Submitted by Canadian Tour Communications
VICTORIA, BC (June 6, 2010) – Brock Mackenzie, you may now exhale.
It didn’t come without drama, but the former U.S. amateur star is finally a Canadian Tour champion at last.
On a wet and wild closing day at the $250,000 Times Colonist Open, Mackenzie jarred a long birdie putt on the final hole to close with a 4-under 66 and end his four days at Uplands GC with a 14-under 266 total, one shot in front of freshman Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, BC (63) and California sophomore Aaron Goldberg (66).
Roger Sloan of Merritt, BC gave the leaders something to think about by lighting it up for a course-record 9-under 61 to post an early 11-under total. For a while, it looked like Sloan would flirt with the largest final-round come-from-behind victory in Canadian Tour history, set in 2001 when Brian Payne overcame a five-shot deficit to knock off Jason Bohn on a windswept afternoon at the Aliant Cup in St. John’s, Nfld.
Sloan would eventually settle for fourth with fellow British Columbian James Allenby (66).
After several achingly close calls, McKenzie will at last get his name etched on a Canadian Tour championship trophy. In 2006, the native of nearby Washington State had heartbreaking back-to-back runner-up losses, including a playoff defeat to Wes Heffernan at the Montreal Open. After spending two seasons on the Nationwide Tour, McKenzie returned north in 2009, finishing fourth at the Uplands last summer.
As an amateur, Mackenzie compiled a sterling resume that included NCAA All-American honours at the University of Washington, the 2002 Pacific Coast Amateur crown and a Walker Cup title as a member of the victorious U.S. team in 2003.
Now, finally, he can add another piece of hardware to the family trophy case.
“Oh man, you have no idea,” sighed Mackenzie when asked if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. “Aaron and I really put on a show on that back nine. If we had played another hole, he probably would have tied it. I’m just glad I was able to dig down and finally pull one of these out.”
“I guess if you put yourself in contention enough times, eventually it will happen.”
It turned out to be a dramatic final day on Vancouver Island. Mackenzie bogeyed two of his first three holes and fell off the top of the leaderboard for the first time since midway through the second round. Those vying for the top perch traded punches all afternoon, with Sloan sitting comfortably in the clubhouse watching to see if his 11-under total would be enough to get him into a playoff.
Trailing by two shots with five holes to go, McKenzie dug in his heels and, after a Goldberg bogey on 14, pulled even with a birdie on the par-4 15th. Seconds later, Hadwin, playing three groups ahead, drained a birdie putt on the par-3 17th to put the pressure on the final pairing. McKenzie answered with a birdie on 16 before Goldberg did the same on 17.
On the 72nd hole, with Hadwin looking on, Mackenzie rolled in a clutch 25-foot downhill putt and did a slow fist pump. Seconds later, Goldberg’s attempt from just inside where McKenzie was came up a foot short.
“That was probably about as much emotion as I’ve ever showed on the golf course,” Mackenzie said of the impromptu fist pump after his putt on 18. “More than anything, it makes all the hard work and struggles worth it. It’s a great way to start the Canadian swing, and hopefully this will be a stepping stone to get back to where I want to be.”
With the $40,000 winner's cheque, McKenzie moves into top spot on the Order of Merit.
Sloan’s record-setting afternoon included holing out for carbon-copy eagles on a pair of par-4 holes. Sloan was exactly 89 yards out on both the third and 16th holes, dunking them both for the unlikely deuces. Oddly enough, Sloan says he was working on that distance with his wedge in the days leading up to the tournament.
“As soon as I was finished, I looked up, saw I was tied for the lead and knew it wouldn’t be enough,” said Sloan. “But if someone had told me this morning I would shoot 61, I would have taken it. It was an exciting afternoon. Any time you can kick off the first event in Canada like that, it bodes well for the rest of the summer.”
The Canadian Tour will now take a little time off before resuming the Canadian swing in Edmonton with the ATB Financial Classic presented by TELUS later this month.
Showing posts with label Canadian Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canadian Tour. Show all posts
Monday, June 7, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Chilean Alvarado takes top honours, Canadian Hadwin sixth at Q-School
Submitted by Canadian Tour Communications
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – It turned out to be a Good Friday indeed for the 24 latest members of the Canadian Tour as California Qualifying School closed out.
Chilean Benjamin Alvarado took medallist honours after a final-round 72 gave him a four-day total of 3-over 291, one shot in front of American David Dragoo. Californian Larry Correa finished two shots back.
Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, BC, who took a share of the lead into the final round, struggled on his back nine Friday, going 6-over on his way to a 77 that dropped him into a share of sixth. The top 11 finishers earned exempt status for the 2010 season while 13 others including Josh Nelson, the son of ten-time PGA Tour winner Larry Nelson, were awarded non-exempt status.
Hadwin was the only Canadian to secure a card.
For Alvarado, Friday’s outcome signalled a comeback of sorts. It was just seven months ago that Alvarado underwent surgery on both knees as the result of a lifelong tendon problem. He began working out again a month and a half ago, and returned to the competitive scene this week.
The 2003 South American Amateur champion, who also won the prestigious Orange Bowl title in 2002, is regarded as one of the best amateur golfers in Chile’s history.
“This means the world to me right now,” said Alvarado. “I wasn’t sure what to expect this week. I just wanted to come out, do my best and try to get a card.
“This feels very good,” he added “It’s been a difficult year.”
Federico Cabrera, the son of reigning Masters champion Angel Cabrera, closed with a 73 to finish at 13-over 301, one shot shy of earning non-exempt status.
Two weeks from now, the Canadian Tour will move into Mexico for a pair of events. The B.C. qualifying school will be held in May just prior to the start of the $250,000 Times Colonist Open in Victoria, which will kick off the summer-long Canadian swing.
2010 Canadian Tour California School Qualifiers:
Exempt Status
1 - Benjamin Alvarado - 291
2 - David Dragoo - 292
3 - Larry Correa - 293
4 - Matt Richardson - 294
5 - Michael Jensen - 294
6 - Adam Hadwin - 295
7 - Eduardo Kim - 295
8 - Brian Prouty - 296
9 - Matthew Rosen - 296
10 - Reid Scarff - 296
11 - Mike McRae - 297
Non Exempt Status
1 - Timothy Cha - 298
2 - Cole Nondorf - 298
3 - Erik Olson - 298
4 - Creighton Honeck - 298
5 - Phil Telliard - 298
6 - Kyle Yonke - 298
7 - Jae An - 299
8 - Josh Nelson - 299
9 - Daniel Lim - 299
10 - Tom Glissmeyer - 299
11 - Kyle Warren - 300
12 - Eugene Choe - 300
13 - Steve Saunders - 300
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – It turned out to be a Good Friday indeed for the 24 latest members of the Canadian Tour as California Qualifying School closed out.
Chilean Benjamin Alvarado took medallist honours after a final-round 72 gave him a four-day total of 3-over 291, one shot in front of American David Dragoo. Californian Larry Correa finished two shots back.
Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, BC, who took a share of the lead into the final round, struggled on his back nine Friday, going 6-over on his way to a 77 that dropped him into a share of sixth. The top 11 finishers earned exempt status for the 2010 season while 13 others including Josh Nelson, the son of ten-time PGA Tour winner Larry Nelson, were awarded non-exempt status.
Hadwin was the only Canadian to secure a card.
For Alvarado, Friday’s outcome signalled a comeback of sorts. It was just seven months ago that Alvarado underwent surgery on both knees as the result of a lifelong tendon problem. He began working out again a month and a half ago, and returned to the competitive scene this week.
The 2003 South American Amateur champion, who also won the prestigious Orange Bowl title in 2002, is regarded as one of the best amateur golfers in Chile’s history.
“This means the world to me right now,” said Alvarado. “I wasn’t sure what to expect this week. I just wanted to come out, do my best and try to get a card.
“This feels very good,” he added “It’s been a difficult year.”
Federico Cabrera, the son of reigning Masters champion Angel Cabrera, closed with a 73 to finish at 13-over 301, one shot shy of earning non-exempt status.
Two weeks from now, the Canadian Tour will move into Mexico for a pair of events. The B.C. qualifying school will be held in May just prior to the start of the $250,000 Times Colonist Open in Victoria, which will kick off the summer-long Canadian swing.
2010 Canadian Tour California School Qualifiers:
Exempt Status
1 - Benjamin Alvarado - 291
2 - David Dragoo - 292
3 - Larry Correa - 293
4 - Matt Richardson - 294
5 - Michael Jensen - 294
6 - Adam Hadwin - 295
7 - Eduardo Kim - 295
8 - Brian Prouty - 296
9 - Matthew Rosen - 296
10 - Reid Scarff - 296
11 - Mike McRae - 297
Non Exempt Status
1 - Timothy Cha - 298
2 - Cole Nondorf - 298
3 - Erik Olson - 298
4 - Creighton Honeck - 298
5 - Phil Telliard - 298
6 - Kyle Yonke - 298
7 - Jae An - 299
8 - Josh Nelson - 299
9 - Daniel Lim - 299
10 - Tom Glissmeyer - 299
11 - Kyle Warren - 300
12 - Eugene Choe - 300
13 - Steve Saunders - 300
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Vancouver Parks Golf Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VANCOUVER PARKS GOLF announces a three year commitment to host the Vancouver City Open presented by the Vancouver Golf Tour
Vancouver, B.C., February 25, 2010 – The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation along with Vancouver Parks Golf is please to announce, with the Vancouver Golf Tour, a three year partnership to host the Vancouver City Open Championship at its Fraserview, McCleery and Langara Golf Courses.
“On the heels of the most successful tournament since being re-launched by the Vancouver Golf Tour in 2007 and following the success of the 2009 Championship, Vancouver Parks Golf is again excited to be part of this great event,” said Howard Normann, Supervisor of Golf Operations for Vancouver Parks Golf. “We look forward to our long-term relationship with the Vancouver Golf Tour and to continue building on the success of last year’s Championship,” he added.
Bryn Parry will come to the 2010 Vancouver City Open as the defending Champion after the North Vancouver native claimed a two shot victory with a score of 12 under par in 2009. Parry bested the largest field in tournament history with an opening 66 at Fraserview, followed by a second round 65 at Langara and closed strongly at McCleery with a final round 71 under difficult conditions and claim a two shot victory. Runner-up Phil Jonas posted the best final round score at McCleery with a 67 and finished with a 54 hole total of 10 under par.
“We are very excited to be back for the next three years at the Vancouver Parks Golf courses,” said Fraser Mulholland, Commissioner of the Vancouver Golf Tour. “We’ve had some great feedback from the players, many of whom admitted they hadn’t played the courses in a while and were amazed at the conditions and playability of all three courses. With a Saturday finish at this year’s event I think we can expect record crowds to be watching Vancouver’s next PGA Tour hopefuls,” he added.
The 2010 Vancouver City Open runs September 9th to11th, beginning with the Charity Pro-Am at Fraserview Golf Course on Thursday and concluding with the final round at McCleery Golf Course on Saturday.
