Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Golf Course Closures Outpace 2008 levels

Golf Course Industry Magazine reports that there have already been 71 golf course closures (18 hole equivalents) in the United States through the first half of the year. So far in 2009, there have been only 16.5 new courses opened (18 hole equivalents). In all of 2008 there were "only" 106 golf course closures.

Overall, the net supply of golf courses has declined from a high of 16,057 in 2004 to a low of 15,931, a net reduction of 126 golf courses.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Second Canadian Tour Win For Canada's Graham DeLaet

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

CALGARY, Alta. – Graham DeLaet fired a bogey-free 64 to win the ATB Financial Classic by four strokes over Byron Smith who closed with a 68.

DeLaet finished the tournament at 21 under par 267 and earned his second Canadian Tour titles and first since the Desjardins Montreal Open last August.

Scott Gibson’s 69 moved him into solo third at 15 under 273 while Mauricio Molina finished fourth at 14 under.

Third round leader Stuart Anderson fell to fifth at 275 after a closing 73, one ahead of Garrett Frank (67) and two ahead of Andrew Parr with a 70.

Richard Scott (68) and Josh Habig (74) shared ninth spot at 278.

Parring the first, DeLaet caught fired with six birdies on his next seven holes to hold a three-stroke cushion over Byron Smith after eight holes.

“I’m a little bit speechless,” said DeLaet.

“I got off to a great start by one-putting my first seven holes,” said DeLaet, who earned $24,000 and jumps to third on the Order of Merit. “I made a couple of nice up and downs for par and made some really good birdie putts.

“The crazy thing is that I turned in six under and didn’t have much of a cushion. I knew Stuart (Anderson) and Byron (Smith) were right behind me so it was a pretty stressful day for a while.

“Because of that, I kept pressing and made a really good par save on ten. I hit a really good approach that landed three feet from the pin but it spun off into the back fringe.

“I ended up making a good eight-footer for par, which kept the momentum going. It would have been a little devastating if I had missed that one because I had only a two stroke lead over Byron at the time.

Riding that momentum, DeLaet snaked in a 30-footer downhill at No. 13 for his seventh birdie of the day and followed it with scrambling pars at 14, 15 and 17, where he failed to cut the corner and was forced to take an unplayable lie at the par five.

“Both Josh (Habig) and I thought we got around those trees and couldn’t believe that we ended up in the junk.

Laying up with his third, DeLaet pulled his fourth shot into the rough left of the pin and sank the chip for another rescued par.

“I was hitting it great and rolling it well, which is a pretty good combination.” he added. “When you keep doing that, you’re going to do well.”

After several second place finishes, DeLaet knew the time for his second Tour win was imminent.

“I have been playing with a lot of confidence for the past year and knew that if I kept playing like this, the wins would come,” concluded DeLaet.

Despite a 68, Byron Smith couldn’t keep up with DeLaet this afternoon.

“I ended up hitting some good golf shots but they kept rolling over the green,” said Smith. “They were getting a little bit hard and when you try to force things under those kinds of conditions, it simply doesn’t happen.

“Graham DeLaet is an amazing talent, he’s quite impressive. When he gets confidence and learns how to seal the deal, which it looks like he has, he will be very, very dangerous.

“I think he is one of those guys that not only is going to make it but who is going to do really well.”

In the Clubhouse

Eugene Smith aced the fifth hole and was five under through his first six holes

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Tiger Woods' visit to Canada for Nike Golf Invitational raises money for charity

WALLACE, Nova Scotia - Tiger Woods said he had a "blast" at a fundraising event Friday at Fox Harb'r Golf Resort and Spa that included an exhibition with his swing coach Hank Haney and NBA legend Charles Barkley.

Woods, Haney and Barkley shared many laughs and barbs during a morning nine-hole exhibition match at the Fox Harb'r resort that was part of the Nike Golf Invitational event that raised funds for the Tiger Woods Foundation and Canadian junior golf.

"I've never been to this part of Canada before. It's really beautiful," Woods said. "The event was great, and it was really fun to play with my friends Hank and Charles. We don't get a chance to play with each other very often.

"I'm also thankful that we were able to raise a lot of money for my foundation and for Canadian junior golf," said the world's No. 1 golfer.

The event was attended by about 100 invited guests of Nike Golf Canada at the spectacular Fox Harb'r Resort created by Ron Joyce, founder of the Tim Hortons chain of about 3,450 restaurants in Canada and the United States.

"We were thrilled to host Tiger Woods at Fox Harb'r for this important fundraising event and to welcome him to Atlantic Canada," Joyce said. "The Nike Golf Invitational is a milestone event for Fox Harb'r to host the No. 1 player in the world and raise significant funds for the important work done by the Tiger Woods Foundation and for developing junior golf in Canada.

A special broadcast of the Nike Golf Invitational will air on TSN on Sunday, June 28 at 9 p.m. EDT that will include exclusive interviews with Woods, Haney and Barkley.

"We are grateful to have had the opportunity to provide an intimate setting for our partners to interact with Tiger Woods and to showcase spectacular Fox Harb'r and raise significant funds for young people," said Vitalis Gomes, Director of Marketing for Nike Golf Canada.

One of only four 5-star resorts in Canada, Fox Harb'r Golf Resort and Spa features the award-winning Graham Cooke-designed championship course as well as a sporting lodge, a luxury spa and wellness centre, a private 4885 ft. airstrip, marina, a private gated community and much more. For more information, visit www.foxharbr.com.

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Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to honouring and respecting the traditions and heritage of the game, and to providing committed golfers with the absolute best equipment in the game.

For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.ca. Editors and journalists seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Golf Course Review - McCleery Golf Course

We finally completed one of our golf goals which was playing each of the Vancouver Parks Golf courses this year. Our tour concluded with a visit to McCleery Golf Course a couple of weeks ago. We were looking forward to the visit after of a number of improvements they had made to the course maintenance and driving range.

Jeff's Opinion: On arrival we decided to hit the bucket of "warm-up" balls McCleery offers which was perfect at 25 practice balls to loosen up. While there is not a lot of trouble on the course, from most tee off boxes the driver areas appear much tighter than they are (which was a good thing). The greens rolled very true making putting a lot of fun. All players in our group made a couple of good putts. If there is a knock on the course it would be that some fairways were starting to show burn out due to the recent heat. Some extra irrigation may help. It was a fun day on the course and I would play it again. The variety of holes (particularly on the back nine) made the course a challenge. The Par 3 holes holes from the back tees were tough, with two of them over 200 yards.

Tara's Opinion: I enjoyed the fact that the course has five par three’s instead of the usual four because they give me a better chance at par. This was a good day in fact because with the help of some good putts on the smooth greens I was able to par 4 out of the 5 par threes (but don’t ask the score on the rest of the holes). I enjoyed the layout and the length of the red tees at just over 5,000 yards. But it is worth walking back to the blue tees to see the full design of the holes. While the staff were great and attentive, I did find the golf shop lacking in ladies clothing selection and both the clubhouse interior and the menu could use an upgrade. In any event it was a great day of golf.

We would recommend this course as fun to play multiple times per year!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

VANCOUVER PARKS GOLF Courses Complete Commitment to the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program

Vancouver, B.C., June 25, 2009 – Vancouver Parks Golf Courses, Fraserview, McCleery and Langara, have retained their designation as “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Vancouver Parks Golf courses were first designated as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries in 2003 and are three of the only eight courses certified in British Columbia. There are only 81 courses certified in all of Canada.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, Mexico and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.

“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation and Water Quality Management. Courses go through a recertification process every two years. For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org.

Projects that the golf courses completed include a weed removal project with an emphasis on physical/mechanical solutions as opposed to chemical applications when not necessary, engaging local school groups in a bat house project and educating the community regarding environmental stewardship efforts taking place at the courses.

“This is a great success for our three Championship courses and our team of staff really put forward a great effort to ensure we minimize our ecological impact on the environment,” said Howard Normann, Supervisor of Golf Operations. “We remain deeply committed to the Audubon Program and look forward to remaining leaders in sustainability,” he added.

About Vancouver Parks Golf
Vancouver Parks Golf is made up of the Fraserview, McCleery and Langara Championship Golf Courses. Fraserview recently won bronze in the "Best Public Course in Canada" category, and was voted one of the "Most underrated golf courses in Canada" by the SCOREGolf Magazine Golfer's Choice Awards. McCleery boasts a very active junior instruction program which helps to get young people started in the game and has developed an inner city youth golf program that introduces the game to children of the Downtown Eastside. Langara Golf Course offers enjoyment with peace and tranquility in the heart of Vancouver. The course offers top notch greens that are well protected by bunkers providing a challenge for every level of golfer.
3 Great Courses…One Great Experience.

