Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Canadian PGA and RCGA Launch Revitalized CN Future Links Program

- New website provides, interactive online experience for participants, instructors, facilities and parents -

ACTON, ON (March 31, 2009) - Canada’s junior golf community will become bigger and better connected as the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) and the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (Canadian PGA) have enhanced the CN Future Links junior golf program and launched a newly redesigned website, http://www.future-links.org/.

This national junior golf focused initiative is based on the collective efforts of the Canadian PGA, RCGA and Sport Canada with the purpose of delivering an enjoyable and educational golf program for junior players, as well as parents and golf instructors.

The new CN Future Links program will focus on all levels of junior golfers’ abilities and will better assist Canadian PGA professionals in developing the skills of Canadian junior golfers.

“The new CN Future Links program is the result of the strong partnership between Sport Canada, the Canadian PGA and the RCGA as well as our proud sponsor CN”, said Jeff Thompson, RCGA’s Chief Sport Development Officer. “The program has been modernized and enhanced, not only have we updated the content of the program to align with our Long-Term Player Development guide we have also introduced tools to instructors that will allow us to track players progress over time and will know exactly how many players are participating, what their ages and gender are. All of which are key to a successful development program.”

As part of program and website enhancements, CN Future Links has integrated the newly created Learn to Play and Certified Junior Site programs into its menu of programs.

Learn to Play is a seven-level development program, structured so that each level can be delivered through a series of eight to 12 lessons. It includes an online progress report that is updated by Canadian PGA instructors as players progress through their lessons, which participants, parents and instructors can use to track progress.

The Certified Junior Site program has been created to recognize and promote facilities that are utilizing the “best in class” CN Future Links programs along with having solid policies and procedures with respect to conducting junior programming. The intent of the program is to makes it easier for parents to find junior focused golf programming within close proximity to where they live.

In addition to adding elements to CN Future Links, existing ones were also improved.

The newly re-designed Junior Skills Challenge is an interactive program that focuses on developing the key golf skills of putting, chipping, driving and iron play. The new website incorporates an online Junior Skills Challenge leaderboard, allowing instructors to upload participants’ scores so players can track their skills improvement throughout the season. Another interesting element is the ability for participants to upload their own personal practice scores to measure their progress in specific skills.

Participants will be ranked nationally by age group and skills scores based on their results at official skills challenge centers and top scoring individuals will be eligible to compete in the National Junior Skills Challenge Event, which will be held in conjunction with the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open, being held August 31-September 6, 2009 at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club in Calgary, Alta.

The Junior Golf League is a redesigned organized league for young golfers who have developed the necessary skills to begin playing on a course. The Junior League offers young golfers real game experience in order to develop sportsmanship, etiquette and teamwork skills. The introduction of a new, leading-edge online tool through the CN Future Links website provides everything instructors and players alike need to get a virtual league started.

“The Canadian PGA is proud to help introduce an enhanced CN Future Links program and the new interactive website which reflect its enhancements,” said Steve Carroll, Canadian PGA Executive Director. “The Learn to Play and Certified Junior Site Programs, as well as the redesign of pre-existing programs such as the Junior Skills Challenge and the Junior Golf League, will undoubtedly help to foster positive learning experiences for juniors engaged in the CN Future Links program.”

The CN Future Links program was designed to play a key role in supporting the development of young golfers aged 6 to 18. It gives children the chance to enjoy and learn the game of golf via affordable and accessible programs. Since its inception in 1996, more than 748,000 golfers have successfully participated in some form of Future Links programming, making it one of the leading junior sports programs in the country.

CN FUTURE LINKS
CN Future Links is Canada’s national junior golf program conducted by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (CPGA) and Canada’s provincial golf associations. The program is designed to forge a link between Canada’s youth and golf to ensure the future of the game in Canada. Additionally the CN Future Links Championships provide Canada’s best junior golfers a chance to hone their competitive skills in multiple day championships. Almost 5,000 top juniors have competed in these premier championships since their inception in 2000. For more information about CN Future Links, please visit http://www.future-links.org/.

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

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

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

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

Monday, March 30, 2009

Mike Weir and Fred Couples headline 2009 TELUS World Skins Game

International event to raise funds for Operation Enfant Soleil and sick children throughout Quebec

Québec City, Québec - Mike Weir, one of the most successful, and beloved, golfers ever to hail from Canada, and Fred Couples, the American player aptly nicknamed 'Mr. Skins', will be headlining the famous international 'fivesome' competing in the 2009 TELUS World Skins at Lévis' La Tempête Golf Club in June.

Weir, who authored one of Canada's proudest golfing moments when he won the 2003 Masters, will be making his seventh appearance at the TELUS World Skins. Over the years, he has won 20 skins for a total of $400,000. He is also tied with George Knudson for the most career victories on the PGA TOUR by a Canadian.

"I couldn't be more excited about the chance to play in the TELUS World Skins Game and visiting the Québec City region this summer," said Weir. "I'll always remember the support that the fans in Québec showed me during the 2007 President's Cup, and I'm looking forward to showing the other players one of our most beautiful and historic cities."

Couples, a fifteen-time winner on the PGA Tour including the 1992 Masters, is one of the most popular players in the history of professional golf and is certainly no stranger to the Canadian Skins Game. He has won 62 Skins for $1,110,000 in eight appearances, the most of any player in the event's history. To date, he has won more than $4 million in the U.S. Skins Game.

"We are thrilled Mike Weir and Fred Couples are returning to headline this year's TELUS World Skins Game in June," said Joe Natale, president of TELUS Business Solutions. "TELUS is proud to be bringing the best in golf to its Canadian customers from coast-to-coast. Whether fans are on-site or watching from home, they will enjoy a truly unique experience by witnessing some of the world's finest golfers play for a worthy cause."

Karen Radford, president of TELUS Québec, said, "There is nothing more rewarding than giving back to our community and investing in its long-term sustainable growth. The players, along with all the fans and volunteers, will not only make the 2009 event one of the most memorable, they will help make a real difference in the lives of Quebec's children by supporting Opération Enfant Soleil."

Funds raised at the 2009 event will improve the quality of life for thousands of sick kids for years to come by supporting Opération Enfant Soleil, an organization that invests in the development of quality pediatric care in Québec. The charity will use the money to equip the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec's Centre mère-enfant's surgical unit with the latest in multimedia technology to facilitate complex pediatric heart surgeries. The new system's extensive connectivity will enable real-time participation in surgeries from any location, thereby improving educational opportunities and providing quick access to specialists, all of which will increase the success rate of the procedures.

The two-day TELUS World Skins Game will be held on June 22 and 23, 2009 at La Tempête Golf Club in Lévis, the very first 18-hole golf course of international caliber in the region. Tickets for the event will go on sale on Monday, April 13 at 10 a.m. (ET) and will be available for purchase by phone at 1-866-60SKIN1 (1-866-607-5461) or online by visiting http://www.telusskins.com/.

Owned and operated by IMG in Canada for 17 years, the TELUS World Skins Game has included many of the biggest names in the game including Jack Nicklaus, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and Greg Norman. Additional players for the 2009 tournament will be announced in the coming weeks and regular updates will be posted on www.telusskins.com.
The TELUS World Skins Game is also sponsored by Audi, Desjardins, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, GREY GOOSE® Vodka, Québec City Tourism, Québec Tourism and Samsung.

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

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $9.7 billion of annual revenue and 11.6 million customer connections including 6.1 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 $135 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.

PGA Tour Pro Stephen Ames Named Canadian Junior Golf Association National Spokesperson

…Calgary resident looks to help young people develop skills and confidence through golf

The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) proudly named Canadian PGA TOUR professional Stephen Ames as the CJGA’s national spokesperson today.

Ames first became affiliated with the CJGA six years ago when he appeared at their annual Junior Golf Fundraising event. Already a huge supporter of junior golf in his native Trinidad & Tobago, Ames wanted to explore ways that he could also support junior golf at home in Canada.

In 2005, Ames worked with the CJGA to create the Stephen Ames Cup, an annual Ryder Cup style tournament that brings together junior golfers from Trinidad & Tobago and Canada. The teams travel to each other’s country as they alternate playing host to the tournament.

“Supporting junior golf is very important to me as I have seen how it can help young people develop the skills and confidence that they will use for the rest of their lives,” said Ames. “The CJGA has done some great work with Canadian junior golfers over the past 16 years and I am proud to be able to assist them in their work by serving as the organization’s national spokesperson.”

In addition to the financial support of the Stephen Ames Foundation in hosting the annual Stephen Ames Cup, RBC announced their support earlier this month as presenting sponsor of the international tournament.

