UBC Victorious at 2009 Canadian University/College Championship

Women earn sixth championship in seven years; Men defend team title

Hamilton, Ont. (RCGA) - The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds returned to their winning ways and captured both the respective men’s and women’s titles at the 2009 Canadian University College Championship conducted by the Royal Canadian Golf Association at King’s Forest Golf Course in Hamilton, Ont.

UBC continued to dominate the women’s competition earning their sixth championship title in seven years. Their only loss in the championship’s history came in 2008 after being spoiled by their B.C. rivals from the University of Victoria.

“It was a great feeling winning today,” said UBC fourth-year general sciences student Kyla Inaba. “Especially since we were coming back from our close second last year and then to win it like we did was really great.”

Inaba and her teammates Lindsay Manion, Marianne Banton, Jocelyn Alford and Alyssa Human were the picture of consistency at this week’s championship and finished the final day with a score of 19-over and three-day team total of 921 (+57) for an impressive 25-shot victory. UVic took home runner-up honours after shooting 29-over on the day for a total score of 946 (+82) for the tournament. Rounding out the top-three was Humber College with a score of 996 (+132). In the women’s individual competition, Humber College’s Maggie Trainor of Dundas, Ont. broke British Columbia’s dominance to capture her first Women’s individual title. Trainor drained two birdies for 6-over on the day, finishing with a three-day total of 78-71-78--227 (+11). Finishing two strokes back was UBC’s Kyla Inaba of Kelowna, B.C. Inaba shot a 7-over on the day for a three-day total of 77-73-79--229 (+13). The University of Toronto’s Danielle Greene and UBC’s Marianne Banton tied for third at 16-over. On the men’s side, UBC captured their second consecutive team title with their tournament total 300-282-292—874 (+10).

Université Laval played consistently this week, and came in second with a team score of 300-301-302--903 (+39) while the University of Victoria and Humber College tied for third at 906 (+42).UBC’s victory was especially sweet for Cory Renfrew of Victoria, B.C., as he claimed the men’s individual title with his score of 73 on the day, for a total score of 74-66-73—213 (-3) for the tournament.

“It feels great to win, but it’s even better that the team won,” said Renfrew. “We came here viewing this as a whole other start. We focused on what we could control this week and wanted to win as a team.”

Three players finished tied for runner-up - Université Laval’s Mathieu Gringras, McMaster University’s Matt Jacobs and UBC’s Andrew Robb - with a score of 3-over 219. The championship was shortened to 54 holes after heavy rainfall on Thursday rendered the course unplayable to force the cancellation of the third round.Both the male and female individual champions earned an exemption into the 2009 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at Club de golf Le Blainvillier in Blainville, Que., and the 2009 Royale Cup Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship held at Royal Oaks Golf Links in Moncton, N.B., respectively.

Men’s Division
1. University of British Columbia, 300-282-292-874 +10
2. Université Laval, 300-301-302-903 +39
3. University of Victoria, 313-299-294-906 +42
3. Humber College, 308-290-308-906 +42
5. University of the Fraser Valley, 307-291-321-919 +55
6. University of Waterloo, 303-308-311-922 +58
7. Université de Montréal, 308-307-309-924 +60
8. University of Ottawa, 315-305-309-929 +65
9. University of Toronto, 306-309-315-930 +66
10. McMaster University, 311-310-311-932 +68
11. Camosun College, 319-310-306-935 +71
12. University of Alberta, 305-310-321-936 +72
13. University of Western Ontario, 325-312-305-942 +78
14. Holland College, 319-311-314-944 +80
14. University of Calgary, 328-298-318-944 +80
16. University of Manitoba, 315-308-325-948 +84
17. University of New Brunswick, 323-315-316-954 +90
18. Queen's University, 328-319-314-961 +97
19. Mount Royal College, 333-316-317-966 +102
20. Durham College, 329-340-325-994 +130

Individual Men’s
1.Cory Renfrew, University of British Columbia, 74-66-73-213 -3
2. Mathieu Gingras, Université Laval, 72-73-74-219 +3
2. Matt Jacobs, McMaster University, 72-72-75-219 +3
2. Andrew Robb, University of British Columbia, 76-71-72-219 +3
5. Mathieu Bélanger, Université Laval, 73-74-73-220 +4
5. Mitchell Evanecz, University of Victoria, 79-69-72-220 +4
7. James Castle, Humber College, 75-71-75-221 +5
8. Kolby Kniel, Mount Royal College, 77-72-73-222 +6
9. Sean Patrick, University of the Fraser Valley, 77-67-79-223 +7
10. Garrett Rank, University of Waterloo, 74-72-78-224 +8
10. Seon Kim, University of British Columbia, 75-75-74-224 +8
10. Michael Zizek, Humber College, 76-72-76-224 +8

Women’s Division
1. University of British Columbia, 307-307-307-921 +57
2. University of Victoria, 322-307-317-946 +82
3. Humber College, 324-324-348-996 +132
4. Université de Montréal, 339-325-341-1005 +141
5. Université Laval, 344-344-328-1016 +152
6. University of Toronto, 332-349-349-1030 +166
7. University of Calgary, 345-340-354-1039 +175
8. University of Western Ontario, 352-346-345-1043 +179
9. University of Alberta, 359-353-345-1057 +193
10. University of Waterloo, 364-352-342-1058 +194

Women’s Individual
1. Maggie Trainor, Humber College, 78-71-78-227 +11
2. Kyla Inaba, University of British Columbia, 77-73-79-229 +13
3. Danielle Greene, University of Toronto, 75-80-77-232 +16
3. Marianne Banton, University of British Columbia, 77-81-74-232 +16
5. Alyssa Herkel, University of Victoria, 82-72-79-233 +17
6. Jocelyn Alford, University of British Columbia, 79-77-78-234 +18
6. Anne Balser, University of Victoria, 79-79-76-234 +18
8. Melissa Coré, McGill University, 78-75-82-235 +19
9. Lindsay Manion, University of British Columbia, 84-76-76-236 +20
10. Shauna Wilde, Humber College, 79-77-81-237 +

Final round results from the 2009 Canadian University/College Championship are available at www.rcga.org/championships.

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 1650 clubs across the country. Some of the RCGA’s core services include the Rules of Golf, handicapping and course rating, support of turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum and CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while six regional junior championships, 10 national amateur championships and the CN Canadian Women’s Tour showcase the best of Canadian golf.

For more information please visit www.rcga.org.

Schnell Goes Wire-To-Wire at the Canadian Tour's Spring Qualifying School

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

PARKSVILLE, B.C., - Brady Schnell shot a final round 70 on Friday to complete a wire-to-wire victory at the Canadian Tour’s Spring Qualifying School. His four round score of 11 under par 277 earns him the title by one stroke over Matt Marshall who fired a tournament low 66.
Jordan Irwin bounced back from yesterday’s 76 with a closing 68 to grab solo third at four under 284 with Mike Rotors (76) and Dave Williamson (74) sharing fourth spot at 285.

Despite a final round 74, Jason D’Amore captured the sixth and final exempt spot at 286.
Finishing seventh, eighth, and ninth and earning non-exempt cards were Greg Machtaler (287), Jae Woo Im (288), and Todd Killingsworth (289) who fell to a final round 79.

Erik Olson was another stroke back at 290 while the final non-exempt cards at 292 went to Caesar Coello, Mitchell Fox, Brenton Fowler and Kory Storer.

Schnell, who pocketed $2,000 for the win, began his day with four consecutive pars before bogeying the fifth.

He then reeled off birdies at eight, nine, and ten before parring his way in. “It was a lot of fun,” said Schnell.

“I wanted to keep playing how I had been playing but when Todd (Killingsworth) and Mike (Roters) got into some trouble and went backwards, it took a lot of the pressure off.”

“I sort of put it on cruise control after those birdies. My goal was to shoot two under on the back side but then I saw Matt coming up fast and giving me a run,” he continued.

“I didn’t quite get to two (under) on the back but it was still enough to win. It’s always fun to win.”

Marshall’s final round charge included a bogey-free 32 on the front side to virtually guarantee a card by that point.

Coming home, the University of California-Davis alumnus made two more birdies for his flawless 66.

“I had a great warm-up session and had a great start,” said Marshall, who birdied the first, third, sixth and ninth holes.

“All week long I knew that I was capable of going low but I didn’t figure it all out until today.
“You can try to just play for a card or try to win the thing.

"I thought that if I got to ten under par, it could be enough to win. I got to that number and gave Brady a good chase, but it wasn’t quite enough to do the job.”

Still, he’s not complaining.

“I just finished school a couple of months ago and I figured that this is a great place to start my career,” he concluded. “I’m looking forward to the rest of the season out here.”
Rotors ran into trouble early with a double-bogey at the opening hole. Although he got one back at the third, four bogeys over his next five holes dropped him seven shots off the pace and in danger of losing his exempt spot.

Digging deep, the Washington native drained a key birdie at nine to rescue his wayward round before coming home in even par.

It didn’t work the same for Todd Killingsworth. Third at the start of the day, he opened with birdie but lost his game with a double-bogey at No. 4 followed by bogeys at seven, eight, and nine.