About Audubon International
Audubon International is a not-for-profit, environment education organization dedicated to educating, assisting and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water and natural resources around them. Its award-winning education and certification programs, has helped more the 5,800 businesses, golf courses, schools, communities and new developments improve environmental performance and manage natural resources responsibly on more then one million acres of land. For more information, contact Audubon International at 518-767-9051 or acsp@auduboninternational.org or visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Geoff Ogilvy wins 2009 TELUS World Skins Game at La Tempête Golf Club

Star-studded golf event a huge success on the golf course and in the Québec City community
as TELUS donates $202,000 to Opération Enfant Soleil

Geoff Ogilvy Wins the 2009 TELUS World Skins

Québec City, Québec - Geoff Ogilvy made birdie at just the right time today at La Tempête Golf Club, earning seven skins for $150,000 and going on to win the 2009 TELUS World Skins Game over Mike Weir, Fred Couples, Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter.

Ogilvy made birdie on the Par 5 14th hole while the four other players made par, giving him his first TELUS Skins Game title in his second appearance in the popular Canadian summer golf event. Fred Couples came in second place with four skins for $65,000, Sergio Garcia earned three skins for $45,000, and Canada’s Mike Weir and Ian Poulter each won two skins for $50,000.

"We all really enjoyed coming to Québec City, many of us for the first time, to play in front of some amazing fans," said Ogilvy. "Being able to help raise money with TELUS for a very worthwhile charity makes today a perfect day."

Fulfilling its promise to "give where we live", TELUS partnered with Opération Enfant Soleil this year, raising $202,000 through various initiatives for the local charity that invests in the development of quality pediatric care in Québec.

"Although Geoff Ogilvy will be taking home the trophy, the real winners are the kids and families who rely on the services Opération Enfant Soleil supports," said François Côté, president, TELUS Québec and TELUS Health Solutions. "At TELUS, we give where we live. We would like to thank the players and fans who helped raise an incredible amount of money to ensure more newborns with heart conditions receive the quality care they need."

"Thanks to partners like TELUS involved with Opération Enfant Soleil, sick children can receive high quality care and benefit from state-of-the-art treatments in large pediatric facilities funded by our organization. I thank all the participants for making this important event happen, said Ginette Charest, executive director of Opération Enfant Soleil."

Four of the five players in the TELUS World Skins Game were coming off a rain-delayed U.S. Open in New York, forcing the event to play all 18 holes today, while organizers also brought in PGA TOUR stars Padraig Harrington, Chris DiMarco and Michael Campbell, as well as Québec pro Rémi Bouchard, to play in a nine-hole Saint-Jean-Baptiste exhibition on Monday.

Owned and operated by IMG in Canada for 17 years, the TELUS World Skins Game has included many of the biggest names in the game including Jack Nicklaus, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and Greg Norman.

About IMG
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $9.7 billion of annual revenue and 11.6 million customer connections including 6.2 million wireless subscribers, 4.2 million wireline network access lines and 1.2 million Internet subscribers. Led since 2000 by President and CEO, Darren Entwistle, TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services including data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, entertainment and video. In support of our philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $137 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered more than 2.6 million hours of service to local communities since 2000. Nine TELUS Community Boards across Canada lead our local philanthropic initiatives. For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.

Salt Spring Golf & Country Club Wins the 2009 Yonex PGA of BC Pro-Women Championship

A great day at the Furry Creek Golf & Country Club finished with the team from Salt Spring Island winning the 2009 Yonex PGA of BC Pro-Women Championship
presented by Cracked Wheat.

Head Professional Stephen Marleau led his team to victory shooting even par 72 on the tight Furry Creek layout. He was joined by Julie Tyler, Franki Johnstone and Joanna Barrett who shot a net 68 to help propel the team to victory.

Salt Spring Island finished 3 shots ahead of second place Mission Golf & Country Club and the host team from Furry Creek Golf Club rounded out the top 3.

Low professional of the day was Brett Standerwick from Fairwinds Golf Club. He carded a 1-under par 71 and took home a cheque for $300.

Click here for the full field final results!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Team Canada Members Earn Exemptions Into RBC Canadian Open And CN Canadian Women’s Open

Nick Taylor, Matt Hill, Maude-Aimee LeBlanc and Nicole Vandermade to tee-it-up at Canada’s men’s and women’s national open golf championships

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. and Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont. will be exempt into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, while Maude-Aimee LeBlanc of Sherbrooke, Que., and Nicole Vandermade of Brantford, Ont., will be exempt into the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open.

The Team Canada members earned their exemptions into Canada’s Open golf championships after stellar starts to their 2009 seasons.

“These four talented players have showcased their pedigree so far this season,” said RCGA Executive Director and CEO Scott Simmons. “They are among the best amateur golfers in the world and we are certain to see exciting play from them as they compete with the PGA TOUR’s and LPGA Tour’s biggest and best names.”

Currently the number-one ranked player on the Royal and Ancient (R&A) World Amateur Rankings, Nick Taylor returns to the RBC Canadian Open looking to build upon his 2008 performance at Canada’s lone PGA TOUR stop, where he finished T53rd, the best showing by a home grown amateur at the Open since 1972.

Taylor is coming off his second consecutive appearance in the United States Golf Association’s U.S. Open Championship, where earlier this week he made the cut and finished as the low amateur for the event. The 21-year old University of Washington junior has broken many of his school’s golf records, including most victories (4) and become the first Husky to win Pac-10 Player of the Year. Taylor has amassed eight top-10 finishes in his 11 college tournaments this year, and has 17 career top-10 finishes.

Number-two World Ranked player, Matt Hill, also earns his exemption after a stellar run on the 2009 NCAA Div. I golf circuit. Hill fired a 2-under par 69 at the final round of the NCAA Division I National Championship to clinch his seventh win in his last eight tournaments. The NC State sophomore also became the second Canadian to claim the NCAA individual title and the first Canadian to win the Jack Nicklaus award. His eight tournament wins—the most in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) history—earned him the ACC Player of the Year award. With his exceptional season, Hill joins an eminent group of former NCAA champions including Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.

Maude-Aimee LeBlanc has enjoyed tremendous amateur success over the past three seasons, dating back to her victory at the 2006 Royale National Junior Girls Championship. After finishing T4th at the 2008 Royale Canadian Ladies Amateur Championships, the 20-year old went on to finish fourth in both team and individual standings at the 2008 World Amateur Team Championship. In 2008, as a freshman on the Purdue University Boilermakers golf team, LeBlanc earned six top-15 finishes and fired 11 rounds of even-par or better. This year, she tied for first at the Big-10 Championships, both as an individual and with her team. LeBlanc also competed at the 2008 CN Canadian Women’s Open at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club.

Team Canada Development Team member Nicole Vandermade earns her exemption into the CN Canadian Women’s Open after her strong showing at the 2009 British Women’s Amateur. Vandermade was the low Canadian at the championship, making it to the second round of match-play. In her freshman year at Texas University, Vandermade had five top-15 finishes, including the Texas State Match (T4th) and the Dick McGuire Golf Invitational (T4th). The 19-year old also placed 10th at the Big 12 Invitational and T32nd at the NCAA Div. I West Regional Championships.

Taylor and Hill will join PGA TOUR stars Mike Weir, Stephen Ames, Anthony Kim, Trevor Immelman, Camilo Villegas and defending champion Chez Reavie as they compete in the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, Ont. For more information and tickets, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com.

LeBlanc and Vandermade will join LPGA Tour sensations Paula Creamer, Lorena Ochoa, Michelle Wie, Yani Tseng and defending champion Katherine Hull, as well as Canadians Lorie Kane and Alena Sharp at the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open, August 31-September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary. For more information and tickets, please visit www.cncanadianwomensopen.com.

ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national Open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN.

RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.

ABOUT THE 2009 CN CANADIAN WOMEN’S OPEN
Stars of the LPGA Tour will be featured at the US$2.75 million CN Canadian Women’s Open from August 31 to September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary. The CN Canadian Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by the Canadian National Railway Company along with event partners CVS Controls Ltd., TaylorMade adidas Golf, Corona Extra, The Globe and Mail, CE Franklin Ltd., Calgary Sport Tourism Authority, Safeway, Mexico Tourism, CBC, The Glenlivet, Bell, Reader’s Digest and local media partners Calgary Herald, Corus Entertainment and Global Calgary. For updated corporate hospitality, sponsorship opportunities, daily tickets, and volunteer information please visit www.cncanadianwomensopen.com.

NORTH AMERICA’S RAILROAD
CN – Canadian National Railway Company – spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key cities of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, St. Louis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For further information please visit www.cn.ca.

ABOUT 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.

