Saturday, January 31, 2009

Serena eclipses Sorenstam for top-earner title

Canwest News Service

Australian Open Finalist Serena Williams has deposed golfing legend Annika Sorenstam as the all-time career prize money leader in women's sport, the wta tour announced early today.
The American moved to the top of the bank balance sheets by advancing to the singles final with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over russia's elena dementieva and also by reaching the doubles final with sister Venus.

Ahead of the two finals, williams has earned us$22,725,475, overtaking the now-retired sorenstam who had held the record for career earnings with a total of $22,573,192.

"I'm thrilled with the news. i remember earning my first cheque of $240 at Quebec City in 1995 and while i knew that i could have a great career in tennis, i could not have imagined or dreamed of all of this," said williams.

"It's amazing how much women's tennis has grown since i joined the tour 14 years ago. i am very proud to have reached this milestone for me, my family and all women athletes out there. this achievement really shows that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything."

Williams turned professional at the age of 14 in november 1995 and played her first tournament in Quebec City.

She has won every major title in addition to nine grand slams, becoming the sixth woman, other than Margaret Court, Chris evert, Martina navratilova, steffigraf and Monica seles, to achieve such a feat.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Montgomerie Named European Ryder Cup Captain

Colin Montgomerie was named captain for the 2010 European Ryder Cup team. The announcement was made Wednesday and Montgomerie learned of his appointment while in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The biennial event will be held in September 2010 at Celtic Manor in Wales.

Montgomerie, who will be 47 when the competition starts, will be Europe's youngest-ever captain. His counterpart on the American team, Corey Pavin, has already been named. Pavin will be two weeks shy of his 51st birthday when the next Ryder Dup is played.

The Scot is one of the most successful European Ryder Cup players ever. "Monty" accumulated 23½ points while a member of the team, the second most after Nick Faldo; he has a record of 20 wins, seven halves and nine losses.

The American team pulled an upset last September at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., beating the favored Europeans 16½ to 11½. Montgomerie is hoping the Welsh "home crowd" will back its players as those in Kentucky did for the Americans.

Montgomerie was obviously pleased and excited after learning he will be leading the 2010 European team. "It's not just an honor but a huge responsibility as well," Montgomerie said. "It is important we do everything we can to claim back the Ryder Cup in Wales in 2010.

"This is one of the proudest moments I can think of. I am very proud and honored to be selected by the committee to be the 2010 Ryder Cup captain. I dreamt this opportunity might come my way, but far-off dreams I must admit. We speak here 17, 18 years later and here it is."

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

CN Canadian Women’s Open Drives Home The Gold

- LPGA’s only Canadian Tournament wins TV’s top spot -

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The success of the 2008 CN Canadian Women’s Open both on and off the golf course was recently recognized by The LPGA’s Tournament Owners Association (TOA).

Canada’s only LPGA tournament, the CN Canadian Women’s Open, received a total of six awards in 12 categories at the Gold Driver Award competition which judges promotional, marketing and advertising efforts amongst LPGA events worldwide.

The event grabbed top honours for their promotional television spots and received five silver awards for their success in promoting the tournament in Magazine Advertisements, Pairings/Spectators Guides, Unique Promotional Items, 18th Green Look and Feel, and Posters/Billboards/Outdoor/Mobile Advertisements.

Monday, January 26, 2009

New season, new deals for PGA Tour players

By JEFF BABINEAU, Golfweek Editor

KAPALUA, Hawaii – PGA Tour veteran Steve Lowery paused when asked if there was anything new in his golf bag to start the 2009 season. “Only everything,” he said, smiling.Lowery, 48, a longtime Cleveland staff player, is one of many Tour pros starting ’09 with a new deal. He is carrying a TaylorMade bag filled with TaylorMade Tour Preferred irons and an r7 Limited driver. He’ll continue to play a Titleist golf ball (“I’ve been a Titleist guy for 30 years,” he said.)

In a sign of tighter times for PGA Tour players, Lowery still is seeking a corporate endorsement on his chest. “Yeah, I had to go out and buy a bunch of shirts,” he said.

Vijay Singh started the year with a bum right knee and a new golf ball. Having won last year’s FedEx Cup playoffs with a Titleist Pro V1x, Singh has switched to a Srixon Z-Star golf ball. Boo Weekley is playing the new ball as well. “I think I hit it longer and I control it pretty good,” Singh said. “(It) spins as good as any ball I’ve used, and it’s very straight.”

Singh also is carrying the Stanford Financial logo on his bag this season and wearing the company logo on his visor.

In other news:>> Anthony Kim, arguably the most attractive “free agent” available this offseason, is expected to re-sign with Nike. Kim changed agents in 2008 (he now is represented by IMG), which stalled negotiations until Jan. 1. “I don’t know what’s going on there, but it would be strange not to be with Nike,” said Kim, who shot footage for a Nike commercial with Tiger Woods in Fort Worth, Texas, in the offseason.

>> Adams is expected to announce the signing of Ryder Cup player Chad Campbell, who had been with Nike. Campbell lives near the company’s Texas headquarters and plans to take an active role in helping Adams develop equipment lines. Campbell signed a ball, shoe and glove deal with Titleist.

>> D.J. Trahan, formerly with Wilson, has joined Titleist as a full-line player. He opened his season at Kapalua with Titleist ZM irons (4-PW), three Vokey wedges and a Scotty Cameron Newport SLT T10 putter. He is working on getting a new 909 series driver into his bag.

>> In addition to Lowery, TaylorMade added Paul Goydos, Richard S. Johnson, Tim Wilkinson, Charles Warren and Arjun Atwal as full-line players.

>> Ping announced it has re-signed Ryder Cup player Hunter Mahan, and Callaway announced a new multiyear agreement with Stuart Appleby.

• • •

Jeff Babineau is Golfweek’s Editor. To reach him email jbabineau@golfweek.com.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Olazabal offers himself as 2010 Ryder Cup captain

LONDON (AP) — Jose Maria Olazabal wants to captain Europe at the 2010 Ryder Cup.

The two-time Masters champion, who has played on three winning Ryder Cup teams, had initially said he wanted to play at Celtic Manor next year. But Olazabal has been troubled for several years by rheumatic problems and a foot injury and his game hasn't been in shape.

The European Ryder Cup committee will pick the captain Wednesday in Dubai. The other candidate is Colin Montgomerie, who was left off the European team when the United States won the Ryder Cup at Valhalla last September.

Olazabal's manager, Sergio Gomez, said the Spaniard would accept the job if asked.

``He is available. If he is offered the job he will say 'Yes','' Gomez said. ``We know it is a matter of two and there are factors favoring Jose Maria and factors favoring Monty.''