Still clinging to exempt status at the turn, he dropped three more on the inward nine to tumble down the leaderboard.

Irwin had just one bogey against five birdies to achieve his goal of moving from non-exempt to exempt status.

Unlike Irwin, Korey Storer was unable to improve on his non-exempt status after shooting 76.

PLAYERS EARNING EXEMPT CARDS:
Brady Schnell
Matt Marshall
Jordan Irwin
Mike Roters
David Williamson
Jason D’Amore

PLAYERS EARNING NON-EXEMPT CARDS IN ORDER OF RANK:
Greg Machtaler
Jae Woo Im
Todd Killingsworth
Erik Olson
Caesar Coello
Brenton Fowler
Kory Storer
Mitchell Fox

Canadian Matt Hill wins NCAA men's individual golf title by two strokes

By Rusty Miller, The Associated Press

TOLEDO, Ohio - With just eight holes remaining in the race for medallist at the NCAA Division I men's golf championship, North Carolina State's Matt Hill trailed by two strokes.

Instead of panic, it was time for the Canadian to take control. Hill made three birdies down the stretch and then played keepaway with the lead to capture the top individual prize Thursday at Inverness Club.

"I'm pretty pumped up, that's for sure, and a little bit relieved at the same time," Hill said after shooting his third consecutive 2-under 69 to finish at 6-under 207.

Hill started the day tied for the lead with Georgia's Russell Henley, who lapsed to a 75 to finish at 213. Starting on the 10th hole, Hill played the first 10 holes in even par and by that point trailed TCU's Tom Hoge by two shots.

Clemson junior Kyle Stanley, who matched the day's low round with a 66, was second by two strokes. He got a close look at Hill's play.

"You have to tip your hat to Matt. I played with him all three days and he played some incredible golf," Stanley said. "Obviously, he's used to winning. And he played great."

Hill, who finished the season with eight wins, picked up the pace. The sophomore from Bright's Grove, Ont., - also PGA Tour star Mike Weir's hometown - birdied holes No. 2 and 5 to regain the lead while those around him were falling victim to the wet conditions, which made the greens receptive but the course even longer.

Hill bogeyed the long, par-4 seventh hole after finding the thick rough off the tee, but all but locked up the win with a birdie at the par-5 eighth. He cut the corner with a drive that caught a slope and ended up almost 370 yards from the tee. From there he hit a six iron about 220 yards to middle of the green and two-putted for the birdie from 30 feet.

"I didn't really want to know where I stood until I was coming down the stretch," he said. "It was a little bit nerve-racking on a few of the holes but as soon as I found out I had a two-shot lead it was maybe a little bit more comfortable. The bogey kind of made it a little tougher, and then I guess that birdie definitely helped on 8 when that putt snuck in there."

No one else was making a move. Stanley parred the last five holes. One group ahead, Hoge's lead had melted with bogeys at holes 5, 6 and 7. The last man standing was Hill.

He locked up the win with a two-putt par on his final hole, pumping his fist as the three-footer fell into the cup.

"This whole season's been amazing," Hill said. "To win this is really icing on the cake and it's really special to me. I really worked really hard to get here."

Tom Glissmeyer of Southern California (66), Rickie Fowler (68) of the low team through 54 holes of medal play, Oklahoma State, and Hoge (70) tied for third at 3-under 210.

Glissmeyer said Hill, who had won an NCAA-best seven tournaments this season, deserves to be the national player of the year.

"He's proving that he's, if not the best, then one of the best in the country," Glissmeyer said.
Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., carded a final round of 2 over. The Washington junior fell from fourth into a tie for ninth.

Only nine players in the 156-man field broke par at the 7,255-yard layout, which has also hosted PGA Championships in 1986 (won by Bob Tway on a dramatic sand shot on the 72nd hole to defeat Greg Norman) and '93 (Paul Azinger edged Norman in a playoff), U.S. Opens in 1920 (Ted Ray), '31 (Billy Burke), '57 (Dick Mayer) and '79 (Hale Irwin), the U.S. Amateur (Craig Stadler) in 1973 and the U.S. Senior Open in 2003 (Bruce Lietzke).

Hill is the first North Carolina State player to win the individual championship. Past medallists
include Tiger Woods (Stanford, 1996), Phil Mickelson (Arizona State in 1989, '90 and '92) and Jack Nicklaus (Ohio State, 1961).

Michigan's Alexander Sitompul shot a 70 to finish at 2-under 211. Oklahoma State's Morgan Hoffman (71) and Central Florida's Blayne Barber (68) were another shot back.

Oklahoma State led the eight teams qualifying for the new match-play format which begins with Friday morning's quarter-finals. The team championship match is set for Saturday morning.

Coach Mike McGraw said that even though every team starts with a blank slate in match play, he felt his team still had an advantage because of the confidence it had gained so far.

"It means a lot. We've played well for three days," McGraw said. "We knew (the new format) would be the case whether we finished first, second, eighth - you always know that that's going to come, so it doesn't matter. You just want to do the best you can and build confidence every day."

The tightest race of the day was for the last spots in the team match-play. Oklahoma State went 3 under in the third round to finish at 3-under 849, which was 13 strokes ahead of runner-up Arizona State.

Southern California started the round tied for 12th but climbed all the way to a tie for third with Arkansas and Washington, going 5 under on the day.

Oklahoma State, which includes Tway's son, Kevin, will face eighth-seeded Georgia. In the other quarter-finals, Arizona State will meet No. 7 Texas A&M, No. 3 USC will play No. 6 Michigan, and No. 4 Arkansas will face No. 5 Washington.

The second round was suspended for 4 1/2 hours by a thunderstorm, requiring almost half the field to come back Thursday morning to pick up where they left off when darkness fell on Wednesday night. The third round began mid-morning but the rain held off, although the deep rough was particularly thick and troublesome because it was so wet.

2009 Vancouver Golf Tour Spring Championship

MarketPlace IGA
VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR

2009 VGT SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP
Hazelmere Golf Course
Thursday, May 28th

TOURNAMENT REVIEW

“Jonas Schools them all at his home track at Hazelmere”

In a star-studded field of 45 Professionals, including 26 past or present Canadian Tour players, Hazelmere’s own Teaching Professional Phil Jonas showed them all how it’s done, shooting 68 (-4) on a challenging Hazelmere layout for a one shot victory over Guilford Head Professional Dan Swanson. Jonas’ lone bogey on the day came on the long par 3 – 7th hole, where he failed to get up-and-down for what would be his fault on the card. When interviewed after the round, Jonas owned up that it wasn’t the prettiest of rounds, but as he is so well known for, he made the very most of his good play and ‘worked his way around the golf course’ like he knows how to better than most anyone in the game, certainly here in Vancouver. Jonas took home $1,500 for his victory and vaulted himself some $1,300 ahead of past Nationwide Tour Player Bryn Parry. MarketPlace IGA’s John MacNichol was on hand to award the professional cheques to all winners. When Jonas was given the opportunity to speak, he very quick to add how thankful he and everyone playing VGT was for their continued support of local golf in Vancouver. China Tour player Dong Su and Shaughnessy Professional Lindsay Bernakevitch tied for 3rd, each winning $672.50. Swanson earned $1,000 for his 2nd place showing.

VGT gave a warm welcome to one of Canada’s finest young talented golfers, James Lepp - 2005 NCAA Champion and 2-time Greater Vancouver Charity Classic winner. “It was great to have James in our field today” stated VGT Commissioner Fraser Mulholland. “Not only does James add to the credibility of our tour by his presence, but it was great to see him back in action at what he does so very well”. Lepp fired 71 (-1), good for 5th place and $550. He commented after the round that it was ‘good to get back into his first tournament in over 6 months and feel the competitive juices flowing’. With only a bit of expected ‘tournament rust’ from not competing for so long, Lepp got the job done for the most part in the event– and other than a couple of late bogeys on his last two holes, looked very impressive and ready to return to action in both the Victoria Open and City of Surrey Open coming up on the Canadian Tour schedule starting next week. Lepp has been hard at work lately developing his own personal brand of golf shoes and golf apparel - KIKKOR GOLF (http://www.kikkor.com/).

The Spring Championship was the final event on the VGT Spring Series of events and CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON CANADA President Dan Dodman was present to award some bonus money to the top CLEVELAND/SRIXON staff player at the end of the Spring Order of Merit. Seymour Creek’s Dave Zibrik took home the $500 CLEVELAND/SRIXON BONUS cash for being the top CLEVELAND/SRIXON staff player at the conclusion of the Hazelmere event.

VGT’s 7th ‘Open’ tour event of the year was a great opportunity for the top local Professionals to see Hazelmere a couple of weeks in advance of the Canadian Tour event (City of Surrey Open) being hosted there on June 8-15th. We want to personally thank Hazelmere Golf Course for giving our local players this opportunity and hope that this might be the slight advantage our local players need to bring home a local victory in this major event on the Canadian Tour schedule.

VGT also invited 20 of its top Amateur players to play in the Spring Championship this Thursay. Low Amateur honours went to Coquitlam’s Matt Rohatensky, who carded 75 (+3) on the tough Hazelmere set-up to win by 2 shots over Delta’s Jarda Kollar. Rohatensky leapt ahead of Northview’s Derek Wray by 400 points in the Championship Amateur Order of Merit with his second victory of the year, earning himself a Cleveland Travel cover and $200 in Perfect Lies Gift Cards.

