RBC Deepens Commitment to Canadian Golf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Ames Ends Canada's PGA Tour Shutout

Canadian Stephen Ames Breaks the Shutout on the PGA Tour

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

Fall Happenings in the World of Canadian Golf

Must read for golfers:

Fall Happenings in the World of Canadian Golf!!!

Canadian Earns PGA Tour Card

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

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

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

Vancouver City Open Golf Tournament - Final Round Recap

Click here to view the final round wrap-up from the Vancouver City Open!

Golf Gets IOC Executives’ Recommendation for Inclusion in 2016 Summer Olympics

Sport just one step away from being included in 2016 Summer Olympics

Oakville, Ont (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is pleased to report that International Olympic Committee (IOC) leaders have selected golf, along with rugby, for proposed inclusion in the 2016 Games.

The IOC Executive Board announced its decision to narrow the field of potential sports to two from a list of seven, which also included squash, karate and roller sports Thursday following a meeting in Berlin, Germany.

The board will propose golf and rugby sevens - a faster-paced version of the standard 15-a-side game - for approval by the entire 106-member IOC assembly in Copenhagen on Oct. 9.

"We are thrilled with this announcement," said Scott Simmons, the RCGA’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. "It brings golf – Canada’s highest per capita participation sport with more than 1-in-5 people actively playing the game - a significant step closer to once again being included in the Olympics."

Golf was last played at the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis, where Canadian Geroge Lyon won the sport’s Gold Medal.

The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. The association is also recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country.

"Interest in golf as a sport and an industry continues to grow across Canada," added Simmons. "Including golf in the 2016 Olympics would undoubtedly assist in helping to grow and promote the game, not just in Canada, but worldwide."

The International Golf Federation (IGF), the representative body for golf by the IOC, has proposed a format of 72-hole individual stroke play for both men and women. That format was recommended because top players felt that was the fairest and best way to identify a champion, mirroring the format used in golf's major championships. In case of a tie for either first, second or third place, a three-hole playoff is recommended to determine the medal winner(s).

The IGF recommended an Olympic field of 60 players for each of the men's and women's competition, utilizing the Official World Golf Ranking as a method of determining eligibility.

A decision on the site for the 2016 Summer Games is expected on Oct. 2. The candidate cities are Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

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

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

Andrew Parr, Richard Lee, Graham Baillargeon and Lucas Lee Monday Qualify For 2009 RBC Canadian Open

Team Sean O’Hair-Damon Allen wins inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – Andrew Parr of London, Ont., played near perfect golf during Monday’s qualifying round at Heron Point in Alberton, Ont., to earn one of four final exemptions into the 2009 RBC Canadian Open.

After a bogey on the first hole, Parr went on to shoot five birdies and two eagles on the day. Parr’s eight-under par 63 earned him the right to play among the PGA TOUR’s professionals at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. Parr, who turned pro in 2007, will be competing in his third consecutive RBC Canadian Open.

Also earning exemptions into this year’s Open are Richard Lee of Chandler, Ariz., amateur Graham Baillargeon of Mississauga, Ont. and Lucas Lee of Torrance, Calif.

With the addition of the four Monday qualifiers, a total of 15 Canadians are now set to compete at this year’s RBC Canadian Open.

MONDAY QUALIFYING RESULTS:
The following players Monday qualified for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open:

1. Andrew Parr, Reston, VA, 35-28-63 (-8)
2. Richard Lee, Chandler, AZ, 33-33-66 (-5)
*3. Graham Baillargeon (a), Mississauga, ON, 33-34-67 (-4)
*3. Lucas Lee, Torrance, CA, 36-31-67 (-4)

* Denotes qualified in playoff
(a) Denotes amateur

INAUGURAL MIKE WEIR CHARITY CLASSIC
A new chapter in RBC Canadian Open history was written as the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic pro-am kicked off in style Monday. The pro-am event featured marquee celebrities from the music, sport and entertainment industries as well as top stars on the PGA TOUR vying for the championship team title. Amateur competitors played nine holes with a PGA TOUR pro and nine holes with a celebrity.

The team of Sean O’Hair and Damon Allen won the event, combining for an impressive team-total of 19-under par. Anthony Kim and Rick Nash (team1) finished T2nd with Camilo Villegas and Tom Cochrane as well as Anthony Kim and Rick Nash (team 2) at 15-under par.

Fans flocked to Glen Abbey to see notable stars such as NBA legend Michael Jordan, Oscar winner Kevin Costner and NHL all-star netminder Martin Brodeur as well as PGA TOUR stars Stephen Ames, Sean O’Hair and event host Mike Weir.

ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Canada along with Corona Extra, TaylorMade, Wolf Blass, Southern Implants, CFF Stainless Steels Inc., The Globe and Mail, Pepsi, LG, Transitions Optical, The Glenlivet, Reader’s Digest, Sunoco and local media partners Q107 and Toronto Sun. The event is also supported by Ontario Tourism. Ontario, yours to discover.

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

Final Field Announced for 2009 RBC Canadian Open

Field to feature five former champions, 11 Canadians and two members of Canada’s National Amateur Team

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) and RBC announced today the final field of competitors set to challenge for the $5.1 million (US) RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Defending champion Chez Reavie headlines a list of notables that includes Anthony Kim, Sean O’Hair, Camilo Villegas, Trevor Immelman, Luke Donald, Bubba Watson, J.B. Holmes, Dustin Johnson, John Daly, Mark Calcavecchia, Fred Couples and Retief Goosen as well as Canadian PGA TOUR stars Mike Weir, Stephen Ames.

Reavie, the defending champion tops a list of five former Canadian Open winners that includes Calcavecchia (2005), Bob Tway (2003), Scott Verplank (2001) and Billy Andrade (1998).

Weir and Ames will headline a list of 11 Canadians looking to become the first Canadian since Pat Fletcher in 1954 to take home Canada’s national championship. Other Canucks set to compete include Graham DeLaet, Dustin Risdon, Chris Baryla, Ian Leggatt, Kyle German and Bryan DeCorso as well as National Amateur Team members Nick Taylor and Matt Hill and 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion Cam Burke.

Six additional exemptions will be awarded following this weekend’s Canadian Tour event – the Players Cup - in Winnipeg, Man. as well as the top five players on the Canadian Tour’s order of merit.

“The field is set and we’re ready to kick off the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship,” said Bill Paul, Tournament Director. “Canadian golf fans will be treated to a showcase at Glen Abbey with a number of rising PGA TOUR stars and talented Canadians set to challenge Glen Abbey.”

Four additional competitors will earn a spot into the field following the Monday Qualifier set for Monday, July 20 at Heron Point Golf Links.

The following is a list of players set to compete in the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Brad Adamonis, Tyler Aldridge, Steven Allan, *Stephen Ames, Billy Andrade, Stuart Appleby, Arjun Atwal, Eric Axley, Aaron Baddeley, Briny Baird, *Chris Baryla, Brian Bateman, David Berganio, Jr.
Matt Bettencourt, Kris Blanks, Matthew Borchert, Michael Bradley, *Cam Burke (a), Jonathan Byrd, Mark Calcavecchia, Alex Cejka, Greg Chalmers, Daniel Chopra, Wil Collins, Fred Couples, John Daly, Brian Davis, Glen Day, Jason Day, Brendon de Jonge
*Bryan DeCorso, *Graham DeLaet, Chris DiMarco, Luke Donald, Jason Dufner, Ken Duke,
Joe Durant, Steve Elkington, Bob Estes, Derek Fathauer, Brad Faxon, Steve Flesch,
Harrison Frazar, Robert Garrigus, *Kyle German, Mathew Goggin, Retief Goosen, Jason Gore, Nathan Green, Mathias Gronberg, Scott Gutschewski, Bill Haas, Todd Hamilton,
Bob Heintz, Tim Herron, *Matt Hill (a), J.B. Holmes, Ryuji Imada, Trevor Immelman,
Kent Jones, Matt Jones, Jonathan Kaye, Jerry Kelly, Troy Kelly, Anthony Kim, Jeff Klauk, Colt Knost, Cliff Kresge, Martin Laird, *Ian Leggatt, Michael Letzig, Spencer Levin, Peter Lonard, Jamie Lovemark, Steve Lowery, Jarrod Lyle, Jeff Maggert, John Mallinger, Steve Marino, David Mathis, Troy Matteson, Billy Mayfair, Scott McCarron,
Parker McLachlin, Rocco Mediate, John Merrick, Shaun Micheel, Bryce Molder, Kevin Na, Sean O'Hair, Nick O'Hern, Joe Ogilvie, James Oh, Leif Olson, Jeff Overton, Greg Owen, Ryan Palmer, Corey Pavin, Pat Perez, Tom Pernice, Jr., Tim Petrovic, Carl Pettersson, Scott Piercy, D.A. Points, Aron Price, Rick Price, Jeff Quinney, Chez Reavie, Chris Riley, *Dustin Risdon, John Senden, Patrick Sheehan, Webb Simpson, Brandt Snedeker, Kevin Stadler, Scott Sterling, Darron Stiles, Kevin Streelman, Chris Stroud, Kevin Sutherland, *Nick Taylor (a), Vaughn Taylor, Roland Thatcher, Nicholas Thompson, Brendon Todd, Peter Tomasulo, Bob Tway, Bo Van Pelt, Scott Verplank, Camilo Villegas, Brian Vranesh, Johnson Wagner, Jimmy Walker, Charles Warren, Bubba Watson, Matt Weibring, *Mike Weir, Charlie Wi, Jay Williamson, Dean Wilson, Mark Wilson, Casey Wittenberg, Gary Woodland, Y.E. Yang,
*denotes Canadian
(a) denotes Amateur