About Vancouver Parks Golf
Vancouver Parks Golf is made up of the Fraserview, McCleery and Langara Championship Golf Courses. Fraserview Golf Course has won bronze in the "Best Public Course in Canada" category, and was voted one of the "Most underrated golf courses in Canada" by the SCOREGolf Magazine Golfer's Choice Awards. McCleery Golf Course boasts a very active junior instruction program which helps to get young people started in the game and has developed an inner city youth golf program that introduces the game to children of the Downtown Eastside. Langara Golf Course offers enjoyment with peace and tranquility in the heart of Vancouver. The course offers top notch greens that are well protected by bunkers providing a challenge for every level of golfer.
3 Great Courses…One Great Experience.
For more information please visit vancouverparksgolf.ca or contact:
Howard Normann
Supervisor of Golf Operations
604.718.6533
howard.normann@vancouver.ca
About Vancouver Golf Tour
Vancouver Golf Tour (VGT) has been developed for our local Professionals and Amateurs – giving them the opportunity for a high level of competition in a PGA Tour environment without spending excess travel dollars. VGT gives local players the opportunity to learn how to win while at the same time building their confidence to play on Worldwide Major Tours.
For more information please visit vancouvergolftour.com or contact:
Mr. Fraser Mulholland
Commissioner
604-980-4653
info@vancouvergolftour.com
VANCOUVER PARKS GOLF announces a three year commitment to host the Vancouver City Open presented by the Vancouver Golf Tour
Vancouver, B.C., February 25, 2010 – The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation along with Vancouver Parks Golf is please to announce, with the Vancouver Golf Tour, a three year partnership to host the Vancouver City Open Championship at its Fraserview, McCleery and Langara Golf Courses.
“On the heels of the most successful tournament since being re-launched by the Vancouver Golf Tour in 2007 and following the success of the 2009 Championship, Vancouver Parks Golf is again excited to be part of this great event,” said Howard Normann, Supervisor of Golf Operations for Vancouver Parks Golf. “We look forward to our long-term relationship with the Vancouver Golf Tour and to continue building on the success of last year’s Championship,” he added.
Bryn Parry will come to the 2010 Vancouver City Open as the defending Champion after the North Vancouver native claimed a two shot victory with a score of 12 under par in 2009. Parry bested the largest field in tournament history with an opening 66 at Fraserview, followed by a second round 65 at Langara and closed strongly at McCleery with a final round 71 under difficult conditions and claim a two shot victory. Runner-up Phil Jonas posted the best final round score at McCleery with a 67 and finished with a 54 hole total of 10 under par.
“We are very excited to be back for the next three years at the Vancouver Parks Golf courses,” said Fraser Mulholland, Commissioner of the Vancouver Golf Tour. “We’ve had some great feedback from the players, many of whom admitted they hadn’t played the courses in a while and were amazed at the conditions and playability of all three courses. With a Saturday finish at this year’s event I think we can expect record crowds to be watching Vancouver’s next PGA Tour hopefuls,” he added.
The 2010 Vancouver City Open runs September 9th to11th, beginning with the Charity Pro-Am at Fraserview Golf Course on Thursday and concluding with the final round at McCleery Golf Course on Saturday.
About Vancouver Parks Golf
Vancouver Parks Golf is made up of the Fraserview, McCleery and Langara Championship Golf Courses. Fraserview Golf Course has won bronze in the "Best Public Course in Canada" category, and was voted one of the "Most underrated golf courses in Canada" by the SCOREGolf Magazine Golfer's Choice Awards. McCleery Golf Course boasts a very active junior instruction program which helps to get young people started in the game and has developed an inner city youth golf program that introduces the game to children of the Downtown Eastside. Langara Golf Course offers enjoyment with peace and tranquility in the heart of Vancouver. The course offers top notch greens that are well protected by bunkers providing a challenge for every level of golfer.
3 Great Courses…One Great Experience.
For more information please visit vancouverparksgolf.ca or contact:
Howard Normann
Supervisor of Golf Operations
604.718.6533
howard.normann@vancouver.ca
About Vancouver Golf Tour
Vancouver Golf Tour (VGT) has been developed for our local Professionals and Amateurs – giving them the opportunity for a high level of competition in a PGA Tour environment without spending excess travel dollars. VGT gives local players the opportunity to learn how to win while at the same time building their confidence to play on Worldwide Major Tours.
For more information please visit vancouvergolftour.com or contact:
Mr. Fraser Mulholland
Commissioner
604-980-4653
info@vancouvergolftour.com
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Canadian Tour Announces 2010 Schedule
Oakville, Ont. - The Canadian Tour has released the first draft of the 2010 schedule and is pleased to announce the largest purse increases in its history.
While the full schedule is not yet finalized, events in Victoria, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg – home of the prestigious Players Cup – will see significant purse increases.
In addition, the Canadian Tour Championship will be $325,000 – nearly double what it was in 2006.
“The highlight of the 2010 schedule is purse increases at major events in Canada. These are the most significant increases that the Tour has seen in its history,” stated Canadian Tour Commissioner Richard Janes.
“There are still a number of gaps in the schedule that are yet to be filled but we can confirm that at least five of our major events in Canada will be announcing purses of at least $250,000.
"The Players Cup in Winnipeg will have a purse of $300,000 and the Canadian Tour Championship will reach $325,000.
“At the same time, we have some contraction in the schedule with the TELUS Edmonton Open and the ATB Financial Classic merging to create one larger and more prestigious championship tournament in Alberta.”
The Canadian Tour also anticipates a new event in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
The 2010 Canadian Tour season will begin with a series of tournaments in Mexico starting with the Mexican PGA Championship in Mazatlan the week of April 12.
Yet to be finalized are events in partnership with the European Challenge Tour and Tour de Las Americas in Colombia, Chile and Costa Rica in late February and early March.
“Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Tour and this is where we are applying most of our attention. At the same time, Latin America and Mexico provide us with opportunities to extend our season into those months when we cannot play in Canada,” stated Commissioner Janes.
“These events also provide our players with valuable international experience and expose top players to the Canadian Tour.”
The Canadian Tour is a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours with tournaments in Mexico, Latin America and across Canada. Attracting the best young PGA TOUR prospects from Canada and another fifteen countries, more than one hundred Canadian Tour alumni have graduated to the PGA TOUR including Steve Stricker, Mike Weir, Stuart Appleby and Tim Clark.
While the full schedule is not yet finalized, events in Victoria, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg – home of the prestigious Players Cup – will see significant purse increases.
In addition, the Canadian Tour Championship will be $325,000 – nearly double what it was in 2006.
“The highlight of the 2010 schedule is purse increases at major events in Canada. These are the most significant increases that the Tour has seen in its history,” stated Canadian Tour Commissioner Richard Janes.
“There are still a number of gaps in the schedule that are yet to be filled but we can confirm that at least five of our major events in Canada will be announcing purses of at least $250,000.
"The Players Cup in Winnipeg will have a purse of $300,000 and the Canadian Tour Championship will reach $325,000.
“At the same time, we have some contraction in the schedule with the TELUS Edmonton Open and the ATB Financial Classic merging to create one larger and more prestigious championship tournament in Alberta.”
The Canadian Tour also anticipates a new event in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
The 2010 Canadian Tour season will begin with a series of tournaments in Mexico starting with the Mexican PGA Championship in Mazatlan the week of April 12.
Yet to be finalized are events in partnership with the European Challenge Tour and Tour de Las Americas in Colombia, Chile and Costa Rica in late February and early March.
“Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Tour and this is where we are applying most of our attention. At the same time, Latin America and Mexico provide us with opportunities to extend our season into those months when we cannot play in Canada,” stated Commissioner Janes.
“These events also provide our players with valuable international experience and expose top players to the Canadian Tour.”
The Canadian Tour is a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours with tournaments in Mexico, Latin America and across Canada. Attracting the best young PGA TOUR prospects from Canada and another fifteen countries, more than one hundred Canadian Tour alumni have graduated to the PGA TOUR including Steve Stricker, Mike Weir, Stuart Appleby and Tim Clark.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Graham DeLaet Wins 2010 PGA Tour Card
DeLaet Joins PGA Tour in 2010
Canada's Graham DeLaet will be joining Mike Wier, Stephan Ames and Chris Baryla on the PGA Tour in 2010. DeLaet earned his PGA Tour card with a T8 finish at the 2010 Tour school finishing at 15 under par for the 6 round test of golf.
Congratulations Graham!
Canada's Graham DeLaet will be joining Mike Wier, Stephan Ames and Chris Baryla on the PGA Tour in 2010. DeLaet earned his PGA Tour card with a T8 finish at the 2010 Tour school finishing at 15 under par for the 6 round test of golf.
Congratulations Graham!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Canadian Tour - Second Victory For James Hahn
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
NAYARIT, Mexico – James Hahn fired a four under par 68 to capture the Riviera Nayarit Classic by three strokes over Eduardo Herrera.
Hahn finished at 19 under 269, earning US $20,000 and his second victory of the season.
Herrera’s 69 left him alone in second at 272, two ahead of third place Jose Trauwitz and Darren Griff who both shot 69.
Sharing fifth at 275 were Andy Walker (67), Matt Marshall (69) and Paulo Pinto who managed a 72.
Jon McLean shot 66 to finish T-8 at 276 along with Oscar Serna (67) and Brock Mackenzie who had a 68.
“This is a huge win and a real confidence booster going into Q-School,” said Hahn.
“I came down here without a practice round because I was in a Nationwide (Tour) qualifier that ran into Tuesday.
“I was the last guy eliminated in the playoff and as soon as it was done I was off to the airport.”
Unlike Saturday when he made four consecutive birdies to start his round, Hahn began the final round with a shaky par.
“I missed the green short side and ended up in the bunker on the first,” he said.
“Eduardo (Herrera) was on the green with an eight-footer for birdie. He missed his putt and I was able to get up and down.
“If he had made it and I had missed, it would have been devastating.”
Hahn, Pinto and Herrera, playing in the final group, all birdied No. 2 but a Herrera birdie at No. 5 cut the lead to one.
Unfazed, Hahn birdied the seventh to reclaim his two shot lead and maintained it when both he and Herrera birdied No. 9.
Pinto, who had two birdies through his first eight, double-bogeyed No. 9 to fall back.
With the contenders down to two, Hahn began to pull away on the back nine.
After a birdie at 10 and a bogey at 11, Hahn birdied both 13 and 15 while Herrera could do no better than six straight pars through that stretch.
“When I birdied 13, I had a three shot lead and I knew they would have to catch me,” said Hahn. “There was no way I was going backwards.”
With both players bogeying No. 16 and Herrera birdieing 17, the only difference it made was the margin of victory.
“Even though Eduardo made a nice 30-footer at 17, I knew that all I had to do was hit it in the fairway at 18 and that would be it,” added Hahn.
In repeat performance of Saturday, he birdied every par-5 in his round and was 18-under on the par-fives this week, making 16 birdies and an eagle.
“The par-fives were definitely the key,” Hahn concluded. “The fairways are wide and you can hit it off the tee as hard as you can.
“The tees were up all week so I treated them as if they were par-fours.”
NAYARIT, Mexico – James Hahn fired a four under par 68 to capture the Riviera Nayarit Classic by three strokes over Eduardo Herrera.
Hahn finished at 19 under 269, earning US $20,000 and his second victory of the season.
