CJGA Team Canada Named Euro Junior Golf Cup Champions

Fife, Scotland – Today was the final round of the Euro Junior Golf Cup taking place in St. Andrews, Scotland. The Canadian Junior Golf Association’s (CJGA) Team Canada had managed to earn a 5.5 point lead over International Junior Golf Tour’s (IJGT) Team USA and the Fife Golfing Association’s (FGA) Team Scotland. The tournament has been played on three different courses: Charleton Golf Club, Grail Golf Club, and the grand finale at Ladybank Golf Club where the juniors faced a steady rain and 17˚C temperatures. After 54 holes of play CJGA Team Canada was named the 2009 Euro Junior Golf Cup Champions.

“The team remained focus and disciplined today,” commented John Lawrence non-playing team captain of CJGA Team Canada. “They worked hard all week long to get here, they deserved to win!” Joey Kremer (Toronto, Ont.) had an outstanding performance today earning 2 points against stiff competition. Alex Dumais (Caledon East, Ont.) found himself 4 holes down to the American and 3 holes down to the Scotsman after 11 holes of play, yet Dumais managed to dig deep and win both of his matches.

CJGA Team Canada entered the day with a 5.5 point lead and instead of being pushed back onto their heels; they put the pressure onto their opponents winning 17 points in the third round. The tournament came to an end with CJGA Team Canada having 51 points, FGA Scotland finished with 40.5 points, and IJGT Team USA earned 34.5 points.

Click here to see the results of the matches!

CK Golf Solutions August 2009 eNewsletter

CK Golf Solutions has published their August 2009 eNewsletter. Click here to view it!

TELUS World Skins Game Coming to Victoria, B.C.

Bear Mountain Resort to play host to 2010 TELUS World Skins Game with funds being raised for The Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children in support of Jeneece Place

Victoria, BC - Victoria will welcome golfers and visitors from around the globe when it hosts the TELUS World Skins Game at Bear Mountain Resort in June, 2010.

As part of TELUS' ongoing commitment to 'give where we live' and the event's long-standing tradition of benefiting local charities, TELUS and organizers have selected The Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children in support of Jeneece Place as the benefiting charity for the 2010 TELUS World Skins Game. "The 2010 TELUS World Skins will undoubtedly be an enormous success for participants and spectators in Victoria. Just as importantly, this announcement will initiate our funding drive for Jeneece Place in partnership with the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children," said Darren Entwistle, TELUS president and CEO. "Jeneece Edroff is a very special young woman and TELUS is thrilled to help her realize her dream to establish a home away from home for children and their families who have to travel for care at Victoria General Hospital, the Queen Alexandra Centre or for specialist appointments and lab tests in Victoria."

The two-day event will be held on June 21 and 22, 2010 and will feature the top names in international golf each representing a different country. The intimate, relaxed setting of the Skins Game format allows players to engage with the cameras and the crowds as they compete against each other for pride, prize money and the event's designated charity.

"From the outset, my vision for Bear Mountain Resort centred around offering a world-class golf experience with the most notable designers behind it," said Len Barrie, President and CEO of Bear Mountain Resort. "Securing the 2010 TELUS World Skins Game and working with TELUS and IMG to welcome some of the best players in the world will make that vision a reality."

Bear Mountain Resort was first introduced in 2003 with the Jack and Steve Nicklaus co-designed Mountain Course. In June of this year the new Nicklaus Design Valley Course opened giving Bear Mountain the distinction as the only resort in Canada with 36 holes of Nicklaus Design golf. The Mountain Course is a masterpiece, offering challenging terrain and spectacular natural beauty. A par 72 playing at 7,212 yards, the course takes full advantage of its setting atop a 1,100-foot mountain, exhibiting dramatic elevation changes and awe-inspiring views.

The par 71, 6,807 yard Valley Course is more forgiving and plays at a lower elevation than the Mountain Course. It alternates between 300 and 400 feet above sea level with different vistas and scenery, but equally spectacular. Bear Mountain also features a Westin Hotel, Spa, Athletic Club, a variety of restaurants and a Village to round out the complete resort experience.

"After a hugely successful event this summer, we look forward to returning to Western Canada next June, and especially to visiting Victoria for the first time," said Brad Pelletier, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, IMG Canada. "A big part of the TELUS Skins Game's popularity is that it visits many of Canada's most spectacular destinations, and Victoria and Bear Mountain Resort will certainly add to that tradition. The fans in British Columbia have always been great supporters of the event when it has visited in the past, so we look forward to another tremendous event next June."

The 2010 edition of the TELUS World Skins Game will be the fifth time that it has been played in the province of British Columbia. Both Nicklaus North Golf Club in Whistler (1997, 2005) and Predator Ridge Golf Resort in Vernon (2000, 2008) have earned the distinction of being the only two courses in Canada to host the event on more than one occasion.

The TELUS World Skins Game is always a highlight of the Canadian summer sporting schedule for the country's most passionate golf fans, as well as the community that hosts it. Fulfilling its promise to "give where we live", TELUS partners with local charitable organizations to make a difference as the event travels from coast-to-coast. Funds are generated through the 'Charity on the Course' program which includes donations made for every birdie and eagle played by the professional golfers during the two days of competition, as well as an online charity auction through eBay.

Next year's game will improve the quality of life for Vancouver Island's sick kids and their families for years to come as the money raised during the event will benefit the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children in support of Jeneece Place, a home away from home to be located near the Victoria General Hospital.

"I am so grateful that the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children has been accepted as the charity partner for the TELUS World Skins game, and that Jeneece Place is the designated project for donations," said Jeneece Edroff, the remarkable 15 year old who has raised more than $1.5 million for Variety the Children's Charity and whose vision will make Jeneece Place a reality. "It's exciting to think we're that much closer to making my dream of Jeneece Place a reality!"

The TELUS World Skins Game, an event owned and operated by IMG in Canada for 18 years, has included many of the biggest names in the game including Jack Nicklaus, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and Greg Norman. The line-up of players, as well as event ticket information, will be announced and posted on www.telusskins.com in 2010.

For more information about Jeneece Place please visit www.jeneeceplace.org.

About IMG Sports & Entertainment
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.

Vancouver Golf Tour - Golden Ear's Invitational

MarketPlace IGA
VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR

Pitt Meadows Golf Club
July 25,26th

“HATS OFF TO HADWIN at 40TH ANNIVERSARY GOLDEN EAR’S”

On a scorching weekend in Pitt Meadows, it was 21 year old rookie VGT Professional ADAM HADWIN who blazed his way to his second victory in three VGT events, posting back-to-back rounds of 66 for a two-day total of 12 under par and a four shot victory over last week’s Chilliwack Open winner BRYN PARRY. Starting the final round leading at -6, both Hadwin and Parry had their share of ups and downs on the front nine. It was Hadwin who struggled first with bogeys on #1 and #3 to give Parry an early 2 shot lead in as many holes. However, after a few more holes both players would settle down on the front nine and finish one-under par for the opening side and 7-under par for the tournament. Playing some four groups earlier, Hazelmere’s PHIL JONAS shot off to a 4-under start on the front nine, and would effectively be only one shot back with nine holes to play. His good play continued on #11 where he birdied to get to -7 for the tournament but his chase for the title was halted after a double-bogey six on the 12th hole to move him back to -5. Although he would make two more birdies coming in, Jonas’ charge was a bit shy and he finished with a Sunday score of 67 and for a 3rd place finish in the tournament alone at -7, good for $1,100.

With none of the other front runners making a considerable challenge to the leaders, it would be the second consecutive VGT event that Parry and Hadwin would go head-to-head on the back nine to see who clinched the Championship. The difference in these nine holes turned out to be Hadwin capitalizing beautifully on a bit of luck after two errant drives, making some fantastic recovery shots on holes #12 and #14. His two birdies on these holes inevitably gave him a two shot lead with four holes to play. Both Hadwin and Parry made great birdies on #15 to go -11 and -9 respectively and it looked like it was going to be a race to the end until Parry made an untimely bogey on #16 to fall three shots back with only two to play. Par’s on 17 by both players gave Hadwin some breathing room coming down 18, which he took full advantage of with two great shots into the par 5 and a two-putt birdie to get to 12 under par and win this 40th Anniversary Golden Ear’s Invitational in style! Hadwin’s victory earned him $2,200 towards his yearly total on the CLEVELAND GOLF/ SRIXON CANADA Order of Merit, chasing all the way into 2nd Place after playing only 5 events with $7,875. This leaves Hadwin less than $1,000 shy of VGT’s 2009 Order of Merit leader Bryn Parry, who sits atop with $8,837.50 after 12 events. With only four VGT events remaining on the schedule to decide who will win the coveted entry to PGA Tour Qualifying School, this race will be an exciting one to follow indeed! McCleery and Hazelmere’s Phil Jonas sits in 3rd Place overall with $7,128.

In Amateur action, Ledgeview’s KEVIN STINSON was only a few shots shy of winning the ‘Amateur Triple Crown (Ledgeview Open, Chilliwack Open, Golden Ear’s Open) as he was simply out-played by 17 year old Capilano Golf Club Junior MATT CAVELTI who shot impressive back-to-back rounds of 69 for a total of 6-under par to take Amateur Honours at this year’s event. Both Cavelti and Stinson will be heading away to play in the Canadian Championships – Cavelti next week in the Juniors at Westmount Golf & Country Club in Kitchener, Ontario and Stinson at the Canadian Amateur the following week at Club de golf Le Blainvillier in Blainville, Quebec. VGT wishes both youngsters a successful trip on their National Championship bids! This year’s Amateur Low Net Winner went to Vancouver Golf Club’s Dave Showman with a 2-day total of 139, winning on retrogression over Paul Jennings and Julian Pasichnyk. Full results can be found by clicking here: http://www.vancouvergolftour.com/2009/live_scoring.htm.

Royal Oaks Estates & Golf Club Set For 2009 Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship

Moncton, N.B. (RCGA) – The top female amateur golfers from across Canada and the around the world will battle for the most prestigious title in Canadian women’s amateur golf this week as the 2009 Royale Cup Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship is contested at Royal Oaks Estates & Golf Club in Moncton, N.B.

Conducted by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), the championship will feature 117 of Canada’s best female golfers looking to become the next national champion.