VGT’s top 5 Amateurs in Flight A were invited to the Hazelmere event and it was Greenacres’ own Daniel Lee who prevailed, winning a Cleveland Travel cover and a $100 Perfect Lies Gift Card. Pete Fung was the Low Amateur in Flight B, also winning a Cleveland Travel cover and a $100 Perfect Lies Gift Card.

For full tournament results, click on http://www.vancouvergolftour.com/2009/live_scoring.htm and click on VGT Spring Championship.

St. Charles Country Club Selected as Host Venue for 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Open

Canada’s only LPGA Tour event returns to city of Winnipeg for first time since 1992

Winnipeg, Man. (RCGA) – CN and the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) are pleased to announce that St. Charles Country Club in Winnipeg has been selected as host venue for the 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Open.

“In partnership with CN, we are proud to announce that St. Charles Country Club has been selected to host the 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Open,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “With a strong partnership commitment from the host city and a tremendous championship worthy venue, there is no doubt that Winnipeg fans will be treated to a fantastic showcase in 2010.”

With the selection of Winnipeg as the 2010 host city, CN and tournament officials will now begin to explore a local community beneficiary for the event as part of the CN Miracle Match fundraising program. The CN Miracle Match program has raised close to $2 million dollars for local children’s hospitals over the last three years leading up to and during the weeks of the CN Canadian Women’s Open.

“CN is pleased that the 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Open will be held in Winnipeg,” said CN’s senior vice-president, Sales, Stan Jablonksi. CN is proud that we are able to bring this national open to CN communities across this country and Winnipeg, with close to 2,000 CN employees, will certainly be a special host-city for the open. CN particularly looks forward to bringing the CN Miracle Match to Winnipeg, a city known for its generosity.”

The announcement marks the return of Canada’s only stop on the LPGA Tour to Winnipeg for the first time since Sherri Steinhauer won the 1992 du Maurier Classic at St. Charles Country Club.

“Winnipeg has an excellent track record in hosting major events and we are thrilled to be the host city for the 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Open,” said Stuart Duncan, President of Destination Winnipeg Inc. “We worked with the City, the Province and our partners to attract this prestigious tournament to the heart of the continent. Golf fans across Manitoba and the region will be able to see the best women golfers in the world and this is another great reason to visit our city and province during Manitoba Homecoming 2010. This premier tournament is expected to generate economic impacts of over $10 million for Manitoba.”

With a long and storied history of hosting many of Canada’s premier golf championships, St. Charles Country Club looks forward to the opportunity to once again welcome the world’s best to Winnipeg.

“St. Charles has a proud history of hosting major championships, dating back to the Canadian Open Championship in 1952 and most recently in 1992 with the LPGA du Maurier Classic and in 2000 with the AT&T Senior PGA Championship,” said St. Charles Country Club president Gord Webster. “We are very enthusiastic about the opportunity of adding the 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Open to this calendar of prestigious golfing events and look forward to the excitement which this tournament will bring to Winnipeg and our Club.”

The 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open will take place August 31 to September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary. The Alberta Children’s Hospital of Alberta has been designated as the official charity of the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open.

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

ABOUT DESTINATION WINNIPEG INC.
Destination Winnipeg Inc. is Winnipeg’s economic development and tourism services agency, an arm’s length organization led by a private sector board with core funding from the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba. Destination Winnipeg markets the city and provides services to facilitate economic development and tourism opportunities for Winnipeg in collaboration with partners. Destination Winnipeg provides leadership in coordinating bids to attract major events to Winnipeg, working in partnership with sports and arts organizations, venues, governments and public sector agencies.

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, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For further information please visit www.cn.ca.

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

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

Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club Wins 2009 Tournament of Champions

West Vancouver, BC - May 25, 2009

On a perfect day for golf at Capilano Golf & Country Club, the team from Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club shot a stellar 6-under 64 to win by two shots at the 2009 PGA of BC TaylorMade & adidas Golf Tournament of Champions.

For the 1st place finish Qualicum Beach Head Professional Ross Mantell took home a cheque for $1600 and his amateur playing partner Peter Drummond received a $650 gift certificate for TaylorMade-adidas merchandise.

The course was in amazing shape and every team enjoyed the majestic beauty of Capilano Golf & Country Club. Course Superintendant Adam Zubek had the golf course in tip top form and the quick, undulating greens proved a challenge to many.

The team of Jeff Buder and Andrew Mitchell from Point Grey Golf & CC fired a 4-under par 66 to finish in second place while Point Roberts Golf & CC rounded out the top three, shooting 67. Co-defending Champions from 2008, Kelowna Golf & CC, shot 68 to finish fourth all alone.

Click here to view full field results

About the Professional Golfers' Association of BCThe Professional Golfers' Association of British Columbia serves and represents more than 650 golf professionals who work at and operate golf courses, driving ranges and other golf facilities throughout the Province. The goal of the PGA of BC is to make the game of golf more enjoyable for all who take part in it. PGA of British Columbia member golf professionals are experts in the business of golf, are the most qualified instructors of the game and are essential to any successful golf operation. www.pgabc.org

About TaylorMade-adidas Golf
TaylorMade Golf has led the golf industry's technological revolution since the company was founded in 1979. TaylorMade metalwoods, irons and putters have been used to win hundreds of professional golf tournaments around the world. In 1998, TaylorMade became a wholly owned subsidiary of the adidas Group. adidas Golf creates high- performance, technology-infused golf apparel and footwear worn by hundreds of professional golfers around the world. Ashworth, which became a brand of the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company in 2008, creates relaxed, lifestyle-oriented golf apparel synonymous with authenticity and quality. Learn more about TaylorMade-adidas Golf and its brands at (866) 530-TMAG (8624) Click here to learn more about TaylorMade-adidas Golf

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brent BarrPGA of BC Tournament Coordinator
Tel: 604.303.6766
Fax: 604.303.6765
brent@pgabc.org

Taya Battistella Wins CN Canadian Women’s Tour Stop In North Vancouver

Past CN Canadian Women’s Tour champion earns exemption into 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open

NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. (RCGA) – Taya Battistella of Bend, OR outlasted the competition over two rounds, firing a final-round 1-over par 73 to win the season opening event on the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Tour at Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver, B.C.

During today’s round, the 29-year old professional carded two birdies, three bogeys and 13 pars to sit even par for the tournament, giving her a slim two-stroke win over second place finisher, 27-year old Courtney Erdman of Altadena, CA.

The deciding factor for Battistella proved to be the last two holes, where she finished her round making clutch shots while Erdman had some difficulties finding the bottom of the cup.

Battistella hit a clutch 8-iron approach shot to 18 inches on hole No. 17. The shot proved to be the difference as Erdmun parred the 316 yard par 4 to go two-back with only one hole to go.

“Knocking it tight on (hole) 17 and making the birdie putt was key,” said Battistella. “It helped me to relax and took the edge off for the last hole. I just tried to keep the ball down the middle on the 18th; knowing par would be good enough for the win.”

Erdman saw two lengthy putts narrowly miss the cup, which could have changed today’s outcome.

“It just killed me to see those putts lip out on No. 17 and 18,” said Erdman, who shot a final-round two-over par 72. “I haven’t played a tournament in eight months as I’ve been busy teaching. But I thought this Tour would be a great way to try to qualify for an LPGA Tour event and I hope to grab a couple of top-10’s or a win so that I can play in the CN Canadian Women’s Open in Calgary.”

Erdman, who was a participant on the Golf Channel’s The Big Break: Ka'anapali in 2008, only plans to play professional golf on the Canadian circuit this year. She took home $6,996.36 (CAD) and 450 Order of Merit points for her second place finish.

Battistella took home top spot at the Canadian Tour’s western event in 2006 which was held at Duncan Meadows Golf and Country Club, located on Vancouver Island. The win earned her an entry into the 2006 CN Canadian Women’s Open held at London Hunt and Golf Club in London, Ont. where she tied for 70th.

With her win today at Seymour, she earned $10,000 (CAD) and an exemption into this year’s $2.75 million (US) CN Canadian Women’s Open, which will be held August 31-September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary. She plans to retire from professional golf after this season.

Seymour Golf and Country Club once again proved to be a formidable opponent; surrendering just a single round at even par or better (T3 - Ashli Bunch, Morristown, TN, 75-72-147 +3). Adding to the challenge was Mother Nature, whose early morning rain drizzles proved to be a factor for those with early tee-times.

The next stop on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour takes place June 7-9 at the Stanley Thompson designed Cutten Club in Guelph, Ont. Similar to each stop on the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Tour, the championship will feature a purse of $60,000 including $10,000 for the winner as well as an exemption into the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open and coveted Order of Merit points.

Players competing on the Tour will earn points towards the CN Canadian Women’s Tour Order of Merit. The player with the most points at the end of the season will earn the Jocelyne Bourassa Player of the Year Award.