Gomez said Olazabal pulled out of the Qatar Masters in Doha this week but hoped to play in next week's Dubai Desert Classic, where the Ryder Cup announcement will be made.

``He had a small problem with his wrists and forearms and it was painful when gripping the club, but not too severe,'' Gomez said.

Olazabal played only four events on the PGA Tour last year, missing the cut at the Masters and Wachovia Championship.

``The chances of him making the team are not what he wanted or expected,'' Gomez said, ``so he made up his mind that he would accept the captaincy if it was offered.''

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Japanese teen phenom Ryo Ishikawa gets Masters invite

Posted at 5:17 PM by Gary VanSickle

This year’s Masters will feature a boy wonder. The Masters Tournament issued an invitation to Ryo Ishikawa, a 17-year-old Japanese phenom who won a Japan Golf Tour event as an amateur in his debut when he was only 15.

Ishikawa, who is being called the Japanese Tiger by the Japanese media, has already scored two exemptions to play in America — the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club and the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. The Masters invite was announced Thursday.

Late last year, he became the youngest player to crack the top 100 in the World Golf Rankings. Ishikawa currently ranks 60th. He is the second-highest-ranked Japanese pro behind Shingo Katayama, who is 34th.

Ishikawa won’t be the youngest Masters entrant ever. He’ll be 17 years, 6 months and 23 days old in April. Tommy Jacobs was 17 years, 1 months and 21 days when he competed in the 1952 Masters.

When he won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup in 2007, Ishikawa was 15 years, 8 months and posted a final-round 66. He surpassed the mark for previous youngest tour winner by a wide margin — Seve Ballesteros, who was 20 years, 7 months old when he captured the 1977 Japan Open.

Ishikawa turned pro last year and won his second Japan tour event in November. He also won the 2008 Kansai Open. His nickname is Hanikami Oji, which translates to "Bashful Prince."

Friday, January 23, 2009

CJGA Releases 2009 National Schedule

MARKHAM, ON (January 16, 2009) – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is pleased to release its national 2009 tournament schedule as well as a change to its age divisions on both the CJGA Junior Tour and CJGA Junior Linkster Tour.

Now in its 17th year, the CJGA will continue to provide an unmatched national junior golf tournament schedule this season with events scheduled in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. In total, the CJGA will conduct 65 Junior Tour events for junior golfers from the ages of 11 to 19 and 21 Junior Linkster Tour events for junior golfers from the ages of 5 to 13.

“It’s important that junior golfers in Canada continue to learn and progress through professionally run, multi-day tournaments and the CJGA has proven to be a leader in that regard,” said Jason Gendron, Director of Tournament Operations with the CJGA.

New for 2009 will be the introduction of the Puma Challenge, a four tournament series presented by Puma that will feature a banquet after the final round including interactive displays and music. The multi-day events will be conducted on various dates in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec.

Once again, the CJGA will offer unmatched international opportunities for junior golfers as the CJGA schedule will include qualifying events for tournaments such as the Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego, Euro Junior Golf Cup in Scotland, US Kids World Golf Championship in Pinehurst, Triangular Cup in South Africa, Stephen Ames Cup in Calgary and Canadian International Junior Challenge in Collingwood.

The CJGA will play host to a number of events this summer including the Stephen Ames Cup, North America Cup and Canadian International Junior Challenge while popular events such as the Nike Golf Junior Championship, TaylorMade-adidas Golf Invitational, Humber College Invitational, Kaneff Junior Series and CJGA Junior Golf Fundraiser presented by Lexus will also return. The 2009 Stephen Ames Cup will make its first stop in Calgary at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club in late August.

The CJGA will also adjust its age divisions in 2009 to bring them in line with the age divisions used in national and provincial competitions.

CJGA Junior Tour
Boys 14 & Under
Boys 15-19
Girls 11-19

CJGA Junior Linkster Tour
Boys 11-13
Boys 9-10
Boys 8 & Under
Girls 10-13
Girls 9 & Under

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

The CJGA currently has nearly 55 tournaments available for registration with more to be added in the coming weeks. Junior golfers are reminded that the majority of events are filled on a first come, first serve basis and encouraged to register early to avoid missing out on an event.

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

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

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Thursday, January 22, 2009

Test results are 'quite good' after Ballesteros finishes chemo round

- AP
MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Seve Ballesteros said test results following his first course of chemotherapy came back "quite good," an encouraging sign for the 51-year-old golf great.
The five-time major winner underwent four surgeries to remove a cancerous brain tumor after being admitted to a hospital on Oct. 6, when he fainted at Madrid's international airport.

"Fortunately, the results were quite good," Ballesteros said Wednesday, in a statement posted on his Web site. "This Friday I shall begin my second chemotherapy course, which I hope and wish will be as effective as the first one."

Ballesteros, who underwent three operations in eight days at one point, said he was feeling better "day by day" thanks to the work of his physiotherapists.

"I am very motivated and working hard, although I am aware that my recovery will be slow and therefore I need to be patient and have a lot of determination," Ballesteros said. "For these reasons I am following strictly all the indications that the doctors are giving me."
Ballesteros said he continued to receive hundreds of letters, messages, cards and e-mails in support of what he has called "the hardest challenge of my life."

"I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their support and energy that is coming to me from all over the world and which is proving so good," he said.

Ballesteros is known for spectacular shots and fearless play that won him three British Opens and two Masters. He also recorded 50 career victories on the European Tour and is widely recognized as having transformed European golf.

After lobbying to have the Ryder Cup expanded to include continental Europe in 1979, Ballesteros helped beat the United States in 1985 to begin two decades of dominance. He also captained Europe to victory in 1997 at Valderrama, Spain.

Ballesteros retired in 2007 because of a long history of back pain and has since concentrated on golf course design.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

David Toms shocked and not amused by his short tenure on Hall of Fame ballot

- AP
HONOLULU (AP) -- For those who believe 40 is too young to be considered for the Hall of Fame, consider the plight of David Toms.

He was put on the PGA Tour ballot when he turned 40 because of his 12 victories (one of them a major) and 10 years on the PGA Tour. Toms received 1 percent of the vote in 2007, and he didn't receive any votes last year.

Because he did not receive at least 5 percent of the vote in consecutive years, he was taken off the ballot this year.

"I don't even think of the Hall of Fame until a guy turns 50, until he's almost done in golf," Toms said. "That's more fair than throwing someone like me on the ballot just because I meet the criteria."

Toms does not have Hall of Fame credentials -- not yet, maybe not ever.

With his experience, and feeling healthier than he has in recent years, he believes he is capable of winning at least another major and three more victories. "Two majors and 15 wins would be more than I could have hoped for when I started," he said.