“This year’s Royale Cup features a talented field of top Canadian and International golfers,” said Alison Turcotte, Royale Cup Canadian Women’s Amateur Tournament Director. “The competitors will face a challenging Royal Oaks layout and spectators watching will see some close competition and tremendous play.”

Among the talented field is defending champion Stacey Keating, of Victoria, Australia who claimed her first International victory at last year’s Royale Cup Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. Also competing is 2008 runner-up and National Amateur Team member Stephanie Sherlock of Barrie, Ont. Sherlock will be accompanied by all three of her fellow Team Canada members: Duramed Futures Tour star Kira Meixner of Richmond, B.C.; two-time CN Canadian Women’s Tour champion Sue Kim of Langley, B.C.; and 2009 Quebec Amateur champion Maude-Aimee LeBlanc of Sherbrooke, Que.

Also competing in this year’s field are all four members of the National Development Team: Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont.; Nicole Vandermade of Brantford, Ont.; Rebecca Lee-Bentham of North York, Ont.; and Anne-Catherine Tanguay of Quebec City.

Sherlock will also help to defend the 2008 Provincial Team Championship as a member of Ontario’s provincial team along with her 2009 teammates Jennifer Kirby, Nicole Vandermade, and Lisa Maunu of St. Thomas, Ont.

This year’s championship marks the first time that Royal Oaks Estates & Golf Club has hosted the Royale Cup Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. The national championship was last contested in New Brunswick in 2006 at Moncton Golf and Country Club when Jessica Potter of Coquitlam, B.C. took home the title.

The Royale Cup Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship will also feature a Mid-Amateur competition and a Mid-Master competition. The Mid-Amateur Championship will crown a national champion to the best player over 25 years of age while the Mid-Master competition will be open to players over 40 years of age.

The Royale Cup Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship is conducted at stroke play over 72 holes. After 36 holes, the field is cut to the low 70 and ties. An inter-provincial team championship will also take place in conjunction with the first two rounds of stroke play.

Practice rounds will be held Monday, July 27, and championship play will be conducted Tuesday, July 28 through Friday, July 31 with 18 holes of stroke play each day. Any tie after 72 holes will result in a hole-by-hole play-off.

Starting times, post-round results and a full field list are available through the Royal Canadian Golf Association website at www.rcga.org/Championships.

ABOUT IRVING TISSUE AND THE ROYALE BRAND
Irving Tissue, the makers of Royale, is proud to be the official title sponsor of all three of the Canadian Women’s amateur competitions; Royale National Junior Girl’s Championship, Royale Cup National Women’s Amateur Championship and the Royale National Women’s Senior Championship.

Irving Tissue is a family run, privately owned company which began in 1998 and since then has grown to become one of North America’s leading tissue manufactures. The Royale brand is owned and proudly manufactured by Irving Tissue. Royale has been trusted by generations of Canadian families and traces its roots back to 1932. The product line-up includes kitten soft bathroom tissue, facial tissue, napkins and paper towels. For more information on Royale products, visit www.royale.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, 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.

B.C. looks to take top honours at 2009 Girls Junior America's Cup

LOGAN, UTAH - Earning a spot in this week’s Girls Junior America's Cup is a huge honour – and B.C.’s four-girl team is a force to be reckoned with.

Last year’s event held at Willow Park Country Club in Calgary, Alberta saw Team B.C. finish in second and team member, Christine Wong finish as low medalist – best finish ever for a Canadian team.

The annual event, in which 18 teams from multiple western states, Canada and Mexico form four-person squads to compete in a 54-hole team tournament, will be held at Logan Golf and Country Club, July 28-30. It is only the second time in the 32-year history of the event that the tournament will be held in Utah.

Last year’s low medalist, Christine Wong of Richmond, B.C. and Port Coquitlam’s Soo Bin Kim, the 2008 Canadian Junior and Juvenile Girls’ champion join Jennifer Yang of Coquitlam, B.C. and Lauren Taylor of Nelson, B.C. form a solid provincial team prepared to take on top juniors from Utah, Mexico, Alberta, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming and California.

“I’ve really been looking forward to this” says Wong. “We have another great team this year and I want to bring home the gold.”

Wong recently returned from San Diego after playing in the Callaway Junior World Championships at Torrey Pines Golf Course and finished tied for fourth. Kim finished runner-up in the B.C. Women’s Amateur and the B.C. Junior Girls’ earlier this month.

The Girls' Junior America's Cup is a showcase team event in the western portion of the country for girls, ages 17 and under. The tournament features seventeen association teams from eleven western states, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Representing each association are four junior girls. Team members exemplify not only outstanding skill, but also true sportsmanship, discipline, courtesy and character.

The tournament passes to a different host association each year. Hosting this year’s girls' competition is the Utah Golf Association, July 28 -30 at Logan Golf and Country Club in Logan, Utah.

Lorena Ochoa, the LPGA’s top-rated player, is a three-time champion of this event. Other former competitors in the Girls Junior America’s Cup include six-time LPGA winner and Solheim Cup competitor Pat Hurst and LPGA star and fellow Solheim Cup competitor Natalie Gulbis.

The last time the Girls Junior America’s Cup was played in Utah was in 1991 at Ogden Golf and Country Club.

B.C. Golfers honoured at SCOREGolf Awards

The Canadian Golf Industry honoured the winners of the 2008 SCOREGolf Awards, presented by RBC, for the 28th consecutive year. A tribute was paid to Canada's Golf Industry elite on July 22nd at the Westing Harbour Castle.

The best of the best from the top juniors, amateurs, seniors and professionals, to the club managers, superintendents and club professionals, were honored at the SCOREGolf Awards.

Four players from B.C. were winners in their respective categories:

Junior Girl - Sue Kim

Junior Boy - Eugene Wong

Male Amateur - Nick Taylor

Female Senior - Jackie Little

SCOREGolf Awards Facts:

•Score Awards returns as a cornerstone of the 7-day celebration of Canadian golf
•Canadian professionals and exempt amateurs competing for our National championship are in attendance
•Every living member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame is invited to this historic evening, ensuring a star-studded gathering of Canadian golf greats

For more information about the awards, visit scoregolf.com

Canadian Tour - 2009 Fall Q-School Approaching

Submitted by Canadian Tour Communications

OAKVILLE, Ont. – The Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School is scheduled for Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington, Ont., from Sept. 9 -12, 2009.

The new course at Hidden Lake is a 6,743 yard par-71 layout situated 30 minutes west of Toronto and is hosting the Fall Q-School for the first time.

“Dan Halldorson was approached about this course because one thing the Tour was looking at was close proximity to St. Catharines where the Tour Championship is,” said George Tidd, CPGA Executive Professional and part owner of Hidden Lake.

“We’ve had the Monday Qualifying for the Canadian Open at least three times and a dozen or more regional qualifiers and the lowest recorded score was 66.

“The fairways are pretty narrow normally but we’re also going to grow the rough and double-roll the greens.

“This is a target-style golf course and it will be a good test for the pros.”

Steeped in history, the Fall Q-School has seen PGA TOUR winners Dave Barr, Stephen Ames, Ian Leggatt, Kirk Triplett, Tim Petrovic and Billy Ray Brown earn their cards at the Fall Q-School.

In more recent times, the school has graduated Jon Mills, David Hearn, Graham DeLaet and Wes Heffernan to the Canadian Tour and beyond.

Alex Coe earned his card two years ago and parlayed that into a victory at the Jane Rogers Championship in August of last year.

"I’ve played a lot of mini-tour events and they don’t compare to the Canadian Tour in terms of quality and depth of field, course conditions and atmosphere. Here in North America, you have the PGA TOUR, Nationwide Tour and the Canadian Tour,” said Coe.

2008 Tour Championship winner Tom Stankowski said about the Canadian Tour, “Other tours don’t teach you the mental preparation that you learn here on the Canadian Tour.

“With the mini-tours you may travel an hour from home at most and that doesn’t teach you how to be away for a week or more at a time. They (mini-tours) really don’t develop you.”

Successful applicants won’t have long to wait before testing their game against the best Canadian Tour players.

Depending on spots available, they will head to Mexico to compete in two late September events and then have the opportunity to compete throughout Latin America to begin the 2010 season with expected stops in Columbia, Peru, Argentina, Chile and Costa Rica in November and December of 2009.

For further information contact:

Cindy L. Cote
Executive Assistant & Membership Service Manager
Canadian Professional Golf Tour
Golf House, Suite 301, 1333 Dorval Drive
Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6M 4X7
North America Toll Free: 1-877-226-8687
Direct Line: 905-815-9756, Extension 485
Fax: 905-815-8523 or 1-877-888-2381
Email: ccote@cantour.com

PGA of BC Pro-Assistant Championship - Seymour Creek Golf Centre Defends Title

Seymour Creek Golf Centre wins the 2009 Cleveland Golf Srixon Canada/G&G Golf PGA of BC Pro-Assistant Championship for the second year in a row.

It took three playoff holes, but the team of James Legault and Bryn Parry from Seymour Creek Golf Centre managed to defend their PGA of BC Pro-Assistant Championship Tuesday at Myrtle Point Golf Club in Powell River.

Legault squeezed in a three-foot par putt on the 10th hole for the win, after Kevin Maxwell of Glacier Greens GC had just missed a four-footer for par on the same hole.

Both teams shot fine scores of 12-under-par 132 in regulation play. Glacier Greens (Maxwell and Head Professional Bill Kelly) fired a fine 11- under- par 61 during Monday's first round and added to it with a 71 on Tuesday.

Seymour Creek did it another way, with a 9-under 63 in round one under the scramble format and a fine 69 in round two, matching the low round for the day in the more difficult Modified Chapman alternate-shot format.

The playoff was exciting, with both teams having reasonable birdie chances on No. 10 and No. 18, the two holes used for the playoff.

Seymour Creek's victory made it two years in a row following their win in 2008 at N'kmip Desert Canyon GC. They earned a cheque of $2,500 out of the total purse of $9,000 for the win this year.

Kelly and Maxwell earned $1,900 for their runner-up finish.

In a four-way tie for third, with scores of 10-under-par 134, were the teams from Storey Creek (Butch Kelly/Adam Nice), Capilano G&CC (Brad Burgart/Cory Draper), Point Grey G&CC (Jeff Buder/Trevor Hay) and Quilchena G&CC (Scott Rodgers/Paul Girard).