Herrera’s 69 left him alone in second at 272, two ahead of third place Jose Trauwitz and Darren Griff who both shot 69.
Sharing fifth at 275 were Andy Walker (67), Matt Marshall (69) and Paulo Pinto who managed a 72.
Jon McLean shot 66 to finish T-8 at 276 along with Oscar Serna (67) and Brock Mackenzie who had a 68.
“This is a huge win and a real confidence booster going into Q-School,” said Hahn.
“I came down here without a practice round because I was in a Nationwide (Tour) qualifier that ran into Tuesday.
“I was the last guy eliminated in the playoff and as soon as it was done I was off to the airport.”
Unlike Saturday when he made four consecutive birdies to start his round, Hahn began the final round with a shaky par.
“I missed the green short side and ended up in the bunker on the first,” he said.
“Eduardo (Herrera) was on the green with an eight-footer for birdie. He missed his putt and I was able to get up and down.
“If he had made it and I had missed, it would have been devastating.”
Hahn, Pinto and Herrera, playing in the final group, all birdied No. 2 but a Herrera birdie at No. 5 cut the lead to one.
Unfazed, Hahn birdied the seventh to reclaim his two shot lead and maintained it when both he and Herrera birdied No. 9.
Pinto, who had two birdies through his first eight, double-bogeyed No. 9 to fall back.
With the contenders down to two, Hahn began to pull away on the back nine.
After a birdie at 10 and a bogey at 11, Hahn birdied both 13 and 15 while Herrera could do no better than six straight pars through that stretch.
“When I birdied 13, I had a three shot lead and I knew they would have to catch me,” said Hahn. “There was no way I was going backwards.”
With both players bogeying No. 16 and Herrera birdieing 17, the only difference it made was the margin of victory.
“Even though Eduardo made a nice 30-footer at 17, I knew that all I had to do was hit it in the fairway at 18 and that would be it,” added Hahn.
In repeat performance of Saturday, he birdied every par-5 in his round and was 18-under on the par-fives this week, making 16 birdies and an eagle.
“The par-fives were definitely the key,” Hahn concluded. “The fairways are wide and you can hit it off the tee as hard as you can.
“The tees were up all week so I treated them as if they were par-fours.”
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Canadian Tour - 2009 Season Concludes This Week
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
NAYARIT, Mexico – The Canadian Tour wraps up its 2009 season this week at the US $125,000 Riviera Nayarit Classic presented by IDN.
The tournament is being played at the stunning Pacifico Course at Punta Mita Club de Golf, a Jack Nicklaus design.
The course is set amid vistas of white-sand beaches and the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains and takes full advantage of its seaside location – eight holes border either the Pacific Ocean or Banderas Bay.
The event returns to the Canadian Tour after a one year hiatus; Wes Heffernan captured the 2007 title by five strokes over Anthony Rodriguez.
The Calgary native is back and looking for his first title of 2009 as he gears it up for PGA TOUR Q-School in a few weeks.
Heffernan has enjoyed a solid season with six top tens, and, aside from a missed cut in Saskatoon, his worst finish this year is a T-18 at the ATB Financial Classic in his hometown.
Don’t be surprised if Rafael Gomez makes it two in a row this week. The winner of more than 20 worldwide didn’t get rattled on Sunday as he watched his lead erode.
Scott Gibson added another top ten to his 2009 Canadian Tour portfolio last week, finishing third at Riviera Maya.
It was his third top-three finish of the season and what better way to cap off a great season than with a victory at the final event.
He may be jetlagged from his trek to Estonia, but Stuart Anderson could be a threat.
Now living in Victoria, B.C., and playing with tremendous confidence, the big man is having an even bigger season. He won Montreal and has three other top tens on his 2009 resume.
Brock Mackenzie has the game to earn his first Tour title. He finished T-4 in Victoria and T-10 in Montreal and was a Nationwide Tour regular in 2007.
Like many players this week, he will be using the tournament as a final tune-up for Q-School and a win would be a tremendous boost.
Keep an eye on Mitch Gillis this week. The Williams Lake, B.C. native has three consecutive top tens and earlier this year he stated that his goal was to win a tournament this season.
He has one chance left and he may just do it.
NAYARIT, Mexico – The Canadian Tour wraps up its 2009 season this week at the US $125,000 Riviera Nayarit Classic presented by IDN.
The tournament is being played at the stunning Pacifico Course at Punta Mita Club de Golf, a Jack Nicklaus design.
The course is set amid vistas of white-sand beaches and the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains and takes full advantage of its seaside location – eight holes border either the Pacific Ocean or Banderas Bay.
The event returns to the Canadian Tour after a one year hiatus; Wes Heffernan captured the 2007 title by five strokes over Anthony Rodriguez.
The Calgary native is back and looking for his first title of 2009 as he gears it up for PGA TOUR Q-School in a few weeks.
Heffernan has enjoyed a solid season with six top tens, and, aside from a missed cut in Saskatoon, his worst finish this year is a T-18 at the ATB Financial Classic in his hometown.
Don’t be surprised if Rafael Gomez makes it two in a row this week. The winner of more than 20 worldwide didn’t get rattled on Sunday as he watched his lead erode.
Scott Gibson added another top ten to his 2009 Canadian Tour portfolio last week, finishing third at Riviera Maya.
It was his third top-three finish of the season and what better way to cap off a great season than with a victory at the final event.
He may be jetlagged from his trek to Estonia, but Stuart Anderson could be a threat.
Now living in Victoria, B.C., and playing with tremendous confidence, the big man is having an even bigger season. He won Montreal and has three other top tens on his 2009 resume.
Brock Mackenzie has the game to earn his first Tour title. He finished T-4 in Victoria and T-10 in Montreal and was a Nationwide Tour regular in 2007.
Like many players this week, he will be using the tournament as a final tune-up for Q-School and a win would be a tremendous boost.
Keep an eye on Mitch Gillis this week. The Williams Lake, B.C. native has three consecutive top tens and earlier this year he stated that his goal was to win a tournament this season.
He has one chance left and he may just do it.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Canadian Tour - Gomez Captures Second Tour Title
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico – Rafael Gomez stumbled home with a four over par 76 but hung on to win the US $100,000 Iberostar Riviera Maya Open by one stroke over Antonio Maldonado who closed with a 71.
Gomez, who started the day with a six shot lead, double-bogeyed the final hole to finish the tournament at 12 under par 276.
Click here for the final round leaderboard!
Scott Gibson fired a two under par 70 to grab solo third at eight under 280, one ahead of American John Douma who had a 69.
Sharing fifth spot at 282 are Brock Mackenzie (67) and David Jackson who had a 72.
Hoyt McGarity shot his second consecutive 69 to grab a share of seventh at 283 along with Paulo Pinto (69) and Liam Kendregan who fired a 71.
“This is a big win for me and a real confidence booster going into Q-School,” said Gomez, who took home US $16,000 and his second Canadian Tour title of the season.
“It was difficult to start with such a big lead. I have had big leads to start last rounds before, but not this big."
It showed. He staggered out of the gate with back-to-back bogeys but with Maldonado bogeying the second, the lead was still five.
Righting the ship, Gomez birdied four and five but stumbled again with bogeys at eight and nine, cutting the lead to four at the turn.
Maldonado then sliced the lead to three with a birdie at ten but it jumped to five with a Gomez birdie and Maldonado bogey at No. 13.
“I played conservatively all day and even though Antonio (Maldonado) was getting a bit closer in the middle of the round, I wasn’t too worried,” said Gomez.
“He was the one who had to get aggressive, not me.
Having bogeyed No. 15, Gomez arrived at the 18th tee with a four stroke lead over Maldonado and what appeared certain victory.
However, the duo had to endure a lengthy delay for the two groups ahead of them before they were able to tee off.
“I just wanted to hurry up and finish and I got anxious,” said Gomez. “I lost my concentration and pushed my tee shot way right into the mulch.
“I had to take a penalty drop from there but I wasn’t worried because I still had a big lead.”
Gomez advanced the ball back onto the fairway and then hit what he called an incredible shot to 15 feet from the pin.
Although Maldonado birdied to put some pressure on Gomez, the Argentine would not be denied, calmly two-putting for the victory.
“I’ve been playing very good golf all year and to do this right before qualifying school is very important,” he concluded.
RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico – Rafael Gomez stumbled home with a four over par 76 but hung on to win the US $100,000 Iberostar Riviera Maya Open by one stroke over Antonio Maldonado who closed with a 71.
Gomez, who started the day with a six shot lead, double-bogeyed the final hole to finish the tournament at 12 under par 276.
Click here for the final round leaderboard!
Scott Gibson fired a two under par 70 to grab solo third at eight under 280, one ahead of American John Douma who had a 69.
Sharing fifth spot at 282 are Brock Mackenzie (67) and David Jackson who had a 72.
Hoyt McGarity shot his second consecutive 69 to grab a share of seventh at 283 along with Paulo Pinto (69) and Liam Kendregan who fired a 71.
“This is a big win for me and a real confidence booster going into Q-School,” said Gomez, who took home US $16,000 and his second Canadian Tour title of the season.
“It was difficult to start with such a big lead. I have had big leads to start last rounds before, but not this big."
It showed. He staggered out of the gate with back-to-back bogeys but with Maldonado bogeying the second, the lead was still five.
Righting the ship, Gomez birdied four and five but stumbled again with bogeys at eight and nine, cutting the lead to four at the turn.
Maldonado then sliced the lead to three with a birdie at ten but it jumped to five with a Gomez birdie and Maldonado bogey at No. 13.
“I played conservatively all day and even though Antonio (Maldonado) was getting a bit closer in the middle of the round, I wasn’t too worried,” said Gomez.
“He was the one who had to get aggressive, not me.
Having bogeyed No. 15, Gomez arrived at the 18th tee with a four stroke lead over Maldonado and what appeared certain victory.
However, the duo had to endure a lengthy delay for the two groups ahead of them before they were able to tee off.
“I just wanted to hurry up and finish and I got anxious,” said Gomez. “I lost my concentration and pushed my tee shot way right into the mulch.
“I had to take a penalty drop from there but I wasn’t worried because I still had a big lead.”
Gomez advanced the ball back onto the fairway and then hit what he called an incredible shot to 15 feet from the pin.
Although Maldonado birdied to put some pressure on Gomez, the Argentine would not be denied, calmly two-putting for the victory.
“I’ve been playing very good golf all year and to do this right before qualifying school is very important,” he concluded.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Canadian Duo Head To China After Winning World Cup of Golf Qualifier
Submitted by Canadian Tour And European Tour
JOELAHTME PARISH, Estonia – The Canadian team of Graham DeLaet and Stuart Anderson managed an even par 72 but it was enough to capture the Omega Mission Hills World Cup Qualifier by two strokes over Wales.
The duo finished at 19 under par 269 to book a spot in the main event in China from Nov. 26 – 29.
Scotland fired a final round 66 to grab the third qualifying spot, three ahead of fourth place Portugal.
This is the second consecutive trip to the World Cup for DeLaet, who partnered Wes Heffernan to a T-13 finish last year.
Anderson’s previous trip was in 2004 when he and Darren Griff represented Canada in Seville, Spain.
