Golf Vancouver

Canada’s Top Junior Golfers will be competing in the Prestigious Junior Worlds

2010-07-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

Junior Worlds
The Junior Worlds, one of the most prestigious touranments in the world, for young aspiring golfers who have the dreams and desires to make golf their future, begins today at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California.

The Callaway Golf Junior World Golf Championships is truly unique with a total field size exceeding 1000 golfers. Participants from 45 states and 53 countries will be represented over the next four days. Not only is the Junior Worlds important to all the junior golfers who participate but it's also a big week for college coaches, who use the Junior Worlds as a hunting ground for up-and-coming talent.

Junior Golfers from 5 years old to 18 will competing at courses across San Diego - Torrey Pines, Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, Welk Resort, Lomas Santa Fe, Riverwalk, Sycuan Resort and Colina Park.

Megan Mahoney, the Executive Director of the San Diego Junior Golf Association, said, “I expect about 120 coaches from 80 schools will be roaming the grounds at Torrey Pines Golf Course, the site of the 15-17 age divisions for boys and girls over the four days of competition”.

One of the draws for coaches is the large international contingent the Junior World always attracts. The boys will be playing four rounds on Torrey Pines South, a course that was tough enough to host a U.S. Open while the girls will be playing the Torrey Pines North.

Many Junior World champions have gone on to enjoy successful careers on the PGA and LPGA Tours, including Amy Alcott, Notah Begay, Brandie Burton, John Cook, Dorothy Delasin, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson, Corey Pavin, Pat Perez, Joan Pitcock, Nick Price, Kim Shipman, Craig Stadler, David Toms and Tiger Woods.

With one of the largest contingents, Canada is set to make its mark over the competition days. Two years ago, Eugene Wong represented Canada well by winning the Junior Worlds. This was the first time a Canadian has won such a prestigious event.

This year, Canada will be well represented again with some outstanding junior golfers.

Jim Rutledge Polishes off Record Setting Performance at the Mr. Lube – Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship

2010-07-08T21:22:00.000-07:00

(Milton, ON) - Champions Tour player Jim Rutledge of Victoria, BC put the finishing touches on his record setting performance with a final round 2-under-par 70 to win the Mr. Lube – Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship presented by Cleveland Golf/Srixon by a whopping ten shots over Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Dave Barr of Westbank, BC.

Visit http://www.cpga.com/ to view the final leaderboard, earnings and to watch the Canadian PGA TV interview with the new champion.

After establishing a new course record at RattleSnake Point on Wednesday with a 10-under-par 62, Rutledge capped off the National Championship by breaking the overall tournament record with his 17-under-par total for three days. The previous record in the Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship was 12-under-par for 54 holes.

“I really wanted to come here to see some great friends and play in this event for the first time with the new sponsors and on a great golf course,” said Rutledge, who picked up $10,000 dollars for the victory and will now hop on a plane and fly to Winnipeg for the Player’s Cup on the Canadian Tour next week. “It was a fabulous week from start to finish and the Canadian PGA did a fantastic job of organizing and running this Championship.”

Rutledge is a rookie on the Champions Tour in 2010 with conditional status. He’s played well enough to qualify for five events on the Seniors’ circuit and currently sits 71st on the Champions Tour Money List with $82,550 in earnings. His victory adds a second Canadian PGA National Championship to his resume with the 1984 Canadian PGA Championship being his first.

“Winning a National Championship like this gives me some great momentum and confidence to keep it going on the Champions Tour,” said Rutledge, who is expected to get into the US Senior Open at Sahalee Country Club in a few weeks time. “I played with Mr. Lube President Stuart Suls in the Pro-Am and after raising some great money for Prostate Cancer and seeing Stuart’s commitment to this event it seemed like the entire week started off on the right foot.”

Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Dave Barr tried to put some early pressure on Rutledge with birdies on the 1st, 2nd and 5th holes but after another birdie on the 11th hole he had a couple of hiccups on the way in with bogeys on the way in. His final round score of 2-under-par 70 and 209 total was good enough to secure second place by himself while Champions Tour player Rod Spittle of Niagara Falls, ON finished alone in 3rd place after a final round score of 70. Barr picked up $4,000 while Spittle grabbed $2,500 in earnings.

Rick Willan of Markham, ON and Ken Tarling of Sanford, ON rounded out the top five as the two studs of the Ontario PGA Senior circuit finished with a 54-hole total of 2-under-par 214.

Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Bob Panasik of Windsor, ON rebounded from his playoff loss yesterday in the Super Seniors Division to shoot 73 in the final round and finish alone in 8th position. “Not bad for a guy that’s 68 years old, eh” joked Panasik.

In the Super Seniors Division that wrapped up on Wednesday Don Green of Thornbury, ON outlasted Panasik after making par on the first playoff hole.

Bobby Breen of Brampton, ON adds the Diamond Division title to his very large trophy case after firing rounds of 73-76 to win by six shots over Don Renaud of Ottawa, ON.

The $50,000 Mr. Lube - Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship presented by Cleveland Golf/Srixon is a three-day, 54-hole individual stroke play event. The Super Seniors’ (60 and older) and Diamond (70 and older) divisions was contested over 36 holes in two days.

Notes:
Mike Newman of London, ON made a hole in one on the 162-yard 15th hole in the final round

Spittle and Dave Bell of Windsor, ON qualified for the US Senior Open while Rutledge and Daryl Stubbs of South Delta, BC are currently alternates.

The Copperhead course at RattleSnake Point was set up at 6,900 yards by the Canadian PGA National Championship Team

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

Dave Barr, Jim Rutledge & Bob Panasik to Headline the Inaugural Mr. Lube - Legends of Golf Clinic

2010-07-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Acton, ON – Mr. Lube and the Canadian PGA are pleased to announce that Dave Barr of Kelowna, BC, Jim Rutledge of Victoria, BC and Bob Panasik of Windsor, ON will be showcasing their skills for a packed house at the inaugural Mr. Lube – Legends of Golf Clinic on July 5th at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton, ON.

The Mr. Lube – Legends of Golf Clinic will kick off the Mr. Lube Tournament for Life Pro-Am as Barr, Rutledge and Panasik will perform on the driving range of RattleSnake Point complete with music, microphones and a grandstand to showcase the skills that made all three of them famous.

“We are thrilled to be adding the Legends of Golf Clinic to our Tournament for Life Pro-Am,” said Stuart Suls, President and Chief Operating Officer for Mr. Lube Canada. “This will be an exciting day for all of our friends and clients of the Tournament for Life Pro-Am and I expect it to be one of the highlights of the entire Championship week.”

Barr is a Canadian Golf Hall of Famer that won the Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship in 2007 and enjoyed one of the best careers in Canadian Golf history after winning twice on the PGA Tour and becoming the first Canadian to win on the Champions Tour back in 2003. On home soil Barr racked up twelve victories on the Canadian Tour.

Rutledge won on the Canadian Tour six times, enjoyed a successful career on the Asian Tour and has represented Canada twice on the international stage at both the Dunhill Cup and the World Cup. He earned conditional status on the Champions Tour for 2010 and currently sits in 71st place on the money list with $73,500 in earnings.

Panasik is a nine-time Canadian Tour champion who has also represented Canada at the World Cup on three occasions. He qualified for the US Open Championship a remarkable 11 times between 1964 and 1983 and for the US Senior Open Championship in 2002. Panasik’s name still finds its’ way onto PGA TOUR telecasts as he still holds the record as the youngest player to make a cut in a PGA TOUR event, doing so at the age of 15 years and 8 months at the 1957 Canadian Open.

“This is a fantastic enhancement for this entire Championship,” stated Glenn Cundari, President of the Canadian PGA. “Dave Barr, Jim Rutledge and Bob Panasik are definitely Canadian golf legends and I’m thrilled to see that we will be showcasing the skills of our Professionals in this setting.”

Participants of the Mr. Lube Tournament for Life Pro-Am will receive their ticket to the event at registration. The Mr. Lube – Legends of Golf Clinic will start at 12:00 pm EST on Monday July 5th.

Champions Tour Players Rutledge and Spittle to Play in 2010 Mr. Lube - Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship

2010-06-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

Acton, ON – The Canadian PGA is pleased to announce that Champions Tour players Jim Rutledge of Victoria, BC and Rod Spittle of Niagara Falls, ON will play in the 2010 Mr. Lube – Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship presented by Cleveland Golf/Srixon, July 5-8 at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton, ON.

“I’m extremely excited to play in the Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship for the first time,” said Rutledge, who will come to Toronto right after the new Champions Tour event in Montreal. “The trophy is decorated with legendary Canadian PGA professionals and I would love to add my name to it.”

Rutledge has proudly carried the Canadian flag on his golf bag all over the globe, leaving his mark on every tour he’s played on. He’s won on the Canadian Tour six times, enjoyed a successful career on the Asian Tour and has represented Canada twice on the international stage at both the Dunhill Cup and the World Cup.

Rutledge played on the Nationwide Tour from 2001-2007, highlighted by his incredible come-from-behind victory at the 2006 ING New Zealand PGA Championship where he eagled the 17th hole and birdied the 18th hole to shoot 64 to win by a single shot.

Rutledge earned conditional status on the 2010 Champions Tour and has played in three events so far this season, including the Senior PGA Championship. His best finish came at the Cap Cana Championship in March where he finished tied for 13th.

“Mr. Lube is thrilled to have Jim Rutledge and Rod Spittle in the field for our first year as the title sponsor of this historic event,” stated Stuart Suls, President and Chief Operating Officer of Mr. Lube Canada. “Our goal is to make this event and the Tournament for Life Pro-Am one of the best in the country and we could not do it without the contributions of these great Canadian PGA Professionals.”

Spittle is making his second appearance at the Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship after a successful run on the Champions Tour over the last five years. Since 2005, Spittle has played in over 25 events and earned almost $480,000. His best year on tour to date was in 2007 where he made 13 cuts and earned over $300,000, propelled by a second place showing at the Greater Hickory Classic. He’s played in three events in 2010, with his best finish a T28 at the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic.

Spittle had a tremendous amateur career claiming the 1977 and 1978 Canadian Amateur Championship title after finishing second at the Canadian Junior Championship only a few years earlier. After attempting PGA TOUR Qualifying School on a couple of occasions, Spittle decided that a stable life at home in the corporate insurance world was for him. After 25 years in the insurance business Spittle finally pursued his lifelong dream and turned professional in 2004. He tasted success right away winning a Great Lakes Tour Platinum event in one of his first events as a professional.

The 2010 Mr. Lube – Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship presented by Cleveland Golf/Srixon will kick off festivities on July 5th with the Mr. Lube Tournament for Life Pro-Am with proceeds benefitting Prostate Cancer Canada.

Mackenzie digs down deep to snare first win in Victoria

2010-06-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Canadian Tour Communications

VICTORIA, BC (June 6, 2010) – Brock Mackenzie, you may now exhale.

It didn’t come without drama, but the former U.S. amateur star is finally a Canadian Tour champion at last.

On a wet and wild closing day at the $250,000 Times Colonist Open, Mackenzie jarred a long birdie putt on the final hole to close with a 4-under 66 and end his four days at Uplands GC with a 14-under 266 total, one shot in front of freshman Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, BC (63) and California sophomore Aaron Goldberg (66).

Roger Sloan of Merritt, BC gave the leaders something to think about by lighting it up for a course-record 9-under 61 to post an early 11-under total. For a while, it looked like Sloan would flirt with the largest final-round come-from-behind victory in Canadian Tour history, set in 2001 when Brian Payne overcame a five-shot deficit to knock off Jason Bohn on a windswept afternoon at the Aliant Cup in St. John’s, Nfld.

Sloan would eventually settle for fourth with fellow British Columbian James Allenby (66).

After several achingly close calls, McKenzie will at last get his name etched on a Canadian Tour championship trophy. In 2006, the native of nearby Washington State had heartbreaking back-to-back runner-up losses, including a playoff defeat to Wes Heffernan at the Montreal Open. After spending two seasons on the Nationwide Tour, McKenzie returned north in 2009, finishing fourth at the Uplands last summer.

As an amateur, Mackenzie compiled a sterling resume that included NCAA All-American honours at the University of Washington, the 2002 Pacific Coast Amateur crown and a Walker Cup title as a member of the victorious U.S. team in 2003.

Now, finally, he can add another piece of hardware to the family trophy case.

“Oh man, you have no idea,” sighed Mackenzie when asked if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. “Aaron and I really put on a show on that back nine. If we had played another hole, he probably would have tied it. I’m just glad I was able to dig down and finally pull one of these out.”

“I guess if you put yourself in contention enough times, eventually it will happen.”

It turned out to be a dramatic final day on Vancouver Island. Mackenzie bogeyed two of his first three holes and fell off the top of the leaderboard for the first time since midway through the second round. Those vying for the top perch traded punches all afternoon, with Sloan sitting comfortably in the clubhouse watching to see if his 11-under total would be enough to get him into a playoff.

Trailing by two shots with five holes to go, McKenzie dug in his heels and, after a Goldberg bogey on 14, pulled even with a birdie on the par-4 15th. Seconds later, Hadwin, playing three groups ahead, drained a birdie putt on the par-3 17th to put the pressure on the final pairing. McKenzie answered with a birdie on 16 before Goldberg did the same on 17.

On the 72nd hole, with Hadwin looking on, Mackenzie rolled in a clutch 25-foot downhill putt and did a slow fist pump. Seconds later, Goldberg’s attempt from just inside where McKenzie was came up a foot short.

“That was probably about as much emotion as I’ve ever showed on the golf course,” Mackenzie said of the impromptu fist pump after his putt on 18. “More than anything, it makes all the hard work and struggles worth it. It’s a great way to start the Canadian swing, and hopefully this will be a stepping stone to get back to where I want to be.”

With the $40,000 winner's cheque, McKenzie moves into top spot on the Order of Merit.

Sloan’s record-setting afternoon included holing out for carbon-copy eagles on a pair of par-4 holes. Sloan was exactly 89 yards out on both the third and 16th holes, dunking them both for the unlikely deuces. Oddly enough, Sloan says he was working on that distance with his wedge in the days leading up to the tournament.

“As soon as I was finished, I looked up, saw I was tied for the lead and knew it wouldn’t be enough,” said Sloan. “But if someone had told me this morning I would shoot 61, I would have taken it. It was an exciting afternoon. Any time you can kick off the first event in Canada like that, it bodes well for the rest of the summer.”

The Canadian Tour will now take a little time off before resuming the Canadian swing in Edmonton with the ATB Financial Classic presented by TELUS later this month.

Upcoming on the CJGA tournament schedule!

2010-05-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

First, the NIKE Golf Junior Series / Stephen Ames Cup / Optimist Qualifier will take place May 22nd and 23rd at Swaneset Golf Course and act as a triple qualifier - NIKE Golf Junior Championship, Optimist International and Stephen Ames Cup - for all juniors.

Each player will recieve a Dozen Nike One Golf Balls, a Nike Golf Hat and a chance to win great NIKE prizes. The Stephen Ames Cup, an international event taking place in Trinidad & Tobago in 2010, is a Ryder Cup format event that pits CJGA Team Canada versus Trinidad & Tobago Golf Association. Tournament host and PGA Tour professional Stephen Ames is onsite the entire week, spending time with the juniors both on and off the golf course. The event is fully supported and funded by the Stephen Ames Foundation. The NIKE Golf Junior Championship is an invite only event, bringing together all the division winners for the NIKE Golf Jr. Series events across Canada to compete for the NIKE Championship crown in their respective age divisions. Due to the Optimist International Qualifier the divisions for this event will be Girls plus 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16-18 for the Boys.

Secondly, the TELUS World Jr. Skins will take place at Bear Mountain Golf Resort June 5-6, home of the 2010 TELUS World Skins Game. This event will be full of great opportunities for the juniors:Each player will recieve two tickets to the TELUS Skins Game, a Dozen NIKE One golf balls and a NIKE Golf Hat

Plus the chance to play the course the Pros will play two weeks later

And a chance to win a spot as a walking scorer for the TELUS World Skins Game

There will also be Draw prizes for all participants to win a spot as a walking scorer and Draw prizes from Samsung

View the attached poster for more details.

Make sure you don’t miss out on either of these great opportunities. Make sure you secure your spot and register today.

For more information, please contact the CJGA Head Office at 1-877-508-1069 or at info@cjga.com.

Vancouver Sun/Province Golf Guide

2010-04-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it this week the Vancouver Sun & Province released their annual golf guide. Click below to view the guide!

Canadian PGA Announces Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada as the Presenting Sponsor of the Mr. Lube - Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship

2010-04-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

(Acton, ON) – The Canadian PGA continues to add excitement to the prestigious Mr. Lube - Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship announcing today that Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada has been named the presenting sponsor of the event that will take place on July 5-8 at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton, ON.

“The Canadian PGA is excited to welcome Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada as the presenting sponsor of this great event,” stated Glenn Cundari, President of the Canadian PGA. “Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada continues to strengthen its’ brand across the country and we are pleased to align ourselves with them for this National Championship.”

As part of the agreement Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada will provide all the gifting in their category for the Mr. Lube – Tournament for Life Pro-Am that will kick off the Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship.

“We are very excited to become a partner in this event as it is a fantastic fit for us,” said Dan Dodman, President of Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada. “We’ve been a proud supporter of the Canadian PGA and its’ Members for many years and we know that the guests and clients of Mr. Lube will be thrilled with our product and gifting that they will receive.”

In 2009, Cleveland Golf/Srixon staff player Ray Stewart of Abbotsford, BC fired a final round 68 to finish the 54-hole championship at a ten-under-par total of 206 to beat Ken Tarling of Sandford, ON and Norm Jarvis of Surrey, BC by two shots.

One of the greatest fields in Canadian PGA Seniors’ history is expected for 2010 and player announcements will be made in the weeks leading up to the event.

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

About the Canadian PGA:

Established in 1911 and the second oldest professional golf association in the world, the Canadian Professional Golfers' Association is a non-profit Association comprised of 3,600 golf professionals across the country. The Association’s mandate is to develop, promote and support our Members as experts in the game and business of golf and, in so doing, serve both its Members’ needs and those of the golfing public through the Association’s varied programs and events.

The Association consists of the National Office located in Acton, Ontario and nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information please visit http://www.cpga.com/.

About Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada:

Cleveland® Golf, Srixon®, Never Compromise® and Cleveland Classics™ apparel are brands owned by SRI Sports Limited. With corporate headquarters based in Kobe, Japan, SRI Sports is the fourth largest golf company in the world, as well as one of the world’s leading patent holders in golf ball technology. For more information, please visit us online at http://www.clevelandgolf.com/, http://www.srixon.com/, http://www.nevercompromise.com/ and http://www.clevelandclassicsapparel.com/

Vancouver Golf Tour Kings Links Open in Review

2010-04-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

MARKETPLACE IGA - VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR

2010 KINGS LINKS OPEN

Monday, April 19th
Kings Links by the Sea GC
Boundary Bay, BC
6,865 yards Par 72

‘SHIN AND BERNAKEVITCH SHARE THE CROWN’

VGT Professionals John Shin and Lindsay Bernakevitch prevailed at the 2010 VGT Kings Links Open today, both shooting rounds of 4-under par 68 for a shared victory at Vancouver Golf Tour’s fourth event of the year. Both Shin and Bernakevitch took home $1,025 each for their win and moved to 3rd place and 7th place respectively in the 2010 CLEVELAND GOLF/ SRIXON CANADA Order of Merit. Seymour Creek’s Bryn Parry was one shot back in a four way tie for 3rd, maintaining a solid lead in the Race for the $5,000 PGA Q-School Entry with 3,550 points.

Heading up the Championship Amateur field was 26-year old Marine Drive Member Geoff Butt with a fine score of 3-under par 69 and a one shot victory over Northview’s Derek Wray. Butt took home a Cleveland Launcher 3-wood and a $100 Marketplace IGA Gift Card for his victory.

Butt has been working hard on his game of late, attempting to acquire his Canadian Tour card last fall in Toronto and this spring in California. He has plans to make a 3rd visit to the Canadian Tour Q-school later in May at Morningstar Golf Club and with today’s amateur victory, he will no doubt take a more confidence going forward. Butt plans to stay local and sharpen his game in a few more VGT events this spring against some of BC’s top Amateurs and Professionals. Derek Wray’s 2nd place finish vaults him within 400 points of the Amateur Order of Merit Leader Adam Cornelson of Vancouver Golf Club.

The Amateur Flight A Title was won by Seong-Jin Min of Burnaby with a score of 75 and a one shot victory over Jesse Forster. Min won a Cleveland Golf carry bag and $100 Gift Card to Marketplace IGA. In Flight B action, Dave Woodsford of Greenacres Golf Club shot a gross score of 79 to win by won shot over 16 year-old North Vancouver golfer Aaron Tham. Woodsford also took home a Cleveland Bag and $100 gift card for Marketplace IGA.

Please find a copy of the Official Prize Results here http://www.vancouvergolftour.com/

2010 Canada Bread BC Match Play Final Results

2010-04-19T00:04:00.000-07:00

2010 CANADA BREAD

BC MATCH PLAY FINALS

36 Hole Match Results
Sunday, April 18th

Northview Golf Club
(seedings in brackets)
Winning Team Listed First

Dave Zibrik/ Kevin Hogg (19)
9 & 8
Mark Burke/Mewail Kidane (1)

Congratulations to 2010 CANADA BREAD BC MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONS DAVE ZIBRIK and KEVIN HOGG for their fine play at today’s 36 Hole Finals at Northview’s Ridge Course. Westwood Plateau Academy’s New Head Professional (Zibrik) and Swan-e-set Amateur (Hogg) were too strong a force for the Defending Champions Mark Burke/Mewail Kidane of the Golf Institute at Fraserview, blazing a total of 12 birdies and one eagle on their card over the duration of the match (28 holes).

Hogg and Zibrik fed off each other nicely the whole day, first Hogg setting the tone with a 9 iron on the 1st hole to 4 inches for the tap-in birdie. An unforced bogey on #3 from Burke/Kidane and a routine up-and-down to 2 feet for bird on #4 and Zibrik/Hogg took a 3-up lead early in this match. A win from Burke/Kidane on the par-3 fifth put the match back to 2-up, but only momentarily. Zibrik/Hogg’s steady team play continued on the par 4 sixth, with partner Hogg in for a solid par, Zibrik knocked down his 8 foot birdie for another win to go back to 3-up after six. Back-to-back birdies on #7 (Kidane) & #8 (Burke) kept the defending champions in the match thru the turn as both teams took par on the 9th to keep the match 1 up Zibrik/Hogg at the turn.

The start of the back nine went much the same as the front with Hogg making the first charge with a 20 footer for birdie on #10 and then stiffing his tee-shot on #11 to 8 feet over the water, ultimately free-ing up Zibrik on his tee-shot, which he stuck to 4 feet and made yet another birdie. Burke had his own 7 footer to make the half, but failed to capitalize and the match was back to 3-up thru 11. With Zibrik’s putter the only one to catch fire from 15 feet on #12, the match became 4 up thru as many holes. And after two consecutive halves on holes 14 and 15, Zibrik nailed another iron shot to 8 feet on the downhill 16th and capitalized for the team’s 7th birdie on the day to go 5-up through 16.

After Burke and Kidane failed to get their pitches up and down for par on the 17th, Zibrik/Hogg took an even bigger lead in this match to 6-up through 17. Birdies on 18 from both Zibrik and Burk kept the match at 6-up thru 18 holes.

After the lunchtime break, the players convened for the second half of the match. And it didn’t take long for Zibrik and Hogg to show that they were not interested in relinquishing their lead whatsoever. First it was Zibrik who drained a 12 footer for his birdie to halve the hole after Burke followed him in for birdie from 7 feet. Then it was his partner who took the turn on the next hole, chipping in for birdie from 20 feet to extend the match to 7 up through 20 holes.

With a lengthy birdie on the 21st from Burke it looked like for a moment there might be a glimmer of a comeback in the making, but only one hole later it was Zibrik back to his tricks on the putting green, holing yet another 12 footer for birdie to solidify their lead to 7-up thru 22.

Some great up and downs were made on hole 23 for pars by Zibrik and Kidane and some even greater second shots on the 24th hole by Zibrik and Burke left some 6-8 feet for birdie, which both failed to capitalize on and halves were made. More fine drives and second shots on the par 5- 25th hole left Zibrik and Burke sitting 15 feet and 10 feet for eagle. Although both players missed their eagles, they did tap-in for their birdies, and the match remained 7-up Hogg/Zibrik thru 25.

As outstanding as Zibrik played the first 25 holes of the finals, the icing on this match came from his amateur partner Kevin Hogg when he eagled the short par-4 26th from 5 feet and ultimately sealing the fait of the match with his 15 footer for birdie on the 28th hole to close the match 9 and 8.

At the end of the day, the team of Zibrik and Hogg had too much fire-power for the 2009 BC Match Play Champions, something they had showcased to past opponents through the course of the match play draw. In their last four matches alone, Zibrik/Hogg amassed an amazing better-ball score of -41 and showed to everyone in the field that they were truly deserved Champions! For their victory, Zibrik cashed a $1,800 winner’s cheque and Hogg received a $1,000 gift card. Runners-up Burke and Kidane received $1,000 each for their fine play for reaching the finals. To see the detailed match play results, please click here: http://www.vancouvergolftour.com/index.html

At the conclusion of the event, VGT Commissioner Fraser Mulholland paid tribute to some very important partners in the co-ordination of the 2010 BC Match Play event:

BC MATCH PLAY TITLE SPONSOR – CANADA BREAD. Special thanks to Roger Antoniazzi for his continued support of this event the past three years!

VGT’S TITLE SPONSOR – MARKETPLACE IGA. Thanks for supporting BC Golf Development for the fourth straight year!

BC MATCH PLAY VOLUNTEERS: Thanks to all of you who helped us organize and make this event a special tournament for the competitors who start their year with this as their first ‘MAJOR’ of the year.

ALL HOST GOLF COURSES – Special thanks to all the golf courses on our 2010 BC Match Play rotation. Once again, without your support, this 65 year storied event would not continue to live on each year!

VGT TEAM MEMBERS – Thanks for all your devoted work throughout this event and all the VGT events that were jammed in between the weekend matches. Great work team!!

We look forward to hosting the 2011 BC MATCH PLAY event for all competitors and would like to wish our 2010 Champions good luck in defending their title next year!!!
Fraser Mulholland
Commissioner
VGT

Canadian PGA Announces Mr. Lube Canada as Title Sponsor of the Canadian PGA Seniors' Championship

2010-04-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Acton, ON – The Canadian PGA announced a new national partnership today with Mr. Lube Canada, Canada’s leading auto maintenance provider. As a result of this partnership, they have officially welcomed Mr. Lube Canada as the title sponsor of the prestigious Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship.

“The Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship is a fantastic event and one of our most competitive fields every year,” stated Gary Bernard, Executive Director of the Canadian PGA. “We are confident that the clients and guests of Mr. Lube Canada are going to enjoy every minute of this tournament with our professionals.”

The Mr. Lube Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship will kick off with the Mr. Lube Tournament for Life for Pro-Am, an annual charity event in support of prostate cancer research. As a partner of both the Canadian PGA and Mr. Lube Canada, Prostate Cancer Canada helps to battle this disease by building awareness and generating funds for research.

“We are proud to be entering into two very important partnerships that will not only support the community, but also give back to a worthy cause, “ said Stuart Suls, President & Chief Operating Officer of Mr. Lube Canada. “Our goal is to ensure that this event is recognized as one of the greatest Pro-Am events in the country.”

