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/.
Showing posts with label Canadian Open. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canadian Open. Show all posts
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
RBC Deepens Commitment to Canadian Golf
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/
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/
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Nick Taylor and Stephanie Sherlock Named Canada’s Top Amateur Golfers of 2009
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/
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/
Monday, October 26, 2009
Canadian Earns PGA Tour Card
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.
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.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Peter Beresford Named RCGA Chief Operating Officer
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Andrew Parr, Richard Lee, Graham Baillargeon and Lucas Lee Monday Qualify For 2009 RBC Canadian Open
Team Sean O’Hair-Damon Allen wins inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Andrew Parr of London, Ont., played near perfect golf during Monday’s qualifying round at Heron Point in Alberton, Ont., to earn one of four final exemptions into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open.
After a bogey on the first hole, Parr went on to shoot five birdies and two eagles on the day. Parr’s eight-under par 63 earned him the right to play among the PGA TOUR’s professionals at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. Parr, who turned pro in 2007, will be competing in his third consecutive RBC Canadian Open.
Also earning exemptions into this year’s Open are Richard Lee of Chandler, Ariz., amateur Graham Baillargeon of Mississauga, Ont. and Lucas Lee of Torrance, Calif.
With the addition of the four Monday qualifiers, a total of 15 Canadians are now set to compete at this year’s RBC Canadian Open.
MONDAY QUALIFYING RESULTS:
The following players Monday qualified for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open:
1. Andrew Parr, Reston, VA, 35-28-63 (-8)
2. Richard Lee, Chandler, AZ, 33-33-66 (-5)
*3. Graham Baillargeon (a), Mississauga, ON, 33-34-67 (-4)
*3. Lucas Lee, Torrance, CA, 36-31-67 (-4)
* Denotes qualified in playoff
(a) Denotes amateur
INAUGURAL MIKE WEIR CHARITY CLASSIC
A new chapter in RBC Canadian Open history was written as the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic pro-am kicked off in style Monday. The pro-am event featured marquee celebrities from the music, sport and entertainment industries as well as top stars on the PGA TOUR vying for the championship team title. Amateur competitors played nine holes with a PGA TOUR pro and nine holes with a celebrity.
The team of Sean O’Hair and Damon Allen won the event, combining for an impressive team-total of 19-under par. Anthony Kim and Rick Nash (team1) finished T2nd with Camilo Villegas and Tom Cochrane as well as Anthony Kim and Rick Nash (team 2) at 15-under par.
Fans flocked to Glen Abbey to see notable stars such as NBA legend Michael Jordan, Oscar winner Kevin Costner and NHL all-star netminder Martin Brodeur as well as PGA TOUR stars Stephen Ames, Sean O’Hair and event host Mike Weir.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Canada along with Corona Extra, TaylorMade, Wolf Blass, Southern Implants, CFF Stainless Steels Inc., The Globe and Mail, Pepsi, LG, Transitions Optical, The Glenlivet, Reader’s Digest, Sunoco and local media partners Q107 and Toronto Sun. The event is also supported by Ontario Tourism. Ontario, yours to discover.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf. For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Andrew Parr of London, Ont., played near perfect golf during Monday’s qualifying round at Heron Point in Alberton, Ont., to earn one of four final exemptions into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open.
After a bogey on the first hole, Parr went on to shoot five birdies and two eagles on the day. Parr’s eight-under par 63 earned him the right to play among the PGA TOUR’s professionals at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. Parr, who turned pro in 2007, will be competing in his third consecutive RBC Canadian Open.
Also earning exemptions into this year’s Open are Richard Lee of Chandler, Ariz., amateur Graham Baillargeon of Mississauga, Ont. and Lucas Lee of Torrance, Calif.
With the addition of the four Monday qualifiers, a total of 15 Canadians are now set to compete at this year’s RBC Canadian Open.
MONDAY QUALIFYING RESULTS:
The following players Monday qualified for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open:
1. Andrew Parr, Reston, VA, 35-28-63 (-8)
2. Richard Lee, Chandler, AZ, 33-33-66 (-5)
*3. Graham Baillargeon (a), Mississauga, ON, 33-34-67 (-4)
*3. Lucas Lee, Torrance, CA, 36-31-67 (-4)
* Denotes qualified in playoff
(a) Denotes amateur
INAUGURAL MIKE WEIR CHARITY CLASSIC
A new chapter in RBC Canadian Open history was written as the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic pro-am kicked off in style Monday. The pro-am event featured marquee celebrities from the music, sport and entertainment industries as well as top stars on the PGA TOUR vying for the championship team title. Amateur competitors played nine holes with a PGA TOUR pro and nine holes with a celebrity.
The team of Sean O’Hair and Damon Allen won the event, combining for an impressive team-total of 19-under par. Anthony Kim and Rick Nash (team1) finished T2nd with Camilo Villegas and Tom Cochrane as well as Anthony Kim and Rick Nash (team 2) at 15-under par.
Fans flocked to Glen Abbey to see notable stars such as NBA legend Michael Jordan, Oscar winner Kevin Costner and NHL all-star netminder Martin Brodeur as well as PGA TOUR stars Stephen Ames, Sean O’Hair and event host Mike Weir.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Canada along with Corona Extra, TaylorMade, Wolf Blass, Southern Implants, CFF Stainless Steels Inc., The Globe and Mail, Pepsi, LG, Transitions Optical, The Glenlivet, Reader’s Digest, Sunoco and local media partners Q107 and Toronto Sun. The event is also supported by Ontario Tourism. Ontario, yours to discover.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf. For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Canadian Tour - DeLaet Grabs Players Cup Title
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
WINNIPEG, Man. – Graham DeLaet shot a two under par 69 to capture the Canadian Tour Players Cup by one stroke over Byron Smith, Lucas Lee and Ryan Horn.
DeLaet finished the week at eight under par 276 and with his second title of the season, jumps to the top of the Order of Merit with $78,500 after his $32,000 pay day on Sunday.
John Ellis matched par 71 to grab solo fifth at 278 while Derek Gillespie (71) and Mark Leon (73) share sixth spot at 279.
Finishing T-8 at 280 are Mitchell Gillis (70), Luke Hickmott (72) and Ryan Thornberry with a 71.
DeLaet started with four consecutive pars and then backed up with bogeys at five and six.
Settling down with a birdie at eight, he parred three straight before birdieing three of his next four starting at No. 12, then was handed the victory when Smith bogeyed the final hole.
Smith, a winner in Victoria last month, birdied to start the day but gave it back at five.
He went birdie bogey at eight and nine before a birdie at the par-5 15th moved him one ahead of a charging DeLaet.
However, Smith bogeyed 16 to drop back into a tie with DeLaet before the fateful bogey at 18 left him one back.
With three birdies on his first 16 holes, Ryan Horn was tied for the lead but a bogey at 17 dropped him one behind DeLaet and Smith at the time.
Starting the day with a one stroke lead over Brad Fritsch, Lee was at even but doubled the par-5 seventh and bogeyed 13.
Refusing to quit, he rallied with birdies at 14 and 15 to catch the leaders but his bogey at No. 16 left him one short.
Fritsch held steady until going bogey, double, par, bogey starting at No. 7. The Manotick, Ont., finished T-19.
In the Clubhouse
Competitors earning spots into the RBC Canadian Open:
Graham DeLaet
Mauricio Molina
Mike Grob
Andres Gonzales
Hugo Leon
Rafael Gomez
Stuart Anderson
Wes Heffernan
Byron Smith - #2 on Order of Merit – earned an exemption but turned it down to play the Nationwide Tour event. Jim Rutledge (#6) also turned down his RCGA exemption so his spot is given to the next player on the Order of Merit. The top two Canadians (Stuart Anderson #10 and Wes Heffernan #18) not otherwise exempt were given exemptions.
Graham DeLaet was already exempt before his win.
WINNIPEG, Man. – Graham DeLaet shot a two under par 69 to capture the Canadian Tour Players Cup by one stroke over Byron Smith, Lucas Lee and Ryan Horn.
DeLaet finished the week at eight under par 276 and with his second title of the season, jumps to the top of the Order of Merit with $78,500 after his $32,000 pay day on Sunday.
John Ellis matched par 71 to grab solo fifth at 278 while Derek Gillespie (71) and Mark Leon (73) share sixth spot at 279.
Finishing T-8 at 280 are Mitchell Gillis (70), Luke Hickmott (72) and Ryan Thornberry with a 71.
DeLaet started with four consecutive pars and then backed up with bogeys at five and six.
Settling down with a birdie at eight, he parred three straight before birdieing three of his next four starting at No. 12, then was handed the victory when Smith bogeyed the final hole.
Smith, a winner in Victoria last month, birdied to start the day but gave it back at five.
He went birdie bogey at eight and nine before a birdie at the par-5 15th moved him one ahead of a charging DeLaet.
However, Smith bogeyed 16 to drop back into a tie with DeLaet before the fateful bogey at 18 left him one back.
With three birdies on his first 16 holes, Ryan Horn was tied for the lead but a bogey at 17 dropped him one behind DeLaet and Smith at the time.
Starting the day with a one stroke lead over Brad Fritsch, Lee was at even but doubled the par-5 seventh and bogeyed 13.
Refusing to quit, he rallied with birdies at 14 and 15 to catch the leaders but his bogey at No. 16 left him one short.
Fritsch held steady until going bogey, double, par, bogey starting at No. 7. The Manotick, Ont., finished T-19.
In the Clubhouse
Competitors earning spots into the RBC Canadian Open:
Graham DeLaet
Mauricio Molina
Mike Grob
Andres Gonzales
Hugo Leon
Rafael Gomez
Stuart Anderson
Wes Heffernan
Byron Smith - #2 on Order of Merit – earned an exemption but turned it down to play the Nationwide Tour event. Jim Rutledge (#6) also turned down his RCGA exemption so his spot is given to the next player on the Order of Merit. The top two Canadians (Stuart Anderson #10 and Wes Heffernan #18) not otherwise exempt were given exemptions.
Graham DeLaet was already exempt before his win.
Final Field Announced for 2009 RBC Canadian Open
Field to feature five former champions, 11 Canadians and two members of Canada’s National Amateur Team
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) and RBC announced today the final field of competitors set to challenge for the $5.1 million (US) RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Defending champion Chez Reavie headlines a list of notables that includes Anthony Kim, Sean O’Hair, Camilo Villegas, Trevor Immelman, Luke Donald, Bubba Watson, J.B. Holmes, Dustin Johnson, John Daly, Mark Calcavecchia, Fred Couples and Retief Goosen as well as Canadian PGA TOUR stars Mike Weir, Stephen Ames.
Reavie, the defending champion tops a list of five former Canadian Open winners that includes Calcavecchia (2005), Bob Tway (2003), Scott Verplank (2001) and Billy Andrade (1998).
Weir and Ames will headline a list of 11 Canadians looking to become the first Canadian since Pat Fletcher in 1954 to take home Canada’s national championship. Other Canucks set to compete include Graham DeLaet, Dustin Risdon, Chris Baryla, Ian Leggatt, Kyle German and Bryan DeCorso as well as National Amateur Team members Nick Taylor and Matt Hill and 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion Cam Burke.
Six additional exemptions will be awarded following this weekend’s Canadian Tour event – the Players Cup - in Winnipeg, Man. as well as the top five players on the Canadian Tour’s order of merit.
“The field is set and we’re ready to kick off the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship,” said Bill Paul, Tournament Director. “Canadian golf fans will be treated to a showcase at Glen Abbey with a number of rising PGA TOUR stars and talented Canadians set to challenge Glen Abbey.”