In 7th place was Hi-Knoll Golf Centre (Jeff Hallborg/Scott Shepherd) and T-8 were Burnaby Mountain GC (Don Mark/Greg McClure) and Shaughnessy G&CC (Scott Dickson/Trevor Woynarski).

The Pro-Assistant Championship was sponsored by G&G Golf Company and by Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada. Twenty-six teams competed and enjoyed the spectacular scenery and warm hospitality of Myrtle Point Golf Club, under the leadership of Head Professional Matt Hardman.

Government of Canada Supports the Development of Canadian Golf

OAKVILLE, Ont. – On behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), Terence Young, Member of Parliament (Oakville), today announced funding for the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) which will be used in part to develop young golfers.

“Our Government is proud to support the Royal Canadian Golf Association and its efforts to build the sport of golf in this country,” said Minister of State Lunn. “This funding will provide our young and emerging athletes and coaches with the resources they need to hone their skills and prepare them to be their very best. There is no doubt that today’s duffers are tomorrow’s champions.”

“I am pleased that our Government is providing this funding to the Royal Canadian Golf Association,” said Mr. Young. “The RCGA does excellent work in promoting the growth of this popular sport in Canada and is committed to promoting golf to Canadians of all ages and levels.”

The RCGA is the national sport organization for golf in Canada. Its mandate is to enhance participation, excellence, capacity, and interaction in golf. With the assistance of Sport Canada and sport specialists, the Association has developed a Long Term Player Development (LTPD) framework. The LTPD framework will help guide the RCGA when developing programs, from introducing the game all the way to preparing Canada’s best athletes to compete on the international stage.

“The RCGA appreciates the Government of Canada support as we work to improve all aspects of the game for participants of all ages,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “This funding will help us introduce more people to the game of golf in Canada as well as bolster our efforts in developing young athletes across the country as part of our investment into competitive excellence.”

The Government of Canada believes that sport strengthens individuals by helping them develop teamwork, discipline and commitment. Sport participation also fosters a strong sense of community by bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Department of Canadian Heritage is providing funding of $715,000 to the Royal Canadian Golf Association through its Sport Support Program which is aimed at developing athletes and coaches.

Andrew Parr, Richard Lee, Graham Baillargeon and Lucas Lee Monday Qualify For 2009 RBC Canadian Open

Team Sean O’Hair-Damon Allen wins inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Andrew Parr of London, Ont., played near perfect golf during Monday’s qualifying round at Heron Point in Alberton, Ont., to earn one of four final exemptions into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open.

After a bogey on the first hole, Parr went on to shoot five birdies and two eagles on the day. Parr’s eight-under par 63 earned him the right to play among the PGA TOUR’s professionals at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. Parr, who turned pro in 2007, will be competing in his third consecutive RBC Canadian Open.

Also earning exemptions into this year’s Open are Richard Lee of Chandler, Ariz., amateur Graham Baillargeon of Mississauga, Ont. and Lucas Lee of Torrance, Calif.

With the addition of the four Monday qualifiers, a total of 15 Canadians are now set to compete at this year’s RBC Canadian Open.

MONDAY QUALIFYING RESULTS:
The following players Monday qualified for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open:

1. Andrew Parr, Reston, VA, 35-28-63 (-8)
2. Richard Lee, Chandler, AZ, 33-33-66 (-5)
*3. Graham Baillargeon (a), Mississauga, ON, 33-34-67 (-4)
*3. Lucas Lee, Torrance, CA, 36-31-67 (-4)

* Denotes qualified in playoff
(a) Denotes amateur

INAUGURAL MIKE WEIR CHARITY CLASSIC
A new chapter in RBC Canadian Open history was written as the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic pro-am kicked off in style Monday. The pro-am event featured marquee celebrities from the music, sport and entertainment industries as well as top stars on the PGA TOUR vying for the championship team title. Amateur competitors played nine holes with a PGA TOUR pro and nine holes with a celebrity.

The team of Sean O’Hair and Damon Allen won the event, combining for an impressive team-total of 19-under par. Anthony Kim and Rick Nash (team1) finished T2nd with Camilo Villegas and Tom Cochrane as well as Anthony Kim and Rick Nash (team 2) at 15-under par.

Fans flocked to Glen Abbey to see notable stars such as NBA legend Michael Jordan, Oscar winner Kevin Costner and NHL all-star netminder Martin Brodeur as well as PGA TOUR stars Stephen Ames, Sean O’Hair and event host Mike Weir.

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 Canada along with Corona Extra, TaylorMade, Wolf Blass, Southern Implants, CFF Stainless Steels Inc., The Globe and Mail, Pepsi, LG, Transitions Optical, The Glenlivet, Reader’s Digest, Sunoco and local media partners Q107 and Toronto Sun. The event is also supported by Ontario Tourism. Ontario, yours to discover.

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.

Vancouver Golf Tour - 2009 Chilliwack Open

Marketplace IGA - VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR

2009 CHILLIWACK OPEN
Chilliwack Golf & Country Club
July 18,19TH

PARRY PACKS A PUNCH AT CHILLIWACK OPEN

On a blistering hot and windy weekend, Seymour Creek Professional Bryn Parry showed all 208 participants of the 2009 CHILLIWACK OPEN that he is a force to be reckoned with. Despite starting Sunday’s final round 2 shots back of 21-year old rookie sensation Adam Hadwin, by the 4th hole Parry had taken command of this 51st Annual event starting on fire, birdie, birdie, birdie, eagle. Parry not only closed the gap, but surged ahead to -8 for the tournament and now lead by 5 shots after 4 holes after Hadwin hooked his drive out-of-bounds on #2 to take a triple bogey 7 on the hole.

This event however was certainly not over as the rookie Hadwin charged right back into the tournament with six birdies from holes 4 through 11 to get back level with Parry at -8 for the tournament after Parry’s charge slowed down momentarily with a bogey on #8 and pars thru the 11th. A bit of loose play from both players on the 12th hole put the leaders back at -7 for the tournament before the veteran Parry dropped it up one gear when he birdied the 14th par 3 for a 2-shot lead after Hadwin bogeyed. Parry gave Hadwin a couple of chances to narrow his lead with approach shots that flew over the green on #16 and left on #17. The pivotal moment in the tournament turned out to be a battle of the short game as Parry’s two up and downs on #16 and 17 were just too much for Hadwin to handle, missing an 8 footer of his own on 16 for birdie and then 3-putting from 50 feet on the 17th.

Parry closed the event in style, drawing a mid-iron around the oak tree on 18 from 165 yards out to 20 feet and nailing his birdie putt to go 9-under par, putting an exclamation point on his second win this year on the Vancouver Golf Tour schedule. Parry’s win and cheque for $2,000 vaults him to the top of the CLEVELAND GOLF/ SRIXON CANADA Order of Merit (OOM) with $7,337.50. Hadwin’s second place showing vaulted him up the VGT OOM from 5th to 3rd and $5,675.00 after playing only 4 events on the VGT schedule. Hadwin’s four results have included two 2nd place finishes and a win at the Ledgeview Open two weeks ago. Hazelmere’s Phil Jonas struggled on day two shooting 74 and missed cutting a cheque by one shot. After 11 events, Jonas sits in 2nd place on the CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON CANADA Order of Merit with $6,028.66.

In the Amateur side of the tournament, 23-year old Kevin Stinson of Ledgeview took home low honours with scores of 70,74 to win by two shots over Chilliwack’s own Mike Broadfoot. Stinson had mixed emotions after his second round - happy to win his second Amateur title this year, but also disappointed he didn’t finish stronger and take on the top Professionals in the field, ultimately one of his main goals. Stinson was quoted as saying he ‘Learned a lot from some of the top Professionals he played with in this event and noted that they rarely made any ‘unforced errors’ during their play’. Stinson will look to win the ‘Triple Crown’ next weekend as he is registered for VGT’s next event – The 2009 Golden Ear’s Open at Pitt Meadows Golf Club.

Canadian Tour - DeLaet Grabs Players Cup Title

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

WINNIPEG, Man. – Graham DeLaet shot a two under par 69 to capture the Canadian Tour Players Cup by one stroke over Byron Smith, Lucas Lee and Ryan Horn.

DeLaet finished the week at eight under par 276 and with his second title of the season, jumps to the top of the Order of Merit with $78,500 after his $32,000 pay day on Sunday.

John Ellis matched par 71 to grab solo fifth at 278 while Derek Gillespie (71) and Mark Leon (73) share sixth spot at 279.

Finishing T-8 at 280 are Mitchell Gillis (70), Luke Hickmott (72) and Ryan Thornberry with a 71.

DeLaet started with four consecutive pars and then backed up with bogeys at five and six.

Settling down with a birdie at eight, he parred three straight before birdieing three of his next four starting at No. 12, then was handed the victory when Smith bogeyed the final hole.

Smith, a winner in Victoria last month, birdied to start the day but gave it back at five.

He went birdie bogey at eight and nine before a birdie at the par-5 15th moved him one ahead of a charging DeLaet.

However, Smith bogeyed 16 to drop back into a tie with DeLaet before the fateful bogey at 18 left him one back.

With three birdies on his first 16 holes, Ryan Horn was tied for the lead but a bogey at 17 dropped him one behind DeLaet and Smith at the time.

Starting the day with a one stroke lead over Brad Fritsch, Lee was at even but doubled the par-5 seventh and bogeyed 13.

Refusing to quit, he rallied with birdies at 14 and 15 to catch the leaders but his bogey at No. 16 left him one short.

Fritsch held steady until going bogey, double, par, bogey starting at No. 7. The Manotick, Ont., finished T-19.

In the Clubhouse

Competitors earning spots into the RBC Canadian Open:
Graham DeLaet
Mauricio Molina
Mike Grob
Andres Gonzales
Hugo Leon
Rafael Gomez
Stuart Anderson
Wes Heffernan

Byron Smith - #2 on Order of Merit – earned an exemption but turned it down to play the Nationwide Tour event. Jim Rutledge (#6) also turned down his RCGA exemption so his spot is given to the next player on the Order of Merit. The top two Canadians (Stuart Anderson #10 and Wes Heffernan #18) not otherwise exempt were given exemptions.

Graham DeLaet was already exempt before his win.

