-under):

Women’s Development Team
Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Toronto, Ont.
Anne Catherine Tanguay, Quebec City, Que.
Christine Wong, Richmond, B.C.

Men’s Development Team
Albin Choi, Toronto, Ont.
Corey Conners, Listowel, Ont.
Richard Jung, Toronto, Ont.
TBD (March 31, 2010)

ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
The RCGA National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. The RCGA allocates over $1 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.
Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.
The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

'Movember' and the Canadian PGA

In the beginning - Movember

Movember is a term coined by some Australian Men in 1999 referencing the terms Moustache and November. Movember is a fundraiser created to raise awareness and funds for Men's health issues in particular prostate Cancer. Since 2004 the Movember Foundation charity has... click here to read the full blog

Monday, November 16, 2009

Ames Ends Canada's PGA Tour Shutout

Canadian Stephen Ames Breaks the Shutout on the PGA Tour

It took until the final day of the final round of the final Official PGA Tour event of the 2009 season for Canadian Stephen Ames to break a two year winless drought on the PGA Tour for Canada. Ames did it in dramatic fashion, closing with a 8 under par...read more

Monday, November 9, 2009

RCGA Names Derek Ingram as Women’s Head Golf Coach for Team Canada

Manitoba native and former Men’s Assistant Coach takes on senior role with RCGA National Amateur Golf Team coaching staff

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association announced today that Derek Ingram of Winnipeg has been named Head Coach of the Women’s National Amateur Golf Team.

Prior to being named Women’s Head Coach, Ingram formerly served the past five years as Men’s Assistant Coach for Team Canada. Ingram, a seven-time winner of the Manitoba PGA Teacher of the Year Award, has been involved with the RCGA’s High Performance Program for the past nine years.

“Derek has been a valuable member of our Team Canada coaching staff over the past nine years and we are pleased to have him take on the role of Head Coach for the Women’s National Amateur Golf Team,” said Jeff Thompson, Chief Sport Development Officer with the RCGA. “Through his passion and contagious enthusiasm, he has proven himself to be a world-caliber coach and gifted teacher with a tremendous ability to both educate and motivate high performance athletes.”

Ingram takes over the role of Team Canada Women’s Golf Head Coach from Dean Spriddle who stepped down from the position last week.

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to take on an increased coaching role with Team Canada,” said Ingram, a two time recipient of the Canadian PGA Teacher of the Year Award. “Dean (Spriddle) is a great coach and has been an excellent colleague and friend so I wish him the very best of success in his coaching journey and family life. We have some tremendously talented young golfers involved with the National Amateur Team Program and while Dean has left some big shoes to fill, I am excited about building on the team’s previous success and helping to develop world class athletes.”

Besides Ingram, Team Canada’s coaching staff includes Men’s Head Coach Henry Brunton as well as Women’s Assistant Coach Robert Ratcliffe. RCGA Chief Sport Development Officer, Jeff Thompson ,will continue to oversee the program working closely with Doug Roxburgh, the RCGA’s Director of High Performance as well as the sports science team of Dr. Penny Werthner, Dr. Greg Wells and Greg Redman. The search to fill the position of Men’s Assistant Coach will begin immediately.

ABOUT DEREK INGRAM
Derek Ingram is one of Canada’s top golf coaches. He is a two time recipient of the Canadian PGA Teacher of the Year Award (2003 & 2007) and a seven time winner of the Manitoba PGA Teacher of the Year Award. Derek has been selected as one of the top 10 coaches in Canada by the National Post, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, and a Top 50 Teacher in North America by Golf Range Magazine.

For the past nine years, he has coached Canada’s National Teams over 10 times internationally and co-authored two books on improving your golf mental skills. Derek is a very skilled player as well, competing on the Canadian Tour for two years and winning the Manitoba PGA Player of the Year Award in 2003 and 2008. Derek is always engaging in higher education and has a thirst for acquiring knowledge that will help his students.

ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
The RCGA National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. The RCGA allocates over $1 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, and elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.

The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org.