Four additional competitors will earn a spot into the field following the Monday Qualifier set for Monday, July 20 at Heron Point Golf Links.
The following is a list of players set to compete in the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Brad Adamonis, Tyler Aldridge, Steven Allan, *Stephen Ames, Billy Andrade, Stuart Appleby, Arjun Atwal, Eric Axley, Aaron Baddeley, Briny Baird, *Chris Baryla, Brian Bateman, David Berganio, Jr.
Matt Bettencourt, Kris Blanks, Matthew Borchert, Michael Bradley, *Cam Burke (a), Jonathan Byrd, Mark Calcavecchia, Alex Cejka, Greg Chalmers, Daniel Chopra, Wil Collins, Fred Couples, John Daly, Brian Davis, Glen Day, Jason Day, Brendon de Jonge
*Bryan DeCorso, *Graham DeLaet, Chris DiMarco, Luke Donald, Jason Dufner, Ken Duke,
Joe Durant, Steve Elkington, Bob Estes, Derek Fathauer, Brad Faxon, Steve Flesch,
Harrison Frazar, Robert Garrigus, *Kyle German, Mathew Goggin, Retief Goosen, Jason Gore, Nathan Green, Mathias Gronberg, Scott Gutschewski, Bill Haas, Todd Hamilton,
Bob Heintz, Tim Herron, *Matt Hill (a), J.B. Holmes, Ryuji Imada, Trevor Immelman,
Kent Jones, Matt Jones, Jonathan Kaye, Jerry Kelly, Troy Kelly, Anthony Kim, Jeff Klauk, Colt Knost, Cliff Kresge, Martin Laird, *Ian Leggatt, Michael Letzig, Spencer Levin, Peter Lonard, Jamie Lovemark, Steve Lowery, Jarrod Lyle, Jeff Maggert, John Mallinger, Steve Marino, David Mathis, Troy Matteson, Billy Mayfair, Scott McCarron,
Parker McLachlin, Rocco Mediate, John Merrick, Shaun Micheel, Bryce Molder, Kevin Na, Sean O'Hair, Nick O'Hern, Joe Ogilvie, James Oh, Leif Olson, Jeff Overton, Greg Owen, Ryan Palmer, Corey Pavin, Pat Perez, Tom Pernice, Jr., Tim Petrovic, Carl Pettersson, Scott Piercy, D.A. Points, Aron Price, Rick Price, Jeff Quinney, Chez Reavie, Chris Riley, *Dustin Risdon, John Senden, Patrick Sheehan, Webb Simpson, Brandt Snedeker, Kevin Stadler, Scott Sterling, Darron Stiles, Kevin Streelman, Chris Stroud, Kevin Sutherland, *Nick Taylor (a), Vaughn Taylor, Roland Thatcher, Nicholas Thompson, Brendon Todd, Peter Tomasulo, Bob Tway, Bo Van Pelt, Scott Verplank, Camilo Villegas, Brian Vranesh, Johnson Wagner, Jimmy Walker, Charles Warren, Bubba Watson, Matt Weibring, *Mike Weir, Charlie Wi, Jay Williamson, Dean Wilson, Mark Wilson, Casey Wittenberg, Gary Woodland, Y.E. Yang,
*denotes Canadian
(a) denotes Amateur
The RCGA would also like to remind spectators that have not already purchased their tickets that they can do so by visiting online at www.rbccanadianopen.com or calling 1-800-571-OPEN (6736).
The following are ticket prices for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open:
Junior Grounds Ticket FREE*
Monday Grounds (Mike Weir Charity Classic) $15.00
Tuesday Grounds $15.00
Wednesday Grounds $15.00
Anyday Grounds Ticket $55.00
Weekly Grounds Badge $110.00 (fully transferrable)
Anyday Grounds 10 Pack $450.00 (10 anyday grounds tickets)
*kids under 15 get in free with a ticketed adult
The 2009 RBC Canadian Open will take place July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club, the 25th time the renowned Oakville layout has challenged the stars of the PGA TOUR. The event will feature both onsite and offsite activities expected to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance.
Onsite activities include the onsite Pengrowth Concert Series featuring Kevin Costner and Modern West (Thursday), Tom Cochrane (Friday) and Bachman Cummings (Saturday). Admission to the Pengrowth Concert Series is free with any RBC Canadian Open ticket valid for those days.
For more information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN (6736).
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Canada along with Corona Extra, TaylorMade, Wolf Blass, Southern Implants, CFF Stainless Steels Inc., The Globe and Mail, Pepsi, LG, Transitions Optical, The Glenlivet, Reader’s Digest, Sunoco and local media partners Q107 and Toronto Sun. The event is also supported by Ontario Tourism. Ontario, yours to discover.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf. For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) and RBC announced today the final field of competitors set to challenge for the $5.1 million (US) RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Defending champion Chez Reavie headlines a list of notables that includes Anthony Kim, Sean O’Hair, Camilo Villegas, Trevor Immelman, Luke Donald, Bubba Watson, J.B. Holmes, Dustin Johnson, John Daly, Mark Calcavecchia, Fred Couples and Retief Goosen as well as Canadian PGA TOUR stars Mike Weir, Stephen Ames.
Reavie, the defending champion tops a list of five former Canadian Open winners that includes Calcavecchia (2005), Bob Tway (2003), Scott Verplank (2001) and Billy Andrade (1998).
Weir and Ames will headline a list of 11 Canadians looking to become the first Canadian since Pat Fletcher in 1954 to take home Canada’s national championship. Other Canucks set to compete include Graham DeLaet, Dustin Risdon, Chris Baryla, Ian Leggatt, Kyle German and Bryan DeCorso as well as National Amateur Team members Nick Taylor and Matt Hill and 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion Cam Burke.
Six additional exemptions will be awarded following this weekend’s Canadian Tour event – the Players Cup - in Winnipeg, Man. as well as the top five players on the Canadian Tour’s order of merit.
“The field is set and we’re ready to kick off the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship,” said Bill Paul, Tournament Director. “Canadian golf fans will be treated to a showcase at Glen Abbey with a number of rising PGA TOUR stars and talented Canadians set to challenge Glen Abbey.”
Four additional competitors will earn a spot into the field following the Monday Qualifier set for Monday, July 20 at Heron Point Golf Links.
The following is a list of players set to compete in the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Brad Adamonis, Tyler Aldridge, Steven Allan, *Stephen Ames, Billy Andrade, Stuart Appleby, Arjun Atwal, Eric Axley, Aaron Baddeley, Briny Baird, *Chris Baryla, Brian Bateman, David Berganio, Jr.
Matt Bettencourt, Kris Blanks, Matthew Borchert, Michael Bradley, *Cam Burke (a), Jonathan Byrd, Mark Calcavecchia, Alex Cejka, Greg Chalmers, Daniel Chopra, Wil Collins, Fred Couples, John Daly, Brian Davis, Glen Day, Jason Day, Brendon de Jonge
*Bryan DeCorso, *Graham DeLaet, Chris DiMarco, Luke Donald, Jason Dufner, Ken Duke,
Joe Durant, Steve Elkington, Bob Estes, Derek Fathauer, Brad Faxon, Steve Flesch,
Harrison Frazar, Robert Garrigus, *Kyle German, Mathew Goggin, Retief Goosen, Jason Gore, Nathan Green, Mathias Gronberg, Scott Gutschewski, Bill Haas, Todd Hamilton,
Bob Heintz, Tim Herron, *Matt Hill (a), J.B. Holmes, Ryuji Imada, Trevor Immelman,
Kent Jones, Matt Jones, Jonathan Kaye, Jerry Kelly, Troy Kelly, Anthony Kim, Jeff Klauk, Colt Knost, Cliff Kresge, Martin Laird, *Ian Leggatt, Michael Letzig, Spencer Levin, Peter Lonard, Jamie Lovemark, Steve Lowery, Jarrod Lyle, Jeff Maggert, John Mallinger, Steve Marino, David Mathis, Troy Matteson, Billy Mayfair, Scott McCarron,
Parker McLachlin, Rocco Mediate, John Merrick, Shaun Micheel, Bryce Molder, Kevin Na, Sean O'Hair, Nick O'Hern, Joe Ogilvie, James Oh, Leif Olson, Jeff Overton, Greg Owen, Ryan Palmer, Corey Pavin, Pat Perez, Tom Pernice, Jr., Tim Petrovic, Carl Pettersson, Scott Piercy, D.A. Points, Aron Price, Rick Price, Jeff Quinney, Chez Reavie, Chris Riley, *Dustin Risdon, John Senden, Patrick Sheehan, Webb Simpson, Brandt Snedeker, Kevin Stadler, Scott Sterling, Darron Stiles, Kevin Streelman, Chris Stroud, Kevin Sutherland, *Nick Taylor (a), Vaughn Taylor, Roland Thatcher, Nicholas Thompson, Brendon Todd, Peter Tomasulo, Bob Tway, Bo Van Pelt, Scott Verplank, Camilo Villegas, Brian Vranesh, Johnson Wagner, Jimmy Walker, Charles Warren, Bubba Watson, Matt Weibring, *Mike Weir, Charlie Wi, Jay Williamson, Dean Wilson, Mark Wilson, Casey Wittenberg, Gary Woodland, Y.E. Yang,
*denotes Canadian
(a) denotes Amateur
The RCGA would also like to remind spectators that have not already purchased their tickets that they can do so by visiting online at www.rbccanadianopen.com or calling 1-800-571-OPEN (6736).
The following are ticket prices for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open:
Junior Grounds Ticket FREE*
Monday Grounds (Mike Weir Charity Classic) $15.00
Tuesday Grounds $15.00
Wednesday Grounds $15.00
Anyday Grounds Ticket $55.00
Weekly Grounds Badge $110.00 (fully transferrable)
Anyday Grounds 10 Pack $450.00 (10 anyday grounds tickets)
*kids under 15 get in free with a ticketed adult
The 2009 RBC Canadian Open will take place July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club, the 25th time the renowned Oakville layout has challenged the stars of the PGA TOUR. The event will feature both onsite and offsite activities expected to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance.
Onsite activities include the onsite Pengrowth Concert Series featuring Kevin Costner and Modern West (Thursday), Tom Cochrane (Friday) and Bachman Cummings (Saturday). Admission to the Pengrowth Concert Series is free with any RBC Canadian Open ticket valid for those days.
For more information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN (6736).
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Canada along with Corona Extra, TaylorMade, Wolf Blass, Southern Implants, CFF Stainless Steels Inc., The Globe and Mail, Pepsi, LG, Transitions Optical, The Glenlivet, Reader’s Digest, Sunoco and local media partners Q107 and Toronto Sun. The event is also supported by Ontario Tourism. Ontario, yours to discover.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf. For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Canadian Tour - Players Cup Tees Off This Week
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
WINNIPEG, Man. – The race for the RBC Canadian Open concludes this week at the prestigious $200,000 Canadian Tour Players Cup with the winner and top five on the Order of Merit earning exemptions into the 100th Canadian Open.
One of the flagship events of the Canadian Tour, the Players Cup has roots dating back to 1931 with names such as George Knudson and Dan Halldorson winning the championship.
With possibly the strongest field of the year and plenty at stake, this year’s edition will have no shortage of drama.
Defending champion Wes Heffernan missed the cut last week in Saskatoon and is looking for some redemption. A four-time winner on the Canadian Tour, the Calgary native wants another crack at the Canadian Open.
They say the best time to win your second tournament is right after your first. With his victory in Saskatchewan last week, Andres Gonzales moved to eighth on the Order of Merit and within striking distance of the top.