Final Field Announced for 2009 RBC Canadian Open

Field to feature five former champions, 11 Canadians and two members of Canada’s National Amateur Team

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) and RBC announced today the final field of competitors set to challenge for the $5.1 million (US) RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Defending champion Chez Reavie headlines a list of notables that includes Anthony Kim, Sean O’Hair, Camilo Villegas, Trevor Immelman, Luke Donald, Bubba Watson, J.B. Holmes, Dustin Johnson, John Daly, Mark Calcavecchia, Fred Couples and Retief Goosen as well as Canadian PGA TOUR stars Mike Weir, Stephen Ames.

Reavie, the defending champion tops a list of five former Canadian Open winners that includes Calcavecchia (2005), Bob Tway (2003), Scott Verplank (2001) and Billy Andrade (1998).

Weir and Ames will headline a list of 11 Canadians looking to become the first Canadian since Pat Fletcher in 1954 to take home Canada’s national championship. Other Canucks set to compete include Graham DeLaet, Dustin Risdon, Chris Baryla, Ian Leggatt, Kyle German and Bryan DeCorso as well as National Amateur Team members Nick Taylor and Matt Hill and 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion Cam Burke.

Six additional exemptions will be awarded following this weekend’s Canadian Tour event – the Players Cup - in Winnipeg, Man. as well as the top five players on the Canadian Tour’s order of merit.

“The field is set and we’re ready to kick off the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship,” said Bill Paul, Tournament Director. “Canadian golf fans will be treated to a showcase at Glen Abbey with a number of rising PGA TOUR stars and talented Canadians set to challenge Glen Abbey.”

Four additional competitors will earn a spot into the field following the Monday Qualifier set for Monday, July 20 at Heron Point Golf Links.

The following is a list of players set to compete in the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Brad Adamonis, Tyler Aldridge, Steven Allan, *Stephen Ames, Billy Andrade, Stuart Appleby, Arjun Atwal, Eric Axley, Aaron Baddeley, Briny Baird, *Chris Baryla, Brian Bateman, David Berganio, Jr.
Matt Bettencourt, Kris Blanks, Matthew Borchert, Michael Bradley, *Cam Burke (a), Jonathan Byrd, Mark Calcavecchia, Alex Cejka, Greg Chalmers, Daniel Chopra, Wil Collins, Fred Couples, John Daly, Brian Davis, Glen Day, Jason Day, Brendon de Jonge
*Bryan DeCorso, *Graham DeLaet, Chris DiMarco, Luke Donald, Jason Dufner, Ken Duke,
Joe Durant, Steve Elkington, Bob Estes, Derek Fathauer, Brad Faxon, Steve Flesch,
Harrison Frazar, Robert Garrigus, *Kyle German, Mathew Goggin, Retief Goosen, Jason Gore, Nathan Green, Mathias Gronberg, Scott Gutschewski, Bill Haas, Todd Hamilton,
Bob Heintz, Tim Herron, *Matt Hill (a), J.B. Holmes, Ryuji Imada, Trevor Immelman,
Kent Jones, Matt Jones, Jonathan Kaye, Jerry Kelly, Troy Kelly, Anthony Kim, Jeff Klauk, Colt Knost, Cliff Kresge, Martin Laird, *Ian Leggatt, Michael Letzig, Spencer Levin, Peter Lonard, Jamie Lovemark, Steve Lowery, Jarrod Lyle, Jeff Maggert, John Mallinger, Steve Marino, David Mathis, Troy Matteson, Billy Mayfair, Scott McCarron,
Parker McLachlin, Rocco Mediate, John Merrick, Shaun Micheel, Bryce Molder, Kevin Na, Sean O'Hair, Nick O'Hern, Joe Ogilvie, James Oh, Leif Olson, Jeff Overton, Greg Owen, Ryan Palmer, Corey Pavin, Pat Perez, Tom Pernice, Jr., Tim Petrovic, Carl Pettersson, Scott Piercy, D.A. Points, Aron Price, Rick Price, Jeff Quinney, Chez Reavie, Chris Riley, *Dustin Risdon, John Senden, Patrick Sheehan, Webb Simpson, Brandt Snedeker, Kevin Stadler, Scott Sterling, Darron Stiles, Kevin Streelman, Chris Stroud, Kevin Sutherland, *Nick Taylor (a), Vaughn Taylor, Roland Thatcher, Nicholas Thompson, Brendon Todd, Peter Tomasulo, Bob Tway, Bo Van Pelt, Scott Verplank, Camilo Villegas, Brian Vranesh, Johnson Wagner, Jimmy Walker, Charles Warren, Bubba Watson, Matt Weibring, *Mike Weir, Charlie Wi, Jay Williamson, Dean Wilson, Mark Wilson, Casey Wittenberg, Gary Woodland, Y.E. Yang,
*denotes Canadian
(a) denotes Amateur

The RCGA would also like to remind spectators that have not already purchased their tickets that they can do so by visiting online at www.rbccanadianopen.com or calling 1-800-571-OPEN (6736).

The following are ticket prices for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open:

Junior Grounds Ticket FREE*
Monday Grounds (Mike Weir Charity Classic) $15.00
Tuesday Grounds $15.00
Wednesday Grounds $15.00
Anyday Grounds Ticket $55.00
Weekly Grounds Badge $110.00 (fully transferrable)
Anyday Grounds 10 Pack $450.00 (10 anyday grounds tickets)

*kids under 15 get in free with a ticketed adult

The 2009 RBC Canadian Open will take place July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club, the 25th time the renowned Oakville layout has challenged the stars of the PGA TOUR. The event will feature both onsite and offsite activities expected to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance.

Onsite activities include the onsite Pengrowth Concert Series featuring Kevin Costner and Modern West (Thursday), Tom Cochrane (Friday) and Bachman Cummings (Saturday). Admission to the Pengrowth Concert Series is free with any RBC Canadian Open ticket valid for those days.

For more information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN (6736).

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 Canada along with Corona Extra, TaylorMade, Wolf Blass, Southern Implants, CFF Stainless Steels Inc., The Globe and Mail, Pepsi, LG, Transitions Optical, The Glenlivet, Reader’s Digest, Sunoco and local media partners Q107 and Toronto Sun. The event is also supported by Ontario Tourism. Ontario, yours to discover.

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.

Benjamin Defeats Nick Taylor to Win the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links

Norman, Okla. – Brad Benjamin, 22, of Rockford, Ill., defeated Nick Taylor, 21, of Canada, 7 and 6, to become the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Champion at the 7,289-yard, par-71 Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club.

Benjamin, who led 4-up after 18 holes in the scheduled 36-hole final, applied the pressure to Taylor immediately in the afternoon, winning the 19th hole by hitting his approach shot on the 468-yard par-4 first hole to within 3-feet for birdie, which was conceded by Taylor. Benjamin continued his aggressive play, matching Taylor's birdie on the 621-yard par-5 fifth hole, the 24th of the match, and then surging ahead with a 30-foot birdie putt on the 175-yard par-3 sixth hole to go 6-up on the 25th hole of the match.

“That was the start I needed,” said Benjamin. “That was the thing I was most concerned about was going back out, obviously the momentum could go his way. If I can beat him basically 4-up on first 18, sorry, anything could happen. Obviously he's twice the player I am, on paper at least, if not more than that. If I can do that to him, he can do the same.”

Benjamin birdied the 437-yard par-4 11th hole to go 7-up and dormie in the match and then closed out Taylor, 7 and 6, by hitting his tee shot the 164-yard par-3 12th hole to within 8 inches of the hole. When Taylor conceded the putt, the match was over and Benjamin became the 2009 champion.

“I played well the entire week, and to be in the final and lose is definitely disappointing,” said Taylor. “But Brad played unbelievable in the afternoon. Pretty much did to me what I did to the other guys coming in to this match play.”

Taylor, the low amateur at the 2009 U.S. Open at Bethpage State Park, was the prohibitive favorite entering the final. The stroke play medalist at 6-under-par 136, he had cruised through the match play bracket, needing only a combined 72 holes to win his five previous matches.

Benjamin, though lacking Taylor’s resume, had hit the clutch shots he needed to in the championship just to reach the final. He won his semifinal match by birdieing the 18th hole to win, 1-up, when he hit a 9-iron from 148 yards to 5-feet and made the putt to advance to the final. When asked if he learned something new about himself this week, or whether he had to do something out of the ordinary to win this championship, his answer was succinct.

“I did what I knew I was capable of,” said Benjamin. “It’s that simple.”

Benjamin, who plays left-handed but putts right-handed, became the second left-handed player to win the U.S. Amateur Public Links, after Ralph Howe III in 1988, and the fifth left-hander to win any USGA championship. His victory earns him an exemption into the 2009 U.S. Amateur Championship, which will be conducted at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla., August 24-30.

The U.S. Amateur Public Links, established in 1922 for bona fide public course players, is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.

Story written by David Normoyle, USGA communications. Contact him with questions or comments at dnormoyle@usga.org.

Norman, Okla. – Result following Saturday’s scheduled 36-hole final round at the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship at the par-71, 7,289-yard Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club:

Brad Benjamin, Rockford, Ill. (142) def. Nick Taylor, Canada (136), 7 and 6

Daniel Brown takes the B.C. Amateur title

DUNCAN, B.C. – Daniel Brown of Kelowna, B.C. captured British Columbia’s top amateur golf title today, firing a final round 5-under par 67 to win the 2009 B.C. Amateur Championship by one stroke at 11-under 277.

“It was great to play at a level I know I’m capable of,” says Brown. “It’s hard to put together four good rounds but I knew I had it in me.”

Brown, who plays out of Creston Golf Club but calls the range his second home won the 2009 Ogopogo early this summer and is looking to pick up even more of the momentum of late. Brown has three young children at home and finds it very difficult to fit in rounds.

“I don’t get in many rounds and really only have time for the driving range,” says Brown. “I don’t just get out there and drive the balls. I create a course in my head and play it out.”

Brown's final round included six birdies and just one bogey.

Click here for final results!

Yesterday’s leader, Brady Johnson of Mill Bay, B.C. was on a rampage through the front nine at 5-under but carded a triple-bogey on the 13th hole and a double on the 16th to finish in second at 10-under 278.