Buoyed by their victory in the qualifier, Canada were feeling confident about their chances when they tee it up at Mission Hills Golf Club in the World Cup final in November.
“When Graham and I are both on form, we can definitely contend. We played pretty well today.
“We had got ourselves far enough in front that we could cruise along today. It is great that we won but our first goal was to qualify this week,” said Anderson.
“We came here to get the job done and finish in the top three and we did it,” added DeLaet.
“We are very excited to have the chance to play in China and we have a great chance to really compete when we get there.”
“It’s always exciting to put your country’s bag on your bag and stride down the fairway.
“Growing up as a kid in Canada you dream of representing your country at ice hockey.
"Golf is the only sport that I will have the chance to fulfill that dream with and I am really proud.”
JOELAHTME PARISH, Estonia – The Canadian team of Graham DeLaet and Stuart Anderson managed an even par 72 but it was enough to capture the Omega Mission Hills World Cup Qualifier by two strokes over Wales.
The duo finished at 19 under par 269 to book a spot in the main event in China from Nov. 26 – 29.
Scotland fired a final round 66 to grab the third qualifying spot, three ahead of fourth place Portugal.
This is the second consecutive trip to the World Cup for DeLaet, who partnered Wes Heffernan to a T-13 finish last year.
Anderson’s previous trip was in 2004 when he and Darren Griff represented Canada in Seville, Spain.
Buoyed by their victory in the qualifier, Canada were feeling confident about their chances when they tee it up at Mission Hills Golf Club in the World Cup final in November.
“When Graham and I are both on form, we can definitely contend. We played pretty well today.
“We had got ourselves far enough in front that we could cruise along today. It is great that we won but our first goal was to qualify this week,” said Anderson.
“We came here to get the job done and finish in the top three and we did it,” added DeLaet.
“We are very excited to have the chance to play in China and we have a great chance to really compete when we get there.”
“It’s always exciting to put your country’s bag on your bag and stride down the fairway.
“Growing up as a kid in Canada you dream of representing your country at ice hockey.
"Golf is the only sport that I will have the chance to fulfill that dream with and I am really proud.”
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Canadian Tour - Mexican Swing Closes Out the Season
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
SOLIDARIDAD, Mexico – The Canadian Tour swings back into action this week with the playing of the US $100,000 Iberostar Riviera Maya Open at Playa Paraiso Golf Club.
The tournament, one of two rescheduled after the H1N1 virus caused the postponement of the Mexican Swing in May, is the penultimate event on the 2009 Canadian Tour schedule.
Daniel Im made an impressive Canadian Tour debut here last year when he birdied the final hole to defeat Brent Schwarzrock and Oscar Serna by one stroke.
He won’t be back to defend but his younger brother Jae Woo is here. The 19-year-old has taken great pleasure in outplaying his older sibling for much of the season with his best finish a T-5 in Seaforth.
Scott Gibson finished T-6 here last year and has knocked on victory’s door several times this season – including the Tour Championship earlier this month. He’s due.
Rafael Gomez, a winner at the 2008 Sport Frances Open in Chile, is in the field. Gomez led the Nationwide Tour’s Panama Open last February before finishing T-6, four strokes behind winner Vance Veazey.
This could be Lucas Lee’s week. A second at the Players Cup and a playoff loss to James Love at the Tour Championship are on his 2009 resume and the young man from Brazil has plenty of talent.
Ryan Yip figures to be in the mix this week. A winner at the Jane Rogers Championship last month, the Calgary native continues to play with confidence and has two additional top-five finishes this season, including a third at Seaforth after battling James Hahn and eventual winner Brian Unk down the stretch on Sunday afternoon.
After three second place finishes last season, George Bradford has struggled this season but he could be a sleeper pick this week. The talented Maryland native has several top finishes on the Mexican Swing throughout his career.
While the exempt spots for second stage of Q-School and the Bursary Awards have already been handed out, there is still plenty on the line in Mexico.
The top 80 on the Order of Merit after next week’s event earn exempt status for 2010 while the next 10 attain non-exempt cards.
2009 IBEROSTAR RIVIERA MAYA OPEN
DATES: Sept. 24-27, 2009
LOCATION: Solidaridad, Mexico
PURSE: US $100,000
COURSE: Playa Paraiso Golf Club (P.B. Dye)
YARDAGE/PAR: 6,683; Par-72
2008 WINNER: Daniel Im
2007 WINNER: Spencer Levin
SOLIDARIDAD, Mexico – The Canadian Tour swings back into action this week with the playing of the US $100,000 Iberostar Riviera Maya Open at Playa Paraiso Golf Club.
The tournament, one of two rescheduled after the H1N1 virus caused the postponement of the Mexican Swing in May, is the penultimate event on the 2009 Canadian Tour schedule.
Daniel Im made an impressive Canadian Tour debut here last year when he birdied the final hole to defeat Brent Schwarzrock and Oscar Serna by one stroke.
He won’t be back to defend but his younger brother Jae Woo is here. The 19-year-old has taken great pleasure in outplaying his older sibling for much of the season with his best finish a T-5 in Seaforth.
Scott Gibson finished T-6 here last year and has knocked on victory’s door several times this season – including the Tour Championship earlier this month. He’s due.
Rafael Gomez, a winner at the 2008 Sport Frances Open in Chile, is in the field. Gomez led the Nationwide Tour’s Panama Open last February before finishing T-6, four strokes behind winner Vance Veazey.
This could be Lucas Lee’s week. A second at the Players Cup and a playoff loss to James Love at the Tour Championship are on his 2009 resume and the young man from Brazil has plenty of talent.
Ryan Yip figures to be in the mix this week. A winner at the Jane Rogers Championship last month, the Calgary native continues to play with confidence and has two additional top-five finishes this season, including a third at Seaforth after battling James Hahn and eventual winner Brian Unk down the stretch on Sunday afternoon.
After three second place finishes last season, George Bradford has struggled this season but he could be a sleeper pick this week. The talented Maryland native has several top finishes on the Mexican Swing throughout his career.
While the exempt spots for second stage of Q-School and the Bursary Awards have already been handed out, there is still plenty on the line in Mexico.
The top 80 on the Order of Merit after next week’s event earn exempt status for 2010 while the next 10 attain non-exempt cards.
2009 IBEROSTAR RIVIERA MAYA OPEN
DATES: Sept. 24-27, 2009
LOCATION: Solidaridad, Mexico
PURSE: US $100,000
COURSE: Playa Paraiso Golf Club (P.B. Dye)
YARDAGE/PAR: 6,683; Par-72
2008 WINNER: Daniel Im
2007 WINNER: Spencer Levin
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Canadian Tour - Graduation Day At Q-School
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
BURLINGTON, Ont. – Johnny Bloomfield fired a three under par 68 and ran away with medalist honors at the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School by seven strokes over Will Strickler.
Bloomfield finished the tournament at 14 under par 270.
Sharing third spot at 278 are Robbie Greenwell who closed with a 65, Daniel McCarthy (69) and Michael Gligic who managed a one over 72.
Finishing tied for eight and earning exempt cards at 280 are Dan Buchner (71) and Peter Laws who shot 73.
Australian amateur Adam Stephens closed with a 68 to grab a share of tenth with Devin Carey (68), Jeff Puska (72) and Derek Oakey who had a 74.
Louis–Pierre Godin struggled home with a 77 but he and Marc Peterson (67) survived the four man playoff to grab the final exempt spots over Tyler Matthews and Ryan Kings.
“I came here to get status and winning is a bonus,” said Bloomfield, who pocketed $2,000.
“I just waited to see if there was a chance for me to win and made sure I was playing consistently today.
“Coming down the line, I didn’t know what the scores were but I felt I had a chance to win with the way I was playing.
“This is a big boost for me,” continued Bloomfield. “To win in a large field like this gives me a lot of confidence. I’m going to the European Tour Fall Qualifying School and this will help.
“My game is consistency. What gets you in golf is your nerves and your emotions.
“If I do start getting a little bit excited, I tell myself, ‘Trust in your natural ability.’ I was a good player as a youngster but over the years that trust became a problem.
“I’ve learned that what matters is not perfection but hitting the ball solidly and knowing that it is going in the vicinity that you want it to.
“I’m very excited and looking forward to playing the Canadian Tour next year.”
Having struggled through his rookie season, Michael Gligic earned an exempt card for 2010 with his T-3 finish.
“I was confident for the first eight holes, especially after the birdie at the fourth,” said Gligic.
“Starting early with a birdie instead of a bogey was a good feeling and then I got another one at the eighth."
One behind at that point and aiming for the win; Gligic double-bogeyed No. 9 and could only watch as Bloomfield continued his methodical game of fairways and greens.
“I don’t know what the word is, but I guess I wanted it too bad and made a bad swing on nine,” continued Gligic.
“I pulled it a touch and thought it was going to fly the bunker but it ended up way back. I think it hit the tree nearby and rolled back.
“I chipped it on (the green) and three putted. That was pretty much the end of my day.”
Although he reacquired exempt status, Gligic was disappointed with his final round performance.
“It was tough to get it back after that double-bogey,” he added.
“Johnny was playing so steady that I knew I had to keep making birdies. I didn’t do it, though, and kept missing putts.
“I knew he (Bloomfield) had me the last couple of holes and I turned the switch off. I was playing to win this.
“But I’m back next year and that is what counts in the long run.”
2009 Fall Qualifying School
Exempt Status
Pos Name
1 Johnny Bloomfield
2 Will Strickler
3 Robbie Greenwell
4 Daniel McCarthy
5 Michael Gligic
6 Mathieu Rivard
7 David Markle
8 Dan Buchner
9 Peter Laws
10 Adam Stephens
11 Devin Carrey
12 Jeff Puska
13 Derek Oakey
14 Louis-Pierre Godin
15 Marc Peterson
Non-Exempt Status
1 Ryan Kings
2 Tyler Matthews
3 Barry O'Neill
4 Jason Humphrey
5 Chase Cronk
6 Tyler Martin
7 Nick Cullen
8 Jeff Lai
9 Randall Hutchinson
10 Andrew Jensen
11 Jacob Scriven
12 Danny Sahl
13 Roger Sloan
14 Lindsay Renolds
15 Ju Young Park
BURLINGTON, Ont. – Johnny Bloomfield fired a three under par 68 and ran away with medalist honors at the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School by seven strokes over Will Strickler.
Bloomfield finished the tournament at 14 under par 270.
Sharing third spot at 278 are Robbie Greenwell who closed with a 65, Daniel McCarthy (69) and Michael Gligic who managed a one over 72.
Finishing tied for eight and earning exempt cards at 280 are Dan Buchner (71) and Peter Laws who shot 73.
Australian amateur Adam Stephens closed with a 68 to grab a share of tenth with Devin Carey (68), Jeff Puska (72) and Derek Oakey who had a 74.
Louis–Pierre Godin struggled home with a 77 but he and Marc Peterson (67) survived the four man playoff to grab the final exempt spots over Tyler Matthews and Ryan Kings.
“I came here to get status and winning is a bonus,” said Bloomfield, who pocketed $2,000.
“I just waited to see if there was a chance for me to win and made sure I was playing consistently today.