Now in its ninth year, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour has established a reputation as one of the premier women’s developmental golf tours in North America. Many of Canada’s top professionals have competed on the Tour including Lorie Kane, Isabelle Beisiegel and Alena Sharp. Each event plays out over 36 holes. With close to 300 participants annually in three championships across the country, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour continues to raise the bar for women’s professional golf nationwide. More information about the CN Canadian Women’s Tour including a full listing of competitors, post-round results and championship start times are available through the CN Canadian Women’s Tour website at www.cncanadianwomenstour.com or Royal Canadian Golf Association website at www.rcga.org.

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

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

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, 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.

CJGA Junior Worlds / Optimist Intrnational Qualifier Final Results

Choi Wins Playoff in Girls Division at Swan-e-set Bay

FOR FULL RESULTS CLICK HERE

Pitt Meadows, BC – With a thrilling finish and perfect golfing weather, the Canadian Junior Golf Association’s (CJGA) Junior Worlds Qualifier/ Optimist International Qualifier was a great success this past weekend at Swan-e-set Bay Resort Club in Pitt Meadows, BC. Jae Hee Choi (Surrey, BC) won the Girls Division in a playoff against Lauren Ashely Taylor (Nelson, BC), sinking a twenty-foot putt of the second hole to secure her win.

“This was my first CJGA tournament of the year, and also my first tournament win ever,” explained Choi. “My putting was my greatest strength. I was more consistent with it on the second day of the tournament.” Both Choi and Taylor posted great scores of 150 (+6), and earned their spots at the Optimist Qualifier. Grace Chua (Vancouver, BC) placed third, just won stroke behind with 151 (+7).

Jared Hundza (Victoria, BC) played two solid rounds to win the Boys 15-19 Division with a two day total of 141 (-3). “I played a good couple rounds, sunk 5 birdies,” said Hundza. With his low score, Hundza has earned his spot in the Optimist International for the Boys 16-18 Division. Brian Jung (Coquitlam, BC) took home second place and Adam Svensson (Surrey, BC) finished third.

In the Boys 14 & Under Division, Curtis Chan (Richmond, BC) claimed his second CJGA win of the year, with an impressive score of 143 (-1). “I am really happy with my win. I hope that it is good enough to qualify for Junior Worlds,” stated Chan. “My chipping and putting stayed consistent, which helped me throughout the tournament.” Kevin Kwon (Pitt Meadows, BC) placed second, while Brandon Ortiz (Westbank, BC) took third.

LEXUS Skills Competition
Long Drive
Boys 14 & Under: Oscar Baek
Boys 15-19: Brian Jung
Girls: Jae Hee Choi

Closest to the Pin
Boys 14 & Under: James Hunter
Boys 15-19: Andy Yang
Girls: Jae Hee Choi

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.

Burton Captures Second PNGA Men's Master-40 Title

Chase, British Columbia – Bob Burton of Everett, Wash. secured his second PNGA Men’s Master – 40 Amateur Championship title today defeating Rob Whiton of Vancouver, B.C. 1 up at Talking Rock Resort and Quaaout in Chase, B.C.

Both players played solid golf the entire day with the match being all square or Burton holding a slim 1 up lead most of the day. The two came to the 17th hole all square at the short, 278 yard par-4. Whiton had the honor and hooked his drive into the left trees. Burton played it safe laying up in perfect position with a hybrid club. After Whiton was forced to punch out sideways, Burton nestled his pitch shot about 6-feet from the flag. Whiton was unable to save par and conceded the birdie to Burton as the two went to the 18th with Burton leading 1 up.

One of the Talking Rock’s toughest holes, both players hit their tee shots into the right fairway bunker leaving themselves with about 190 yard approach shots. Whiton played first and hit “one of the best 5-irons” he’s ever hit and put his ball on the back of the green with the tough front right hole location. Burton then came up short and left his shot in the greenside bunker. From there, Burton hit a real nice shot to leave himself with an 8-foot putt for par. Whiton’s long birdie putt just missed on the low side leaving Burton with an 8-footer for the win. Burton’s putt rolled true and found the back of the cup for the 1 up victory.

This win was Burton’s second PNGA Master-40 title, which he first won in 2006. Burton was also the 2006 PNGA Senior Player of the Year. To be eligible for the Pacific Northwest Men’s Master-40 Amateur Championship, contestants must have reached their 40th birthday by the first day of the competition and also carry a handicap index of 16.4 or less. The championship consists of 36 holes of stroke play qualifying to determine flights for the match play portion of the championship. The lowest 32 scorers from the qualifying rounds will advance to the Championship Flight, with each of the remaining flights being comprised of eight contestants. All matches are single-elimination and contested over 18 holes.

Championship Flight -- (Final) Bob Burton, Everett, Wash. (6) def. Rob Whiton, Vancouver, B.C. (17), 1 up

First Flight -- (Final) Mike Mannion, Gibsons, B.C. (1) def. Gerald Stoddart, Calgary, AB (7), 4 and 2

Second Flight -- (Final) Stephen Jenkins, Van, B.C. (3) def. Gary Heselton, Surrey, B.C. (4), 8 and 7

Third Flight -- (Final) Tod Stewart, Vancouver, B.C. (2) def. Peter A Scott, Burnaby, B.C. (8), 1 up

Fourth Flight -- (Final) Michael Welling, Hayden Lake, Idaho (2) def. Larry Bray, Panorama, B.C. (1), 5 and 3

Fifth Flight -- (Final) Byron J Hall, Abbotsford, B.C. (3) def. Randy Narcisse, Chase, BC (4), 2 up

CLICK HERE FOR STROKE PLAY QUALIFYING RESULTS AND MATCH PLAY RESULTS FOR THE ENTIRE WEEK

Golf Course Review - Surrey Golf Course, Surrey, B.C.

Check out the new Golf Course Review by CK Golf Solutions on their blog. The course was Surrey Golf Club in Surrey, B.C.

Click Here to read the review!

CK Golf Solutions on Twitter

You can following CK Golf Solutions on their Twitter Page and keep up to date on golf news, course reviews and other blogs. Click here to view CK Golf Solutions Twitter page.

Seymour Golf and Country Club Hosts First Stop on 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Tour

Canada’s only developmental golf tour for women kicks-off its ninth season

Click here for scores and tee-times.

NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. (RCGA) - A stellar field of Canadian and international female golf professionals, as well as top female amateurs, will open the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Tour season at the Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver, B.C., from May 24-26.

Scheduled Tour events include a practice round, 9-hole Pro-Am and 36-holes of competition. Earlier this season, CN and the RCGA announced some notable changes for the 2009 campaign. This year will see the total season prize money increased to $180,000 (CDN) while the total number of Tour events has been reduced from four to three.

With the total purse increase, each 36-hole championship purse will increase from $41,250 to $60,000 for the 2009 Tour season with each champion being awarded a $10,000 winners’ cheque.

“The 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Tour season is going to be our finest to date,” said Richard Kuypers, Tournament Coordinator, CN Canadian Women’s Open. “The new changes to the Tour, including the increase in the purse per tournament, will undoubtedly help to attract the best field of competitors to our championships.”

Players competing on the Tour will also earn points towards the CN Canadian Women’s Tour Order of Merit. The player with the most points at the end of the season will earn the Jocelyne Bourassa Player of the Year Award.

Another notable change to the upcoming championship season will include an additional exemption into Canada’s only LPGA Tour event for a total of seven exemptions. The winner from each of the three Tour events will receive an exemption directly into the CN Canadian Women’s Open, with the additional four exemptions being awarded based on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour Order of Merit standings.

The CN Canadian Women’s Open takes place August 31-September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary. After its stop at Seymour Golf and Country Club, the Tour will head to the Stanley Thompson designed Cutten Club from June 7-9 at in Guelph, Ont.; while Hillsdale Golf and Country Club in Mirabel, Que., will host the Tour finale from July 13-15.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Many of Canada’s elite female golfers have used the CN Canadian Women’s Tour to hone their skills and develop as athletes both on and off the course. LPGA Tour member and Oakville, Ont. native Jessica Shepley as well as former LPGA Tour members Cindy Pasechnik of Calgary, Jennifer Wyatt of Richmond, B.C. and Jennifer Greggain of Rosedale, B.C. have used their experiences on the Canadian development circuit as a catalyst to future successes and will tee-it-up at Seymour Golf and Country Club for the first event of the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Tour season.

“This year will be another great year for the Tour,” added Kuypers. “The strong field of players and the tough competition really makes this one of the premier women’s developmental golf tours in North America.”

This strong field of players confirmed for the first event also includes 2008 Tour sensation Sue Kim. The Langley, B.C., native and Canada’s National Women’s Amateur team member took last year’s Tour by storm with her back-to-back victories that earned her entry into the 2008 CN Canadian Women’s Open. Kim is one of Canada’s top junior golfers and for the 2008 season was awarded the Jocelyne Bourassa Player of the Year award.

Other notable Canadians confirmed for the first Tour event include National Women’s Amateur Team member Kira Meixner of Richmond, B.C. and National Women’s Developmental team members Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont., Anne-Catherine Tanguay of Québec, Que., and Rebecca Lee-Bentham of North York, Ont.

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

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

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, 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.

Canadian Tour Spring Q-School Set For Morningstar

by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

PARKSVILLE, B.C.--The Canadian Tour will unveil its newest members next week when the Spring Qualifying School takes place at Morningstar Golf Course on Vancouver Island.