Sure he’s already in the Canadian Open via a sponsor’s exemption, but Graham DeLaet wants another victory on his growing resume. A final round 64 in Calgary earned him the title and he’s now a threat every week.
After a fifth in Saskatoon, keep an eye on Brent Schwarzrock. The 2007 Montreal Open winner finished T-9 in Edmonton and is returning to the form that made him a PGA TOUR regular before back injuries slowed him down.
He’s struggled this year but playing before the hometown fans may inspire Adam Speirs. A winner at Vancouver last year, Speirs is familiar with the Pine Ridge layout and could be in the hunt on Sunday.
It was another strong week for Liam Kendregan in Saskatoon and he could be a factor in Winnipeg. He is playing with confidence and aside from Victoria; he hasn’t finished outside the Top-20 this season.
Yohann Benson has quickly become a name to be reckoned with. The friendly Montreal native finished T-3 at the City of Surrey Invitational and T-6 in Saskatoon. He’s playing some of the best golf of his life and look for the trend to continue.
The qualifiers for the Canadian Open are anyone’s guess at this point but at 1-2 on the Order of Merit, Mauricio Molina ($59,508.55) and Byron Smith ($57,616.52) are virtual locks for a spot, while Graham DeLaet (#3) is with his exemption.
With the winner automatically in and keeping DeLaet’s exemption in mind, a tournament within a tournament will be contested for the final tickets to Glen Abbey Golf Club.
All of this bodes well for one exciting Canadian Tour Players Cup.
Order of Merit Top 15
Mauricio Molina $59,508.55
Byron Smith $57,616.52
Graham DeLaet $46,500
Mike Grob $36,987.46
Jim Rutledge $33,600
Hugo Leon $32,556.59
Rafael Gomez $31,457.29
Andres Gonzales $30,119
Stuart Anderson $27,282.08
James Hahn $26,757.21
Rob Grube $26,680.25
Fabian Gomez $26,083.27
Scott Gibson $24,549.63
Robert Gates $22,692.12
Andy Matthews $20,356.55
WINNIPEG, Man. – The race for the RBC Canadian Open concludes this week at the prestigious $200,000 Canadian Tour Players Cup with the winner and top five on the Order of Merit earning exemptions into the 100th Canadian Open.
One of the flagship events of the Canadian Tour, the Players Cup has roots dating back to 1931 with names such as George Knudson and Dan Halldorson winning the championship.
With possibly the strongest field of the year and plenty at stake, this year’s edition will have no shortage of drama.
Defending champion Wes Heffernan missed the cut last week in Saskatoon and is looking for some redemption. A four-time winner on the Canadian Tour, the Calgary native wants another crack at the Canadian Open.
They say the best time to win your second tournament is right after your first. With his victory in Saskatchewan last week, Andres Gonzales moved to eighth on the Order of Merit and within striking distance of the top.
Sure he’s already in the Canadian Open via a sponsor’s exemption, but Graham DeLaet wants another victory on his growing resume. A final round 64 in Calgary earned him the title and he’s now a threat every week.
After a fifth in Saskatoon, keep an eye on Brent Schwarzrock. The 2007 Montreal Open winner finished T-9 in Edmonton and is returning to the form that made him a PGA TOUR regular before back injuries slowed him down.
He’s struggled this year but playing before the hometown fans may inspire Adam Speirs. A winner at Vancouver last year, Speirs is familiar with the Pine Ridge layout and could be in the hunt on Sunday.
It was another strong week for Liam Kendregan in Saskatoon and he could be a factor in Winnipeg. He is playing with confidence and aside from Victoria; he hasn’t finished outside the Top-20 this season.
Yohann Benson has quickly become a name to be reckoned with. The friendly Montreal native finished T-3 at the City of Surrey Invitational and T-6 in Saskatoon. He’s playing some of the best golf of his life and look for the trend to continue.
The qualifiers for the Canadian Open are anyone’s guess at this point but at 1-2 on the Order of Merit, Mauricio Molina ($59,508.55) and Byron Smith ($57,616.52) are virtual locks for a spot, while Graham DeLaet (#3) is with his exemption.
With the winner automatically in and keeping DeLaet’s exemption in mind, a tournament within a tournament will be contested for the final tickets to Glen Abbey Golf Club.
All of this bodes well for one exciting Canadian Tour Players Cup.
Order of Merit Top 15
Mauricio Molina $59,508.55
Byron Smith $57,616.52
Graham DeLaet $46,500
Mike Grob $36,987.46
Jim Rutledge $33,600
Hugo Leon $32,556.59
Rafael Gomez $31,457.29
Andres Gonzales $30,119
Stuart Anderson $27,282.08
James Hahn $26,757.21
Rob Grube $26,680.25
Fabian Gomez $26,083.27
Scott Gibson $24,549.63
Robert Gates $22,692.12
Andy Matthews $20,356.55
Thursday, July 9, 2009
John Daly to Compete in 2009 RBC Canadian Open
• PGA TOUR fan favourite healthy and ready to challenge Glen Abbey
• Canadian contingent bolstered with addition of Graham DeLeat, Dustin Risdon, Jon Mills, Chris Baryla and Ian Leggatt
• Victorious Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger, 5-time PGA TOUR winner Rocco Mediate and former Canadian Open champion Billy Andrade among veterans added to field for Canada’s national Open championship
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in partnership with title sponsor RBC, announced today that John Daly has accepted an exemption to compete at the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Daly, whose last appearance in Canada came in 2007, has competed in seven Canadian Opens throughout his PGA TOUR career with his best finish coming in 2001 when he finished fourth. Long considered among the PGA TOUR’s highest profile competitors and a Canadian fan favourite, Daly’s return to Glen Abbey will find him among the most followed players during tournament week.
“We are pleased to confirm that John Daly has accepted an exemption to compete in this year’s RBC Canadian Open,” said Bill Paul, Tournament Director of the RBC Canadian Open. “John has dealt with some personal and health issues that have affected him both on and off the golf course but in my most recent conversations with John, he is committed to his PGA TOUR career. John has been a long-time supporter of Canada’s national Open championship and I think Canadian golf fans will join us in welcoming him back to Glen Abbey for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open.”
“I want to thank the RCGA and RBC for the opportunity to compete in the RBC Canadian Open,” said Daly. “When Bill called to offer me the exemption I reassured him that I’m healthy and looking forward to getting back to Glen Abbey. I’ve always enjoyed coming up to Canada to play in this event and am extremely grateful for all the support I’ve received from Canadian golf fans over the years.”
The RCGA and RBC also announced several other players who have been extended exemptions to compete in the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship.
Among those include up and coming Canadian pros Graham DeLeat of Weyburn, Sask., Dustin Risdon of Strathmore, Alta., Chris Baryla of Vernon, B.C. and Jon Mills of Oshawa, Ont. as well as veteran Ian Leggatt of Cambridge, Ont. DeLaet got off to a stellar start in 2009 with a pair of runner-up finishes on the South African Tour and continued his strong play this summer on the Canadian Tour recently winning the Tour’s ATB Financial Classic in Calgary. Risdon, Baryla, Mills and Leggatt currently sit as the top ranked Canadians on the Nationwide Tour ranked 29th, 41st, 62nd and 98th respectively.
A trio of notable PGA TOUR veterans will also challenge for Canada’s national Open championship including 12-time PGA TOUR winner and recent victorious Ryder Cup Captain Paul Azinger, 5-time PGA TOUR winner and last year’s US Open runner-up Rocco Mediate and Billy Andrade, a 4-time PGA TOUR winner including the 1998 Canadian Open.
Up and coming young pro Danny Lee, winner of both the 2008 US Amateur and 2008 British Amateur Championships has also accepted an exemption to compete at Glen Abbey.
The field for Canada’s national Open championship will feature three Canadian amateurs competing on exemptions including previously announced Team Canada members Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. and Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont. as well as Cam Burke of New Hamburg, Ont. who earned his exemption by winning the 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
Also taking part in this year’s event is Canadian club professional Kyle German, competing on a CPGA exemption as winner of the 2008 Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship.
Six additional exemptions into the field for the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship will be awarded to the top six players (not otherwise exempt) on the Canadian Tour’s Order of Merit following this weekend’s Saskatchewan Open in Saskatoon, Sask.
Four additional spots into the field will determined on Monday, July 20 as 156 players will tee it up in the RBC Canadian Open Monday Qualifier at Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton, Ont.
The players announced today will join the field at Glen Abbey that includes previously announced PGA TOUR stars Anthony Kim, Camilo Villegas, Sean O’Hair, Luke Donald, Retief Goosen, Nick Watney, Hunter Mahan, Trevor Immelman Mark Calcavecchia, Fred Couples and defending champion Chez Reavie as well as Canadian favourites Stephen Ames and Mike Weir.
The final field of confirmed players for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club will be available after 5:00 pm on Friday, July 17th.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
• Canadian contingent bolstered with addition of Graham DeLeat, Dustin Risdon, Jon Mills, Chris Baryla and Ian Leggatt
• Victorious Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger, 5-time PGA TOUR winner Rocco Mediate and former Canadian Open champion Billy Andrade among veterans added to field for Canada’s national Open championship
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in partnership with title sponsor RBC, announced today that John Daly has accepted an exemption to compete at the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Daly, whose last appearance in Canada came in 2007, has competed in seven Canadian Opens throughout his PGA TOUR career with his best finish coming in 2001 when he finished fourth. Long considered among the PGA TOUR’s highest profile competitors and a Canadian fan favourite, Daly’s return to Glen Abbey will find him among the most followed players during tournament week.
“We are pleased to confirm that John Daly has accepted an exemption to compete in this year’s RBC Canadian Open,” said Bill Paul, Tournament Director of the RBC Canadian Open. “John has dealt with some personal and health issues that have affected him both on and off the golf course but in my most recent conversations with John, he is committed to his PGA TOUR career. John has been a long-time supporter of Canada’s national Open championship and I think Canadian golf fans will join us in welcoming him back to Glen Abbey for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open.”
“I want to thank the RCGA and RBC for the opportunity to compete in the RBC Canadian Open,” said Daly. “When Bill called to offer me the exemption I reassured him that I’m healthy and looking forward to getting back to Glen Abbey. I’ve always enjoyed coming up to Canada to play in this event and am extremely grateful for all the support I’ve received from Canadian golf fans over the years.”
The RCGA and RBC also announced several other players who have been extended exemptions to compete in the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship.
Among those include up and coming Canadian pros Graham DeLeat of Weyburn, Sask., Dustin Risdon of Strathmore, Alta., Chris Baryla of Vernon, B.C. and Jon Mills of Oshawa, Ont. as well as veteran Ian Leggatt of Cambridge, Ont. DeLaet got off to a stellar start in 2009 with a pair of runner-up finishes on the South African Tour and continued his strong play this summer on the Canadian Tour recently winning the Tour’s ATB Financial Classic in Calgary. Risdon, Baryla, Mills and Leggatt currently sit as the top ranked Canadians on the Nationwide Tour ranked 29th, 41st, 62nd and 98th respectively.
A trio of notable PGA TOUR veterans will also challenge for Canada’s national Open championship including 12-time PGA TOUR winner and recent victorious Ryder Cup Captain Paul Azinger, 5-time PGA TOUR winner and last year’s US Open runner-up Rocco Mediate and Billy Andrade, a 4-time PGA TOUR winner including the 1998 Canadian Open.
Up and coming young pro Danny Lee, winner of both the 2008 US Amateur and 2008 British Amateur Championships has also accepted an exemption to compete at Glen Abbey.