What if he achieves more? After turning 42, Kenny Perry went on to win eight times.

"Can they put you back on?" Toms said.

Yes.

Jack Peter, the chief operating officer of the World Golf Hall of Fame, said the board of directors has the authority to place a golfer back on the ballot once removed. Even so, this might be more ammunition for those who believe a player should not be on the ballot until he is closer to the end of his career.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Canadian Golf Consumer Survey - Input Needed!

NAGA, a coalition of Canada’s national golf associations, is conducting a landmark study to understand the economic impact of golf in Canada.

Click Here to Take the Survey!

In order to collect such data, NAGA is asking Canadian PGA Members to help distribute a survey to golf consumers (club members, customers, golfing public). This survey will measure the economic impact of golf in your respective community, province and country while generally helping to promote the game and the interests of all Canadian golfers.

As part of this study, NAGA needs to know how much money your consumers spent in the last 12 months on playing golf and on all golf related activities and purchases. If you are a Canadian PGA Member, please pass the survey link on to your consumers (email with survey link, post link to website, survey link through email blasts etc). Several golf facilities have already helped in getting this important message out to the masses. Golfers have taken note and many have participated in the economic impact study.

However, the survey closes Saturday Feb. 14th and in order to get as comprehensive a sample size as possible, NAGA is looking to Canadian PGA Members to help recruit more respondents from across the country.

In appreciation for the participant’s time and effort in completing this questionnaire, all respondents will be entered in a draw to win a weekend for two to the 2009 Canadian Open. The getaway is a weekend for two from anywhere in Canada to the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at the Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario, July 25-26th, 2009. The prize includes airfare, shared accommodations, car rental and tickets to the RBC Canadian Open (estimated value $2,000; cannot be redeemed for cash).

Below is the survey URL. The survey should take participants 12-15 minutes to complete.

Thank you for your help in collecting golf economic impact data in our country.

Monday, January 19, 2009

2009 RCGA Annual General Meeting Culminates With Induction of Thomas Mccarthy as the 106th President

Halifax, N.S. (RCGA) – Tom McCarthy of Halifax, N.S. was inducted as the 106th president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) during the National Sport Organization’s (NSO) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held this weekend in Halifax, N.S.

McCarthy succeeds 2008 president Andrew Cook of Toronto while Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. becomes First Vice-President and Edmonton native Karen Rackel assumes the role of Second Vice-President.

“I am more than privileged and deeply honoured to be appointed the 106th president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association,” said McCarthy. “I want to thank the entire RCGA Board of Directors for the trust and confidence they have shown in my leadership and I look forward to great things for the organization in 2009.”

McCarthy’s induction brought to a close the RCGA’s 2009 Annual General Meeting which took place January 14-17 at the Harbourfront Marriott Hotel in Halifax, N.S.

Bob Wong honoured with RCGA Distinguished Service SwardBob Wong of Pictou, N.S. was presented with the RCGA Distinguished Service Award. The award was created in 1993 and presented annually since 1996 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the game of golf in Canada.

Lois Gilbertson named 2008 RCGA Volunteers of the YearAlso named during this year’s AGM was the recipient of the RCGA Volunteer of the Year Awards. 2008 marked the third year for this initiative that recognizes individuals in the golf community whose tireless efforts and dedication help to grow the game in Canada. Congratulations to Lois Gilbertson of Winfield, Alta. on the much deserved honour.

Wayne Petersen appointed RCGA Honorary Life GovernorCongratulations also go out to Wayne Petersen of Lethbridge, Alta. on being named a Honorary Life Governor by the RCGA. The 2006 president of the RCGA was honoured for his commitment and dedication during his 15 years of service with the organization.

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

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

Lorena Ochoa Engaged

Top-ranked golfer Lorena Ochoa is engaged.

The 27-year-old Ochoa will marry 39-year-old Andres Conesa, the director general of Aeromexico airline, one of her sponsors.Local media reported Conesa popped the question late last month as the couple vacationed in Europe. Hola magazine's Mexico edition said the pair was planning a wedding at the end of this year.

Ochoa spokeswoman Monica Marron wouldn't give any details on Wednesday, but added a date for the wedding had been set.It will be the first marriage for Ochoa. Conesa has three children from a previous marriage.

Ochoa, from Guadalajara, has said she wants to eventually leave golf and have children. But the two-time major champion hasn't yet mentioned plans to retire.Her friend, Annika Sorenstam, married Mike McGee last Saturday, four weeks after the Swedish golf star ended her Hall of Fame career.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Asian Tour Qualifying School Results

Vernon, B.C.'s Chris Baryla fires a final round 75 and misses by 2 shots.

Click here for full field final results.

Rayong, Thailand, January 17: Japan's Daisuke Maruyama triumphed in a play-off at the Asian Tour's Qualifying School presented by Sports Authority of Thailand with Mohammad Siddikur and Rory Hie becoming the first Bangladeshi and Indonesian players respectively to earn full playing rights on Saturday.

Thanks to steady putting, Maruyama defeated England's Ally Mellor in the second play-off at the St Andrews 2000 course to finish on top of the leaderboard.

Colombia's Eduardo Herrera ended his week in third spot after a 69 while South African James Kamte nailed a strong 67 to claim fourth place.

Hie emerged as the first Indonesian golfer to earn a card when he finished in a tie for 30th place while Siddikur followed suit when he shot a 76 to finish in joint 33rd place.

A total of 40 players earned their cards for the 2009 season.

Maruyama, a former US PGA Tour player, carded a 68 for a 353 total and was forced to a play-off after Mellor had birdied the final par five 18th hole in regulation play. After posting matching pars in the first play-off on the 18th hole, Maruyama holed a six feet birdie putt in the second play-off hole to seal the top spot.

"I came here this week hoping do my best and I did just that so I am very pleased with my performance. It has been a tough week but a good experience and the result has given me the perfect start to the 2009 season," said Maruyama, with five top-10 finishes on the US PGA Tour.

England's Mellor, who turned professional in 2004, walked away pleased with his overall performance in the last two weeks.

"I've been playing here since the First Stage last week so I am happy with how I competed at the Qualifying School. I'm a bit gutted to lose in the play-off but this is still a good performance overall," said Mellor.

Siddikur, with two professional wins on the Indian circuit, shot a 76 and was happy to be the first player in his country to compete on the Asian Tour.

"I am really pleased. This is the toughest week of golf for me and it means a lot to earn my card on the Asian Tour. I am going to call my parents to tell them the good news.

"This week has been a great experience and for the 2009 season, I would like to play in as many events as possible," said Siddikur.

Indonesia's Rory Hie shared a similar sentiment when he made it through the top-40 thanks to a 72 today.