Every group in the Mr. Lube Tournament for Life will be paired with a Canadian PGA Senior Professional. In addition to the ‘Legends of Golf Clinic’ and ‘Tournament for Life’ opening tee shot, a handful of Canada’s greatest senior players and Hall of Famers will entertain and educate guests prior to their round.

The Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship will be held from July 5th to 8th at RattleSnake Point Golf Club on the Copperhead course in Milton, Ontario. Player announcements will be made in the weeks leading up to the Championship.

In 2009, Ray Stewart of Abbotsford, BC fired a final round 68 to finish the 54-hole championship at a ten-under-par total of 206 to beat Ken Tarling of Sandford, ON and Norm Jarvis of Surrey, BC by two shots.

About the Canadian PGA:
Established in 1911 and the second oldest professional golf association in the world, the Canadian Professional Golfers' Association is a non-profit Association comprised of 3,600 golf professionals across the country. The Association’s mandate is to develop, promote and support our Members as experts in the game and business of golf and, in so doing, serve both its Members’ needs and those of the golfing public through the Association’s varied programs and events. The Association consists of the National Office located in Acton, Ontario and nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information please visit http://www.cpga.com/

About Mr. Lube:
Mr. Lube Canada is Canada’s leading quick lube provider in the automotive routine maintenance category with 101 locations across Canada. Founded in 1976, Mr. Lube Canada has served over 34 million customers in its 34 year history. Headquartered in Delta, BC, the company also has a regional office in Mississauga, Ontario to support its national franchise network. For more information visit http://www.mrlube.com/

Canada Heads to World Junior Golf Team Championship Zone Qualifier

2010-04-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Team Canada Developmental Team members Albin Choi, Corey Connors, Richard Jung and Adam Svensson will represent Canada

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) –Top junior golfers from Canada, Mexico, Guatemala and the Domican Republic will gather at Club de Golf Chapultepec in Naucalpan, Mexico from April 14-16 to compete at the Zone Qualifier for the World Junior Golf Team Championship (WJGTC).

The four-player teams will compete over 54-holes with the top two teams advancing to the World Junior Golf Team Championship, which takes place this June at Chukyo Golf Club - Ishino Course outside of Toyota City in Japan.

This year’s Canadian contingent consists of Toronto’s Albin Choi and Richard Jung, as well as Listowel, Ont. native Corey Conners and Adam Svensson of Surrey, BC. All four players are members of the Canada’s Developmental golf team.

Henry Brunton, Canadian PGA master professional and men’s head coach for Team Canada will accompany the team.

Canada has been competing in the World Junior Golf Team Championship since its inception in 1992. Each year, more than 60 countries attempt to qualify for the event via regional qualifiers with only 14 teams earning the right to play in Japan.

Canada has showed well in the past earning seven top-10 finishes in the event’s 19 year history. There has only been two years (1992 and 2008) where Canada did not make it through regional qualifying.

Last year, Capilano Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, B.C. played host to the regional qualifier. Canada finished first at the qualifier and went on to a 12th place finish at the Toyota World Juniors.

For more information and daily results please visit www.cnij.net.

ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM

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

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.

The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by RBC Dominion Securities, Titleist, Foot-Joy, Under Armour, and ClubLink.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION

The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 350,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.

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

2010 NICKEL HEATING Open Review

2010-04-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ledgeview Golf & Country Club

Monday, April 12th

Tournament in Review
After losing to Chad McAdie in a playoff at last week’s VGT Sandpiper Classic, 23 year-old Seann Harlingten was determined to claim his first VGT Professional victory at the 2010 NICKEL HEATING OPEN. And on Monday, he did just that, shooting 67 and edging 38-year old veteran professional Bryn Parry of Seymour Creek by one shot. With his win, Harlingten won 1,500 valuable order of merit points to creep within 250 points of Bryn Parry in the CLEVELAND/SRIXON Order of Merit Race for the $5,000 paid entry to PGA Tour Qualifying School.

Harlingten’s winning score was also good enough to win $1,500 and capture his first Professional VGT title, it wasn’t quite good enough to capture the OVERALL CHAMPION TITLE of the 2010 NICKEL HEATING OPEN as 24 year old Amateur Adam Cornelson of Vancouver Golf Club stole the show, shooting an amazing score of 65. This was not Cornelson’s first time to the podium in a Vancouver Golf Tour event, as he captured Low Amateur honours at the 2009 Vancouver City Open. It was, however his first OVERALL victory against a strong field of 87 players including 30 VGT Professionals of which several were experienced Canadian Tour players.

Interviewed after the round, Cornelson agreed that to win against the Professionals in this field was a great accomplishment. “It’s a great feeling to beat the calibre of Professionals in today’s field. I’m going to take a lot of confidence away from this event into future VGT events and the remainder of my 2010 tournament schedule”. Cornelson set himself apart from his amateur competitors this week, winning by 7 shots over his next competitor Yves Bisson of Sandpiper Resort, who shot 72 for his second straight runner-up finish in the Championship Amateur Flight. With his win, Cornelson not only won a Cleveland Launcher Driver, but he also vaulted himself into top spot on the Cleveland/Srixon Championship Flight Order of Merit with 2,850 points, some 650 points ahead of Yves Bisson.

NICKEL HEATING & VENTILATION’S Steve Savage was on hand to play in the event and to award Cornelson his winner’s trophy after the round. “It’s great to be a part of the Vancouver Golf Tour again this year and help support our aspiring Professional and Amateur golfers in the Greater Vancouver region”. “I’m confident the tournament experiences VGT is providing for players like Adam will help prepare its players to become a winner on the PGA Tour someday real soon”.

In Flight A action, Northview’s Jim Zalusky took home Low Gross honours with a score of 82, collecting a Cleveland Launcher DST Hybrid and $100 Gift Card to Marketplace IGA. Zalusky moved himself into a tie for 5th on the Cleveland/Srixon Order of Merit with his victory. In flight B action, Port Coquitlam’s Murray Reed claimed the Low Gross prize of a Cleveland Bag and $100 Gift Card to Marketplace IGA with his winning score of 82. Coquitlam’s Rob Colquhoun remains in top spot in Flight B’s Order of Merit with 2,250 points.

Vancouver Golf Tour would like to thank our TITLE SPONSOR Steve Savage of NICKEL HEATING & VENTILATION who has been a Premier Sponsor of Vancouver Golf Tour since 2007. “NICKEL HEATING has been instrumental to the development of VGT since day one and we can’t thank Mr. Savage enough for continuing his support of the tour again this year” stated VGT Commissioner Fraser Mulholland. “NICKEL HEATING has elevated their sponsorship of VGT in 2010 to include a $2,500 “OUTSTANDING PLAYER AWARD”, once again stepping up their role in the development of golfers in our region. Official details of this award will be released shortly”.

VGT would also like to give special thanks to the Ledgeview Golf & Country Club for playing host to the NICKEL HEATING OPEN event for the 3rd straight year and for keeping their golf course in excellent shape for all of our Championship Players. Additional thanks to Director of Golf Jason Smith and his staff for their support throughout the event. Lastly, we need to give thanks to all of the hard-working VGT volunteers and team members who helped make this tournament a huge success. For full results of this event and 2010

CLEVELAND/SRIXON ORDER OF MERIT standings, click here: http://www.vancouvergolftour.com/2010/live_scoring.htm.

VGT looks forward to hosting its next two events – The 2010 KINGS LINKS OPEN on Monday, April 19th (8am shotgun start) and our first Amateur Only event of the season – The 2010 MTC NORTHVIEW OPEN on Sunday, April 25th (11am start). Registration for KINGS LINKS closes Wednesday at 6pm and we strongly suggest early registration for the MTC Northview Open as it SOLD OUT early in 2009!!!

Cory Renfrew takes home Bobby Gaul Memorial Trophy

2010-04-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

Renfrew is named UBC male athlete of the year

BC golfer, Cory Renfrew heard his named called for the second consecutive year, bringing home the prestigious Bobby Gaul Memorial Trophy as UBC's outstanding graduating male athlete after claiming the Bus Phillips Award (male athlete of the year) in 2009.

Winner of the 2009 Bus Phillips Award as UBC’s male athlete of the year, Renfrew capped off his four year T-Bird career in style last season with the individual title at the RCGA Championships as he led UBC to their second-straight Canadian crown. In three of his four years, he was UBC’s top finisher at the NAIA Championship and led the T-Birds to their first ever NAIA men’s golf title in 2008. He was twice named an NAIA All-American and in 2008 he earned a spot on the All-Nicklaus team as one of the top 20 collegiate golfers in North America.

CN Extends Title Sponsorship of CN Canadian Women’s Open Through 2013

2010-04-13T01:03:00.000-07:00

North America’s Railroad to continue success story with Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship as well as CN Canadian Women’s Tour and CN Future Links

Oakville, Ont. – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is pleased to announce that CN will continue as title sponsor of the CN Canadian Women’s Open, as well as the CN Canadian Women’s Tour and CN Future Links. The extended three-year agreement will see CN continue its’ valued support of Canadian golf through 2013 with an additional two-year option through 2015.

"CN is delighted to announce that we will continue our title sponsorship of the CN Canadian Women’s Open, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour and CN Future Links," said CN President Claude Mongeau. "We at CN are very proud to be associated with the only LPGA tour stop in Canada - the CN Canadian Women's Open. Equally as important, our continued involvement with the event will provide a platform through the CN Miracle Match program to leave a lasting legacy at children’s hospitals in our event host communities. We are also committed to helping the RCGA ensure the future of the game of golf through our on-going support of the developmental CN Canadian Women's Tour as well as the CN Future Links program that helps junior golfers at the grass roots level learn to play and develop a passion for the game. Each of these tremendous properties is making an impact through golf in local communities across Canada.”

The partnership between CN and the RCGA dates back to an announcement made on October 29, 2005 that the inaugural CN Canadian Women’s Open would take place in 2006.

The CN Canadian Women’s Open, through the support of CN, has been elevated to become one of the premier tournaments in women’s professional golf. The $2.25 million (U.S.) purse for the 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Open to be held August 23-29 at St. Charles Country Club in Winnipeg will rank among the Top-5 purses on the LPGA Tour this season.

“CN represents the best in their business, so we’re thrilled to extend our relationship with a transportation company with such a rich history and bright future,” said LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan. “CN is the only railroad that crosses the continent east-west and north-south, serving the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts; the LPGA strives to satisfy its fans in the same fashion that CN clearly has done for its growing number of customers and partners. We thank both CN and RCGA for their long-time and on-going commitment to the LPGA, and we look forward not only to making our annual trip to Canada but also enhancing a relationship that extends well beyond the ropes into many facets of women’s golf development.”

The tremendously successful CN Miracle Match Program has continued to grow as the charitable component to Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship and further illustrate CN’s commitment as community champions. The program debuted in 2006 and to date has helped to raise just over $3.5 million for children’s hospitals in the host communities of the CN Canadian Women’s Open, including a record $1.6 million raised in 2009 for the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. More information about the program is available at http://www.cnmiraclematch.ca/.

“CN is playing a major role in supporting excellence in Canadian golf and we are thrilled to have them continue on as sponsor of the CN Canadian Women’s Open as well as the CN Canadian Women’s Tour and CN Future Links,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “In addition to their commitment to raising money for children’s hospitals in the name of the event, they have elevated the status of the CN Canadian Women’s Open and women’s golf in this country, and are helping to support thousands of young golfers in communities across Canada. We are honoured to be continuing our partnership with CN and on behalf of the RCGA Board of Directors and staff, we thank them for continuing to invest in the future success of golf in Canada.”

ABOUT THE 2010 CN CANADIAN WOMEN’S OPEN
Stars of the LPGA Tour will challenge for the 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Open from August 23-29 at the St. Charles Country Club in Winnipeg. For more information about tickets, volunteer opportunities or corporate hospitality, please visit www.cncanadianwomensopen.com.

ABOUT THE CN CANADIAN WOMEN’S TOUR
One of the world’s premier developmental tours, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour continues to attract rising Canadian and international female golf professionals as well as top female amateurs. Many of Canada’s top professionals including Lorie Kane and Alena Sharp as well as 2010 LPGA Tour member Lisa Meldrum and Samantha Richdale have competed on the CN Canadian Women's Tour as a springboard to future success. The 2010 season will see events hosted Quilchena Golf and Country Club in Richmond B.C., Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton, Ont. and Club de golf Rivermead in Gatineau, Que. Total season prize money for 2010 is $180,000 (CDN); each championship purse will be $60,000 with the champion earning $10,000. As well, the top three players on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour Order of Merit will be awarded direct entry and entry fees paid into both LPGA Tour Sectional Qualifying Tournaments ($5,000 value each). For more information, visit http://www.cncanadianwomenstour.ca/.

ABOUT CN FUTURE LINKS
CN Future Links is Canada’s national junior golf program conducted by the RCGA, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association (CPGA) and Canada’s provincial golf associations. The program is designed to forge a link between Canada’s youth and golf to ensure the future of the game in Canada. Since the inception of the program in 1996, more than 845,000 young Canadians have taken part in CN Future Links. A number of new initiatives including the recently launched Learn to Play program have succeeded through CN’s sponsorship of the program. For more information visit www.cnfuturelinks.com.

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

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 http://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 http://www.rcga.org/.

Chilean Alvarado takes top honours, Canadian Hadwin sixth at Q-School

2010-04-03T01:11:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Canadian Tour Communications

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – It turned out to be a Good Friday indeed for the 24 latest members of the Canadian Tour as California Qualifying School closed out.
Chilean Benjamin Alvarado took medallist honours after a final-round 72 gave him a four-day total of 3-over 291, one shot in front of American David Dragoo. Californian Larry Correa finished two shots back.

Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, BC, who took a share of the lead into the final round, struggled on his back nine Friday, going 6-over on his way to a 77 that dropped him into a share of sixth. The top 11 finishers earned exempt status for the 2010 season while 13 others including Josh Nelson, the son of ten-time PGA Tour winner Larry Nelson, were awarded non-exempt status.

Hadwin was the only Canadian to secure a card.

For Alvarado, Friday’s outcome signalled a comeback of sorts. It was just seven months ago that Alvarado underwent surgery on both knees as the result of a lifelong tendon problem. He began working out again a month and a half ago, and returned to the competitive scene this week.

The 2003 South American Amateur champion, who also won the prestigious Orange Bowl title in 2002, is regarded as one of the best amateur golfers in Chile’s history.

“This means the world to me right now,” said Alvarado. “I wasn’t sure what to expect this week. I just wanted to come out, do my best and try to get a card.

“This feels very good,” he added “It’s been a difficult year.”

Federico Cabrera, the son of reigning Masters champion Angel Cabrera, closed with a 73 to finish at 13-over 301, one shot shy of earning non-exempt status.

Two weeks from now, the Canadian Tour will move into Mexico for a pair of events. The B.C. qualifying school will be held in May just prior to the start of the $250,000 Times Colonist Open in Victoria, which will kick off the summer-long Canadian swing.

2010 Canadian Tour California School Qualifiers:
Exempt Status
1 - Benjamin Alvarado - 291
2 - David Dragoo - 292
3 - Larry Correa - 293
4 - Matt Richardson - 294
5 - Michael Jensen - 294
6 - Adam Hadwin - 295
7 - Eduardo Kim - 295
8 - Brian Prouty - 296
9 - Matthew Rosen - 296
10 - Reid Scarff - 296
11 - Mike McRae - 297

Non Exempt Status
1 - Timothy Cha - 298
2 - Cole Nondorf - 298
3 - Erik Olson - 298
4 - Creighton Honeck - 298
5 - Phil Telliard - 298
6 - Kyle Yonke - 298
7 - Jae An - 299
8 - Josh Nelson - 299
9 - Daniel Lim - 299
10 - Tom Glissmeyer - 299
11 - Kyle Warren - 300
12 - Eugene Choe - 300
13 - Steve Saunders - 300

Vigna, Fahy, and Yoo Hold off the field to Capture PUMA Challenge

2010-03-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

Vancouver, B.C. – Cold and wet conditions greeted the juniors at the first PUMA Challenge stop at University Golf Club this weekend, providing great excitement in all divisions. It took extra holes to determine the Boys 15-19 Division, as James Fahy, 17, of Vancouver got up and down for birdie on the second playoff hole, the par 5 fifth, to capture the his second PUMA Challenge title in as many years. “The course was soft with the conditions, but it was in great shape and the greens rolled well” said Fahy.

Fahy held of Cameron Davison, 15, of Duncan in the playoff, after Davison fired a final round 72 (E) to tie atop the leader board with Fahy at 147 (+3) for the tournament. After exchanging par’s on the first playoff hole, Fahy was able to tap in for his birdie and the victory on the second playoff hole. “My putting and chipping were the strengths in my game” Fahy said. “Now I need to work on my distance control”. Kevin Ko, 16, of Coquitlam vaulted up the leader board with a final round 70 (-2) to finish in third place in the older boys flight.

Kevin Vigna, 14, of Coquitlam playing in his first CJGA event captured his first Division title in the Boys 14 & Under flight with an impressive one over par (145) two-day total for a three stroke margin of victory. “I hit the ball well off the tee this weekend”, said Vigna following his round. “I need to continue to work on my putting, but an extremely happy that I was able to win the tournament” he added. Alex Francois, 10, of Burnaby had the round of the tournament closing out with a 69 (-3) on Sunday to jump into second place in the division, three strokes back at 148 (+4) for the tournament. First round co-leader Donald Qui of Surrey finished in third spot after a 77 (+5) in the final round to finish five shots off the pace.

The Girls Division had excitement and was not to be outdone, as Anica Yoo, 16, of Port Coquitlam who lost in a playoff in last year’s event fired a final round 70 (-2) to capture the divisional title by a single stroke. “I putted really well, but have some work to do on my pitch shots” said Yoo. Taking advantage of the par 5’s, Yoo eagled two of the four par fives on her way to victory. “The course played fair, although the weather did not help” she added. First round leader Jamie Oleksiew, 15, of Surrey managed to hold on to second place after a final round 73 (+1) for a two day 147 (+3) and finish one off the pace. Soobin Kim, 16, of Port Coquitlam shot a final round 72 (E) to finish third in the division, two shots off the pace at 148 (+4).

Click here for the full results!

Jun Kang, 14, of Port Moody scored his first hole in one during the first round of competition, on the 145 yard par 3 11th hole.

Tournament Notes

Weather:
First Round: Mostly cloudy, 14°C
Final Round: Rain showers and windy, 9°C

Lexus Skills Competition Winners

Closest to the Pin
Girls – Ally Shin
Boys 14 & Under – Jun Kang
Boys 15-19 – Myles DeBrincat

Long Drive
Girls – Soobin Kim
Boys 14 & Under – Chris Crisologo
Boys 15-19 – Sean Moen

The next PUMA Challenge will take place in Alberta on May 1-2 at River Spirit Golf Course. The next British Columbia event takes place April 17-18 at McCleery Golf Course with the Euro Junior Golf Cup/Lipton Brisk Canada Cup Team West Qualifier.

About PUMA
PUMA is one of the world's leading sport lifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Peace, Creativity, and SAFE Sustainability, and by staying true to the values of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Soccer, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. The Black label features collaborations with renowned designers such as Alexander McQueen, Yasuhiro Mihara and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Tretorn and Hussein Chalayan. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit http://www.puma.com/ and golf.puma.com.

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

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

Canadian PGA PACE Program Approved by Membership

2010-03-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

(Acton, ON) – The Canadian PGA announced today that their proposed PACE program, an education and employment strategy to enhance the knowledge and influence of all Canadian PGA Professionals, was approved by the Membership at the Annual General Meeting in Moncton, New Brunswick.

“This is a giant leap forward for the Canadian PGA and the entire golf industry as a whole,” said Glenn Cundari, President of the Canadian PGA. “We’re not afraid to say that we are working hard to help our Members live a better life and earn a better living and this is a key component to making that happen.”

The purpose of the Canadian PGA PACE Program is:

- to ensure that all Members of the Canadian PGA have standardized training and knowledge of the golf industry

- to support the professional development of our Members throughout their careers

- to enhance career opportunities by offering a system that will improve and simplify the employment process

- to encourage and celebrate continued development in a specialized field

Announcements regarding the PACE program will be released to the Canadian PGA Membership and the entire golf industry as new opportunities and developments present themselves.

Bear Mountain Place Under Creditor Protection

2010-03-26T00:57:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA — The Bear Mountain Master Partnership has opted for creditor protection as the ownership group behind Bear Mountain Resort and the residential development on Skirt Mountain tries to work out a deal with one of its lenders.

Click here to view the full story!

Final Round Results from the CJGA B.C. Junior World's Qualifier

2010-03-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

Final round results from the British Columbia Zone of the Canadian Junior Golf Association's Junior Worlds Golf Qualifier at Hazelmere G&CC http://ow.ly/1pcpV - some great scores & great playing by the kids in less then ideal weather on day 2!!!

Round 1 - CJGA Junior Worlds Qualifier, British Columbia

2010-03-21T00:17:00.000-07:00

CJGA Junior Worlds Golf Qualifer round 2 gets underway Sunday March 21st at 11:00 am. View the round 1 results http://ow.ly/1oXZr

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

2010-03-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

Markham, Ont. – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) will continue its British Columbia tournament schedule this weekend, March 20-21 at Hazelmere Golf Course in South Surrey, British Columbia. A national field of juniors are preparing themselves to solidify a coveted spot to represent CJGA Team Canada at the Junior World Golf Championships at Torrey Pines Golf Club in San Diego, CA in July. Each division has a strong field, along with season opening division winners Leilanie Kim, 16, of Surrey and 11 year old Henry Lee of Coquitlam.

Jay Kim, runner-up at the first event of the season is back in the field and should be in contention to capture his first divisional title in the Boys 15-19 Division. Brian Jung, 15, of Coquitlam will look to return to the Junior Worlds as part of CJGA Team Canada and improve on his standing from last year after narrowly missing the cut. Tony Mak, member of CJGA Team Canada at the Tri Nations Cup in South Africa this past January will also be competing.

Henry Lee will have his hands full as he tries to make it two in row. On his heels will be a pair of Surrey locals and former CJGA Team Canada members who travelled to the Junior Worlds last year - Sy Lovan, 11, and Donald Qui, 13.

Expect a crowded leaderboard in the Girls Division this weekend as over 20 junior girls vie for spots on CJGA Team Canada. Jennifer Yang, 16, of Coquitlam and Stephanie Wong, 16, of Richmond, members of last year’s team in San Diego, will once again be competing along with Soobin Kim, runner up in last year’s BC Junior Girls Championship.

In 2007, CJGA member Eugene Wong, now a member of the University or Oregon golf team, became the first Canadian in history to win the Junior World Golf Championship, one of the largest and most prestigious junior golf tournaments in the world.

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

About the CJGA
The Canadian Junior Golf Association is a “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.

CJGA Partners with IJGT to Benefit Members

2010-03-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

MARKHAM, ON - The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is pleased to announce a partnership with the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) that will provide playing privileges to each respective programs member’s, giving access to over 160 events across North America.

Full status members of the CJGA will receive a full 12 month membership with the IJGT at no charge, giving juniors the opportunity to participate in all open IJGT events south of the border during the tournament season. Along with the membership, all CJGA members that play in an event will receive the full membership benefits of an IJGT membership, including online player profile, GolfWorld subscription, hat, bag tag, golf towel and more.

Along with the member benefits, the CJGA will receive six male and six female exemptions into the IJGT Tour Championship which will be attached to various events across the country.

The CJGA and IJGT are no strangers to each other, forming a partnership 7 years ago to introduce the North America Cup, an event that pits 14 of each country’s best players in a Ryder Cup format alternating as host country annually. This year’s North America Cup will take place July 5-8, 2010 at May River Golf Club in Bluffton, South Carolina. The CJGA and IJGT also participate against each other in the annual Euro Junior Golf Cup hosted in St. Andrew’s, Scotland every year along with the Fife Golf Union, which is now entering its 6th year, and will take place July 28-30, 2010.

About the IJGT
The International Junior Golf Tour was founded in 1995 for junior golfers ages 10-19. Its purpose is to provide aspiring collegiate players the opportunity to compete in a series of events against the highest quality U.S. and international competition. Competing on the IJGT gives junior golfers the chance to prepare for a college golf schedule, balancing academic needs with weekend tournaments primarily during school months September - May.

The IJGT annual schedule features 65 open events and 6 invitational at some of the finest courses in the U. S. as well as tournaments in Mexico, Canada, and Scotland. These tournaments routinely attract some of the most talented golfers from around the world. Nearly 2000 junior golfers compete on the IJGT representing 43 states and 28 countries.

Junior members have the opportunity to participate in the national junior ranking systems sponsored by GolfWeek and Junior Golf Scoreboard. In addition, IJGT players can earn exemptions to some of the most prestigious amateur events in the United States including but not limited to: the Players Amateur, Rice Planters Amateur, Verizon Junior Heritage, Callaway Junior World, The Optimist and the American Junior Golf Association. The AJGA records information on all tour members who play in recognized IJGT tournaments and meet the required finish in the event. By competing in Performance Based Entry-recognized tournaments, players may increase their "status" with the AJGA. Players with a top finish at IJGT Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida and on secure a top rank on the IJGT order of Merit will earn AJGA Fully Exempt Status and qualify to play in the maximum of five AJGA Open tournaments. For more information on the IJGT please visit www.ijgt.com.

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

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

Canadian PGA and NGCOA Canada Launch

2010-03-08T20:56:00.000-08:00

Get Golf Ready in 5 Days

Ottawa, ON - Following the success in the United States of Get Golf Ready in 5 Days, an adult golf instruction program, the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA Canada) and the Canadian PGA are jointly launching the program north of the border for the 2010 golf season.

Get Golf Ready in 5 Days is designed to teach adults in five short lessons everything they will need to know to step onto a golf course and play with confidence. The program, priced at $99 plus tax per person, is designed to be fun, fast and affordable with an on-course component in each session.

“So many people have a spouse, friend or coworker that already plays the game and going out for the first time with them can be very intimidating”, stated Jeff Calderwood, CEO NGCOA Canada. “It is our intention to get these individuals out on the golf course with confidence and show them that the game of golf is about more than just rules and scorekeeping - it’s about having fun with friends, and enjoying the fresh air and exercise”.

The statistics from its inception year in the United States prove that the program works. Of the 17,000 trackable participants, 94% said they would recommend the program to a friend, 89% said they would continue playing and 76% had played an average of eight rounds following the five sessions.

“These stats proved to us that the program is well designed to welcome new golfers to the game”, stated Gary Bernard, Executive Director of the Canadian PGA. “We are very excited about our partnership with the NGCOA Canada as I feel we are the two associations best suited to offer this program in Canada,” he continued. “NGCOA Canada members provide access to the golf courses and our certified golf professionals are well positioned to execute the curriculum”.

NGCOA Canada and the Canadian PGA certified courses across the country will be offering the program this coming golf season. A dedicated website www.getgolfready.ca will be launched in the coming weeks so that golfers will be able to locate certified courses where they can participate.

The NGCOA Canada and the Canadian PGA are looking forward to working together on this initiative and to creating new recreational golfers that will enjoy this great game for years to come.

About the NGCOA Canada
The National Golf Course Owners Association Canada is a not-for-profit trade association representing over 1300 golf facilities in Canada.

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

Vancouver Parks Golf Announcement

2010-03-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VANCOUVER PARKS GOLF announces a three year commitment to host the Vancouver City Open presented by the Vancouver Golf Tour

Vancouver, B.C., February 25, 2010 – The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation along with Vancouver Parks Golf is please to announce, with the Vancouver Golf Tour, a three year partnership to host the Vancouver City Open Championship at its Fraserview, McCleery and Langara Golf Courses.