The field for Canada’s national Open championship will feature three Canadian amateurs competing on exemptions including previously announced Team Canada members Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. and Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont. as well as Cam Burke of New Hamburg, Ont. who earned his exemption by winning the 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
Also taking part in this year’s event is Canadian club professional Kyle German, competing on a CPGA exemption as winner of the 2008 Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship.
Six additional exemptions into the field for the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship will be awarded to the top six players (not otherwise exempt) on the Canadian Tour’s Order of Merit following this weekend’s Saskatchewan Open in Saskatoon, Sask.
Four additional spots into the field will determined on Monday, July 20 as 156 players will tee it up in the RBC Canadian Open Monday Qualifier at Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton, Ont.
The players announced today will join the field at Glen Abbey that includes previously announced PGA TOUR stars Anthony Kim, Camilo Villegas, Sean O’Hair, Luke Donald, Retief Goosen, Nick Watney, Hunter Mahan, Trevor Immelman Mark Calcavecchia, Fred Couples and defending champion Chez Reavie as well as Canadian favourites Stephen Ames and Mike Weir.
The final field of confirmed players for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club will be available after 5:00 pm on Friday, July 17th.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
A Mixed Start to the Week in Golf
It has been an interesting week in golf to start the beginning of July. Here are three hot topics that began this week in the golf business:
The Good: The RCGA announced a stellar field committed to the RBC Canadian Open coming up this July at Glen Abbey Golf Club. Among the players confirmed include Sean O'Hair, Hunter Mahan and J.B. Holmes along with Ricky Barnes who is coming off a great performance at the US Open. They will join veterans such as Retief Goosen, Lee Janzen and 2010 Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin. Former RBC Canadian Open Champions scheduled to play include Scott Verplank, John Rollins and Bob Tway. It is a good field for the date challenged RBC Canadian Open and spectators should look forward to a great week of golf.
The Bad: The Canadian PGA announced today that they were unable to find a corporate sponsor for the playing of the 2009 CPGA Seniors Championship. The Association remains committed to the playing of the Championship in 2009 and will self-fund a guaranteed purse of $25,000. The event will be contested at The Marshes in Ottawa, ON. Tough to see one of the oldest Professional Golf Organizations facing this type of challenge, but it is good that the event will remain on the schedule this year.
The Ugly: Golf Course Industry Magazine reports that there have already been 71 golf course closures (18 hole equivalents) in the United States through the first half of the year. So far in 2009, there have been only 16.5 new courses opened (18 hole equivalents). In all of 2008 there were "only" 106 golf course closures. Overall, the net supply of golf courses has declined from a high of 16,057 in 2004 to a low of 15,931, a net reduction of 126 golf courses. While participation is showing small increases, golf course owners and operators continue to find it difficult to turn a profit in trying times.
The Good: The RCGA announced a stellar field committed to the RBC Canadian Open coming up this July at Glen Abbey Golf Club. Among the players confirmed include Sean O'Hair, Hunter Mahan and J.B. Holmes along with Ricky Barnes who is coming off a great performance at the US Open. They will join veterans such as Retief Goosen, Lee Janzen and 2010 Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin. Former RBC Canadian Open Champions scheduled to play include Scott Verplank, John Rollins and Bob Tway. It is a good field for the date challenged RBC Canadian Open and spectators should look forward to a great week of golf.
The Bad: The Canadian PGA announced today that they were unable to find a corporate sponsor for the playing of the 2009 CPGA Seniors Championship. The Association remains committed to the playing of the Championship in 2009 and will self-fund a guaranteed purse of $25,000. The event will be contested at The Marshes in Ottawa, ON. Tough to see one of the oldest Professional Golf Organizations facing this type of challenge, but it is good that the event will remain on the schedule this year.
The Ugly: Golf Course Industry Magazine reports that there have already been 71 golf course closures (18 hole equivalents) in the United States through the first half of the year. So far in 2009, there have been only 16.5 new courses opened (18 hole equivalents). In all of 2008 there were "only" 106 golf course closures. Overall, the net supply of golf courses has declined from a high of 16,057 in 2004 to a low of 15,931, a net reduction of 126 golf courses. While participation is showing small increases, golf course owners and operators continue to find it difficult to turn a profit in trying times.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Stellar Field of High Profile Talent Commit to 2009 RBC Canadian Open
Canadian golf fans to be treated to premier lineup of PGA TOUR stars representing the future of professional golf
• EMERGING SUPERSTARS SEAN O’HAIR, HUNTER MAHAN, NICK WATNEY, J.B. HOLMES, CHARLIE HOFFMAN, KEVIN NA, DUSTIN JOHNSON AND BUBBA WATSON TO JOIN IMPRESSIVE CAST INCLUDING CAMILO VILLEGAS, ANTHONY KIM, TREVOR IMMELMAN AND LUKE DONALD FOR 100TH PLAYING
• RETIEF GOOSEN, SCOTT VERPLANK, BRIAN GAY, JERRY KELLY, BILLY MAYFAIR, COREY PAVIN AND STEVE FLESCH AS WELL FRED COUPLES AND MARK CALCAVECCHIA REINFORCE A STRONG VETERAN CONTINGENT SET TO CHALLENGE FOR CANADA’S NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in partnership with title sponsor RBC, announced today that a string contingent of emerging superstars and PGA TOUR notables have confirmed their intention to compete at the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Among the players set to challenge for Canada’s national Open championship include rising stars Sean O’Hair, Hunter Mahan, Nick Watney, J.B. Holmes, Charlie Hoffman and Dustin Johnson. Other PGA TOUR notables added to the field include long-hitting Bubba Watson, Kevin Na, Steve Marino and Jeff Quinney as well Ricky Barnes, fresh off his impressive run at the 2009 US Open.
The field for the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship will also welcome several proven PGA TOUR veterans including Retief Goosen, 2-time 2009 PGA TOUR winner Brian Gay, Jerry Kelly, Steve Flesch, Todd Hamilton, Shaun Micheel, Lee Janzen and 2010 Ryder captain Corey Pavin. Other players announced today include former RBC Canadian Open champions Scott Verplank (2001), John Rollins (2002) and Bob Tway (2003).
“It’s become a new era for the RBC Canadian Open and we’re delighted to welcome this tremendous mix of emerging talent and notable veterans to the field for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open,” said Bill Paul, Tournament Director of the RBC Canadian Open. “We’ve methodically tracked our player field and the fields of other PGA TOUR events since 2007 and are thrilled with our progress and relative standing to date. The event as well as the inherent strength of our field has come a long way since RBC has come on board and I think right now having a partner so focused on results has been a driving force behind the resurgence of the event.”
The players confirmed today will join a 2009 RBC Canadian Open field that includes previously announced young guns Anthony Kim, Camilo Villegas, Trevor Immelman, Luke Donald and defending champion Chez Reavie; veteran talents Fred Couple and Mark Calcavecchia; as well as Canadian favourite Stephen Ames and Mike Weir.
“We know that Canadian golf fans want to see the best field possible challenge for the title and we’ve worked incredibly hard with the RCGA to position the RBC Canadian Open as a must play event for players on TOUR,” said Jim Little, RBC Chief Brand and Communications Officer. “Given the list of young superstars and PGA TOUR veterans set to compete, I think Canadian golf fans will be treated to a true showcase of world class golf.”
The field was also bolstered last week with the announcement that Canadian National Amateur Team members Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. and Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont., currently the no. 1 and no. 3 ranked amateurs in the world, have been given exemptions to compete in the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship.
PROVEN RESULTS – THE FIELD AT A GLANCE:
Among the PGA TOUR notables and world class amateur golfers confirmed for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open include:
Sean O’Hair
• 3-time PGA TOUR winner
• Currently 8th in 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 13th on the Official World Golf Ratings
Retief Goosen
• 7-time PGA TOUR winner including 2004 & 2001 U.S. Open Championships
• Sits 16th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 23rd on the Official World Golf Ratings
Hunter Mahan
• Sits 23rd on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 39th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• Four top-10 finishes in 2009 including; T4th - Travelers Championship, T6th - U.S. Open Championship and T10th the Masters
Nick Watney
• Sits 10th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 33rd on the Official World Golf Ratings
• Three top-10 finishes in 2009 including win at the Buick Championship
Bubba Watson
• Sits 36th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 68th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• Two top-10 finishes in 2009
Brian Gay
• Sits 7th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 38th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• 3-time PGA TOUR winner including two PGA TOUR wins in 2009 (Verizon Heritage & St. Jude Classic presented by FedEx)
Ricky Barnes
• T2nd at the 2009 U.S. Open Championship
• Former U.S. Amateur Champion
Steve Marino
• Sits 21st on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• T2nd at the 2009 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial
Charlie Hoffman
• Sits 17th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• 13 career top-10 PGA TOUR finishes and winner of the 2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
Dustin Johnson
• Sits 14th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 47th on the Official World Golf Ratings
J.B. Holmes
• Sits 46th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 58th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• 2-time PGA TOUR winner (2006 & 2008 FBR Opens)
Jeff Quinney
• Eight career top-10 finishes
• Former U.S. Amateur Champion
Kevin Na
• Sits 19th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Six top-10 finishes in 2009 including 3rd place finish at FBR Open and a T3rd at THE PLAYERS Championship
Scott Verplank
• 2001 RBC Canadian Open champion
• 5-time PGA TOUR winner
Billy Mayfair
• 5-time PGA TOUR winner
• Finished 2nd at the 2008 RBC Canadian Open
Jerry Kelly
• Sits 28th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• 3-time PGA TOUR winner
• Winner of the 2009 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Todd Hamilton
• 2-time PGA TOUR Winner
• Winner of the 2004 British Open Championship
Corey Pavin
• 15-time PGA TOUR winner
• 12-time International winner
• Captain of the 2010 US Ryder Cup Team
Lee Janzen
• 8-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2-time U.S. Open Champion (1993 & 1998)
Shaun Micheel
• Winner, 2003 PGA Championship
• Two top-25 finishes in 2009
Bob Tway
• 8-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2003 RBC Canadian Open champion
John Rollins
• 2-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2002 Canadian Open Champion
• Sits 30th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
Steve Flesch
• 4-time PGA TOUR Winner
• Two top-10 finishes in 2009 including T6th at Masters and 7th at Transitions Championship
Mike Weir
• Eight-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2003 Masters champion
• Four-time President’s Cup team member
• 2009 Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee
Anthony Kim
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner (2008 Wachovia Championship & 2008 AT&T National)
• 2008 Ryder Cup hero
• Ranked 15th on the Official World Golf Ratings
Stephen Ames
• Three-time PGA TOUR winner
• Champion, 2006 The PLAYERS Championship
• Four-time World Cup team member
Chez Reavie
• 2008 RBC Canadian Open champion
• Two top-25 finishes in 2009
Trevor Immelman
• 2008 Masters champion
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner
• Two-time President’s Cup team member
Camilo Villegas
• Champion, 2008 TOUR Championship
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2006 World Cup team member
Luke Donald
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner
• Two-time Ryder Cup team member
• Ranked 27th on OWGR
Fred Couples
• 15-time PGA TOUR Winner
• Five-time Ryder Cup team member
• Four-time President’s Cup team member & 2009 President’s Cup Captain
Mark Calcavecchia
• 13-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2005 Canadian Open winner
• Four-time Ryder Cup team member
Nick Taylor
• Currently the no. 1 ranked amateur golfer in the world
• Recent low amateur at the 2009 US Open Championship
• Former Canadian Junior and Canadian Amateur champion
• Member of Canada’s national amateur golf team
Matt Hill
• 2009 NCAA Division I Individual champion
• Winner of the 2009 Jack Nicklaus Award (NCAA Division I Player of the Year)
• Currently the no. 3 ranked amateur golfer in the world
• Member of Canada’s national amateur golf team
Additional player commitments will be announced in the coming weeks and the final field of confirmed players for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club will be available after 5:00 pm on Friday, July 17th.