"I turned it around today. I met a guy out there who is a teaching professional in United States. He gave me some tips which helped me the past couple of days.

"I'm really excited to have earned my card on the Asian Tour and look forward to a fruitful year, hopefully even a win if possible," said Hie, who is Indonesia's top ranked golfer.

South African James Kamte battled through an injured toe on the way to an impressive 67 to finish in fourth spot

"I cut my right toe yesterday and it required 12 stitches. I was not on any painkillers as I didn't want to think about it. It's been a great week and I hope to have a smooth sailing year on the Asian Tour," said Kamte.

Thailand's Pariya Junhasavasdikul was the highest ranked local finisher when he posted a 69 and ended in a tie for fifth place.

"It was a good week, I can't complain. I never expected to finish so strongly and I hope to enjoy a similar ride this year," said the 24-year-old golfer, with three wins on the domestic circuit.

After posting a 79 on Friday, Australia's Adam Le Vesconte scorched the course in the final round firing a 67 that included eight birdies against two dropped shots.

"After yesterday's debacle, I was an angry man but I calmed down. Today it was nice with a six under total.

"This game is so frustrating as one day I can play well and not the next. I am very happy to earn playing rights this season. I had my wife Toni on the bag for the first time this week. It will be her first and last time but it was great to have someone like my wife on the bag as she can calm me down on course," said the Australian golfer, who finished in a tie for 26th place.

Finland's Pasi Purhonen and Australia's Bradley Lamb fired similar 71s and narrowly missed the cut when the duo finished in a tie for 41st spot.

About the Asian TourAs the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Carlsberg (Official Beer), ESPN Star Sports (Official Regional TV Broadcaster), Pin High (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider), Sofitel (Official Hotel), TIME and FORTUNE (Corporate Partner) and Srixon (Official Ball). Sentosa, Singapore's premier island resort getaway, is the Home of the Asian Tour.

Bob Wong to be Honoured with RCGA Distinguished Service Award

Award will be presented at the Association’s 2009 Annual General Meeting in Halifax

Halifax, N.S. (RCGA) – The award will be presented on Saturday, January 17th at the Association’s Annual General Meeting at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Halifax, N.S.

“I am truly honoured to be receiving this award from the RCGA, although it comes as a pleasant surprise because I know there are so many people who make significant contributions to the game,” said Wong. “I’m passionate about the sport of golf and that’s always been my main motivation - although, it is nice to be recognized for your hard work.”

Wong has had a renowned impact on helping to shape the game of golf in Canada. During his tenure as an RCGA Governor (1982-1991) and Associate Governor (1992-1997), he served on both the Rules and Handicap and Course Rating Committees.

In 1989, Wong made a most important contribution to the game of golf in Canada. As Chair of the Handicap and Course Rating Committee (1987-1991), he brought forth a recommendation that the RCGA adopt the USGA Slope System. The RCGA went on to approve the use of the Slope System at the 1990 Semi-Annual Meeting.

The process of Slope rating all RCGA courses began in 1991 and was fully adopted by all provincial golf associations in 1995, allowing Canadian golfers’ handicaps to be adjusted from course to course.

Under Wong’s leadership, the Handicap and Course Rating Committee went on to conduct Slope System training seminars across Canada, training more than 125 course raters in becoming fully versed in the Slope System.

Throughout the years, Wong was also a member of the USGA Handicap Procedures Committee where he worked closely with the USGA’s “Pope of Slope” Dean Knuth. Other accolades included certification as a Rules official; refereeing at the Canadian Open; acting as Head Referee at the Canadian Junior Boy’s Championship; and being one of only four individuals to serve two terms as NSGA President (1979 and 1980).

A standout golfer past and present and an endeared humanitarian, Wong is well respected in the Nova Scotia golf community and spends a great deal of his time building the junior golf program at his home club - Pictou Golf Club in Nova Scotia. He was also inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1998.

“I can’t say enough how truly thankful the RCGA is for the inspired efforts of Bob Wong,” said 2008 RCGA President Andrew Cook. “With a tireless passion for the game of golf, he is emblematic of how one individual can certainly make a difference. He is indeed a most worthy recipient of the 2009 RCGA Distinguished Service Award.”

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

For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit http://www.blogger.com/.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

The Best of Sport in BC Recognized

The 43rd Annual Athlete of the Year Award Finalists Announced
For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 15, 2008

Richmond, BC: Sport BC is pleased to announce the finalists for the 43rd Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS. The awards feature 16 categories and celebrate some of the best individuals involved in sport in the province. Award recipients will be announced at the annual Athlete of the Year awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond, BC.

"We continue to see an outstanding caliber of nominees put forward for the awards and it has been a challenge for the committee to narrow each field," said Sport BC’s President and CEO, Paul Varian. "Each of the finalists demonstrates commitment and excellence to their sport and we are thrilled to celebrate their success."

The prestigious Athlete of the Year Awards has been a constant feature in the British Columbian sporting community for 43 years. The finalists come from communities across BC, participate in a variety of sports and represent some of the best that sport has to offer on the national and international stage. The yearly awards ceremony celebrates coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes that exhibit outstanding athletic achievement and dedication to sport.

This year's finalists feature individuals from 17 BC communities, representing over 18 sports. The finalists were selected by a committee of media and sport representatives from across the province.

BCGA Finalists:
Soo Bin Kim - Junior Female
What titles did the nominee win in 2008?
CANADA RCGA Royale National Juvenile Girls’ Championship RCGA Royale National Junior Girls’ Championship RCGA Royale National Junior Girls’ Team Championship
BRITISH COLUMBIA Juvenile Girls’ ChampionshipBC Summer Games Gold MedalistZone 3 Junior Girls’ ChampionshipZone 3/4 Combined Junior Girls’ Championship What records did the nominee set in 2008? First British Columbian to capture the Canadian Juvenile Girls’ title First Canadian to capture the Canadian Juvenile Girls’ title

Is the nominee ranked provincially, nationally or internationally? #3 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Junior Girls #8 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Junior Girls #27 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Women #32 – Canadian Women’s Tour Order of Merit (professional event) Describe the scope of the competition that the nominee faced this year: 1st – Royale National Juvenile Girls’ Championship - field of 65 players top junior girls in Canada 1st – Royale National Junior Girls’ Championship - field of 115 players top junior girls in Canada1st – British Columbia Juvenile Girls’ Championship - field of 29 players top juvenile girls in British Columbia 1st – 2008 BC Summer Games – field of 25 players from 8 zones2nd – British Columbia Junior Girls’ Championship - field of 48 players top junior girls in British Columbia 12th – 2008 CN Canadian Women’s Tour, Richmond Country Club - field of 72 amateur and professional players Silver medalists – member of Team BC at Junior Girls Americas Cup – best finish ever for BC in 30 years – field of 72 players on 18 teams from Canada, U.S. and Mexico List the personal bests the nominee achieved in 2008: Represented Canada at the 2008 Duke of York Young Champions at Dundonald Links, Ayrshire - 56 competitors from 29 different countries worldwide Selected to attend the Team BC Canada Games Golf Training Camp in Charlottetown, P.E.I Played for Team BC to best BC finish ever at the 2008 Junior Girls’ Americas Cup Fired a two-round eleven-under par at the BC Summer Games Competed at the World Juniors in San Diego placing 25th overall Girls 15 - 17