Nick Taylor Keeps on Rolling at the US Open

The number one ranked amateur golfer in the World, Nick Taylor of Abbottsford, B.C., continued his great play at this weekend’s US Open. Taylor became the number one player after shooting a six under par score of 136 over 36 holes in his US Open Sectional Qualifier last week. Canada's Matt Hill remains the World number two player after his NCAA Championship victory a few weeks ago. It is believed that this is the first time a Canadian has held the number one position, never mind the number one and two positions.

Taylor continued rolling right into the US Open where he tied the lowest ever 18 hole score by an amateur shooting 65 in the second round. It was a long week for all the players, including Taylor who never even started his third round on Saturday. The final round began late on Sunday with Taylor managing 10 holes and the final group playing two before the USGA called play for the day. Taylor was +3 on his final round and sat at +6 for the tournament tied for 34th place when the horn went to end Sunday's round. On Monday, Taylor played his final 8 holes in one over par with one birdie and two bogeys and finished tied for 36th place with a final score of +8. Still, at the end of the day, Nick Taylor showed the World why he is deserving of his number one ranking and his play at the US Open was one of the greatest Amateur performances of all time. Well done Nick!

The RCGA should receive some credit for his success as he was part of the RCGA's Player Development program for a number of years. The RCGA has taken a lot of heat over the past year about it's Player Development program being considered a 10 year failure. It failed to place any new Canadians on the PGA Tour following last December's qualifying school and had many questioning the program. Then there was the rather vocal Dick Zokal, who left his position or didn't have his contract renewed (no one seems sure which is true), over what appears to be a difference in philosophy with the RCGA on the Player Development program.

However, if the play of Nick Taylor and Matt Hill resemble the future for Canadian golf perhaps the RCGA’s development program is working and we will see more Canadian players on the PGA Tour in the future.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Birdie Barrage at Guildford ends in Dramatic Fashion

Vancouver Golf Tour

After course record tying 63’s on day one, Seymour Creek’s Bryn Parry and Victoria based Canadian Tour Pro Stuart Anderson battled back and forth on Sunday to decide the 2009 Guildford Open Champion in classic style.

After round one on this newly resurrected event, there were a total of a dozen Professionals who carded 68 (-4) or better. Round two was a birdie shoot-out for those within a handful of shots of the lead, but none were up to the challenge of Anderson and Parry on this day.

Going down to the final hole, Parry and Anderson were tied at 14 under par. After staying level with each other at -11 at the turn, it was Anderson who took the lead with a birdie on the par 4 - 10th. Both Parry and Anderson then birdied the par 5 - 11th to keep Anderson 1-up on the day and 13 under par for the tournament. Parry was the next to make his move with birdies on # 13 and #14 to get to -14 and a one shot lead with 4 to play. This see-saw battle didn’t end here however as the 31 year-old Alberta born Anderson birdied the tough 15th to bring this tournament dead even at -14 with three to play. After pars on 16 and 17 by both players, this tournament would ultimately be decided either on the 18th or in extra holes.

After both Anderson and Parry split the 425 yard par four fairway with their drives, they were left with short iron approaches to a well guarded pin, surrounded by a gallery of 50-60 who were privy to this excellent display of golf. Anderson first to play, he took dead aim and made a great shot into the flag, some 12 feet below the hole. Parry was next to play and his iron shot covered the identical line as Anderson’s and spun back to within 6 inches of Anderson’s ball. He would be first to play.

Parry carefully studied his 12 ½ footer that would have put the pressure squarely on the shoulders of Anderson if it went in. He stroked the ball smoothly up the hill but his putt just wouldn’t take the break as he had expected and he would tap in for his par at minus 14 for the Championship. All gallery eyes now laid on Anderson- playoff or not? Anderson coolly stepped up and drained his 12 footer in the heart of the hole to win this exciting Championship by one shot at -15 for 36 holes. Some fantastic golf on this bogey-free tournament which consisted of 11 birdies and 2 eagles over the 2 days.

Anderson was interviewed after the tournament and was quick to thank his sponsor Laurie Guthrie of Fort McMurry, Alberta for giving him the opportunity to play on the Canadian Tour and pursue his dreams of making it to the PGA Tour. He also thanked Guildford’s Head Professional Dan Swanson for re-vitalizing the Guildford Open event and partnering it with the Vancouver Golf Tour.

Anderson has been a member of the Canadian Tour since 2001 and he has been getting better each year he has been out there. His first win came in 2005 at the Foster Farms California Classic and his second the following year at the Canadian Tour Championship, vaulting him to 11th on the 2006 Rolex Order of Merit. Since then, Anderson has become a steady player on the Canadian Tour, posting a number of top 5 and 10 finishes in ’07 and ’08 and continues to show his consistency with 5 top 20 finishes this year on tour including two top 5 finishes. Anderson’s focus will be to continue the remainder of the Cantour schedule which kicks off again this week in Calgary at the ATB Financial Classic. If his Cantour schedule will permit, Anderson plans to re-join VGT at the Vancouver Open Championship on Sept.13-15th at Fraserview, Langara and McCleery Golf Courses. He will then head down to PGA Tour Qualifying School in the fall.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Monday Play at the US Open Alters Schedule for Monday's TELUS Skins Game

TELUS World Skins Game to proceed with Couples, Garcia, Ogilvy, Poulter and Weir after U.S. Open - Padraig Harrington, Michael Campbell and Chris DiMarco join Québec Pro Remi Bouchard on site on Monday

Québec City, Québec - Organizers of the 2009 TELUS World Skins Game are pleased to announce that the event will proceed with Fred Couples, Sergio Garcia, Geoff Ogilvy, Ian Poulter and Mike Weir as soon as the U.S. Open ends. Weather permitting, it is possible that all five players will be at La Tempête Golf Club in time for the start of the event this Monday.

In order to thank the fans for their support, and to ensure that every minute of the day is filled with world class golf action, organizers announced that PGA stars Padraig Harrington from Ireland, Michael Campbell from New Zealand, and Chris DiMarco from the United States, would be joining top-ranked Québec pro, Rémi Bouchard, for an exhibition match on Monday at La Tempête Golf Club in Lévis.

"While the weather certainly cooperated at the U.S. Open on Saturday and we are optimistic that our five pros will arrive in time for Monday's play, we did not want to leave anything to chance," said Brad Pelletier, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Canada. "We saw this as an opportunity to thank the fans of Québec for their support from the time we announced La Tempête as the location for the 2009 event, and to ensure that this is the best TELUS World Skins Game yet."

Depending on the outcome of the U.S. Open, the TELUS World Skins Game will move forward with one of the two following scenarios:

If the U.S. Open ends on Sunday and the five originally scheduled players are in Québec on Monday, all eight pros will play in the morning Pro-Am at 8 a.m., followed by a nine-hole exhibition match featuring Harrington, Campbell, DiMarco and Bouchard at 12 p.m. The TELUS World Skins Game front nine will begin at 12:30 p.m. with Weir, Couples, Garcia, Ogilvy and Poulter.

If the U.S. Open is carried over to Monday, Couples, Harrington, Campbell and DiMarco will participate in the TELUS World Skins Game 8 a.m. Pro-Am, followed by an exhibition match at 12:30 p.m. with the same pros joined by Québec PGA pro Remi Bouchard. In this instance, ALL 18 HOLES of the TELUS World Skins Game, featuring Weir, Couples, Garcia, Ogilvy and Poulter would be played on Tuesday, June 23, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

TELUS WORLD SKINS GAME SCHEDULE

Monday, June 22
8:00 a.m. - Professionals play in Pro-Am (Front nine holes).
12:00 p.m. - Exhibition Match featuring Padraig Harrington, Michael Campbell, Chris DiMarco and Québec PGA pro Remi Bouchard.
12:30 p.m. - Front nine of TELUS World Skins Game featuring Mike Weir, Fred Couples, Sergio Garcia, Geoff Ogilvy and Ian Poulter (if U.S. Open concludes on Sunday).

Tuesday, June 23
8:00 a.m. - Professionals play in Pro-Am (Back nine holes).
12:30 p.m. - Back nine of TELUS World Skins Game featuring Mike Weir, Fred Couples, Sergio Garcia, Geoff Ogilvy and Ian Poulter (if U.S. Open is carried over to Monday, ALL 18 HOLES of the TELUS World Skins Game would be played on Tuesday).

Fulfilling its promise to "give where we live", TELUS has partnered with Opération Enfant Soleil, a local charity that invests in the development of quality pediatric care in Québec, for the 2009 TELUS World Skins Game.

Owned and operated by IMG in Canada for 17 years, the TELUS World Skins Game has included many of the biggest names in the game including Jack Nicklaus, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and Greg Norman.