“Stephen has done wonders for junior golf in Canada and Trinidad & Tobago, and we very much appreciate him adding the role of CJGA National Spokesperson to his list of contributions,” said Earl Fritz, Executive Director/Founder of the CJGA. “Stephen has shown his love for the game in the most admirable way by supporting our youth and their development in golf. He represents everything that the CJGA hopes to share with Canada’s young people through golf and we’re thrilled to have him join the CJGA team.”

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

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

For Additional Information:
Brad Parkins
Chief Operations Officer
Canadian Junior Golf Association
1-877-508-1069 ext 221
brad.parkins@cjga.com

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Canadian Tour California Q-School Wraps Up

SANTEE, Calif. – Aaron Goldberg shot a final round 73 but it was good enough to overtake David Hahn and capture the Canadian Tour’s California Q-School by one stroke.

To view the full field final rounds scores, click here!

Goldberg finished at three under par 285 while Hahn bogeyed four of his final nine for a closing 76 and a four day total of 286.

Brock Mackenzie struggled to a 75 but finished solo third at 287, one ahead of Canadian Dean Kennedy.

Finishing in fifth spot at three over par 291 was Ezequiel Reyna (72) and fellow American Brad Ward who shot 73 today.

Jesse Barnsley (71) and Canadian Ryan Plitz (72) also earned exempt cards with their four over par 292 score while Michael O’Neal defeated Hansel Koh and Jeffrey Rangel in a playoff for the final exempt spot.

Also earning non-exempt cards were Pat Howard, Mark Rice, David Jackson, Kory Storer, Phil Telliard, Michael Nicoletti, Isaac Weintraub, Greg Machtaler and Jacob Kimball.

“I got off to a slow start today and nothing was going in the hole.

“When I got on the ninth green, I figured out that my putting stance was wrong,” said Goldberg, who was three over on his round to that point.

“I made an adjustment and then made those three birdies on the back nine."

Hahn, who began the day with a two shot lead, looked to be running away with it when he led by four at the turn.

However, four bogeys on the back nine - including one at the last hole - dropped him to second spot.

“I was fortunate that David couldn’t make the putts after we made the turn,” continued Goldberg.

“He had been playing so well to that point but I also left a couple of shots out there."

Although it doesn’t count as an official win, Goldberg’s goal this week was the title.

“You want to get a card but you play to win.

“Once we got well into the tournament, I wasn’t worried about the card; I was focusing on winning this thing.

"Winning the tournament is a big affirmation of how well I have been playing and gives me a lot of confidence going into the season.”

The newest members of the Canadian Tour will get their first taste of Tour action the week of April 20 when they tee it up at the prestigious Mexican PGA Championship, which kicks off the four-event Mexican Swing.

Exempt Status

Aaron Goldberg
David Hahn
Brock Mackenzie
Dean Kennedy
Ezequiel Reyna
Brad Ward
Ryan Plitz
Jesse Barnsley
Michael O’Neal

Non Exempt in Order of Rank

Jeffrey Rangel
Hansol Koh
Pat Howard
Mark Rice
David Jackson
Kory Storer
Phil Telliard
Michael Nicoletti
Isaac Weintraub
Greg Machtaler
Jacob Kimball

Friday, March 27, 2009

Golf in focus at Olympic Conference

Golf’s green credentials, and more specifically those of The 2010 Ryder Cup, will be a focal point of the eighth World Conference on Sport and the Environment (WCSE) in Vancouver, Canada, from March 29-31, 2009.

A bi-annual fixture in the Olympic calendar, the WCSE is organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP).

It is now firmly established as the premier forum for organisers of major sporting events to come together with corporate and environmental leaders to share knowledge and advance practices related to sport and its relationship with communities and the environment.
Golf’s leading international environmental partner, and the body overseeing the planning and delivery of The Ryder Cup programme, the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO), has been working with UNEP for more than a decade.

This ongoing relationship will return to the spotlight again in Vancouver as GEO is called upon to deliver insight into the widely-regarded efforts of the golf industry in addressing environmental issues and driving improved performance.

Theodore Oben, Chief of Sport and the Environment UNEP, is delighted to see GEO join a premier list of speakers including His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco, Masato Mizuno, Chairman of the Mizuno corporation, and Frankie Fredericks, Chair of the IOC Athletes Commission.

He said: “UNEP trust and value the objective and scientific insight that GEO provides on golf, and their vision and drive towards a sustainable future for the sport. Yet again, we’re delighted to have golf communicating its increasingly strong leadership to the prestigious audience which will assemble in Vancouver.

“Following GEO’s contribution to the Global Forum for Sport and Environment (G-ForSE) last year in Alicante, we are delighted that they will once again shed light on the issues and opportunities which perhaps uniquely rest with golf.

GEO’s Director of Communications Benjamin Warren will present some key elements of the sustainability strategy that is unfolding in golf, which has been developed through collaboration with the game’s governing bodies and associations, and key environmental stakeholders.
This will feature specific programmes and campaigns centring on golf facility development, facility management and the staging of golf events.

The focus on The 2010 Ryder Cup will give delegates insight into the partnership behind the action plan, the scope of issues covered, how policy has been established across key staging topics, and ultimately how this is being turned into tangible achievements.

Key targets include significantly reducing the number of people in cars; moving towards a zero waste event; procurement of Fairtrade and local products, materials and services; use of low carbon vehicles for transportation; and the protection and enhancement of the site ecology, landscape and significant cultural heritage interests.

As the environmental action plan for the event moves into the hugely important ‘procurement’ phase, GEO looks forward to comparing Ryder Cup efforts with initiatives in other sectors and at other events.

Mr Warren said: “In particular, we are keen to learn more about how to unlock the influence that golf undoubtedly has across the supply chain, and across disparate business interests. Realising these opportunities would stack up to an incredible triple win – great golf, in a great environment, with high profile business buy-in.”

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Jackie Little and Eugene Wong take top honours at the Annual Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards

Sport BC honoured outstanding contributions to the BC sporting community on Tuesday at the 43rd Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS.

Athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials from across the province were recognized with an award from 17 distinct categories, celebrating the recipients’ achievements and dedication to sport.

BCGA golfers were the recipients of two awards:

Jackie Little, Master Athlete of the Year

At age 50, Jackie won four BC titles, two Canadian titles and 2 USA titles earning a ranking of #30 in Canadian Women and fourth in BC. Not only did she capture the BC Senior Woen's title with the lowest aggregate 54-hole score, she is the only player to win the title under par.

Eugene Wong, Junior Male Athlete of the Year

With three BC titles and one international title, Eugene is the first player to win the BC Secondary School Championship, BC Junior Boys' and BC Amateur in the same year which has earned him the top spot in BC and Canada for juniors, and second in BC and Canada for amateur men.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Nick Taylor sets Washington University record for medalist honors

Huskies Run Away With Duck Invite Title

EUGENE, Ore. -- Washington's Nick Taylor, of Abbotsford, B.C., is having a record-setting season. The UW junior shot a 4-under 68 during the final round of the Oregon Duck Invitational to capture his third medalist honor of the 2008-09 season, besting the 78-player field on Tuesday.

With the win, Taylor set a new UW record by being the first golfer in school history to take three medalist honors in a season. Taylor passed Husky great Brock Mackenzie (2001-2004), who won two medalist honors during the 2001 season. Taylor won the CordeValle Collegiate in November and the Hawai'i-Hilo Invitational in February.

Taylor led the Huskies, which placed a trio of golfers in the top 10, to its third team victory of the season as well. The University of Washington men's golf team finished the tournament 5-under (285-296-278), by shooting a tournament-low round of 278 on the final day of competition. Second place was host Oregon, which was 10-over for the tournament.

Other Huskies finishing in the top 10 were Richard Lee and Darren Wallace. Lee, who started the day in 19th place, shot a 5-under 67 en route to third place, earning his seventh top-10 finish in eight collegiate tournaments this season. Wallace earned his second consecutive top-10 finish. Rounding out the Huskies lineup was Chris Killmer, who finished in a tie for 12th place at 4-over, and Tze Huang Choo, who finished tied for 20th place at 6-over. The Dawgs also brought three individuals. Jens Bracht finished at 15-over, Kevin Spooner was 17-over and Ty Chambers was 21-over.

Next up for these Dawgs is the United States Collegiate on April 5-7 at the Golf Club of Georgia in Alpharetta.