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.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Monday, November 2, 2009

Jeff Ciecko on Social Media

Jeff Ciecko, CK Golf Solutions, will be speaking on social media at the upcoming National Golf Course Owners Association Conference and Trade Show. The session is titled 'Social Medaia, What is it and how can I use it for my business?'. Jeff's session will be on Wednesday November 11th from 4:30 to 5:45 PM.

The Conference is at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver, B.C. View the full conference program here!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Dean Spriddle Steps Down as Team Canada Women’s Head Coach

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that Dean Spriddle has stepped down as Head Coach of the Women’s National Amateur Golf Team.

Spriddle, a native of Scotland who currently resides in Lethbridge, Alta., will be parting ways with the RCGA’s National Team Program to focus on family commitments and pursue personal business and coaching ventures.

Spriddle steps down following 10 years of service with both the RCGA and former Canadian Ladies Golf Association (CLGA) High Performance programs. During his tenure, Spriddle helped guide Team Canada to both second and fourth place finishes at the Women’s World Amateur Team Championships.

“I want to thank all the players over the years as well as the entire coaching and support staff that have helped make this the best job in the world,” said Spriddle. “Players such as Laura Matthews, Mary Ann Lapointe, Marilyn O Connor, Diane Williams, Kira Meixner, Stephanie Sherlock and more recently Jennifer Kirby, Sue Kim and Nicole Vandermade have made coaching a pleasure and a great challenge. I also can’t say enough about my fellow coaches Robert Radcliffe, Henry Brunton and Derek Ingram as well as Dr. Greg Wells, Dana Sinclair and Greg Redman who I consider to be among the best coaches and sport scientists in the country if not the world. While it’s time for me to move in a new direction in my own coaching journey, I know that Team Canada will continue to get better and I wish them all the best. I am now looking forward to working with young golfers as well spending more time with my own kids teaching and playing the game that I love.”

“On behalf of the RCGA and everyone involved with the National Team Program, I want to thank Dean Spriddle for his tireless efforts and commitment to our high performance initiatives,” said Jeff Thompson, Chief Sport Development Officer with the RCGA. “Dean has been a valued member of our coaching staff and major contributor to the growing success of Team Canada over the years and we wish him the very best as he moves on to the next stage of his career.”

ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
The RCGA National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. The RCGA allocates over $1 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.

The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org.

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.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

LPGA Names Michael Whan as its Commissioner

Sports, Golf executive assumes helm following extensive three-month search

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., October 28, 2009 - Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Board of Directors Chairman Dawn Hudson announced today that the LPGA Board has named Michael Whan the LPGA's new Commissioner. Whan, most recently President and Chief Executive Officer of Mission-Itech Hockey, has a personal and professional background in golf, including serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager (North American Region) for Taylormade-adidas Golf.

The appointment follows an extensive three-month international search led by an LPGA Search Committee comprised of LPGA Board player members Juli Inkster and Helen Alfredsson along with fellow LPGA Board members Bill Morton and Leslie Greis, who chaired the Committee.

"We established very strict criteria for the position of Commissioner and Mike impressed us not only with his background and intellect but also his passion for golf," Hudson said. "I commend the Search Committee for their exhaustive work and commitment, and we look forward to the months and years ahead with Mike as our Commissioner. We also owe a great debt of gratitude to Acting Commissioner Marty Evans. Her success over the past three months during a potentially difficult transition period not only allowed the Search Committee time to conduct a thorough search but also has provided our new Commissioner with positive momentum and a revitalized platform upon which to grow the LPGA in the sports and business marketplace."

Evans will work with Whan during a transition period before he officially assumes the Commissioner helm in January 2010. Both Whan and Evans will attend the LPGA Tour Championship Presented by Rolex the week of November 16 in Houston, where a player meeting will be held and the 2010 LPGA season schedule will be released.

"The LPGA is a resurging, resilient association, and Mike will be a leader around which the wonderful LPGA staff and all of our stakeholders-players, fans, sponsors, TV partners, tournament owners and others-will rally," Evans said. "Mike will enjoy working within the reenergized climate of collaboration that we've all worked so hard to create this season. I'm looking forward to working closely with him during the transition period as we celebrate the close of a tremendous season and look forward to the LPGA's 60th year in 2010."