“On the heels of the most successful tournament since being re-launched by the Vancouver Golf Tour in 2007 and following the success of the 2009 Championship, Vancouver Parks Golf is again excited to be part of this great event,” said Howard Normann, Supervisor of Golf Operations for Vancouver Parks Golf. “We look forward to our long-term relationship with the Vancouver Golf Tour and to continue building on the success of last year’s Championship,” he added.

Bryn Parry will come to the 2010 Vancouver City Open as the defending Champion after the North Vancouver native claimed a two shot victory with a score of 12 under par in 2009. Parry bested the largest field in tournament history with an opening 66 at Fraserview, followed by a second round 65 at Langara and closed strongly at McCleery with a final round 71 under difficult conditions and claim a two shot victory. Runner-up Phil Jonas posted the best final round score at McCleery with a 67 and finished with a 54 hole total of 10 under par.

“We are very excited to be back for the next three years at the Vancouver Parks Golf courses,” said Fraser Mulholland, Commissioner of the Vancouver Golf Tour. “We’ve had some great feedback from the players, many of whom admitted they hadn’t played the courses in a while and were amazed at the conditions and playability of all three courses. With a Saturday finish at this year’s event I think we can expect record crowds to be watching Vancouver’s next PGA Tour hopefuls,” he added.

The 2010 Vancouver City Open runs September 9th to11th, beginning with the Charity Pro-Am at Fraserview Golf Course on Thursday and concluding with the final round at McCleery Golf Course on Saturday.

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

3 Great Courses…One Great Experience.

For more information please visit vancouverparksgolf.ca or contact:
Howard Normann
Supervisor of Golf Operations
604.718.6533
howard.normann@vancouver.ca

About Vancouver Golf Tour
Vancouver Golf Tour (VGT) has been developed for our local Professionals and Amateurs – giving them the opportunity for a high level of competition in a PGA Tour environment without spending excess travel dollars. VGT gives local players the opportunity to learn how to win while at the same time building their confidence to play on Worldwide Major Tours.

For more information please visit vancouvergolftour.com or contact:
Mr. Fraser Mulholland
Commissioner
604-980-4653
info@vancouvergolftour.com

Canadian PGA Announces 2009 National Award Winners & Tex Noble Winner

2010-03-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

Canadian PGA has announced the 2009 winners of its prestigious National awards for exceptional and dedicated service as Canadian golf professionals.

The 2009 winners are:
• Club Professional of the Year – Bob Paley, Kananaskis Country Golf Course, Alberta

• Teacher of the Year – Sean Casey, The Clublink Academy At Glen Abbey, Ontario

• Merchandiser of the Year – Bob Paley, Kananaskis Golf Club, Alberta

• Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year Award – Henry Brunton, Henry Brunton Golf, Ontario

• Tex Noble Award – Jamie Stevens, Granite Point Golf Club, British Columbia

Each year, a National Selection committee evaluates nominations from more than 3,600 Canadian PGA Members coast-to-coast and recognizes winners in each of the four categories. The winners will receive their award at the 2010 Club Professional Championship in November.

“Our 2009 National award winners are symbols of the passion and dedication to excellence that Canadian PGA Members bring to their profession in making the game of golf better for Canadian golfers,” said Lindon Garron, President of the Canadian PGA. “This year’s winners have set standards of excellence that all Canadian golf professionals can aim to achieve. On behalf of the Canadian PGA, the Zones, and the membership, I congratulate them all for receiving this recognition.”

Club Professional of the Year– Mr. Bob Paley
Bob Paley, Head Professional at Kananaskis Country Golf Course in Kananaskis, Alberta is the 2009 recipient of the Canadian PGA Club Professional of the Year award.

“I have always been blessed with an amazing support group around me throughout my life that have allowed me to focus on things like school, athletics, and work. Without my wife Tracy, our two boys Matt and Sammy, my amazing family, and phenomenal friends I would not be capable of even dreaming about winning this award. As anyone in this industry knows, the life of a Golf Professional can be very selfish and being supported by all of these people makes the award that much more special for all of us.”

One of the best pieces of advice Bob was ever given was from a key mentor, Tiffany Gordon, who told him to become involved in his Association. Bob took the advice to heart and has been involved with the PGA of Alberta in many different roles.

o Consumer Show Committee – 1997 – 2002
o Assistants Board Vice President – 1997 – 1999
o Education Committee – 2002-2008
o Alberta Board of Director – 2005 – present
o Co-chair of the Employment committee - 2005
o Chairman of the Education Committee – 2005-2008
o Chairman of the Promotions Committee – 2008 – present

I truly believe that one of the secrets to our success at Kananaskis is that we have created a culture that is warm, fun, and inviting for our team and our guests. We have always been about creating phenomenal experiences for our guests and our team because at the end of the day, that is one of the most important reasons we are all here in this business.

Bob is a firm believer in mentorship and the importance of idea sharing. “The most amazing thing about this award is that it is an acknowledgement to my mentors of the amazing kinds of people they are and the tools they have given me to be successful in my life. From my wife Tracy, to my parents, to Hugh McPherson, to Kerry Ketter at the Derrick, Tiffany Gordon at Cottonwood, Gregg Schubert at Cottonwood, Wayne and Lloyd McBean at Lakeside, Wayne and Brian Bygrave, Darren Robinson and Calvin McNeely at Kananaskis, and a number of PGA of Alberta Board Members that I have worked with like Clive Grant, Steve Moe, John Wilson, and Ron Laugher. They and too many others to mention are why I am being honoured with this life changing award. I am a product of their ideas, hard work, vision, and passion for people and the game of golf. To all of you I say thank you”

Teacher of the Year – Mr. Sean Casey
Sean Casey, Teaching Professional at the Clublink Academy at Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ontario, is the 2009 recipient of the Canadian PGA Teacher of the Year award.

Sean grew up in Grand Bay, NB and learned the game at the Westfield Golf and Country Club. He joined the Canadian PGA in 1998 while attending the University of New Brunswick’s Business Administration Program and has been a Class 'A' member since 2001.

Sean was recently honoured as the 'Teacher of the Year' by the Ontario PGA. He is the Head Coach for the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) National Teams and oversees the successful ELITE Junior Development program at Glen Abbey. Sean has been the featured instructor for SCORE Golf magazine numerous times and has also hosted and produced Golf Talk Live, a local golf instructional TV show on Cogeco.

Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year – Mr. Henry Brunton
Henry Brunton, Master Professional at Henry Brunton Golf in Maple, Ontario is the 2009 recipient of the Canadian PGA Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year award.

Henry Brunton is one of the most recognizable names in Canadian golf and one of the world’s leading golf coaches and educators. He is the Royal Canadian Golf Association's National Golf Coach, the creator of the Canadian PGA's Teaching and Coaching Certification program, a CPGA Master Professional and the only Canadian ever listed among GOLF Magazine's Top 100 Teachers in America and the US Kids Top 50 Kids Teachers. In 2009, he published Journey to Excellence: The Young Golfer’s Complete Guide to Achievement and Personal Growth, the first comprehensive guide to competitive junior golf for both juniors and their parents.

Brunton has been a member of the Canadian PGA since 1984. In 2008, the Canadian PGA honoured him with its highest standing – Master Professional. He was also named as the fourth Most Influential Person in Canadian Golf in rankings by Canada’s National Post.

A resident of Stouffville, Ontario, Brunton has a passion for developing junior golfers. In addition to his work with the Canadian Men’s and Junior Boys National Teams, he also leads “Strive for Excellence,” a comprehensive year-round coaching and training program for aspiring high-level junior and collegiate golfers at his home base at Eagles Nest Golf Club near Toronto.

Merchandiser of the Year – Mr. Bob Paley
“The Canadian Merchandiser of the Year Award is special because it touches every single member of our Kananaskis Family in 2009. Whether someone worked in Food and Beverage, our Sales Department, Administration, Staff Accommodation, Turfgrass Maintenance, Building Maintenance, or the Pro Shop, everyone had a hand in the product that we deliver year in and year out at this facility. I am so proud for everyone here because I know how hard they all work to provide the kind of experience we do for our guests”.

Bob Paley and his team at Kananaskis were honoured to have been awarded Alberta PGA Merchandisers of the Year - Public in 2007 as well as in 2009. The strength of their merchandising is in their people and in their passion for finding guests value and quality in the merchandise presented. The mandate of their team is to welcome guests as soon as they arrive at the facility and make them feel at home. “When guests are treated to great conversation, fun staff, a clean and organized Pro Shop that is beautifully merchandised, and great deals, they will stay, spend, and come back with friends. We are good with all of those things!”

Bob has created a number of unique sales programs, staff training techniques, and buying strategies that help to set Kananaskis Country Golf Course apart. “Annually my wife and I attend the February Gift Show in Edmonton to find unique items to help accent our Pro Shop. This past year exquisite wine decanters, sushi sets, lady’s scarves, entertaining baby onesies, and wine aerators were the hits. We have found that people love seeing things that they don’t expect to find in a Pro Shop and most importantly it makes them want to hunt around and see what else is unique. As we all know…retail hunting is good!”

An important part of Bob’s merchandising philosophy is to partner with suppliers that want to make their business successful. These suppliers are considered to be a very important part of their family as well, and are treated with a phenomenal amount of trust and respect. Partnership with great merchandisers like Green Grass One and the Association of Golf Merchandisers helps to take their product to a totally different level. “We have a really special team of suppliers, staff, and advisors that keep Kananaskis on the cutting edge of retail, service, and creating special experiences. To win this National Award is a pat on the back for everyone’s great ideas, hard work, and attention to detail.”

Tex Noble Award – Mr. Jamie Stevens
The Canadian PGA’s Tex Noble Award represents the Association’s commitment to recognizing a high standard of achievement among Canadian PGA Apprentice Professionals,” stated Gary Bernard, Executive Director of the Canadian PGA. Jaime obtained an impressive Class “A” Examination test scores of 96%.

Jamie played the majority of his junior golf at the Riverside Golf & Country Club in Rothesay, New Brunswick, where he learned many of his life lessons from playing the game, club members and from Head Professional Jim Connolly. Jamie graduated from the Professional Golf Management Program in Lethbridge, Alberta in 2004 and remained in southern Alberta for 4 years. He then had the great fortune to land a job at the Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler where he worked as an Assistant Professional for two years. Jamie feels these years were crucial in his development as a quality and respected Golf Professional.

In January 2009, he accepted the position as Golf Operations Manager at Granite Pointe Golf Club and in late December of that same year he successfully completed his Class “A” exam. Jamie is currently the Head Professional at Granite Pointe Golf Club and is looking forward to many successful years in Nelson as it has become an adopted home to him.

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

Registration Opens March 1st for the 2010 Golf Fore the Cure Program!

2010-02-25T23:41:00.001-08:00

It’s a sad statistic, but breast cancer will most likely touch your life in some way if it hasn’t already. One in nine women is expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2009, an estimated 22,900 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,400 lost their fight against this devastating disease.

Golf Fore the Cure is a program developed by the RCGA in an effort to further engage women in the game of golf and aid in the fight against breast cancer.

In conjunction with the Canadian Cancer Society and Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, we have added awareness and fundraising components to this women’s participation program that have contributed to fund lifesaving breast cancer research, support and information programs for women faced with this disease across the country.

With the help of volunteers in various Canadian communities, Golf Fore the Cure has raised more than $2.5 million dollars and exposed more than 45,000 women to the game of golf in just the past six years. . With just under 6 million golfers in Canada, imagine the impact we could make if we doubled or even tripled the number of women participating.

Golf Fore the Cure is looking for women across the country to come together and enjoy a fun day of golf and friendship this upcoming golf season. This innovative program was developed to allow women to participate with old friends and new friends alike.

Even if you are not a golfer there are ways to get involved. Be a part of this cause - be a participant, be a site organizer, help make a difference!

Registration for the 2010 Golf Fore the Cure program will be open Monday, March 1st. New to the program this year, both event coordinators and participants will be able to register to host or participate in an event online at www.rcgagolfforethecure.ca .

With your help, we can get even more women involved in the game of golf and help to create a future without breast cancer. One round can make a difference!

For more information or to start a Golf Fore the Cure program in your community please contact Jessica Small toll free at 1.800.263.0009 x 495 or at gftc@rcga.org.

Give the Gift of Golf to the Elementary School Children of Your Community

2010-02-24T21:22:00.000-08:00

Golf provides children with the ability to develop fundamental movement skills as well as life-enhancing values such as confidence, integrity, esteem, determination and etiquette.

Through the National Golf in Schools (NGIS) program and charitable donations from the community, thousands of children have been introduced to the game as part of their elementary school PE classes since the program’s inception in May, 2009.

Yet, with schools battling ever-increasing physical education budget constraints, many Canadian children are still not being introduced to this great game.

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

The reality is that not all schools are able to afford this program.

The “Adopt a School” initiative has been developed to encourage individuals, groups of individuals, or businesses to support the program by funding the cost of the NGIS program package for a school of their choosing.

The package comes at a cost of $475, which includes shipping and handling costs. Private donors are eligible to receive a tax receipt for this charitable disbursement. You can also support the program for any nominal amount and all donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt.

Adopt a school today and help provide youth in your community with the gift of physical literacy. Your gift will also help to increase student knowledge and appreciation for the sport of golf. Your donation could even lead to the development of future golfing greats!

To adopt a school please contact Ted Logan at 1-800-263-0009 ext. 204 or via email at tlogan@rcga.org.
More information is also available online at http://www.nationalgolfinschools.com/.

Canadian Junior Golf Association Announcements

2010-02-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

Attention Junior Golfers
The Canadian Junior Golf Association, as an Association Partner of the RCGA, has developed a program that will provide tremendous opportunites for junior golfers throughout Canada. Starting March 8th, the Canadian Junior Golf Association will be opening its 2010 Schedule in British Columbia with an array of Tournaments that allow you to challenge the best junior golfers in the province along with the chance of qualifying for International Events to represent the CJGA and Canada.

The North America Cup Qualifier is the CJGA’s first event on 2010 Schedule. It will take place in South Carolina this summer. Juniors will compete in a Ryder Cup format event where CJGA Team Canada will play IJGT Team USA. Juniors will have the opportunity to be a part of CJGA Team Canada through its qualifiers. A team of 14 juniors will make up the team that will begin with a two and a half day training camp prior to departing for the event.

The Nike Golf Junior Series on the schedule should be an event that no one should miss. It acts as a qualifier for both the Nike Golf Junior Championship where the winners of each qualifier in Canada are invited, therefore pitting the best Canada has to offer, and the Stephen Ames Cup where CJGA Team Canada competes against Trinidad & Tobago in a Ryder Cup format. Stephen Ames, CJGA National Spokesperson, contributes his time, and takes one week off the PGA Tour and mentors all the participants for the week. Stephen, through the Stephen Ames Foundation, financially supports this event. This year, the Stephen Ames Cup will be hosted in Trinidad and Tobago.

New for 2010 will be the Telus Junior Skins, June 5-6 at Bear Mountain Golf Resort, home of the 2010 Telus World Skins. This will be a qualifier for the Nike Series Championship and the Stephen Ames Cup with an added twist. Junior golfers who enter this event will each receive one ticket to the Telus World Skins that will be held June 20-21. As well the winners of each division will be given the opportunity to be the standard barriers for the Telus World Skins. Imagine being right there and walking down the fairways with some of the best players on the PGA Tour.

The Junior Worlds, played at the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course is one of the most prestigous tournaments in the world. It offers exposure to you as a junior golfer to College Coaches throughout the United States. Such PGA and LPGA Tour players such as Amy Alcott, Notah Begay III, Andrew Buckle, Ernie Els, Anthony Kim, Bill Mayfair, Phil Mickelson, Lorena Ochoa, Corey Pavin, Craig Stadler, and Tiger Woods to name of few who have played in this event. Junior golfers in British Columbia will have the opportunity to qualify for a spot in the Junior World Golf Championships held in San Diego, CA through CJGA qualifiers at Hazelmere Country Club and University Golf Club.

The Euro Junior Golf Cup is held in Scotland each year. It is a three nation Ryder Cup format pitting Canada, Scotland and the United States against each other. Juniors will have the opportunity to qualify for a spot on CJGA Team Canada that travels to Scotland to compete in this event through the Euro Jr. Golf Cup qualifiers. A team of 14 juniors will make up the team that competes against Fife Golf Union and IJGT Team USA. Juniors will attend a two and a half day training camp prior to departing for Scotland. Such PGA Tour Players as Hunter Mahan and Bubba Dickerson have played in this event.

The Lipton Brisk Canada Cup is an exciting event on the CJGA Schedule. It is a Ryder Cup format event that pits eight juniors from the East versus eight players from the West and allows junior golfers to claim bragging rights to who is more dominant in Canada, West or East. Junior Golfers will have the opportunity to qualify for a spot on Lipton Brisk Canada Cup Team East through this respective qualifiers. Ian Leggatt, Gail Graham, Stuart Anderson have acted as non-playing Team captains in the past.

The Optimist International Junior Championship is another one of largest and most prestigious international junior tournaments in the world. Juniors in the province of British Columbia will have the chance to qualify for a spot in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship which takes place in July in Florida through its qualifier. This event is the only Optimist qualifier the CJGA conducts on the national schedule.

As you can see, the Canadian Junior Golf Association has wide array of events that Junior Golfers in British Columbia can participate in. Don’t miss your opportunities with the CJGA. Visit http://www.cjga.com and sign up NOW.

- Over 80 events in Canada for junior golfers aged 11-19 w Opportunities to represent the CJGA & Canada internationally

- Test your skills against the most talented junior golfers in Canada w No minimum skill level required, just a passion for the game

- Opportunities to obtain AJGA performance stars and exemptions w Earn RCGA Future Links Order of Merit Points

CN and RCGA Announce Schedule for 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Tour

2010-02-13T23:57:00.000-08:00

Six Tour exemptions available into 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Open; Tour now offers Paid Exemptions into LPGA Tour Sectional Qualifying and Duramed Futures Tour Eligibility

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – CN and the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) are pleased to announce the championship schedule for the 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Tour, Canada’s only developmental golf tour for women.

This season’s scheduled Tour events, which include a practice round, 9-hole Pro-Am and 36-holes of competition will be held May 5-7 at Quilchena Golf & Country Club in Richmond, B.C.; June 27-29 at Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton, Ont.; and July 11-13 at Club de golf Rivermead in Gatineau, Que.

A notable addition to the 2010 campaign is that the top three players on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour season-ending order of merit will be awarded direct entry and entry fees paid into both LPGA Tour Sectional Qualifying Tournaments (a $5,000 value each). As well, the champion of each CN Canadian Women's Tour event is eligible to compete in Duramed Futures Tour events for the remainder of the 2010 season.

Total season prize money for the 2010 season is $180,000 (CDN) for three events. Each 36-hole championship purse will be $60,000 with the champion being awarded a $10,000 winners’ cheque.

“This year the CN Canadian Women’s Tour season is going to be one of our best yet,” said Richard Kuypers, Tournament Coordinator for the CN Canadian Women’s Open. “The top three players on the order of merit will receive their fees into the LPGA Tour Sectional Qualifying Tournaments. This important enhancement to our Tour will undoubtedly help to attract the best possible field of competitors to our championships.”

The winner from each of the three Tour events will receive an exemption directly into the CN Canadian Women’s Open with the additional three exemptions being awarded based on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour Order of Merit standings.

Quilchena Golf & Country Club will open the Tour’s 2010 season, hosting their first RCGA sanctioned event, while Blue Springs Golf Club, a ClubLink property and home of the Canadian PGA, will be the Tour’s second stop of the season. The final tournament will be held at Club de golf Rivermead, past host to the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girl’s Championship, Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour and the 1920 Canadian Open.

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. CN Canadian Women’s Tour alumnae Lorie Kane, Alena Sharp, Samantha Richdale, Jessica Shepley, Adrienne White, Lisa Meldrum and Cindy Pasechnik have all used their experiences as Canadians on the Canadian development circuit as a catalyst to future successes. Other CN Canadian Women’s Tour graduates include Yani Tseng, Russy Gulyanamitta and Mallory Blackwelder.

Player bios for golfers who regularly play in CN Canadian Women’s Tour events are now available online at http://www.cncanadianwomenstour.com/.

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 http://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. For more information about the Canadian Women’s Tour visit http://www.cncanadianwomenstour.com/.

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 352,000 members at 1,613 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.

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

RCGA Staff Heads to Vancouver for 2010 Winter Olympics

2010-02-10T22:50:00.000-08:00

Olympic Games to Provide Key Learning for Canada’s NSO for Golf; Team Canada Sport Science Staff to Provide Expertise to Canada’s Winter Olympians

Vancouver (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association would like to congratulate a number of staff and members of the Team Canada sport science support team that are heading to Vancouver for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

While golf is not slated to make its Olympic reappearance until the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, a full complement of the RCGA’s sport science team as well as other Golf House staffers will be playing a role in support of the Canadian Olympic movement.

The RCGA contingent includes Jeff Thompson, the association’s Chief Sport Development Officer, who heads to Vancouver as part of the Olympic Familiarization Program conducted by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC). The program, first conducted in Beijing, enables key National Sports Organization personnel to experience the Olympic Games and gain a better understanding of the games’ environment as well as the COC’s game-day operations. The program provides National Sport Organizations with a key learning opportunity and helps to better prepare their sport’s athletes for successful performance at future Olympic Games.

Dr. Greg Wells will be providing on-camera sport science and sport medicine analysis for CTV and TSN. Dr. Wells serves as the Director of Sport Physiology for the Canadian Sport Centre, where he works closely with athletes and coaches in the area of physiological performance enhancement. His athletes have won numerous medals at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and Olympic Games. Dr. Wells has served as exercise physiologist for the RCGA and has worked with the association’s National Amateur Team program since 2002.

Greg Redman, physiotherapist specialist with the RCGA’s National Amateur Golf Team is heading to Vancouver as physiotherapy consultant to the Freestyle and Speed Skating teams. Redman has had success with many Olympic medalists as well as international and national champions. He has provided his services to the Canadian Olympic squad at the Athens, Torino and Bejing Olympic Games. In addition to his work with the RCGA, Redman is also a consultant to the Canadian Sport Centre where he works with athletes training in track and field, wrestling, skeleton, luge, diving and swimming.

Dr. Penny Werther, a renowned sport psychologist who provides mental management services to the players on the RCGA’s National Amateur Golf Team, will be working with the men’s and women's freestyle ski, aerials, moguls and women's curling teams in Vancouver. A leader and innovator in international sport and in women and sport issues, Werther is a 3M NCCP Level 4/5 presenter. As a former Olympic track and field athlete, Werther represented Canada internationally from 1970 to 1981.

Nutrition specialist Dr. John Berardi, while not at the games, has provided extensive support to a number of individual athletes during their preparations for the Vancouver games. As part of the sport science staff for Canada’s National Amateur Golf Team, he provides information on nutrition to Team Canada golfers. Dr. Berardi’s continued research has focused on the interaction between nutrition, sports supplementation and exercise performance.

Milaina Lagzdins, a championship administrator who works on both the RBC Canadian Open and the CN Canadian Women’s Open coordinating volunteer programs and organizing player’s services, will be at the Vancouver Olympics serving as a Doping Control Officer in Whistler, B.C. There will be more than 100 Doping Control Officers who will conduct close to 2,000 tests to ensure the spirit of the Games is preserved.
Brian Teh, a junior accountant with the RCGA, is heading to Vancouver to volunteer as part of the Vancouver Olympic Games’ transportation team shuttling players, officials and VIP’s.

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

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.
The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit http://www.rcga.org/.

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing more than 350,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.

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

CJGA BC First Tournament Coming Soon

2010-02-08T21:18:00.000-08:00

The first event on the British Columbia CJGA 2010 Schedule is only 4 weeks away!

Sign up now for the North America Cup Qualifier at Northview Golf Course March 8th and 9th.

Don't miss the Junior Worlds Qualifier at Hazelmere Golf Course March 20th and 21st!

The PUMA Challenge will take place March 27th and 28th at University Golf Club and will also be the second of only two Junior Worlds Qualifiers.

Visit cjga.com and sign up today!

RCGA 2010 Registration Open

2010-02-02T01:45:00.000-08:00

The RCGA has launched the 2010 registration is now open for its upcoming tournament schedule. Click on the link for the full schedule and registration details.

Gary Bernard Announced as New Executive Director of the Canadian PGA

2010-01-31T23:19:00.000-08:00

Newest leader in Canadian golf selected following three month interim position

ACTON, ON (January 31st, 2009) – After a lengthy search and intense deliberation, the Canadian PGA announced today that Gary Bernard has been named the Association’s new Executive Director. The executive search process conducted with McKinley Solutions Inc., a leader in the corporate hiring world, began in early November and culminated in today’s announcement.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce to our membership that Gary Bernard has been selected as the Canadian PGA’s next Executive Director,” said Lindon Garron, President of the Canadian PGA. “Gary has always acted in the best interests of the Canadian PGA Members and his intimate knowledge of our Association will ensure that current initiatives will continue in a seamless manner. Canadian PGA Director of Education since 2004 and currently acting in the Interim Executive Director role since October, Gary has clearly demonstrated that he is the right person at the right time for this pivotal position.”

As a Canadian PGA Member, you are the first to receive this announcement, followed by the Canadian golf media. A subsequent announcement will be made during the World PGA Alliance conference on Sunday.

“I have never been more proud to be a Member of the Canadian PGA than I am today. I am thrilled and humbled to take on the responsibility of serving the 3,600 members of the Canadian PGA on a daily basis. It is a true honour to be selected as the new Executive Director of the Canadian PGA” said Bernard, who will jump immediately into the position with Canadian PGA Board meetings underway next week. “I, along with the 3,600 members of the Canadian PGA, have a passion for our great game and I am very serious about making progressive steps for our Members within the Canadian golf industry. I welcome the challenge and look forward to working with the Board, national staff and all of our partners across the country to develop new opportunities for the game of golf.”

A native of Chatham, New Brunswick, Bernard spent eight years as an educator within the New Brunswick public school system. During that time he was named “Young Professional of The Year” by the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (CAPHER). In addition, he served as Vice-President, and later President of the Physical Education Teachers Society; representing New Brunswick at the World CAPHER conference in Vancouver in 1986.

Following his education career, Bernard spent two years in the sporting goods industry where he managed several T & R Sports locations in Atlantic Canada. After a successful run, Bernard realized that his true passion lay in the game of golf and his decision to work in the game had an instant impact on the future of the Canadian PGA.

“This is a very exciting day for the Canadian PGA and golf in Canada. We are delighted to select Gary Bernard as the new leader for our Association.” stated Garron, who is currently serving his second year as President of the Canadian PGA. “Under the professional direction of McKinley Solutions, we have successfully completed a very comprehensive process. A number of qualified candidates were interviewed and evaluated. In the end, Gary was our unanimous selection. He holds valuable knowledge of the Canadian PGA and its partners within the World PGA Alliance, as well as with our industry partners in Canada. He has excelled inside and outside of the Canadian PGA and we are confident that he is the right candidate to set the present and future direction of our sport and our organization.”

Among his many career achievements, Bernard was a leader in the development of the Teaching and Coaching Certification Program (TCCP) alongside fellow Canadian PGA member Henry Brunton. He has been involved in education with the Canadian PGA since 1995 when he began facilitating all workshops to Canadian PGA Professionals across the country. He was instrumental in leading the integration of the TCCP program with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC).