Team Standings
1. Washington 285-296-278 859
2. Oregon 286-304-284 874
3. Oregon State 292-296-291 879
4. Colorado 298-297-291 886
5. UC Davis 300-303-288 891
6. Pepperdine 303-290-300 893
7. Washington State 291-309-295 895
8. UAB 300-300-296 896
9. Idaho 299-304-296 899
T10. Pacific 307-308-298 913
T10. Portland 313-301-299 913
T12. Utah 311-304-301 916
T12. St. Mary's 304-309-303 916

Husky Finishers - Par 72
1. Nick Taylor 70-73-68 211
3. Richard Lee 75-73-67 215
10. Darren Wallace 70-75-74-219
12. Chris Killmer 73-78-69-220
20. Tze Huang Choo 72-75-75 222
53. Jens Bracht 81-74-76 231
66. Kevin Spooner 81-80-72 233
75. Ty Chambers 80-76-81 237

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Canadian Junior Golf Association

The Canadian Junior Golf Association hosts events across Western Canada. The association is dedicated to providing high level competition and instruction to Canada's junior golfers. The CJGA competitive developmental program begins at the age of five where beginning golfers are introduced to the game through the CJGA Junior Linkster Program. The program continues to reflect the appropriate skill level and progression of junior golfers through its Junior Program that offers over 80 tour stops across Canada and includes regional, provincial, and national championships.

Stephen Ames is a strong supporter of the CJGA and this year will be hosting the 5th annual Stephen Ames Cup in Calgary, Alberta at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club in August. The three day event is fully hosted by Stephen pitting ten of Canada's finest junior golfers against a team from Trinidad & Tobago. "Junior golfers in Canada will continue to improve by participating in the CJGA's programs," said Ames. "The experience juniors will gain through participation in professionally run multi-day tournaments will go a long way to developing both the mental and physical aspects of becoming a successful golfer."

Many of the 2009 events will be hosted at NGCOA member courses. The first two events on the CJGA national schedule have already taken place in British Columbia. The first event was held at Northview Golf & Country Club and the second at Hazelmere Golf Course both in Surrey, BC. Despite the extremely wet and cold conditions at both courses impressive under par scores were shot by juniors participating in both events. Upcoming CJGA Stephen Ames Cup qualifying events will take place across Canada at Whistler Golf Club in Whistler, BC, Riverbend Golf Course in Red Deer, Alberta, Wolf Creek Golf Resort in Ponoka Alberta, Tor Hill Golf Course in Regina Saskatchewan and Larters Golf & Country Club in St. Andrews, Manitoba.

For a complete list of events or to register, visit cjga.com.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Rising Star Graham DeLaet Becomes Canadian PGA Member and Author of 2009 Blog

ACTON, ON (March 23, 2009) – As announced this past weekend on the inaugural Canadian PGA Radio Show, Graham DeLaet of Weyburn, SK, has become one of the newest Canadian PGA Members and author of a new weekly blog on www.cpga.com.

The online blog will feature DeLaet as he gives an inside the ropes commentary on what should be a groundbreaking season for the rising star. 27-year-old DeLaet has been on an absolute tear since last August when he won the Montreal Open on the Canadian Tour in a playoff over George Bradford and Daniel Im. He followed the win with a 2nd place finish a week later at the Jane Rogers Championship in Mississauga, ON and then another 2nd place finish a few weeks after at the Canadian Tour Championship in Barrie, ON.

DaLaet’s strong play gave him the opportunity to represent Canada with fellow Canadian Tour Member and friend Wes Heffernan (Calgary, AB) at the 2008 World Cup of Golf in China. DeLaet and Heffernan represented Canada well, finishing in a tie for 13th place in a field of 28 nations.

“I’m thrilled to be a Member of the Canadian PGA and I can’t wait to get the season underway in North America,” said DeLaet, who won a remarkable ten collegiate tournaments while at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. “The experience I’ve had in the last few months playing golf around the world should be great preparation for the 2009 season.”

DeLaet’s success in Canada gave him the opportunity to play in select events on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa. He did not waste the opportunity, finishing T-12th in his first two events - the Joburg Open and the Africa Open Golf Challenge. He took it up another notch with two back-to-back nail biting 2nd place finishes in the Vodacom and Telkom Championships. As proof to how well he has played, DeLaet was at an unbelievable 53 under-par in his four events in South Africa, including three rounds of 64 or less.

A graduate of the RCGA National Amateur Team, DeLaet’s impressive play has vaulted him up on the Official World Golf Ranking list. He is now ranked 245th in the world and the 3rd highest Canadian behind only Mike Weir and Stephen Ames.

DeLaet will be updating his blog on the Association’s National website after each event, writing stories detailing his experiences traveling around the globe.

DeLaet was featured on the inaugural Canadian PGA Radio Show this past Saturday, March 21st on TALK820 AM and online at http://www.talk820.com/. The show runs every Saturday morning from 10 am to 11 am EST showcasing captivating interviews with Canadian golf industry leaders.

Watch for DeLaet’s first blog appearing on the Canadian PGA website www.cpga.com after the opening event on the Canadian Tour.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

CK Golf Solutions on Twitter

CK Golf Solutions is now on Twitter. Check out the daily comments, news and keep up to date on CK Golf Solutions Jeff & Tara Ciecko that are posted regularly this link. Find out more about Jeff Ciecko or Tara Ciecko by clicking the links.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Full Field Set to Compete in CJGA Junior Worlds Qualifier This Weekend

Markham, Ont. (March 20, 2009) – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) will continue its British Columbia tournament schedule this weekend, March 21-22, at Hazelmere Golf Course in South Surrey, British Columbia. A full field of juniors are preparing themselves to solidify a coveted spot to represent CJGA Team Canada at the Junior Worlds Golf Championships including season opening division winners Adam Svensson, 15, of Surrey and Callum Robinson, 14, of Langley. Last season, CJGA member Eugene Wong, now a member of the University or Oregon golf team, became the first Canadian in history to win the event, one of the largest junior golf tournaments in the world.

Svensson, who had a top 10 finish at last year’s Junior World Golf Championship while representing the CJGA and Canada will look to return to Torrey Pines in 2009. He will face a difficult this weekend in the Boys 15-19 Division as a full field of juniors will be most up for the challenge. Former CJGA Team Canada member and Calgary, Alberta native Rhys Tosczak, 17, has made the trip to compete at Hazelmere along with Brian Jung, 15, of Port Coquitlam, Bryan Lichimo, 17, of North Vancouver. Other notable juniors in the field include last week’s runner-up Junho Lee, 17, of Pitt Meadows, James Fahy, 16, of Vancouver, Jay Kim, 16, of Surrey, and TJ McColl, 17, of Surrey.

Robinson will have his hands full as he tries to make it two in row as the season opener’s runner-up Donald Qui, 12, of Richmond and Guntas Sidhu, 14, of Port Coquitlam are in the field. Also in the mix will be a couple of Richmond, B.C. natives and former CJGA Team Canada members who travelled to the Junior Worlds last year, Curtis Chan, 12, and Chris Crisologo, 13.
Expect a crowded leaderboard in the Girls Division this weekend as they vie for a spot on CJGA Team Canada. Last week’s runner-up Taylor Kim, 14, of Surrey will look for her first victory of the season after being edged by one stroke in the season opener. Jennifer Yang, 15, of Coquitlam, will also be gearing for her first victory of the season after capturing two division titles last season. Victoria Choi, 17, of Langley and Porsche Campbell, 16, of Vancouver should also contend this weekend.

The tournament will get under way at 11:00AM each day. Spectators are encouraged to attend.

About the CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a ³registered Canadian amateur athletic association² (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada.. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit www.cjga.com.

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

Friday, March 20, 2009

Canadian Tour Florida Qualifying Schtool - Final Results

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – Welshman Ryan Thomas ran away with the Canadian Tour’s Florida Qualifying School on Thursday, taking the pressure cooker by six strokes over American Jason Anthony who closed with a 68.

Click here for a full list of final round results.

Thomas shot 14 under par 274 for the week.

Sharing third spot at six under 282 are Jason Kang (68), Brett Lederer (69) and Joseph Greiner who shot 72.

Tyler Harris closed with a 73 but it was good enough for five under 283 and solo sixth while Ciaran McMonagle was alone in seventh at 284 after a 70.

The battle for the final two exempt spots at 285 was won by Ryan Panichpakdee and John McLean who defeated Barry O’Neill.

Earning non-exempt cards are O’Neill, Joe Johnson, Nemanja Savic, Jim Fitzpatrick, Brian Benedictson, Matt Johnston, Trey Denton, Casey Watabu, Brad Tilley and Lucas Lee.

Starting his day with three consecutive birdies, the 2005 Welsh Amateur champion coasted home in 70 to pick up $2,000 and a Canadian Tour ticket.