PREMIERE HOST VENUES
The RCGA and RBC are committed to hosting the RBC Canadian Open at the finest golf courses in the country going forward. The renowned Glen Abbey Golf Club, long considered the home of Canada’s national Open championship will host the event for a record 25th time in 2009. The 2010 RBC Canadian Open will then mark a storied return to the venerable St. George’s Golf and Country in Toronto before heading west in 2011 at the historic Shaughnessey Golf and Country Club.
For corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
• EMERGING SUPERSTARS SEAN O’HAIR, HUNTER MAHAN, NICK WATNEY, J.B. HOLMES, CHARLIE HOFFMAN, KEVIN NA, DUSTIN JOHNSON AND BUBBA WATSON TO JOIN IMPRESSIVE CAST INCLUDING CAMILO VILLEGAS, ANTHONY KIM, TREVOR IMMELMAN AND LUKE DONALD FOR 100TH PLAYING
• RETIEF GOOSEN, SCOTT VERPLANK, BRIAN GAY, JERRY KELLY, BILLY MAYFAIR, COREY PAVIN AND STEVE FLESCH AS WELL FRED COUPLES AND MARK CALCAVECCHIA REINFORCE A STRONG VETERAN CONTINGENT SET TO CHALLENGE FOR CANADA’S NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in partnership with title sponsor RBC, announced today that a string contingent of emerging superstars and PGA TOUR notables have confirmed their intention to compete at the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Among the players set to challenge for Canada’s national Open championship include rising stars Sean O’Hair, Hunter Mahan, Nick Watney, J.B. Holmes, Charlie Hoffman and Dustin Johnson. Other PGA TOUR notables added to the field include long-hitting Bubba Watson, Kevin Na, Steve Marino and Jeff Quinney as well Ricky Barnes, fresh off his impressive run at the 2009 US Open.
The field for the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship will also welcome several proven PGA TOUR veterans including Retief Goosen, 2-time 2009 PGA TOUR winner Brian Gay, Jerry Kelly, Steve Flesch, Todd Hamilton, Shaun Micheel, Lee Janzen and 2010 Ryder captain Corey Pavin. Other players announced today include former RBC Canadian Open champions Scott Verplank (2001), John Rollins (2002) and Bob Tway (2003).
“It’s become a new era for the RBC Canadian Open and we’re delighted to welcome this tremendous mix of emerging talent and notable veterans to the field for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open,” said Bill Paul, Tournament Director of the RBC Canadian Open. “We’ve methodically tracked our player field and the fields of other PGA TOUR events since 2007 and are thrilled with our progress and relative standing to date. The event as well as the inherent strength of our field has come a long way since RBC has come on board and I think right now having a partner so focused on results has been a driving force behind the resurgence of the event.”
The players confirmed today will join a 2009 RBC Canadian Open field that includes previously announced young guns Anthony Kim, Camilo Villegas, Trevor Immelman, Luke Donald and defending champion Chez Reavie; veteran talents Fred Couple and Mark Calcavecchia; as well as Canadian favourite Stephen Ames and Mike Weir.
“We know that Canadian golf fans want to see the best field possible challenge for the title and we’ve worked incredibly hard with the RCGA to position the RBC Canadian Open as a must play event for players on TOUR,” said Jim Little, RBC Chief Brand and Communications Officer. “Given the list of young superstars and PGA TOUR veterans set to compete, I think Canadian golf fans will be treated to a true showcase of world class golf.”
The field was also bolstered last week with the announcement that Canadian National Amateur Team members Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. and Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont., currently the no. 1 and no. 3 ranked amateurs in the world, have been given exemptions to compete in the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship.
PROVEN RESULTS – THE FIELD AT A GLANCE:
Among the PGA TOUR notables and world class amateur golfers confirmed for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open include:
Sean O’Hair
• 3-time PGA TOUR winner
• Currently 8th in 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 13th on the Official World Golf Ratings
Retief Goosen
• 7-time PGA TOUR winner including 2004 & 2001 U.S. Open Championships
• Sits 16th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 23rd on the Official World Golf Ratings
Hunter Mahan
• Sits 23rd on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 39th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• Four top-10 finishes in 2009 including; T4th - Travelers Championship, T6th - U.S. Open Championship and T10th the Masters
Nick Watney
• Sits 10th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 33rd on the Official World Golf Ratings
• Three top-10 finishes in 2009 including win at the Buick Championship
Bubba Watson
• Sits 36th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 68th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• Two top-10 finishes in 2009
Brian Gay
• Sits 7th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 38th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• 3-time PGA TOUR winner including two PGA TOUR wins in 2009 (Verizon Heritage & St. Jude Classic presented by FedEx)
Ricky Barnes
• T2nd at the 2009 U.S. Open Championship
• Former U.S. Amateur Champion
Steve Marino
• Sits 21st on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• T2nd at the 2009 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial
Charlie Hoffman
• Sits 17th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• 13 career top-10 PGA TOUR finishes and winner of the 2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
Dustin Johnson
• Sits 14th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 47th on the Official World Golf Ratings
J.B. Holmes
• Sits 46th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 58th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• 2-time PGA TOUR winner (2006 & 2008 FBR Opens)
Jeff Quinney
• Eight career top-10 finishes
• Former U.S. Amateur Champion
Kevin Na
• Sits 19th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Six top-10 finishes in 2009 including 3rd place finish at FBR Open and a T3rd at THE PLAYERS Championship
Scott Verplank
• 2001 RBC Canadian Open champion
• 5-time PGA TOUR winner
Billy Mayfair
• 5-time PGA TOUR winner
• Finished 2nd at the 2008 RBC Canadian Open
Jerry Kelly
• Sits 28th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• 3-time PGA TOUR winner
• Winner of the 2009 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Todd Hamilton
• 2-time PGA TOUR Winner
• Winner of the 2004 British Open Championship
Corey Pavin
• 15-time PGA TOUR winner
• 12-time International winner
• Captain of the 2010 US Ryder Cup Team
Lee Janzen
• 8-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2-time U.S. Open Champion (1993 & 1998)
Shaun Micheel
• Winner, 2003 PGA Championship
• Two top-25 finishes in 2009
Bob Tway
• 8-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2003 RBC Canadian Open champion
John Rollins
• 2-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2002 Canadian Open Champion
• Sits 30th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
Steve Flesch
• 4-time PGA TOUR Winner
• Two top-10 finishes in 2009 including T6th at Masters and 7th at Transitions Championship
Mike Weir
• Eight-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2003 Masters champion
• Four-time President’s Cup team member
• 2009 Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee
Anthony Kim
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner (2008 Wachovia Championship & 2008 AT&T National)
• 2008 Ryder Cup hero
• Ranked 15th on the Official World Golf Ratings
Stephen Ames
• Three-time PGA TOUR winner
• Champion, 2006 The PLAYERS Championship
• Four-time World Cup team member
Chez Reavie
• 2008 RBC Canadian Open champion
• Two top-25 finishes in 2009
Trevor Immelman
• 2008 Masters champion
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner
• Two-time President’s Cup team member
Camilo Villegas
• Champion, 2008 TOUR Championship
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2006 World Cup team member
Luke Donald
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner
• Two-time Ryder Cup team member
• Ranked 27th on OWGR
Fred Couples
• 15-time PGA TOUR Winner
• Five-time Ryder Cup team member
• Four-time President’s Cup team member & 2009 President’s Cup Captain
Mark Calcavecchia
• 13-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2005 Canadian Open winner
• Four-time Ryder Cup team member
Nick Taylor
• Currently the no. 1 ranked amateur golfer in the world
• Recent low amateur at the 2009 US Open Championship
• Former Canadian Junior and Canadian Amateur champion
• Member of Canada’s national amateur golf team
Matt Hill
• 2009 NCAA Division I Individual champion
• Winner of the 2009 Jack Nicklaus Award (NCAA Division I Player of the Year)
• Currently the no. 3 ranked amateur golfer in the world
• Member of Canada’s national amateur golf team
Additional player commitments will be announced in the coming weeks and the final field of confirmed players for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club will be available after 5:00 pm on Friday, July 17th.
PREMIERE HOST VENUES
The RCGA and RBC are committed to hosting the RBC Canadian Open at the finest golf courses in the country going forward. The renowned Glen Abbey Golf Club, long considered the home of Canada’s national Open championship will host the event for a record 25th time in 2009. The 2010 RBC Canadian Open will then mark a storied return to the venerable St. George’s Golf and Country in Toronto before heading west in 2011 at the historic Shaughnessey Golf and Country Club.
For corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Team Canada Members Earn Exemptions Into RBC Canadian Open And CN Canadian Women’s Open
Nick Taylor, Matt Hill, Maude-Aimee LeBlanc and Nicole Vandermade to tee-it-up at Canada’s men’s and women’s national open golf championships
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. and Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont. will be exempt into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, while Maude-Aimee LeBlanc of Sherbrooke, Que., and Nicole Vandermade of Brantford, Ont., will be exempt into the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open.
The Team Canada members earned their exemptions into Canada’s Open golf championships after stellar starts to their 2009 seasons.
“These four talented players have showcased their pedigree so far this season,” said RCGA Executive Director and CEO Scott Simmons. “They are among the best amateur golfers in the world and we are certain to see exciting play from them as they compete with the PGA TOUR’s and LPGA Tour’s biggest and best names.”
Currently the number-one ranked player on the Royal and Ancient (R&A) World Amateur Rankings, Nick Taylor returns to the RBC Canadian Open looking to build upon his 2008 performance at Canada’s lone PGA TOUR stop, where he finished T53rd, the best showing by a home grown amateur at the Open since 1972.
Taylor is coming off his second consecutive appearance in the United States Golf Association’s U.S. Open Championship, where earlier this week he made the cut and finished as the low amateur for the event. The 21-year old University of Washington junior has broken many of his school’s golf records, including most victories (4) and become the first Husky to win Pac-10 Player of the Year. Taylor has amassed eight top-10 finishes in his 11 college tournaments this year, and has 17 career top-10 finishes.
Number-two World Ranked player, Matt Hill, also earns his exemption after a stellar run on the 2009 NCAA Div. I golf circuit. Hill fired a 2-under par 69 at the final round of the NCAA Division I National Championship to clinch his seventh win in his last eight tournaments. The NC State sophomore also became the second Canadian to claim the NCAA individual title and the first Canadian to win the Jack Nicklaus award. His eight tournament wins—the most in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) history—earned him the ACC Player of the Year award. With his exceptional season, Hill joins an eminent group of former NCAA champions including Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.
Maude-Aimee LeBlanc has enjoyed tremendous amateur success over the past three seasons, dating back to her victory at the 2006 Royale National Junior Girls Championship. After finishing T4th at the 2008 Royale Canadian Ladies Amateur Championships, the 20-year old went on to finish fourth in both team and individual standings at the 2008 World Amateur Team Championship. In 2008, as a freshman on the Purdue University Boilermakers golf team, LeBlanc earned six top-15 finishes and fired 11 rounds of even-par or better. This year, she tied for first at the Big-10 Championships, both as an individual and with her team. LeBlanc also competed at the 2008 CN Canadian Women’s Open at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club.