Eugene Wong - Junior Male
What titles did the nominee win in 2008?
INTERNATIONAL Callaway Junior World Golf Champion ship Boys’ 15 - 17
BRITISH COLUMBIA British Columbia Amateur Championship British Columbia Junior Boys’ Championship British Columbia Fresh Egg Cup ‘AAA’ Secondary School Championship
What records did the nominee set in 2008? Canada’s first Junior World Golf champion Only the third player to ever win the BC Junior Boys and the BC Amateur in the same year. [Doug Roxburgh, (1969) and James Lepp, (2002)] First player to win the BC Secondary School Championship, BC Junior Boys’ and BC Amateur in the same year

Is the nominee ranked provincially, nationally or internationally? #1 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Junior Boys #1 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Junior Boys #2 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Amateur Men #2 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Amateur Men Describe the scope of the competition that the nominee faced this year: Captured the Callaway Junior World Golf Champion ship title in a field of 189 players from 73 different countries. Captured his first provincial amateur title in a field of 156 of the top golfers in British Columbia. Captured his second provincial junior boys’ title in a field of 156 players. Captured the BC Fresh Egg Cup in a field of 109 students from across British Columbia. List the personal bests the nominee achieved in 2008: Runner-up at Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship in a field of 156 of the top golfers in Canada Triple provincial title winner – ‘AAA’ BC Secondary School Championship, B.C. Junior Boys, B.C. Amateur

Jackie little - Master Athlete
What titles did the nominee win in 2008?
CANADA RCGA Royale National Senior Women’s Championship RCGA Royale National Senior Women’s Team Championship
UNITED STATES Pacific Northwest Golf Association Senior Women’s Championship Pacific Northwest Golf Association Senior Women’s Player of the Year
BRITISH COLUMBIA Senior Women’s Amateur ChampionshipMid-Amateur Women’s ChampionshipZone 6 Senior Women’s ChampionshipZone 6 Amateur Women’s ChampionshipWhat records did the nominee set in 2008? Captured the BC Senior Women’s title with the lowest ever aggregate 54-hole score. Only player ever to win the Senior Women’s title under par.

Is the nominee ranked provincially, nationally or internationally? #30 – Canadian National Order of Merit for Women #4 – British Columbia Order of Merit for Amateur Women
*There is no national or provincial Order of Merit for senior players
Describe the scope of the competition that the nominee faced this year: 1st – PNGA Senior Women’s Amateur – field of 72 players 1st – Canadian Senior Women’s in a field of 91 players 1st – British Columbia Senior Women’s – field of 51 players2nd – Canadian Mid- Amateur Women’s Championship – top mid-amateur players from ten provincesAdvanced to match play in a field of 131 at the 2008 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and played through to round of 16 to finish as the top Canadian. List the personal bests the nominee achieved in 2008: Medalist at the USGA Senior Women’s Qualifier at the Home Golf Course in Washington StateThrough to round of 16 at 2008 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship (low Canadian)Provincial, Canadian and Pacific Northwest Senior Women’s champion in her first year of eligibility

About Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS:
The Athlete of the Year Awards is the longest-standing sport recognition event in the country. Awards in 16 different categories are given each year to athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers based on their performance and contribution to sport in the province. The awards play a valuable role in nurturing athletic success and recognizing some of BC’s growing talents, such as past recipients Nancy Green Raine (Senior Female Athlete of the Year Award 1967 and 1968, Alpine Skiing), Rick Hansen (Athlete with a Disability Award 1979 and 1980, Wheelchair Athletics) Scott Niedermeyer (Senior Male Athlete of the Year Award 1991, Ice Hockey) and James Lepp (Junior Male Athlete of the Year 2001/Senior Male Athlete of the Year 2003 and 2005, Golf). For further information on the 43rd Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, please visit http://www.sport.bc.ca/.

About Sport BC:
Sport BC is a not-for-profit organization built on the belief of creating and sustaining healthy communities. For more than 40 years Sport BC has been the federation for organized amateur sport in British Columbia; providing valuable shared services and value-added programs to its membership, and the sport sector. Sport BC represents more than 80 member organizations including 65 Provincial Sport Organizations. For more information http://www.sport.bc.ca/.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Lois Gilbertson Selected as RCGA Volunteer of the Year for 2008

Honour to be presented at the Association’s 2009 Annual General Meeting in Halifax

Halifax, N.S. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is pleased to announce that Lois Gilbertson of Winfield, Alta. will be honoured for her contributions to the game of golf as the recipient of the RCGA’s 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award.

The award will be presented on Saturday, January 17th at the Association’s Annual General Meeting which is being held at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Halifax, N.S.

“Volunteers are the engines that drive the success of amateur golf across the country and the RCGA is delighted to recognize Lois Gilbertson for her tremendous efforts in 2008,” said Andrew Cook, 2008 RCGA President. “The RCGA fully appreciates the contributions of the many thousands of volunteers who help grow the game in the country and hope they will continue to embrace the wonderful spirit of volunteerism.”

For more than 20 years, Gilbertson has played a pivotal role in growing youth and women’s golf in the Alberta area. An avid golfer, her game has now taken a back seat to teaching kids through the CN Future Links and Girls Club programs.

For years, Gilbertson taught young golfers at Fairways West in the CN Future Links Level 1 program and is currently working on setting up a Girls Club in Drayton Valley and Breton.
In her first year, 50 kids registered and the enthusiasm for junior golf began to grow. She decided to start working with kids because she enjoys giving young golfers something to look forward to and wants to help to keep them out of trouble.

Along with teaching CN Future Links programs, she gathers supplies and equipment to run her youth programs since many of the children cannot afford golf equipment. Gilbertson provides the necessary equipment and teaches the children without monetary compensation.
With her collected donations, she also acquires prizes for the participants, the golfer who pays the most attention and the one who shows the most willingness to learn.