“Yeah, I’m feeling pretty good and played really well,” he smiled.

“I was able to come here three weeks ago and practice here a few times. It was my putting that made the big difference this week.

“I didn’t want to think about the big lead I had today, I just wanted to go out and make some birdies. I was fortunate to have a fast start and then was able to relax.

“This Tour comes highly recommended from a lot of players and once I heard that, I wanted to come out here to continue my progress.”

With a Tour card in his back pocket, the rugby fanatic is returning to Wales to cheer the home side at Six Nations.

“We’re playing Ireland on Saturday and I want to be there,” he said. “I hope we give it to them good but I think it will be a close match with us winning.”

Brian Benedictson achieved a measure of redemption. Losing his card last year and failing to advance through the Fall Q-School, the Comox, B.C., native earned non-exempt status with his performance this week.

“It was a matter of staying in the moment and taking it one shot at a time,” said Benedictson.

“At a tournament like this, the mind has a tendency to wander to things past and future because of what is at stake.

"While I did leave some shots out there this week, I am happy with how I played.”

Benedictson tried something different this winter to prepare him for the season. “I worked with a coach for the first time ever,” he explained.

“I also made sure I was better prepared mentally for the pressure of Q-School this time.

“I had a great attitude out there; even when things weren’t go so well during the round. I would make sure I stayed focused on what I was doing rather than what had happened.”

Fellow Canadian Matt Johnston began the third round tied for the lead but consecutive 75s dropped him to non-exempt status.

“I’m not sure why but I just didn’t play well the last two days,” said Johnston. “There is a lot of pressure here but it wasn’t nerves as much as it was simply hitting bad shots.”

Two over on his round through eight, Johnston hit his approach at No. 9 into the water and made double-bogey.

Now facing the possibility of losing any sort of status, Johnston bounced back with birdies at ten and twelve.

“I didn’t panic,” he answered, when asked if the double deflated him. “I knew there were a few birdies possibilities on the back side and fought hard for every shot.

"I knew I didn’t have my good stuff today so I just bore down and did it. It was a great learning week under some very intense pressure."

Johnston’s Q-School pressure isn't finished. Anxious to achieve full status, he’s on his way to next week’s California Q-School at Carlton Oaks.

In the Clubhouse

Adam Kase holds the record for Q-School winning margin. He defeated Jack Kay Jr. by 12 in 1987.

Exempt Status

Ryan Thomas
Jason Anthony
Jason Kang
Brett Lederer
Joseph Greiner
Tyler Harris
Ciaran McMonagle
Ryan Panichpakdee
John McLean

Non-Exempt Status in order of Rank

Barry O’Neill
Joe Johnson
Nemanja Savic
Jim Fitzpatrick
Brian Benedictson
Matt Johnston
Trey Denton
Casey Watabu
Brad Tilley
Lucas Lee

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Canadian Tour’s qualifying school returns to Vancouver Island

Canwest News Service

VICTORIA — Morningstar Golf Course in Parksville, B.C., is getting back on the Canadian Tour’s map.

From May 26 to 29, Morningstar will again be the site of the tour’s spring qualifying school.

For five years — from 1993 to 1997 — Morningstar was home for spring qualifying. The likes of former Masters winner Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont., and American Notah Begay both earned their Canadian Tour cards at Morningstar.

“We knew that if we got this (Q-school), it would put pressure on us to be a better course,” said Mike Loftus, the general manager at Morningstar. “The logistics worked out for us and the Canadian Tour and we are excited to have it back.”

Since April of last year, Morningstar has new ownership with the Golden West Golf Group taking over, headed by Paul and Shane McCracken from Edmonton.

“An event like this will help market our place,” said Loftus. “Down the road, we are going to look at trying to add another Canadian Tour event on the Island at Morningstar. We feel that the Island is big enough to have two events.”

The current stop on the Canadian Tour is the $200,000 Times Colonist Open, which runs from June 4-7 at Victoria’s Uplands Golf Club, right after the Q-school.

Graduating college players from the United States as well as Australians and Canadians are expected to make up the majority of the 65- to 70-player field at Morningstar, which is a 7,018-yard, par-72 course. From that group, 12 per cent will receive Canadian Tour cards and about the same number will get conditional cards. To try for the Canadian Tour card, a player must have a two handicap or less.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

CJGA North America Cup Qualifier

Canadian Junior Golf Association 2009 B1 - CJGA North America Cup Qualifier Mar 16 - Mar 17 at Northview Golf & Country Club - Canal Course (Surrey, BC)

Click here for complete tournament results
Boys 14 & Under- Northview Golf & Country Club - Canal Course (Par: 72 Distance: 6085 Rating: 68.4 Slope: 115)
Boys 15-19- Northview Golf & Country Club - Canal Course (Par: 72 Distance: 6646 Rating: 70.8 Slope: 125)
Girls- Northview Golf & Country Club - Canal Course (Par: 72 Distance: 5714 Rating: 70.1 Slope: 108)

Results - Boys 14 & Under
1 - Callum Robinson, Langley, BC, 83-72--155 +11
2 - Donald Qiu, Richmond, BC, 81-75--156 +12
3 - Gunntas Sidhu, Port Coquitlam, BC, 82-76--158 +14
4 - Logan Hallwas, South Surrey, BC, 80-79--159 +15
5 - Edward B.X. Li, Vancouver, BC, 92-79--171 +27
T6 - Logan Yanick, Courteany, BC, 86-86--172 +28
T6 - Jae Hoon Kim, Surrey, BC, 88-84--172 +28
8 - Henry Lee, Coquitlam, BC, 92-86--178 +34
9 - Jae Choi, North Vancouver, BC, 89-92--181 +37
10 - Theoren Olver, Three Hills, AB, 92-91--183 +39

Results - Boys 15-19
1 - Adam Svensson, Surrey, BC, 72-71--143 -1
T2 - Junho Lee, Pitt Meadows, BC, 76-72--148 +4
T2 - Conrado Paderes, Vancouver, BC, 76-72--148 +4
4 - TJ McColl, Surrey, BC, 77-74--151 +7
5 - Nicholas Russell, Vancouver, BC, 78-74--152 +8
T6 - Michael Belle, Burnaby, BC, 77-77--154 +10
T6 - Andrew Rasmussen, Delta, BC, 79-75--154 +10
T8 - Jay Kim, Surrey, BC, 75-80--155 +11
T8 - Pureum Lee, North Vancouver, BC, 78-77--155 +11
T10 - Matt Hamilton, West Vancouver, BC, 78-79--157 +13
T10 - Sean Ko, West Vancouver, BC, 78-79--157 +13

Results - Girls
1 - Soobin Kim, Port Coquitlam, BC, 71-79--150 +6
2 - Taylor Kim, Surrey, BC, 74-77--151 +7
T3 - Victoria (Ji Su) Choi, Langley, BC, 75-79--154 +10
T3 - Jennifer Yang, Coquitlam, BC, 77-77--154 +10
5 - Porsche Campbell, Vancouver, BC, 79-79--158 +14
6 - Ji Hyun An, Coquitlam, BC, 83-80--163 +19
7 - Ally Shin, Coquitlam, BC, 84-83--167 +23
8 - Lauren Ashley Taylor, Nelson, BC, 88-82--170 +26
9 - Leilanie Kim, Surrey, BC, 90-82--172 +28
10 - Rochelle Rezansoff, Surrey, BC, 89-85--174 +30

Monday, March 16, 2009

CBC Announces Three-Year Broadcast Agreement For CN Canadian Women’s Open

Toronto, Ont. (RCGA) – CBC Sports has signed a three-year broadcast agreement with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) for the broadcast rights to the CN Canadian Women's Open. Beginning in September 2009 and continuing through to 2011, CBC will provide coverage of all four rounds of Canada’s only LPGA event.

“We are thrilled to announce that golf is returning to CBC,” said Scott Moore, Executive Director, CBC Sports. “Our mandate is to provide the very best in Canadian sports programming, and with the LPGA more competitive than ever, we are proud to have the opportunity to present this marquee event to Canadians for the next three years.”

“We are delighted to partner with CBC to deliver all the excitement of the CN Canadian Women’s Open to television and online audiences across the country,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “CBC is long renowned as a cultural institution in sports broadcasting and we look forward to working in partnership over the next three years to elevate the profile of the CN Canadian Women’s Open to thousands of Canadian golf fans from coast to coast.”

CBC’s coverage of the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open will take place from September 3 – 6, from Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary, Alberta on CBC TV, CBCSports.ca and CBC’s digital channel bold. (Please see full broadcast schedule below).