“Coming down the line, I didn’t know what the scores were but I felt I had a chance to win with the way I was playing.
“This is a big boost for me,” continued Bloomfield. “To win in a large field like this gives me a lot of confidence. I’m going to the European Tour Fall Qualifying School and this will help.
“My game is consistency. What gets you in golf is your nerves and your emotions.
“If I do start getting a little bit excited, I tell myself, ‘Trust in your natural ability.’ I was a good player as a youngster but over the years that trust became a problem.
“I’ve learned that what matters is not perfection but hitting the ball solidly and knowing that it is going in the vicinity that you want it to.
“I’m very excited and looking forward to playing the Canadian Tour next year.”
Having struggled through his rookie season, Michael Gligic earned an exempt card for 2010 with his T-3 finish.
“I was confident for the first eight holes, especially after the birdie at the fourth,” said Gligic.
“Starting early with a birdie instead of a bogey was a good feeling and then I got another one at the eighth."
One behind at that point and aiming for the win; Gligic double-bogeyed No. 9 and could only watch as Bloomfield continued his methodical game of fairways and greens.
“I don’t know what the word is, but I guess I wanted it too bad and made a bad swing on nine,” continued Gligic.
“I pulled it a touch and thought it was going to fly the bunker but it ended up way back. I think it hit the tree nearby and rolled back.
“I chipped it on (the green) and three putted. That was pretty much the end of my day.”
Although he reacquired exempt status, Gligic was disappointed with his final round performance.
“It was tough to get it back after that double-bogey,” he added.
“Johnny was playing so steady that I knew I had to keep making birdies. I didn’t do it, though, and kept missing putts.
“I knew he (Bloomfield) had me the last couple of holes and I turned the switch off. I was playing to win this.
“But I’m back next year and that is what counts in the long run.”
2009 Fall Qualifying School
Exempt Status
Pos Name
1 Johnny Bloomfield
2 Will Strickler
3 Robbie Greenwell
4 Daniel McCarthy
5 Michael Gligic
6 Mathieu Rivard
7 David Markle
8 Dan Buchner
9 Peter Laws
10 Adam Stephens
11 Devin Carrey
12 Jeff Puska
13 Derek Oakey
14 Louis-Pierre Godin
15 Marc Peterson
Non-Exempt Status
1 Ryan Kings
2 Tyler Matthews
3 Barry O'Neill
4 Jason Humphrey
5 Chase Cronk
6 Tyler Martin
7 Nick Cullen
8 Jeff Lai
9 Randall Hutchinson
10 Andrew Jensen
11 Jacob Scriven
12 Danny Sahl
13 Roger Sloan
14 Lindsay Renolds
15 Ju Young Park
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Canadian Tour - James Love Captures Tour Championship
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – James Love parred the first playoff hole to defeat Lucas Lee and captured the $250,000 Canadian Tour Championship.
It is the Calgary native’s first Canadian Tour title and considering he was thinking of quitting the game just two months ago, a validating victory.
Both players finished the tournament at 11 under 269.
Jim Rutledge closed with a 66 to grab a share of third spot at ten under 270 with James Hahn who came home with a 67, and Alan McLean who managed an even par 70.
Sharing sixth spot at nine under 271 are Wes Heffernan (69) and Scott Gibson who shot 71.
Both Mitch Gillis and Mark Lawless fired 67 to share eighth spot at 272 alongside Luck Hickmott and Graham DeLaet who closed with 71s.
Love, who seemed to be the player no one seemed to be watching until the end, bogeyed No. 4 but then scattered four birdies across the rest of his card.
Lee bogeyed the first hole but then grinded out nine consecutive pars before trading a bogey and birdie at 11 and 12.
With Love already in the clubhouse, Lee birdied No. 16 to catch Love but he gave it back at 17.
Standing in the 18th fairway in regulation, Lee nailed his approach to 3 feet and sank the putt to force a playoff.
In the playoff, Love found the light rough with his tee shot while Lee split the fairway and had only 86 yards to the pin.
Both players missed the green with their second.
Love missed pin high left, 25 feet from the hole, while Lee hit it over the green and faced a delicate downhill chip of 50 feet.
Running his chip 15 feet past the hole, Lee failed to convert and with Love within tap-in range, it was all over.
“I said ten (under) at the start of the week and it was 11 under,” said Love.
“Like every other day, I got off to a bad start with an early bogey at the fourth but I wasn’t worried about it.
“The par saves at seven, eight, and nine were big because it settled me down but I felt like I gave one away at 15.
“I hit it right in front of the green in two but made an awful chip and made par.
“I thought my putt at 16 for eagle was going in but it didn’t break where I expected it to.
What had been his nemesis hole all week turned out to be the winning one for Love.
Barely missing his birdie putt that would have got him to 12 under, Love was forced to wait for over an hour before the playoff began.
“I missed the fairway by 30 yards at 18 all week so I hit an iron off the tee in the playoff and put it in the light rough,” said Love. “I looked at my caddie and said, ‘I’ll take it.’
Take it he did.
“I’m a little emotional right now,” continued Love, who earned $40,000 with the win.
“The first few months of this year were really tough. I wasn’t even sure if I could or would keep playing. My parents and a few close friends out here have been really supportive.
“You’re out on the road and not playing well, and you wonder if this is what you should be doing.”
Immediately after winning, a teary-eyed Love placed a call home and spoke with his parents.
“There was a lot of yelling and celebrating back home,” said Love.
“They have stuck with me through a difficult year. This is my life and they are the ones who have let me do this.
“I starting believing in myself again and finished fourth at the Jane Rogers a few weeks ago; it helped a lot.
“This is a lonely game and for the first six months of this year, I didn’t believe in myself at all.”
“I travel with Graham (DeLaet) and he kept telling me I was a very good player but you start to wonder. This win means everything to me.”
The lead changed hands several times over the course of the afternoon, and at one point, four players were tied at 10 under par coming down the stretch.
McLean bogeyed the first two holes and although he got them back at the next two, he, like playing partner Scott Gibson, didn’t have his best stuff.
Gibson birdied No. 8 from 40 feet and moved to 11 under par to take the lead, but bogeys at 12 and 16 derailed his chances.
Behind him, Andrew Parr, playing in the last group, had moved it to 12 under with a birdie at three.
However, a four-putt green at No. 4 for triple-bogey six seemed to take the wind out of his sails.
Although he didn’t win the tournament, Graham DeLaet did take home a couple of bonuses on Sunday afternoon.
His $7,000 payday keeps him atop the Order of Merit and gives him an exemption into second stage of
PGA TOUR Q-School. DeLaet also won the Canadian Division of the Canadian Tour Bursary.
Although he missed the cut, Byron Smith managed to hang on to second spot on the Order of Merit to earn an exemption into second stage.
He also captured the International Division of the Canadian Tour Bursary.
ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – James Love parred the first playoff hole to defeat Lucas Lee and captured the $250,000 Canadian Tour Championship.
It is the Calgary native’s first Canadian Tour title and considering he was thinking of quitting the game just two months ago, a validating victory.
Both players finished the tournament at 11 under 269.
Jim Rutledge closed with a 66 to grab a share of third spot at ten under 270 with James Hahn who came home with a 67, and Alan McLean who managed an even par 70.
Sharing sixth spot at nine under 271 are Wes Heffernan (69) and Scott Gibson who shot 71.
Both Mitch Gillis and Mark Lawless fired 67 to share eighth spot at 272 alongside Luck Hickmott and Graham DeLaet who closed with 71s.
Love, who seemed to be the player no one seemed to be watching until the end, bogeyed No. 4 but then scattered four birdies across the rest of his card.
Lee bogeyed the first hole but then grinded out nine consecutive pars before trading a bogey and birdie at 11 and 12.
With Love already in the clubhouse, Lee birdied No. 16 to catch Love but he gave it back at 17.
Standing in the 18th fairway in regulation, Lee nailed his approach to 3 feet and sank the putt to force a playoff.
In the playoff, Love found the light rough with his tee shot while Lee split the fairway and had only 86 yards to the pin.
Both players missed the green with their second.
Love missed pin high left, 25 feet from the hole, while Lee hit it over the green and faced a delicate downhill chip of 50 feet.
Running his chip 15 feet past the hole, Lee failed to convert and with Love within tap-in range, it was all over.
“I said ten (under) at the start of the week and it was 11 under,” said Love.
“Like every other day, I got off to a bad start with an early bogey at the fourth but I wasn’t worried about it.
“The par saves at seven, eight, and nine were big because it settled me down but I felt like I gave one away at 15.
“I hit it right in front of the green in two but made an awful chip and made par.
“I thought my putt at 16 for eagle was going in but it didn’t break where I expected it to.
What had been his nemesis hole all week turned out to be the winning one for Love.
Barely missing his birdie putt that would have got him to 12 under, Love was forced to wait for over an hour before the playoff began.
“I missed the fairway by 30 yards at 18 all week so I hit an iron off the tee in the playoff and put it in the light rough,” said Love. “I looked at my caddie and said, ‘I’ll take it.’
Take it he did.
“I’m a little emotional right now,” continued Love, who earned $40,000 with the win.
“The first few months of this year were really tough. I wasn’t even sure if I could or would keep playing. My parents and a few close friends out here have been really supportive.
“You’re out on the road and not playing well, and you wonder if this is what you should be doing.”
Immediately after winning, a teary-eyed Love placed a call home and spoke with his parents.
“There was a lot of yelling and celebrating back home,” said Love.
“They have stuck with me through a difficult year. This is my life and they are the ones who have let me do this.
“I starting believing in myself again and finished fourth at the Jane Rogers a few weeks ago; it helped a lot.
“This is a lonely game and for the first six months of this year, I didn’t believe in myself at all.”
“I travel with Graham (DeLaet) and he kept telling me I was a very good player but you start to wonder. This win means everything to me.”
The lead changed hands several times over the course of the afternoon, and at one point, four players were tied at 10 under par coming down the stretch.
McLean bogeyed the first two holes and although he got them back at the next two, he, like playing partner Scott Gibson, didn’t have his best stuff.
Gibson birdied No. 8 from 40 feet and moved to 11 under par to take the lead, but bogeys at 12 and 16 derailed his chances.
Behind him, Andrew Parr, playing in the last group, had moved it to 12 under with a birdie at three.
However, a four-putt green at No. 4 for triple-bogey six seemed to take the wind out of his sails.
Although he didn’t win the tournament, Graham DeLaet did take home a couple of bonuses on Sunday afternoon.
His $7,000 payday keeps him atop the Order of Merit and gives him an exemption into second stage of
PGA TOUR Q-School. DeLaet also won the Canadian Division of the Canadian Tour Bursary.
Although he missed the cut, Byron Smith managed to hang on to second spot on the Order of Merit to earn an exemption into second stage.
He also captured the International Division of the Canadian Tour Bursary.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Canadian Tour - Brian Unk Wins Seaforth Country Classic
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
SEAFORTH, Ont. – Brian Unk fired a bogey-free 64 and set three Canadian Tour records on his way to capturing the $125,000 Seaforth Country Classic by three strokes over James Hahn.
Unk’s score of 28 under par 256 sets a Tour record for lowest cumulative score and lowest score in relation to par.