Kevin Carrigan pulled out a 6-under par 66 to storm up the leaderboard to finish tied with Eugene Wong of North Vancouver, B.C. at 6-under par 282. Wong prevailed in a four hole playoff for the final spot on the B.C. Willingdon Cup Team and third place.

The Willingdon Cup Team representing B.C. for the 2009 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at Club de golf Le Blainvillier in Blainville, QC, August 9-13 will be, Daniel Brown, Brady Johnson, Eugene Wong and Nick Taylor.

Selection of the Willingdon Cup team representing B.C. at the Canadian Men’s Amateur this year was based on the low 3 finishers in the tournament. Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. was named to the four-man Willingdon Cup team last week even though he did not compete in the B.C. Amateur Championship – he accepted an exemption into the U.S. Public Links running the same week.

A complete list of players, starting times and post-round results for the 108th playing of the British Columbia Amateur Championship can be found at www.bcga.org.

Canada's Nick Taylor Reaches Final of US Public Links Final

Norman, Okla. – Nick Taylor, 21, of Canada and Brad Benjamin, 22, of Rockford, Ill. won their semifinal matches on Friday and will meet in the scheduled 36-hole final on Saturday at the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship being conducted at the 7,289-yard, par-71 Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club.

Nick Taylor is looking to become the first Canadian to win the U.S. Amateur Public Links.

Taylor defeated Phillip Bryan, 23, of Norman, Okla., 3 and 2, in the first semifinal. Benjamin birdied the 18th hole to defeat Brandon Crick, 21, of McCook, Neb., 1 up, in the second semifinal.

Taylor, who recently tied for 36th and was the low amateur at the 2009 U.S. Open at Bethpage State Park, arrived in Norman as one of the pre-championship players to watch, fresh off a victory at the Sahalee Players Championship – a prestigious amateur event held at the site of the 2010 U.S. Senior Open, Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Wash. Taylor will be a senior at the University of Washington.

“To make it to the final to any match play tournament, it's so difficult,” said Taylor. “You've got to be lucky a little bit and you’ve got to play well too. It’s going to be exciting tomorrow and I'm going to be pumped to play.”

In his match against Bryan - the assistant golf coach at the University of Oklahoma and a former four-year member of the team - Taylor was seemingly up against more than just an opponent. The largest crowds of the championship filled the fairways and ringed the green around the Taylor-Bryan match, cheering Bryan throughout. Though Bryan had his chances on a golf course he has played an estimated 300-400 times, it was the combination of a cool putter and consistently steady play from Taylor that ended his hopes of a hometown victory.

Taylor took advantage of a birdie miss by Bryan on the par-5 13th hole to record a birdie of his own and grab a 4-up lead with five holes to play. With the match on the line, Bryan hit a utility club to 10 feet on the 281-yard, par-3 15th hole, made the putt for birdie and extended the match. On the 16th hole, Taylor closed out Bryan with a par to win, 3 and 2.

“I'm having fun,” said Taylor. “At the end of the day, you're having fun but you're also just drained, so it's kind of hard to show how much fun you're having.”

Taylor has still not played in a match that has been extended to the 18th hole this week. He was the stroke-play medalist, recording a 6-under-par 136, four shots better than his nearest competitor. The last medalist to win the U.S. Amateur Public Links was D.J. Trahan in 2000, at Heron Lakes Golf Course, in Portland, Ore.

Taylor defeated Wesley Bryan, 19, of Chapin, S.C., 2 and 1, in Friday morning’s quarterfinal round.

Brad Benjamin is looking to become the second left-hander to win the U.S. Amateur Public Links.

Meanwhile, Benjamin lived to see another day when he won the final two holes of his semifinal match to sneak past Crick, 1 up. Trailing one down on the par-4, 17th, Benjamin stayed alive in the match by curling in a speedy 5-foot putt for par. When Crick lipped out his par attempt from 4-feet, the match was all square.

The recent Memphis graduate laid-up on the 584-yard par-5 18th, and had 145 yards left for his third shot. He hit a 9-iron to about 5-feet and made the birdie putt to win the match.

“He hit a great shot in there, you have to give him a lot of credit,” said Crick. “Brad played really well, it was a battle all the way to the end.”

Benjamin has flown under the radar for much of the week, but was excited and happy to be getting a chance to take on one of the hottest amateurs in the country, and the player who has garnered most of the media attention here in Norman.

“I really like this course. It suits my eye well, and I have a lot of good visuals out there,” said Benjamin, who earned an exemption into the 2009 U.S. Amateur Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Okla., in August. “But if you change your game plan based on who your opponent is, you probably won’t get the results you’re looking for. So, I’m just going to go out tomorrow, and see what happens. Stick to my game.”

Benjamin is looking to become just the second left-handed player to win the U.S. Amateur Public Links, and the first since Ralph Howe III did it, in 1988 at Jackson Hole G & TC, in Jackson, Wyo. Although Benjamin swings left-handed, he putts right-handed.

Benjamin defeated LSU’s Sang Yi of Carrollton, Texas, 5 and 3, in Friday morning’s quarterfinal round.

The U.S. Amateur Public Links, established in 1922 for bona fide public course players, is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.

Story written by David Normoyle and Dave Fanucchi of the USGA Communications staff. For questions or comments, contact them at dnormoyle@usga.org or dfanucchi@usga.org.

Norman, Okla. – Results following Friday’s quarterfinal and semifinal rounds at the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship at the par-71, 7,289-yard Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club:

Quarterfinal Round

Nick Taylor, Canada (136) def. Wesley Bryan, Chapin, S.C. (143), 2 and 1

Phillip Bryan, Norman, Okla. (146) def. Sam Lyons, Myrtle Beach, S.C. (145), 1 up

Brandon Crick, McCook, Neb. (149) def. Eddie Olson, Aptos, Calif. (149), 19 holes

Brad Benjamin, Rockford, Ill. (142) def. Sang Yi, Carrollton, Texas (144), 5 and 3

Semifinal Round

Nick Taylor, Canada (136) def. Phillip Bryan, Norman, Okla. (146), 3 and 2

Brad Benjamin, Rockford, Ill. (142) def. Brandon Crick, McCook, Neb. (149), 1 up

Norman, Okla. – Pairing for Saturday’s scheduled 36-hole final match at the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship at the par-71, 7,289-yard Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club:

Final

7:00 am Nick Taylor, Canada (136) vs. Brad Benjamin, Rockford, Ill. (142)

Golf Course Review - Belmont Golf Course

After spending two days at Belmont Golf Course a couple of weeks ago, while running a Nike Junior Tournament for the CJGA, we were looking forward to our to opportunity to play the course. The CJGA tournaments require us to be on course with the kids quite a bit so we got to see all the holes and the course was in great condition.

Jeff's Opinion: On the scorecard, the yardage makes the course look short and with a Par of 70, thoughts of shooting a low number immediately came into my mind. However, while it may be "only" a Par 70, the six Par 3's at over 200 yards each from the back tees make for some tough scoring. With lots of driver holes and a couple of long Par 5's combined with water on a number of them, Belmont is a challenge. The course was very fun to play and was in great shape. The green speeds were also quicker then expected which was a good surprise. Belmont lacks a driving range, but makes up for it with a couple of hitting nets, a large practice putting green and a great short game chipping and sand trap area to warm-up or for some practice.

Tara's Opinion: I also thought that the course was fun to play because I like par 3’s, and well, there are six of them, and also because the red tee yardage of 5,392 is right in my comfort zone. The use of a shuttle service is a nice touch and definitely necessary for anyone who chooses to walk and to keep the pace moving. The restaurant area both inside and in the tent are well furnished and inviting but the lack of a full kitchen means that the menu is very limited and there is no outdoor seating available. The golf shop, also being very small, did not have a large selection of either Men’s or Ladies’ clothing but the staff was very helpful as I was browsing.

We had a great day out at Belmont and would happily play this course again through the season. The course conditions, challenge and playability were excellent. If Belmont lacks anything it is in the after golf experience. There is no uncovered outdoor patio and the menu is small and lacking some creativity, but it is well worth the experience for the golf.

Jonas Jumps Ahead at the Hadassah-Wizo Pro-Am

Boasting the largest field of golf Professionals in its tournament history, the 27th Annual Hadassah-Wizo Pro-am Tournament hosted at the meticulously groomed Richmond Golf and Country Club by a first class organization and emceed by CTV’s own Jason Pires, proved to be a huge success once again. Of the more than forty Professionals vying for the prestigious Bess Panar trophy, thirteen posted scores below par. Veteran Phil Jonas of McCleery Golf Course birdied six holes on the day to finish at 67 (-5), just enough to capture the coveted trophy and a cheque for $1700.00 for his fine play.

It comes as no surprise to those following the close race for the 2009 Cleveland Golf/ Srixon Canada Order of Merit that with the Hadassah-Wizo win Jonas recaptures the tightly contested lead from close golfing rival Bryn Parry. Finishing a stroke behind Jonas Monday were Professional rookie Adam Hadwin of Morgan Creek, Professional Dan Swanson of Guildford, and Sechelt Golf & C.C. Professional Blake Mithrush, who each earn cheques for $1200.00. With several tournaments left on the 2009 Vancouver Golf Tour schedule, including the Chilliwack Open happening this weekend and the upcoming Golden Ears Invitational, Jonas will have to play great golf this summer to retain his slim margin on the Cleveland Golf/ Srixon Canada Order of Merit.

Click here to view the Team & Pro Prize list

In the team portion of the Hadassah-Wizo Pro-am event, the true surprise of the day came when it was announced at the end of the evening that VGT’s own Commissioner Fraser Mulholland had captained his pro-am team to victory over Team German (Ron Corber, Earl Winstock, and Ray Greenfeld). Team Mulholland, consisting of Dale Borland, Raymond Kiem and Neil Johnston, found a great liking to the well kept conditions at the Richmond Golf and Country Club. “My guys were striking it very well on the day.” Mulholland’s team effort earned him a cheque for $200.00 and his team a Vancouver Island Golf Getaway.

The Low Gross Amateur honours of the night belonged to Kyle Ulinder, carding a respectable 74 for the day and earning him a gift certificate for a pair of sunglasses of his choice. With the Low Par Points honour belonging to Shane Cunningham with 47 points, he walks away with a new customized pair of golf shoes.