Team Canada Development Team member Nicole Vandermade earns her exemption into the CN Canadian Women’s Open after her strong showing at the 2009 British Women’s Amateur. Vandermade was the low Canadian at the championship, making it to the second round of match-play. In her freshman year at Texas University, Vandermade had five top-15 finishes, including the Texas State Match (T4th) and the Dick McGuire Golf Invitational (T4th). The 19-year old also placed 10th at the Big 12 Invitational and T32nd at the NCAA Div. I West Regional Championships.
Taylor and Hill will join PGA TOUR stars Mike Weir, Stephen Ames, Anthony Kim, Trevor Immelman, Camilo Villegas and defending champion Chez Reavie as they compete in the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, Ont. For more information and tickets, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com.
LeBlanc and Vandermade will join LPGA Tour sensations Paula Creamer, Lorena Ochoa, Michelle Wie, Yani Tseng and defending champion Katherine Hull, as well as Canadians Lorie Kane and Alena Sharp at the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open, August 31-September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary. For more information and tickets, please visit www.cncanadianwomensopen.com.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national Open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE 2009 CN CANADIAN WOMEN’S OPEN
Stars of the LPGA Tour will be featured at the US$2.75 million CN Canadian Women’s Open from August 31 to September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary. The CN Canadian Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by the Canadian National Railway Company along with event partners CVS Controls Ltd., TaylorMade adidas Golf, Corona Extra, The Globe and Mail, CE Franklin Ltd., Calgary Sport Tourism Authority, Safeway, Mexico Tourism, CBC, The Glenlivet, Bell, Reader’s Digest and local media partners Calgary Herald, Corus Entertainment and Global Calgary. For updated corporate hospitality, sponsorship opportunities, daily tickets, and volunteer information please visit www.cncanadianwomensopen.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.
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.
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. and Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont. will be exempt into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, while Maude-Aimee LeBlanc of Sherbrooke, Que., and Nicole Vandermade of Brantford, Ont., will be exempt into the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open.
The Team Canada members earned their exemptions into Canada’s Open golf championships after stellar starts to their 2009 seasons.
“These four talented players have showcased their pedigree so far this season,” said RCGA Executive Director and CEO Scott Simmons. “They are among the best amateur golfers in the world and we are certain to see exciting play from them as they compete with the PGA TOUR’s and LPGA Tour’s biggest and best names.”
Currently the number-one ranked player on the Royal and Ancient (R&A) World Amateur Rankings, Nick Taylor returns to the RBC Canadian Open looking to build upon his 2008 performance at Canada’s lone PGA TOUR stop, where he finished T53rd, the best showing by a home grown amateur at the Open since 1972.
Taylor is coming off his second consecutive appearance in the United States Golf Association’s U.S. Open Championship, where earlier this week he made the cut and finished as the low amateur for the event. The 21-year old University of Washington junior has broken many of his school’s golf records, including most victories (4) and become the first Husky to win Pac-10 Player of the Year. Taylor has amassed eight top-10 finishes in his 11 college tournaments this year, and has 17 career top-10 finishes.
Number-two World Ranked player, Matt Hill, also earns his exemption after a stellar run on the 2009 NCAA Div. I golf circuit. Hill fired a 2-under par 69 at the final round of the NCAA Division I National Championship to clinch his seventh win in his last eight tournaments. The NC State sophomore also became the second Canadian to claim the NCAA individual title and the first Canadian to win the Jack Nicklaus award. His eight tournament wins—the most in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) history—earned him the ACC Player of the Year award. With his exceptional season, Hill joins an eminent group of former NCAA champions including Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.
Maude-Aimee LeBlanc has enjoyed tremendous amateur success over the past three seasons, dating back to her victory at the 2006 Royale National Junior Girls Championship. After finishing T4th at the 2008 Royale Canadian Ladies Amateur Championships, the 20-year old went on to finish fourth in both team and individual standings at the 2008 World Amateur Team Championship. In 2008, as a freshman on the Purdue University Boilermakers golf team, LeBlanc earned six top-15 finishes and fired 11 rounds of even-par or better. This year, she tied for first at the Big-10 Championships, both as an individual and with her team. LeBlanc also competed at the 2008 CN Canadian Women’s Open at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club.
Team Canada Development Team member Nicole Vandermade earns her exemption into the CN Canadian Women’s Open after her strong showing at the 2009 British Women’s Amateur. Vandermade was the low Canadian at the championship, making it to the second round of match-play. In her freshman year at Texas University, Vandermade had five top-15 finishes, including the Texas State Match (T4th) and the Dick McGuire Golf Invitational (T4th). The 19-year old also placed 10th at the Big 12 Invitational and T32nd at the NCAA Div. I West Regional Championships.
Taylor and Hill will join PGA TOUR stars Mike Weir, Stephen Ames, Anthony Kim, Trevor Immelman, Camilo Villegas and defending champion Chez Reavie as they compete in the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, Ont. For more information and tickets, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com.
LeBlanc and Vandermade will join LPGA Tour sensations Paula Creamer, Lorena Ochoa, Michelle Wie, Yani Tseng and defending champion Katherine Hull, as well as Canadians Lorie Kane and Alena Sharp at the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open, August 31-September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary. For more information and tickets, please visit www.cncanadianwomensopen.com.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national Open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE 2009 CN CANADIAN WOMEN’S OPEN
Stars of the LPGA Tour will be featured at the US$2.75 million CN Canadian Women’s Open from August 31 to September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary. The CN Canadian Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by the Canadian National Railway Company along with event partners CVS Controls Ltd., TaylorMade adidas Golf, Corona Extra, The Globe and Mail, CE Franklin Ltd., Calgary Sport Tourism Authority, Safeway, Mexico Tourism, CBC, The Glenlivet, Bell, Reader’s Digest and local media partners Calgary Herald, Corus Entertainment and Global Calgary. For updated corporate hospitality, sponsorship opportunities, daily tickets, and volunteer information please visit www.cncanadianwomensopen.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.
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.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Team Canada’s Nick Taylor and Matt Hill 1st and 2nd in World Amateur Rankings
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) - National Amateur Team members Nick Taylor and Matt Hill are currently ranked 1st and 2nd respectively on the Royal and Ancient’s World Amateur Golf Rankings.
Nick Taylor, who was sixth on the rankings last week, climbed into the top spot after he fired a 6-under par 136 over 36 holes to win the US Open sectional qualifier event in Roslyn, Wash. The Abbotsford, B.C. native is set to tee-off at the 2009 US Open Championship Thursday at Bethpage State Park (Black Course) in Farmingdale, NY.
Matt Hill has remained in the number two position since his win at the NCAA Men’s Division I Championship on May 29, 2009. The Bright’s Grove, Ont. native was also awarded the Jack Nicklaus Trophy, given annually since 1988 to the best college players in NCAA Division I, II and III, prior to the final round of The Memorial tournament on June 7, 2009.
The complete list of World Amateur Golf Rankings is available online: http://wagr.randa.org/
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.
Nick Taylor, who was sixth on the rankings last week, climbed into the top spot after he fired a 6-under par 136 over 36 holes to win the US Open sectional qualifier event in Roslyn, Wash. The Abbotsford, B.C. native is set to tee-off at the 2009 US Open Championship Thursday at Bethpage State Park (Black Course) in Farmingdale, NY.
Matt Hill has remained in the number two position since his win at the NCAA Men’s Division I Championship on May 29, 2009. The Bright’s Grove, Ont. native was also awarded the Jack Nicklaus Trophy, given annually since 1988 to the best college players in NCAA Division I, II and III, prior to the final round of The Memorial tournament on June 7, 2009.
The complete list of World Amateur Golf Rankings is available online: http://wagr.randa.org/
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.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
RBC and RCGA Unveil Celebrity Participants and Concerts for Week of 2009 RBC Canadian Open
Hollywood Actor Kevin Costner, Comedian George Lopez and Network TV Star Thomas Gibson as well as NHL Superstars Martin Brodeur and Rick Nash join NBA All Star Steve Nash among notables confirmed for inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic
• Pengrowth Concert Series to feature Kevin Costner and Modern West, Tom Cochrane and Red Rider and Bachman Cummings performing live onsite at Glen Abbey following first three rounds of play
• Canada’s national Open championship to be weeklong festival in celebration of Canadian golf, including the 29th Annual SCOREGolf Awards being celebrated tournament week
• National Charity Partner Mike Weir Foundation as well as Local Community Beneficiary ROCK to benefit from RBC Canadian Open philanthropic vision
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in partnership with title sponsor RBC, announced today that entertainers Kevin Costner and George Lopez, as well as NHL superstars Martin Brodeur and Rick Nash will join 2-time NBA MVP Steve Nash among the notable participants confirmed for inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic to be played Monday July 20 kicking off the 100th playing of the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
In addition, the popular Pengrowth Concert Series, introduced in 2008, will feature performing artists Kevin Costner and Modern West, Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, and Bachman Cummings performing live onsite at Glen Abbey following first three rounds of play of Canada’s national Open championship.
The announcements were made as the RCGA and RBC unveiled the full calendar of tournament week events taking place during what’s become an annual week long celebration of Canadian golf.
“The RCGA and our partners at RBC are proud that the week of the RBC Canadian Open has been defined as the chance for all Canadian golf fans and golfers to celebrate the game and our national Open championship,” said Scott Simmons, CEO and Executive Director of the Royal Canadian Golf Association. “From the way we conduct the event, our fan experience, our marketing and promotional efforts and our commitment to charitable giving, we are making this event a first class stop on the PGA TOUR.”
In 2008, the PGA TOUR recognized the RBC Canadian Open with an award for the most improved onsite presentation. Canada’s national Open championship will again feature both onsite and offsite activities expected to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance.
“The RBC Canadian Open has become more than just the traditional four rounds of golf, it’s a week-long event in the middle of summer that will attract thousands of people to the Toronto area for this world-class golf experience,” said Jim Little, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, RBC. “With concerts on the golf course, promotions in downtown Toronto and at our RBC branches across the Halton region, and the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic, we’re proud to welcome everyone and their families to the RBC Canadian Open.”
THE INAUGURAL MIKE WEIR CHARITY CLASSIC- Monday July 20th
As part of the 100th playing of the RBC Canadian Open, a new chapter in the event’s history will be written with the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic set to kick off tournament week on Monday, July 20th.
This charity based Pro-am will feature marquee celebrities from the music, sports and entertainment industries, as well at top stars on the PGA TOUR. With 100% of the net proceeds from the Mike Weir Charity Classic benefiting children’s charities, the event will assist in achieving the RBC Canadian Open’s philanthropic objectives.
The list of participating celebrities added today includes:
Kevin Costner - Two-time Oscar winner and Golden Globe Award winner
George Lopez - Comedian, Actor, and Producer and star of sitcom 'George Lopez'
Tom Cochrane - Legendary Canadian singer, songwriter and Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee
Thomas Gibson - Star of television hit drama Criminal Minds and former sitcom Dharma & Greg
Steve Nash - Two-time NBA MVP, 2008 inductee to Canada’s Walk of Fame
Martin Brodeur - Most All-time Wins By an NHL Goalie, Vezina Trophy winner
Rick Nash - 4 time NHL All-Star and Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner, Captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets
Watch for upcoming announcements over the next two weeks as the final celebrity names will be added and paired with PGA Touring Professionals, completing the 2009 Mike Weir Charity Classic Field. Amateurs that have purchased a team will play 9 holes with a Celebrity and 9 holes with a TOUR player as part of their once in a lifetime experience. Tickets to the event are only $15, with children admitted FREE with a paying adult.