The 72-hole qualifier will be held May 26-29, 2009.

Course architect Les Furber integrated the 7,018 yard, par-72 layout with many natural areas preserved to add drama and excitement.

Tour applicants will encounter undulations on several fairways and well placed bunkers throughout the course. Morningstar Golf Course's superbly conditioned greens promise a true roll.

PGA TOUR winners who earned their way onto the Canadian Tour via the Spring School include Scott McCarron, Tim Herron, Arron Oberholser, Jason Bohn, Billy Ray Brown, Chris DiMarco, and Mike Weir. Those earning cards won’t have long to wait to get started. Some 90 miles south, the $200,000 Times Colonist Open in Victoria kicks off the Canadian Swing the following week.

Golf Channel will continue to follow the Canadian Tour, taping footage for ‘Chasing the Dream.’

Players finishing in the top 80 on the 2009 money list retain exempt cards for 2010 while those from 81st to 90 earn non-exempt cards for the next season.

Entry fee is C$ 2,000.

Following the $250,000 Canadian Tour Championship that closes the season, the top two on the Order of Merit received exemptions into second stage of PGA TOUR Qualifying School.

Other Canadian Tour membership benefits include:

Top six finishers at each Canadian Tour event receive Official World Ranking Points;
Top five Members on the Order of Merit at a designated date receive exemptions into the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open with a sixth exemption being awarded to the Players Cup Champion;
Top five Members from the Order of Merit as of a designated date are exempted into the Nationwide Tour’s Wayne Gretzky Charity Classic;
Canadian Tour Members bypass the pre-qualifying stage for PGA TOUR Qualifying School;
The Top-10 on the Order of Merit at the close of each season receives exemptions into the following year’s U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying. Players may choose any of the Sectional Qualifying sites that fit their schedule from those in the UK, Japan and the United States;
Top available Member (within the top 5) on the final Order of Merit standings receives exempt status on the South African Sunshine Tour;
Top fifty (Members from the final Order of Merit standings earn Associate Membership status on the Southern Africa Tour;
Top five available Members from the Order of Merit final standings receive exemptions into select international events on the Tour de Las Americas over and above the co-sanctioned tournaments;
The leading Member (within the top 10) from the Order of Merit final standings receives an exemption into the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School;
The winner of the Corona Mazatlan Mexican PGA Championship is exempted into the Nationwide Tour’s Mexican Open;
The top five Canadian and top five International Members from the final Canadian Bursary Standings receive funds from the $50,000 Canadian Bursary. Payouts range from $7,500 to $3,000;
Members who play in an event Pro-Am (based on Order of Merit standings) receive a $200 fee in lieu of playing for a purse;
Titleist product is provided to all competitors in the starting fields at all Canadian Tour Events held in Canada and the USA;
Golf Pride Grips and Soft Spikes are supplied to Members throughout the season;
Top eight Canadian, top eight American, and top eight International Members from the Order of Merit (at a designated date) are eligible for the International Team Match competition.

2009 PGA of BC TaylorMade & Adidas Golf Tournament of Champions Field Set

The field is now set for the 2009 PGA of BC TaylorMade & adidas Golf Tournament of Champions to be played at Capilano Golf & CC in West Vancouver. A stellar field of 48 teams will compete for the championship which begins with a 1:00 PM shotgun start.

The Championship will see two-person teams comprised of Head Professionals and their respective Club Champions - going head to head with their counterparts from around BC.
This team competition is intended to be both a competitive and social day full of great golf, great food and the opportunity to test out the latest in TaylorMade golf equipment.

Back to defend this year are the 2008 co- champions from Kelowna G&CC and Mission G&CC.
A preliminary draw has been completed for the Tournament of Champions being held Monday, May 25th and is posted in the Tournaments & Events section of the website.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DRAW FOR THE 2009 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

Markham, ON – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) will be hosting a double qualifier this weekend, May 23rd and May 24th, at Swan-e-set Bay Resort Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, B.C.

The event will provide juniors with the opportunity to qualify for the Junior Worlds tournament and the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships.

Official WebsiteB5 – CJGA Junior Worlds/Optimist International Qualifier

Notable Competitors
· Curtis Chan, 12, Richmond, B.C.
· Chris Crisologo, 13, Richmond, B.C
· Cameron Davison, 14, Duncan, B.C.
· James Fahy, 16, Vancouver, B.C.
· Brian Jung, 15, Coquitlam, B.C.
· Kevin Kwon, 14, Pitt Meadows, B.C.
· Bryan Lichimo, 17, North Vancouver, B.C.
· Donald Qiu, 12, Richmond, B.C.
· Adam Svensson, 15, Surrey, B.C.
· Lauren Ashley Taylor, 17, Nelson, B.C.
· Andy Yang, 16, Coquitlam, B.C.

Qualifying InformationThe Junior World Golf Championship will be held from July 13th to 17th in San Diego, California. This prestigious tournament will consist of junior golfers from over 73 countries that will be divided up into six different age divisions ranging from 6 and Under to 15–17.

The CJGA will be sending both boy and girl junior golfers from each age category to this event. The selection process for this event will be done by merging all results from the designated qualifier events into one national list for each age category. Scores will then be adjusted based on the difficulty of weather conditions, course conditions, course slope, and course rating and will then be sorted by the CJGA committee. The juniors with the lowest adjusted scores in each age category will then be selected to represent CJGA Team Canada.

Commonly referred to as The Optimist, the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships is one of the largest and most prestigious junior golf events in the world. In addition to top-level tournament golf, participants have the opportunity to meet new friends and have a great deal of fun. Each year, more than 650 junior golfers from 25 countries participate in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships. Each year over 5,000 young people from the United States and Canada compete in qualifying tournaments. Some former participants in Optimist-sponsored events include Bubba Dickerson, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Michelle McGann, Ernie Els, Justin Leonard, Nancy Lopez, Phil Mickelson, Nick Price, Corey Pavin, and Craig Stadler.

For more information on The Optimist please visit the website.

Tee Time Schedule Saturday May 23rd: Tee times begin at 1:00 p.m. Sunday May 24th: Tee times begin at 1:00 p.m.

Weather Forecast Saturday May 23rd: 18°C, Sunny Sunday May 24th: 18°C, Sunny

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

For more information please visit http://www.cjga.com/.

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

Nick Taylor leads Huskies to NCAA Championship with 2nd place finish

ALVATON, Ky. - Washington junior Nick Taylor, ranked No. 9, carded his second straight runner-up finish at an NCAA regional -- both are the best finishes in program history. Taylor shot a 67-70-76 213 to finish 3-under after three rounds. The Abbotsford, B.C. native took a three-stroke lead into the 13th hole before eventually falling behind North Carolina State's Matt Hill by a stroke.

"I started out playing good, but not spectacular," said Taylor, who current ranks ninth nationally as an individual. "But, fortunately I was able to take advantage of my birdie opportunities and I made a couple of long putts for par."

Vancouver Golf Tour - Swan-E-Set Classic Results

MarketPlace IGA
VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR

VGT SWAN-E-SET CLASSIC
Swan-e-set Bay Resort Course
Sunday, May 17th
7000 yards, Par 72

“A WRAY OF SUNSHINE AT SWAN-E-SET”

On an uncharacteristically hot and humid day in May, it was Surrey golfer Derek Wray who led the field of 64 amateur golfers with a score of 75 (+3) on the way to his second amateur victory of the year on the Vancouver Golf Tour schedule. Wray persevered on extremely difficult scoring conditions as the hot weather over the last two days made the smooth Swan-e-set putting surfaces firm and fast and unreceptive to anything more than a sand wedge. “The golf course was in perfect condition” stated Wray. “The greens were running with perfect pace and incredibly smooth. The challenge to the day was certainly getting the ball close to the hole with the greens getting firmer and firmer as the day went on. We’ve all been so used to all the greens being so soft the past 6 months and I guess with quite a few tucked pins, that’s why the scores weren’t as low as we all expected”. With the 600 points for his victory, Wray has put a firm grip on his lead in the Championship Amateur side of the CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON CANADA Order of Merit – now some 400 points ahead of last week’s GREEN ROOM OPEN Amateur Champion Matt Rohatensky. Wray took home a Cleveland stand bag and $100 Gift Card for Perfect Lies for his win. He was one shot clear of Surrey Golf Club’s Joey Lemieux who won a $150 MarketPlace IGA gift card and a Galvin Green Shirt. The VGT Spring Championship, being held next Thursday, May 28th at Hazelmere Golf Club will no doubt be an exciting one to watch to see who takes the Order of Merit Title for the Spring.