Although the tally has not been finalized, this year’s tournament has no doubt continued to keep with tradition in raising significant funds for the Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital. At this time I would like to extend my thanks to the countless and often thankless hours spent by the Vancouver Hadassah Wizo Committee (Bev, Connie, Fay and many others) and its supporting staff of volunteers to coordinate such a well organized event. Just ask any past contestant of the tournament. Thanks also go out to Richmond Golf and Country Club (from the fabulous Greens Crew to the Catering staff) for their generous support of the tournament and in particular to Head Professional Derek Thornley and his staff, for without whom this event would not happen so successfully.

Continued thank-you also goes out to VGT’s contributing sponsors of the event: MarketPlace IGA and Club Car.

This is VGT’s second year affiliated with the Hadassah Wizo Pro-am, bringing our Live Scoring features to the event, giving players a chance to see the on course action. Much appreciation also goes out to the VGT event team, (Heidi, Mike, Fanny, Bryan, Bill, and Tom) who keep VGT going from event-to-event!

Ashli Bunch Claims Back-To-Back Titles on 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Tour

Prange, Brown, Sholer and Team Canada’s Sue Kim earn exemptions into 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open

Mirabel, Que. (RCGA) – Ashli Bunch of Morristown, Tenn. outlasted the field at Hillsdale Golf and Country Club in Mirabel, Que. to take home top spot, the $10,000 winner’s cheque and the Tour’s Player of the Year award at the final event on the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Tour.

Bunch, a 10-year LPGA Tour veteran, started the day a single-stroke ahead of the pack and shot a 1-over par 73 to edge out the field and claim back-to-back wins on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour.

The 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open will mark Bunch’s third kick-at-the-can at an LPGA Tour stop north of the border.

She previously played at the Canadian Women’s Open as a rookie in 1999 where she missed the cut, and she followed that up with a T65th in 2000. Although she no longer holds an LPGA Tour card, the 33-year old looks at her recent bout of success on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour as a sign of a possible comeback.

“Calgary is going to be a great experience,” said Bunch. “I played at Priddis Greens (host of the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open) back in 1999 – my rookie year on the LPGA Tour. This time it’s going to be more of a circus with my 4-year old daughter and 20-month old son, not to mention my husband.”

The win today ensured Bunch the Tour’s Jocelyne Bourassa Player of the Year award.

Bourassa, a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and the only Canadian to win an LPGA Tour event in Canada, had the trophy named in her honour in 2005.

Team Canada’s Sue Kim of Langley, B.C. made a mid-day charge at Hillsdale, momentarily overtaking the lead, but a triple-bogey seven on the par-4 13th hole proved to be costly for the 2008 Player of the Year award winner.

Kim would go on to card a 2-under par 70 (74-70-144) to finish second at even-par for the championship.

“I played great today except for the one hole,” said Kim. “I pushed my drive right off into the trees and tried to hit a 3-wood under a branch. I ended up clipping a tree before getting it out and three-putting for the triple.”

LPGA Tour member Jessica Shepley of Oakville, Ont. and Jaclyn Burch of Satellite Beach, Fla., shot matching final-round 71’s (75-71-146 +2) to tie for third with Noriko Nakazaki of Hanover Park, Ill. (73-73-146).

Erin Thorne of Bracebridge, Ont., was named the top club/ teaching professional for the second consecutive event after firing a 77-75-152 +8 this week.

In addition, four more exemptions were awarded after today’s round through the CN Canadian Women’s Tour order of merit final standings.

Bunch led the 2009 order of merit standings for most of the season due to her win at the second Tour’s second event held at the Cutten Club in Guelph, Ont., where she won her exemption. She finished with 1575 points rounding out her stellar year on Tour.

Also earning order of merit exemptions into this year’s CN Canadian Women’s Open is Amber Prange of Noblesville, Ind. with 570.83 points, Sara Brown of Tucson, Ariz. with 537 points, Ashley Sholer of Hamilton, Ont. with 488 points and Team Canada’s Sue Kim of Langley, B.C. with 468.33 points.

The following are final-round results for Wednesday July 15, 2009 at the CN Canadian Women’s Tour - Hillsdale Golf and Country Club.

1. Ashli Bunch, Morristown, TN, 70-73-143 -1
2. Sue Kim (a), Langley, BC, 74-70-144 E
3. Jessica Shepley, Winter Garden, FL, 75-71-146 +2
3. Jaclyn Burch, Satellite Beach, FL, 75-71-146 +2
3. Noriko Nakazaki, Hanover Park, IL, 73-73-146 +2
6. Danielle Mills (a), Pointe-Claire, QC, 75-72-147 +3
7. Jessica Carafiello, Coral Springs, FL, 75-73-148 +4
7. Brogan McKinnon (a), Mississauga, ON, 72-76-148 +4
9. Jennifer Hong, Evanston, IL, 76-73-149 +5
9. Taya Battistella, Bend, OR, 73-76-149 +5
9. Kirby Dreher, Fort St. John, BC, 73-76-149 +5
9. Sara Brown, Tucson, AZ, 71-78-149 +5
9. Ashley Sholer, Hamilton, ON, 72-77-149 +5
14. Adrienne White, Red Deer, AB, 79-72-151 +7
14. Christine Cho, Elmhurst, NY, 78-73-151 +7
14. Katie Miller, Jeannette, PA, 76-75-151 +7
14. Mallory Blackwelder, Versailles, KY, 76-75-151 +7
14. Jennifer Greggain, Rosedale, BC, 76-75-151 +7
14. Jessi Gebhardt, Bellingham, WA, 75-76-151 +7
20. Tonya Choate, Mount Vernon, MO, 77-75-152 +8
20. Erin Thorne, Bracebridge, ON, 77-75-152 +8
20. Bridget Dwyer, Riverside, CA, 75-77-152 +8
20. So Heui (Sophie) Jang, Los Angeles, CA, 75-77-152 +8
20. Susan Choi, Orlando, FL, 74-78-152 +8
20. Christina Lecuyer, Edmonton, AB, 73-79-152 +8

Canada's Nick Taylor top qualifier at US Publinx

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NORMAN, Okla. — Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., earned the top seed in qualifying at the at the U.S. Amateur Public Links on Tuesday.

Taylor, who was the low amateur at last month's U.S. Open, shot a 1-under 70 on Tuesday and maintained first place in qualifying on the Jimmie Austin Golf Course on the University of Oklahoma campus.

Taylor shot a 66 in the first round of stroke-play.

Rickie Fowler of Oklahoma State was among three players who tied for second place, four strokes behind Taylor.

Defending champion Jack Newman of Des Moines, Iowa, missed the cut by one stroke after finishing at 8-over 150. He competed in the John Deere Classic over the weekend, then drove through the night to make it to Oklahoma for the first round of qualifying Monday.

The two others Canadians in the event failed to make the cut, although both had remarkably equal first and second-round outings.

Thomas Petts of Vancouver carded 75-76 for a two-round total of 151 while Beon Yeong Lee of Montreal carded 78-78 for a two-round total of 156.

The event was held over the 7,289-yard, par-71 Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club.

Taylor was in the first group off the tee at 7 a.m. on Tuesday and took advantage of calm early conditions before the swirling winds and searing heat battered the field throughout the day.

"The wind picked up after seven or eight holes," said Taylor. "What made it tough was the ball was spinning a little more in the wind and it was tough to get back at the holes. The wind definitely made it a little tougher."

Taylor, who is riding a hot streak this summer after finishing tied for 36th at the U.S. Open and a recent win at the Sahalee Players Championship, enters the match-play portion of the championship as the No. 1 seed.

The U.S. Amateur Public Links, established in 1922 for bona fide public course players as of Jan. 1, 2009, is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.

Scott Kral sets pace at 2009 B.C. Amateur Championship

DUNCAN, B.C. – Scott Kral of Victoria, B.C. fired a sizzling 5-under par 67 to set the early pace at the 108 th playing of the B.C. Amateur Championship being played at Duncan Meadows Golf & Country Club in beautiful Duncan, B.C.

Kral, a two-time B.C. Junior Boys champion and former Wilingdon Cup team member played a nearly bogey free round that saw six birdies and his only bogey at 18.

“I was hitting it pretty good today,” says Kral. “I made a few good putts and it worked for me.”

Defending champion Eugene Wong of North Vancouver, B.C., newly-crowned B.C. Junior Boys’ champion Riley Wheeldon of Comox, B.C., Kyle Sobczak of Invermere, B.C., Brent Wilson of Victoria, B.C. and Cory Renfrew also of Victoria, B.C. are all in the mix for second place at 3-under par 69.

Alexander Michalowski of Burnaby, B.C., Jarred Callbeck of Victoria, B.C. and Brett Stewart of Abbotsford, B.C. share seventh at 2-under par 70.

Competition is contested over 72 holes of stroke-play. There is a cut to the low 70 and ties tomorrow after the second round.

Zone 5 team members, Bryan Toth of Gorge Vale Golf Club, Craig Doell of Victoria Golf Club, Scott Kral of Cowichan Golf & Country Club and Ben Griffin of Uplands Golf Club lead the B.C. Amateur Zone championship at 5-under 211.

Zones 3 and 6 are tied for second, at 1-over 217 followed by Zone 4 in fourth at 6-over 222.

The Hamber Club Team Championship and Zone Team Championship are held concurrently with the first and second rounds of the B.C. Amateur.

A complete list of players, starting times and post-round results for the 108th playing of the British Columbia Amateur Championship can be found at www.bcga.org.

Marine Drive GC Wins PGA of BC Club Car Pro-Executive Championship

On a windy at the award winning Tobiano Golf Course, the team from Marine Drive Golf Club finished first at the PGA of BC Club Car Pro-Executive Championship.

The team consisting of Head Professional Tim Tait, Dave Mills, Tim Hopkins and Kevin Land finished 3 shots clear of the 28 team field posting 20-under par 124. Nk'Mip Canyon Golf Club and Seymour Creek Golf Centre tied for second place at 17-under 127. Salt Spring Island Golf & Country finished alone if fourth place.

Click here for the final results!

Canadian Tour - Players Cup Tees Off This Week

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

WINNIPEG, Man. – The race for the RBC Canadian Open concludes this week at the prestigious $200,000 Canadian Tour Players Cup with the winner and top five on the Order of Merit earning exemptions into the 100th Canadian Open.