Bernard was also a key member of the Royal Canadian Golf Association’s National Player Development Program coaching staff from 1999 to 2001. He has worked at a number of different facilities, both in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, and has a full understanding of what a Canadian PGA Member must do to succeed in the golf business.

A graduate of the University of New Brunswick (B.Ed ’79) and currently nearing completion of his Masters degree (M.Ed) from UNB, Bernard will participate in his first official meeting when he represents the Canadian PGA at the World PGA Alliance conference in Orlando, Florida.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN PGA
Established in 1911 and the second oldest professional golf association in the world, the Canadian Professional Golfers' Association is a non-profit Association comprised of 3,600 golf professionals across the country. The Association’s mandate is to develop, promote and support our members as experts in the game and business of golf and, in so doing, serve both its members’ needs and those of the golfing public through the Association’s varied programs and events.

The Association consists of the National Office located in Acton, Ontario and nine Zone Offices across the country.

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

Canadian Tour Announces 2010 Schedule

2010-01-28T02:21:00.000-08:00

Oakville, Ont. - The Canadian Tour has released the first draft of the 2010 schedule and is pleased to announce the largest purse increases in its history.
While the full schedule is not yet finalized, events in Victoria, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg – home of the prestigious Players Cup – will see significant purse increases.
In addition, the Canadian Tour Championship will be $325,000 – nearly double what it was in 2006.
“The highlight of the 2010 schedule is purse increases at major events in Canada. These are the most significant increases that the Tour has seen in its history,” stated Canadian Tour Commissioner Richard Janes.
“There are still a number of gaps in the schedule that are yet to be filled but we can confirm that at least five of our major events in Canada will be announcing purses of at least $250,000.
"The Players Cup in Winnipeg will have a purse of $300,000 and the Canadian Tour Championship will reach $325,000.
“At the same time, we have some contraction in the schedule with the TELUS Edmonton Open and the ATB Financial Classic merging to create one larger and more prestigious championship tournament in Alberta.”
The Canadian Tour also anticipates a new event in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
The 2010 Canadian Tour season will begin with a series of tournaments in Mexico starting with the Mexican PGA Championship in Mazatlan the week of April 12.

Yet to be finalized are events in partnership with the European Challenge Tour and Tour de Las Americas in Colombia, Chile and Costa Rica in late February and early March.
“Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Tour and this is where we are applying most of our attention. At the same time, Latin America and Mexico provide us with opportunities to extend our season into those months when we cannot play in Canada,” stated Commissioner Janes.
“These events also provide our players with valuable international experience and expose top players to the Canadian Tour.”
The Canadian Tour is a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours with tournaments in Mexico, Latin America and across Canada. Attracting the best young PGA TOUR prospects from Canada and another fifteen countries, more than one hundred Canadian Tour alumni have graduated to the PGA TOUR including Steve Stricker, Mike Weir, Stuart Appleby and Tim Clark.

Canadian Junior Golf Association British Columbia Schedule Launched

2010-01-27T23:09:00.000-08:00

The Canadian Junior Golf Association has updated and launched their 2010 tournament schedule for British Columbia. Click on this link to view the tournament schedule for Canada's leading junior development tour!

2010 RCGA Annual General Meeting Culminates With Induction of Jack McDonald as 107th President

2010-01-24T21:55:00.000-08:00

The late Dave Matthews named 2009 Volunteer of the Year; Chuck Gage and Bob Mullock honoured with Distinguished Service Award; Gary West appointed RCGA Honorary Life Governor

Vancouver (RCGA) – Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. was inducted as the 107th President of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) during the National Sport Organization’s (NSO) Annual General Meeting held this weekend in Vancouver.

McDonald succeeds 2009 President, Tom McCarthy of Halifax, N.S., while Karen Rackel of Edmonton becomes First Vice-President and Montreal native Diane Dunlop-Hebert assumes the role of Second Vice-President.

“I am privileged and deeply honoured to be appointed 107th president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association,” said McDonald. “I want to thank the entire RCGA Board of Directors for the trust and confidence they have shown in my leadership and I look forward to great things for the organization in 2010.”

McDonald was born in Rosetown, Sask. and grew up in Swift Current, Sask. where he worked summers at Elmwood Golf and Country Club. While attending the University of Saskatchewan, he played varsity golf for the Huskies.

He has been a member of Prince George Golf and Country Club, where he served as Club Captain and as a member of the Board of Directors. He has also been a member of Kamloops Golf and Country Club and Rivershore Golf Links, where he served as a member of the Board of Directors, President and Chair of the Rivershore Amateur.

His accomplished competitive career saw him compete in several B.C. Amateurs, B.C. Mid-Amateurs, Canadian Amateurs and Canadian Mid-Amateurs. He also represented B.C. at the 1997 Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship.

His dedication to golf eventually led him towards golf administration and an invitation in 1987 to join the British Columbia Golf Association (BCGA) as a Zone Representative. He advanced to the BCGA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee before serving as BCGA President in 1997 and 1998.

McDonald became a governor with the RCGA in 1998 and has since served on several committees including CN Future Links, Greens, Player Development, Amateur Championships and the Executive Committee. He has also served as Tournament Chair for both the 1999 Canadian Amateur and 2001 Canadian Mid-Amateur Championships which were held at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops. As a member of the RCGA Executive Committee, Jack served as 2nd Vice President in 2008 and 1st Vice President in 2009.

He has officiated numerous amateur, professional and Open golf championships both in Canada and internationally. He also served as Chairman of the RCGA’s Rules of Golf Committee from 2005-2008, represented the RCGA on the Joint Rules Committee and became a member of the R&A in 2000.

As a member of the RCGA Executive Committee, Jack served as 2nd Vice President in 2008 and 1st Vice President in 2009.

He and his wife of more than 41 years, Ona, have two daughters, Tracey and Gillian.

Chuck Gage and Bob Mullock honoured as Co-Recipients of RCGA Distinguished Service Award
Created in 1993, the RCGA’s Distinguished Service award has been awarded annually to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the game of golf in Canada. For 2009, the RCGA’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Chuck Gage and Bob Mullock, both of Vancouver.
Gage has had major impact on golf in Canada, specifically the West Coast and British Columbia.
His desire to become involved as a golf administrator can be traced back to his days as a young member at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, where he found inspiration from Club Pro Jack McLaughlin.
In 1969, he served as Tournament Chairman for the LPGA Tour’s Ladies' Supertest Open (now the CN Canadian Women’s Open) hosted by Shaughnessy. In 1970, he served as co-Chair of the Shaughnessy Charity Invitational, raising more than $700,000 in 30 years, and has volunteered at the 1966 and 2005 Canadian Opens which were also held at Shaughnessy.
He has spent countless hours volunteering with the Pacific Coast Golf Association, the BCGA and the Pacific Northwest Golf Association.
Mullock has a history of volunteerism which stretches more than 50 years. Both the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association and BCGA have been fortunate beneficiaries of his volunteer time and efforts.
Contributing to his community came natural to Bob who spent 35 years with the RCMP before retiring from the force as Chief Superintendant in 1985.
He has served as Zone 3 President in 1992, as well as BCGA Director, Vice President of Finance (1996) and President (1999-2000).
His contributions to the BCGA continued well after his presidency. In 2002, following two years of planning, his efforts led to the launch of the BCGA Player Development Trust Fund. Today, the Fund acts as the charitable arm of the BCGA assisting juniors and graduating junior golfers access to playing the game and the opportunity to develop their skills regardless of financial circumstance.
He also served as an RCGA governor.
In 2003, his extraordinary contributions to amateur sport in B.C. were recognized when he was honoured by Sport B.C. with the esteemed Daryl Thompson Award.
The Late Dave Matthews named Volunteer of the Year
The late Dave Matthews of St. Catherine’s, Ont. was recognized as the RCGA’s Volunteer of the Year. 2009 marked the fourth year for this initiative which recognizes individuals in the golf community whose tireless efforts and dedication help to grow the game in Canada.
Matthews was a native of Truro, N.S. and lived in Noranda, Que., Toronto and finally St. Catharine’s, Ont. where he became a proud member of St. Catharines Golf & Country Club.
Throughout the years, Matthews volunteered as Chairman for the Canadian Tour Championship, served as volunteer committee chairman for RCGA professional events since the 2001 Canadian Women's Open at Angus Glen and up until the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club.
Matthews was diagnosed with terminal cancer three weeks prior to the Canadian Tour championship, an event he worked diligently to pull together. Sadly, he passed away less than a week after the event.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, children Scott and Todd, mother Ruby, sister Donna and brother John.
Garry West appointed RCGA Honorary Life Governor
Congratulations to Garry West of Toronto who was named an Honorary Life Governor by the RCGA. West, a former Chairman of the (RBC) Canadian Open and past President of the Golf Association of Ontario, spent 14 years as a Governor before serving as RCGA President in 2007.

2009 Donation Beneficiaries
As part of the its Annual General Meeting, the RCGA acknowledged several of the programs and services that received funding either directly from the RCGA or through one of the association’s programs or championships.

-$25,000 to assist the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation

-$152,500 in partnership with the CPGA and Provincial Association partners to support CN Future Links

- $72,000 to the Provincial Grant Program

-$70,200 for the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum

-$10,000 to benefit the CJGA (Canadian Junior Golf Association)

-$652,600 to the Canadian Cancer Society and $116,300 to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation through the Golf Fore the Cure program

-$1.25 million total for the Mike Weir Foundation and Reach Out Centre for Kids in Halton Region in the name of the 2009 RBC Canadian Open

-CN and the CN Canadian Women’s Open raised a total of $1.6 million through the CN Miracle Match Program in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary

-The RCGA Foundation distributed $240,500 in 2009 and since 1982 has awarded over $2.3 million in scholarships to promising young golfers, landscape architects and turfgrass scientists
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.

RBC Deepens Commitment to Canadian Golf

2010-01-22T01:28:00.000-08:00

RBC becomes partner of Team Canada High Performance Program and RCGA National Amateur Championships

RBC announces new funding initiative to support Canadian pros advancing to LPGA and PGA TOUR

PGA TOUR players Stephen Ames and Mike Weir become ‘Team RBC’ Ambassadors

TORONTO, ON — RBC today announced a significant extension of its golf sponsorship programs that will help fund and enhance grassroots and developmental programs across Canada.

Building Canadian Competitive Golf Excellence
Already the title sponsor for Canada’s national golf championship, the RBC Canadian Open, RBC will help fund Team Canada, the Royal Canadian Golf Association’s high performance national amateur golf team program. RBC will also contribute support to the resurgence of Canada’s national amateur golf championships, conducted by the RCGA.

“We are proud to support the RCGA’s vision to drive excellence in competitive amateur golf, building on the recent accomplishments of national team players like Nick Taylor, Matt Hill and Jennifer Kirby at the collegiate, national and international level,” said Jim Little, RBC chief brand and communications officer.

“Extending our support to Canada’s national amateur championships not only allows talented Canadian players to compete in world class competitions on home soil, but also offers so many more golf enthusiasts and volunteers across the country the long-term opportunity to get involved and be a part of this great sport.”

“We applaud RBC for their long-term vision in supporting an environment that will build competitive golf excellence in Canada,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA executive director and CEO. “Programs that promote grassroots and amateur competition as well as those that help support training and high performance opportunities are critical to Canadian golfers developing their competitive potential.”

Supporting Emerging Talent
RBC also announced plans to deepen its relationships with Canada’s emerging and established touring professionals.

RBC is creating a new initiative to help young male and female professional golfers make the jump to the professional ranks on the PGA and LPGA Tours. Beginning in 2010, RBC has created a new initiative to support emerging Canadian professionals making the transition to the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour -- including 2010 graduates Graham DeLaet and Chris Baryla on the PGA TOUR, and Lisa Meldrum and Samantha Richdale on the LPGA Tour -- by providing a combination of funding and tailored, comprehensive financial planning and private banking services through its RBC Sports Professionals program. Athletes who elect to sign up for the program will become RBC ambassadors and carry corporate branding on their golf bags as they compete each week on the world’s stage.

“This step is a very important element of my development as a professional and my hat is off to RBC for taking a leadership role here and identifying the need,” said DeLaet. “It’s clear they really get it and are doing an admirable job connecting all the dots through support of Canadian player development from the grassroots all the way up to those of us fortunate enough to make the leap to the PGA TOUR. I’m pleased to be joining their program and am looking forward to meeting everyone on their team.”

Weir, Ames Join Team RBC
In addition, RBC is enhancing existing relationships with PGA TOUR pros Stephen Ames and Mike Weir by entering into new multi-year extensions with both players. RBC becomes the official bank for Ames and Weir and both will have RBC branding prominently featured on their staff golf bags when they compete each week on the PGA TOUR. The partnerships are anchored in philanthropy with RBC continuing on as presenting sponsor of the Stephen Ames Cup and the Mike Weir Foundation entering its second year as the national charity partner of the RBC Canadian Open.

“I have been fortunate to have had a very close partnership with RBC for a number of years now and I’m thankful to see that continue,” said Weir. “More importantly, however, I’m excited about their support at the amateur level and their investment in the future of Canadian golf. We are seeing many great young Canadian golfers coming up and the support of RBC will not only help them succeed, but will provide the opportunities for even more amateurs to pursue their dreams in the sport.”

“Canadians are showing every week that they can compete with the best in golf,” said Ames. “RBC’s grassroots commitment to the game will be a boost to the next generation of players that will pay dividends for years to come. Their strong commitment to charity, both through the RBC Canadian Open and my own charitable foundation, is also something that I’ve appreciated personally, not only for the future of the game, but also for the future of the programs that benefit communities across Canada.”

Ames kicked off his season on the PGA TOUR last week at the Kapalua event in Hawaii while Weir made his first start yesterday at the Bob Hope Classic in La Quinta, California. Weir and Ames join American standout Anthony Kim forming ‘Team RBC’ on the PGA TOUR.

“Over the past two years, supporting the RBC Canadian Open has given us an opportunity to engage so many of our clients, employees and community partners in an event that they enjoy,” said Little. “We’re very pleased to take the next step and invest further in the long-term future of golf in Canada by playing a greater role in nurturing the next generation of national golfing heroes and further developing the game that so many Canadians love.”

RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes, and is Premier National Partner of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

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

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations. The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour. For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.

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

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

2010-01-20T00:55:00.000-08:00

The Canadian International Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show is there to feed your inspiration and nurture your vision. It’s where you’ll find the ideas, tools, contacts and strategies to make your projects a reality and improve your course’s operational efficiencies, from staffing to maintenance and product use.
Save this date!

From February 26 to March 2, 2010, golf course management professionals from across North America will gather in Toronto for the annual Canadian International Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show. This year’s conference promises to be the most exciting ever. See details about our educational program and our celebrity keynote speaker, Peter Mansbridge, who promises to be one of the event’s highlights.

The International Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show is presented jointly by the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA). It combines a unique program, exciting networking events and a one-of-a-kind trade show—all geared to helping golf course managers deliver value to their property.

Don’t miss it!

Sign up today for the Canadian International Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow in Toronto in 2010. www.golfsupers.com/toronto2010

RCGA to Gather in Vancouver From January 21-23

2010-01-14T00:27:00.000-08:00

- Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. to be sworn in as RCGA’s 107th President -

Vancouver, B.C. (RCGA) - The Annual General Meeting of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) will take place next week (January 21-23) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver, B.C.

The 2010 Annual General Meeting will bring together the RCGA Board of Directors, the Governors Council and RCGA staff as well as representatives from Canada’s provincial golf associations and Canadian golf industry stakeholders. The group will assemble over three days of meetings in preparation for the upcoming golf season.

The Annual General Meeting will include the appointment of Kamloops, B.C. resident Jack McDonald as the RCGA’s 107th President. The induction ceremony will take place during the official Annual General Meeting on Saturday, January 23rd from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at the Four Seasons.

The RCGA will also present both its 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award as well as its Distinguished Service Award(s) during a dinner on Saturday, January 23rd to conclude the Annual General Meeting. The awards will honour a trio of individuals for their outstanding contributions to the game of golf.

Ty Votaw, Executive Vice President, International Affairs with the PGA Tour will be on hand at the RCGA’s Annual General Meeting dinner on Saturday, January 23rd as the keynote speaker.
RCGA Member Golf Clubs interested in finding out more information about the 2010 Annual General

Meeting can contact the RCGA at 1.800.263.0009.

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION

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

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

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Team Canada Finishes Tied for Third at 2010 Copa de las Americas

2010-01-13T00:41:00.000-08:00

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Team Canada foursome of Matt Hill, Nick Taylor, Jennifer Kirby and Stephanie Sherlock finished with a team total score of 1184 (+36) to take home a share of third place honours in the overall team competition of the 2010 Copa de las Americas in Argentina.

The defending champions from the United States successfully defended their overall team title as Nathan Smith, Peter Uihlein, Jessica Korda and Jennifer Song shot a team-total score of 1158 (+10) for the championship. Host country Argentina (+22) finished second, 12 strokes back of the United States with Canada (+36), Colombia (+36) and Paraguay (+53) rounding out the top five.

Hill and Taylor led Canada to a fourth place finish in the Men’s Team Division at 579 (+7) for the tournament while Kirby and Sherlock also finished fourth with a score of 605 (+29).

Argentina took home top honours in the men’s division with score of 570 (-2), five stroke ahead of the US (+3). Paraguay (+6), Canada (+7) and Venezuela (+15)) rounded out the top five.

Team USA, which swept the overall, men’s and women’s divisions at the 2007 event at Beacon Hall in Aurora, Ont. also finished atop the 2010 women’s team leader board with a score of 583 (+7). Colombia (+17), Argentina (+24), Canada (+29) and Peru (+33) rounded out the top five.

In the individual standings, Hill (+3) finished tied for sixth and Taylor (+4) was eighth while Sherlock (+13) and Kirby (+16) finished tied for sixth and tied for ninth respectively.

The following are final results from the 2010 Copa de las Americas in Argentina:

Overall Team Results:

1 USA + 10 291
2 Argentina + 22 289
3 Canada + 36 298
T 3 Colombia + 36 292
5 Paraguay + 53 295
6 Peru + 56 308
7 Venezuela + 76 308
8 Mexico + 85 305
9 Chile + 86 308
10 Bermuda + 122 313
11 Guatemala + 144 316

Men’s Team Results

1 Argentina -2 570
2 USA + 3 575
3 Paraguay + 6 578
4 Canada + 7 579
5 Venezuela + 15 587
6 Colombia + 19 591
7 Puerto Rico + 21 593
8 Peru + 23 595
T 8 Brasil + 23 595
10 Mexico + 32 604
11 Chile + 33 605
12 Bermuda + 36 608
13 Panama + 40 612
14 Guatemala + 52 624
15 Uruguay + 73 645

Women’s Team Results

1 USA + 7 583
2 Colombia + 17 593
3 Argentina + 24 600
4 Canada + 29 605
5 Peru + 33 609
6 Trinidad & Tobago + 35 611
7 Paraguay + 47 623
8 Mexico + 53 629
T 8 Chile + 53 629
10 Venezuela + 61 637
11 Bermuda + 86 662
12 Guatemala + 92 668

Individual Men Results

1 ARG Emiliano Grillo -7 279
2 PAR William Kent -1 285
3 PUE Rafael Campos 0 286
4 USA Peter Uihlein 1 287
5 USA Nathan Smith 2 288
6 CAN Matt Hill 3 289
T6 COL Andres Echavarria 3 289
8 CAN Nick Taylor 4 290
9 ARG Tomas Cocha 5 291
10 VEN Jose Daniel Ortega 6 292
11 PER Patricio Salem 7 293
T11 BRA Pedro Costa Lima 7 293
T11 PAR Daniel Cano 7 293
14 VEN Felipe Velazquez 9 295
T14 BER Jarryd Dillas 9 295
16 MEX Santiago Gavino 12 298
17 PAN Miguel Ordonez 14 300
18 CHI Matias Dominguez 15 301
19 PER Rafael Claux 16 302
T19 BRA Guilherme Oda 16 302
T19 COL Carlos Rodriguez 16 302
22 CHI Luciano Diaz 18 304
23 MEX Juan Pablo Solis 20 306
24 PUE Erick Morales 21 307
25 GUA Jose Pablo Rolz 23 309
26 PAN Alvaro Tapia 26 312
27 BER Nick Jones 27 313
28 GUA Martin Modai 29 315
29 URU Santiago Huisman 32 318
30 URU Alvaro Vargas 41 327

Individual Women Results

1 PAR Andrea Jun 1 289
T1 COL Juliana Murcia 1 289
3 ARG Victoria Tanco 2 290
4 USA Jennifer Song 3 291
5 USA Jessica Korda 4 292
6 PER Simone de Souza 13 301
T6 CAN Stephanie Sherlock 13 301
8 TRI Monifa Sealy 15 303
9 COL Luz Alejandra Cangrejo 16 304
T9 CAN Jennifer Kirby 16 304
11 MEX Diana Cantu 17 305
12 PER Alexandra Gibson 20 308
T12 TRI Martine de Gannes 20 308
14 VEN Ana Margarita Raga 22 310
E14 ARG Manuela Carbajo Re 22 310
16 CHI Maria Jose Vial 24 312
17 CHI Isidora San Martin 29 317
18 BER Laura Robinson 34 322
19 MEX Paola Valerio 36 324
20 GUA Lucia Polo 37 325
21 VEN Nicole Ferre 39 327
22 PAR Johanna Doria 46 334
23 BER Ebonie Burgess 52 340
24 GUA Beatriz de Arenas 55 343

Conducted this year by the Asociación Argentina de Golf (AAG) and hosted jointly by the Olivos Golf Club and the Buenos Aires Golf Club, the 2010 Copa de las Americas welcomed teams representing 16 countries from North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.

The fourth bi-annual Copa de las Americas is a team competition encompassing four rounds of stroke play with teams competing for a men’s, women’s and overall team title. This year’s event featured 15 men’s teams, 12 women’s teams and 11 teams competing for the overall team title. The event is proudly supported by both the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) through funding to offset the travel costs of participating countries.

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

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.

The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.

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

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

Nick Taylor and Stephanie Sherlock Named Canada’s Top Amateur Golfers of 2009

2010-01-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

Mitch Sutton and Sue Kim Earn Honours as Canada’s Top Junior Golfers

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – For the second year in a row, Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. and Stephanie Sherlock of Barrie, Ont. are recognized as Canada’s top male and female amateur golfers as the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced the final standings for the 2009 National Order of Merit presented by Under Armour.

In the men’s national ranking, 21-year old Taylor tops the list after a stellar season that saw him capture the Low Amateur Medal at the U.S. Open held at Bethpage State Park - Black Course after finishing tied for 36th. He also won the Sahalee Players Championship; was a member of Canada’s champion Four Nations Cup team; was runner-up at the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship; and managed a tie for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship.

The University of Washington Husky also tallied three individual victories (Hawai’i-Hilo Intercollegiate, Oregon Duck Invitational, and U.S. Intercollegiate) and a tie for medalist honours at the CordeValle Collegiate. He finished second at the NCAA Regional Championship and the Pac-10 Championship; tied for ninth at the NCAA Championship; and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year as well as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Ben Hogan Award. He also was presented with the Mark H McCormack Medal which recognizes the top-ranked golfer in the Royal and Ancient’s World Amateur Golf Ranking at the end of each amateur season and following the European and U.S. Amateur Championships.

Rounding out the top five on the men’s Order of Merit are NCAA Individual Champion Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont.; Brady Johnson of Mill Bay, B.C.; two-time Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion Cam Burke of New Hamburg, Ont.; and Mitchell Evanecz of Red Deer, Alta.

On the women’s side, Sherlock, a senior studying business at the University of Denver, elevated her game to yet another level in 2009 winning the Ron Moore Women’s Intercollegiate Tournament; being named second team All-American for a third successive year; and finishing tied for 11th at the NCAA Championships.

In 2009, while continuing to hone her skills on Team Canada for a fourth successive year, the 22-year old finished third at the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship and second at the Ontario Women's Amateur Championship.

Rounding out the top five in women’s national rankings are Sue Kim of Langley, B.C.; Maude Aimee LeBlanc of Sherbrooke, Que.; reigning Canadian junior girls and Canadian amateur champion Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont.; and Nicole Vandermade of Brantford, Ont.

Mitch Sutton of London, Ont. and Sue Kim of Langley, B.C. finished atop the CN Future Links Junior Boy’s and Girl’s Order of Merit to be named Canada’s top junior golfers for the 2009 season.
In 2009, 18-year old Sutton claimed his second consecutive Canadian Junior Boys Championship and finished second at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship. He was also crowned champion at the Ontario Junior Boys Match Play Championship and the Ontario Men's Better-Ball Championship. Other strong finishes included a tie for eighth at the Ontario Men's Amateur Championship and a tie for third at the CN Future Links Pacific Championship.

Sutton, a member of Team Canada for 2010, joined the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the fall of this year.

Albin Choi of Toronto, Justin Shin of Maple Ridge, B.C., Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. and Sam Holland of New Minas, N.S. round out the top five on the junior boys order of merit.

Kim, 18, enjoyed another standout year in 2009 finishing second at the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship; third at the B.C. Women’s Amateur Championship; tied for fourth at the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship; and fourth at the CN Future Links Pacific Championship.

The Team Canada member was also the top point getter on the 2008 CN Future Links Junior Girls Order of Merit. In the fall of 2009, Kim joined Sherlock as a member of the University of Denver Pioneer golf team.

Rounding out the top five on the 2009 CN Future Links Girls National Orders of Merit is Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont.; Rebecca Lee-Bentham of Toronto; Anne-Catherine Tanguay of Quebec City; and Christine Wong of Richmond, B.C.

Kirby, a member of 2010 Team Canada, claimed victory at a slew of tournaments including the Royale Cup Canadian Women’s and Junior Girls Championships as well as the Toronto Star Amateur, the Ontario Amateur and the Ontario Junior. However, the Alabama freshman played in fewer events than those ranking above her on the 2009 Order of Merit.

The following are the Top 10 on the Men’s and Women’s 2009 National Orders of Merit presented by Under Armour:

Men's - Top 10
Nick Taylor, Abbotsford, BC 2065
Matt Hill, Bright's Grove, ON 1770
Brady Johnson, Mill Bay, BC 956.5
Cam Burke, New Hamburg, ON 680
Mitchell Evanecz, Red Deer, AB 601
Marc-Etienne Bussieres, Gatineau, QC 585
Cory Renfrew, Victoria, BC 580
Mitch Sutton, London, ON 525
Eugene Wong, North Vancouver, BC 502.5
Darren Wallace, Langley, BC 495

Women's - Top 10
Stephanie Sherlock, Barrie, ON 1441
Sue Kim, Langley, BC 1256
Maude Aimee LeBlanc, Sherbrooke, QC 1255
Jennifer Kirby, Paris, ON 1119
Nicole Vandermade, Brantford, ON 1081
Sara-Maude Juneau, Fossambault, QC 1051
Kira Meixner, Richmond, BC 982
Megan Chapman, Thornbury, ON 504.5
Caroline Kim, Port Coquitlam, BC 452.5
Anne-Catherine Tanguay, Quebec City, QC 420

The National Men’s and Women’s Order of Merit presented by Under Armour recognize season-long achievements and were established to identify Canada’s top amateur golfers. For full standings and points breakdown, please visit www.rcga.org/orderofmerit.