Vancouver’s Sean Crowther sailed his way to victory in the Flight A Division with an impressive score of 75. He defeated his next competitor Greg Swalwell by a solid 5 shots en route to his first VGT victory on what was also his first event played on the VGT schedule. Crowther picked up a Cleveland stand bag and towel for his victory. Leading up to the VGT Spring Championship, Guildford’s Steve Smith (2,073 points) narrowly leads Port Moody’s Andre Maille by 60 points with Northview’s Dale Borland some 450 points behind in 3rd. In Flight B action, McCleery Golf Club’s Ian Sharma edged out North Vancouver’s Rob Colquhoun in retrogression to also win a Cleveland Bag and towel. Colquhoun’s gross score of 81 was also good enough for low net in the Flight B competition which earned him a new Cleveland CG12 Spin Milled wedge. Northview’s David Patterson leads the way in Flight B’s Order of Merit standings with 1,890 points, some 600 points ahead of his next challenger Fred Walters heading into next week’s Spring Championship. A special thanks to Swan-e-set Bay Resort for hosting our event and all to both their staff and the VGT volunteer support crew for helping co-ordinate this event!! The Swan-e-set prize results are attached and full tournament results and photo gallery of the event can be found on the VGT website at www.vancouvergolftour.com and then clicking on ‘LIVE SCORING’.

In the Professional side of the CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON CANADA ORDER OF MERIT, Hazelmere’s Phil Jonas leads the charge with $2,828.66. Seymour Creek Golf Center’s Bryn Parry trails Jonas by only $175 with $2,650.00 and Canadian Tour player John Shin sits in a close 3rd spot with $2,487.50. Seymour Creek Golf Center’s Dave Zibrik leads the way as the top CLEVELAND/SRIXON staff player with $2,457.50, some $230 ahead of 2008 Canadian Tour player Jeremy Paradis. CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON CANADA has offered a bonus of $500 for both the Spring and Summer Order of Merit winners to the top CLEVELAND/SRIXON staff player.

Vancouver Golf Tour Spring Championship Deadline Approaching

VGT SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP
Hazelmere Golf Club

Thursday, May 28th, 7:30am shotgun start
Registration Deadline: May 21st – Midnight!!

The VGT Spring Championship at Hazelmere will consist of the top 40 VGT Professionals (members) and top 20 VGT Amateurs (10 Championship, 5 Flight A & 5 Flight B) on the VGT – CLEVELAND/SRIXON Order of Merit at the end of the May 11th GREEN ROOM OPEN event (Please see the attached document to see the players who are invited to this event). This event will feature a $7,500 Professional Purse based on 40 pros and some fantastic prizes for the leading amateurs in the Spring Order of Merit. “The Spring Championship is a way for us to reward the top Pros and Amateurs for their play so far this year” stated VGT Commissioner Fraser Mulholland. “With the tournament only 10 days ahead of the Canadian Tour’s City of Surrey Invitational, it also gives our local players a great opportunity to play the golf course in very similar conditions to how the Canadian Tour event will be set-up. We hope this event might just give one of our VGT players that slight advantage over all the great players that will be attending the Can Tour event”.

Click Here for details or to register for the event!

PNGA Master-40 Returns to British Columbia for First Time Since 1995

Chase, British Columbia – One of British Columbia’s finest golf courses will test some of the best age forty and older amateur men from around the Pacific Northwest at the 34th Pacific Northwest Men’s Master-40 Amateur Championship, May 18-22 at Talking Rock Resort and Quaaout Lodge in Chase, British Columbia.

Last year, Chris Maletis of Portland, Ore. drained a 20-foot birdie putt on the eighteenth hole to defeat Harry Ferguson of Invermere, B.C. 1-up in the Championship final match held at The Home Course in Dupont, Wash.

Ferguson will be back in the field this year to attempt to improve upon his runner-up finish last year. In all, 67 golfers will compete at this year’s championship. Golfers likely to challenge the field for the title include 2006 PNGA Master-40 champion Bob Burton of Everett, Wash., 2005 PNGA Mid-Amateur champion Paul Harris of Vancouver, B.C., 2008 U.S. Amateur Qualifier Bob Wheeler of Eagle, Idaho, and 2007 B.C. Senior Amateur champion John Gallacher of Burnaby, B.C.

To be eligible for the Pacific Northwest Men’s Master-40 Amateur Championship, contestants must have reached their 40th birthday by the first day of the competition and also carry a handicap index of 16.4 or less. The championship consists of 36 holes of stroke play qualifying to determine flights for the match play portion of the championship.

The lowest 32 scorers from the qualifying rounds will advance to the Championship Flight, with each of the remaining flights being comprised of eight contestants. All matches are single-elimination and contested over 18 holes.

Canadian Tour Surrey Invitational Caddy Opportunity

The City of Surrey Open, one of the premier events on the Canadian Tour's schedule is looking for caddies. The tournament at Hazelmere Golf Course will be held from June 11th to 14th.

To view the caddy application form, click here!

Golf Course Review - Northlands GC, North Vancouver, B.C.

It doesn't seem like we get a lot of firsts when it comes to playing golf in B.C., but we had a chance to play Northlands Golf Course for the first time a few days ago. We booked our tee time on-line and had a few issues with the system kicking us out, but overall it was fairly easy. When we received our email conformation it included a coupon for a 15 ball warm-up bucket each at a driving range down the street. This was a nice bonus as Northlands does not have a range of its own. So after a short warm-up session we took the short 5 minute drive up to the clubhouse.

Click here to read the rest of the review!

Next B.C. Canadian Junior Golf Association Event

The next event in British Columbia on the Canadian Junior Golf Association schedule is May 23rd and 24th at Swan-e-set Bay Resort & Country Club. It is a qualifier for the Junior Worlds/Optimist International Qualifier.

For full details or more information, visit the CJGA's website.

Vancouver Golf Tour - 2009 Green Room Open Wrap-up

MarketPlace IGA
VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR

TOURNAMENT IN REVIEW
Monday, May 11th, 2009
Squamish Valley Golf & C.C.

“19-YEAR OLD ROOKIE SENSATION STEALS THE SHOW AT SQUAMISH”

I guess he can thank his coach Phil Jonas for the both the pre-tournament work and the invitation to play, as 19-year old Dong Su of Surrey claimed his maiden Professional Victory yesterday, shooting 66 (-6) at the 2009 GREEN ROOM OPEN at Squamish Valley Golf & CC. Su scorched the front nine in 31 (-5) and made eight birdies total on the day to edge out Canadian Tour member John Shin by one shot to win $1,100. Shin played very steady with 5 birdies on his card and no bogeys to shoot 67 and win $800.

The Bejing born Su has had quite a track record as an amateur the past few years, honing his game first as a junior on the Maple Leaf Junior Tour and CJGA, winning 7 junior tournaments in a row in 2005 before heading to China to compete on the rapidly developing Omega China Tour in 2007. 2008 was a year of amazing progress where Su finished with two third place finishes and a second place against some of China’s top Professionals as an amateur. In 2009, he has played in two Omega China Tour events as a Professional and currently sits 18th on the Order of Merit. Su will continue his holiday in Vancouver until the Omega China Tour commences back in June. He will no doubt take home some confidence with his maiden Professional victory to future events this year which will include a full schedule of China Tour events and select Asian Tour events in the fall and a possible invitation to the prestigious $8.5 Million WGC – Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone CC in August.

In the Championship Amateur draw, Coquitlam’s Matt Rohatensky claimed his first VGT win shooting a great round of 2-under par 70, edging out Whistler’s Steve Wheeler by 3 shots. In Flight A, Port Moody’s Andre Maille took home low honours shooting 77, one stroke better than Guildford’s Steve Smith. Flight B was won by Gleneagles Fred Walters who beat out Squamish Valley’s own Tom Cattermole by 2 shots.

VGT would like to thank our title sponsor of this event – GREEN ROOM PERFORMANCE CENTER and in particular to James Suttie for initiating the great relationship we’ve established with their great facility. For anyone wishing to see THE BEST golf technology offered anywhere in the world, please take time to visit their website at www.greenroomgolf.com and book an appointment! Finally, our thanks go out to the Squamish Valley Golf & Country Club and all their staff for hosting such a great tournament once again! The golf course was in wonderful shape and the two new holes (#15 and #16) were fantastic. Thanks very much again for opening these holes especially for our event!!! Your members and guest will truly enjoy these changes to the course for years to come!

For full results, please click on our live leader board link: http://www.vancouvergolftour.com/2009/live_scoring.htm and click GREEN ROOM OPEN. Full details of Pro winnings and Amateur Prizes can be found on our website.

BCGA Goes Wire-to-Wire to Claim Victory at the Fourth PNGA Cup

BOISE, IDAHO. (May 8, 2009) - The British Columbia Golf Association held strong in the singles matches today and claimed their first PNGA Cup at Crane Creek Country Club in Boise, Idaho.

The BCGA scored 10 points out of a possible twelve yesterday in the four-ball and foursome matches and entered the final day with a four point lead over the Oregon Golf Association. In the twelve singles matches today, the BCGA won six of the matches and halved two to build their lead and finish at the top with a total of 17 points. The OGA finished in second place with 11½ points while the defending champions, WSGA finished in third with 11 points and the IGA finished in fourth with 8½ points.

Click here to see the full story and final results.

Dining in Vancouver v.11

CK Golf Solutions posted a new blog, Dining in Vancouver v.11 on their blog site. The blog features Las Margaritta's Restaurant in Kitsilano.

Click here to read the entire review!

Cleveland Golf-Srixon Canada Partners with the Professional Golfers' Association of BC

The Professional Golfers’ Association of BC (PGA of BC) is pleased to announceCleveland Golf-Srixon Canada as a Gold level sponsor of the PGA of BC.