"It is rare to work for an organization that combines all the passions in your life, but with the LPGA, I feel I've been presented with the unique opportunity to do just that," Whan said. "First, this is an association surrounded by passionate, value-driven people. Second, I'm energized by brand building and the work involved in marketing and growing a sport. Third, I simply love the game of golf-both the life lessons it teaches and the friendships it helps create."

Whan, 44, started his business career at the Procter & Gamble Company in 1987, rising within the ranks as a brand assistant, Brand Manager and eventually Director of Marketing, Oral Care, before branching out to follow his passion for sports. In 1994-95, he served as a Vice President and General Manager at the Wilson Sporting Goods Company responsible for all aspects of the golf ball and glove business. He also managed the marketing department, two manufacturing facilities and the Research & Development division.

At the TaylorMade Golf Company, Whan started as Vice President Marketing and over the course of his four-year tenure was promoted to Vice President, Sales and Marketing and eventually EVP/General Manager-North America for Taylormade-adidas Golf. In his role as General Manager, Whan's business unit represented more than 70 percent of the company's worldwide sales and profit.

"Mike possesses substantial leadership experience in golf and sports, the ability to build consensus in complex organizations and a proven track record of building brands," Greis said. "Equally important, his passion for golf is palpable, having grown up playing golf with his father and friends. Mike was the kid hanging around the golf courses, cutting the greens and caddying to earn extra money. He's a great fit for the LPGA on both a professional and personal level."

Whan served as President/Chief Marketing Officer for Britesmile, Inc., from 1999-2002, before returning to sports at Mission Hockey, a hockey equipment company. During his seven-year tenure in the hockey business, he restructured and redefined the company, then acquired Itech Sports to create Mission-Itech Hockey. When Whan finalized the sale of Mission-Itech Hockey late last year, it commanded market share leadership in nine product categories, sales in more than 30 countries and had more than 50 percent of the National Hockey League (NHL) players using the brands.

"We interviewed a number of great candidates, but Mike really stood out as someone with integrity, honesty and a life-long passion for the sport," Alfredsson said. "He will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the LPGA at a critical time for our association." Added Inkster: "Mike clearly demonstrated a desire to make sure that the LPGA remains the best women's sports organization in the world. He has the whole package of what we were looking for, and he'll do what's needed to make sure that we're successful."

Whan will serve as the LPGA's eighth Commissioner. He and his wife, Meg, and his three children, Austin (15), Wesley (13) and Connor (12), currently live in California and will relocate to Florida, home of the LPGA Headquarters, next year.

The LPGA Board of Directors consists of player members Alfredsson, Inkster, Michelle Ellis, Sherri Steinhauer, Pat Hurst, Christina Kim and Stacy Prammanasudh; Patti Benson, national president of the LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals; and independent directors Hudson, Greis, Morton, Bill Susetka and Nancy Wiese.

About the Ladies Professional Golf Association

The LPGA was founded in 1950 and today boasts a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and more than 1,300 dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Players on the LPGA Tour, who represent more than 25 countries, compete globally showcasing the very best of women's professional golf. LPGA T&CP members directly impact the growth of the game through teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf. The LPGA's Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world. Its Mission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information on the LPGA, log on to http://www.lpga.com/.

Media Contact:
David Higdon, LPGA Chief Communications Officer, david.higdon@lpga.com, +1 386/843-007
Kim Berard, LPGA PR Manager, kim.berard@lpga.com, +1 386/843-0077

Monday, October 26, 2009

Canadian Earns PGA Tour Card

PGA Tour to Welcome Chris Baryla in 2010
Vernon, B.C. Boy Earns Way to the Big League
Congratulations to Vernon, B.C.’s Chris Baryla on securing his 2010 PGA Tour be finishing in the top 25 on the 2009 Nationwide Tour. Baryla, 27, finished the season strong with a victory in the third last event of the season. The win was worth $90,000 and Baryla finished up the year with a tie for seventh in the final event earning him another $29,100. The top 25 players received their 2010 PGA Tour playing privileges following Sunday’s Nationwide Tour Championship. Baryla finished in 19th place on the year end money list with $217,680.