The TELUS World Skins Game is also sponsored by Audi, Desjardins, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, GREY GOOSE® Vodka, Québec City Tourism, Québec Tourism and Samsung.

About IMG
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $9.7 billion of annual revenue and 11.6 million customer connections including 6.2 million wireless subscribers, 4.2 million wireline network access lines and 1.2 million Internet subscribers. Led since 2000 by President and CEO, Darren Entwistle, TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services including data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, entertainment and video. In support of our philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $137 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered more than 2.6 million hours of service to local communities since 2000. Nine TELUS Community Boards across Canada lead our local philanthropic initiatives. For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Team Canada’s Nick Taylor and Matt Hill 1st and 2nd in World Amateur Rankings

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) - National Amateur Team members Nick Taylor and Matt Hill are currently ranked 1st and 2nd respectively on the Royal and Ancient’s World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Nick Taylor, who was sixth on the rankings last week, climbed into the top spot after he fired a 6-under par 136 over 36 holes to win the US Open sectional qualifier event in Roslyn, Wash. The Abbotsford, B.C. native is set to tee-off at the 2009 US Open Championship Thursday at Bethpage State Park (Black Course) in Farmingdale, NY.

Matt Hill has remained in the number two position since his win at the NCAA Men’s Division I Championship on May 29, 2009. The Bright’s Grove, Ont. native was also awarded the Jack Nicklaus Trophy, given annually since 1988 to the best college players in NCAA Division I, II and III, prior to the final round of The Memorial tournament on June 7, 2009.

The complete list of World Amateur Golf Rankings is available online: http://wagr.randa.org/

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.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Dining in Vancouver v.13

Jeff & Tara Ciecko, CK Golf Solutions, posted a new blog 'Dining in Vancouver v.13'. Check out the review of Saltlik in downtown Vancouver on Alberni Street!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REVIEW.

Murdoch rolls to second BCGA Senior Women’s Title

By: BCGA.org

On a day that started out a little wet, 2005 BC Senior Women’s champion, Alison Murdoch of Victoria, B.C. carded a final round 3-over par 75 to win her second BCGA Senior Women’s title at 9-over 225.

Click here for full field final scores and results!

Murdoch, a member of Victoria Golf Club, started out the round trailing by four strokes to second round leader, Phyllis Laschuk of Vancouver, B.C. After the first nine holes of play, Murdoch moved within one stroke of Laschuk, after a front nine 37 and Laschuk’s 39.

“I’m really excited and happy about this win today” says an elated Murdoch. “I was striking the ball well and sinking my putts. When I putt well, I win. Putting is so important – it comes and goes and when it comes, it’s the game.”

Murdoch adds this second title to an already long list of accolades that includes Canadian, Irish and British senior women’s titles.

Phyllis Laschuk finished second at 10-over 226, while third place honours went to Elaine Blatchford of Surrey, B.C., who finished at 11-over 227. Jackie Little of Port Alberni, B.C. stands alone in fourth at 12-over 228.

Murdoch, Laschuk, Blatchford and Little will represent British Columbia in the provincial team competition at the Royal Canadian Senior Women’s Championship August 24-27, 2009 at the Osprey Ridge Golf Club in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Katherine Hull Tops List of Former Champions Set to Compete at 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open

Defending champion to be joined at Priddis Greens by former champions Lorena Ochoa, Cristie Kerr, Meena Lee and Meg Mallon in challenging for the $2.75 million (US) purse

Calgary (RCGA) – CN and the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that defending champion Katherine Hull will headline a group of former champions who have confirmed their intention to be in Calgary August 31-September 6 to compete for the $2.75 million (US) CN Canadian Women’s Open at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club.

After winning the 2008 CN Canadian Women’s Open in Ottawa, Hull became a Rolex First-Time Winner and crossed the $1 million mark in career earnings. After her career year in 2008, the Australia native currently sits at number 13 on the Rolex Rankings and 16th on the LPGA Official Money List with more than $338,000 (US) in winnings this season.

Hull’s confirmation was announced Thursday in Calgary where she was joined by Canada’s own Lorie Kane at an event held at Priddis Greens promoting the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open and this year’s host charity beneficiary, the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Along with Hull (2008), four other past champions were confirmed for Priddis including the world’s number-one player Lorena Ochoa (2007), Cristie Kerr (2006), Meena Lee (2005), Meg Mallon (2002, 2004). Also in the field is LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Famer Karrie Webb, who won the 1999 du Maurier Classic, the last time Priddis Greens hosted Canada’s only stop on the LPGA Tour.

“We are thrilled that Katherine will be joining us in Calgary to defend her title,” said Sean Van Kesteren, Tournament Director, CN Canadian Women’s Open. “Our list of former champions includes many of the LPGA Tour’s finest players over the past several years and I’m sure Calgary golf fans will realize very quickly why Lorena, Cristie, Meg and Meena are considered among the most talented competitors ever to compete on the LPGA Tour.”

Hull, Ochoa, Kerr, Lee and Mallon will join previously confirmed notables Paula Creamer, Brittany Lincicome, Michelle Wie, Morgan Pressel, Natalie Gulbis and Yani Tseng, as well as Canadian favourites Lorie Kane and Alena Sharp.

The 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open will take place August 31-September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club. The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation has been designated as the community charity for the CN Miracle Match program.

Tickets for the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open can be purchased online at www.cncanadianwomensopen.com or by calling 1-866-571-LPGA.

ABOUT THE 2009 CN CANADIAN WOMEN’S OPEN
Stars of the LPGA Tour will be featured at the US$2.75 million CN Canadian Women’s Open from August 31 to September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary, Alta. The CN Canadian Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by the Canadian National Railway Company along with event partners CVS Controls Ltd., TaylorMade adidas Golf, Corona Extra, The Globe and Mail, CE Franklin Ltd., Calgary Sport Tourism Authority, Safeway, Mexico Tourism, CBC, The Glenlivet, Bell, Reader’s Digest and local media partners Calgary Herald, Corus Entertainment and Global Calgary. For updated corporate hospitality, sponsorship opportunities, daily tickets, and volunteer information please visit www.cncanadianwomensopen.com.

NORTH AMERICA’S RAILROAD
CN – Canadian National Railway Company – spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key cities of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, St. Louis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For further information please visit www.cn.ca.

ABOUT THE ALBERTA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation raises funds for excellence in child health and family centred care. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation provides funding for innovative family centred programs, state of the art equipment, advanced medical training and internationally recognized pediatric research. For more information please visit www.childrenshospital.ab.ca.

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 www.rcga.org.

Canadian PGA Joins the Fight against Prostate Cancer on Father’s Day

ACTON, ON – This Father’s Day, the Canadian PGA is excited to once again support Prostate Cancer Canada (formerly known as Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada) in raising awareness of prostate cancer—the most common cancer in men.

Last year, Canadians from coast to coast were invited to support the Foundation through the Canadian PGA “Round for Dad” where Canadian PGA Members across the country dedicated Father’s Day as a day to collectively donate to help find a cure while promoting awareness of the disease. Combined with other Prostate Cancer Canada efforts, over $2 million was raised through various fundraising avenues.

Due to the success of the program last year, and to continuously promote awareness of the disease, the Canadian PGA will once again be running the “Round for Dad” National campaign in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Canada on Father’s Day – June 21st, 2009.

“The Canadian PGA is thrilled once again to nationally promote awareness of the disease on Father's Day, through Member participation at various golf facilities by facilitating donations on behalf of their clubs to support this tremendous cause,” stated Lindon Garron, President of the Canadian PGA.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men with over 24,000 Canadian males being diagnosed in this year alone. Currently, one in seven men are expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime and one in 27 will die from the disease.

Prostate Cancer Canada raises funds and awareness across the country to educate men about the threat of the disease and fund leading-edge research into the prevention, detection, treatment and a cure for prostate cancer. The Foundation has invested more than $17 million in research and public education over the past 11 years.

By partnering with Prostate Cancer Canada, the Canadian PGA will participate in a variety of events that will help raise funds to battle the disease on two fronts; through building awareness and creating funds for research.

If you are interested in supporting Prostate Cancer Canada in an alternate way, the new symbol for the foundation is a blue striped tie which is 100% Italian silk and is available for $65. The logo (tie) is a symbol of hope – with the end goal of eliminating prostate cancer. It is a symbol of unity in fighting the disease and promoting awareness.

If you are interested in purchasing a tie as a gift, for yourself or for a loved one, please contact the Foundation at 416.441.2131 or toll free at 1.888.255.0333 or CLICK HERE

Money raised from the sale of this tie will go towards the development of programs related to awareness, public education, advocacy, support of those affected, and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer.