Cleveland Golf-Srixon Canadaproudly supports the PGA of BCthrough sponsorship of the following events:
• Co-Title Sponsor of the PGA of BC Pro-Assistant Championship• Presenting Sponsor of the PGA of BC Assistants’ Championship• Sponsor of the PGA of BC Assistant Professional of the Year Award.

“We’re very pleased with our partnershipwith Cleveland Golf-Srixon Canada,” said PGA of BC Executive Director Brian Butters.“We have been able to builda strong relationship with Dan and his staff over the past several years.Cleveland Golf-Srixon Canada is aninnovative and highly regarded company inthe golf industry. The arrangement we havedoes a lot for our association and our members.”

Dan Dodman, President of Cleveland Golf-Srixon Canada,was equally enthused with today's announcement.

"We are very proud to be continuingthe association with the PGA of BC," maintained Dodman. "We have worked togetherfor many years with the ClevelandGolf brands and are excited to be adding the Srixon brand to the sponsorship."

Cleveland Golf-Srixon Canada joins adistinguished list of companies with their corporate sponsorshipof the PGA of BC. The PGA ofBC looks forward to a successful 2009 golf season with Cleveland Golf-Srixon Canadaas a significant member of the team.

For more information or to read the news release in its entirety, click on the link below
PGA OF BC & Cleveland Golf-Srixon Canada NEWS RELEASE

CLEVELAND GOLF WEBSITE

SRIXON WEBSITE

Some Good News for the PGA Tour

CK Golf Solutions posted a new blog 'Some Good News for the PGA Tour'.

Click on the links to check out the company or the blog.

BCGA Builds a Strong Lead at the Fourth PNGA Cup

BOISE, IDAHO. (May 7, 2009) - The acclaimed PNGA Cup began today with morning four-ball matches and afternoon foursome matches at Crane Creek Country Club in Boise, Idaho with the Washington team hoping to successfully defend their title. However, the story was all British Columbia after the first day of matches.

The Ryder-cup style contest features some of the most notable amateur golfers in the region with 12-member teams representing the regional golf associations that makeup the Pacific Northwest Golf Association including British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Each team has of eight men and four women with the men's contingent comprised of four mid-amateurs (25 years of age or older), two men at 40 years or older, and two senior men of 55 years or older. The women's delegation includes two mid-amateurs and two women 50 years of age or older.

In the morning four-ball matches, British Columbia blazed their way into the lead with 5 points. British Columbia did not lose a morning match and finished with four match wins and two halved matches. Led by the strong play of their women’s team members, senior duo Jackie Little of Port Alberni, B.C. and Alison Murdoch of Victoria, B.C. dispatched their opponents with a 8 & 7 victory, while mid-amateurs, Kim Evans of Terrace, B.C. and Christina Spence Proteau of Port Alberni, B.C. also rolled to a decisive 6 & 5 victory.

The results in afternoon foursome matches (alternate shot) put the team from British Columbia in great position to try and claim their first PNGA Cup victory, by adding five more match wins, suffering only one loss which was their only of the day. BCGA finished day one by claiming ten out of a possible twelve points giving them a new PNGA Cup scoring record after four-ball and foursome play.

The team from Oregon is lurking four points behind the BCGA but is well within striking distance with twelve singles matches yet to play on Friday. Team Washington sits in third with four and a half points while Team Idaho sits just a bit further back with a total of three and a half points.

Play will commence on Friday morning with Singles Matches starting off the #1 and #10 tees at 8:00 a.m. The team with the most points accumulated after the conclusion of the singles matches will be the champion.

The Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA) is a 501(c) 3 charitable, international amateur golf association dedicated to preserving the true spirit of the game of golf and promoting activities beneficial to golfers in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Over the past 110 years, the Association has been a pioneer in developing competitions and services to its members. Today, the PNGA remains committed to being a truly "regional" organization providing benefits and services to its members and member clubs throughout the Northwest. The PNGA territory is broken down into five zones, which are: Zone 1 - Oregon; Zone 2 - Eastern Washington; Zone 3 - Western Washington and Alaska; Zone 4 - British Columbia and Alberta; and Zone 5 - Idaho and Montana. There are approximately 220,000 individuals at over 720 PNGA member golf clubs.

For the list of team members, click here

BC Golf Museum and Hall of Fame May Newsletter

The BC Golf Museum and Hall of Fame lanched their May newsletter today! Click here to view it.

Information includes:
The Tradition 2009 at Marine Drive Golf Club
Golf Course History Project
Reflections Back to May 6th, 1989
Peter Young, current Treasurer
Acknowledging our Patrons
What's Happening Around the Museum
Trivia Contest for May

Eight new inductees welcomed to PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame

By Bob Denney, The PGA of America- PGA.com

May 5, 2009 -- PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - PGA Honorary President Brian Whitcomb of Bend, Ore., said that there is a "little guy" he had never met, but who had been sitting on his shoulder for many years and driving him forward.

"He kept telling me to 'Try harder! Try Harder,' " said Whitcomb, one of eight inductees Tuesday evening into the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame. "He drives me to be the best that you can be every day. I have tried to live by that goal every day. There are days when I don't like hearing that voice, but I go forward anyway."

Whitcomb, who completed his term in November 2008 as the 35th president of The PGA of America, joined an elite class of inductees who were honored as significant contributors to the Association and the game of golf. Their names were enshrined in granite with a brick resting on a wall at the PGA Historical Center at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

The inductees included 2006 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Jim Manthis of Coon Rapids, Minn., 2007 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Brent Krause of Montgomery, Ala., former Masters Champion Claude Harmon Sr.; legendary teaching professional Harvey Penick; former PGA Rules Committee Chairman Don Essig III of Indianapolis, Ind., former UCLA Coach and renowned instructor, Eddie Merrins of Los Angeles; and Harry "Cotton" Berrier of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., a three-time PGA of America Board member and a co-founder of the Tennessee PGA Section.

The inductees were honored in conjunction with The PGA of America Spring Meeting, conducted at the nearby PGA Education Center at PGA Village.

Manthis and Krause were recipients of The PGA of America's highest honor to a member professional.

"This class distinguished themselves in so many ways," said Krause, "but wears one badge. In the vernacular of the military, you leave no one behind. As PGA members, we can't leave any of our members behind."

Manthis said that one of his friends, Ken Venturi, had left him with an everlasting mission in his profession.

"Ken would say, 'Don't just take, but give something back along the way,' " said Manthis. "Wally Mund [a 1969 PGA Golf Professional of the Year] was my mentor and among many things he said was that 'the only thing we have to sell is service. If we do that, it will all work out."

The late Harmon was patriarch of perhaps the most famed golf teaching families in the sport while Penick's imprint upon the game transcended a long line of major champions to the amateur player who eagerly followed his written advice in books long after his death.

Accepting the honor for Harmon were three of his four surviving sons - Claude "Butch" Jr., Craig and Billy. Craig, who is the PGA head professional at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y., was previously named to the Hall of Fame in 2006.

"He was the last of the great teaching players and was a great club professional at the same time," said Butch. "He encompassed everything that golf is about. He figured out at an early age what was necessary to accomplish many roles. He was far ahead of his time."

Craig Harmon said that every PGA Professional has had to matriculate through PGA Business School at one time or another in their career.

"We had Harmon Tech," said Craig. "We trained them at the highest level. I know that Dad would have been very honored to have gone into the Hall of Fame with these honorees."

Merrins, whose students include current U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin, said "a teacher's job is helping someone to help themselves. Whatever I have done to be honored here tonight is the result of the cooperation of so many assistants and workers I have been with over the years. It is an honor I will cherish forever."

Pavin paid tribute to Merrins during a recent visit to PGA of America Headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

"Eddie and I go back a long way. He is such a unique, great guy," said Pavin. "His teaching philosophy is a very simple one and easy to understand. That is why he is so successful. Eddie has a lot of respect in the golf industry, and his longevity as a teacher is amazing. He taught a simple action with the golf swing, where there weren't a lot of moving parts. He was what you might say 'swing plane oriented. 'He was a pioneer in that regard. I am honest that I didn't grasp a lot of what he said from the start. Over the years the more I learned about the swing, the more I understood how he knew so much and was ahead of his time."

PGA Life Member Tinsley Penick accepted on behalf of his later father, Harvey, who passed away in 1995 less than a week before one of his famed students, Ben Crenshaw, won a second Masters.

"What a thrill it would have been for my father to have been here tonight," said Tinsley, who had succeeded his father as PGA head professional at Austin (Texas) Country Club. "My father once said that he had seen more golf shots than anyone alive. He spent 82 years watching golf shots.

The PGA of America meant so much to him, and one of the greatest honors that he said he received was when the Southern Texas PGA named its Teacher of the Year Award after him."

In a video tribute, Crenshaw said Penick "dedicated his life to get people in the game and keep them there. I carry his thoughts with me every day. Once his books were published, we were happy that people could be reading what we had been hearing all these years."

Berrier, who campaigned by crisscrossing his home state to form the Tennessee PGA Section, said that he shares his Hall of Fame honor "with all the grassroots PGA Professionals, who are the heart and soul of the Association."