Although this was a project Gilbertson initially started on her own, she now has many women who support her in her endeavors and has taken on quite a handful in terms of coordinating activities. Two of the courses she runs programs from do not have golf pros, so she recruited help from her friend, CPGA Pro Susan Wright to teach level two.Along with her commitments to youth golf, Gilbertson plays an important role within the Alberta Golf Association. For more info on Lois Gilberston, please click here.

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

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

Thursday, January 15, 2009

CJGA Team Canada Finishes in Third at Triangular Cup in South Africa

Bela Bela, South Africa – CJGA Team Canada played the role of spoiler today during the final round of the Triangular Cup at Zebula Golf Estates & Spa in Bela Bela, South Africa. Competing in singles matches, the six-member Canadian contingent collected 3 points out of a possible 12 led by Richmond Hill, Ontario’s Taylor Pendrith who was victorious in both of his matches. The South Africa Junior Golf Foundation was the winner of the event, finishing two points ahead of the English Golf Union with 13.5 points. CJGA Team Canada earned 5 points over the three days of match play competition.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

LPGA shakeup: Promotions, pink slips

By BETH ANN BALDRY
Senior Writer

The LPGA wasted little time in gearing up for a season that doesn’t begin until next month.

Several staff members were promoted in a “reorganization of business functions’’ that Golfweek has learned also resulted in as many as six layoffs.Commissioner Carolyn Bivens, speaking with Golfweek in response to the tour’s Jan. 7 news release announcing the changes, would only confirm that chief operating officer Chris Higgs was among those who were let go.

“I don’t want to pretend for a second that the economy didn’t impact (the decision); it certainly did,” Bivens said. “(But) it was not the motivating factor for the realignment.”

Bivens said less than 5 percent of the LPGA staff “will be moving on” and not be replaced. “It’s not the first time (people were cut), and I’m sure it won’t be the last,” said one longtime employee who spoke with Golfweek on the condition of anonymity. “I’m just hurt.”

Jane Reynolds confirmed that she was among those let go and was told it was strictly an economic decision. “It was more than a job to me,’’ said Reynolds, who worked as a rules official for the tour for nearly 20 years. “It was definitely a passion.’’

The tour’s new “strategic plan’’ took 18 months to develop and, according to Bivens, leaves the tour “more focused, more streamlined and more competitive.” The plan includes five promotions and three newly-created positions. Bivens said the new hires will take place over the course of the next month and include a research and planning position. The LPGA has no plans to make any more staff cuts, though Bivens concedes that there’s no telling “how deep this recession is going to be or how long.”

The three new business units:
>> Tournament operations and player services;
>> New business development and worldwide sales;
>> LPGA tournament and schedule development.

Jane Geddes was promoted to senior vice president and will oversee all activities at tournament sites. Duramed Futures Tour CEO Zayra Calderon adds the duties of new business development and worldwide sales. Nancy Henderson has been named chief operating officer of the DFT to help ease Calderon’s workload. Henderson had been the executive director of the LPGA’s teaching and club professionals; her position will be filled, Bivens said. LPGA deputy commissioner Libba Galloway will oversee two divisions: properties and sanctioned events. Mike Nichols and Kelly Hyne will report to Galloway. Nichols is the new vice president of LPGA-sanctioned events, and Hyne has been promoted to LPGA vice president and will oversee LPGA properties.

The LPGA season begins with the Feb. 12-14 SBS Open at Turtle Bay in Hawaii.What should players think about moving forward in 2009 with an even smaller staff?“

I would tell the players they are in very good hands,” Bivens said. “This allows them to compete even more successfully than we were before.”Bivens denied persistent talk on tour that the LPGA has hired an executive-search firm to help replace senior leadership. Bivens also addressed the buzz that she might be stepping down for medical reasons. “I guess that’s what happens when your foot is operated on and you’re on crutches,” Bivens said. “I’m staying put.”

• • •

Beth Ann Baldry is a Golfweek senior writer. To reach her e-mail bbaldry@golfweek.com.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Two Canadians make the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School

RAYONG, Thailand – Canadian Tour members Darren Griff and Chris Baryla were among a group of 87 players advancing to final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School today.

Also advancing were Canadian Tour affiliate member Stephen Reed and Australian Mitch Tasker.

Baryla, who played the Nationwide Tour from 2006 to 2008 before injuries slowed him down, was in fine form with rounds of 73-70-68-76-287 to share fifth spot at the St. Andrews layout with Tasker who fired steady rounds of 71-70-72-74.

Tasker, 23, joined the Canadian Tour at the Spring 2008 Q-School with a tie for seventh at Montreal his best finish.

Griff played the Asian Tour in 2005 and enjoyed his best Canadian Tour season in 2006 with five top tens including a runner-up finish at the MTS Classic.

The Nanaimo, B.C., native has played professional golf all over the world and represented Canada at the 2004 World Cup alongside Stuart Anderson.

Reed played the Canadian Tour’s Latin America swing in late 2008 and played his college golf at Texas A&M University.

“It seemed to me, with all the best players in the world coming to the States to play, it was time for me to outsource my talent, as well,” Reed told Dave Seanor.

“I need to think outside the box and beyond the borders and maybe back-door my way onto the PGA or Nationwide Tour.”

Daniel Im will be joining the quartet at the Final Stage next week, which will be played over five rounds with the Top-40 and ties earning playing privileges for the 2009 season. Im qualified via his finish on the Canadian Tour's 2008 Order of Merit.

Jim Seki, John Shin, Michael Choi, Andrew Johnson, Will Yanagisawa and Dean Kennedy were in the field but failed to advance.

In the Clubhouse

Half a world away in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wes Heffernan, Alan McLean, Ryan Cairns and Graham DeLaet are in the field. DeLaet, fresh from his World Cup experience shot a solid 66 in the second round to climb up the leaderboard while McLean fired a 65.

Heffernan – who partnered DeLaet in China - and Cairns both shot 73 and will miss the cut.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Annika Sorenstam marries Mike McGee

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Annika Sorenstam and Mike McGee were married Saturday, four weeks after the Swedish golf star ended her Hall of Fame career.

About 125 guests attended the afternoon ceremony and evening reception at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club. McGee, the son of former PGA Tour player Jerry McGee, has served as managing director for her business brand since December 2006.

Travis Wilhelm, the minister at Christian Campus House at Trine University in Angola, Ind., officiated the ceremony. Swedish friend Maria Bertilskold was the maid of honor, and Stan McCamon of East Palestine, Ohio, was McGee's best man.

Sorenstam retired last month after winning 72 times on the LPGA Tour.

Before heading off on a honeymoon ski trip, Sorenstam will host the Annika Invitational, an American Junior Golf Association event for 60 top females around the world at the Ginn Reunion Resort, where she has her academy.