Injury Hampered Progress in 08’
Baryla is coming off an injury plagued 2008 season in which on only started in seven events and made just one cut. “To be able to come back after having my back injury and Monday qualifying into the events and make it into the top 25 is awesome,” said Baryla. This year Baryla, who was born in Calgary, AB and resides in Vernon, B.C., played in 14 events and made 13 cuts with one victory and five top 10 finishes. He also finished the season with a commendable 69.87 scoring average on the Nationwide Tour. He played in three PGA Tour events in 2009, making one cut and earning $132,038 for a top 10 finish.

Good luck to Chris and we’ll be watching your progress on the PGA Tour.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

PGA of BC Trade Show Wrap-up

New product showcased
Final wrap-up for the PGA of BC Trade Show in Penticton.  Read the full post on CK Golf Solutions blog HERE!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Golf Course Review - Black Mountain Golf Course

You Tube Video, Flickr Photos and Blog by CK Golf Solutions

A few days ago we had the chance to play Black Mountain Golf Course in beautiful Kelowna, B.C.  Black Mountain is a great layout and offers a lot of unique options for a Resort / Daily Fee golf course.

View CK Golf Solutions Blog - Golf Course Revew - Black Mountain.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Golf Course Review - Tobiano Golf Club

Golf Course Review

Jeff & Tara Ciecko, CK Golf Solutions, review Tobiano Golf Course in Kamloops, B.C.  Tobiano was the 2008 ScoreGolf Best New Course and Golf Digest Best New Canadian Course.  View the complete review.

Friday, October 9, 2009

CPGA Member Cathy Burton Inducted Into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame

The Canadian PGA would like to congratulate Cathy Burton on her induction into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame on October 5th, 2009.

Burton started her golf career as a junior player at Binscarth and Russell in 1977-79. She played out of Selkirk in 1981-82, then Harbour View in 1982-87 before turning to professional ranks. She won the Manitoba Women’s Amateur Championship in 1984 and 1986 and was also a finalist in Manitoba Golfer of the Year voting in the same years. She won the Saskatchewan Women’s Amateur Championship in 1986. Also in 1986, Burton reached the semi-finals in the United States Public Links Championship, a competition which attracted 1,085 entries.

Burton played on provincial amateur teams at the National Championship for six straight years from 1982 to 1987. She was a Team Canada member in 1986 and 1987 and was a member of Canada’s Commonwealth team, which won the Championship in 1987 in New Zealand. No Canadian team has won the Commonwealth Championship since. She joined the professional Futures Tour in 1988-90, was an LPGA Teaching Division member 1992-96 and has been a CPGA Class A professional since 1996. She was an associate pro at St. Charles Country Club 1991-94, an assistant pro at Southwood Golf and Country Club 1995-96, pro and manager at the Short Game Golf Training Centre in 1997 and associate pro at St. Char! les 1998-2001.

Burton was a leading force behind the establishment in 1994 of the LPGA Girls Club in Manitoba, the first move into Canada for that program after a successful launch in the United States. It provided opportunities for young girls to get into golf. It was the fore-runner of the successful Future Links Girls’ Club program still in operation across Canada for young girls. She also served as national junior women’s coach for the CLGA 1998-2004. Moving to Calgary, Burton was a teaching pro at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club 2001-2003, head pro at Harvest Hills in 2004 and is currently head pro at River Spirit Golf Club.

Cathy was inducted in the Player/Builder category of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame. Congratulations Cathy!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Finalists for PGA of BC Awards Announced

The 2009 Regional Finalists for the PGA of BC Golf Awards have been named and are as follows:

Head Professional of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Kevin Nesbitt of Champion Lakes Golf Club

Lower Mainland Nominee
Derek Thornley of Richmond Country Club

Interior Nominee
Lee Sapach of Osoyoos Golf & CC

Vancouver Island Nominee
Norm Jackson of Cowichan Golf & CC

Assistant Professional of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Craig Wilkinson of Castlegar & District Golf Club