He also set the 54-hole mark for lowest cumulative score on Saturday.
Ryan Yip shot 66 to finish alone in third at 23 under 261, three ahead of Jason D’Amore who matched the tournament low 63.
Jae Woo Im shot his third consecutive 66 to grab fifth spot at 265, while Scott Gibson’s 66 left him in solo sixth at 266.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve won anything of this magnitude,” said Unk. “The guys out here are so good and anyone can win on any week.
“This was just my week. It’s hard to win golf tournaments and a lot of it is confidence.”
He came out flying on a raw and windy day with three consecutive birdies to move into a commanding lead but Yip began to peck away at Unk’s lead with four birdies of his own after eight.
Playing in the group ahead, Yip then bogeyed nine, ten and eleven and although he played the final seven holes in four under, it wasn’t enough.
Birdieing seven and eight, Unk appeared to be in command but he began to play conservatively, making six straight pars, and gave his pursuers a glimmer of hope.
Unk airmailed the ninth green and faced a treacherous downhill chip from thick, tangled rough that rolled 15 feet past the pin.
Facing an uphill putt with left to right break, he rammed home the putt.
“That turned out to be huge,” said Unk. “I had a big lead but who knew that James (Hahn) was going to shoot five under on the back side.
"It was a really big putt in terms of momentum.
“James really got it going on the back nine. He birdied 12 and 13 and then I watched him stuff it in there to a foot on 15 for eagle.
“I hit it in the rough off the tee and was forced to lay up but I answered him with a birdie.
With Hahn hitting his approach to a foot for birdie at No. 16, Unk knew he needed his 12-footer to match his playing partner.
He got it.
“I had to keep answering him on the back nine just to keep pace,” added Unk. “I knew he was going to make those putts and it was up to me to respond.
“I’m proud of the way I kept my composure today and how I just played my own game.
Hahn, a leader or co-leader for the first two days, was gracious in defeat.
“I hit the ball well today and made a lot of great putts,” said Hahn. “I shot 64 today and was two back before that final bogey at 18 from the greenside rough.
“Brian played great,” he added. “He goes out and shoots 64 in the last group with a three shot lead. That is great golf.
“I looked at my caddie just before Brian putted on 16 and said, ‘this one is going in.’
“I said the same thing to him at nine just before Brian made that par putt.
“It was his day.``
IN THE CLUBHOUSE
Trey Denton aced the par-3 12th from 138 yards with a pitching wedge. It is his first hole in one as a professional and third overall.
Tim Clark set the previous Tour record for lowest score in relation to par when he shot 27 under 261 in winning the 1998 New Brunswick Open.
The previous cumulative score was 258 (-26) set here last year by Kent Eger.
SEAFORTH, Ont. – Brian Unk fired a bogey-free 64 and set three Canadian Tour records on his way to capturing the $125,000 Seaforth Country Classic by three strokes over James Hahn.
Unk’s score of 28 under par 256 sets a Tour record for lowest cumulative score and lowest score in relation to par.
He also set the 54-hole mark for lowest cumulative score on Saturday.
Ryan Yip shot 66 to finish alone in third at 23 under 261, three ahead of Jason D’Amore who matched the tournament low 63.
Jae Woo Im shot his third consecutive 66 to grab fifth spot at 265, while Scott Gibson’s 66 left him in solo sixth at 266.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve won anything of this magnitude,” said Unk. “The guys out here are so good and anyone can win on any week.
“This was just my week. It’s hard to win golf tournaments and a lot of it is confidence.”
He came out flying on a raw and windy day with three consecutive birdies to move into a commanding lead but Yip began to peck away at Unk’s lead with four birdies of his own after eight.
Playing in the group ahead, Yip then bogeyed nine, ten and eleven and although he played the final seven holes in four under, it wasn’t enough.
Birdieing seven and eight, Unk appeared to be in command but he began to play conservatively, making six straight pars, and gave his pursuers a glimmer of hope.
Unk airmailed the ninth green and faced a treacherous downhill chip from thick, tangled rough that rolled 15 feet past the pin.
Facing an uphill putt with left to right break, he rammed home the putt.
“That turned out to be huge,” said Unk. “I had a big lead but who knew that James (Hahn) was going to shoot five under on the back side.
"It was a really big putt in terms of momentum.
“James really got it going on the back nine. He birdied 12 and 13 and then I watched him stuff it in there to a foot on 15 for eagle.
“I hit it in the rough off the tee and was forced to lay up but I answered him with a birdie.
With Hahn hitting his approach to a foot for birdie at No. 16, Unk knew he needed his 12-footer to match his playing partner.
He got it.
“I had to keep answering him on the back nine just to keep pace,” added Unk. “I knew he was going to make those putts and it was up to me to respond.
“I’m proud of the way I kept my composure today and how I just played my own game.
Hahn, a leader or co-leader for the first two days, was gracious in defeat.
“I hit the ball well today and made a lot of great putts,” said Hahn. “I shot 64 today and was two back before that final bogey at 18 from the greenside rough.
“Brian played great,” he added. “He goes out and shoots 64 in the last group with a three shot lead. That is great golf.
“I looked at my caddie just before Brian putted on 16 and said, ‘this one is going in.’
“I said the same thing to him at nine just before Brian made that par putt.
“It was his day.``
IN THE CLUBHOUSE
Trey Denton aced the par-3 12th from 138 yards with a pitching wedge. It is his first hole in one as a professional and third overall.
Tim Clark set the previous Tour record for lowest score in relation to par when he shot 27 under 261 in winning the 1998 New Brunswick Open.
The previous cumulative score was 258 (-26) set here last year by Kent Eger.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Canadian Anderson Wins Third Canadian Tour Title
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
MONTREAL, Que. - Stuart Anderson said he needed at least 20 under par to win and he went one better in capturing the $200,000 Desjardins Montreal Open on Sunday by four strokes over Clayton Rask.
Anderson’s final round 63 gives him a four day total of 21 under par 263 and his third Canadian Tour title.
Hugo Leon, who started the day with a three shot lead, shot an even par 71 to grab solo third at 16 under.
Sharing fourth spot at 269 are Ryan Williams (69), Matt McQuillan (66) and defending champion Graham DeLaet who fired a 67.
Garrett Sapp, Andy Matthews and Scott Hawley finished in a tie for seventh at 270.
“It was just a solid round of golf,” said Anderson. “I hit my irons phenomenally all day and stayed aggressive.”
Playing with Leon in the final group, Anderson birdied three of his first four to move to within one of his playing partner whose only birdie in that stretch was at No. 4.
Anderson birdied the sixth to catch his good friend and both players birdied the eighth to turn at 18 under alongside Clayton Rask who was making a move of his own.
Rask then claimed the lead with a birdie at ten but he gave it right back at 11.
Another bogey at 14 effectively ended his chance at victory.
Both Leon and Anderson parred the first two holes on the back nine but the tide Anderson’s way when he birdied 12 and 13 and Leon bogeyed No. 13.
“Those two holes are probably the two toughest on the golf course,” continued Anderson.
“I hit driver off the tee and it nearly went in the water but stayed dry. I hit a solid wedge to ten feet and made the putt.
“I plugged a 3-wood off the next tee and hoped to get relief but didn’t. I knew I wouldn’t but I figured there was no harm in trying.
“It got me fired up, though, and with 208 yards to the pin, I hit it to a foot for birdie.
“When Hugo bogeyed, I suddenly had a three shot lead.”
That bogey took the wind out of Leon’s sails. He bogeyed 15, 16, and 17 but redeemed himself with a closing eagle.
Parring 14 and 15, Anderson drained another birdie at 16 to lead by five and although Rask birdied the final hole; it was all over by that point.
“It was hard to watch what happened to Hugo but I really had it dialed in today,” said Anderson.
“I was so juiced toward the end that I was hitting every shot five to seven yards longer than I expected to.”
“He was outstanding today,” said Leon of his close friend. “I am very proud of the way Stuart played.
“He made it tough on everybody. When the time came that I felt I had to push it, the engine exploded. I didn’t have the extra gear today.”
“This victory is for my girls back in Victoria, my family in Alberta and across Canada, and my sponsor Laurie Guthrie” concluded Anderson.
“This win is a tribute to them and all the support they continue to give me.”
MONTREAL, Que. - Stuart Anderson said he needed at least 20 under par to win and he went one better in capturing the $200,000 Desjardins Montreal Open on Sunday by four strokes over Clayton Rask.
Anderson’s final round 63 gives him a four day total of 21 under par 263 and his third Canadian Tour title.
Hugo Leon, who started the day with a three shot lead, shot an even par 71 to grab solo third at 16 under.
Sharing fourth spot at 269 are Ryan Williams (69), Matt McQuillan (66) and defending champion Graham DeLaet who fired a 67.
Garrett Sapp, Andy Matthews and Scott Hawley finished in a tie for seventh at 270.
“It was just a solid round of golf,” said Anderson. “I hit my irons phenomenally all day and stayed aggressive.”
Playing with Leon in the final group, Anderson birdied three of his first four to move to within one of his playing partner whose only birdie in that stretch was at No. 4.
Anderson birdied the sixth to catch his good friend and both players birdied the eighth to turn at 18 under alongside Clayton Rask who was making a move of his own.
Rask then claimed the lead with a birdie at ten but he gave it right back at 11.
Another bogey at 14 effectively ended his chance at victory.
Both Leon and Anderson parred the first two holes on the back nine but the tide Anderson’s way when he birdied 12 and 13 and Leon bogeyed No. 13.
“Those two holes are probably the two toughest on the golf course,” continued Anderson.
“I hit driver off the tee and it nearly went in the water but stayed dry. I hit a solid wedge to ten feet and made the putt.
“I plugged a 3-wood off the next tee and hoped to get relief but didn’t. I knew I wouldn’t but I figured there was no harm in trying.
“It got me fired up, though, and with 208 yards to the pin, I hit it to a foot for birdie.
“When Hugo bogeyed, I suddenly had a three shot lead.”
That bogey took the wind out of Leon’s sails. He bogeyed 15, 16, and 17 but redeemed himself with a closing eagle.
Parring 14 and 15, Anderson drained another birdie at 16 to lead by five and although Rask birdied the final hole; it was all over by that point.
“It was hard to watch what happened to Hugo but I really had it dialed in today,” said Anderson.
“I was so juiced toward the end that I was hitting every shot five to seven yards longer than I expected to.”
“He was outstanding today,” said Leon of his close friend. “I am very proud of the way Stuart played.
“He made it tough on everybody. When the time came that I felt I had to push it, the engine exploded. I didn’t have the extra gear today.”
“This victory is for my girls back in Victoria, my family in Alberta and across Canada, and my sponsor Laurie Guthrie” concluded Anderson.
“This win is a tribute to them and all the support they continue to give me.”
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Canadian Tour - Montreal Open Set To Begin
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
ILE BIZARD, Que. – The $200,000 Desjardins Montreal Open presented by Lexus tees it up at Saint Raphael Monday with Graham DeLaet back to defend his title.
The winner receives $32,000 and a two year exemption.
DeLaet is hoping to bounce back from a T-35 at the Jane Rogers Championship in his last outing. Wins in Calgary and Winnipeg have placed him at the top of the Order of Merit and a win here would be his fourth Canadian Tour title in 12 months.