One of the flagship events of the Canadian Tour, the Players Cup has roots dating back to 1931 with names such as George Knudson and Dan Halldorson winning the championship.

With possibly the strongest field of the year and plenty at stake, this year’s edition will have no shortage of drama.

Defending champion Wes Heffernan missed the cut last week in Saskatoon and is looking for some redemption. A four-time winner on the Canadian Tour, the Calgary native wants another crack at the Canadian Open.

They say the best time to win your second tournament is right after your first. With his victory in Saskatchewan last week, Andres Gonzales moved to eighth on the Order of Merit and within striking distance of the top.

Sure he’s already in the Canadian Open via a sponsor’s exemption, but Graham DeLaet wants another victory on his growing resume. A final round 64 in Calgary earned him the title and he’s now a threat every week.

After a fifth in Saskatoon, keep an eye on Brent Schwarzrock. The 2007 Montreal Open winner finished T-9 in Edmonton and is returning to the form that made him a PGA TOUR regular before back injuries slowed him down.

He’s struggled this year but playing before the hometown fans may inspire Adam Speirs. A winner at Vancouver last year, Speirs is familiar with the Pine Ridge layout and could be in the hunt on Sunday.

It was another strong week for Liam Kendregan in Saskatoon and he could be a factor in Winnipeg. He is playing with confidence and aside from Victoria; he hasn’t finished outside the Top-20 this season.

Yohann Benson has quickly become a name to be reckoned with. The friendly Montreal native finished T-3 at the City of Surrey Invitational and T-6 in Saskatoon. He’s playing some of the best golf of his life and look for the trend to continue.

The qualifiers for the Canadian Open are anyone’s guess at this point but at 1-2 on the Order of Merit, Mauricio Molina ($59,508.55) and Byron Smith ($57,616.52) are virtual locks for a spot, while Graham DeLaet (#3) is with his exemption.

With the winner automatically in and keeping DeLaet’s exemption in mind, a tournament within a tournament will be contested for the final tickets to Glen Abbey Golf Club.

All of this bodes well for one exciting Canadian Tour Players Cup.

Order of Merit Top 15

Mauricio Molina $59,508.55
Byron Smith $57,616.52
Graham DeLaet $46,500
Mike Grob $36,987.46
Jim Rutledge $33,600
Hugo Leon $32,556.59
Rafael Gomez $31,457.29
Andres Gonzales $30,119
Stuart Anderson $27,282.08
James Hahn $26,757.21
Rob Grube $26,680.25
Fabian Gomez $26,083.27
Scott Gibson $24,549.63
Robert Gates $22,692.12
Andy Matthews $20,356.55

Duncan Meadows Golf & Country Club prepares to host 108th playing of the British Columbia Amateur Championship

Eugene Wong looks to defend

DUNCAN, B.C. – Duncan Meadows Golf & Country Club in Duncan, B.C. is set to host the 108 th playing of the British Columbia Amateur, conducted by the British Columbia (BCGA).

One of Canada’s oldest golf championships, the BC Amateur runs July 14-17 and will crown the province’s top amateur golfer.

North Vancouver’s Eugene Wong will be back to defend his title, fresh-off his stellar play at the 2009 B.C. Junior Boys’ Championship where he finished runner-up to Riley Wheeldon of Comox, B.C. Wheeldon’s final round 8-under 64 earned him the junior title with a record-tying 270.

Also among those in the 156 player field eager to have their name on the Bostock Cup are last year’s runner-up, Parker Lilly of Victoria, B.C., 2009 B.C. Mid-Amateur champion, Ben Griffin of Victoria, B.C. and national amateur team member, Lindsay Renolds of Cristina Lake, B.C.

Other top contenders include past Canadian amateur champion, Darren Wallace of Langley, B.C., 2009 Times Colonist Open runner-up, Brady Johnson of Mill Bay, B.C. and past B.C. amateur champions, Bryan Toth of Victoria, B.C. and Doug Roxburgh of Vancouver, B.C.

Selection of the Willingdon Cup team representing B.C. at the Canadian Men’s Amateur this year will be based on the low 3 finishers in the tournament. Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. was named to the four-man Willingdon Cup team last week even though he won't be competing in the B.C. Amateur Championship – he accepted an exemption into the U.S. Public Links running the same week.

Competition will be 72 holes of stroke-play. There is a cut to the low 70 and ties after the second round.

In the event of a tie for the championship or positions on the Willingdon Cup Team there will be a sudden victory play-off immediately after completion of the final round.

Competition for the zone team championship and club team championship is on day one and two of the Championship only. Four person zone teams are named by each zone prior to the start of the tournament. The zone team competition uses the low 3 of 4 scores each day. Two-person club teams are selected after the first round by taking the two players with the lowest score from each club with two or more competitors.

The B.C. Amateur Championship is one of 13 provincial championships conducted annually by the BCGA.

A complete list of players, starting times and post-round results for the 108th playing of the British Columbia Amateur Championship can be found at www.bcga.org.

Canadian Tour - Gonzales Eagles 18 For Victory

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

SASKATOON, Sask. – Andres Gonzales eagled the 18th hole for a bogey-free 63 and captured the Saskatchewan Open by one stroke over Hugo Leon and Scott Gibson.

Gonzales finished at 14 under par 274 and earned $24,000 for his first Canadian Tour title.

Third round leader George Coetzee managed a 71 to finish fourth, three shots back, while Brent Schwarzrock’s 66 gave him solo fifth at nine under par 279.

Both Jeffrey Rangel and Zach Shriver shot 68 to share sixth at 281 alongside J.C. Deacon (69) and Liam Kendregan and Yohann Benson who each had a 70.

Playing with precision all day, Gonzales picked up four birdies on the front side and kept his foot on the gas, birdieing 13, 14 and 16 before his final hole dramatics.

“It’s a reachable par-5 and was downwind today,” explained Gonzales.

“I hit my second shot over the green and had to fly my third about ten feet onto the green with a 60-degree wedge.

“It landed perfectly and just rolled down into the hole.”

But with Gibson still on the course, he had to play the waiting game.

Gibson birdied two, three and six but a bogey at seven tripped him up.

He rallied with three straight birdies starting at No. 11 but a costly bogey at 17, combined with Gonzales’ eagle, left him two back standing on 18.

His concluding birdie left him one short.

“I fully expected to be in a playoff,” said Gonzales. “The 18th wasn’t all that difficult today and I figured Scott would probably force a playoff one way or the other.”

“Today was one of those days where everything went well. I think most of my putts were from around 15 feet.

“I give a lot of credit to my playing partner Hugo Leon,” concluded Gonzales. “We get along well, keep each other loose, and fed off each other.”

Indeed they did.

If not for Leon’s lone bogey of the day at No. 17, they would have gone to a playoff.

Starting the day with a two shot lead, George Coetzee double-bogeyed No. 2 to lose the lead to Gibson who birdied.

He never got it back.

Ray Stewart Claims 2009 Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship Title

OTTAWA, ON – After a soggy start to the day and over the span of two weather delays totalling four hours, Ray Stewart of Abbotsford, BC emerged as the champion of the 2009 Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship.

Stewart fired a ten-under-par, 68 adding to his first round 70 and second round 68 for a three-day, 54-hole total of 206 to win by two shots over Ken Tarling of Sandford, ON and Norm Jarvis of Surrey, BC at the at The Marshes Golf Club in Kanata, ON.

The day began with threatening thunderstorms, resulting in a weather delay from 8:50 AM to 10:30 AM. Play resumed, but shortly after, at 11:00AM, another weather delay was called due to lightning. The course held up through the storm and the field returned to play at 1:30 PM dodging pockets of rain and nearby rumbling thunder throughout the day.

“I really wasn’t affected by the rain delay,” stated 55-year-old Stewart who ended up teeing off nearly four hours after his original time. “It’s something that I have become used to on Tour, so I am quite patient with these types of delays, and I actually didn’t really warm up before I was off.” Stewart is no stranger to competition; he was a former PGA Tour player in 1983 then from 1987 to 1993. He finished T-10th at the 1991 Canadian Open and T-4th at 1990 Greater Milwaukee Open. He is a two-time Canadian Tour champion in 1999. In 1994 he captured the Dunhill Cup with teammates Dave Barr and Rick Gibson representing Canada. Stewart also played on the Dunhill squad in 1995 and Canadian World Cup team in 1999. Stewart advanced to the final stage of Champions Tour qualifying school in 2005, but failed t o attain exempt status.

“Today I played really solid, hitting every fairway and green,” said Stewart. “Greens were tough as they were quite wet and spongy from the rain, but I didn’t make any mistakes today. The birdies that I made were quite easy, I didn’t feel under pressure and I was very much in control of my ball striking,” stated Stewart who claimed the $4000 first prize.

“It was definitely a fun battle out there today coming down the stretch, we were all still close right down to the last hole,” stated Stewart who is hoping to qualify for one of the nine spots for the Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale Golf Club, July 23-26, 2009 in London, England.

Jarvis looked like he was running away with a victory after nearly driving the green on the 7th hole and sinking a birdie putt to place him at nine-under-par for the tournament. But things turned for Jarvis on the 8th hole, par three, when he hit his approach just right of the flag and spun it back into the water, causing him to double bogey placing him at seven-under-par. On the 9th hole, par five, Stewart and Tarling played to their advantage and carded birdies, launching themselves to eight-under-par heading into the turn.

Jarvis had a rough start on 10, bogeying the hole, but battled back carding three birdies on 11, 12 and 14 launching him to nine-under-par. Stewart birdied 11 and 14 placing him one stroke over Jarvis to hold the lead steady at ten-under-par as the group parred the 15th, 16th and 17th holes. On 18, Stewart and Tarling saved par, while Jarvis bogeyed to finish the round.

“Having solid ball striking ability out there gives me confidence heading into the qualifier for the British Senior Open,” stated Stewart who is heading to Celtic Mannor in Wales tomorrow to practice for the week before his qualifying round. “I find out tonight what course I play for the qualifier, and I’m hoping it’s nice and long for my sake, as that is my strength.” Stewart plans to attend Champions Tour Qualifying School this fall to fight for five full exemptions for the 2010 season.

“ It was my first year playing in this event, just because the timing hasn’t been right due to the Senior British Open, and last year I was injured, but I really enjoyed the entire week,” stated Stewart.