Lower Mainland Nominee
Brad Russell of Seymour Golf & CC

Interior Nominee
Shane Pugliese of The Club at Tower Ranch

Vancouver Island Nominee
Aaron Grice of Bear Mountain Resort

Teacher of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Dale Moore of Windermere Valley Golf Course

Lower Mainland Nominee
Philip Jonas of McCleery & Hazelmere Golf Course

Interior Nominee
Dean Claggett of Two Eagles Golf Course

Vancouver Island Nominee
Robert Ratcliffe of Crown Isle Resort

Junior Promoter of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Casey Johnson of Windermere Valley Golf Course

Lower Mainland Nominee
Kirk Nederpelt of Sunshine Coast Golf & CC

Interior Nominee
Lindsay Jackson of Two Eagles Golf Course

Vancouver Island Nominee
Jayme Young of Arbutus Ridge Golf & CC

Sales Representative of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Brent Mullin of Tournament Sports

Lower Mainland Nominee
Roger McGillivray of Golf Trends

Interior Nominee
Brent Mullin of Tournament Sports

Vancouver Island Nominee
Deanna Ruby of Caulfeild Apparel Group

Facility of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Copper Point Golf Club with EP Brian Schaal and HP Darren Ottenbreit

Lower Mainland Nominee
Hazelmere Golf Course with HP Mike White

Interior Nominee
Fairview Mountain Golf Club with HP Brian McDonald

Vancouver Island Nominee
Gorge Vale Golf Club with HP Jim Cook

Golf Shop of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Copper Point Golf Club with EP Brian Schaal and HP Darren Ottenbreit

Lower Mainland Nominee
Seymour Golf & CC with HP Dale Schienbein

Interior Nominee
Tobiano Golf Course with EP Miles Mortensen and HP Mike Porco

Vancouver Island Nominee
Crown Isle Resort with HP Jason Andrew

The award winners will be determined by the Final Selection Panel consisting of former Golf Award winners Rick Crowson, Philip Jonas, Tim Tait, Peter Smith and Ward Stouffer.

Awards will be presented at the Awards Reception at the South Okanagan Event Centre adjacent to the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5:15 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the PGA of BC Trade Show registration desk.

Little Wins Second Consecutive PNGA Senior Women's Amateur

Hayden Lake, Idaho – Jackie Little of Port Alberni, B.C. came from behind to win her second PNGA Senior Women’s Amateur title in a row.

Little’s victory at Hayden Lake Country Club in Hayden Lake, ID, paired with her RCGA Senior Women’s Amateur title and second round appearance at the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur, caps off one of the most impressive seasons by a Northwest Senior Woman in recent history.

Little started the day two shots behind first round leader Terri Frohnmayer of Salem, OR. Both players posted front 9 scores of 2-over par 38 while playing in the same group, setting up a fantastic finishing nine holes. Little would birdie the par 5 10th hole narrowing Frohnmayer’s lead to one and then would take the lead on the very next hole after Frohnmayer’s double bogey at the par 3 11th. Little never looked back as she closed the door posting a 1-under par 35 on the back nine for a final round 1-over par 73 and a two day total of 2-over par 146. Sharing second place with Frohnmayer four strokes off the lead at 6-over par 150 was Alison Murdoch of Victoria, B.C.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Canadian Tour - Second Victory For James Hahn

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

NAYARIT, Mexico – James Hahn fired a four under par 68 to capture the Riviera Nayarit Classic by three strokes over Eduardo Herrera.

Hahn finished at 19 under 269, earning US $20,000 and his second victory of the season.

Herrera’s 69 left him alone in second at 272, two ahead of third place Jose Trauwitz and Darren Griff who both shot 69.

Sharing fifth at 275 were Andy Walker (67), Matt Marshall (69) and Paulo Pinto who managed a 72.

Jon McLean shot 66 to finish T-8 at 276 along with Oscar Serna (67) and Brock Mackenzie who had a 68.

“This is a huge win and a real confidence booster going into Q-School,” said Hahn.

“I came down here without a practice round because I was in a Nationwide (Tour) qualifier that ran into Tuesday.