Essig, one of the most popular and most respected PGA Rules officials, said that there are three tenets of his family's firm, Essig Golf Management: "Faith first, Family second and Work in Golf Third."

Click here to read the full story including profiles of all the inductees.

Vancouver Golf Tour - Point Roberts Classic

MarketPlace IGA
VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR

VGT POINT ROBERTS CLASSIC
Monday, May 4th, 2009
Point Roberts Golf & C.C.

“ZIBRIK GETS TO THE POINT”

Hammering his way through the front nine at five under par (-5) in swirling winds, Seymour Creek’s Dave Zibrik cooled off somewhat on the back nine, but managed to stay ahead of his peers and win his first VGT event of 2009 shooting 2-under par 70. Zibrik outlasted all 93 competitors on the very challenging yet immaculately conditioned Point Roberts layout to win $1,400. The 26-year old lefty commented after the round that this was definitely the biggest victory of his career considering the depth of the field that included 50 pros – 24 of which were past or present Canadian Tour players. Zibrik commented on his steady play coming from some good course management on the tight layout where he kept the driver in the bag most of the day and gave himself plenty of birdie opportunities. His 12 foot birdie on the 18th and late bogeys by Canadian Tour player Oliver Tubb, Guildford Head Pro Dan Swanson and Seymour Creek’s Bryn Parry would prove to be the difference in his one shot victory.

After some steady play this year (losing in a playoff at the Royalwood Classic and winning once already on the Srixon Tour), Dave Zibrik’s starting to make an impression on his golfing peers. Zibrik’s Point Roberts’ victory shoots him to 3rd Place in the CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON CANADA ORDER OF MERIT with $2,257.50 after 5 events, climbing closer to Hazelmere’s Phil Jonas who leads the way with $2,828.66 followed by Nickel Heating Open winner Bryn Parry with $2,558.33.

In the Amateur field of 43 golfers it was Fraserview’s Andrew Hennings who fended off all comers with a very solid round of 73, fending off Northview’s Derek Wray by one shot. Hennings clutched up on the 18th with a birdie for the one-shot victory and 600 points in CLEVELAND/SRIXON ORDER OF MERIT and won himself a $200 Perfect Lies Gift Certificate and Galvin Green VGT shirt. Hennings now sits in 10th in the OOM after playing only 3 events, edging his way closer to the leader James Oliver (1,305 points).

Low Amateurs in Flight A and B Division were Peter Huai of Mayfair Lakes Golf Club with a score of 75 and Steve Smith of Guildford with a score of 79. Smith leads all Flight A players in the 2009 Order of Merit with 1,673 points and Northview’s Dave Patterson leads the way in the Flight B Order of Merit with 1,670 points.

For full results, please click on our live leader board link: http://www.vancouvergolftour.com/2009/live_scoring.htm and click Point Roberts Classic. Full details of Pro winnings and Amateur Prizes can be found on our website.

National Golf in Schools Program Launched

Golf initiates new programming to introduce Canadian elementary school aged children to the sport as part of regular Physical Education delivery

ACTON, ON (May 4, 2009) –Thousands of Canadian youth will now have the opportunity to be introduced to the game of golf as a part of their elementary school physical education curriculum with the launch of the National Golf in Schools Program.

Developed by Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) in partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) and the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (Canadian PGA), the National Golf in Schools Program has been designed to allow elementary school teachers, regardless of their golf background, the ability to deliver required physical education learning outcomes through the sport of golf.

In addition to helping teachers assist their elementary school students to become more physically fit, the program will help introduce thousands of youth to the game of golf each year.
“The National Golf in Schools Program is a tremendous opportunity to introduce hundreds of thousands of children to the game of golf through the physical education curriculum at Canadian elementary schools,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “The program creates a vital link between the education community and the golf community so that teachers, students and parents can gain better access to and familiarity with this wonderful lifetime sport that not only encourages physical activity but a very strong sense of core values.”

Provincial golf associations will also offer a variety of Golf in Schools activations including sending qualified golf professionals to schools, conducting teacher orientations and organizing field trips to local golf facilities.

"The Canadian PGA is extremely pleased to be an integral part of the development of the National Golf in Schools curriculum. The involvement of Canadian PGA Professionals will enhance the pathway to success for these young students as they progress from the initiation phase through to participation at golf facilities staffed by our Members," stated Lindon Garron, President of the Canadian PGA.

Schools that sign-on to participate will receive child-friendly and easy to store golf equipment, as well as golf-related curriculum and instructor training to enable teachers to integrate golf into their elementary school physical education curriculum.

“This learning resource was designed to support some of the learning outcomes of elementary school curricula across Canada,” said Mark Jones, President of PHE Canada. “A key mandate is to help students develop physical literacy skills that are necessary to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to lead healthy, active lives and enjoy success in all levels of sport participation.”

As part of its development, the program was test-piloted at 13 schools across Canada and expects over 300 schools to sign on for the program in its first year.

Schools interested in participating will be charged a nominal fee of $175 for the complete Golf in Schools program package which includes the learning resource and specially designed child friendly golf equipment. The balance of the $475 total program cost will be subsidized by the RCGA. A unique element of the program is that it has been designed to allow schools to deliver this program without golf specific equipment by utilizing existing equipment they have in their gymnasiums such as floor hockey sticks and hoola hoops. Schools interested in only receiving the program learning resource will pay $25.

The Golf in Schools program also offers an “adopt a school” option whereby individuals can make a direct donation to the RCGA to bring the program into a school of their choice. Individuals interested in the “adopt a school” option will receive a tax receipt for the full amount of their donation.

Canadian elementary schools interested in signing up or finding out more about the National Golf in Schools Program can visit the program website at www.nationalgolfinschools.com or by calling 1-800-263-0009 ext. 204.

ABOUT PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION CANADA
Physical and Health Education Canada, formerly the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD), is a national, charitable voluntary-sector organization whose primary concern is to influence the healthy development of children and youth by advocating for quality, school-based physical and health education. PHE Canada's vision is "All Canadian children and youth living physically active and healthy lives" and as such advocates and educates for quality physical and health education programs within supportive school and community environments.

For more information, visit www.phecanada.ca.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS’ 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 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 t he 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.

Subaru Canada Continues Partnership with RCGA as Presenting Sponsor of Golf Fore the Cure

Women’s golf events across Canada contribute to breast cancer fundraising program

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is pleased to announce that Subaru Canada will continue on as the Presenting Sponsor of Golf Fore the Cure.
Golf Fore the Cure, presented by Subaru, is a fundraising and awareness program created by the RCGA to engage women in the game of golf with non-intimidating, golf-related activities that help raise funds for breast cancer research and support programs.

“The RCGA is delighted that Subaru Canada is continuing their commitment as Presenting Sponsor of Golf Fore the Cure,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. Subaru Canada’s continued support of the program will help raise awareness about this disease while providing a fun, community-based women’s golf initiative to raise money for breast cancer research and support programs.”

Through their sponsorship of the Golf Fore the Cure program, Subaru Canada will be featured on all online, print and event-based program materials while gaining onsite promotional exposure at Golf Fore the Cure events across Canada. The opportunity to help make a difference within the community played a major factor in Subaru Canada’s decision to return as the program’s presenting sponsor.

“Golf Fore the Cure embodies the commitment to local communities and the support of active lifestyles that Subaru Canada supports wholeheartedly,” said Tod Sullivan, Subaru Canada’s National Director of Sales Planning, Sponsorship and Vehicle Distribution. “We are pleased to enable more Canadians to help the advancement of breast cancer research by taking part in an activity they love.”

The Golf Fore the Cure program exists through a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society as well as the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. Since its inception in 2004, Golf Fore the Cure has helped to raise almost $1.8 million for breast cancer research and support programs through the participation of 29,490 women across Canada. In 2008, 14,450 golfers helped to raise a total of $675,000.

“On behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society, I thank Subaru Canada for continuing their support of the Golf Fore the Cure program,” said Dr. Barbara Whylie, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. “Partners like Subaru Canada and the RCGA, as well as the thousands of Golf Fore the Cure participants across the country, are helping to raise funds in support of breast cancer research and support programs and we are extremely appreciative of their collective efforts.”

The Golf Fore the Cure program is aimed at growing women’s participation in the game of golf by introducing them to the game through fun, non-intimidating activities. Through a unique partnership structure with the Canadian Cancer Society (and Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation in Quebec) the program has women across the country participate in golf activities and raise money for a cause close to all women’s hearts – the fight against breast cancer.

Golf Fore the Cure, presented by Subaru Canada is also proudly supported by Tournament Sports (Nancy Lopez and Precept), Investors Group, Corona Light and Reader’s Digest.
As well, Alena Sharp – Canada’s top player on the LPGA Tour – is the national ambassador of the Golf Fore the Cure program.

The RCGA’s goal for 2009 is to have 15,800 women take part in the Golf Fore the Cure program and raise over $800,000 for breast cancer research and support programs. For a listing of sites taking part in Golf Fore the Cure across Canada, visit www.rcgagolfforethecure.ca.

ABOUT SUBARU CANADA
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 88 authorized dealers across Canada.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

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.