Showing posts with label RCGA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RCGA. Show all posts

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Canada Heads to World Junior Golf Team Championship Zone Qualifier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION

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

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

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, February 25, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, February 13, 2010

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

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/.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

RCGA Staff Heads to Vancouver for 2010 Winter Olympics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

RCGA 2010 Registration Open

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

Sunday, January 24, 2010

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- $72,000 to the Provincial Grant Program

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

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

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

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

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

-The RCGA Foundation distributed $240,500 in 2009 and since 1982 has awarded over $2.3 million in scholarships to promising young golfers, landscape architects and turfgrass scientists
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.

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/

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

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

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

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

Don’t miss it!

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

Thursday, January 14, 2010

RCGA to Gather in Vancouver From January 21-23

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting can contact the RCGA at 1.800.263.0009.

ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION

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

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

-30-

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Team Results:

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

Men’s Team Results

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

Women’s Team Results

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

Individual Men Results

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

Individual Women Results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

New Office for the BCGA

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

2110, 13700 Mayfield Place
Richmond, BC
V6V 2E4

All other contact information will remain the same.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, December 13, 2009

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, December 6, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, November 26, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, November 20, 2009

RCGA Names Golfers to 2010 Team Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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