A SEVEN-DAY CELEBRATION OF CANADIAN GOLF
The RBC Canadian Open will once again feature something for everyone through new tournament week enhancements and unique sponsor programming designed to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance while adding to the overall prestige of Canada’s national Open championship.
PENGROWTH Championship Pro-Am Draw Party – Tuesday July 21st
Attended by corporate hospitality buyers and sponsor partners playing in the Championship Pro-Am, this evening has been elevated with special guest hosts, appearances by past Canadian Open champions and this year’s addition of the Canadian Tenors as special musical guest.
SCORE Golf Awards – Wednesday, July 22nd
After being officially welcomed into tournament week of the RBC Canadian Open last year, the 29th Annual SCORE Golf Awards will take place Wednesday, July 22nd at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. The annual awards show honouring excellence in Canadian golf will also partner with the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum in a special tribute to the legends of Canadian golf and the 100th playing of the Canadian Open. The evening will feature a light-hearted panel discussion with Mike Weir and Stephen Ames about their favorite Canadian Open memories moderated by SCORE Golf’s Bob Weeks.
PENGROWTH Concert Series @ the 19th hole – Thursday, July 23rd through Saturday, July 25th
The PENGROWTH CONCERT SERIES @ the 19th hole will feature three nights of musical entertainment following the completion of play on from Thursday, July 23rd through Saturday, July 25th. The schedule for the Pengrowth Concert Series @ the 19th hole is as follow:
Thursday, July 23rd (following play)
Kevin Costner and Modern West
www.kevincostnermodernwest.com
Friday, July 24th (following play)
Tom Cochrane
www.tomcochrane.com
Saturday, July 25th (following play)
Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings (Bachman Cummings)
www.bachmancummings.com
SPONSOR ACTIVATION PROGRAMS – Wednesday July 22nd through Tournament Week
RBC Canadian Open sponsors have been re-building their activation programs, both on and off-site, with a renewed focus on fan engagement and interactivity. In addition to on-site programs by Bell, Pengrowth, BMW, Molson and LG and RBC will be hosting the RBC Avion Golf Challenge in the downtown core, engaging golf fans in advance of the tournament.
Additional sponsor activities onsite include:
RBC – to conclude the activation program hosted downtown Toronto at the corner of Bay and Wellington St. executed July 13th through tournament week, five lucky finalists will attempt a 60-foot putt on the 18th green at Glen Abbey following the RBC Canadian Open closing ceremony on July 26th. Successful putts made by the finalists will earn the lucky winners $100,000 cash and will trigger a $100,000 donation to the tournament’s charity beneficiaries.
Bell - Bell will be constructing two interactive Bell Communication Centres where fans can keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues via Bell's mobile phone and high speed internet stations on site – free for RBC Canadian Open spectators.
Pengrowth – In addition to sponsoring the Pengrowth Concert Series @ the 19th hole, Pengrowth will be on site handing out a variety of items to spectators including lanyards with ticket holders along with other Pengrowth souvenirs. Care packages including personal hand wipes and Band-Aids with Pengrowth messaging for onsite spectators.
BMW - BMW will offer free shuttle service from the public parking lot in a fleet of their latest X5 xDrive35i Advanced Diesels. Various models from the BMW product lineup will be on display throughout Glen Abbey including the latest Z4 roadster as a Hole-in-One prize on the 15th hole.
LG – As the official electronics supplier to the RBC Canadian Open, LG will be operating a booth on site to showcase the latest top of the line LG technology while offering spectators a chance to win a brand new LG 240HZ HD TV.
Transitions – Transitions will be providing an area for spectators to relax and learn more about their eyesight and the benefits of Transitions products in their “Live Your Vision Lounge” adjacent to the clubhouse, between the 16th and 17th holes. With a focus on the link between healthy sight and athletic performance, Transitions will be giving away photochromic bracelets (change colour when exposed to UV rays) and UV stickers to generate awareness about the importance to protect our eyes from dangerous UV rays. The Lounge will also feature a Lens Challenge in which spectators are invited to guess which lens is photochromic, as well as contesting and a Putting Challenge with eye goggles that simulates an Eye Disease condition (Glaucoma). Lens cleaning cloths as well as information on Healthy Sight and the eye glass buying process will be distributed.
Corona Extra – Corona Extra is proud to be the official beer of the RBC Canadian Open and will be engaging spectators at the Coronaville Patio aside the main concession of the Spectator Village where guests can enjoy themselves with friends.
Fosters – Fosters will be promoting their Wolf Blass wine label through sampling atop the Executive Rooftop Patio.
Corby Distilleries – Corby Distilleries will focus on their whiskey brand The Glenlivet which will be sampled atop the Executive Rooftop Patio.
Suncor – Sunoco’s gas pump slot machine will be engaging spectators as they pull for their chance to win selected gas prizes.
COMMITTED TO A PHILANTHROPIC VISION
In 2008, RBC and the RCGA made a joint commitment to use the RBC Canadian Open to generate $5 million for charity over the first five years of RBC’s sponsorship. RBC and the RCGA are pleased to have the Mike Weir Foundation as the event's national charity partner as well as the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) as the local community charity beneficiary.
“It is critical that the RBC Canadian Open leave a lasting legacy in our local host communities,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “The generosity of Canadian golf fans will touch so many in need through our national charity partner, the Mike Weir Foundation, as well as our local community beneficiary, ROCK here in the Halton Region.”
As the event’s local charity partner, ROCK has built a community-based fundraising campaign leveraged around their involvement with the 2009 RBC Canadian Open. The campaign features three tiers of fundraising activities including corporate gifts and private donations; a revenue sharing model tied to the sale of RBC Canadian Open corporate hospitality and bulk ticket packages; and charitable funds raised through prizing and silent auction of RBC Canadian Open memorabilia and golf related experiences.
KIDS UNDER 15 GET IN FREE
As in past years, the RBC Canadian Open is committed to providing affordable family entertainment with the playing of Canada’s national Open golf championship. Any child 15 years of age or younger will gain free admission onto the grounds of the RBC Canadian Open provided they are accompanied by a ticketed adult. Juniors will also have the opportunity to take part in golf clinics and activities on site as part of CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
• Pengrowth Concert Series to feature Kevin Costner and Modern West, Tom Cochrane and Red Rider and Bachman Cummings performing live onsite at Glen Abbey following first three rounds of play
• Canada’s national Open championship to be weeklong festival in celebration of Canadian golf, including the 29th Annual SCOREGolf Awards being celebrated tournament week
• National Charity Partner Mike Weir Foundation as well as Local Community Beneficiary ROCK to benefit from RBC Canadian Open philanthropic vision
Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in partnership with title sponsor RBC, announced today that entertainers Kevin Costner and George Lopez, as well as NHL superstars Martin Brodeur and Rick Nash will join 2-time NBA MVP Steve Nash among the notable participants confirmed for inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic to be played Monday July 20 kicking off the 100th playing of the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
In addition, the popular Pengrowth Concert Series, introduced in 2008, will feature performing artists Kevin Costner and Modern West, Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, and Bachman Cummings performing live onsite at Glen Abbey following first three rounds of play of Canada’s national Open championship.
The announcements were made as the RCGA and RBC unveiled the full calendar of tournament week events taking place during what’s become an annual week long celebration of Canadian golf.
“The RCGA and our partners at RBC are proud that the week of the RBC Canadian Open has been defined as the chance for all Canadian golf fans and golfers to celebrate the game and our national Open championship,” said Scott Simmons, CEO and Executive Director of the Royal Canadian Golf Association. “From the way we conduct the event, our fan experience, our marketing and promotional efforts and our commitment to charitable giving, we are making this event a first class stop on the PGA TOUR.”
In 2008, the PGA TOUR recognized the RBC Canadian Open with an award for the most improved onsite presentation. Canada’s national Open championship will again feature both onsite and offsite activities expected to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance.
“The RBC Canadian Open has become more than just the traditional four rounds of golf, it’s a week-long event in the middle of summer that will attract thousands of people to the Toronto area for this world-class golf experience,” said Jim Little, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, RBC. “With concerts on the golf course, promotions in downtown Toronto and at our RBC branches across the Halton region, and the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic, we’re proud to welcome everyone and their families to the RBC Canadian Open.”
THE INAUGURAL MIKE WEIR CHARITY CLASSIC- Monday July 20th
As part of the 100th playing of the RBC Canadian Open, a new chapter in the event’s history will be written with the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic set to kick off tournament week on Monday, July 20th.
This charity based Pro-am will feature marquee celebrities from the music, sports and entertainment industries, as well at top stars on the PGA TOUR. With 100% of the net proceeds from the Mike Weir Charity Classic benefiting children’s charities, the event will assist in achieving the RBC Canadian Open’s philanthropic objectives.
The list of participating celebrities added today includes:
Kevin Costner - Two-time Oscar winner and Golden Globe Award winner
George Lopez - Comedian, Actor, and Producer and star of sitcom 'George Lopez'
Tom Cochrane - Legendary Canadian singer, songwriter and Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee
Thomas Gibson - Star of television hit drama Criminal Minds and former sitcom Dharma & Greg
Steve Nash - Two-time NBA MVP, 2008 inductee to Canada’s Walk of Fame
Martin Brodeur - Most All-time Wins By an NHL Goalie, Vezina Trophy winner
Rick Nash - 4 time NHL All-Star and Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner, Captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets
Watch for upcoming announcements over the next two weeks as the final celebrity names will be added and paired with PGA Touring Professionals, completing the 2009 Mike Weir Charity Classic Field. Amateurs that have purchased a team will play 9 holes with a Celebrity and 9 holes with a TOUR player as part of their once in a lifetime experience. Tickets to the event are only $15, with children admitted FREE with a paying adult.
A SEVEN-DAY CELEBRATION OF CANADIAN GOLF
The RBC Canadian Open will once again feature something for everyone through new tournament week enhancements and unique sponsor programming designed to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance while adding to the overall prestige of Canada’s national Open championship.
PENGROWTH Championship Pro-Am Draw Party – Tuesday July 21st
Attended by corporate hospitality buyers and sponsor partners playing in the Championship Pro-Am, this evening has been elevated with special guest hosts, appearances by past Canadian Open champions and this year’s addition of the Canadian Tenors as special musical guest.
SCORE Golf Awards – Wednesday, July 22nd
After being officially welcomed into tournament week of the RBC Canadian Open last year, the 29th Annual SCORE Golf Awards will take place Wednesday, July 22nd at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. The annual awards show honouring excellence in Canadian golf will also partner with the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum in a special tribute to the legends of Canadian golf and the 100th playing of the Canadian Open. The evening will feature a light-hearted panel discussion with Mike Weir and Stephen Ames about their favorite Canadian Open memories moderated by SCORE Golf’s Bob Weeks.
PENGROWTH Concert Series @ the 19th hole – Thursday, July 23rd through Saturday, July 25th
The PENGROWTH CONCERT SERIES @ the 19th hole will feature three nights of musical entertainment following the completion of play on from Thursday, July 23rd through Saturday, July 25th. The schedule for the Pengrowth Concert Series @ the 19th hole is as follow:
Thursday, July 23rd (following play)
Kevin Costner and Modern West
www.kevincostnermodernwest.com
Friday, July 24th (following play)
Tom Cochrane
www.tomcochrane.com
Saturday, July 25th (following play)
Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings (Bachman Cummings)
www.bachmancummings.com
SPONSOR ACTIVATION PROGRAMS – Wednesday July 22nd through Tournament Week
RBC Canadian Open sponsors have been re-building their activation programs, both on and off-site, with a renewed focus on fan engagement and interactivity. In addition to on-site programs by Bell, Pengrowth, BMW, Molson and LG and RBC will be hosting the RBC Avion Golf Challenge in the downtown core, engaging golf fans in advance of the tournament.