The CN Canadian Women’s Open boasts a field of 156 players competing for a purse totaling $2.75 million U.S. and features the cream-of-the-crop in women’s golf. More information regarding CBC’s coverage of the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open will be available in the coming months. For information on how to order bold, viewers can call their local television service provider or visit boldtv.ca.

ABOUT CBC SPORTS
CBC Sports is home to CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, a national institution since 1952 and the most popular weekly sports program in Canada averaging more than a million viewers every Saturday night. Providing Canadians with unparalleled coverage of both amateur and professional sports, CBC Sports is also home to comprehensive FIFA coverage including the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa; Championship Figure Skating; President’s Choice Toronto Raptors Basketball; Major League Soccer; Grand Slam Curling; Championship Show Jumping from Spruce Meadows; Rogers Cup Tennis; Championship Snowboarding and Speedskating; World Cup Alpine Skiing; CBC Sports Weekend and more. For comprehensive coverage including broadcast schedules, visit CBCSports.ca.

ABOUT CBC
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. With 28 services offered on Radio, Television, the Internet, satellite radio, digital audio, as well as through its record and music distribution service and wireless WAP and SMS messaging services, CBC/Radio-Canada is available how, where, and when Canadians want it.

ABOUT THE 2009 CN CANADIAN WOMEN’S OPEN
Stars of the LPGA Tour will be featured at the US$2.75 million CN Canadian Women’s Open from August 31 to September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary, Alta. The CN Canadian Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by the Canadian National Railway Company. For updated corporate hospitality, sponsorship opportunities, daily tickets, and volunteer information please visit http://www.cncanadianwomensopen.com/.

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

2009 CN CANADIAN WOMEN’S OPEN ON CBC: BROADCAST SCHEDULE (Schedule subject to change):

CBC Television
Thursday, Sept. 3 - 12 midnight Local - Round One Wrap
Friday, Sept. 4 - 12 midnight Local - Round Two Wrap
Saturday, Sept. 5 - 2 p.m. ET LIVE - Round Three
Sunday, Sept. 6 - 3 p.m. ET LIVE - Final Round

Thursday, Sept. 3 - 5 p.m. ET LIVE - Round One
Friday, Sept. 4 - 5 p.m. ET LIVE - Round Two

CBCSports.ca
Thursday, Sept. 3 - 5 p.m. ET LIVE - Round One
Thursday, Sept. 3 - 11 p.m. ET - Round One Wrap
Friday, Sept. 4 - 5 p.m. ET LIVE - Round Two
Friday, Sept. 4 - 11 p.m. ET - Round Two Wrap
Saturday, Sept. 5 - 2 p.m. ET LIVE - Round Three
Sunday, Sept. 6 - 3 p.m. ET LIVE - Final Round

Saturday, March 14, 2009

CJGA to Kick Off 17th Season at Northview

Markham, Ont. (March 13, 2009) – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) opens its 17th season on Monday, March 16 at Northview Golf & Country Club in Surrey, British Columbia with an international qualifying tournament. The CJGA North America Cup Qualifier will feature a strong field of the region’s top junior golfers.

The event will run on March 16th and 17th on the challenging Northview layout. Up for grabs are spots on CJGA Team Canada for the seventh annual North America Cup – a prestigious Ryder Cup style competition between CJGA Team Canada and the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) Team USA.

A large field of 14 & Under juniors will tee it up at Northview hoping for strong start to the 2009 season. Former Lipton Brisk Canada Cup Team West member Gunntas Sidhu, 14, of Port Coquitlam will be one to watch in this year’s season opener. Some other notable juniors include Logan Hallwas, 14, of South Surrey, Donald Qiu, 12, of Richmond, BC, and Callum Robinson, 14 of Langley, BC.

A strong Boys field in the 15-19 age Division will include a number of former CJGA tournament winners and CJGA Team Canada members. Bryan Lichimo, 17, of North Vancouver, Conrado Paderes, 18, of Vancouver, and Junho Lee, 17, of Pitt Meadows, should contend while former Lipton Brisk Canada Cup Team West partners Adam Svenssson, 15, of Surrey, BC, and Nicholas Russell, 16, of Vancouver should also be in the mix.

A CJGA Team Canada member last season, Jennifer Yang, 15, of Coquitlam will look to get off to a hot start in a competitive Girls Division. Soobin Kim, 15, of Port Coquitlam and Porsche Campbell, 16, of Vancouver should also be in contention for the first event of the season.

The tournament will get under way at 9:00AM each day. Spectators are encouraged to attend.

About the North America Cup
The prestigious North America Cup provides elite junior golfers with an opportunity to test their skills against their U.S. counterparts in a match play, Ryder Cup format. The event will take place at Weston Golf & Country Club in Toronto, Ont. from July 5th to 8th. Prior to the tournament, CJGA Team Canada will attend an elite training camp conducted by CJGA Regional Coach Sean Casey. Juniors who wish to qualify for CJGA Team Canada must qualify through the various sites across Canada, outlined in the CJGA schedule. Team USA is represented by the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT).

About the CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a ³registered Canadian amateur athletic association² (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada. The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit http://www.cjga.com/.

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

Friday, March 13, 2009

Team Canada’s Nick Taylor Finishes Second at Fresno State Golf Classic

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Team Canada and Nick Taylor continue to excel on the NCAA golf scene. On Tuesday, the Abbotsford, B.C. native recorded his fourth top-10 finish this season by tying for second at the 46th annual Fresno State Lexus Golf Classic, held at the par-72 Belmont Country Club in Fresno, California.

Taylor finished the 54-hole tournament in a three-way tie for second at 2-under par (214), just two-shots back of the lead.Taylor, 20, is in his junior year at the University of Washington (UW) has already amassed four top ten finishes this season; including wins at the CordeValle Collegiate Invitational and the Hawaii Hilo Invitational.

Taylor’s solid performance this week helped his Huskies squad to take home top honours with a combined total score of 1-over par (865).

Last year, Taylor was low amateur at the RBC Canadian Open, was named Pacific Northwest Golf Association’s Player of the Year and was recently named Canadian Male Amateur Golfer of the Year by the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. He is also one of 22 collegiate golfers being considered for the 2009 Ben Hogan Award, which is presented annually to the top men's NCAA Division I, II or III, NAIA or junior college golfer.

Taylor, who is a member at the Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford, B.C. is coached by Rob Houlding, CPGA Class A Pro and Director of Instruction at the Northview Golf and Country Club, in Surrey, B.C.Fellow Husky and former Canadian Amateur Champion, Darren Wallace of Langley, B.C., contributed to the UW win with a T5th finish, which included the low score (67) in the third round of play.Taylor, Wallace and the Huskies will take a couple weeks off before playing in the Oregon Duck Invitational March 23-24 at Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Oregon. Taylor’s National Team teammate, Eugene Wong of North Vancouver, B.C., will also compete in the event as of a member of his University of Oregon team.

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

ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
The RCGA National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. The RCGA allocates over $1 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment and elite competitive opportunities. For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit http://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, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum and CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.

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

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Don’t miss the first Canadian Junior Golf Association event of the season!

If you have not already signed up for the North America Cup Qualifier to be held at
Northview Golf and Country Club on March 16th and 17th the deadline for registration is today, March 12th.

Other upcoming events include the highly anticipated Junior Worlds Qualifier that will take place on March 21st and 22nd at Hazelmere Golf Club and the PUMA Challenge to take place April 4th and 5th at University Golf Club.

Just announced – this year’s fourth event will take place in Whistler! Join us May 9th and 10th for the Nike Junior Golf Series/ Stephen Ames Cup Qualifier at Whistler Golf Club in Whistler, BC. Special room rates have been secured at the Crystal Lodge Hotel starting from $99.00.

Visit cjga.com for more information.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Canadian PGA Hits the Airwaves with Golf Radio Show

ACTON, ON (March 11, 2009) – The Canadian PGA is pleased to announce that it is hitting the airwaves. The Association announced today that they are launching a nationally broadcast radio show beginning Saturday, March 21st, 2009.

The show will run for 30 weeks throughout the golf season, every Saturday morning from 10 am to 11 am EST showcasing captivating interviews with Canadian golf industry leaders. Hosted by Manager of Business Development of the Canadian PGA, Jeff Dykeman and Hamilton Spectator sports journalist, Garry McKay, The Canadian PGA Radio Show will cover a variety of topics in the golf world.

“Canadian PGA Members are experts in the game and business of golf. The Canadian PGA Radio Show represents a tremendous opportunity and platform to showcase the many success stories created by Canadian PGA Members across the country,” said Canadian PGA Executive Director Steve Carroll.