Sorenstam also will appear at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, then be honored at the "Annika Celebration" Feb. 1-3 at Ginn Reunion Resort, which will feature a skins game among Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

RCGA Names 2009 Team Canada

- Eight athletes selected to Canada’s National Amateur Team Program; Under-22 Development Team welcomes eight players -

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today the names of the athletes who have been selected to join Canada’s 2009 National Amateur Team.
In all, eight players will comprise Team Canada including four on the women’s side and four on the men’s. Team Canada welcomes back five returning players, one rookie and a pair of former Development Team members graduating to the amateur ranks.

On the women’s side, Team Canada will have a veteran presence as all four members - Stephanie Sherlock of Barrie, Ont., Kira Meixner of Richmond, B.C., Maude-Aimée LeBlanc of Windsor, Que. and Sue Kim of Langley, B.C. - are returnees from last year’s squad.
All four players enjoyed tremendous success in 2008. Sherlock captured the Sun Belt Conference Championship as well as the CN Canadian Women’s Tour event in Winnipeg while topping the 2008 National Women’s Order of Merit. Meixner claimed the 2008 B.C. Women’s Amateur Championship and also earned her DURAMED FUTURES TOUR card; Leblanc took home top-honours at the Quebec Women’s Amateur Championship and tied for fourth in the individual standings of the 2008 World Amateur Team Championship. Kim won a pair of CN Canadian Women’s Tour events en route to capturing the Jocelyne Bourassa Player of the Year Award and also topped the 2008 CN Future Links Junior Girls Order of Merit.

Fresh off a solid 2008 season, Team Canada veteran Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., will anchor the 2009 edition of the Men’s National Amateur Team. Taylor reached the round of 32 at the U.S. Men’s Amateur; tied for second as an individual at the World Amateur Team Championships; tied for second at the NCAA Division 1 finals; finished 53rd at the RBC Canadian Open; and missed the cut by only three strokes at the U.S. Open. The lone holdover from the 2008 squad topped the Men’s National Order of Merit in 2008 and returns for a third year with the National Amateur Team.

Rejoining the National Team program after a year hiatus is Eugene Wong of North Vancouver, B.C., who won the Callaway Junior World Golf Championships, as well as the B.C. Junior Boys and Men’s Amateur Championships last year. Wong also finished second at the 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and topped the 2008 CN Future Links Junior Boys Order of Merit.

Matt Hill of Forest, Ont. graduates from the Development Team to the Amateur Team after a stellar season in 2008 while rookie Lindsay Renolds of Christina Lake, B.C. rounds out the men’s squad.

As part of Team Canada, the RCGA also named a 22-and-under Development Team featuring five male and four female athletes. The Development Team is designed to help facilitate the transition for Canada’s top young players from the junior to the senior amateur ranks.

The total number of athletes in the 2009 National Team Program was reduced from 26 to 17 in order to bring a more inclusive program with amplified support to each athlete. In 2008, the Men’s Amateur Team was comprised of six athletes while the Women’s Team featured five athletes.

The Men’s Developmental Team’s was reduced from eight players in 2008 while the Women’s Developmental Team was reduced by three players for the 2009 season. One additional male Development Team member will be named to join the team by March 31, 2009.

“We are proud to welcome each of these athletes to Team Canada 2009,” said Jeff Thompson, the RCGA’s Chief Sport Development Officer. “With a concentrated focus on results, we’ve streamlined the size of the team for 2009 in order to deliver a more comprehensive program and increased coaching and sports science support to this collection of our country’s top athletes.”

The following athletes have been selected to the 2009 National Amateur Golf Team:
Women’s National Team
Sue Kim, Langley, B.C.
Maude-Aimée LeBlanc, Windsor, Que.
Kira Meixner, Richmond, B.C.
Stephanie Sherlock, Barrie, Ont.

Men’s National Team
Matt Hill, Forest, Ont.
Lindsay Renolds, Christina Lake, B.C.
Nick Taylor, Abbotsford, B.C.
Eugene Wong, North Vancouver, B.C.

The following athletes have been selected to the 2009 National Development Team (22-and-under):
Women’s Development Team
Anne Catherine Tanguay, Quebec City, Que.
Jennifer Kirby, Paris, Ont.
Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Toronto, Ont.
Nicole Vandermade, Brantford, Ont.

Men’s Development Team
Julien Goulet, St-Roch de l'Achigan, Que.
Richard Jung, Toronto, Ont.
Mathieu Rivard, Granby, Que.
Mitch Sutton, London, Ont.
TBD (*March 31, 2009)

The 2009 coaching team remains intact with Henry Brunton returning as the men’s coach and Dean Spriddle returning as the women’s coach.

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

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

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

More information about the National Amateur Team is available on line at www.rcga.org/teamcanada.

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

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

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

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Puma Gets its Claws into CJGA

MARKHAM, ON – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with PUMA that will result in the creation of the PUMA Challenge on the CJGA Junior Tour in 2009. Additionally, the CJGA and PUMA will be accepting applications from junior golfers across Canada to select several players who will make up Team PUMA.

PUMA is no stranger to the golf industry as its PGA Tour stable includes former U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy as well as Sweden’s Johan Edfors, American up and comer Jeff Overton and the LPGA Tour’s Erica Blasberg. The company’s innovative approach to golf fashion has mirrored the growth of fashion conscious junior golfers who take great pride in not only how they play, but also how they look. The PUMA Challenge will consist of a competitive four tournament series to be held at yet to be determined locations across Canada in 2009 featuring prizes and giveaways from the tournament sponsor. What will make the events so unique is the experience that will surround them. On-site interactive gaming and displays will be offered while a DJ will headline the final day awards receptions.

Team PUMA is a fresh and innovative concept for the junior golf scene as selected players who best exemplify on course performance and style as well as other intangibles will be outfitted in the latest PUMA Golf apparel. The CJGA will release details on the contest in the coming months.

“Our new partnership with PUMA is a great fit for both parties,” said Earl Fritz, Executive Director of the CJGA. “PUMA is an innovative and forward thinking organization that has become very popular among junior golfers. We look forward to growing this relationship and expect that CJGA members will enjoy their experiences at the new PUMA Challenge in 2009.”

“We are extremely excited about this new partnership with the CJGA as they have proved to be a great supporter and promoter of junior golf in Canada” said Ted Fletcher, President of PUMA Canada.

The partnership agreement between the CJGA and PUMA will span three years.

ABOUT PUMAPUMA® is the global athletic brand that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA’s unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sportlifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design. Established in Herzogenaurach, Germany in 1948, PUMA distributes products in over 80 countries.