Additional sponsor activities onsite include:
RBC – to conclude the activation program hosted downtown Toronto at the corner of Bay and Wellington St. executed July 13th through tournament week, five lucky finalists will attempt a 60-foot putt on the 18th green at Glen Abbey following the RBC Canadian Open closing ceremony on July 26th. Successful putts made by the finalists will earn the lucky winners $100,000 cash and will trigger a $100,000 donation to the tournament’s charity beneficiaries.
Bell - Bell will be constructing two interactive Bell Communication Centres where fans can keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues via Bell's mobile phone and high speed internet stations on site – free for RBC Canadian Open spectators.
Pengrowth – In addition to sponsoring the Pengrowth Concert Series @ the 19th hole, Pengrowth will be on site handing out a variety of items to spectators including lanyards with ticket holders along with other Pengrowth souvenirs. Care packages including personal hand wipes and Band-Aids with Pengrowth messaging for onsite spectators.
BMW - BMW will offer free shuttle service from the public parking lot in a fleet of their latest X5 xDrive35i Advanced Diesels. Various models from the BMW product lineup will be on display throughout Glen Abbey including the latest Z4 roadster as a Hole-in-One prize on the 15th hole.
LG – As the official electronics supplier to the RBC Canadian Open, LG will be operating a booth on site to showcase the latest top of the line LG technology while offering spectators a chance to win a brand new LG 240HZ HD TV.
Transitions – Transitions will be providing an area for spectators to relax and learn more about their eyesight and the benefits of Transitions products in their “Live Your Vision Lounge” adjacent to the clubhouse, between the 16th and 17th holes. With a focus on the link between healthy sight and athletic performance, Transitions will be giving away photochromic bracelets (change colour when exposed to UV rays) and UV stickers to generate awareness about the importance to protect our eyes from dangerous UV rays. The Lounge will also feature a Lens Challenge in which spectators are invited to guess which lens is photochromic, as well as contesting and a Putting Challenge with eye goggles that simulates an Eye Disease condition (Glaucoma). Lens cleaning cloths as well as information on Healthy Sight and the eye glass buying process will be distributed.
Corona Extra – Corona Extra is proud to be the official beer of the RBC Canadian Open and will be engaging spectators at the Coronaville Patio aside the main concession of the Spectator Village where guests can enjoy themselves with friends.
Fosters – Fosters will be promoting their Wolf Blass wine label through sampling atop the Executive Rooftop Patio.
Corby Distilleries – Corby Distilleries will focus on their whiskey brand The Glenlivet which will be sampled atop the Executive Rooftop Patio.
Suncor – Sunoco’s gas pump slot machine will be engaging spectators as they pull for their chance to win selected gas prizes.
COMMITTED TO A PHILANTHROPIC VISION
In 2008, RBC and the RCGA made a joint commitment to use the RBC Canadian Open to generate $5 million for charity over the first five years of RBC’s sponsorship. RBC and the RCGA are pleased to have the Mike Weir Foundation as the event's national charity partner as well as the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) as the local community charity beneficiary.
“It is critical that the RBC Canadian Open leave a lasting legacy in our local host communities,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “The generosity of Canadian golf fans will touch so many in need through our national charity partner, the Mike Weir Foundation, as well as our local community beneficiary, ROCK here in the Halton Region.”
As the event’s local charity partner, ROCK has built a community-based fundraising campaign leveraged around their involvement with the 2009 RBC Canadian Open. The campaign features three tiers of fundraising activities including corporate gifts and private donations; a revenue sharing model tied to the sale of RBC Canadian Open corporate hospitality and bulk ticket packages; and charitable funds raised through prizing and silent auction of RBC Canadian Open memorabilia and golf related experiences.
KIDS UNDER 15 GET IN FREE
As in past years, the RBC Canadian Open is committed to providing affordable family entertainment with the playing of Canada’s national Open golf championship. Any child 15 years of age or younger will gain free admission onto the grounds of the RBC Canadian Open provided they are accompanied by a ticketed adult. Juniors will also have the opportunity to take part in golf clinics and activities on site as part of CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program.
ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca or call 1-800-571-OPEN.
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Ashli Bunch Claims Victory at CN Canadian Women’s Tour in Guelph
LPGA Tour member earns second exemption into CN Canadian Women’s Open
Guelph, Ont. (RCGA) – Ashli Bunch of Morristown, TN shot an impressive final-round 2-under par, 70, today at the Cutten Club in Guelph, Ont., to finish at 76-70-146 (+2) to claim her first career victory on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour.
With the win, the LPGA Tour member earned $10,000 and the second of seven exemptions into the $2.75 million (US) CN Canadian Women’s Open, which will be held August 31-September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary.
Click here for the full field final scores!
Bunch overcame the day’s unrelenting winds and cold temperatures to card four birdies and 12 pars to sit four strokes ahead of the competition. The deciding factor of today’s round was Bunch’s impressive putting.
“With the strong wind and cold weather today, the course was playing extra tough,” said Bunch. “I knew the scores wouldn’t be too low, so my main focus was getting into good positions by hitting fairways and greens.”
This was Bunch’s second Tour event, having previously placed T3 in the first CN Canadian Women’s Tour stop at Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver. After earning 600 points with today’s win, Bunch now leads the Order of Merit with 975 points.
Nicole Forshner of Banff, Alta., and Erica Moston of Belmont, CA both earned second place honours with a two-day total of 150 (+6). Three players tied for fourth with a total score of 151 (+7).
The Tour’s low amateur was former National Development Team member Brittany Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., who scored a two-day total of 78-77-155 (+11). Henderson birdied the 18th hole and carded 11 pars to finish T18.
The final stop on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour takes place July 13-15 at the Hillsdale Golf and Country Club in Mirabel, Que. Each stop on the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Tour will feature a purse of $60,000, including $10,000 for the winner as well as an exemption into the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open and coveted Order of Merit points. The player with the most points at the end of the season will earn the Jocelyne Bourassa Player of the Year award.
The top four players on the 2009 Order of Merit who aren’t otherwise exempt, will earn the remaining exemptions into 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open held at the Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club from August 31-September 6 in Calgary.
Now in its ninth year, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour has established a reputation as one of the premier women’s developmental golf tours in North America. Many of Canada’s top professionals have competed on the Tour including Lorie Kane, Isabelle Beisiegel and Alena Sharp. Each event plays out over 36 holes. With close to 300 participants annually in three championships across the country, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour continues to raise the bar for women’s professional golf nationwide.
More information about the CN Canadian Women’s Tour including a full listing of competitors, post-round results and championship start times are available through the CN Canadian Women’s Tour website at www.cncanadianwomenstour.com or Royal Canadian Golf Association website at www.rcga.org.
CN DELIVERS THE GREAT GAME OF GOLF
CN is proud to support golf in Canada and is pleased to bring the best of women’s professional golf to Canada with its title sponsorship of the CN Canadian Women’s Open and the CN Canadian Women’s Tour. In addition to supporting women’s golf, CN contributes to the development of golf among young people across the country through its sponsorship of the CN Future Links program. CN is pleased to work with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) to help develop golf as a sport for women and juniors across Canada and to increase the accessibility of golf to recreational and competitive golfers. Visit www.cn.ca.
ABOUT CN CANADIAN WOMEN’S TOUR
Conducted by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), the CN Canadian Women's Tour is one of the world’s premier developmental tours, attracting rising Canadian and international female golf professionals as well as top female amateurs. The only women's developmental tour in Canada, the CN Canadian Women's Tour will offer premier championship play at locations across Canada, competitive purses and the opportunity to earn exemptions into the CN Canadian Women's Open, Canada's only LPGA Tour event. LPGA Tour professionals such as Lorie Kane and Alena Sharp competed on the Canadian Women's Tour, and used their experiences as a springboard to future success. For more information about the Canadian Women’s Tour visit www.CNcanadianwomenstour.com.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, 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.
Guelph, Ont. (RCGA) – Ashli Bunch of Morristown, TN shot an impressive final-round 2-under par, 70, today at the Cutten Club in Guelph, Ont., to finish at 76-70-146 (+2) to claim her first career victory on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour.
With the win, the LPGA Tour member earned $10,000 and the second of seven exemptions into the $2.75 million (US) CN Canadian Women’s Open, which will be held August 31-September 6 at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club in Calgary.
Click here for the full field final scores!
Bunch overcame the day’s unrelenting winds and cold temperatures to card four birdies and 12 pars to sit four strokes ahead of the competition. The deciding factor of today’s round was Bunch’s impressive putting.
“With the strong wind and cold weather today, the course was playing extra tough,” said Bunch. “I knew the scores wouldn’t be too low, so my main focus was getting into good positions by hitting fairways and greens.”
This was Bunch’s second Tour event, having previously placed T3 in the first CN Canadian Women’s Tour stop at Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver. After earning 600 points with today’s win, Bunch now leads the Order of Merit with 975 points.
Nicole Forshner of Banff, Alta., and Erica Moston of Belmont, CA both earned second place honours with a two-day total of 150 (+6). Three players tied for fourth with a total score of 151 (+7).
The Tour’s low amateur was former National Development Team member Brittany Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., who scored a two-day total of 78-77-155 (+11). Henderson birdied the 18th hole and carded 11 pars to finish T18.
The final stop on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour takes place July 13-15 at the Hillsdale Golf and Country Club in Mirabel, Que. Each stop on the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Tour will feature a purse of $60,000, including $10,000 for the winner as well as an exemption into the 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open and coveted Order of Merit points. The player with the most points at the end of the season will earn the Jocelyne Bourassa Player of the Year award.
The top four players on the 2009 Order of Merit who aren’t otherwise exempt, will earn the remaining exemptions into 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open held at the Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club from August 31-September 6 in Calgary.
Now in its ninth year, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour has established a reputation as one of the premier women’s developmental golf tours in North America. Many of Canada’s top professionals have competed on the Tour including Lorie Kane, Isabelle Beisiegel and Alena Sharp. Each event plays out over 36 holes. With close to 300 participants annually in three championships across the country, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour continues to raise the bar for women’s professional golf nationwide.
More information about the CN Canadian Women’s Tour including a full listing of competitors, post-round results and championship start times are available through the CN Canadian Women’s Tour website at www.cncanadianwomenstour.com or Royal Canadian Golf Association website at www.rcga.org.
CN DELIVERS THE GREAT GAME OF GOLF
CN is proud to support golf in Canada and is pleased to bring the best of women’s professional golf to Canada with its title sponsorship of the CN Canadian Women’s Open and the CN Canadian Women’s Tour. In addition to supporting women’s golf, CN contributes to the development of golf among young people across the country through its sponsorship of the CN Future Links program. CN is pleased to work with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) to help develop golf as a sport for women and juniors across Canada and to increase the accessibility of golf to recreational and competitive golfers. Visit www.cn.ca.
ABOUT CN CANADIAN WOMEN’S TOUR
Conducted by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), the CN Canadian Women's Tour is one of the world’s premier developmental tours, attracting rising Canadian and international female golf professionals as well as top female amateurs. The only women's developmental tour in Canada, the CN Canadian Women's Tour will offer premier championship play at locations across Canada, competitive purses and the opportunity to earn exemptions into the CN Canadian Women's Open, Canada's only LPGA Tour event. LPGA Tour professionals such as Lorie Kane and Alena Sharp competed on the Canadian Women's Tour, and used their experiences as a springboard to future success. For more information about the Canadian Women’s Tour visit www.CNcanadianwomenstour.com.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, 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.
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