The following are the Top 10 on the CN Future Links Boys and Girls 2009 National Orders of Merit:

Boys – Top 10
Mitch Sutton, London, ON 3955
Albin Choi, Toronto, ON 3310
Justin Shin, Maple Ridge, BC 3025
Mackenzie Hughes, Dundas, ON 2640
Sam Holland, New Minas, NS 2605
Richard Jung, Toronto, ON 2550
Julien Goulet, St-Roch de l'Achigan, QC 2425
Brandon Ng, Toronto, ON 2362.5
Eugene Wong, North Vancouver, BC 2350
Jesse Gibson, Saskatoon, SK 2330

Girls – Top 10
Sue Kim, Langley, BC 1877.5
Jennifer Kirby, Paris, ON 1700
Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Toronto, ON 1295
Anne-Catherine Tanguay, Quebec City, QC 1111.5
Christine Wong, Richmond, BC 1012
SooBin Kim, Port Coquitlam, BC 973
Michelle Lee, Mississauga, ON 939
A Ram Choi, Surrey, BC 764.3
Jennifer Yang, Coquitlam, BC 739
Kelly Amundrud, Calgary, AB 575.5

The CN Future Links Junior Boy’s and Girl’s Order of Merit recognizes season-long achievements and were established to identify Canada’s top junior golfers. For full standings and points breakdown, please visit www.rcga.org/CNFutureLinksorderofmerit.

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

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

CJGA World Junior Challenge presented by GolfWeek

2009-12-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

Canadian Junior Golf Association 2009

WJC - CJGA World Junior Challenge presented by GolfWeek

Dec 28 - Dec 30 at Reunion Resort - Independence (Watson) (Reunion, FL) & Reunion Resort - Legacy (Palmer) (Reunion, FL)

Par and Total Yardage By Competition

Boys 14 & Under - Reunion Resort - Legacy (Palmer) (Par: 72 Distance: 6002 Rating: 69.2 Slope: 128)
Boys 14 & Under - Reunion Resort - Independence (Watson) (Par: 72 Distance: 6241 Rating: 70.6 Slope: 124)

Boys 15-19 - Reunion Resort - Legacy (Palmer) (Par: 72 Distance: 6765 Rating: 73.4 Slope: 137)
Boys 15-19 - Reunion Resort - Independence (Watson) (Par: 72 Distance: 6922 Rating: 74.7 Slope: 140)

Girls 11-19 - Reunion Resort - Legacy (Palmer) (Par: 72 Distance: 5529 Rating: 67.0 Slope: 116)
Girls 11-19 - Reunion Resort - Independence (Watson) (Par: 72 Distance: 5809 Rating: 74.2 Slope: 126)

Recap - Round 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tight Finish Ahead for CJGA World Junior Challenge

Reunion, FL (December 29, 2009) – The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) hosted the second round of the World Junior Challenge presented by GolfWeek today. The first round took place on the Independence Course at Reunion Resort, while the second round witnessed action head to the Legacy Course. Heading into today there was a five-stroke gap between first and second place in both the Boys 15-19 Division and the Boys 14 & Under Division, but as play drew to a close all divisions where separated by a maximum of two strokes.

Making the biggest move today was Blake Soni (Bradenton, FL), who shot 68 (-4) to earn the lead in the Boys 15-19 Division with a two-day total of 143 (-1). “The difference today was that I was able to make putts, which really brought my game around,” explained Soni, “I was also able to give myself a lot of birdie opportunities.” Curtis Griffiths (England) remains in second place with a two-day total of 145 (+1). There is a two-way tie for third place between Davis Schaller (Celebration, FL) and Harrison Winger (Orlando, FL).

Alexandra Milan (Lutz, FL) shot 73 (+1) to jump ahead of first round leaders Brogan McKinnon (Mississauga, Ont.) and Isabell Gabsa (Germany). “I really started to gain momentum on the tenth hole when I made a solid approach shot to five-feet,” stated Milan, “I continued to make putts and that made a big difference.” McKinnon is one stroke back of Milan, while Gabsa is in third place three shots off the pace.
Matt LeMay (Waterloo, Ont.) remains in first place of the Boys 14 & Under Division with a score of 148 (+4). Andy Zhang (Reunion, FL) shot 70 (-2) to move from fourth to second, only one shot back of LeMay. Timothy Colanta (Monroe Township, NJ) is in third place, but still within striking distance at 151 (+7)

The final round of the CJGA World Junior Challenge presented by GolfWeek occurs tomorrow morning, with tee-times beginning at 7:40 a.m.

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.

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CJGA Announces 2010 National Schedule

2009-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

MARKHAM, ON - The Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is pleased to announce the release of the 2010 National tournament schedule. Once again, the CJGA will provide unmatched junior opportunities for junior golfers aged 5-19 right across Canada with over 80 events on the schedule. The Junior Tour (boys and girls aged 11-19) will have over 60 events across Canada to participate in while the Junior Linkster Tour (boys and girls aged 5-13) will have 20 events across the country.

There will be a number of fantastic events CJGA members can participate in throughout the season, including the NIKE Golf Junior Series, PUMA Challenge, Humber College Invitational, PING CJGA Canadian Junior Match Play Championship, Mizuno CJGA National Golf Championship, NIKE Golf Junior Championship and the Lipton Brisk Canada Cup.

In 2010, juniors will have the chance to play a golf course that the pro’s play! The CJGA will be heading to Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, British Columbia, home of the 2010 Telus World Skins, just two weeks before the Skins event.

CJGA members will also be eligible for unmatched international competition in 2010 including the Stephen Ames Cup (Trinidad & Tobago), Euro Junior Golf Cup (Scotland), Junior World Golf Championships (United States), Tri Nations cup (South Africa), and the Canadian International Junior Challenge (Canada) just to name a few.

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

All CJGA events will continue to be ranked on Junior Golf Scoreboard in 2010. As well, there will be RCGA Future Links Order of Merit points available, Golfweek ranked events, along with AJGA exemptions and performance stars available at certain events. Check back on the CJGA website in the New Year for further details.

Registration will open up online for the events starting January 1, 2010. With the majority of the events filling up on a first come, first serve basis we encourage juniors to register early to avoid missing out on an event.

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.

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New Office for the BCGA

2009-12-22T00:03:00.000-08:00

Effective December 18, 2009 The BC Golf Association will now be located at...

2110, 13700 Mayfield Place
Richmond, BC
V6V 2E4

All other contact information will remain the same.

Canada’s Golf Team Announced for 2010 Copa de las Americas

2009-12-19T00:04:00.000-08:00

Hill, Taylor, Kirby and Sherlock to represent Team Canada in Argentina January 6-9, 2010

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Team Canada members Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont., Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont. and Stephanie Sherlock of Barrie, Ont. have been selected to represent Canada at the 2010 Copa de las Americas being held January 6-9, 2010 at Buenos Aires Golf Club and Olivos Golf Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Copa de las Americas is a biennial amateur team competition for countries in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. There are three 72-hole competitions – men’s, women’s and overall – with 18 holes played on each of the four days.

Canada has enjoyed tremendous success at the Copa de las Americas since the event’s inception in 2003. Canada won the overall team championship in 2003 and 2005, the men’s team titles in 2003 and 2005 as well as the women’s title in 2003.

Canada also played host to the 2007 Copa de las Americas at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont., where the team of Keven Fortin-Simard of Roberval, Que., Graham Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont., Laura Matthews of Essex, Ont. and Stephanie Sherlock finished third overall. The men’s team finished fourth while the women’s squad finished second.

Accompanying the four-member team to Argentina as Team Canada’s Co-Captains are men’s head coach, Henry Brunton, and women’s head coach, Derek Ingram.

The venues for the 2010 Copa de las Americas – Buenos Aires Golf Club and Olivos Golf Club – are the same two golf courses that will be used during the 2010 World Amateur Team Championships, scheduled to be played in October.

Originally scheduled to be contested in 2009, the Copa de las Americas were rescheduled to 2010 due to the troubled world economy.

Matt Hill, 21, captured eight individual NCAA wins, including six in-a-row as a member of the North Carolina State Wolfpack golf team. He won his regional championship, conference (ACC) championship and the NCAA individual title. For his efforts, Hill was awarded with the Jack Nicklaus award as the NCAA’s top golfer. Hill was also a member of Canada’s winning Four Nations Cup team, won the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, tied for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship and made the cut at the PGA TOUR’s AT&T National (T70).

Nick Taylor, 21, finished first at the 2009 U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier in Roslyn, WA and went on to capture the Low Amateur Medal at the U.S. Open held at Bethpage State Park - Black Course after finishing tied for 36th. He also won the Sahalee Players Championship, was a member of Canada’s champion Four Nations Cup team, was runner-up at the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and managed a tie for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship.

The University of Washington Husky also tallied three individual victories (Hawai’i-Hilo Intercollegiate, Oregon Duck Invitational, and U.S. Intercollegiate) and a tie for medalist honours at the CordeValle Collegiate. He finished second at the NCAA Regional Championship and the Pac-10 Championship, tied for ninth at the NCAA Championship and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year as well as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Ben Hogan Award. He also was presented with the Mark H McCormack Medal which recognizes the top-ranked golfer in the R&A’s World Amateur Golf Ranking at the end of each amateur season and following the European and U.S. Amateur Championships.

Jennifer Kirby, 18, claimed a slew of titles across Canada in 2009 including the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship, the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship, the Ontario Junior Girls Championship, the 2009 CN Future Links Pacific Championship and the Toronto Star Women's Amateur Championship. This fall, she also joined the University of Alabama Crimson Tide golf team as a freshman.

Stephanie Sherlock, 22, finished third at this year’s Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship and second at the Ontario Women's Amateur. As a member of the University of Denver golf team, she finished eighth at the East Regional Championship and tied for 11th as an individual at the NCAA Championships.

Other players who have represented Canada at the Copa de las Americas include:

2007: Beacon Hall Golf Club, Aurora, Ont., Canada, June 18-24, 2007
3rd overall, 4th men’s team, 2nd women’s team
Keven Fortin-Simard, Roberval, Que.
Graham Hill, Bright’s Grove, Ont.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Stephanie Sherlock, Barrie, Ont.

2005: El Tigre Golf Club, Nueva Vallarta, Mexico, June 22-25, 2005
1st overall, 1st men’s team, 3rd women’s team
Richard Scott, Kingsville, Ont.
James Lepp, Abbotsford, B.C.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Lindsay Knowlton, Toronto, Ont.

2003: Rio Mar Country Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, June 25-28, 2003
1st overall, 1st men’s team, 1st women’s team
Peter Laws, Mississauga, Ont.
James Lepp, Abbotsford, B.C.
Laura Matthews, Essex, Ont.
Lisa Meldrum, Montreal, Que.

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

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.

The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.

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

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

Weekly Olympic Happenings for Locals

2009-12-18T00:45:00.000-08:00

Olympic News This Week
On December 11th John Furlong announced the creation of a new award, The Vancouver 2010 Terry Fox Award, at an event on Ottawa with the Fox family. "This award will be presented to an athlete who embodies the same values that Terry Fox did," Furlong continued. "This athlete will be someone who is the epitome of... click here to read the full blog

Nancy Lopez Golf, Proud Sponsor of Golf Fore the Cure, Launches NEW Pink Ribbon Collection to Benefit Breast Cancer Research

2009-12-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

World Golf Hall of Famer ‘Gives Back’ through specially-branded collection

Now there’s a way for Golfers everywhere to support the fight against Breast Cancer this Holiday Season. 10% of every online purchase from the Nancy Lopez Golf Pink Ribbon Collection will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society in support of critical Breast Cancer Research here in Canada.

Nancy Lopez Golf has been a proud sponsor of the RCGA Golf Fore the Cure program for the past three years – the largest grassroots recreational golf participation program for women in Canada. 48-time LPGA Tour winner Nancy Lopez and her company are now extending that support into a year-round fundraising initiative.

“The exciting part about launching this special Pink Ribbon Collection is the important donation to Breast Cancer Research that every sale will generate, and we at Nancy Lopez Golf are proud to support such an important cause,” comments Lopez.

The Nancy Lopez Golf Pink Ribbon Collection includes a complete selection of ladies’ apparel – shirts, vests, caps and visors – equipment packages and golf balls. Each item is branded with the iconic Pink Ribbon symbol, and product tags proudly display the Cancer Society’s ‘Proud Supporter’ logo.

Ladies, you’re going to love the Pink Ribbon Collection... quality products, in a variety of ‘pink ribbon’ colours ... pink, black, white, silver, beige – sure to please everyone on your Holiday Shopping List. Golfers and non-Golfers alike will enjoy this Collection... especially those planning to head south this winter! Lopez shirts feature a unique Desert DryTM moisture wicking system to keep you cool, no matter how hot things get! The fashionable styles and lightweight fabrics fit perfectly into any ‘casual’ wardrobe and travel extremely well.

And, guys... the Pink Ribbon Collection offers you wonderful Holiday gift ideas for the special ladies on your list. In addition to apparel, three Pink Ribbon equipment packages will certainly bring a smile to the special lady Golfer on your list... Ashley Elle series 10-pc set with head covers and two bag choices, or the Ashley Elle series Smart Set with matching head covers and bag.

Purchasing online at www.NancyLopezGolf.com makes Holiday Shopping easy. View the Collection and fill your cart right from the comfort of your home. Not only will your order arrive on your doorstep within a few days, but as an RCGA member, you enjoy the benefit of FREE Shipping!

SIMPLY USE RCGAMEMBER AS YOUR PROMO CODE DURING CHECKOUT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL OFFER.

Cancer has touched the lives of Canadians everywhere ... in 2009, an average of 437 Canadian women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer every week. A gift from the Nancy Lopez Golf Pink Ribbon Collection will be a gift that also gives much-needed research funding to find a cure for this dreaded disease ... a gift that gives twice.

Visit http://www.nancylopezgolf.com/ to start your Holiday Shopping today!

Should Martin Brodeur Be Team Canada's Starting Goalie

2009-12-08T00:46:00.000-08:00

Brodeur Becomes a US Citizen
This blog doesn't come with the sex appeal or potential scandal of Tiger Wood's recent escapades and even the media didn't really grab on to this story like they did with the great one (Tiger not Wayne). Maybe the timing was too close to run both stories? However when Martin Brodeur became a U.S. citizen did he also give up his right to represent our country in the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics?

Can a US Citizen Play for Canada?
Brodeur, who at 37 has played his entire NHL career with the New Jersey Devils, passed his citizenship test and has dual citizenship in Canada and the United States. However, as ... READ MORE

Graham DeLaet Wins 2010 PGA Tour Card

2009-12-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

DeLaet Joins PGA Tour in 2010
Canada's Graham DeLaet will be joining Mike Wier, Stephan Ames and Chris Baryla on the PGA Tour in 2010. DeLaet earned his PGA Tour card with a T8 finish at the 2010 Tour school finishing at 15 under par for the 6 round test of golf.

Congratulations Graham!

Canada’s Nick Taylor Presented with The Mark H McCormack Medal in Special Ceremony at University of Washington

2009-12-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

St. Andrews, Scotland (Courtesy of the R&A) - Canada’s Nick Taylor, a member of Team Canada, was presented with the Mark H McCormack Medal last weekend. The Medal was presented by Steve Sander, on behalf of The R&A, during a special ceremony at the University of Washington, where Taylor is in his senior year. The award recognizes the top-ranked golfer in the World Amateur Golf Ranking at the end of the amateur season and following the European and US Amateur Championships.

The 22-year-old from Abbotsford, B.C., had a truly outstanding season. Taylor ascended five places to the top of the R&A’s Ranking in June after heading the U.S. Open sectional qualifying at Tumble Creek, Washington, at which the First Team All-American finished two shots clear of the largely professional field, and claimed one of the two places available.

He maintained that form in the U.S. Open itself at Bethpage State Park. In the process of achieving an impressive 36th-place finish – the low amateur – on the formidable Black Course, Taylor shot a second-round 65, the joint-lowest score by an amateur in the Championship’s history, to make the cut in tied-seventh position.

He followed his Bethpage performance with a win at his next tournament, the Salahee Players Championship in Sammamish, Washington, before finishing runner-up at the U.S. Public Links Championship at the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club in Norman, Oklahoma.

By the end of his junior year at the University of Washington he had rewritten the school’s record book, becoming Washington’s first Pac-10 Player of the Year, registering the most collegiate victories in a single year (4), the lowest 54-hole total (198) and the lowest third-round score (63).

Taylor topped the World Amateur Golf Ranking for 21 weeks before being displaced by France’s Victor Dubuisson. Taylor is currently ranked third behind Dubuisson and Italy’s Matteo Manassero.

THE MARK H MCCORMACK MEDA
The Mark H McCormack Medal is awarded to the player ranked number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking after the European Amateur Championship or US Amateur Championship, whichever is the last to conclude. The award is named after Mark H McCormack, the late founder of sports marketing company IMG and an avid supporter of amateur golf.

ABOUT THE R&A
Based in St Andrews, The R&A is golf's governing body and organiser of The Open Championship. The R&A is committed to working for golf and operates with the consent of 136 organisations from the amateur and professional game and on behalf of over 30 million golfers in 123 countries.

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

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.
The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.

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.

Steve Carroll Joins the RCGA in Newly Created Membership & Business Development Position

2009-11-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

Former Canadian PGA Executive Director entrusted with engaging and collaborating with the Canadian golf industry to help build the RCGA’s Membership base and program.

Oakville, ON. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that Steve Carroll has been named the Association’s new Director of Membership and Business Development.
Carroll most recently served as Executive Director of the Canadian PGA, finishing his 22-year tenure with the CPGA on October 31, 2009. His deep roots in the Canadian golf industry, stellar record of success with the Canadian PGA and extensive contact base across provincial and national golf administration circles made him a perfect fit for the RCGA’s new role aimed at growing its membership base and enhancing the RCGA’s relationship with its customers and stakeholders across the country.

“This is a very exciting day for the RCGA and golf in Canada and we are delighted to have someone of Steve’s credibility and experiences in the Canadian golf industry join our team,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. ”Steve demonstrated tremendous leadership during his tenure with the CPGA and more recently as NAGA Chair and spokesperson for the recently announced Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study. He holds a valuable knowledge of the RCGA, Canadian PGA and other golf associations in Canada and has gained an incredible level of respect through his proven record of career success in senior executive positions. We are confident that Steve is the right person to engage the Canadian golf industry and help create and articulate a bold new vision for the future direction of our sport in Canada that will resonate and be proudly supported by the Canadian golf consumer.”

As Director of Membership and Business Development for Ontario and Atlantic Canada, Carroll will be responsible for the growth of membership programs and relationship management objectives. A key member of the RCGA’s Membership Team led by newly appointed Chief Operating Officer Peter Beresford, Carroll will assist with the development and execution of Golf Canada branded membership programs. In addition, Carroll will recruit, train and manage Golf Canada Ambassador volunteers and will be counted on to help increase the profile and awareness of Team Canada in Ontario and Eastern Canada.

“I have such deep respect for the leadership and vision of Scott Simmons and have developed such positive working relationships with many of the existing RCGA staff and Directors that this transition in my career feels like moving from one family to another,” said Carroll. “There are thousands of Canadians who make significant contributions to the industry and game in this country along with many thousands more in Canada who through their passion for the game have elevated Canada to the highest participation levels in the world. I welcome the challenge and look forward to working with the Board, staff, and all RCGA partners across the country to develop even more pride and support for the growth and development of our sport across Canada.”

Carroll joins the RCGA following a successful 22-year executive management career with the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association, including a 13-year stint as Executive Director of the Canadian PGA’s BC Zone and most recently five years as the Canadian PGA’s national Executive Director. During that time he and his teams have delivered enhanced member value, key reforms in strategic planning and governance areas and many new partnerships and improved profile for the Canadian PGA with corporate Canada, government agencies and golf associations in Canada and around the world.

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

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

Ben Boudreau Steals the Show at the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship

2009-11-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

Port St. Lucie, Florida (November 25, 2009) Ben Boudreau of Longueuil, QC stole the show at the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship after he birdied the 18th hole in regulation and then birdied it again in a playoff to claim the Canadian PGA National Championship over first and second round leader Jeff Buder of Vancouver, BC.

Canadian PGA TV clips of the final putt and an interview with Boudreau are available at http://www.cpga.com/

“I was two shots back on the final hole but I thought if I could hit a big drive down the fairway I would have a chance to make a birdie and I just tried to do it all over again in the playoff,” said Boudreau, who now earns an exemption into the 2010 RBC Canadian Open at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto. “Jeff and I had a wild fight all day long and I know he is a little disappointed but he played great golf all week and I’m just happy to be the last man standing.”

Boudreau, Head Professional at Le Parcours Du Cerf, made four birdies and no bogies during his trip around the Wanamaker Course at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida but it was his back-to-back birdies on the hardest hole on the golf course for the win that had everyone talking after the round.

“He had to putt first to save his par before I had a shot at my birdie on the last hole and when he missed it I said to myself this is it, just knock it in,” said Boudreau, who just got back from the final stage of Champions Tour Q-School where he finished tied for 72nd place.

Boudreau, who played in the 1994 Canadian Open at Glen Abbey, looked like he was going to run out of steam in his pursuit of Buder but after making great par saves on the 16th and 17th hole the dramatics for the 18th hole fell into place.

“I’m so excited to play in the Canadian Open next year at St. George’s,” said Boudreau, who’s scorecard was surprisingly vacant of any birdies on the par-5’s in the final round, rare considering he is one of the longest players in the field. “I don’t know how I did it but I didn’t think about it all day until the final putt dropped.”

Buder pegged it in one of the first groups in round one and lead the Championship for almost 54 straight holes but an errant tee shot into the left fairway bunker on the 18th hole led to a bogey and allowed Boudreau the chance to sneak in the birdie for the tie.

“I’m obviously a bit disappointed not to close it out but my hat is off to Ben after making birdie on the hardest hole on this entire golf course, not once but twice,” said Buder, Head Professional of Point Grey Golf & Country Club. “I had a fun week and I’ll be back next year to see if I can win this thing.”

2005 & 2006 Champion Danny King fired a 4-under par 68 to finish alone in 3rd place. If not for a double bogey on the ninth hole King would have joined the playoff with Boudreau and Buder.

Almost 90% of the 105 Canadian PGA Professionals that played in the Championship used SkyCaddie – Official Rangefinder of the Canadian PGA during the event, contributing to the fantastic pace of play throughout the week.

Boudreau wins $12, 000 for the victory and will also receive an exemption into the 2010 RBC Canadian Open to be held at St. George's Golf and Country Club in Toronto, ON.

Owned and operated by the PGA of America, The PGA Golf Club is a public facility designed by Tom Fazio with rolling hills, majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards. The course has been selected for numerous awards including the 2004 “Best Places To Play” by Golf Digest. For more information, visit www.pgavillage.com

About Acushnet:
The Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra brands have a tradition of excellence that have always been predicated on providing golfers with quali! ty and performance superior golf equipment. The Canadian PGA Golf Professional has a tradition of excellence devoting their careers to helping golfers improve and enjoy the game. Together, Acushnet and the Canadian PGA Golf Professional share a successful relationship of providing the golfer with best in class products and services. For more information, visit www.titleist.com and http://www.footjoy.com/.

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

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Buder Still Leads but the Gap Tightens at the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship

2009-11-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

Port St. Lucie, Florida (November 24, 2009) Jeff Buder of Vancouver, BC followed up his scorching first round score of 64 with an even-par 72 on Tuesday to carry a three shot lead into the final round of the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship over Ben Boudreau of Longueuil, QC and 2007 Champion Eric Landreville of Melocheville, QC.

Canadian PGA TV interviews and live scoring results can be found at http://www.cpga.com/

“It was little breezy out there today and the greens were a little bumpier because we played in the afternoon,” said Buder, who missed the 2008 version of this event because he was renovating his pro shop at Point Grey Golf & Country Club. “I just didn’t hit enough great shots today like I did yesterday but maybe I’m saving them up for the final round tomorrow.”

Buder, Head Professional at Point Grey Golf & Country Club, birdied his first hole of the day to increase his lead to five shots but followed it up with bogies on his 7th and 9th holes of the day before making one final birdie on the way back to the clubhouse at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

“Today was a funny day out there for me,” said Buder, who played collegiate golf at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. “I seemed to get some interesting breaks including some putts that had old cups in the middle of my line but that’s just golf and something we all have to deal with.”

Buder is rooming with close friend and defending champion Kyle German of Surrey, BC and is actually staying in the exact same room that German did last year when he won this National Championship.

“The champion gets to pick the biggest room so we gave Kyle the big suite and I’m down in the basement hoping to get the same luck that he had last year in the final round,” stated Buder.

2007 Champion Eric Landreville of Melocheville, QC made six birdies en route to a second round 70 to sit at 5-under par for the Championship.

“I played some sloppy golf today with too many little mistakes around the green,” said Landreville, who played in the 2008 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey thanks to the winning exemption. “I’m excited for tomorrow, I really like this golf course and I know I can make up some ground if I can just minimize the mistakes.”

Boudreau moved up the leaderboard in a hurry after a blistering front nine score of 5-under par 31 that included five birdies on the opening side. Boudreau kept it steady on the back nine until the 18th hole where he made a double bogey after hitting his tee shot into the hazard just off the fairway to close with a 3-under par 69.

The low round of the day belonged to Geoff Kehler of Selkirk, MB who fired a second round 7-under par 65 that included six birdies, an eagle and two bogies. Kehler now sits at 2-under par for the Championship.

The turnaround of the day belonged to Jeff Chambers of Swift Current, SK who fired a scorching 6-under par 66 in round two to rebound after his opening round score of 83. Chambers, Head Professional at Elmwood Golf & Country Club and a rookie in this event, commented that going back to the basics is what caused the seventeen shot difference for him.

“I’ve always been known for having a tiny pause at the top of my backswing and for some reason I just forgot about it in the first round,” stated Chambers, who’s wife Carrie caddied for him in the second round. “I put that pause back in today and the game seemed a whole lot easier when I did.”

Scott Allred of Calgary started the round in second place but stumbled to a 5-over par 77 in round two to sit in a tie for 18th heading into the final round tomorrow.

The Ontario Team stormed back in the second round to secure the InterZone Competition by one shot over Team Quebec and two shots over Team BC. Ontario’s winning score of 426 (-6) were a combination of scores from Ken Tarling (70), Danny King (72), Bruce Rogerson (73) & Ian Doig (74).

The $5000, 36-hole InterZone competition consists of teams of four players representing one of the nine Zones of the Canadian PGA. The team score is made up of the best three scores each day for the first two rounds at the CPC.

The CPC purse is $85,000 and the Champion will also receive an exemption into the 2010 RBC Canadian Open to be held at St. George's Golf and Country Club in Toronto, ON.

Owned and operated by the PGA of America, The PGA Golf Club is a public facility designed by Tom Fazio with rolling hills, majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards. The course has been selected for numerous awards including the 2004 “Best Places To Play” by Golf Digest. For more information, visit http://www.pgavillage.com/

About Acushnet:
The Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra brands have a tradition of excellence that have always been predicated on providing golfers with qualit! y and performance superior golf equipment. The Canadian PGA Golf Professional has a tradition of excellence devoting their careers to helping golfers improve and enjoy the game. Together, Acushnet and the Canadian PGA Golf Professional share a successful relationship of providing the golfer with best in class products and services. For more information, visit http://www.titleist.com/ and http://www.footjoy.com/.