Join Jeff and Garry as they dive into debates and discussions with a variety of industry insiders, reflecting Canadian PGA initiatives, sponsorship partners and interviewing key Canadian PGA Members and high profile guests on a variety of subjects.

“The Canadian PGA Radio Show will showcase our Members, sponsors, partners, tour players, industry executives and some of the most fascinating golf stories from across the country each and every week,” said Jeff Dykeman. “This is something that the Canadian PGA has considered for awhile now and a partnership with the Astral Media Group and TALK 820 is a perfect fit.”
Tune in to TALK 820 AM radio if you are in the Southern Ontario region, or simply click the link on the Canadian PGA website to stream live each week. Archives of each show will also be kept at www.cpga.com should you miss a show.

Be sure to check out the first show where Canadian PGA Executive Director, Steve Carroll and arguably the hottest player on the planet right now, Weyburn, Saskatchewan’s Graham DeLaet, will be featured as the inaugural guests.

Interested in hearing about certain topics? Jeff and Garry will be taking listener e-mails for future broadcasts. Please email Jeff Dykeman at jeff@cpga.com with any ideas.

Radio Show Host Bios:

About Jeff Dykeman
Jeff Dykeman of Ancaster, Ontario currently holds the position of Manager of Business Development for the Canadian PGA. Dykeman is responsible for maximizing revenue development through the initiation, development, recommendation and execution of sales and marketing programs with various corporate partners. Prior to taking on this role, he served as the Manager of Education & Employment as well as the Assistant Tournament Director for the Canadian PGA National Championships. Dykeman spent the 2005 season as the Sales & Marketing Manager at Crimson Ridge Golf Club in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario - one of Ontario’s Top 50 Golf Courses. He also sits with McKay on the Ontario Golf Magazine Best New Course and Top 50 Course panels.

About Garry McKay
Sports journalist, Garry McKay, has been covering golf for more than 40 years. The Hamilton, Ontario resident has a weekly golf column in the Hamilton Spectator and has written for all of the major Canadian golf magazines as well as periodicals in the U.S. and Germany. He’s a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, the International Network of Golf and is currently the vice-president of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. McKay is a voting member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. He also sits on the Score Golf Top 100 and the Ontario Golf Magazine Best New Course and Top 50 Course panels.

About Astral Media:
Astral Media is a leading Canadian media company, active in specialty and pay television, radio, outdoor advertising and interactive media. Astral Media's solid and dynamic presence in the country’s major markets rests on its commitment to offer a unique combination of high-quality, targeted media for all its audiences. For more information about Astral Media, please visit www.astralmedia.com.

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

For more information, visit www.cpga.com

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Anthony Kim Selects RBC as Official Banking Partner

U.S. Ryder Cup hero signs multi-year deal to represent RBC brand on PGA TOUR

Miami, FL — RBC today announced that Anthony Kim, two-time PGA TOUR winner and eleventh ranked golfer in the world, has selected RBC as his exclusive worldwide financial partner. The parties have reached a multi-year endorsement agreement.

RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, Canada’s national golf championship and the third oldest national championship in the world. RBC is the largest financial institution in Canada, the 4th largest in North America, and the 10th largest in the world. RBC has an extensive retail profile in banking, capital markets and wealth management in the U.S., Canada and 52 other countries.

For the term of the agreement, Kim will be a staple of RBC’s advertising and marketing efforts in the U.S., and carry an RBC branded Tour bag while playing the PGA TOUR.

“RBC is proud to be associated with Anthony Kim, a highly recognizable worldclass professional athlete who can help us grow our brand in the U.S.,” said Jim Little, RBC chief brand and communications officer. “Anthony’s image on the golf course as a professional, a creative shotmaker, and a winner will be accompanied by the RBC brand bag at PGA TOUR events and be seen by millions on network broadcasts and PGA TOUR event coverage.”

Kim noted several factors that led to the deal. “I realize how important finding the right fit is when it comes to a successful partnership,” Kim said. “Since I played the RBC Canadian Open last year, I’ve been impressed by RBC, its brand and its leadership team, especially as I got to understand more about the company’s reputation as one of the world’s most stable and strong financial institutions.”

“I’m looking forward to working with the RBC business leaders, meeting their clients, and contending at the RBC Canadian Open for many years to come,” Kim said.

“Anthony is a rising star on the PGA Tour who has continually demonstrated values that RBC holds dear,” Little said. “He is a champion. He is a Ryder Cup hero. He plays with determination and precision, is a driven competitor and an excellent ambassador for the game and, we feel, the future of the PGA TOUR. From customer hosting to branded experiences for golfers and golf fans in both Canada and the U.S., we look forward to building on our successes in golf with Anthony. “

RBC is one of only two global corporations that have branding in association with Anthony Kim on the PGA TOUR, the other being Nike.

From the moment RBC announced their title sponsorship of the RBC CanadianOpen in late 2007, RBC and the RCGA (Royal Canadian Golf Association) have been working tirelessly in strong partnership on a plan to make the RBC Canadian Open best in class. In 2008, the PGA TOUR recognized the RBC Canadian Open for having the most improved on-site presentation.

ABOUT RBC
Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries operate under the master brand name RBC. We are Canada’s largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization, one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization. We provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking and transaction processing services on a global basis. We employ more than 80,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 18 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 52 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com.

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

Monday, March 9, 2009

RBC and RCGA Name Mike Weir Foundation as National Charity Partner for RBC Canadian Open

Mike Weir Charity Classic to be held Monday of RBC Canadian Open tournament week; RBC expands relationship with Canadian golf icon; PGA TOUR stars confirm their intent to compete for Canada’s national Open Championship

Toronto, Ont. (RCGA) — The Mike Weir Charity Classic will take place on Monday, July 20 at Glen Abbey Golf Club. The high-profile charity fundraiser will feature marquee celebrities from the music, sports and entertainment industries including two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash as well as several notable players on the PGA TOUR. This star-studded event will be a true highlight of event week.

“A critical component of our being title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open is to ensure we are generating charitable legacies in our communities,” said Gordon M. Nixon, RBC president and CEO. “Creating the Mike Weir Charity Classic during tournament week is an important step towards this objective and will help improve children’s wellness across Canada.”

The Mike Weir Foundation supports numerous worthwhile causes in support of the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children. All net proceeds from the Mike Weir Charity Classic will benefit children’s charities through the Foundation.

“Supporting children’s wellness is the main goal of the Mike Weir Foundation and I am pleased to have RBC and the RCGA as partners in realizing this vision,” said Mike Weir. “I’m looking forward to the RBC Canadian Open and hosting the Charity Classic. It’s for a great cause and part of the RBC Canadian Open’s commitment to the community. It’ll be a lot of fun.”

The opportunity to add a philanthropic component to the RBC Canadian Open aligns with the RCGA’s and RBC’s long term strategic plan for the event.

“We are extremely proud to partner with the Mike Weir Foundation and welcome the Mike Weir Charity Classic to tournament week of the RBC Canadian Open,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “Adding a significant charitable element to Canada’s national Open championship is a major focus of our strategic vision for the event and together with RBC, we feel that aligning our philanthropic efforts with the Mike Weir Foundation is an ideal fit and to be in a position to announce the type of talent we have secured is very fulfilling for everyone involved.”

As part of today’s announcement, RBC also announced it is expanding its marketing relationship with Mike Weir to include all of its financial service categories.

Last week, RBC announced it had established a relationship with Stephen Ames and his foundation’s work with youth in Canada and Trinidad and Tobago. “Building partnerships with some of the most recognizable players on the PGA TOUR helps us enhance the RBC Canadian Open and drives our business objectives,” said Jim Little, RBC Chief Brand and Communications Officer. “We want to leverage our deepening role in golf to build brand experiences for our clients and golf fans in Canada as well as enhance brand awareness for RBC in the U.S. and internationally. In partnership with the RCGA, the PGA TOUR and other sponsors, we are revitalizing the RBC Canadian Open and restoring it to its rightful place as one of the premier stops on the PGA TOUR.”

Following the conclusion of the 2008 RBC Canadian Open, officials from RBC and the RCGA sat down as part of its ongoing dialogue with Team Weir to discuss the concept of adding a new event that would address two key objectives. Beyond simply raising charity dollars, the intent was to formalize the role Weir could play in helping to engage fellow PGA TOUR players to support the philanthropic mission of The Mike Weir Foundation, while helping to enhance the Field of the RBC Canadian Open.