“I was the last guy eliminated in the playoff and as soon as it was done I was off to the airport.”

Unlike Saturday when he made four consecutive birdies to start his round, Hahn began the final round with a shaky par.

“I missed the green short side and ended up in the bunker on the first,” he said.

“Eduardo (Herrera) was on the green with an eight-footer for birdie. He missed his putt and I was able to get up and down.

“If he had made it and I had missed, it would have been devastating.”

Hahn, Pinto and Herrera, playing in the final group, all birdied No. 2 but a Herrera birdie at No. 5 cut the lead to one.

Unfazed, Hahn birdied the seventh to reclaim his two shot lead and maintained it when both he and Herrera birdied No. 9.

Pinto, who had two birdies through his first eight, double-bogeyed No. 9 to fall back.

With the contenders down to two, Hahn began to pull away on the back nine.

After a birdie at 10 and a bogey at 11, Hahn birdied both 13 and 15 while Herrera could do no better than six straight pars through that stretch.

“When I birdied 13, I had a three shot lead and I knew they would have to catch me,” said Hahn. “There was no way I was going backwards.”

With both players bogeying No. 16 and Herrera birdieing 17, the only difference it made was the margin of victory.

“Even though Eduardo made a nice 30-footer at 17, I knew that all I had to do was hit it in the fairway at 18 and that would be it,” added Hahn.

In repeat performance of Saturday, he birdied every par-5 in his round and was 18-under on the par-fives this week, making 16 birdies and an eagle.

“The par-fives were definitely the key,” Hahn concluded. “The fairways are wide and you can hit it off the tee as hard as you can.

“The tees were up all week so I treated them as if they were par-fours.”

Sunday, October 4, 2009

2009 Vancouver Golf Tour Championship

Marketplace IGA - VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR2009 VGT TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP Presented by Augusta Resource Corp
 Kings Links by the Sea

‘KITTS FINISHES VGT YEAR IN STYLE AT KINGS LINKS’

On a crisp, Scottish-like day to finish the 2009 VGT season, 25 year old Nanaimo Professional Mark Kitts proved to his peers he can play, shooting 2-under par 70 to take the Augusta VGT Tour Championship title. Kitts’ steady round of golf earned him $1,300 and moved him into the top 20 of the CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON CANADA Order of Merit. Kitts has been a regular on the VGT this season after missing his card for the Canadian Tour this year. “Its been great to have the VGT to play on this year and a great experience for me to play with so many great players as I make my way back onto the Canadian Tour and beyond in the future” stated Kitts. Kitts was handed the winners’ trophy after both Phil Jonas and Dan Swanson failed to appear for the sudden death playoff at the conclusion of play due to work commitments. Jonas (Kitts’ coach) joked when he heard he had lost in the ‘playoff’, stating that Mark’s (Kitts) lesson fees just went up. Jonas and Swanson shared 2nd and 3rd place money, each earning $875 moving them into 3rd and 4th place respectively on the 2009 CLEVELAND/SRIXON ORDER OF MERIT at the conclusion of the VGT season.

In amateur play, it was one of VGT’s sponsors Steve Savage of Nickel Heating who prevailed in the Championship Division, shooting a very solid round of 73 (+1), winning himself a $250 gift card from Perfect Lies. In Flight A action, Masa Takahashi of Meadow Gardens took low gross honours with a score of 78, one shot better than West Vancouver’s Michael Woods. Low Gross in Flight B went to George Mark of Maple Ridge with a score of 77. Both Takahashi and George also won Perfect Lies Gift Cards valued at $250.
Special thanks to Richard Warke of Augusta Resource Corp for their continued support of the Vancouver Golf Tour’s Tour Championship. Additional thanks go to Ray Campbell of Bosch Canada for the supporting sponsorship role of our Tour Championship this year.
Thanks must also go out to Kings Links owners Brad and Maria Newell for supporting the Vancouver Golf Tour in hosting both our Opening event – the Brad Garside Open and our final event of the year! Congratulations on making Kings Links by the Sea one of the best golf courses in BC! The course conditions and layout are second-to-none. We look forward to bringing more events back to Kings Links in 2010!!!