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

2009-11-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

Port St. Lucie, Florida (November 23, 2009) Jeff Buder of Vancouver, BC fired a 8-under par 64 in the first round of the 2009 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship to open a four shot lead over Scott Allred of Calgary.
Canadian PGA TV interviews and live scoring available at http://www.cpga.com/ .
Buder, Head Professional at Point Grey Golf & Country Club, enjoyed a stress free tour around the Wanamaker Golf Course at PGA Golf Club recording eight birdies and eleven pars and he only missed one green in regulation.
“I’ve had this date circled on the calendar for two years since I couldn’t come down at play last year,” said Buder, referring to his absence last year due to renovations in his pro shop. “I absolutely love coming down here and I seem to get off to some great starts so hopefully I can keep it going this time.”
Buder pegged it early in the third group of the day and cruised around the opening nine at 3-under par before knocking in birdies on 10, 11, 12, 14 & 16 on the back nine to end up in the Canadian PGA scoring tent with a smile on his face.
“I was actually a little nervous on the first few holes as I haven’t played a competitive round in about three months but I rolled in about a 90 foot putt on the 4th hole that I thought might be a good sign for the day and that seemed to calm me down a bit,” said Buder, who has enjoyed success over the last few years at the PGA Golf Club, finishing in a tie for 4th in 2005 and a tie for 5th in 2006.
Buder’s round of 64 was two shots off the course record that was set only a few weeks ago at the PGA Tour’s First Stage of Qualifying School by Canadian Tour player Hugo Leon.
Allred, Head Professional at Elbow Springs Golf Club, fired the same score in the first round as he did a year ago in the opening round. Last year he was the overnight leader, this year he sits four shots back.
“I hit the ball so well out there today, as good as I’ve hit it in a long time,” said Allred, who finished tied for 9th place in 2008 at this event. “I had a chance to roll in some more putts to get even closer to Buder but I’ll take it after day one.”
2005 & 2006 Champion Danny King, Head Teaching Professional at Magna Golf Club and 2007 Champion Eric Landreville of Club De Golf Belle Vue sit in a tie for 3rd place after opening rounds of 3-under par 69.
Defending Champion Kyle German of Surrey, BC opened with a 1-over par 73 largely due to a shaky putter.
“I was surprised that my putter was shaky today as usually it’s my bread and butter,” stated German, who spoke to his fellow competitors at Sunday night’s Canadian PGA Awards Show about the thrill of being the National Club Professional Champion and playing in the RBC Canadian Open. “I can’t believe how different the course is playing this year with completely opposite conditions than last year and I think I may have given my pal Jeff Buder too many tips in the practice rounds.”

German is currently writing a daily blog after his rounds at the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship over at http://http://www.golfnewsnow.ca/
The British Columbia team leads the InterZone Competition by one shot with a score of 210 (-6). Team Ontario trails by a single shot and Team Quebec sits two shots back from the lead. The B.C. team is made up of Buder (64), Darryl Stubbs (72) , Scott Dickson (74) & Ross Mantell (76) . The Ontario team consists of King (69), Ian Doig (71), Ken Tarling (71) & Bruce Rogerson (73). Team Quebec consists of Landreville (69), Eric Laporte (71), Daniel Talbot (72) Marc Girouard (72).
The $5000, 36-hole InterZone competition consists of teams of four players representing one of the nine Zones of the Canadian PGA. The team score is made up of the best three scores each day for the first two rounds at the CPC.
The 2009 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian Club Professional Championship was kicked off last night with the Canadian PGA Awards Show. Plaques were presented to the 2008 Canadian PGA National Award Winners: Mike Kelly – Jack McLaughlin Junior Teacher of the Year, Tim Moore – Merchandiser of the Year, Rob Anderson – DELL Teacher Professional of the Year and Bill Wogden – Club Professional of the Year.
The CPC purse is $85,000 and the Champion will also receive an exemption into the 2010 RBC Canadian Open to be held at St. George's Golf and Country Club in Toronto, ON.
Owned and operated by the PGA of America, The PGA Golf Club is a public facility designed by Tom Fazio with rolling hills, majestic pine trees and challenging water hazards. The course has been selected for numerous awards including the 2004 “Best Places To Play” by Golf Digest. For more information, visit www.pgavillage.com
About Acushnet:
The Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra brands have a tradition of excellence that have always been predicated on providing golfers with qualit! y and performance superior golf equipment. The Canadian PGA Golf Professional has a tradition of excellence devoting their careers to helping golfers improve and enjoy the game. Together, Acushnet and the Canadian PGA Golf Professional share a successful relationship of providing the golfer with best in class products and services. For more information, visit http://www.titleist.com/ and http://www.footjoy.com/.
About CPGA:

Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country with a mandate to promote and advance the game of golf, serving the needs of both its membership and the golf public through professional and junior golf development programs and high-calibre competitive events. The National Office is located in Acton, Ontario with nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information, visit http://www.cpga.com/
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RCGA Names Golfers to 2010 Team Canada

2009-11-20T00:47:00.000-08:00

11 athletes selected to represent Team Canada; Under-22 Development Team welcomes six players

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today the names of the athletes who have been selected to join Team Canada’s 2010 golf team.
In all, 11 players comprise Team Canada including five on the men’s side and six on the women’s. Team Canada welcomes back six returning players, a trio of Development Team members graduating to the amateur ranks, one athlete returning after a year hiatus and the addition of a single rookie.

Coming off a stellar 2009 campaign, Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., will anchor the 2010 edition of the men’s Team Canada squad. The 21-year old was solidified as one of the world’s most predominant amateur golfers in 2009. After finishing first at the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier in Roslyn, WA, Taylor went on to capture the Low Amateur Medal at the U.S. Open held at Bethpage State Park - Black Course after finishing tied for 36th.

Taylor also captured the Sahalee Players Championship, was a member of Canada’s champion Four Nations Cup team, was runner-up at the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and managed a tied for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship.

The University of Washington Husky also enjoyed great success on the NCAA circuit with three individual victories (Hawai’i-Hilo Intercollegiate, Oregon Duck Invitational, and U.S. Intercollegiate) and a tie for medalist honours at the CordeValle Collegiate. He also finished second at the NCAA Regional Championship and the Pac-10 Championship, tied for ninth at the NCAA Championship and was named Pac-10 Player of the Year as well as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Ben Hogan Award.

Taylor was also ranked No. 1 on the Royal and Ancient’s (R&A) World Amateur Golf Ranking for 21 weeks.

Returning Team Canada member and Bright’s Grove, Ont. native, Matt Hill, also catapulted himself to international notoriety with an outstanding 2009 golf season. The 21-year old North Carolina State sophomore rewrote collegiate golf’s record books with eight individual NCAA wins, including six in a row.
He became only the second Canadian to win the NCAA Individual Championship and the first since Tiger Woods to win his regional championship, conference (ACC) championship and the NCAA individual title. For his efforts, Hill was awarded with the Jack Nicklaus award as the NCAA’s top golfer.

Hill was also a member of Canada’s winning Four Nations Cup team, won the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, tied for third at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship and made the cut at the PGA TOUR’s AT&T National (T70).

Hill also enjoyed notoriety on the R&A’s World Amateur Golf Rankings, spending consecutive weeks ranked as the No. 2 player.

Eugene Wong, 19, of North Vancouver, B.C. returns to Team Canada fresh off a solid 2009 season. Wong’s accomplishments in 2009 include making it to second round of match play at the British Amateur Championship, a tie for 10th at the Canadian amateur and a tie for 19th at the Sahalee Players Championship.

Collegiately, as a member of the University of Oregon Ducks, Wong tied for ninth at the Pac-10 Championship and tied for fifth at the West Regional Championship.
Wong, who was a member of Team Canada’s Developmental Team in 2007, also captured victory as part of Canada’s winning Four Nations Cup contingent.

New to Team Canada for 2010 is 22-year old, two-time Canadian Amateur Champion (2008, 2009) Cam Burke of New Hamburg, Ont. In 2009, the Eastern Michigan Eagle became just the fourth person to win back-to-back Canadian Amateur titles, rounding out his 2009 season with a third place finish at the Ontario Amateur Championship.

Mitch Sutton, 18, of London, Ont., a two-time Canadian Junior Champion (2008, 2009) graduates from Canada’s Developmental Team to join Team Canada after a standout season.

In addition to successfully defending his Canadian Junior title, Sutton finished second at the Canadian Men's Amateur Championship, tied for eighth at the Ontario Men's Amateur Championship, won the Ontario Junior Boys Match Play Championship as well as the Ontario Men's Better-Ball Championship. Sutton also joins Team Canada teammate Matt Hill this fall as a member of the N.C. State Wolfpack golf team.

On the women’s side, Team Canada will have one of the strongest teams in years with a lineup of seasoned experience and exuberant youth. The 2010 women’s team includes Sara Maude Juneau of Fossambault, Que., Stephanie Sherlock of Barrie, Ont., Maude-Aimée LeBlanc of Sherbrooke, Que., Sue Kim of Langley, B.C., Jennifer Kirby of Paris, Ont. and Nicole Vandermade of Brantford, Ont. All six players enjoyed tremendous success in 2009.

Rejoining the National Team program after a year hiatus is Sara Maude Juneau. Juneau, 22, is a junior at the University of Louisville, where she finished last season ranked second on the team with a 74.5 stroke average and had one top 10 finish and two top 20 finishes. She was also named an All-BIG EAST selection for the second consecutive season, finished third in the Royale Cup Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and qualified for her third U.S. Amateur after winning her qualifier, where she advanced to the first round of match play.

Sherlock, 22, joins Team Canada for a fourth season. Last year she finished third at the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship and second at the Ontario Women's Amateur. As a member of the University of Denver golf team, she finished eighth at the East Regional Championship and tied for 11th as an individual at the NCAA Championships.

In 2009, LeBlanc, who plays for the Purdue Boilermakers golf team, amassed a fourth place individual finish at the Women’s Central Regional Championship in addition to a tie for seventh at the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship and a win at the Quebec Ladies Amateur Championship. LeBlanc, now 20, returns for a third year with Team Canada. She also spent a year with Team Canada’s Developmental Team in 2006.

Kim, a freshman at the University of Denver, continued to build upon her successes from 2008. Last summer, the 18-year old tallied a tie for fourth at the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship, a second place finish at the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship, a fourth place finish at the CN Future Links Pacific Championship and a third place finish at the B.C. Women’s Amateur Championship.

Kirby is coming off of one of the most impressive amateur years in Canadian history. In 2008, the 18-year old claimed a slew of titles across Canada including the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship, the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship, the Ontario Women' s Amateur Championship, the Ontario Junior Girls Championship, the 2009 CN Future Links Pacific Championship and the Toronto Star Women's Amateur Championship. This fall, she also joins the University of Alabama Crimson Tide golf team as a freshman.

Vandermade, 19, is a sophomore at the University of Texas. Her summer included a sixth place finish at the Royale Cup Canadian Women's Amateur Championship and a third place finish at the Ontario Women's Amateur Championship. She also made it to the round of 32 at the British Amateur Championship.
As part of Team Canada, the RCGA also named a 22-and-under Development Team which features three male and three female athletes. One additional male Development Team member will be named to join the team by March 31, 2010. The Development Team is designed to help facilitate the continued development for Canada’s top young players.

“We are proud, excited and privileged to welcome each of these athletes to Team Canada for 2010,” said Jeff Thompson, the RCGA’s Chief Sport Development Officer. “2009 was a monumental year for Canada’s most promising young golfers and we look to build upon those results for the upcoming season.”
The 2010 coaching team will consist of Master Canadian PGA Professional Henry Brunton who is returning as the men’s coach and newly appointed Derek Ingram as the women’s coach. Robert Ratcliffe will also return as women's assistant coach.

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

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

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

The following athletes have been selected to golf’s 2010 Team Canada

Team Canada – Women
Sara Maude Juneau, Fossambault, Que.
Jennifer Kirby, Paris, Ont.
Sue Kim, Langley, B.C.
Maude-Aimée LeBlanc, Windsor, Que.
Stephanie Sherlock, Barrie, Ont.
Nicole Vandermade, Brantford, Ont.

Team Canada – Men
Cam Burke, New Hamburg, Ont.
Matt Hill, Bright’s Grove, Ont.
Mitch Sutton, London, Ont.
Nick Taylor, Abbotsford, B.C.
Eugene Wong, North Vancouver, B.C.
The following athletes have been selected to the 2010 Team Canada - Development Team (22-and-under):

Women’s Development Team
Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Toronto, Ont.
Anne Catherine Tanguay, Quebec City, Que.
Christine Wong, Richmond, B.C.

Men’s Development Team
Albin Choi, Toronto, Ont.
Corey Conners, Listowel, Ont.
Richard Jung, Toronto, Ont.
TBD (March 31, 2010)

ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
The RCGA National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. The RCGA allocates over $1 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.
Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.
The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.

'Movember' and the Canadian PGA

2009-11-18T00:08:00.000-08:00

In the beginning - Movember

Movember is a term coined by some Australian Men in 1999 referencing the terms Moustache and November. Movember is a fundraiser created to raise awareness and funds for Men's health issues in particular prostate Cancer. Since 2004 the Movember Foundation charity has... click here to read the full blog

Ames Ends Canada's PGA Tour Shutout

2009-11-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

Canadian Stephen Ames Breaks the Shutout on the PGA Tour

It took until the final day of the final round of the final Official PGA Tour event of the 2009 season for Canadian Stephen Ames to break a two year winless drought on the PGA Tour for Canada. Ames did it in dramatic fashion, closing with a 8 under par...read more

RCGA Names Derek Ingram as Women’s Head Golf Coach for Team Canada

2009-11-09T23:24:00.000-08:00

Manitoba native and former Men’s Assistant Coach takes on senior role with RCGA National Amateur Golf Team coaching staff

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association announced today that Derek Ingram of Winnipeg has been named Head Coach of the Women’s National Amateur Golf Team.

Prior to being named Women’s Head Coach, Ingram formerly served the past five years as Men’s Assistant Coach for Team Canada. Ingram, a seven-time winner of the Manitoba PGA Teacher of the Year Award, has been involved with the RCGA’s High Performance Program for the past nine years.

“Derek has been a valuable member of our Team Canada coaching staff over the past nine years and we are pleased to have him take on the role of Head Coach for the Women’s National Amateur Golf Team,” said Jeff Thompson, Chief Sport Development Officer with the RCGA. “Through his passion and contagious enthusiasm, he has proven himself to be a world-caliber coach and gifted teacher with a tremendous ability to both educate and motivate high performance athletes.”

Ingram takes over the role of Team Canada Women’s Golf Head Coach from Dean Spriddle who stepped down from the position last week.

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to take on an increased coaching role with Team Canada,” said Ingram, a two time recipient of the Canadian PGA Teacher of the Year Award. “Dean (Spriddle) is a great coach and has been an excellent colleague and friend so I wish him the very best of success in his coaching journey and family life. We have some tremendously talented young golfers involved with the National Amateur Team Program and while Dean has left some big shoes to fill, I am excited about building on the team’s previous success and helping to develop world class athletes.”

Besides Ingram, Team Canada’s coaching staff includes Men’s Head Coach Henry Brunton as well as Women’s Assistant Coach Robert Ratcliffe. RCGA Chief Sport Development Officer, Jeff Thompson ,will continue to oversee the program working closely with Doug Roxburgh, the RCGA’s Director of High Performance as well as the sports science team of Dr. Penny Werthner, Dr. Greg Wells and Greg Redman. The search to fill the position of Men’s Assistant Coach will begin immediately.

ABOUT DEREK INGRAM
Derek Ingram is one of Canada’s top golf coaches. He is a two time recipient of the Canadian PGA Teacher of the Year Award (2003 & 2007) and a seven time winner of the Manitoba PGA Teacher of the Year Award. Derek has been selected as one of the top 10 coaches in Canada by the National Post, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, and a Top 50 Teacher in North America by Golf Range Magazine.

For the past nine years, he has coached Canada’s National Teams over 10 times internationally and co-authored two books on improving your golf mental skills. Derek is a very skilled player as well, competing on the Canadian Tour for two years and winning the Manitoba PGA Player of the Year Award in 2003 and 2008. Derek is always engaging in higher education and has a thirst for acquiring knowledge that will help his students.

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

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, and elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.

The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org.

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

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

Fall Happenings in the World of Canadian Golf

2009-11-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

Must read for golfers:

Fall Happenings in the World of Canadian Golf!!!

Golf in British Columbia

2009-11-03T00:32:00.000-08:00

Why you should golf in British Columbia! View the Blog with You Tube video by Tourism British Columbia.

Jeff Ciecko on Social Media

2009-11-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

Jeff Ciecko, CK Golf Solutions, will be speaking on social media at the upcoming National Golf Course Owners Association Conference and Trade Show. The session is titled 'Social Medaia, What is it and how can I use it for my business?'. Jeff's session will be on Wednesday November 11th from 4:30 to 5:45 PM.

The Conference is at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver, B.C. View the full conference program here!

Dean Spriddle Steps Down as Team Canada Women’s Head Coach

2009-10-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that Dean Spriddle has stepped down as Head Coach of the Women’s National Amateur Golf Team.

Spriddle, a native of Scotland who currently resides in Lethbridge, Alta., will be parting ways with the RCGA’s National Team Program to focus on family commitments and pursue personal business and coaching ventures.

Spriddle steps down following 10 years of service with both the RCGA and former Canadian Ladies Golf Association (CLGA) High Performance programs. During his tenure, Spriddle helped guide Team Canada to both second and fourth place finishes at the Women’s World Amateur Team Championships.

“I want to thank all the players over the years as well as the entire coaching and support staff that have helped make this the best job in the world,” said Spriddle. “Players such as Laura Matthews, Mary Ann Lapointe, Marilyn O Connor, Diane Williams, Kira Meixner, Stephanie Sherlock and more recently Jennifer Kirby, Sue Kim and Nicole Vandermade have made coaching a pleasure and a great challenge. I also can’t say enough about my fellow coaches Robert Radcliffe, Henry Brunton and Derek Ingram as well as Dr. Greg Wells, Dana Sinclair and Greg Redman who I consider to be among the best coaches and sport scientists in the country if not the world. While it’s time for me to move in a new direction in my own coaching journey, I know that Team Canada will continue to get better and I wish them all the best. I am now looking forward to working with young golfers as well spending more time with my own kids teaching and playing the game that I love.”

“On behalf of the RCGA and everyone involved with the National Team Program, I want to thank Dean Spriddle for his tireless efforts and commitment to our high performance initiatives,” said Jeff Thompson, Chief Sport Development Officer with the RCGA. “Dean has been a valued member of our coaching staff and major contributor to the growing success of Team Canada over the years and we wish him the very best as he moves on to the next stage of his career.”

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

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.

The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org.

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

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

LPGA Names Michael Whan as its Commissioner

2009-10-29T03:15:00.000-07:00

Sports, Golf executive assumes helm following extensive three-month search

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., October 28, 2009 - Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Board of Directors Chairman Dawn Hudson announced today that the LPGA Board has named Michael Whan the LPGA's new Commissioner. Whan, most recently President and Chief Executive Officer of Mission-Itech Hockey, has a personal and professional background in golf, including serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager (North American Region) for Taylormade-adidas Golf.

The appointment follows an extensive three-month international search led by an LPGA Search Committee comprised of LPGA Board player members Juli Inkster and Helen Alfredsson along with fellow LPGA Board members Bill Morton and Leslie Greis, who chaired the Committee.

"We established very strict criteria for the position of Commissioner and Mike impressed us not only with his background and intellect but also his passion for golf," Hudson said. "I commend the Search Committee for their exhaustive work and commitment, and we look forward to the months and years ahead with Mike as our Commissioner. We also owe a great debt of gratitude to Acting Commissioner Marty Evans. Her success over the past three months during a potentially difficult transition period not only allowed the Search Committee time to conduct a thorough search but also has provided our new Commissioner with positive momentum and a revitalized platform upon which to grow the LPGA in the sports and business marketplace."

Evans will work with Whan during a transition period before he officially assumes the Commissioner helm in January 2010. Both Whan and Evans will attend the LPGA Tour Championship Presented by Rolex the week of November 16 in Houston, where a player meeting will be held and the 2010 LPGA season schedule will be released.

"The LPGA is a resurging, resilient association, and Mike will be a leader around which the wonderful LPGA staff and all of our stakeholders-players, fans, sponsors, TV partners, tournament owners and others-will rally," Evans said. "Mike will enjoy working within the reenergized climate of collaboration that we've all worked so hard to create this season. I'm looking forward to working closely with him during the transition period as we celebrate the close of a tremendous season and look forward to the LPGA's 60th year in 2010."

"It is rare to work for an organization that combines all the passions in your life, but with the LPGA, I feel I've been presented with the unique opportunity to do just that," Whan said. "First, this is an association surrounded by passionate, value-driven people. Second, I'm energized by brand building and the work involved in marketing and growing a sport. Third, I simply love the game of golf-both the life lessons it teaches and the friendships it helps create."

Whan, 44, started his business career at the Procter & Gamble Company in 1987, rising within the ranks as a brand assistant, Brand Manager and eventually Director of Marketing, Oral Care, before branching out to follow his passion for sports. In 1994-95, he served as a Vice President and General Manager at the Wilson Sporting Goods Company responsible for all aspects of the golf ball and glove business. He also managed the marketing department, two manufacturing facilities and the Research & Development division.

At the TaylorMade Golf Company, Whan started as Vice President Marketing and over the course of his four-year tenure was promoted to Vice President, Sales and Marketing and eventually EVP/General Manager-North America for Taylormade-adidas Golf. In his role as General Manager, Whan's business unit represented more than 70 percent of the company's worldwide sales and profit.

"Mike possesses substantial leadership experience in golf and sports, the ability to build consensus in complex organizations and a proven track record of building brands," Greis said. "Equally important, his passion for golf is palpable, having grown up playing golf with his father and friends. Mike was the kid hanging around the golf courses, cutting the greens and caddying to earn extra money. He's a great fit for the LPGA on both a professional and personal level."

Whan served as President/Chief Marketing Officer for Britesmile, Inc., from 1999-2002, before returning to sports at Mission Hockey, a hockey equipment company. During his seven-year tenure in the hockey business, he restructured and redefined the company, then acquired Itech Sports to create Mission-Itech Hockey. When Whan finalized the sale of Mission-Itech Hockey late last year, it commanded market share leadership in nine product categories, sales in more than 30 countries and had more than 50 percent of the National Hockey League (NHL) players using the brands.

"We interviewed a number of great candidates, but Mike really stood out as someone with integrity, honesty and a life-long passion for the sport," Alfredsson said. "He will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the LPGA at a critical time for our association." Added Inkster: "Mike clearly demonstrated a desire to make sure that the LPGA remains the best women's sports organization in the world. He has the whole package of what we were looking for, and he'll do what's needed to make sure that we're successful."

Whan will serve as the LPGA's eighth Commissioner. He and his wife, Meg, and his three children, Austin (15), Wesley (13) and Connor (12), currently live in California and will relocate to Florida, home of the LPGA Headquarters, next year.

The LPGA Board of Directors consists of player members Alfredsson, Inkster, Michelle Ellis, Sherri Steinhauer, Pat Hurst, Christina Kim and Stacy Prammanasudh; Patti Benson, national president of the LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals; and independent directors Hudson, Greis, Morton, Bill Susetka and Nancy Wiese.

About the Ladies Professional Golf Association

The LPGA was founded in 1950 and today boasts a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and more than 1,300 dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Players on the LPGA Tour, who represent more than 25 countries, compete globally showcasing the very best of women's professional golf. LPGA T&CP members directly impact the growth of the game through teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf. The LPGA's Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world. Its Mission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information on the LPGA, log on to http://www.lpga.com/.

Media Contact:
David Higdon, LPGA Chief Communications Officer, david.higdon@lpga.com, +1 386/843-007
Kim Berard, LPGA PR Manager, kim.berard@lpga.com, +1 386/843-0077

Canadian Earns PGA Tour Card

2009-10-26T01:19:00.000-07:00

PGA Tour to Welcome Chris Baryla in 2010
Vernon, B.C. Boy Earns Way to the Big League
Congratulations to Vernon, B.C.’s Chris Baryla on securing his 2010 PGA Tour be finishing in the top 25 on the 2009 Nationwide Tour. Baryla, 27, finished the season strong with a victory in the third last event of the season. The win was worth $90,000 and Baryla finished up the year with a tie for seventh in the final event earning him another $29,100. The top 25 players received their 2010 PGA Tour playing privileges following Sunday’s Nationwide Tour Championship. Baryla finished in 19th place on the year end money list with $217,680.

Injury Hampered Progress in 08’
Baryla is coming off an injury plagued 2008 season in which on only started in seven events and made just one cut. “To be able to come back after having my back injury and Monday qualifying into the events and make it into the top 25 is awesome,” said Baryla. This year Baryla, who was born in Calgary, AB and resides in Vernon, B.C., played in 14 events and made 13 cuts with one victory and five top 10 finishes. He also finished the season with a commendable 69.87 scoring average on the Nationwide Tour. He played in three PGA Tour events in 2009, making one cut and earning $132,038 for a top 10 finish.

Good luck to Chris and we’ll be watching your progress on the PGA Tour.

PGA of BC Trade Show Wrap-up

2009-10-20T01:40:00.000-07:00

New product showcased
Final wrap-up for the PGA of BC Trade Show in Penticton. Read the full post on CK Golf Solutions blog HERE!

Golf Course Review - Black Mountain Golf Course

2009-10-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

You Tube Video, Flickr Photos and Blog by CK Golf Solutions

A few days ago we had the chance to play Black Mountain Golf Course in beautiful Kelowna, B.C. Black Mountain is a great layout and offers a lot of unique options for a Resort / Daily Fee golf course.

View CK Golf Solutions Blog - Golf Course Revew - Black Mountain.

Golf Course Review - Tobiano Golf Club

2009-10-17T01:28:00.000-07:00

Golf Course Review

Jeff & Tara Ciecko, CK Golf Solutions, review Tobiano Golf Course in Kamloops, B.C. Tobiano was the 2008 ScoreGolf Best New Course and Golf Digest Best New Canadian Course. View the complete review.

CPGA Member Cathy Burton Inducted Into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame

2009-10-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

The Canadian PGA would like to congratulate Cathy Burton on her induction into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame on October 5th, 2009.

Burton started her golf career as a junior player at Binscarth and Russell in 1977-79. She played out of Selkirk in 1981-82, then Harbour View in 1982-87 before turning to professional ranks. She won the Manitoba Women’s Amateur Championship in 1984 and 1986 and was also a finalist in Manitoba Golfer of the Year voting in the same years. She won the Saskatchewan Women’s Amateur Championship in 1986. Also in 1986, Burton reached the semi-finals in the United States Public Links Championship, a competition which attracted 1,085 entries.

Burton played on provincial amateur teams at the National Championship for six straight years from 1982 to 1987. She was a Team Canada member in 1986 and 1987 and was a member of Canada’s Commonwealth team, which won the Championship in 1987 in New Zealand. No Canadian team has won the Commonwealth Championship since. She joined the professional Futures Tour in 1988-90, was an LPGA Teaching Division member 1992-96 and has been a CPGA Class A professional since 1996. She was an associate pro at St. Charles Country Club 1991-94, an assistant pro at Southwood Golf and Country Club 1995-96, pro and manager at the Short Game Golf Training Centre in 1997 and associate pro at St. Char! les 1998-2001.

Burton was a leading force behind the establishment in 1994 of the LPGA Girls Club in Manitoba, the first move into Canada for that program after a successful launch in the United States. It provided opportunities for young girls to get into golf. It was the fore-runner of the successful Future Links Girls’ Club program still in operation across Canada for young girls. She also served as national junior women’s coach for the CLGA 1998-2004. Moving to Calgary, Burton was a teaching pro at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club 2001-2003, head pro at Harvest Hills in 2004 and is currently head pro at River Spirit Golf Club.

Cathy was inducted in the Player/Builder category of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame. Congratulations Cathy!