About the Canadian PGA
Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,600 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit www.cpga.com

About Prostate Cancer Canada
Prostate Cancer Canada is the only national foundation dedicated to the elimination of this disease through research, education and awareness. Prostate Cancer Canada raises funds for the development of programs related to awareness, public education, advocacy, support of the afflicted and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer. www.prostatecancer.ca

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

RBC and RCGA Unveil Celebrity Participants and Concerts for Week of 2009 RBC Canadian Open

Hollywood Actor Kevin Costner, Comedian George Lopez and Network TV Star Thomas Gibson as well as NHL Superstars Martin Brodeur and Rick Nash join NBA All Star Steve Nash among notables confirmed for inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic

• Pengrowth Concert Series to feature Kevin Costner and Modern West, Tom Cochrane and Red Rider and Bachman Cummings performing live onsite at Glen Abbey following first three rounds of play

• Canada’s national Open championship to be weeklong festival in celebration of Canadian golf, including the 29th Annual SCOREGolf Awards being celebrated tournament week

• National Charity Partner Mike Weir Foundation as well as Local Community Beneficiary ROCK to benefit from RBC Canadian Open philanthropic vision

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in partnership with title sponsor RBC, announced today that entertainers Kevin Costner and George Lopez, as well as NHL superstars Martin Brodeur and Rick Nash will join 2-time NBA MVP Steve Nash among the notable participants confirmed for inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic to be played Monday July 20 kicking off the 100th playing of the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

In addition, the popular Pengrowth Concert Series, introduced in 2008, will feature performing artists Kevin Costner and Modern West, Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, and Bachman Cummings performing live onsite at Glen Abbey following first three rounds of play of Canada’s national Open championship.

The announcements were made as the RCGA and RBC unveiled the full calendar of tournament week events taking place during what’s become an annual week long celebration of Canadian golf.

“The RCGA and our partners at RBC are proud that the week of the RBC Canadian Open has been defined as the chance for all Canadian golf fans and golfers to celebrate the game and our national Open championship,” said Scott Simmons, CEO and Executive Director of the Royal Canadian Golf Association. “From the way we conduct the event, our fan experience, our marketing and promotional efforts and our commitment to charitable giving, we are making this event a first class stop on the PGA TOUR.”

In 2008, the PGA TOUR recognized the RBC Canadian Open with an award for the most improved onsite presentation. Canada’s national Open championship will again feature both onsite and offsite activities expected to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance.

“The RBC Canadian Open has become more than just the traditional four rounds of golf, it’s a week-long event in the middle of summer that will attract thousands of people to the Toronto area for this world-class golf experience,” said Jim Little, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, RBC. “With concerts on the golf course, promotions in downtown Toronto and at our RBC branches across the Halton region, and the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic, we’re proud to welcome everyone and their families to the RBC Canadian Open.”

THE INAUGURAL MIKE WEIR CHARITY CLASSIC- Monday July 20th
As part of the 100th playing of the RBC Canadian Open, a new chapter in the event’s history will be written with the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic set to kick off tournament week on Monday, July 20th.

This charity based Pro-am will feature marquee celebrities from the music, sports and entertainment industries, as well at top stars on the PGA TOUR. With 100% of the net proceeds from the Mike Weir Charity Classic benefiting children’s charities, the event will assist in achieving the RBC Canadian Open’s philanthropic objectives.

The list of participating celebrities added today includes:

Kevin Costner - Two-time Oscar winner and Golden Globe Award winner

George Lopez - Comedian, Actor, and Producer and star of sitcom 'George Lopez'

Tom Cochrane - Legendary Canadian singer, songwriter and Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee

Thomas Gibson - Star of television hit drama Criminal Minds and former sitcom Dharma & Greg
Steve Nash - Two-time NBA MVP, 2008 inductee to Canada’s Walk of Fame

Martin Brodeur - Most All-time Wins By an NHL Goalie, Vezina Trophy winner

Rick Nash - 4 time NHL All-Star and Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner, Captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets

Watch for upcoming announcements over the next two weeks as the final celebrity names will be added and paired with PGA Touring Professionals, completing the 2009 Mike Weir Charity Classic Field. Amateurs that have purchased a team will play 9 holes with a Celebrity and 9 holes with a TOUR player as part of their once in a lifetime experience. Tickets to the event are only $15, with children admitted FREE with a paying adult.

A SEVEN-DAY CELEBRATION OF CANADIAN GOLF
The RBC Canadian Open will once again feature something for everyone through new tournament week enhancements and unique sponsor programming designed to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance while adding to the overall prestige of Canada’s national Open championship.

PENGROWTH Championship Pro-Am Draw Party – Tuesday July 21st
Attended by corporate hospitality buyers and sponsor partners playing in the Championship Pro-Am, this evening has been elevated with special guest hosts, appearances by past Canadian Open champions and this year’s addition of the Canadian Tenors as special musical guest.

SCORE Golf Awards – Wednesday, July 22nd
After being officially welcomed into tournament week of the RBC Canadian Open last year, the 29th Annual SCORE Golf Awards will take place Wednesday, July 22nd at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. The annual awards show honouring excellence in Canadian golf will also partner with the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum in a special tribute to the legends of Canadian golf and the 100th playing of the Canadian Open. The evening will feature a light-hearted panel discussion with Mike Weir and Stephen Ames about their favorite Canadian Open memories moderated by SCORE Golf’s Bob Weeks.

PENGROWTH Concert Series @ the 19th hole – Thursday, July 23rd through Saturday, July 25th
The PENGROWTH CONCERT SERIES @ the 19th hole will feature three nights of musical entertainment following the completion of play on from Thursday, July 23rd through Saturday, July 25th. The schedule for the Pengrowth Concert Series @ the 19th hole is as follow:

Thursday, July 23rd (following play)
Kevin Costner and Modern West
www.kevincostnermodernwest.com

Friday, July 24th (following play)
Tom Cochrane
www.tomcochrane.com

Saturday, July 25th (following play)
Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings (Bachman Cummings)
www.bachmancummings.com

SPONSOR ACTIVATION PROGRAMS – Wednesday July 22nd through Tournament Week
RBC Canadian Open sponsors have been re-building their activation programs, both on and off-site, with a renewed focus on fan engagement and interactivity. In addition to on-site programs by Bell, Pengrowth, BMW, Molson and LG and RBC will be hosting the RBC Avion Golf Challenge in the downtown core, engaging golf fans in advance of the tournament.

Additional sponsor activities onsite include:

RBC – to conclude the activation program hosted downtown Toronto at the corner of Bay and Wellington St. executed July 13th through tournament week, five lucky finalists will attempt a 60-foot putt on the 18th green at Glen Abbey following the RBC Canadian Open closing ceremony on July 26th. Successful putts made by the finalists will earn the lucky winners $100,000 cash and will trigger a $100,000 donation to the tournament’s charity beneficiaries.

Bell - Bell will be constructing two interactive Bell Communication Centres where fans can keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues via Bell's mobile phone and high speed internet stations on site – free for RBC Canadian Open spectators.

Pengrowth – In addition to sponsoring the Pengrowth Concert Series @ the 19th hole, Pengrowth will be on site handing out a variety of items to spectators including lanyards with ticket holders along with other Pengrowth souvenirs. Care packages including personal hand wipes and Band-Aids with Pengrowth messaging for onsite spectators.

BMW - BMW will offer free shuttle service from the public parking lot in a fleet of their latest X5 xDrive35i Advanced Diesels. Various models from the BMW product lineup will be on display throughout Glen Abbey including the latest Z4 roadster as a Hole-in-One prize on the 15th hole.

LG – As the official electronics supplier to the RBC Canadian Open, LG will be operating a booth on site to showcase the latest top of the line LG technology while offering spectators a chance to win a brand new LG 240HZ HD TV.

Transitions – Transitions will be providing an area for spectators to relax and learn more about their eyesight and the benefits of Transitions products in their “Live Your Vision Lounge” adjacent to the clubhouse, between the 16th and 17th holes. With a focus on the link between healthy sight and athletic performance, Transitions will be giving away photochromic bracelets (change colour when exposed to UV rays) and UV stickers to generate awareness about the importance to protect our eyes from dangerous UV rays. The Lounge will also feature a Lens Challenge in which spectators are invited to guess which lens is photochromic, as well as contesting and a Putting Challenge with eye goggles that simulates an Eye Disease condition (Glaucoma). Lens cleaning cloths as well as information on Healthy Sight and the eye glass buying process will be distributed.

Corona Extra – Corona Extra is proud to be the official beer of the RBC Canadian Open and will be engaging spectators at the Coronaville Patio aside the main concession of the Spectator Village where guests can enjoy themselves with friends.

Fosters – Fosters will be promoting their Wolf Blass wine label through sampling atop the Executive Rooftop Patio.