2009 CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON CANADA ORDER OF MERIT WINNERS

PROFESSIONALS

1ST – BRYN PARRY* (Seymour Creek Golf Center) - $18,320.50
2ND – ADAM HADWIN (Morgan Creek Golf Club) – $12,525.00
3RD – PHIL JONAS (McCleery and Hazelmere) - $11,653.66

CHAMPIONSHIP AMATEURS

1ST – MATTHEW ROHATENSKY (Coquitlam, BC) – 4,659.50 Points
2ND – DEREK WRAY (Northview Golf & Country Club) – 2,711 Points
3RD – CHRIS KOBLER (Royalwood Golf Course) – 2,652 Points
AMATEUR FLIGHT A

1ST – STEVE SMITH (Guildford Golf Club) – 3,428 Points
2nd – ANDRE MAILLE (Port Moody, BC) – 2,613.33 Points
3rd – DALE BORLAND (Northview Golf & CC) – 2,375 Points

AMATEUR FLIGHT B

1st – PETE FUNG (Vancouver, BC) – 3,105 Points
2nd – DAVID PATTERSON (Northview Golf & CC) – 2,810 Points
3rd – NEIL JOHNSTON (Homestead Farms GC) – 2,490 Points

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Peter Beresford Named RCGA Chief Operating Officer

Marketing and brand expert to oversee RCGA membership and brand development efforts
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) - The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is pleased to announce that Peter Beresford has been retained as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer.
Reporting directly to RCGA Executive Director and CEO Scott Simmons, Beresford will be responsible for the development and implementation of all of the RCGA’s strategic Membership and Brand Development efforts.
Beresford, a former senior global executive with McDonald’s Corporation, joins the RCGA after two years serving in an advisory role on a RCGA’s strategic planning and membership task forces. Beresford will work directly with the RCGA executive management team to redefine the RCGA's Membership Development and Brand Awareness strategies.

“We are very pleased to welcome Peter Beresford to the RCGA as our Chief Operating Officer,” said Simmons. “Peter brings with him two important areas – he is a renowned Brand expert who has played an instrumental role in developing the McDonald’s Brand globally while his senior executive management skills will prove to be a tremendous addition to our senior management team.”
Beresford comes to the RCGA with a wealth of brand and marketing experience including 31 years with the McDonald’s Corporation where his most recent positions included Senior Vice President, Global Brand Development; Chairman and CEO, United Kingdom; and Executive Vice President for both Canada and Japan.
“This is an exciting time for the RCGA. Under Scott’s leadership, the organization has a strategic plan in place that has made growing its Membership base and Corporate Brand a priority,” said Beresford. “I’m excited to be involved and take a leadership role in helping the organization to reach its goals.”
Beresford assumes his role as the RCGA’s Chief Operating Officer effective October 1, 2009.

ABOUT PETER BERESFORD
Peter Beresford is renowned as one of Canada’s leaders in global Marketing and Brand Development. He is a former senior global executive with McDonald’s Corporation where he helped to grow one of the world’s most powerful and recognized Brands.
As Senior Vice President, Global Brand Development with McDonald’s Corporation Worldwide, he consulted with all major countries on key Marketing activities and Brand Development.

As Chairman and CEO of McDonald’s Corporation – United Kingdom, he was responsible for rebuilding and revitalizing the Management Team and the McDonald’s Brand in the UK marketplace.
He also served as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Japan.

Beresford worked for McDonald’s in Canada for 25 years. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
Beresford also served nine years as President of Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities where he pioneered the first Ronald McDonald House in Toronto in 1981 and then helped lead the organization to develop a 12-House Network.

Beresford has served on numerous Boards both internationally and in his community including 28 years as a Board Member with the Santa Claus Parade, where he presently serves as a Board member and President of the Organization. In addition to spending 20 years as a Board Member of Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities he was also one of the Founders and the First President of Concerned Children’s Advertisers.
Beresford’s efforts have garnered numerous personal and professional accolades including the 1999 McDonald’s International Marketing Achievement Award and the 1997 Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA) Gold Medal as Canada’s Marketer of the Year.

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.