Finalists for PGA of BC Awards Announced

2009-10-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Regional Finalists for the PGA of BC Golf Awards have been named and are as follows:

Head Professional of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Kevin Nesbitt of Champion Lakes Golf Club

Lower Mainland Nominee
Derek Thornley of Richmond Country Club

Interior Nominee
Lee Sapach of Osoyoos Golf & CC

Vancouver Island Nominee
Norm Jackson of Cowichan Golf & CC

Assistant Professional of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Craig Wilkinson of Castlegar & District Golf Club

Lower Mainland Nominee
Brad Russell of Seymour Golf & CC

Interior Nominee
Shane Pugliese of The Club at Tower Ranch

Vancouver Island Nominee
Aaron Grice of Bear Mountain Resort

Teacher of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Dale Moore of Windermere Valley Golf Course

Lower Mainland Nominee
Philip Jonas of McCleery & Hazelmere Golf Course

Interior Nominee
Dean Claggett of Two Eagles Golf Course

Vancouver Island Nominee
Robert Ratcliffe of Crown Isle Resort

Junior Promoter of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Casey Johnson of Windermere Valley Golf Course

Lower Mainland Nominee
Kirk Nederpelt of Sunshine Coast Golf & CC

Interior Nominee
Lindsay Jackson of Two Eagles Golf Course

Vancouver Island Nominee
Jayme Young of Arbutus Ridge Golf & CC

Sales Representative of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Brent Mullin of Tournament Sports

Lower Mainland Nominee
Roger McGillivray of Golf Trends

Interior Nominee
Brent Mullin of Tournament Sports

Vancouver Island Nominee
Deanna Ruby of Caulfeild Apparel Group

Facility of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Copper Point Golf Club with EP Brian Schaal and HP Darren Ottenbreit

Lower Mainland Nominee
Hazelmere Golf Course with HP Mike White

Interior Nominee
Fairview Mountain Golf Club with HP Brian McDonald

Vancouver Island Nominee
Gorge Vale Golf Club with HP Jim Cook

Golf Shop of the Year

Kootenays/North Nominee
Copper Point Golf Club with EP Brian Schaal and HP Darren Ottenbreit

Lower Mainland Nominee
Seymour Golf & CC with HP Dale Schienbein

Interior Nominee
Tobiano Golf Course with EP Miles Mortensen and HP Mike Porco

Vancouver Island Nominee
Crown Isle Resort with HP Jason Andrew

The award winners will be determined by the Final Selection Panel consisting of former Golf Award winners Rick Crowson, Philip Jonas, Tim Tait, Peter Smith and Ward Stouffer.

Awards will be presented at the Awards Reception at the South Okanagan Event Centre adjacent to the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5:15 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the PGA of BC Trade Show registration desk.

Little Wins Second Consecutive PNGA Senior Women's Amateur

2009-10-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hayden Lake, Idaho – Jackie Little of Port Alberni, B.C. came from behind to win her second PNGA Senior Women’s Amateur title in a row.

Little’s victory at Hayden Lake Country Club in Hayden Lake, ID, paired with her RCGA Senior Women’s Amateur title and second round appearance at the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur, caps off one of the most impressive seasons by a Northwest Senior Woman in recent history.

Little started the day two shots behind first round leader Terri Frohnmayer of Salem, OR. Both players posted front 9 scores of 2-over par 38 while playing in the same group, setting up a fantastic finishing nine holes. Little would birdie the par 5 10th hole narrowing Frohnmayer’s lead to one and then would take the lead on the very next hole after Frohnmayer’s double bogey at the par 3 11th. Little never looked back as she closed the door posting a 1-under par 35 on the back nine for a final round 1-over par 73 and a two day total of 2-over par 146. Sharing second place with Frohnmayer four strokes off the lead at 6-over par 150 was Alison Murdoch of Victoria, B.C.

Canadian Tour - Second Victory For James Hahn

2009-10-05T23:57:00.001-07:00

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

NAYARIT, Mexico – James Hahn fired a four under par 68 to capture the Riviera Nayarit Classic by three strokes over Eduardo Herrera.

Hahn finished at 19 under 269, earning US $20,000 and his second victory of the season.

Herrera’s 69 left him alone in second at 272, two ahead of third place Jose Trauwitz and Darren Griff who both shot 69.

Sharing fifth at 275 were Andy Walker (67), Matt Marshall (69) and Paulo Pinto who managed a 72.

Jon McLean shot 66 to finish T-8 at 276 along with Oscar Serna (67) and Brock Mackenzie who had a 68.

“This is a huge win and a real confidence booster going into Q-School,” said Hahn.

“I came down here without a practice round because I was in a Nationwide (Tour) qualifier that ran into Tuesday.

“I was the last guy eliminated in the playoff and as soon as it was done I was off to the airport.”

Unlike Saturday when he made four consecutive birdies to start his round, Hahn began the final round with a shaky par.

“I missed the green short side and ended up in the bunker on the first,” he said.

“Eduardo (Herrera) was on the green with an eight-footer for birdie. He missed his putt and I was able to get up and down.

“If he had made it and I had missed, it would have been devastating.”

Hahn, Pinto and Herrera, playing in the final group, all birdied No. 2 but a Herrera birdie at No. 5 cut the lead to one.

Unfazed, Hahn birdied the seventh to reclaim his two shot lead and maintained it when both he and Herrera birdied No. 9.

Pinto, who had two birdies through his first eight, double-bogeyed No. 9 to fall back.

With the contenders down to two, Hahn began to pull away on the back nine.

After a birdie at 10 and a bogey at 11, Hahn birdied both 13 and 15 while Herrera could do no better than six straight pars through that stretch.

“When I birdied 13, I had a three shot lead and I knew they would have to catch me,” said Hahn. “There was no way I was going backwards.”

With both players bogeying No. 16 and Herrera birdieing 17, the only difference it made was the margin of victory.

“Even though Eduardo made a nice 30-footer at 17, I knew that all I had to do was hit it in the fairway at 18 and that would be it,” added Hahn.

In repeat performance of Saturday, he birdied every par-5 in his round and was 18-under on the par-fives this week, making 16 birdies and an eagle.

“The par-fives were definitely the key,” Hahn concluded. “The fairways are wide and you can hit it off the tee as hard as you can.

“The tees were up all week so I treated them as if they were par-fours.”

2009 Vancouver Golf Tour Championship

2009-10-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

Marketplace IGA - VANCOUVER GOLF TOUR2009 VGT TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP Presented by Augusta Resource Corp
Kings Links by the Sea

‘KITTS FINISHES VGT YEAR IN STYLE AT KINGS LINKS’

On a crisp, Scottish-like day to finish the 2009 VGT season, 25 year old Nanaimo Professional Mark Kitts proved to his peers he can play, shooting 2-under par 70 to take the Augusta VGT Tour Championship title. Kitts’ steady round of golf earned him $1,300 and moved him into the top 20 of the CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON CANADA Order of Merit. Kitts has been a regular on the VGT this season after missing his card for the Canadian Tour this year. “Its been great to have the VGT to play on this year and a great experience for me to play with so many great players as I make my way back onto the Canadian Tour and beyond in the future” stated Kitts. Kitts was handed the winners’ trophy after both Phil Jonas and Dan Swanson failed to appear for the sudden death playoff at the conclusion of play due to work commitments. Jonas (Kitts’ coach) joked when he heard he had lost in the ‘playoff’, stating that Mark’s (Kitts) lesson fees just went up. Jonas and Swanson shared 2nd and 3rd place money, each earning $875 moving them into 3rd and 4th place respectively on the 2009 CLEVELAND/SRIXON ORDER OF MERIT at the conclusion of the VGT season.

In amateur play, it was one of VGT’s sponsors Steve Savage of Nickel Heating who prevailed in the Championship Division, shooting a very solid round of 73 (+1), winning himself a $250 gift card from Perfect Lies. In Flight A action, Masa Takahashi of Meadow Gardens took low gross honours with a score of 78, one shot better than West Vancouver’s Michael Woods. Low Gross in Flight B went to George Mark of Maple Ridge with a score of 77. Both Takahashi and George also won Perfect Lies Gift Cards valued at $250.
Special thanks to Richard Warke of Augusta Resource Corp for their continued support of the Vancouver Golf Tour’s Tour Championship. Additional thanks go to Ray Campbell of Bosch Canada for the supporting sponsorship role of our Tour Championship this year.
Thanks must also go out to Kings Links owners Brad and Maria Newell for supporting the Vancouver Golf Tour in hosting both our Opening event – the Brad Garside Open and our final event of the year! Congratulations on making Kings Links by the Sea one of the best golf courses in BC! The course conditions and layout are second-to-none. We look forward to bringing more events back to Kings Links in 2010!!!

2009 CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON CANADA ORDER OF MERIT WINNERS

PROFESSIONALS

1ST – BRYN PARRY* (Seymour Creek Golf Center) - $18,320.50
2ND – ADAM HADWIN (Morgan Creek Golf Club) – $12,525.00
3RD – PHIL JONAS (McCleery and Hazelmere) - $11,653.66

CHAMPIONSHIP AMATEURS

1ST – MATTHEW ROHATENSKY (Coquitlam, BC) – 4,659.50 Points
2ND – DEREK WRAY (Northview Golf & Country Club) – 2,711 Points
3RD – CHRIS KOBLER (Royalwood Golf Course) – 2,652 Points
AMATEUR FLIGHT A

1ST – STEVE SMITH (Guildford Golf Club) – 3,428 Points
2nd – ANDRE MAILLE (Port Moody, BC) – 2,613.33 Points
3rd – DALE BORLAND (Northview Golf & CC) – 2,375 Points

AMATEUR FLIGHT B

1st – PETE FUNG (Vancouver, BC) – 3,105 Points
2nd – DAVID PATTERSON (Northview Golf & CC) – 2,810 Points
3rd – NEIL JOHNSTON (Homestead Farms GC) – 2,490 Points

Peter Beresford Named RCGA Chief Operating Officer

2009-10-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Marketing and brand expert to oversee RCGA membership and brand development efforts
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) - The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is pleased to announce that Peter Beresford has been retained as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer.
Reporting directly to RCGA Executive Director and CEO Scott Simmons, Beresford will be responsible for the development and implementation of all of the RCGA’s strategic Membership and Brand Development efforts.
Beresford, a former senior global executive with McDonald’s Corporation, joins the RCGA after two years serving in an advisory role on a RCGA’s strategic planning and membership task forces. Beresford will work directly with the RCGA executive management team to redefine the RCGA's Membership Development and Brand Awareness strategies.

“We are very pleased to welcome Peter Beresford to the RCGA as our Chief Operating Officer,” said Simmons. “Peter brings with him two important areas – he is a renowned Brand expert who has played an instrumental role in developing the McDonald’s Brand globally while his senior executive management skills will prove to be a tremendous addition to our senior management team.”
Beresford comes to the RCGA with a wealth of brand and marketing experience including 31 years with the McDonald’s Corporation where his most recent positions included Senior Vice President, Global Brand Development; Chairman and CEO, United Kingdom; and Executive Vice President for both Canada and Japan.
“This is an exciting time for the RCGA. Under Scott’s leadership, the organization has a strategic plan in place that has made growing its Membership base and Corporate Brand a priority,” said Beresford. “I’m excited to be involved and take a leadership role in helping the organization to reach its goals.”
Beresford assumes his role as the RCGA’s Chief Operating Officer effective October 1, 2009.

ABOUT PETER BERESFORD
Peter Beresford is renowned as one of Canada’s leaders in global Marketing and Brand Development. He is a former senior global executive with McDonald’s Corporation where he helped to grow one of the world’s most powerful and recognized Brands.
As Senior Vice President, Global Brand Development with McDonald’s Corporation Worldwide, he consulted with all major countries on key Marketing activities and Brand Development.

As Chairman and CEO of McDonald’s Corporation – United Kingdom, he was responsible for rebuilding and revitalizing the Management Team and the McDonald’s Brand in the UK marketplace.
He also served as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Japan.

Beresford worked for McDonald’s in Canada for 25 years. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
Beresford also served nine years as President of Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities where he pioneered the first Ronald McDonald House in Toronto in 1981 and then helped lead the organization to develop a 12-House Network.

Beresford has served on numerous Boards both internationally and in his community including 28 years as a Board Member with the Santa Claus Parade, where he presently serves as a Board member and President of the Organization. In addition to spending 20 years as a Board Member of Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities he was also one of the Founders and the First President of Concerned Children’s Advertisers.
Beresford’s efforts have garnered numerous personal and professional accolades including the 1999 McDonald’s International Marketing Achievement Award and the 1997 Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA) Gold Medal as Canada’s Marketer of the Year.

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.

Harris hangs on to win PGA of BC Club Professional Championship

2009-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Host professional Tony Harris managed to hang on throughout a rainy and difficult day Tuesday to win
the Callaway Golf PGA of BC Club Professional Championship at Bear Mountain Resort’s Valley Course.

Harris shot a five-over-par 76 to go with his first-round three-under 68 for a two-over-par total of 144. He earned $1,750 for the win.

“I scrambled for a lot of good pars on the back nine today, It was tough out there,” Harris said after the round. Local knowledge played a large part in Harris’s win. The Valley Course greens feature some extreme undulations and knowing where to place the ball on approach shots makes a big difference in scoring. Even then, Harris said, he had two three-putts Tuesday.

Finishing a stroke back was Rob Anderson of Shadow Mountain Golf Course, whose one-over 72 Tuesday game him a two-round total of 145. He earned $1,200.

A three-way tie for third spot included Dave Bolton of Savage Creek Golf Centre, Kyle German of Point Roberts G&CC and Bill Kelly of Glacier Greens GC. They earned cheques of $733.

Tied for sixth were Daryl Stubbs of Cove Links GC, and Brian MacDonald of Fairview Mountain GC, who earned cheques for $475.

Rounding out the top 10 were Ian Henson of Sun Rivers GC, who shot the low round of the day with a two-under 69, and Cec Ferguson of Vernon G&CC, who shot 150 and won $412.50, and Scott Dickson of Shaughnessy G&CC, whose 151 total earned a cheque for $375.

Click here for final results and money!

Cold and blustery conditions, including some heavy rain through the final round, made for very challenging conditions for the field.

This was the fourth year of the Callaway Golf PGA of BC Club Professional Championship, open to Head Professionals, Executive Professionals and Head Teaching Professionals. It is one of 10 major championships conducted each year by the PGA of BC for its 700 members at facilities throughout the province.

The PGA of BC expresses its sincere gratitude to Callaway Golf Canada for sponsorship of the event.

Canadian Tour - 2009 Season Concludes This Week

2009-09-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

NAYARIT, Mexico – The Canadian Tour wraps up its 2009 season this week at the US $125,000 Riviera Nayarit Classic presented by IDN.

The tournament is being played at the stunning Pacifico Course at Punta Mita Club de Golf, a Jack Nicklaus design.

The course is set amid vistas of white-sand beaches and the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains and takes full advantage of its seaside location – eight holes border either the Pacific Ocean or Banderas Bay.

The event returns to the Canadian Tour after a one year hiatus; Wes Heffernan captured the 2007 title by five strokes over Anthony Rodriguez.

The Calgary native is back and looking for his first title of 2009 as he gears it up for PGA TOUR Q-School in a few weeks.

Heffernan has enjoyed a solid season with six top tens, and, aside from a missed cut in Saskatoon, his worst finish this year is a T-18 at the ATB Financial Classic in his hometown.

Don’t be surprised if Rafael Gomez makes it two in a row this week. The winner of more than 20 worldwide didn’t get rattled on Sunday as he watched his lead erode.

Scott Gibson added another top ten to his 2009 Canadian Tour portfolio last week, finishing third at Riviera Maya.

It was his third top-three finish of the season and what better way to cap off a great season than with a victory at the final event.

He may be jetlagged from his trek to Estonia, but Stuart Anderson could be a threat.

Now living in Victoria, B.C., and playing with tremendous confidence, the big man is having an even bigger season. He won Montreal and has three other top tens on his 2009 resume.

Brock Mackenzie has the game to earn his first Tour title. He finished T-4 in Victoria and T-10 in Montreal and was a Nationwide Tour regular in 2007.

Like many players this week, he will be using the tournament as a final tune-up for Q-School and a win would be a tremendous boost.

Keep an eye on Mitch Gillis this week. The Williams Lake, B.C. native has three consecutive top tens and earlier this year he stated that his goal was to win a tournament this season.

He has one chance left and he may just do it.

Canadian Tour - Gomez Captures Second Tour Title

2009-09-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico – Rafael Gomez stumbled home with a four over par 76 but hung on to win the US $100,000 Iberostar Riviera Maya Open by one stroke over Antonio Maldonado who closed with a 71.

Gomez, who started the day with a six shot lead, double-bogeyed the final hole to finish the tournament at 12 under par 276.

Click here for the final round leaderboard!

Scott Gibson fired a two under par 70 to grab solo third at eight under 280, one ahead of American John Douma who had a 69.

Sharing fifth spot at 282 are Brock Mackenzie (67) and David Jackson who had a 72.

Hoyt McGarity shot his second consecutive 69 to grab a share of seventh at 283 along with Paulo Pinto (69) and Liam Kendregan who fired a 71.

“This is a big win for me and a real confidence booster going into Q-School,” said Gomez, who took home US $16,000 and his second Canadian Tour title of the season.

“It was difficult to start with such a big lead. I have had big leads to start last rounds before, but not this big."

It showed. He staggered out of the gate with back-to-back bogeys but with Maldonado bogeying the second, the lead was still five.

Righting the ship, Gomez birdied four and five but stumbled again with bogeys at eight and nine, cutting the lead to four at the turn.

Maldonado then sliced the lead to three with a birdie at ten but it jumped to five with a Gomez birdie and Maldonado bogey at No. 13.

“I played conservatively all day and even though Antonio (Maldonado) was getting a bit closer in the middle of the round, I wasn’t too worried,” said Gomez.

“He was the one who had to get aggressive, not me.

Having bogeyed No. 15, Gomez arrived at the 18th tee with a four stroke lead over Maldonado and what appeared certain victory.

However, the duo had to endure a lengthy delay for the two groups ahead of them before they were able to tee off.

“I just wanted to hurry up and finish and I got anxious,” said Gomez. “I lost my concentration and pushed my tee shot way right into the mulch.

“I had to take a penalty drop from there but I wasn’t worried because I still had a big lead.”

Gomez advanced the ball back onto the fairway and then hit what he called an incredible shot to 15 feet from the pin.

Although Maldonado birdied to put some pressure on Gomez, the Argentine would not be denied, calmly two-putting for the victory.

“I’ve been playing very good golf all year and to do this right before qualifying school is very important,” he concluded.

Canadian Duo Head To China After Winning World Cup of Golf Qualifier

2009-09-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Canadian Tour And European Tour

JOELAHTME PARISH, Estonia – The Canadian team of Graham DeLaet and Stuart Anderson managed an even par 72 but it was enough to capture the Omega Mission Hills World Cup Qualifier by two strokes over Wales.

The duo finished at 19 under par 269 to book a spot in the main event in China from Nov. 26 – 29.

Scotland fired a final round 66 to grab the third qualifying spot, three ahead of fourth place Portugal.

This is the second consecutive trip to the World Cup for DeLaet, who partnered Wes Heffernan to a T-13 finish last year.

Anderson’s previous trip was in 2004 when he and Darren Griff represented Canada in Seville, Spain.

Buoyed by their victory in the qualifier, Canada were feeling confident about their chances when they tee it up at Mission Hills Golf Club in the World Cup final in November.

“When Graham and I are both on form, we can definitely contend. We played pretty well today.

“We had got ourselves far enough in front that we could cruise along today. It is great that we won but our first goal was to qualify this week,” said Anderson.

“We came here to get the job done and finish in the top three and we did it,” added DeLaet.

“We are very excited to have the chance to play in China and we have a great chance to really compete when we get there.”

“It’s always exciting to put your country’s bag on your bag and stride down the fairway.

“Growing up as a kid in Canada you dream of representing your country at ice hockey.

"Golf is the only sport that I will have the chance to fulfill that dream with and I am really proud.”

Bryn Parry Continues Great Play at the Canadian Assistants' Championship

2009-09-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Coming off his victory last week at the Vancouver Open held at the Vancouver Parks Golf courses, North Vancouver's Bryn Parry was in Quebec City this week for the Titleist & Footjoy Canadian PGA Assistants' Championship. As if to show he deserved the $5,000 bonus that came from the Vancouver Golf Tour to help him pay for the first stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School, he got off to a record start in Quebec. His first round 63 broke the course record at Golf de la Faune by two shots and left him with a four shot lead after round one.

While Parry didn't win this week, he closed with rounds of 74 and 70, he did manage a very respectable tie for second place and earned $5,000 for his efforts. Not a bad couple of weeks. With $15,000 in earnings in his past two events, Parry is looking to be Canada's next best hope to make it on the PGA Tour. Let's hope he can continue his great play into November!

Congratulations to Matt Palsenbarg of Northview Golf and Country Club on his victory in the Titleist & Footjoy Canadian PGA Assistants' Championship. Palsenbarg fired rounds of 70, 67 and 69 for a one stroke victory and earned $9,000 with a par on his final hole.

Click here for the full field final round results!

Golf Course Review - University Golf Club

2009-09-23T00:27:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to play University Golf Club a couple of weeks ago for the first time this year. Myself and a dozen other local Club Pros were playing in our monthly skins game which is always great fun and it is good to catch up with everyone and see how their year has gone.

Jeff's Opinion: I always like going to UGC, in part because of its close proximity to downtown, we always have a memorable and fantastic experience. On the golf course side it is a fun layout, not overly difficult and always in good shape. This day was no exception, while they had a tough start after an unusual spring and suffered some damage to their fairways, they have completely recovered and have been in excellent condition for most of the summer. The greens, as always, were in terrific shape and rolled very true. I will admit I do have a hard time putting there; it seems that there are some subtle but hidden breaks in every putt. The staff are fantastic and do a really great job in all departments, which is one of the reasons we always stay for a meal and seem to leave with a purchase from the Golf Shop every time.

Tara's Opinion: I did not play golf on this day, in fact I have not yet played at the course even though I seem to be there at least on a monthly basis. We do attend quite a few events at the golf course but it is also our favorite course in the city to visit to use the range, dine in the restaurant and to shop. As Jeff has mentioned, the main reason for this is the staff. The service level is great in all departments and the food is always good. The menu has enough diversity that you can eat at the facility often and always have something to choose from and the selection and amount of clothing in the golf shop make it my favorite course to shop at.

Overall UGC is an excellent golf operation and we would recommend that you go out and play a round, or even use the range or go for lunch. Oh and yes, I was shut out in the skins game.

Canadian Assistants Championship - Belbin and James Dominate Leaderboard Heading into Final Round

2009-09-22T17:20:00.001-07:00

QUEBEC CITY, QC – It’s a good day for Alberta, as Darryl James of National Golf Academy and Mike Belbin of Royal Mayfair Golf Club, AB capture the provincial championship and share the leaderboard heading into the final round of the 2009 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Assistants’ Championship presented by Simmlands Insurance.

Both at nine-under-par with their combined rounds, Belbin 68-67, and James 67-68, hold a one-stroke lead over Dave Levesque of Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, ON, John McCann of Fairtree Golf Centre, ON, Serge Thivierge of Vallee du Richelieu, QC and Kevin B. Tremblay of Les Dunes, QC.

Belbin posted six birdies and one bogey today, hitting every green and missing two fairways all day. “We were definitely lucky with the draw today, this morning the guys had the unfortunate weather, this afternoon, the conditions were very favourable, although it was a little tough to see because of the fog settling in the last few holes,” stated Belbin who played on the Canadian Tour with full status for five years.

Belbin had a successful year in Alberta placing third on the 2009 PGA of Alberta Players' Tour Overall Earnings list and claiming the 2009 Alberta PGA Match Play Championship, the first event on the Tour. He continued to play solid on the Tour, losing in a playoff in the second event, and then got some devastating news regarding the health of his father, naturally restricting the amount of competitive golf he could play. With all of the low scores posted over the past two rounds, Belbin knows that it is going to be a battle in the final round. “Tomorrow will be a war, because this is the type of course where birdies can be found, and they are there for taking if you want to grab them as long as you keep the ball in play.”

Sharing the lead with Belbin is fellow Alberta teammate Darryl James who is very familiar with the need to keep the ball in play. Whether it was the red eye flight, the intense wind, or just the narrow course bordered by marshes and environmental hazards, James’ first practice round found him searching for 12 lost balls. He quickly shook that out of his system after posting a five-under-par, then four-under-par today for a consistent two day total of nine-under-par 135.

“Today I just took just it one shot at a time, and tried to focus solely on each stroke,” stated 48-year-old James, “I honestly didn’t think my game was in the shape it needed to be in before I got here, so it has been a pleasant surprise over the last few days, but I can tell you that I am working really hard in each round, and it has been pretty mentally draining.”

Tied at eight-under-par and only one shot off the lead are four outstanding competitors all vying for the National championship title.

John McCann of Fairtree Golf Centre in Markham, ON climbed the leaderboard with a solid seven-under-par 65 today to add to his 71 yesterday. It was a turn of events as McCann, who was paired with Bryn Parry and Carl Desjardins, took charge today as opposed to yesterday when he was trailing the group throughout the round. “It was pretty funny, yesterday, I felt like I was playing poorly compared to those guys because they were at six and nine-under and I was fighting to make par,” stated McCann who lost the 2008 Assistants’ Championship in a playoff against Remi Bouchard. “Even when I eagled the 11th hole yesterday, I didn’t get the honours once off the tee the entire day, so we joked this morning after playing the first few holes well that it wasn’t going happen again.”

Past champion, Serge Thivierge of Vallee du Richelieu, QC (1977, 1979, 1980) matched his first round score of 68 today. He battled a dizzy spell on the first three holes, where he lost his focus while standing over his putter. He is looking to add another National championship 29 years later, and claims this may be his last as he looks to attain retired status next year.

Dave Levesque of Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, ON posted a 66 today to add to his first round 70 to include himself in the running for the title. This is a familiar spot for Levesque as he was leading the Championship last year, heading into the final round where he finished tied for third, only one stroke off the playoff. Today, Levesque found the course to be difficult and “was fighting in the corners” to save par after experiencing a few difficult lies in hazards.

Kevin B. Tremblay of Les Dunes, QC posted the low round for the day at 64 to add to his even-par-72 yesterday. Tremblay attributes his stellar play to a consistent driver after taking a few tips from friend and co-competitor Greg Cuthill on the range before his round.

Bryn Parry of Seymour Creek Golf Centre, BC struggled today, finishing with a two-over-par 74 to add to his course record-63 yesterday. “Every time I hit the ball I went left and I ended up in the hazards five times in seven holes just trying to be aggressive,” stated Parry. “Like yesterday, guys will make up eight or nine shots out here on the course, it’s very reachable and guys are going to change places every day.”

The Alberta Zone captured the the InterZone team competition, after competing against each zone across the country. Going into the final round with a two shot lead over Ontario, the Alberta team (Belbin-68,67, Black-68,71, Kureluk-68,70, James-67,68) arrived victorious with a final score of 408 over the Ontario team (Groves-67,72, Levesque-70,66, Maunder-69,72, Smith-69,69) with a total score of 412, and Quebec (Dumouchel -67,70, Houle-76,72, Morin-75,71, Tremblay-75,70) at 428. The score is determined by the calculation of the best three scores in each four man team. The purse for the InterZone competition is $5000, with $500 going to each player on the winning team, $400 to each player on the second place team, and $350 going to each player on the third place team.