Corby Distilleries – Corby Distilleries will focus on their whiskey brand The Glenlivet which will be sampled atop the Executive Rooftop Patio.

Suncor – Sunoco’s gas pump slot machine will be engaging spectators as they pull for their chance to win selected gas prizes.

COMMITTED TO A PHILANTHROPIC VISION
In 2008, RBC and the RCGA made a joint commitment to use the RBC Canadian Open to generate $5 million for charity over the first five years of RBC’s sponsorship. RBC and the RCGA are pleased to have the Mike Weir Foundation as the event's national charity partner as well as the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) as the local community charity beneficiary.

“It is critical that the RBC Canadian Open leave a lasting legacy in our local host communities,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “The generosity of Canadian golf fans will touch so many in need through our national charity partner, the Mike Weir Foundation, as well as our local community beneficiary, ROCK here in the Halton Region.”

As the event’s local charity partner, ROCK has built a community-based fundraising campaign leveraged around their involvement with the 2009 RBC Canadian Open. The campaign features three tiers of fundraising activities including corporate gifts and private donations; a revenue sharing model tied to the sale of RBC Canadian Open corporate hospitality and bulk ticket packages; and charitable funds raised through prizing and silent auction of RBC Canadian Open memorabilia and golf related experiences.

KIDS UNDER 15 GET IN FREE
As in past years, the RBC Canadian Open is committed to providing affordable family entertainment with the playing of Canada’s national Open golf championship. Any child 15 years of age or younger will gain free admission onto the grounds of the RBC Canadian Open provided they are accompanied by a ticketed adult. Juniors will also have the opportunity to take part in golf clinics and activities on site as part of CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program.

ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca or call 1-800-571-OPEN.

RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.

For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

U.S. Open Canadian Broadcast Schedule

The following are the times for television broadcast schedule for the U.S. Open this week. Broadcast special is for Canada and in Pacific Standard Time.

Thursday, June 18, 2009 - TSN - 7:00 am to 4:00 PM
Friday, June 19, 2009 - TSN - 7:00 am to 4:00 PM
Saturday, June 20, 2009 - TSN - 11:00 am to 5:00 PM
Sunday, June 21, 2009 - TSN - 10:30 am to 4:30 PM

Monday, June 15, 2009

Team Canada Heads to Japan For World Junior Golf Team Championship

Toyota-shi, Japan (RCGA) - National Development team members Mitch Sutton, Julien Goulet, Richard Jung and Albin Choi will represent Canada at the 2009 World Junior Golf Team Championship (WJGTC) from June 15-19 in Toyota-shi, Japan.

The 18th playing of the annual event will be at Chukyo Golf Club Ishino Course, where Team Canada will be one of 14 countries competing for the coveted Toyota Cup.

The Development Team earned their chance to compete in Japan after topping Mexico by 7-strokes to finish in first place at the regional zone qualifier at the Capilano Golf & Country Club in West Vancouver, B.C., in April.

“We are proud to have these four players representing our country on the international stage,” said Doug Roxburgh, RCGA Director of High Performance. “After their tremendous finish at the zone qualifier, we are sure to see some exciting play from these individuals at the World Junior Golf Team Championship.”

National men’s team Coach Henry Brunton and non-playing Captain Wayne Joyce will be accompanying the team to Japan.

Canada will look to build on its last showing at the 2007 WJGTC when the team finished 10th. In 15 years of competing in the event, Canada has seven top-5 finishes, with their best result coming in 1994 when Team Canada took home runner-up honours.

The WJGTC is the world’s only junior golf championship in which 14 national teams, winners of regional qualifiers held across six continents, compete for the world championship trophy. The competition consists of four rounds of stroke play starting Tuesday, June 15. Individual and team champions will be named after Friday’s final round.

For more information and daily scores, please visit www.wjgtc.org or www.rcga.org.

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.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Canadian Tour Final - Grob Takes City Of Surrey Invitational

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Mike Grob fired a final round 67 and hung on to win the City of Surrey Invitational by two strokes over a charging Graham DeLaet. Grob, who pocketed $24,000 for his sixth Tour title, finished the tournament at 16 under par 272.

Click here for full field final results!

Sharing third spot at 278 is the two-time winner of this event James Lepp (68), Yohann Benson who slipped to a 74, and Zach Shriver who shot 70.

Jeffrey Rangel’s 65 moved him to a share of sixth spot at 279 with Ryan Carter (71), Brad Heaven (74) and Bryn Parry and Tim Wood, both of whom had a 67.

Having parred the first five holes, Grob exploded with five birdies over his next six holes to open up a six shot lead at one point.

Dialing it back a notch, he parred his way home.

Grob, with 18-year-old daughter Dana on his bag, acknowledged that winning at age 45 feels especially sweet.

“You never know if it’s ever going to happen again,” he said. “I only made two bogeys all week.

“I bogeyed No. 1 the first day and No. 16 (Saturday). It was a special week for me. I played great and the putter kept me going. I made a lot of nice par putts when I needed them.”

Although DeLaet made a late charge with birdies at four of his last seven holes, it wasn’t quite enough to catch the steady Grob on this day.

“This was probably my best ballstriking tournament in four or five years, or maybe my life,” said DeLaet. “I just couldn’t make any putts until today.

Faced with a six-stroke deficit at the turn, DeLaet refused to settle for second place.

With Grob watching his every move one group behind, DeLaet reeled off birdies at twelve, fourteen, fifteen and seventeen to close to within two. He got no closer.

Grob continued to play his steady game, and although he cooled off, seven straight pars to end his day sealed the victory.

“I figured if I made a few birdies coming in and maybe Mike made bogey, I still had a chance,” said DeLaet. “I played my best out there but Mike played great today and all week.

“He finished 16 under on this course and my hat is off to him.”

Third round co-leaders Adam Short and Yohann Benson struggled for much of the day.

Short bogeyed the first hole, picked up birdies at three and five, but three bogeys and a double in a five hole stretch dropped him back to a T-17 after a 77.

Benson didn’t have quite as difficult an afternoon but bogeys at one and two, followed by a double at nine, scuttled any chance of victory.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Canadian Tour's Round 3 Leaderboard at the Surrey Invitational and Hazelmere Golf Course

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Adam Short charged out of the pack with an eight under par 64 Saturday to claim a share of the third round lead with Yohann Benson at the City of Surrey Invitational.

Click here for the 54 hole leaderboard!

Benson, with a bogey-free 66, joins Short at 12 under par 204.

One shot back are Brad Heaven who fired a 67 and second round co-leader Mike Grob with a 68.
Lurking two behind is Graham DeLaet after a 68 while Jose de Jesus Rodriguez is another shot back after a 69.

Still in the hunt at eight under par 208 are Ryan Carter (67), rookie Joe Greiner (66), and Chris Wall, Kris Wasylowich, and Zach Shriver, all of whom shot 68.

After making par at one and two, Short put on a shotmaking clinic with birdies from inside eight feet at three, four, five and nine.

"The third hole was basically a tap-in,” said Short, who reached the green in two. “Both four and five were from about eight feet and I had a three-footer at nine.”

Parring ten, the Vineland, Ont., resident began another three-birdie run at the eleventh to move to seven under on his round and 11 under for the tournament.

“A couple more tap-ins to start,” continued Short. “The longest one of the day was at thirteen when I got a 20-footer.”

The putt at No. 13 tied him for the lead at 11 under.

However, a bogey at the next, combined with Grob’s fifth birdie of the day at the ninth, moved Grob two shots clear of the field.

Aware of the leaderboard change, Short bore down and reclaimed his share of top spot with birdies at fifteen and sixteen, both par-three holes.

Landing 15 feet from the pin, he rapped home his eighth birdie of the afternoon and followed it with a chip-in at No. 16 after flying the green.

Cooling off after his hot opening nine, Grob lost the lead with a bogey at sixteen.

“A round like this has been lurking just below the surface, just under the skin,” concluded Short.

“I’ve been working really hard to have the same mental attitude and focus whether I am two over or six under on my round.

“It’s been a long road and it’s nice to see it come to fruition.”

Yohann Benson made easy work of the par five holes on the front nine, reaching both in two and two-putting for birdie at both from close in.

“It was just a typical Benson round, having fun,” said the laid-back Montreal native.

“I just focused on hitting fairways and greens like I always do. This course isn’t particularly demanding off the tee like last week.”

He did make what he called a good par save at the par-three eighth.

Pulling his drive long and left of the cart path, he was faced with a lengthy and delicate chip to a fast green. Making solid contact, Benson hit it to five feet and poured in the par putt.

Again taking advantage of the par five holes, he came up just short with his second to No. 11, chipped to three feet and drained his third birdie of the afternoon.