George Coetzee is here this week. The confident South African has four consecutive top-12 finishes and is well rested after the RBC Canadian Open break and after skipping the Jane Rogers Championship.
Keep an eye on Rob Grube. The talented American has a pair of top-five’s this season and led the Stanford Cardinals to the NCAA title two years ago. He’s been a pro for just 13 months but has quickly made a name for himself.
New Zealand’s Josh Geary is looking for his second Canadian Tour title to go alongside the 2008 Saskatchewan Open. Geary is dividing his time between the Nationwide Tour and the Canadian Tour this season and had several strong finishes earlier this season down under.
Six Canadian Tour wins and the all-time earnings leader are listed on Mike Grob’s Canadian Tour resume. At 45, he continues to show up on page one of the leaderboard regularly and a win at the City of Surrey Invitational earlier this season shows he still has what it takes. He finished T-8 at the Jane Rogers.
James Love struggled this year until the Jane Rogers Championship where he finished fourth. The talented Calgarian continues to develop his game at the professional level and it’s only a matter of time before he wins and moves up permanently.
Andy Matthews has playoff loss in Mexico and a T-10 in Victoria as his best finishes this year. Matthews, 29, Monday qualified for the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open earlier this year and credits his improved play to the mental coaching he undertook. This could be his week.
2009 Desjardins Montreal Open presented by Lexus
St. Raphael Golf Club, Par-72, 7,050 yards
Ile Bizard, Quebec
ILE BIZARD, Que. – The $200,000 Desjardins Montreal Open presented by Lexus tees it up at Saint Raphael Monday with Graham DeLaet back to defend his title.
The winner receives $32,000 and a two year exemption.
DeLaet is hoping to bounce back from a T-35 at the Jane Rogers Championship in his last outing. Wins in Calgary and Winnipeg have placed him at the top of the Order of Merit and a win here would be his fourth Canadian Tour title in 12 months.
George Coetzee is here this week. The confident South African has four consecutive top-12 finishes and is well rested after the RBC Canadian Open break and after skipping the Jane Rogers Championship.
Keep an eye on Rob Grube. The talented American has a pair of top-five’s this season and led the Stanford Cardinals to the NCAA title two years ago. He’s been a pro for just 13 months but has quickly made a name for himself.
New Zealand’s Josh Geary is looking for his second Canadian Tour title to go alongside the 2008 Saskatchewan Open. Geary is dividing his time between the Nationwide Tour and the Canadian Tour this season and had several strong finishes earlier this season down under.
Six Canadian Tour wins and the all-time earnings leader are listed on Mike Grob’s Canadian Tour resume. At 45, he continues to show up on page one of the leaderboard regularly and a win at the City of Surrey Invitational earlier this season shows he still has what it takes. He finished T-8 at the Jane Rogers.
James Love struggled this year until the Jane Rogers Championship where he finished fourth. The talented Calgarian continues to develop his game at the professional level and it’s only a matter of time before he wins and moves up permanently.
Andy Matthews has playoff loss in Mexico and a T-10 in Victoria as his best finishes this year. Matthews, 29, Monday qualified for the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open earlier this year and credits his improved play to the mental coaching he undertook. This could be his week.
2009 Desjardins Montreal Open presented by Lexus
St. Raphael Golf Club, Par-72, 7,050 yards
Ile Bizard, Quebec
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Canadian Tour - Yip Wins On Third Playoff Hole
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
MILTON, Ont. – Ryan Yip birdied the third playoff hole from five feet to captured the ROXUL Jane Rogers Championship over Trey Denton.
Jeff Cuzzort was eliminated on the first extra hole after both Denton and Yip birdied and Cuzzort’s chip from the greenside rough hit the hole but rolled away. Cuzzort birdied 18 as did Denton to join Yip in the playoff.
Yip birdied the final two holes for a 69 just to force extra holes while Denton finished regulation with a final round 71 and Cuzzort closed with a 67.
Click here for the full field final round results!
The trio ended the event at five under par 279, one ahead of James Love who closed with a 70.
Jim Lemon (74), third round leader Richard Lee (75), and Clint Rice (68) shared fifth spot at three under par 281.
Jim Seki (75), Mike Grob (70), Andrew Parr (72) and Kent Eger (73) finished in a tie for eighth at one under par 283.
The entire field struggled with the difficult course and stifling heat after a storm delayed play for 96 minutes earlier in the day. However, in the end, it came down to the gutsy performances of Yip, Denton and Monday qualifier Jeff Cuzzort.
At the second playoff hole, Yip two-putted from 40 feet for birdie while Denton’s second ended up in the greenside bunker. Denton’s bunker blast ended up 12 feet short of the pin but he rammed home the birdie to extend the playoff.
On the final playoff hole, Yip once more found the fairway while Denton pushed his into the deep rough. Forced to lay up with his third, Denton then found the greenside rough just past the pin.
Yip found the greenside rough with his second and chipped to five feet.
Convinced that Yip would drain the putt, Denton came up just short with his chip and watched helplessly as Yip won the title.
“I love a par five hole because I can take advantage with my length,” said Yip, of the 529-yard 18th hole. “I knew that there would be a good chance I would make four, or even a three. I have been playing really well on the par-5 holes all season long".
“I couldn’t believe that Trey kept making those putts. First he got that one to get into the playoff and then he got that long one home in the playoff."
Yip – who earned $20,000 with the win - almost didn’t see the playoff.
He missed a two-footer on No. 9 that he seemed to hit before he was ready.
“Yeah, that was a bad one but I knew I was in it because the course was playing tough and the wind was coming up a bit. I knew I could make birdies coming down the stretch and that is what I did.”
The Calgary native, who struggled in both 2007 and 2008, has had a solid year and knows the importance of his maiden Canadian Tour title.
“This means a lot,” he added. “It will build my confidence for the rest of the year and hopefully I can keep it going right into Q-School.”
Denton, who battled Yip right down to the end and made a slick five footer just to get into the playoff, was admittedly downcast.
“This is a disappointment,” said Denton. “I really don’t know what to say.
“I played well all week but I put myself in a bind a few times by not hitting the green with my second shot on the playoff holes. Ryan kept putting himself in the right position during the playoff and he got it done.”
With his birdie at 15, Denton grabbed a one shot lead but he pushed his tee shot at 16 into the deep rough and missed the green with his second. A weak pitch with plenty of green to work with left him with a 15-footer for par that he failed to convert.
MILTON, Ont. – Ryan Yip birdied the third playoff hole from five feet to captured the ROXUL Jane Rogers Championship over Trey Denton.
Jeff Cuzzort was eliminated on the first extra hole after both Denton and Yip birdied and Cuzzort’s chip from the greenside rough hit the hole but rolled away. Cuzzort birdied 18 as did Denton to join Yip in the playoff.
Yip birdied the final two holes for a 69 just to force extra holes while Denton finished regulation with a final round 71 and Cuzzort closed with a 67.
Click here for the full field final round results!
The trio ended the event at five under par 279, one ahead of James Love who closed with a 70.
Jim Lemon (74), third round leader Richard Lee (75), and Clint Rice (68) shared fifth spot at three under par 281.
Jim Seki (75), Mike Grob (70), Andrew Parr (72) and Kent Eger (73) finished in a tie for eighth at one under par 283.
The entire field struggled with the difficult course and stifling heat after a storm delayed play for 96 minutes earlier in the day. However, in the end, it came down to the gutsy performances of Yip, Denton and Monday qualifier Jeff Cuzzort.
At the second playoff hole, Yip two-putted from 40 feet for birdie while Denton’s second ended up in the greenside bunker. Denton’s bunker blast ended up 12 feet short of the pin but he rammed home the birdie to extend the playoff.
On the final playoff hole, Yip once more found the fairway while Denton pushed his into the deep rough. Forced to lay up with his third, Denton then found the greenside rough just past the pin.
Yip found the greenside rough with his second and chipped to five feet.
Convinced that Yip would drain the putt, Denton came up just short with his chip and watched helplessly as Yip won the title.
“I love a par five hole because I can take advantage with my length,” said Yip, of the 529-yard 18th hole. “I knew that there would be a good chance I would make four, or even a three. I have been playing really well on the par-5 holes all season long".
“I couldn’t believe that Trey kept making those putts. First he got that one to get into the playoff and then he got that long one home in the playoff."
Yip – who earned $20,000 with the win - almost didn’t see the playoff.
He missed a two-footer on No. 9 that he seemed to hit before he was ready.
“Yeah, that was a bad one but I knew I was in it because the course was playing tough and the wind was coming up a bit. I knew I could make birdies coming down the stretch and that is what I did.”
The Calgary native, who struggled in both 2007 and 2008, has had a solid year and knows the importance of his maiden Canadian Tour title.
“This means a lot,” he added. “It will build my confidence for the rest of the year and hopefully I can keep it going right into Q-School.”
Denton, who battled Yip right down to the end and made a slick five footer just to get into the playoff, was admittedly downcast.
“This is a disappointment,” said Denton. “I really don’t know what to say.
“I played well all week but I put myself in a bind a few times by not hitting the green with my second shot on the playoff holes. Ryan kept putting himself in the right position during the playoff and he got it done.”
With his birdie at 15, Denton grabbed a one shot lead but he pushed his tee shot at 16 into the deep rough and missed the green with his second. A weak pitch with plenty of green to work with left him with a 15-footer for par that he failed to convert.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Canadian Tour - Jane Rogers Championship Preview
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
MILTON, Ont. – The ROXUL Jane Rogers Championship tees it up the week at Greystone Golf Club after two years at Lakeview GC in nearby Mississauga.
Opened in 1991, Greystone is perched on the Niagara Escarpment some 20 minutes west of Toronto and its tricky greens will test the patience of the competitors including defending champion Alex Coe.
He’s struggled somewhat this season with his best finish at T-18 at the Sport Frances Open in November. Then again, he had made two of nine previous cuts last year before walking away with the Jane Rogers title.
Dominant describes Graham DeLaet. Two wins, a second and a third in five events makes him the favorite this week. Easily making the cut at the Canadian Open, DeLaet is one of the brightest young stars in the game.
He missed the cut in Winnipeg and at the RBC Canadian Open (by one shot) but Stuart Anderson is having his best season in a long time. He has three top-five finishes and a win may be in the cards this week.
Fresh off his British Open experience and a month of links golf, Tim Wood returns to the Canadian Tour confident he can compete against the best in the game. His best finish this season is a T-6 at the City of Surrey Invitational.
Derek Gillespie is bound to win again sooner or later. It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since his last Canadian Tour title (2003 Corona Ixtapa Classic by eight strokes) so he’s due.
Notables not here this week include John Ellis, Wes Heffernan, Mauricio Molina, Byron Smith, Andres Gonzales and Rob Grube.
TOURNAMENT: ROXUL JANE ROGERS CHAMPIONSHIP
PURSE: $125,000
WINNING SHARE: $20,000
DATES: August 3 – 9, 2009
COURSE: Greystone Golf Club
LENGTH: 6,837 yards, par-71
LOCATION: Milton, Ontario
MILTON, Ont. – The ROXUL Jane Rogers Championship tees it up the week at Greystone Golf Club after two years at Lakeview GC in nearby Mississauga.