The final round of the championship will take place tomorrow, with 63 players making the cut at 149 or better. The first tee time will commence at 8:42AM with the last group departing at 12 noon. For pairings and results please visit www.cpga.com

The total purse for the championship is $60,000 with the champion receiving a $9,000 first place cheque.

Golf de la Faune, a links’ style course, is set in an astonishing natural environment. With eight water hazards, 45 sand traps, and oversized greens, the course will be pose a difficult challenge to the top Assistant professionals across the country.

About the Canadian PGA:

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

Canadian Tour - Mexican Swing Closes Out the Season

2009-09-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

SOLIDARIDAD, Mexico – The Canadian Tour swings back into action this week with the playing of the US $100,000 Iberostar Riviera Maya Open at Playa Paraiso Golf Club.

The tournament, one of two rescheduled after the H1N1 virus caused the postponement of the Mexican Swing in May, is the penultimate event on the 2009 Canadian Tour schedule.

Daniel Im made an impressive Canadian Tour debut here last year when he birdied the final hole to defeat Brent Schwarzrock and Oscar Serna by one stroke.

He won’t be back to defend but his younger brother Jae Woo is here. The 19-year-old has taken great pleasure in outplaying his older sibling for much of the season with his best finish a T-5 in Seaforth.

Scott Gibson finished T-6 here last year and has knocked on victory’s door several times this season – including the Tour Championship earlier this month. He’s due.

Rafael Gomez, a winner at the 2008 Sport Frances Open in Chile, is in the field. Gomez led the Nationwide Tour’s Panama Open last February before finishing T-6, four strokes behind winner Vance Veazey.

This could be Lucas Lee’s week. A second at the Players Cup and a playoff loss to James Love at the Tour Championship are on his 2009 resume and the young man from Brazil has plenty of talent.

Ryan Yip figures to be in the mix this week. A winner at the Jane Rogers Championship last month, the Calgary native continues to play with confidence and has two additional top-five finishes this season, including a third at Seaforth after battling James Hahn and eventual winner Brian Unk down the stretch on Sunday afternoon.

After three second place finishes last season, George Bradford has struggled this season but he could be a sleeper pick this week. The talented Maryland native has several top finishes on the Mexican Swing throughout his career.

While the exempt spots for second stage of Q-School and the Bursary Awards have already been handed out, there is still plenty on the line in Mexico.

The top 80 on the Order of Merit after next week’s event earn exempt status for 2010 while the next 10 attain non-exempt cards.

2009 IBEROSTAR RIVIERA MAYA OPEN

DATES: Sept. 24-27, 2009
LOCATION: Solidaridad, Mexico
PURSE: US $100,000
COURSE: Playa Paraiso Golf Club (P.B. Dye)
YARDAGE/PAR: 6,683; Par-72
2008 WINNER: Daniel Im
2007 WINNER: Spencer Levin

Parry Breaks Course Record in First Round of the Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Assistants’ Championship

2009-09-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

QUEBEC CITY, QC - Bryn Parry of Seymour Creek G. & C. C. in North Vancouver, B.C. broke the course record by two strokes and has a commanding four-shot lead over the strong field heading into the second round of the 2009 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Assistants’ Championship presented by Simmlands Insurance.

The two-time Canadian PGA Assistant champion (1999, 2005) posted an incredible flawless round of seven birdies and one eagle en route to his 63 at Golf de la Faune in Quebec City, QC. At the turn, Parry was two-under-par and trying to match the remarkable play of his fellow competitor Carl Desjardins who had posted five birdies through the first seven holes. On the back nine, Parry excelled when he birdied the 10th, eagled the 11th, birdied the 12th, then 14th, and finally the 17th and 18th holes finishing with an outstanding 29 on the back nine. This feat almost matched his final round back nine of 28 last year at the same Championship in Beloeil, QC (finished T10 2008).

“Playing with guys like Carl in your group and collectively making four eagles between the three of us is such a help to your game because you watch each other hit perfect shots which in turn forces you to make the same adjustments in your game,” stated Parry who won the PGA of BC Pro-Assistant Championship earlier this year.

Parry has had an outstanding year on the Vancouver Golf Tour with four major wins this season, the Nickel Heating Open, the Chilliwack Open, the RBC Invitational Pro-am and the Vancouver Open. With his success on the Vancouver Tour, it has earned him the year-end title and a bonus $5,000 (U.S.) to pay his entry to the 2009 PGA Tour Qualifying School this October.

“I wish I could go play my second round right now,” stated a giddy Parry who could have left his wedges back at the hotel today. “I didn’t miss any greens and didn’t chip at all which is always a great feeling. I think I had one putt of ten feet on the fringe to save par, but the rest were tap ins.”

It seems that Parry’s game is hitting a hot streak after posting scores of 65 three times and 66 twice in the last three weeks with friends. “This is no doubt my best score posted in a tournament, but I know I can’t slip up tomorrow, I have to go full steam ahead or guys will catch up pretty quickly, I have to play the full 54 holes to my limit,” stated Parry who played on the Nationwide Tour in 2007.

Brian Groves of Kaneff Golf Academies in Ontario, Darryl James of National Golf Academy in Alberta and Vincent Dumouchel of La Prairie in Quebec are four shots behind Parry at five-under-par 67 heading into the final round.

Groves had a successful season in Ontario this year winning the 2009 Ontario PGA Assistants’ Spring Championship and is currently sitting tied for third position on the Order or Merit rankings. He carded seven birdies and two bogeys today en route to his 67. “I started off the day pretty well with five birdies on the front nine because the conditions were more than favourable this morning with no wind and clear skies, so I was able to take advantage of that.”

Dumouchel is a force to be reckoned with this year in the Quebec Zone. He is the leader on Tour in the Order of Merit and his target is to make $20,000 this September, a goal which seems to be in sight for the 25 year old. This month he has already won the match play event at $10,000, and the Taylor Made Carte Kose Championship at $4,000. He is currently leading on the money list and looks like a shoe-in for the Player of Excellence Award in Quebec for 2009.

Darryl James seemed to be surprised at his 67 today after having suffering some difficulty with his back before arriving in Quebec. “I definitely got everything out of that round that I possibly could,” laughed James, I really didn’t hit it well, but I scrambled and was able to sink some putts which saved me,” stated James who has had a solid year in Alberta and is currently third on the Order of Merit rankings.

The second round of the Assistants’ Championship will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22nd with the field cut to 60 plus ties after tomorrow’s round.

It was a successful day on the course for the Alberta (Belbin-68, Black-68, Kureluk-70, James-67) Zone in the InterZone team competition. The InterZone competition is compiled of four players on each team representing the nine Canadian PGA zones. Heading into the final round of the competition tomorrow, Alberta leads by two shots over the Ontario Zone (Groves-67, Levesque-70, Maunder-69, Smith-69).

The score is determined by the calculation of the best three scores in each four man team. The purse for the InterZone competition is $5000, with $500 going to each player on the winning team, $400 to each player on the second place team, and $350 going to each player on the third place team.

The total purse for the championship is $60,000 with the champion receiving a $9,000 first place cheque.

Golf de la Faune, a links’ style course, is set in an astonishing natural environment. With eight water hazards, 45 sand traps, and oversized greens, the course will be pose a difficult challenge to the top Assistant professionals across the country.

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

Journey to Excellence

2009-09-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

National Men’s Amateur Team Head Coach Henry Brunton partners with Michael Grange to author Journey to Excellence: The Young Golfer’s Complete Guide to Achievement and Personal Growth

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Henry Brunton - one of Canada’s top golf coaches - has joined forces with Michael Grange – one of Canada’s top sportswriters – to create Journey to Excellence: The Young Golfer’s Complete Guide to Achievement and Personal Growth.

Released this month, the book is designed to help aspiring young golfers maximize their potential, on and off the course. Drawing from his two decades of interaction with the game’s most respected educators, coaches and players, Brunton – Canadian PGA Master Professional and Head Coach of the RCGA National Men’s Amateur Team - moves beyond the traditional emphasis on the sport’s mechanical side and offers insight into what it takes to reach individual potential and achieve precise goals.

The lessons learned in trying to maximize golfing potential–time management, goal setting, dealing with success and failure and showing grace under pressure–are applicable across any number of disciplines. They are lessons that will prove beneficial on the course, but, more importantly, provide today’s youth a reference for excellence that also will serve them well in the classroom and at home.

“The singular purpose of publishing Journey to Excellence is to positively impact aspiring young golfers and the individuals who support their efforts—parents, coaches, volunteers and program administrators. I hope that this book makes the game more fun and rewarding for everyone who reads it.” Henry Brunton

Journey to Excellence is now available at www.amazon.com, www.henrybrunton.com and select additional golf shops and retail locations.

TESTIMONIALS
"Henry has been a friend and trusted advisor for years. His knowledge - gained through his experience working with golfers of all levels, from beginners to elite performers - is collected in this book. Whether your goal is to become the best player at your club, play college golf or play on the PGA Tour, Journey to Excellence provides a roadmap to success that will not just help you become the best player you can be but also help you live a better life. It is a must read for any young golfer who is interested in improving and advancing in the game of golf."
–J.T. Higgins, Head Men’s Golf Coach Texas A&M, 2009 NCAA Champions

I’ve had the opportunity to learn from Henry Brunton for many years as part of the training I received on the Canadian National Men’s Team. He is truly one of the top coaches in the game today and now that he’s written Journey to Excellence you can learn what I already know: Henry is a coach who will elevate your game, too.”
–Nick Taylor, #1 Ranked Amateur Golfer in the World

“I can’t think of anyone more qualified to write Journey to Excellence. Henry Brunton is the real deal. He understands very clearly what it takes to continually improve as a competitive golfer. He also understands very clearly the common pitfalls that await most young golfers who want to play tournament golf at the highest levels. Now anyone can avoid these mistakes with Henry’s insights.”
–Matt Hill, 2009 NCAA Individual Champion and NCAA College Player of the Year

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Henry Brunton is one of world’s leading golf coaches and educators. In 2005 he became the first Canadian recognized by GOLF Magazine as a Top 100 Teacher, the publication’s biennial survey of teaching excellence. He also was named the fourth Most Influential Person in Canadian Golf by Canada’s National Post. Brunton has a passion for developing elite junior golfers and has been Canada’s National Coach since the Royal Canadian Golf Association established its Player Development Program in 1999. Brunton also leads Strive for Excellence, a comprehensive year-round coaching and training program for aspiring high-level junior and collegiate golfers in Toronto. For more information, visit www.henrybrunton.com.

Michael Grange is an award-winning sports reporter with The Globe and Mail, Canada’s national newspaper. He has covered everything from the Super Bowl to championship Scrabble in-between covering 25 major golf championships.

Journey to Excellence
By Henry Brunton with Michael Grange
Publication date: August 2009
Price: $21.95 US, $24.95 Canada
Pages: 148
ISBN #: 978-0-615-30293-5

For More Information:
Henry Brunton
Head Coach, RCGA National Men’s Amateur Team
416.579.6170
henry@henrybrunton.com

Haack Secures First PNGA Mid-Amateur Championship Title

2009-09-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Lynden, Washington – Mike Haack of Bellevue, Wash. went wire-to-wire to win the 25th Annual PNGA Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship held at Homestead Farms Golf Resort. Playing in his first PNGA Mid-Amateur, Haack held or shared the lead after each round, as he flawlessly negotiated his way around the championship layout with three consecutive rounds of 4-under par 68 for a 54-hole total of 8-under par 204.

For the championship Haack was a combined 11-under par on the back nine alone. This victory caps off an impressive summer for Haack as he had already captured Medalist honors at the U.S. Open Local Qualifyier in May and garnered a top-10 finish at the Washington Open as well.

Derek Berg of Kenmore, Wash. finished runner-up with a three day total of 9-under par 207. Berg followed up his incredible second round 8-under par 64 with a solit 3-under par 69. Berg will now go on to play two consecutive USGA events, representing the Washington State Golf Association in the USGA State Team Championship next week in St. Louis, MO followed by the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship in Kiawah Island, SC.

Defending champion Ben Griffin of Victoria, B.C. used an impressive final round 5-under par 67 to finish the championship in 3rd at 7-under par 209.

To be eligible for the Pacific Northwest Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, contestants must have reached their 25th birthday by the first day of the competition and also carry a handicap index of 8.4 or less. The championship consists of 54 holes of stroke play with a cut to the low 60 scores after 36 holes.

Golf de la Faune Prepares to Host the 2009 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Assistants’ Championship presented by Simmlands

2009-09-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

ACTON, ON – More than 100 of the country’s leading Assistant golf Professionals will convene Monday, September 21st at the prestigious Golf de la Faune in Quebec City, Quebec to participate in the 2009 Titleist & FootJoy Canadian PGA Assistants’ Championship presented by Simmlands Insurance. The three day championship event will take place September 21st to September 23rd, 2009 in Quebec City, Quebec.

“We are very excited to host our National championship in the beautiful setting of Quebec City, at such an extraordinary course,” stated Lindon Garron, President of the Canadian PGA. “The championship is sure to be a success as the Quebec Zone continues to assist in hosting first rate tournaments.”

Golf de la Faune, a links’ style course, is set in an astonishing natural environment. With eight water hazards, 45 sand traps, and oversized greens, the course will be pose a difficult challenge to the top Assistant professionals across the country.

This year there are seven past champions vying once again for this prestigious National title. Defending champion and 1988 past champion Remi Bouchard from Le Mirage, QC will challenge Philip Jonas (2006, 2004), Bryn Parry (2005, 1999), Edd Boudreau (2003), Mac McLeod (2002), Kevin Dugas (1992, 1987) and Serge Thivierge (1980, 1979, 1977) for another victory.

Activities begin on Sunday, September 20th with registration and practice rounds. On Monday, September 21st the three day 54-hole stroke play championship will begin with the field cut to 60 plus ties after the first 36 holes.

There will be 36-hole InterZone competition compiled of four players on each team representing the nine Canadian PGA zones contested over the first two rounds. The team score is calculated from the best three out of four scores accumulated over the first two rounds. The purse for the InterZone competition is $5000.

The total purse for the championship is $60,000 with the champion receiving a $9,000 first place cheque.

About the Canadian PGA:

Established in 1911, the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association is a non-profit association comprised of approximately 3,500 golf professionals across the country wit! h 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

Vancouver City Open Golf Tournament - Final Round Recap

2009-09-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the final round wrap-up from the Vancouver City Open!

Canadian PGA Announces 2009 Scholarship Winners

2009-09-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

ACTON, ON - As many of the following students pack up and start classes at university this week, the Board of Directors of the Canadian Professional Golfers' Association would like to congratulate the following recipients of the 2009 Canadian PGA Scholarship.

For many years, the Canadian PGA Foundation has offered scholarships to encourage and promote the attainment of higher educational goals for the sons, daughters and grandchildren of Canadian PGA Members who have displayed both a high level of academic achievement and contributions to their community.

For 2009, the Canadian PGA once again committed to support these academic pursuits, but also for the first time since its inception, offered Members, Apprentices and Candidates of the Canadian PGA who were enrolled in continuing education in either a full or part-time basis an opportunity to apply for consideration for the scholarship.

Congratulations to the 2009 recipients:

1) Kendra Morrow, daughter of Ken Morrow of Outlook, SK
2) Alexandra Dozzi, daughter of Mark Dozzi of Sudbury, ON
3) Danielle Ludeman, daughter of Mark Ludeman of Edmonton, AB
4) Shauna Panton, daughter of Randall Panton of Creston, BC
5) Kristen Sovereign, daughter of Rick Sovereign of Mississauga, ON
6) Kyle Paquette, Canadian PGA Apprentice at Idylwylde Golf & Country Club in Sudbury, ON
7) Alex Riggs, Canadian PGA Apprentice at Saskatoon (West) Golf & Country Club in Saskatoon, SK (part-time recipient)
8) Eric Thorsteinson, Canadian PGA Member and Head Professional at Black Mountain Golf in Kelowna, BC (part-time recipient)

Kendra Morrow, recipient of the Canadian PGA 2006 and 2008 scholarship, is attending University of Saskatchewan studying Microbiology and Immunology with the hopes of entering Medical School at the end of this year. Last year Kendra was also awarded a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada University Undergraduate Student Research Award which acts as a funding mechanism for her summer research in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

Alexandra Dozzi is a first time recipient of the Canadian PGA scholarship and is entering her first year at the University of Guelph. Given her incredible track record at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Sudbury, ON receiving Millennium Excellence Award, there is no doubt that Alexandra will continue to excel in her studies.

Recipient of the 2006 and 2008 Canadian PGA Scholarship, Danielle Ludeman is attending University of Alberta studying Biological Sciences. In 2007, Danielle received the Dean’s Commendation for high achievement at the University of Queensland, Australia in 2007 where she was participating in a Marine Biology exchange program. Last year she was appointed as a research assistant at the University of Alberta studying the ecology of glass sponge reefs.

This is the third consecutive year that Shauna Panton has won the Canadian PGA Scholarship. Shauna is entering her third year at the University of British Columbia studying Human Kinetics. Shauna was elected academic coordinator for Human Kinetics student union at UBC for the 2009/2010 year, received the high school Female of the Year award, 2007 Valedictorian award as well as the Carol Meredith Memorial Award for Sportsmanship and Leadership in Athletics. In addition to her Canadian PGA Scholarship, she received the James Conway scholarship award.

Kristen Sovereign is a first time recipient of the Canadian PGA scholarship award. She is currently entering her first year of study at the University of Western Ontario at the Richard Ivey School of Business. Throughout her high school career, Kristen has proved to be an excellent well rounded student involved in numerous extra curricular activities and community projects. Kristen adds the Canadian PGA scholarship award to her “The Continuing Admissions” award from the University of Western Ontario.

This is the first year that Canadian PGA apprentice Kyle Paquette has received the Canadian PGA scholarship award. Kyle is currently a Teaching Professional at Idylwylde Golf and Country Club in Sudbury, ON and is currently in the process of completing the requirements of his Master of Arts degree in Applied Health Sciences at Brock University. His area of research focuses on sport psychology, specifically coach education and the use of psychological skills training by sport participants. This fall he is continuing his research in coach education at the doctoral level at the University of Ottawa. In 2008 Kyle was awarded both the Northern Ontario PGA “Assistant of the Year” and “Teacher of the Year” award.

The two $500 part-time scholarship award recipients are Canadian PGA Apprentice Alex Riggs and Head Professional Eric Thorsteinson. Thorsteinson is currently working at Black Mountain Golf Club in Kelowna, BC and is working towards his Club Managers Association of America designation. Riggs is currently an Assistant Professional at Saskatoon Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon, SK and is working towards credit at the Titleist Performance Institute.

Congratulations to the 2009 scholarship recipients!

About the Canadian PGA:

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

2009 Golf Fore The Cure Raises Over $800,000 in Support of Breast Cancer Research

2009-09-15T00:00:00.001-07:00

Participation program eclipses $2.3 million mark in funds raised; LPGA Tour star Alena Sharp on hand to celebrate success of the national event

Toronto (RCGA) – Female golfers from across the country hit the links Monday at Markland Wood Golf Club to celebrate the success of the Golf Fore The Cure program which to date this season has raised over $800,000 in support of breast cancer research.

Presented by Subaru, the RCGA Golf Fore the Cure program is aimed at growing women’s golf participation in Canada by introducing the game through fun, non-intimidating activities.

Proceeds from more than 200 Golf Fore the Cure sites across the country contribute to this national fundraising initiative and are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society as well as the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. To date, over $2.3 million has been raised through the Golf Fore the Cure program in the fight against breast cancer.

“I am especially proud that we were able to grow in terms of participation with over 14,000 women having taken part in the Golf Fore the Cure program in 2009,” said Jeff Thompson, RCGA Chief Sport Development Officer. “We are also absolutely delighted that to date, our fundraising contribution to breast cancer research has eclipsed the $2.3 million mark.”

In all, 108 participants were on hand at Markland Wood to take part in the season-ending national event, celebration of the season long program. Also taking part was LPGA Tour star and Golf Fore the Cure Ambassador Alena Sharp who greeted competitors and helped to celebrate in the program’s 2009 success.

“I am extremely proud to be involved with the RCGA Golf Fore the Cure program,” said Alena Sharp. “The battle against breast cancer is one that I am very passionate about and I am honoured to help celebrate the commitment and dedication of all the participants, sponsors and volunteers involved with the program.”

The event marks the successful conclusion of the 2009 Golf Fore the Cure season which included more than 200 women's golf events from coast to coast with over 14,000 women participating.

The RCGA hosts a one-day national golf tournament in a scramble format to celebrate the conclusion of the season and its fundraising efforts. This one-day event recognizes supporters, sponsors and top fundraisers from all aspects of the program.

For more information or to learn about how you can get involved in Golf Fore the Cure visit: www.golfforethecure.ca.

ABOUT GOLF FORE THE CURE
RCGA Golf Fore the Cure, presented by Subaru, is a program aimed at growing women’s participation in the game of golf through fun, non-intimidating golf related activities. As a unique element to the program, a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society and Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation allows women from across the country to participate in golf activities and raise money for a cause close to all women’s hearts – breast cancer research. To date, Golf Fore the Cure has raised over $2.3 million towards the fight against breast cancer. Golf Fore the Cure is proudly supported by Subaru, Corona Light, Investors Group, Nancy Lopez Golf, Precept and Reader’s Digest. For more information, please visit www.rcgagolfforethecure.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.

Vancouver Open - Wrap up from Day 2

2009-09-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

Click on this text to view the Round 2 wrap up from the Vancouver Open Golf Tournament, including Blog, You Tube video and photos!

Vancouver Open - Wrap up from Day 1

2009-09-14T00:56:00.000-07:00

Wrap up Blog, Video and Photos from day 1 at the Vancouver Open. This years Championship is held at the Vancouver Parks Golf Courses - Fraserview, McCleery and Langara.

Click on this link to view the recap with links to the You Tube video and Flickr photos!

Check back for the day 2 wrap up.

Canadian Tour - Graduation Day At Q-School

2009-09-13T23:16:00.001-07:00

Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich

BURLINGTON, Ont. – Johnny Bloomfield fired a three under par 68 and ran away with medalist honors at the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School by seven strokes over Will Strickler.

Bloomfield finished the tournament at 14 under par 270.

Sharing third spot at 278 are Robbie Greenwell who closed with a 65, Daniel McCarthy (69) and Michael Gligic who managed a one over 72.

Finishing tied for eight and earning exempt cards at 280 are Dan Buchner (71) and Peter Laws who shot 73.

Australian amateur Adam Stephens closed with a 68 to grab a share of tenth with Devin Carey (68), Jeff Puska (72) and Derek Oakey who had a 74.

Louis–Pierre Godin struggled home with a 77 but he and Marc Peterson (67) survived the four man playoff to grab the final exempt spots over Tyler Matthews and Ryan Kings.

“I came here to get status and winning is a bonus,” said Bloomfield, who pocketed $2,000.

“I just waited to see if there was a chance for me to win and made sure I was playing consistently today.

“Coming down the line, I didn’t know what the scores were but I felt I had a chance to win with the way I was playing.

“This is a big boost for me,” continued Bloomfield. “To win in a large field like this gives me a lot of confidence. I’m going to the European Tour Fall Qualifying School and this will help.

“My game is consistency. What gets you in golf is your nerves and your emotions.

“If I do start getting a little bit excited, I tell myself, ‘Trust in your natural ability.’ I was a good player as a youngster but over the years that trust became a problem.

“I’ve learned that what matters is not perfection but hitting the ball solidly and knowing that it is going in the vicinity that you want it to.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to playing the Canadian Tour next year.”

Having struggled through his rookie season, Michael Gligic earned an exempt card for 2010 with his T-3 finish.

“I was confident for the first eight holes, especially after the birdie at the fourth,” said Gligic.

“Starting early with a birdie instead of a bogey was a good feeling and then I got another one at the eighth."

One behind at that point and aiming for the win; Gligic double-bogeyed No. 9 and could only watch as Bloomfield continued his methodical game of fairways and greens.

“I don’t know what the word is, but I guess I wanted it too bad and made a bad swing on nine,” continued Gligic.

“I pulled it a touch and thought it was going to fly the bunker but it ended up way back. I think it hit the tree nearby and rolled back.

“I chipped it on (the green) and three putted. That was pretty much the end of my day.”

Although he reacquired exempt status, Gligic was disappointed with his final round performance.

“It was tough to get it back after that double-bogey,” he added.

“Johnny was playing so steady that I knew I had to keep making birdies. I didn’t do it, though, and kept missing putts.

“I knew he (Bloomfield) had me the last couple of holes and I turned the switch off. I was playing to win this.

“But I’m back next year and that is what counts in the long run.”

2009 Fall Qualifying School

Exempt Status
Pos Name

1 Johnny Bloomfield
2 Will Strickler
3 Robbie Greenwell
4 Daniel McCarthy
5 Michael Gligic
6 Mathieu Rivard
7 David Markle
8 Dan Buchner
9 Peter Laws
10 Adam Stephens
11 Devin Carrey
12 Jeff Puska
13 Derek Oakey
14 Louis-Pierre Godin
15 Marc Peterson

Non-Exempt Status

1 Ryan Kings
2 Tyler Matthews
3 Barry O'Neill
4 Jason Humphrey
5 Chase Cronk
6 Tyler Martin
7 Nick Cullen
8 Jeff Lai
9 Randall Hutchinson
10 Andrew Jensen
11 Jacob Scriven
12 Danny Sahl
13 Roger Sloan
14 Lindsay Renolds
15 Ju Young Park

Canadians Lindsay Renolds, Mathieu Rivard & David Markle Turn Professional

2009-09-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Top Canadian amateurs set to pursue careers in the world of professional golf

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) - The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is pleased to congratulate Team Canada members Lindsay Renolds of Christina Lake, B.C. and Mathieu Rivard of Granby, Que. as well as David Markle of Shelburne, Ont. on their decisions to pursue a career in professional golf.

Lindsay Renolds’ jump to the professional ranks follows a season as a member of Canada’s National Men’s Amateur Team (2009). During Renolds’ time on the National Amateur Team he was a member of the winning Canadian team at the 2009 Four Nations Cup.

Renolds holds an impressive amateur record including runner-up finishes at the 2008 British Amateur Championship and 2009 Mexican Amateur Championship.

Mathieu Rivard joins the world of professional golf after four seasons on Team Canada (2006 – 2009) where he has spent three seasons as a National Development Team Member (2006, 2007, 2009) and one season as a National Amateur Team Member (2008).

Rivard has had significant amateur success especially in his home province of Quebec where he won the 2009 Duke of Kent Championship and three consecutive Quebec Junior Boys’ Championship titles (2006, 2007, 2008).

David Markle has also decided to pursue a professional golf career after his success on the NCAA college golf circuit during his time at Kent State University (KSU). Markle’s KSU success includes a 9th place finish at the 2008 NCAA Championship, 8 top-10 finishes out of 13 starts in his senior year, GCAA PING Honorable Mention All-American, GCAA PING All-Region and first team All-MAC.

Markle also represented the country at the 2009 Four Nations Cup and at the World Amateur Team Championships in Australia last October.

“The National Team Program is aimed at developing our nation’s top athletes through the highest levels of competition and we believe that competitors like Mathieu and Lindsay have the skills and commitment to meet the demands for success at the professional level.,” said Doug Roxburgh, RCGA Director of High Performance. “Mathieu is a veteran of Team Canada and I have watched him grow into a talented and focused player. Lindsay’s experience playing on the international level will no doubt help him reach professional success and David’s stellar college golf career has certainly prepared him for the next level. I’m confident that these talented players will find success on the professional circuit.”

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

Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations.

The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour.

For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org.

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

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