Like most in the field, he attempted to drive the green at 13. Although he came up short in the bunker, he blasted to three feet for another easy birdie.

“The fifteenth was a good one,” continued Benson. “I hit an 8-iron off the tee to six feet for birdie and at seventeen I hit a 54-degree wedge to two feet, basically kick-in range.”

“I don’t have any number in mind for tomorrow, just fairways and greens and we’ll see what happens.”

AMJ CAMPBELL MOVING DAY
2008 Rolex Player of the Year John Ellis got married on Saturday.

South Africa’s George Coetzee is not related to the famous South African boxer Gerrie Coetzee.

Three of the four frontrunners from yesterday had difficult third rounds. Derek Gillespie shot 73 to drop to T-19, Kent Eger’s 74 has him T-23. Greg McAuley shot 77 to slip to T-37.

Canadian Tour - Packed Leaderboard In South Surrey

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Kent Eger shot a five under par 67 to climb into the share of the lead at seven under par with Derek Gillespie, Greg McAuley and Mike Grob at the City of Surrey Invitational.

Click here for second round full field scores!

Jose de Jesus Rodriguez (70), Brad Heaven (67), Yohann Benson (69), Andres Gonzales (70), Ryan Thornberry (71), and Graham DeLaet and James Lepp – both of whom shot 69 – are one stroke back.

J.C. Deacon (67), Scott Gibson (69), Wes Heffernan (69), Barrett Jarosch (73), and Liam Kendregan with a 66, are lurking two shots behind on a packed leaderboard.

McAuley, playing on a sponsor’s exemption after losing his card last year and unable to regain it earlier this season, is making the most of the opportunity after a flawless 66 on Friday.

“I live ten minutes from the golf course and finagled a sponsor invite to get into the tournament,” he said.

“I hit it well today but couldn’t make anything on my front nine, but the putter got hot and I made three in a row to start my second nine.

“The longest I made was a 20-footer at my eleventh but most of them were from close in.

“This is the kind of course that you are using your wedges a lot and I was able to make some nice up and downs.”

Unlike yesterday, Gillespie couldn’t get much going on his round, scattering three birdies and three bogeys across his card.

“It was kind of a boring round. I made a couple of nice shots and was rolling the ball well, but I just didn’t make anything,” said Gillespie.

“I couldn’t get the feel I had yesterday and couldn’t get a hot streak going. At least I didn’t shoot myself out of the tournament and I’ve still got part of the lead.”

Eger birdied the second and then drained four straight starting at the fifth hole to move to seven under for the tournament. Bogeying nine, the Regina, Sask., native got it right back at eleven before trading a birdie and bogey at sixteen and seventeen.

Grob, like Gillespie, had an off day; making just one birdie (at his tenth) against seventeen pars but it was enough to give him a share of the lead.

A group of 78 players made the cut at even par 144.

In the Clubhouse
Andres Gonzales made a hole in one at No. 16 to move into a share of the lead before bogeying the final hole.

Friday, June 12, 2009

CJGA Heads to Next Stop on BC Tour: Belmont Golf Course

Markham, ON – This weekend, the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) will be hosting the Nike Golf Junior Series/ Stephen Ames Cup Qualifier at Belmont Golf Course in Langley, BC. All juniors competing in this event have the chance to qualify for two unique events, taking place later this season.

Official Tournament Website http://www.cjga.com/
B7- Nike Golf Junior Series/ Stephen Ames Cup Qualifier

Notable Competitors
· Michaela Abey, 16, Abbotsford, BC
· Jake Behiels, 18, St. Albert, BC
· Haley Cameron, 18, Kelowna, BC
· Thomas Jefferies-Harrision, 14, Vancouver, BC
· Donald Qiu, 13, Richmond, BC

Tee Time Schedule
Saturday June 13th: Tee times begin at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday June 14th: Tee times begin at 1:30 p.m.

Qualifying Information
The Canadian Junior Golf Association, in partnership with PGA Tour Professional Stephen Ames and the Trinidad & Tobago Golf Association, presents the fifth annual Stephen Ames Cup, to be held in August in Calgary, Alta. Stephen Ames is teaming up with his birth country of Trinidad & Tobago and his new home, Canada, to create a tournament so elite that only the top eight junior golfers in Canada and Trinidad & Tobago, aged 11-19, will be eligible to participate. The three-day event will take on a Ryder Cup format. Stephen Ames himself will be attending the tournament. The qualifying process for CJGA Team Canada will be done through CJGA Nike Golf Junior Series events on the 2009 schedule.

Weather
Saturday June 13th: 22°C, Sunny
Sunday June 14th: 23°C, Cloudy Periods

About Nike Golf Canada
Based in Thornhill, Ontario, Nike Golf Canada markets, sells and distributes industry leading Nike Golf golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories throughout Canada. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to honouring and respecting the traditions and heritage of the game, and to providing committed golfers with the absolute best equipment in the game. For more information on Nike Golf Canada, visit www.nikegolf.ca. Editors and journalists seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter.

For more information on Nike Golf Canada, visit our Web site at http://www.nikegolf.ca/

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 www.cjga.com.

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

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Canadian Tour - Gillespie Leads By One

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

SOUTH SURREY, B.C., - Derek Gillespie fired a bogey-free seven under par 65 to take a one stroke lead over Kris Wasylowich, Mike Grob and Barrett Jarosch after the first round of the City of Surrey Invitational.

Click here to view the full leaderboard!

Two shots behind after a 67 is Ryan Thornberry while Andres Gonzales, Lee Curry and J.J. Rodriguez are at 68.

A group of nine players shot 69.

After missing the cut last week, Gillespie was in fine form on a gusty afternoon.

"I had a good feeling coming here after last year,” said Gillespie, who shot 62 in the third round and eventually finished ninth. “I worked out some kinks in my swing recently and putted really well today.”

After a couple of routine pars to start the day, the two-time Tour winner hit a lob wedge at No. 3 to eight feet to birdie the par five hole and followed it with a 20-footer at the fourth.

Another birdie at No. 6 from seven feet set up a key par at the next hole.

“The seventh is a par-five hole and I pull-hooked it into the hazard,” said Gillespie. “I ended up hitting my fourth to about 25 feet and made it for par.

“That saved my round and kept things going.”

Three more pars were followed by birdies at eleven, thirteen, fourteen and fifteen.

“I landed a nice 10-footer at eleven and then hit it to about five feet at thirteen,” continued Gillespie, who drained a 12-footer at the short fourteenth after missing the green with his second.

A final 20-footer at No. 15 gave him the lead.

Like Gillespie, Kris Wasylowich was sent packing early in Victoria but came out firing on all cylinders this week.

“I worked on my ballstriking after last week and today I hit 17 of 18 greens and landed on the fringe with the other,” said Wasylowich, who began the day with seven straight pars, birdied his eighth, and then four of five.

“It was a boring round in a way. I didn’t make a bogey all day but my putter was cold early on. It seems, though, that once you make one, they all start falling in.”

Birdies at his fifteenth and seventeenth completed his 66 but what also helped was changing clubs.

“I started using a new set of irons last week but wasn’t quite used to them until now,” Wasylowich added.

“I didn’t have a putt outside 12 feet and had a lot of close looks at the hole. I also switched putters and it all seems to be working.”

Things were also working today for Edmonton native Barrett Jarosch.

“I think this is my best start,” said Jarosch, who birdied four of his last five holes after shooting 34 on the front side.

“It seemed like every birdie putt was a tap-in.”

“The only long one I made was a 20-footer at 16 but other than that, it was nothing really special today.”

Starting the day with birdies at three and five, Jarosch handed one back at six but regained his momentum with a two putt birdie at the par-five seventh.

He cooled off for a while but caught fire at 13.

“It’s drivable par four,” explained Jarosch. “I landed on the green with my tee shot and a close one – about three feet.

“Fourteen is a reachable par-five. I hit a couple of three-woods to about 20 feet and had another easy birdie putt.

“I guess the only bad one was at the last hole where I lipped out for another birdie. It would have been a nice way to finish.

“It’s early,” emphasized Jarosch, whose only blemish came at the sixth. “It’s only the first round."

Tenth last week in Victoria, Grob is seeking his sixth Canadian Tour title this week.

“I got off to a tough start with a bogey at the first. I hit my approach into the right rough and couldn’t get up and down,” said Grob. “It was just a solid round with every part of my game.”

Grob, who started on No. 1, bogeyed three and four before reaching the par-five seventh in two. Staring down a 15-footer, he nailed it into the heart of the cup for eagle to move to three under on his round.

Making the turn on that number, Grob picked up three more birdies at his next four holes before parring in.

“It’s a good feeling to start like this,” he added. “I haven’t got off to a start like this in a long while and I hope I can keep it going the rest of the way.