Led in part by Weir’s input, rapport and dialogue with his peers, the RBC Canadian Open is thrilled to announce that marquee names have already committed to play in the Mike Weir Charity Classic and challenge for the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club.

The following collection of emerging PGA TOUR superstars, world-class international players and proven veterans will be in attendance:

Anthony Kim• Two-time PGA TOUR winner• 2008 Ryder Cup hero

Trevor Immelman• 2008 Masters champion• Two-time PGA TOUR winner

Camilo Villegas• 2008 TOUR Championship winner• Two-time PGA TOUR winner

Luke Donald• Two-time PGA TOUR winner• Two-time Ryder Cup team member

Fred Couples• 15-time PGA TOUR winner, 5-time Ryder Cup team member• 4-time President’s Cup team member, 2009 President’s Cup Captain

Mark Calcavecchia• 13-time PGA TOUR winner• 2005 RBC Canadian Open champion• 4-time Ryder Cup team member

Stephen Ames• Three-time PGA TOUR winner• 2006 The PLAYERS Championship winner

Chez Reavie• 2008 RBC Canadian Open champion

Mike Weir• Eight-time PGA TOUR winner• 2003 Masters champion• 4-time President’s Cup team member• 2009 inductee into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame

Additional PGA TOUR players and notable celebrities taking part in the Mike Weir Charity Classic will be announced in coming months as the 2009 RBC Canadian Open shapes up to be one of the highest profile events in recent history.

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

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

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

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

Friday, March 6, 2009

RBC Canadian Open Named Toronto’s Top Sporting Event

RBC Canadian Open earns highest honour from leading event planning trade magazine
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) - The RBC Canadian Open was recently named Toronto’s top sporting event by BizBash magazine.

The yearly list compiled by BizBash - one of the leading trade media outlets for the event industry - names the top 100; sporting, entertainment, arts and fashion events, as well as festivals, parades, walks and holiday events. The list was published in the spring 2009 edition of the magazine.

“We’re delighted to have been selected as the number one sporting event in the Greater Toronto Area,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director, Bill Paul. “Our goal was to make the 2008 RBC Canadian Open a memorable event and we are excited about making this year’s event, the 100th playing of the event, even more memorable.”

Founded in 2000, BizBash publishes magazines and e-newsletters, hosts Web sites, and produces trade shows and award shows for corporate event and meeting professionals, event marketers, and sales, public relations, fund-raising, and human resource executives.
In addition to its publication in Toronto, BizBash serves the following markets: New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Florida and Chicago.

EXPERIENCE GOLF’S WORLD STAGE… Since its inception in 1904, the RBC Canadian Open has played host to the world's best golfers competing for Canada’s national Open championship.
Fans across the country and around the world have been entertained by legends including former champions Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Curtis Strange, Nick Price, Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh and Tiger Woods. The list of legends also includes Sam Snead and Lee Trevino, who each won the event three times. Jack Nicklaus, considered by many to be the greatest golfer ever, was runner-up seven times.

Conducted by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) and proudly sponsored by RBC, the RBC Canadian Open is the second oldest stop on the PGA Tour and the third oldest national golf championship in the world. Its rich history gives it a cachet and tradition that makes it much more than a regular golf championship.

Today, the RBC Canadian Open remains a premier event both on the PGA Tour and around the world, joining the US and British Opens as one of golf’s prestigious Open championships. The trio constitutes the Triple Crown of national championships with only Lee Trevino and Tiger Woods to have accomplished the feat of winning all three championships in a season.
2009 will mark the historic 100th Playing of Canada’s national Open championship. The championship returns to the venerable Glen Abbey Golf Club as the storied Oakville, Ont. layout is set to host the event for a record 25th time.

For more information about the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, please visit us online at www.rbccanadianopen.ca.

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, March 5, 2009

RBC Insurance Partners with Royal Canadian Golf Association

Tailored home and auto insurance solutions designed for golfers

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – RBC Insurance today announced that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) to offer a group home and auto insurance program, specifically designed for golfers, to the association’s 332,000 adult members.

“We’re proud to be partnering with the RCGA to assist them in enhancing their member benefit programs,” said Neil Skelding, president and CEO, RBC Insurance. “This is the first time we’ve created a customized insurance product for a specific association. It’s an important relationship and we look forward to helping support golf in Canada.”

Under this new agreement, RBC Insurance Company of Canada will provide RCGA members with home and auto insurance coverage both on and off the course. The custom-tailored program includes coverage such as loss, theft or damage to a member’s golf clubs and accessories, and fire and theft coverage for a member’s personal effects stored at their RCGA member club. It will also give members the ability to recover their annual dues on a pro rated basis should they experience health problems during the golf season and be unable to play.

RCGA members will also benefit from discounts on their personal home and auto insurance products.“On behalf of the RCGA and our 1,600 golf clubs, representing nearly 332,000 members, we are thrilled to partner with RBC Insurance on this new initiative,” said Scott Simmons, executive director and CEO, RCGA. “We recognize that our members are more than just golfers and we see this partnership as a way of adding value to their membership both on and off the golf course.”

As part of the agreement, RCGA members who obtain a quote for home or auto insurance will be eligible to enter a VIP sweepstakes for a chance to win one of two PGA prize packages. The first is a trip for two to the 2009 British Open in Turnberry, Scotland. The contest winner will have a once in a lifetime experience of flying back with the pros on the RBC Canadian Open player charter. The second prize package is a VIP trip for two to the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey.

To complete a home or auto insurance quote and enter the VIP sweepstakes, RCGA members can visit their local RBC Insurance retail insurance branch, call 1-866-224-1110 or go online at www.rbcinsurance.com/golf.

ABOUT RBC INSURANCERBC
Insurance provides a wide range of, life, health, travel, home, auto, business and reinsurance products, as well as creditor insurance services to more than five million North American customers. Its fast growing home and auto insurance business offers Canadians a comprehensive range of personal home and auto insurance products through direct sales channels, including over the phone, the Internet, retail insurance branches, as well as through group insurance plans. RBC Insurance also offers a premier claims service, available 24/7, to help clients when they need it most. For more information, please visit www.rbcinsurance.com. To locate a retail insurance branch go to: http://www.rbcinsurance.com/supportcentre/insurancebranches/

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

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

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

RBC Partners with Stephen Ames Foundation to Help Build Stronger Communities in Canada and the Caribbean

RBC official bank of Stephen Ames Cup, held annually between Trinidad and Tobago & Canada

Calgary, AB - RBC today announced a partnership with the Stephen Ames Foundation as presenting sponsor and official bank of the Stephen Ames Cup, an annual international tournament for junior golfers from both Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.

“I am proud to represent RBC on the PGA Tour - they have shown a tremendous commitment to our tour and to golf in Canada,” said Stephen Ames. “From a player’s perspective, RBC’s leadership role in revitalizing the Canadian Open has had immediate impact and I look forward to supporting them in their efforts to continue to elevate our National Championship in the future.”

“Further, I am especially delighted to have their support for the Stephen Ames Cup and more importantly, junior golf,” said Ames. “Every year I look forward to watching these young people develop the skills and confidence they will use for the rest of their lives and I am excited that RBC will be there to share in the experience.”

“We are proud to partner with Stephen Ames, a world-class athlete committed to the development of youth and the game in both his home countries - Trinidad and Tobago and Canada,” said Jim Little, chief brand and communications officer, RBC. “As a world-class golfer, a strong ambassador for golf in Trinidad and Tobago and Canada, and someone who shares our belief in giving back to the community through charitable activities, Stephen is an ideal representative of the RBC brand.”

RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, Canada’s national golf championship and the third oldest national championship in the world. The Stephen Ames Cup gives kids in Canada and Trinidad and Tobago the opportunity to travel and explore different cultures, as well as develop their talent and character.

As a Canadian originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Stephen Ames’ background mirrors the RBC profile – a Canadian success story with international presence and ties. RBC has more than 7,000 employees serving clients in 18 countries in the Caribbean region.

“As one of the largest banking groups in the Caribbean, working with Stephen Ames and his foundation is an ideal way to advance our business and brand building objectives in Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the Caribbean region,” Little said.

Ames founded the Stephen Ames Foundation in 2005 to provide funding to junior golf programs. Through the foundation, he created the Stephen Ames Cup, an annual Ryder Cup style tournament that brings together junior golfers from his native Trinidad and Tobago and his adopted home of Canada. The teams travel to each other’s country as they alternate playing host to the tournament.

In 2009, the 5th annual Stephen Ames Cup will be hosted in Canada in the Calgary region from August 17 to 20. The event features a Ryder Cup format, pitting eight of Canada’s finest junior golfers against a team from Trinidad and Tobago.