Yesterday, John Irwin of Summerside, PEI won the Super Seniors’ Division (aged 60 +) by one shot over Barry Laphen of Ottawa, ON when he birdied the final hole of the day posting a 74-72 for a 146 total score earning the $900 purse. Also yesterday, Doug Sullivan of Indian Mountain, NB captured the Diamond Division (aged 70 +) posting a 75 to add to his first round 73 totalling 148, claiming the $750 purse.

The $25,000 Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship was a three-day, 54-hole individual stroke play event. The Super Seniors’ (60 and older) and Diamond (70 and older) divisions were contested over 36 holes in two days.

The Marshes Golf Club is one of the premier golf destinations and leading corporate-play facility in the National Capital Region. The Robert Trent Jones II design opened for public play in 2001 and has garnered many accolades. The 7,027-yard course includes six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s.

Tournament History:

The Canadian PGA Seniors Championship was first played in 1938 as a division of the Canadian PGA Championship. In 1973, the Seniors’ Championship became an independent event and has stayed that way ever since. Among the Canadian golf legends to win this championship are Stan Leonard, Moe Norman, Bob Panasik and Al Balding. Norman won this championship a record seven straight years from 1979 to 1985 while Balding stunned the golf world by winning the championship at age 76 in 2000.

About the Canadian PGA:

Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit www.cpga.com

Wheeldon Runs Away With B.C. Junior Boys’ Title

PITT MEADOWS, B.C. - With a final-round 7-under 64, Riley Wheeldon's record-tying 264 total blew away the field by eight strokes and earned him the B.C. junior boys’ title.

Wheeldon, of Comox, B.C. maintained the lead throughout the tournament and carried a two-stroke margin over Justin Shin of Maple Ridge, B.C. into the final round.

Click here for full field final round scores!

“I really came into today’s round focused,” says Wheeldon. “I knew with the right shots that the numbers were out there. I wanted to start playing like I know I can.”

Wheeldon’s bogey free round (the second of the tournament) began with a run of five birdies on the front nine to take him to 15 under – he birdied 3 more holes on the back. He only made three bogeys and one double for the tournament.

“I was putting great today,” says Wheeldon. “Putting can be my Achilles heel but I tried to stay calm and let the birdies come to me.”

Defending champion, Eugene Wong of North Vancouver, B.C. stormed up the leaderboard with seven birdies today and finished in second at 10-under 278.

“I tried my best today,” says Wong. “I started out with a par and then sank a long putt at #2 for birdie and started to build momentum from there.”

Justin Shin carded a final 8-under 280 for third followed by Bryan Lichimo of North Vancouver in fourth at 4-under 284.

Riley Wheeldon, Justin Shin, Bryan Lichimo and Nicholas Russell of Vancouver will comprise the B.C. Junior Boys’ team for the Canadian Junior Boys’ Inter-provincial Championship at Westmount Golf & Country Club in Kitchener, ON August 2-6, 2009.

The B.C. Junior Boys’ Zone and Club team champions were also announced today. Capilano Golf & Country Club players, Matthew Cavelti and Bryan Lichimo claimed the club team honours. From Zone 4, Jay Kim, Kevin Kwon, Brian Jung and Justin Shin took the Zone competition.

Strong Field of Amateur Golfers to Represent Canada at Four Nations Cup

Oakville, ON (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that Darren Wallace and David Markle—along with National Amateur Team members Nick Taylor, Matt Hill, Eugene Wong and Lindsay Renolds—will represent Canada at the upcoming Four Nations Cup at Le Club Laval-sur-le-Lac, August 3-7 in Laval-sur-le-Lac, Que.

“We are very fortunate to have such a pool of talented golfers in Canada that are among the best in the world,” said Doug Roxburgh, RCGA Director of Player Development. “We have seen incredible things from these players this year, and they will be excellent representatives for Canada at the Four Nations Cup.”

The Four Nations Teams Championship is a team competition between Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand played bi-annually since 1987. The Four Nations Cup was last contested in Canada in 2001 at Lambton Golf and Country Club in Toronto. Historically, Australia won the event all but twice, having been defeated by Japan in 1997 and Canada in 2001.

Canada's team this year features two world-class amateur players: Nick Taylor (currently ranked #1 on the Royal & Ancient World Amateur Golf Rankings) and Matt Hill (currently ranked #3 on the Royal & Ancient World Amateur Golf Rankings).

Accompanying the team will be Men’s National Team Assistant Coach Derek Ingram.

Player Highlights:

Matt Hill
T70 – 2009 PGA Tour AT & T National
Winner 2009 Haskins award
Winner 2009 Jack Nicklaus Trophy
Individual National Champion - 2009 NCAA (Div. 1) Championship
Individual Regional Champion - 2009 NCAA Regional Championship
Individual Champion - 2009 ACC Conference Championship (NCAA)
Individual Champion - 2009 River Landing Intercollegiate (NCAA)
Individual Champion - 2009 Schenkel E-Z-Go Invitational (NCAA)
Individual Champion - 2009 General Hackler Invitational (NCAA)

Nick Taylor
Champion – 2009 Sahalee Players Championship
Low Amateur Medal Recipient - 2009 US Open
T36 - 2009 US Open (Bethpage - Black Course)
1st - 2009 US Open Sectional Qualifier (Roslyn, Wash.)
Named Pac-10 Player of the Year
Named a semifinalist for the prestigious 2009 Ben Hogan Award
T9 - 2009 NCAA (Div. 1) Championship
2nd – 2009 NCAA Regional Championship
T1 - 2009 CordeValle Collegiate (NCAA)
Individual Champion - 2009 Hawai’i-HIlo Intercollegiate (NCAA)
Individual Champion - 2009 Oregon Duck Invitational (NCAA)
Individual Champion - 2009 U.S. Intercollegiate (NCAA)
2nd - 2009 Pac-10 Championship (NCAA)
T2 Individual - 2008 NCAA Division 1 Championship
T2 Individual - 2008 World Amateur Team Championship

Lindsay Renolds
4th – 2009 Sahalee Players Championship
T2 - 2009 Mexican Amateur Championship
T4 - 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship
T6 – 2008 B.C. Men’s Amateur Championship
T6 – 2008 Pacific Coast Amateur Championship
2nd round of match play - 2008 British Amateur Championship

Eugene Wong
T19 – 2009 Sahalee Player’s Championship
2nd round of match play – 2009 British Amateur Championship
T5 - 2009 NCAA West Regional
T9 – 2009 Pac-10 Championships
Champion - 2008 BC Men’s Amateur Championship
Champion - 2008 BC Junior Boys Championship
Champion - 2008 Callaway Junior Worlds
2nd - 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship

Darren Wallace
T23 – 2009 NCAA Div 1 Championship
7th – 2009 NCAA Div 1 Championship (team)
2nd – 2009 U.S. Intercollegiate Championship
T10 – 2009 Oregon Duck Invitational
Champion – 2009 Pac-10 Championship

David Markle
2nd round of match play - 2009 British Amateur Championship
T14 - 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur
T9 – 2008 World Amateur Team Championship (team)

For more information on the Four Nations cup including tournament schedule, team rosters and scoring, please visit www.rcga.org/fournationscup.

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.

A Ram Choi goes seven extra holes to take BC Junior Girls Title

PITT MEADOWS, BC – It took seven extra holes but A Ram Choi of Surrey, B.C. got it done and captured the B.C. junior girls title today at Golden Eagle Golf Course in Pitt Meadows, B.C.

“I came into this tournament just wanting a spot on the B.C. team,” says Choi. “To play on the team as the champion is amazing.”

Soo Bin Kim of Port Coquitlam, B.C. entered the final round four shots ahead of the field but started out the day with bogeys on the first four holes then added three more on the back nine to finish the day at 5-over par 75. Choi took advantage of the opportunity and tied up the top spot on the leaderboard after firing five birdies on the day for 1-over 71.

Kim and Choi entered sudden death tied at 3-over 213. The girls would go to six extra holes before Kim hit her second ball on the seventh hole into a hazard and missed the approach shot. Choi sank her putt for par and Kim conceded the hole.

Defending champion, Sue Kim of Langley, B.C. would finish in third at 4-over 214 while Jisoo Keel of Coquitlam, B.C. would finish in fourth at 4-over 214 by retrogression.

A Ram Choi, Soo-Bin Kim, Sue Kim and Jisoo Keel will comprise the B.C. Team for the Royale Canadian Junior Girls’ Championship at Hampton Golf Club in Hampton, NB August 3-7, 2009.

The B.C. Junior Girls’ Championship is open to female amateur golfers 18 years of age and under as of the last day of the tournament. The championship is conducted at stroke play over 54 holes with no cut.

The B.C. Junior Girls Championship is one of 13 provincial championships conducted annually by the BCGA. A full listing of players, the leaderboard , starting times and post-round results can be found on the BCGA website at www.bcga.org

Canadian Tour Announces Mexican Swing

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

OAKVILLE, Ont. – The Canadian Tour today confirmed new dates for two season-ending events in Mexico that were postponed in April because of the outbreak of the H1N1 virus. A third event creating a three week season-ending “Mexican Swing” is still to be confirmed. The Tour has also changed the venue and dates for the 2009 Fall Qualifying School.

The Fall Qualifying School tees off the week of Sept.7th at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington, Ont. This is the first time since 1973 that the Canadian Tour has not held a Qualifying School at Royal Ashburn Golf Club.

The Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club, outside Cancun Mexico will host the third playing of the US $125,000 Iberostar Riviera Maya Open, Sept. 24-27.

The final event of the Mexican Swing and the 2009 Canadian Tour season will be at the US $125,000 Riviera Nayarit Classic presented by IDN at the Litibu Golf Club in Nayarit, Mexico, Oct. 1-4.

Litibu Golf Club (pictured) is a Greg Norman design routed over rolling terrain offering dramatic uphill and downhill holes along the Pacific Ocean.

"It was unfortunate that we had to postpone events in Mexico in April but extending the season into October to keep our players competitive leading up to PGA TOUR School is something that we have wanted to do for some time," stated Canadian Tour Commissioner Richard Janes.

Details for a possible third event Sept. 17-20 at the Nicklaus designed La Loma Golf Course in San Luis Potosi, Mexico are still to be confirmed.