“The course is in good shape but it was breezy, which made club selection difficult at times. You had to factor in about half a club on some holes.”

CJGA Junior - Svensson Qualifies at Age 15 for Canadian Tour Event

Markham, ON – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is proud to announce one of their members, Adam Sevnsson of Surrey, BC qualified for the Canadian Professional Golf Tour’s City of Surrey Invitational this past Monday. 15-year-old Svensson shot a remarkable 68 (-4) at the qualifying event and rightfully earned his spot in the tournament.

Coming off a successful 2008 season, Svensson represented CJGA Team Canada at the Junior Worlds Golf Championship in San Diego, CA. This year he is off to a great start with the CJGA, having one win under his belt, and three other top three finishes, he is quickly proving that he is a junior golfer on the rise.
Sevnsson will tee off tomorrow at Hazelmere Golf Course alongside esteemed Canadian golfers such as Stuart Anderson, Adam Spiers and Kris Wasylowic, along with a number of former CJGA members including JC Deacon, Michael Gligic, Mark Leon, Peter Laws, and James Lepp to name a few.

The CJGA would like to wish Adam the best of luck.

About the CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a ³registered Canadian amateur athletic association² (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.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Ashli Bunch Claims Victory at CN Canadian Women’s Tour in Guelph

LPGA Tour member earns second exemption into CN Canadian Women’s Open

Guelph, Ont. (RCGA) – Ashli Bunch of Morristown, TN shot an impressive final-round 2-under par, 70, today at the Cutten Club in Guelph, Ont., to finish at 76-70-146 (+2) to claim her first career victory on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour.

With the win, the LPGA Tour member earned $10,000 and the second of seven exemptions into the $2.75 million (US) CN Canadian Women’s Open, which will be held August 31-September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary.

Click here for the full field final scores!

Bunch overcame the day’s unrelenting winds and cold temperatures to card four birdies and 12 pars to sit four strokes ahead of the competition. The deciding factor of today’s round was Bunch’s impressive putting.

“With the strong wind and cold weather today, the course was playing extra tough,” said Bunch. “I knew the scores wouldn’t be too low, so my main focus was getting into good positions by hitting fairways and greens.”

This was Bunch’s second Tour event, having previously placed T3 in the first CN Canadian Women’s Tour stop at Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver. After earning 600 points with today’s win, Bunch now leads the Order of Merit with 975 points.

Nicole Forshner of Banff, Alta., and Erica Moston of Belmont, CA both earned second place honours with a two-day total of 150 (+6). Three players tied for fourth with a total score of 151 (+7).

The Tour’s low amateur was former National Development Team member Brittany Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., who scored a two-day total of 78-77-155 (+11). Henderson birdied the 18th hole and carded 11 pars to finish T18.

The final stop on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour takes place July 13-15 at the Hillsdale Golf and Country Club in Mirabel, Que. Each stop on the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Tour will feature a purse of $60,000, including $10,000 for the winner as well as an exemption into the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open and coveted Order of Merit points. The player with the most points at the end of the season will earn the Jocelyne Bourassa Player of the Year award.

The top four players on the 2009 Order of Merit who aren’t otherwise exempt, will earn the remaining exemptions into 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open held at the Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club from August 31-September 6 in Calgary.

Now in its ninth year, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour has established a reputation as one of the premier women’s developmental golf tours in North America. Many of Canada’s top professionals have competed on the Tour including Lorie Kane, Isabelle Beisiegel and Alena Sharp. Each event plays out over 36 holes. With close to 300 participants annually in three championships across the country, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour continues to raise the bar for women’s professional golf nationwide.

More information about the CN Canadian Women’s Tour including a full listing of competitors, post-round results and championship start times are available through the CN Canadian Women’s Tour website at www.cncanadianwomenstour.com or Royal Canadian Golf Association website at www.rcga.org.

CN DELIVERS THE GREAT GAME OF GOLF
CN is proud to support golf in Canada and is pleased to bring the best of women’s professional golf to Canada with its title sponsorship of the CN Canadian Women’s Open and the CN Canadian Women’s Tour. In addition to supporting women’s golf, CN contributes to the development of golf among young people across the country through its sponsorship of the CN Future Links program. CN is pleased to work with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) to help develop golf as a sport for women and juniors across Canada and to increase the accessibility of golf to recreational and competitive golfers. Visit www.cn.ca.

ABOUT CN CANADIAN WOMEN’S TOUR
Conducted by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), the CN Canadian Women's Tour is one of the world’s premier developmental tours, attracting rising Canadian and international female golf professionals as well as top female amateurs. The only women's developmental tour in Canada, the CN Canadian Women's Tour will offer premier championship play at locations across Canada, competitive purses and the opportunity to earn exemptions into the CN Canadian Women's Open, Canada's only LPGA Tour event. LPGA Tour professionals such as Lorie Kane and Alena Sharp competed on the Canadian Women's Tour, and used their experiences as a springboard to future success. For more information about the Canadian Women’s Tour visit www.CNcanadianwomenstour.com.

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 www.rcga.org.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The 2010 Olympic Experience So Far

Click here to read a Blog by CK Golf Solutions, "The 2010 Olympic Experience So Far"!

Vancouver Golf Tour 2009 Mayfair Lakes Classic

MarketPlace IGA
VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR

2009 MAYFAIR LAKES CLASSIC
Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club
Sunday, June 7th

TOURNAMENT REVIEW

“Swenson’s Delight at the Lakes”

In a field of 68 Amateurs including 37 players in the Championship Flight (5.0 factor and under), Richmond’s Gordon Swenson prevailed in tough scoring conditions to win the 2009 VGT Mayfair Lakes Classic with a score of 70 (-1). Swenson’s round consisted of 7 birdies on the day including a final birdie at the 18th – good for a four shot victory over Mayfair Lakes regular Michael Son and McCleery’s John Othitis. This was Swenson’s first VGT event of the year and he plans to play quite a few more events this year. “It was great to get back to the tournament scene” stated Swenson after the round. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in that situation and it was great to finish off the way I did to capture the win”. Swenson’s younger golf days go back to Mayfair Lakes when he was a fixture working at the club and his local knowledge of the course obviously paid off. The 24 year old began his University career a few years ago down at Cal State Stanislaus and after one full year of golf in the Sunshine State, Swenson decided it was better suited for him to come back home to finish his education. Swenson enrolled at Douglas College last fall and spent the ‘08-‘09 season playing for their golf program. The Richmond golfer aims to finish off the next two years of his education at SFU and play for the re-vitalized golf program under long-standing coach John Buchanan. Swenson attributes his most recent success to his hard work, and in particular to the new fitness program he’s been working on with VGT Professional and golf fitness specialist Kendal Yonemoto. “I’ve been working extremely hard with Kendal the past 6 months and can’t say enough about the benefits it has given me to my swing. Its great to see that its now translating into tournament results” stated Swenson. Swenson took home a $200 Gift Card from Perfect Lies and a $300 Galvin Green Windstopper Jacket for his victory.

In the Flight A Division (6-10) it was Maple Ridge’s Helen Jung who stole the show winning Low Gross honours with a very respectable score of 77, one shot better than Surrey’s Daryl Archibald and Burnaby’s Daniel Lee. Jung was using the VGT event to tune-up her game for the BC Women’s Amateur Championship as well as a couple of Amateur events in the U.S. Jung won a Galvin Green Windstopper pullover and a $100 MarketPlace IGA Gift Card for her victory.

In Flight B (11-16) action, Vancouver’s Hector Aguilar prevailed by two shots over Maple Ridge’s Dave Ebner. Aguilar also won a Galvin Green Winstopper pullover and a $50 Gift Card from Perfect Lies for his victory. Low Net honours went to Northview regular David Patterson.

CLEVELAND GOLF/ SRIXON CANADA ORDER OF MERIT
With his t6th place showing at Mayfair Lakes, Surrey’s Derek Wray vaulted himself closer to our Championship Amateur leader Matt Rohatensky. Wray now trails Rohatensky by only 260 points after 10 VGT Amateur events. Rohatensky leads with 2,579 points. In the Flight A OOM, Daniel Lee’s t2nd showing at Mayfair Lakes edged him to within a mere 13 points of leader Steve Smith of Guildford Golf Club who stands with 2,783 points. Flight B Leader David Patterson kept himself ahead of the pack with his t3rd finish and put more ground between him and the next chaser Pete Fung. Patterson banked 270 points for his finish and now leads Flight B with 2,560 points.

VGT would like to extend their thanks to Paul Nijjer of Mayfair Lakes and all his support staff for helping us co-ordinate such a great event!! The golf course was in fantastic condition and we look forward to hosting many events with the GolfBC group in the future.