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

For further information, please contact:Jackie Braden, RBC Media Relations, (416) 974-2124, jackie.braden@rbc.com

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Silvertip Resort Receives GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leader Award

World-Class Resort Joined by Many Audubon Certified Courses in Canadian Rockies Destination
(ALBERTA, Canada) - Silvertip Resort - one of the six courses in the Canadian Rockies golf-and-resort lifestyle destination consortium- recently earned the prestigious GCSAA / Golf Digest Environmental Leader Award, which annually honors the best ecological efforts by superintendents worldwide.

The award specifically recognized Silvertip Resort and its Superintendent Robin Sadler for his ability to grow turf in a five-month golf season while facing severe weather conditions and upholding the club's high expectations for aesthetics and playability. Silvertip - home course to PGA TOUR star Stephen Ames - sits at about 5,000 feet altitude and was one of four courses selected worldwide, the only non-American course.

"Silvertip's terrain features 600 feet of elevation changes and precipitous drops," says Sadler. "Factor in our harsh winters and this award is exceptionally meaningful. We are committed to environmental stewardship and look to improve ecological preservation and management in years to come."

Silvertip joins Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club (2004) as winners of the GCSAA/ Golf Digest award and both are Audubon Sanctuary program members, joining virtually all of its Canadian Rockies destination partners in holding that respected distinction. The Fairmont Banff Springs, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and Kananaskis Country Golf Course have also earned Audubon status.

Canmore Golf & Curling Club rounds out the six prestigious Canadian Rockies co-op members, all internationally celebrated for their wildlife and their breathtaking mountain setting, the core of which sits amid thousands upon thousands of acres in protected national parkland. Its collective brand tagline says it all: Canadian Rockies Golf: Historic. Dramatic. Untamed.
"The Canadian Rockies golf-and-resort lifestyle destination mirrors our national reverence of and care for our land," says Gordon Schultz, spokesman for the consortium. "Hence this award brings us great pride and thankfulness. Being honored for environmental contributions is the zenith for we Canadians, who are dedicated collectively to caring for our abundant wildlife and natural splendor."

Canadian Rockies golf is defined by historic, top-rated courses designed by iconic architects such as Stanley Thompson and Robert Trent Jones and features stunning modern layouts by talented designers Les Furber and Gary Browning. A mix of alluring classical- and alpine-style routings complement one another and enhance golfers' experience.

Combine the spectacular scenery and summer daylight as late as 11 p.m. and golfers can play to their heart's delight and still have time for family and the region's many activities. These include award- winning spas, helicopter tours, hiking, fishing, rafting, gourmet restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, horseback riding and many children's programs.

What people are increasingly discovering, however, are the proximity of these properties to one another as well as the combined wealth of resort and lifestyle options accessible by Calgary and Edmonton airports - from international and commercial to regional and private.

To view the stunning topography, vacation options and learn more about the area visit www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca. Website visitors can view stay-and-play packages or request custom quotes for trips and packages or they may call 877.323.3633 for more information.

The critical acclaim and extraordinary attributes of the six members of the destination - "Canadian Rockies Golf: Historic. Dramatic. Untamed." - include:

1. Canmore Golf and Curling Club (www.canmoregolf.net, 888.678.4785) Valley-based property requires players use all clubs in their bag, narrow fairways challenge all levels of golfers Tree-lined course, friendly community atmosphere provides intimacy and camaraderie Located at base of Bow Valley, glacier-fed streams lace through course

2. The Fairmont Banff Springs (www.fairmont.com/banffsprings, 800.441.1414)
Historical course and castle-like hotel with regal ambiance, award-winning Willow Stream Spa and exquisite resort amenities 27 holes of golf - 18 Stanley Thompson-designed holes including the 200-yard, par-3 Devil's Cauldron, 147 bunkers, and the 9-hole Tunnel Course Panoramic beauty, picturesque-mountain setting nestled between Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle Situated in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

3. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (www.fairmont.com/jasper.com, 800.441.1414)
Featuring the "wild side of the Rockies" - elk, caribou, coyote, bear and wolves inhabit the national park Widely regaled as one of the world's best resort courses Designed by Stanley Thompson, the 18 holes carve contours at the feet of mountains Located in the heart of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

4. Kananaskis Country Golf Course (www.kananaskisgolf.com, 877.591.2525) Robert Trent Jones Sr. exquisitely designed courses, situated in serene Kananaskis Country 36 holes played beneath breathtaking Mt. Lorette and Mt. Kidd, after which the courses are respectively named Features immaculate lush fairways, famed island-like 4th green on Mt. Kidd course, 140+ silica sand bunkers and the cascading Kananaskis River

5. Silvertip Golf Resort (www.silvertipresort.com, 877.877.5444) Home course of PGA Tour Member and 2006 Players Champion Stephen Ames Golf Digest rated 4 ½ stars and lauded for environmental sensitivity and maintenance practices 600 feet of elevation change, including dramatic par-4 18th with extreme altitude drop from tee to fairway, fairway to green

6. Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club (www.stewartcreekgolf.com/golf, 877.993.GOLF)
Golf Digest rated 4 ½ stars Surrounded by the spellbinding Three Sisters Mountains, practically close enough to touch during play

Audubon-certified course preserves habitat for plentiful wildlife

Monday, March 2, 2009

Golf Town celebrates opening of first retail center in Kelowna

TORONTO -- Golf Town - Canada's largest golf retailer with unequaled selection and competitive prices at 41 locations coast to coast - announces the grand opening of its first superstore in Kelowna, BC, 2507 Enterprise Way (off Highway 97/Harvey Avenue next to The Home Depot), on Thursday, March 5 at 8:00am.

To celebrate the new 18,000 square foot store, Golf Town will offer special savings of up to 50 percent on a variety of merchandise all weekend long, such as Cobra Speed LD drivers, Nike Slingshot 4D irons, TaylorMade GTR cart bags and FootJoy DryJoys golf shoes. In addition to great deals, customers can enter for a chance to win various prizes, including a TaylorMade r9 driver, Founders Club Believe package set and Callaway Diablo staff bag.

"Our goal is to be a center of the Canadian golf community and the Kelowna store will allow residents the opportunity to try, buy, learn about and improve their games," says Stephen Bebis, President and CEO. "We're excited to move into a new market and provide Golf Town's unmatched service, selection and prices to even more golfers."

Like every Golf Town, the new store will feature products from all the major brands, virtual golf simulators and an in-store putting green, as well as club fitting and lessons from a certified CPGA Professional.

Golf Town offers an unbeatable selection of clubs, bags, balls, apparel, footwear, accessories, gifts, logo merchandise, promotional services and more. This includes the world's leading golf brands, such as Adams, Ashworth, Bridgestone, Callaway Golf, Cleveland Golf, Cobra, Dunning, ECCO, FootJoy, Founders Club, Gordon Cooper, Greg Norman, Honma, Hugo Boss, LaCoste, Liz Claiborne, LIJA, Mizuno, Never Compromise, Nike Golf, Odyssey, Ogio, Paradise, Ping, Srixon, Sun Mountain, TaylorMade adidas Golf, Titleist and Wilson.

For more information, please visit www.golftown.com or call 905.479.0343.

About Golf TownCanada's largest golf retailer, Golf Town was founded in 1999 and has grown from one location in Scarborough, ON, to 41 superstores coast to coast. At an average size of nearly 18,000 square feet, these retail centres feature all the major name-brand products at the best price, ensuring customers find what they want, when they want it.

A centre of the Canadian golf community for individuals and organizations, Golf Town locations serve as sanctuaries where players of all ages and abilities try, buy, learn about and improve their games. The largest employer of CPGA professionals, Golf Town offers on-site lessons tailored to an individual's needs through its In-Store Academy.

The retailer has also established Canada's leading customer advantage initiative via its Leaderboard Membership Privileges Program. Benefits of this free membership include the chance to win a $500 gift card in a national monthly drawing; timely e-newsletters; members-only special offers on equipment, accessories, golf lessons, in-store events; and more.

Golf Town was acquired by OMERS Private Equity, the entity responsible for private equity investments of the OMERS pension fund, in September 2007. For more information: http://www.omerscapital.com/.

Already a leader in logo products for golf events and other programs, Golf Town purchased Accolade Reaction Promotion Group, Inc., in May 2008 and has created a one-stop-shop for the promotional needs of businesses, meeting planners, sales and marketing executives, and human resource professionals. Named a 2008 Top 40 Distributor by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), ARPG is the first Canadian corporate merchandise services firm to achieve ASI Top 40 Status. For more information: www.arpg.ca.