For further information please visit www.puma.com and www.golf.puma.com. Press material can be downloaded at http://about.puma.com/press

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

Monday, January 5, 2009

Callaway signs Stuart Appleby

Callaway Golf announced today that it has signed Australia's Stuart Appleby to a multi-year endorsement deal. Appleby, who has won eight times on the PGA Tour, including three consecutive Mercedes-Benz championships between 2004-2006, had previously been with Bridgestone Golf.

Appleby will use Callaway's clubs and golf balls and feature the company's logo on his hat. His caddie will also be carrying a Callaway bag.

Appleby, 37, missed only two cuts in 23 events last season while earning more than $2 million in prize money for the fifth time. While he didn't win a PGA Tour event in 2008, he had a career-high seven top 10 finishes.

"Stuart is a quality person and embodies everything Callaway Golf looks for in a partner," said Nick Raffaele, Callaway's vice president of sports marketing, in a media release. "He's a proven winner and we're excited to assist with his equipment needs as he pursues more success on the PGA Tour and ultimately a major championship."

A Callaway spokesman told me Appleby is testing many of the company's clubs but has yet to decide exactly which will be in his new bag before he starts his 2009 season. Here is a list of the clubs he used during the 2008 U.S. Open:

Driver Bridgestone J33P (9.5°)
Fairway woods Bridgestone Golf Prototype (15°), J33R (18°)
Irons J36 Cavity Back (3-PW)
Wedges Bridgestone prototype WC (53°, 60°)
Putter Zen ZB1Ball Tour B330-S

Saturday, January 3, 2009

John Daly suspended for 6 months by PGA Tour

By DOUG FERGUSONAP GOLF WRITER

John Daly smashed one tee shot off the top of a beer can during a pro-am. At another tournament, he returned from a rain delay with Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden as his caddie. And his most memorable photo this year came in an orange jail suit, eyes half-closed.
Daly said Wednesday that such unwelcome publicity is why the PGA Tour suspended him for six months.

The two-time major champion confirmed his suspension to The Associated Press, calling this the low point of an 18-year career during which he has made as much news off the course as he has with his prodigious game.

"Is it fair that I got suspended?" he said. "It's not fair in reality, but it's probably fair in perception."

Daly said he wanted to go public to let fans and tournaments know that he wasn't abandoning them by taking his game to the European tour. At least until the spring, he simply didn't have much of a choice.

"I'm not sure this is the smartest thing to do, but I'd rather be honest, especially with the fans," he said. "It's hard for me not to play on the West Coast. I love it out there."

PGA Tour spokesman Ty Votaw declined comment, even after seeing Daly's remarks, citing the tour's longtime policy of not discussing fines or suspensions.

This is the second time the tour has suspended Daly, along with at least two other times when he agreed to sit out the final few months of a season to get his life in order.

He has not played on the PGA Tour since he missed the cut Oct. 17 in Las Vegas. Ten days later, police in Winston-Salem, N.C., said he appeared intoxicated outside a Hooters restaurant, and Daly was taken to jail to sleep it off. That led to his photo in the orange jail suit, which became an Internet sensation.

Still trying to recover from various injuries, Daly made only five cuts in 17 starts on the tour, finishing 232nd on the money list. His world ranking has plunged to No. 736.

Daly isn't even sure when the suspension began, but he hopes it ends in May. He said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem sent a letter to his agent, Bud Martin of SFX Sports, who passed along the news.

"Tim and his staff have to do what they do," Daly said. "Truly and honestly, I wish Tim would get to know the facts better before he makes a decision. I would love to sit down and have a nice talk with him, tell him what really happened. But perception is reality in the world, and sometimes they have to do what they have to do."

Martin would only say the suspension was to end in the spring, adding ``it remains confidential with the PGA Tour.'' He said Daly wants to use 2009 to turn his career around.
"This is the last negative thing that's been gnawing at him," Martin said. "We didn't make any requests for exemptions, and John wanted to be clear with them. He wanted to play in their tournaments, but he can't. He didn't want to let his fans down. He wanted them to know the truth."

Daly said he hopes to play well enough to earn sponsor exemptions on the PGA Tour when the suspension is lifted.

"John's New Year's resolution is do everything he can to make positive things happen on the golf course," Martin said. "I hope he can walk the walk. The talk sounds great. But it's going to be him working hard and staying out of trouble, and having success on the golf course."
Daly became an overnight sensation when he won the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick as the ninth alternate, introducing his powerful "grip it and rip it" style to golf. Four years later, he won the British Open at St. Andrews. But his career has been dragged down by two trips to alcohol rehab, four marriages, gambling losses and other off-course episodes that have made him a sideshow to some and a cult figure to others.

Asked why he was suspended, Daly pointed to four incidents during the year.

After a rain delay at Innisbrook during the Florida swing, he emerged from a hospitality tent with Gruden as his caddie for the final seven holes of the round, prompting a split with swing coach Butch Harmon.

"My whole goal for him was he's got to show me golf is the most important thing in his life," Harmon said in March. "And the most important thing in his life is getting drunk."

While promoting a golf course in Missouri, Daly a regional television interview wearing only blue jeans - no shirt, no shoes - while showing how to play one of the holes. Then at the Buick Open, during a pro-am that featured Kid Rock in overalls, Daly revved up the fans by hitting one drive off the top of a beer can.

He drew the most attention from the night in jail. Daly told the AP that his friends called police when they feared he had passed out, claiming they were unaware he sleeps with his eyes open when he's had too much to drink. Daly was put in jail under a state law called "Assistance to Intoxicated Persons."

"The picture didn't help," Daly said. "People think I got arrested when I didn't get arrested. It is what it is. I've got to deal with it and go on. Whatever reason the tour has, maybe a positive will come out of this."

CBS Sports analyst David Feherty, a recovering alcoholic, said after the North Carolina arrest he hoped Daly would get help.

"He's one of the most generous and one of the kindest souls," Feherty said. "The stories of his generosity to the people are legendary. The only person he has ever been unkind to is himself."
Daly has played four times overseas since the PGA Tour suspended him, tying for 17th in the Hong Kong Open and missing the cut at all three tournaments he played in Australia. In the Australian Open, he lost his patience with a fan who put a camera in his face during the round, smashing the camera against a tree.

"This is the lowest I've ever been," Daly said. "There's always light with me. Right now, my home tour is probably Europe. And I love the European tour. I always have. But my home is the United States. That's where I would rather play.''

Daly said the publicity cost him his endorsements. His only deals are with Focus Golf Systems, which signed a 15-year agreement in 2006 to sell his golf clubs and apparel in Wal-Mart stores; and Fly Emirates, part of a deal that will pay his travel expenses when he plays the Abu Dhabi Championship, Qatar Masters and Dubai Desert Classic in January.

"This has been the worst year," he said in the New Year's Eve interview. "One day left."