Opened in 1991, Greystone is perched on the Niagara Escarpment some 20 minutes west of Toronto and its tricky greens will test the patience of the competitors including defending champion Alex Coe.
He’s struggled somewhat this season with his best finish at T-18 at the Sport Frances Open in November. Then again, he had made two of nine previous cuts last year before walking away with the Jane Rogers title.
Dominant describes Graham DeLaet. Two wins, a second and a third in five events makes him the favorite this week. Easily making the cut at the Canadian Open, DeLaet is one of the brightest young stars in the game.
He missed the cut in Winnipeg and at the RBC Canadian Open (by one shot) but Stuart Anderson is having his best season in a long time. He has three top-five finishes and a win may be in the cards this week.
Fresh off his British Open experience and a month of links golf, Tim Wood returns to the Canadian Tour confident he can compete against the best in the game. His best finish this season is a T-6 at the City of Surrey Invitational.
Derek Gillespie is bound to win again sooner or later. It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since his last Canadian Tour title (2003 Corona Ixtapa Classic by eight strokes) so he’s due.
Notables not here this week include John Ellis, Wes Heffernan, Mauricio Molina, Byron Smith, Andres Gonzales and Rob Grube.
TOURNAMENT: ROXUL JANE ROGERS CHAMPIONSHIP
PURSE: $125,000
WINNING SHARE: $20,000
DATES: August 3 – 9, 2009
COURSE: Greystone Golf Club
LENGTH: 6,837 yards, par-71
LOCATION: Milton, Ontario
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Canadian Tour - 2009 Fall Q-School Approaching
Submitted by Canadian Tour Communications
OAKVILLE, Ont. – The Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School is scheduled for Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington, Ont., from Sept. 9 -12, 2009.
The new course at Hidden Lake is a 6,743 yard par-71 layout situated 30 minutes west of Toronto and is hosting the Fall Q-School for the first time.
“Dan Halldorson was approached about this course because one thing the Tour was looking at was close proximity to St. Catharines where the Tour Championship is,” said George Tidd, CPGA Executive Professional and part owner of Hidden Lake.
“We’ve had the Monday Qualifying for the Canadian Open at least three times and a dozen or more regional qualifiers and the lowest recorded score was 66.
“The fairways are pretty narrow normally but we’re also going to grow the rough and double-roll the greens.
“This is a target-style golf course and it will be a good test for the pros.”
Steeped in history, the Fall Q-School has seen PGA TOUR winners Dave Barr, Stephen Ames, Ian Leggatt, Kirk Triplett, Tim Petrovic and Billy Ray Brown earn their cards at the Fall Q-School.
In more recent times, the school has graduated Jon Mills, David Hearn, Graham DeLaet and Wes Heffernan to the Canadian Tour and beyond.
Alex Coe earned his card two years ago and parlayed that into a victory at the Jane Rogers Championship in August of last year.
"I’ve played a lot of mini-tour events and they don’t compare to the Canadian Tour in terms of quality and depth of field, course conditions and atmosphere. Here in North America, you have the PGA TOUR, Nationwide Tour and the Canadian Tour,” said Coe.
2008 Tour Championship winner Tom Stankowski said about the Canadian Tour, “Other tours don’t teach you the mental preparation that you learn here on the Canadian Tour.
“With the mini-tours you may travel an hour from home at most and that doesn’t teach you how to be away for a week or more at a time. They (mini-tours) really don’t develop you.”
Successful applicants won’t have long to wait before testing their game against the best Canadian Tour players.
Depending on spots available, they will head to Mexico to compete in two late September events and then have the opportunity to compete throughout Latin America to begin the 2010 season with expected stops in Columbia, Peru, Argentina, Chile and Costa Rica in November and December of 2009.
For further information contact:
Cindy L. Cote
Executive Assistant & Membership Service Manager
Canadian Professional Golf Tour
Golf House, Suite 301, 1333 Dorval Drive
Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6M 4X7
North America Toll Free: 1-877-226-8687
Direct Line: 905-815-9756, Extension 485
Fax: 905-815-8523 or 1-877-888-2381
Email: ccote@cantour.com
OAKVILLE, Ont. – The Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School is scheduled for Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington, Ont., from Sept. 9 -12, 2009.
The new course at Hidden Lake is a 6,743 yard par-71 layout situated 30 minutes west of Toronto and is hosting the Fall Q-School for the first time.
“Dan Halldorson was approached about this course because one thing the Tour was looking at was close proximity to St. Catharines where the Tour Championship is,” said George Tidd, CPGA Executive Professional and part owner of Hidden Lake.
“We’ve had the Monday Qualifying for the Canadian Open at least three times and a dozen or more regional qualifiers and the lowest recorded score was 66.
“The fairways are pretty narrow normally but we’re also going to grow the rough and double-roll the greens.
“This is a target-style golf course and it will be a good test for the pros.”
Steeped in history, the Fall Q-School has seen PGA TOUR winners Dave Barr, Stephen Ames, Ian Leggatt, Kirk Triplett, Tim Petrovic and Billy Ray Brown earn their cards at the Fall Q-School.
In more recent times, the school has graduated Jon Mills, David Hearn, Graham DeLaet and Wes Heffernan to the Canadian Tour and beyond.
Alex Coe earned his card two years ago and parlayed that into a victory at the Jane Rogers Championship in August of last year.
"I’ve played a lot of mini-tour events and they don’t compare to the Canadian Tour in terms of quality and depth of field, course conditions and atmosphere. Here in North America, you have the PGA TOUR, Nationwide Tour and the Canadian Tour,” said Coe.
2008 Tour Championship winner Tom Stankowski said about the Canadian Tour, “Other tours don’t teach you the mental preparation that you learn here on the Canadian Tour.
“With the mini-tours you may travel an hour from home at most and that doesn’t teach you how to be away for a week or more at a time. They (mini-tours) really don’t develop you.”
Successful applicants won’t have long to wait before testing their game against the best Canadian Tour players.
Depending on spots available, they will head to Mexico to compete in two late September events and then have the opportunity to compete throughout Latin America to begin the 2010 season with expected stops in Columbia, Peru, Argentina, Chile and Costa Rica in November and December of 2009.
For further information contact:
Cindy L. Cote
Executive Assistant & Membership Service Manager
Canadian Professional Golf Tour
Golf House, Suite 301, 1333 Dorval Drive
Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6M 4X7
North America Toll Free: 1-877-226-8687
Direct Line: 905-815-9756, Extension 485
Fax: 905-815-8523 or 1-877-888-2381
Email: ccote@cantour.com
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Canadian Tour - DeLaet Grabs Players Cup Title
Submitted by CanTour Communications John Berkovich
WINNIPEG, Man. – Graham DeLaet shot a two under par 69 to capture the Canadian Tour Players Cup by one stroke over Byron Smith, Lucas Lee and Ryan Horn.
DeLaet finished the week at eight under par 276 and with his second title of the season, jumps to the top of the Order of Merit with $78,500 after his $32,000 pay day on Sunday.
John Ellis matched par 71 to grab solo fifth at 278 while Derek Gillespie (71) and Mark Leon (73) share sixth spot at 279.
Finishing T-8 at 280 are Mitchell Gillis (70), Luke Hickmott (72) and Ryan Thornberry with a 71.
DeLaet started with four consecutive pars and then backed up with bogeys at five and six.
Settling down with a birdie at eight, he parred three straight before birdieing three of his next four starting at No. 12, then was handed the victory when Smith bogeyed the final hole.
Smith, a winner in Victoria last month, birdied to start the day but gave it back at five.
He went birdie bogey at eight and nine before a birdie at the par-5 15th moved him one ahead of a charging DeLaet.
However, Smith bogeyed 16 to drop back into a tie with DeLaet before the fateful bogey at 18 left him one back.
With three birdies on his first 16 holes, Ryan Horn was tied for the lead but a bogey at 17 dropped him one behind DeLaet and Smith at the time.
Starting the day with a one stroke lead over Brad Fritsch, Lee was at even but doubled the par-5 seventh and bogeyed 13.
Refusing to quit, he rallied with birdies at 14 and 15 to catch the leaders but his bogey at No. 16 left him one short.
Fritsch held steady until going bogey, double, par, bogey starting at No. 7. The Manotick, Ont., finished T-19.
In the Clubhouse
Competitors earning spots into the RBC Canadian Open:
Graham DeLaet
Mauricio Molina
Mike Grob
Andres Gonzales
Hugo Leon
Rafael Gomez
Stuart Anderson
Wes Heffernan
Byron Smith - #2 on Order of Merit – earned an exemption but turned it down to play the Nationwide Tour event. Jim Rutledge (#6) also turned down his RCGA exemption so his spot is given to the next player on the Order of Merit. The top two Canadians (Stuart Anderson #10 and Wes Heffernan #18) not otherwise exempt were given exemptions.
Graham DeLaet was already exempt before his win.
WINNIPEG, Man. – Graham DeLaet shot a two under par 69 to capture the Canadian Tour Players Cup by one stroke over Byron Smith, Lucas Lee and Ryan Horn.
DeLaet finished the week at eight under par 276 and with his second title of the season, jumps to the top of the Order of Merit with $78,500 after his $32,000 pay day on Sunday.
John Ellis matched par 71 to grab solo fifth at 278 while Derek Gillespie (71) and Mark Leon (73) share sixth spot at 279.
Finishing T-8 at 280 are Mitchell Gillis (70), Luke Hickmott (72) and Ryan Thornberry with a 71.
DeLaet started with four consecutive pars and then backed up with bogeys at five and six.
Settling down with a birdie at eight, he parred three straight before birdieing three of his next four starting at No. 12, then was handed the victory when Smith bogeyed the final hole.
Smith, a winner in Victoria last month, birdied to start the day but gave it back at five.
He went birdie bogey at eight and nine before a birdie at the par-5 15th moved him one ahead of a charging DeLaet.
However, Smith bogeyed 16 to drop back into a tie with DeLaet before the fateful bogey at 18 left him one back.
With three birdies on his first 16 holes, Ryan Horn was tied for the lead but a bogey at 17 dropped him one behind DeLaet and Smith at the time.
Starting the day with a one stroke lead over Brad Fritsch, Lee was at even but doubled the par-5 seventh and bogeyed 13.
Refusing to quit, he rallied with birdies at 14 and 15 to catch the leaders but his bogey at No. 16 left him one short.
Fritsch held steady until going bogey, double, par, bogey starting at No. 7. The Manotick, Ont., finished T-19.
In the Clubhouse
Competitors earning spots into the RBC Canadian Open:
Graham DeLaet
Mauricio Molina
Mike Grob
Andres Gonzales
Hugo Leon
Rafael Gomez
Stuart Anderson
Wes Heffernan
Byron Smith - #2 on Order of Merit – earned an exemption but turned it down to play the Nationwide Tour event. Jim Rutledge (#6) also turned down his RCGA exemption so his spot is given to the next player on the Order of Merit. The top two Canadians (Stuart Anderson #10 and Wes Heffernan #18) not otherwise exempt were given exemptions.
Graham DeLaet was already exempt before his win.
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