The RCGA would also like to remind spectators that have not already purchased their tickets that they can do so by visiting online at www.rbccanadianopen.com or calling 1-800-571-OPEN (6736).

The following are ticket prices for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open:

Junior Grounds Ticket FREE*
Monday Grounds (Mike Weir Charity Classic) $15.00
Tuesday Grounds $15.00
Wednesday Grounds $15.00
Anyday Grounds Ticket $55.00
Weekly Grounds Badge $110.00 (fully transferrable)
Anyday Grounds 10 Pack $450.00 (10 anyday grounds tickets)

*kids under 15 get in free with a ticketed adult

The 2009 RBC Canadian Open will take place July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club, the 25th time the renowned Oakville layout has challenged the stars of the PGA TOUR. The event will feature both onsite and offsite activities expected to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance.

Onsite activities include the onsite Pengrowth Concert Series featuring Kevin Costner and Modern West (Thursday), Tom Cochrane (Friday) and Bachman Cummings (Saturday). Admission to the Pengrowth Concert Series is free with any RBC Canadian Open ticket valid for those days.

For more information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN (6736).

ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Canada along with Corona Extra, TaylorMade, Wolf Blass, Southern Implants, CFF Stainless Steels Inc., The Globe and Mail, Pepsi, LG, Transitions Optical, The Glenlivet, Reader’s Digest, Sunoco and local media partners Q107 and Toronto Sun. The event is also supported by Ontario Tourism. Ontario, yours to discover.

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

John Daly to Compete in 2009 RBC Canadian Open

• PGA TOUR fan favourite healthy and ready to challenge Glen Abbey

• Canadian contingent bolstered with addition of Graham DeLeat, Dustin Risdon, Jon Mills, Chris Baryla and Ian Leggatt

• Victorious Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger, 5-time PGA TOUR winner Rocco Mediate and former Canadian Open champion Billy Andrade among veterans added to field for Canada’s national Open championship

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in partnership with title sponsor RBC, announced today that John Daly has accepted an exemption to compete at the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Daly, whose last appearance in Canada came in 2007, has competed in seven Canadian Opens throughout his PGA TOUR career with his best finish coming in 2001 when he finished fourth. Long considered among the PGA TOUR’s highest profile competitors and a Canadian fan favourite, Daly’s return to Glen Abbey will find him among the most followed players during tournament week.

“We are pleased to confirm that John Daly has accepted an exemption to compete in this year’s RBC Canadian Open,” said Bill Paul, Tournament Director of the RBC Canadian Open. “John has dealt with some personal and health issues that have affected him both on and off the golf course but in my most recent conversations with John, he is committed to his PGA TOUR career. John has been a long-time supporter of Canada’s national Open championship and I think Canadian golf fans will join us in welcoming him back to Glen Abbey for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open.”

“I want to thank the RCGA and RBC for the opportunity to compete in the RBC Canadian Open,” said Daly. “When Bill called to offer me the exemption I reassured him that I’m healthy and looking forward to getting back to Glen Abbey. I’ve always enjoyed coming up to Canada to play in this event and am extremely grateful for all the support I’ve received from Canadian golf fans over the years.”

The RCGA and RBC also announced several other players who have been extended exemptions to compete in the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship.

Among those include up and coming Canadian pros Graham DeLeat of Weyburn, Sask., Dustin Risdon of Strathmore, Alta., Chris Baryla of Vernon, B.C. and Jon Mills of Oshawa, Ont. as well as veteran Ian Leggatt of Cambridge, Ont. DeLaet got off to a stellar start in 2009 with a pair of runner-up finishes on the South African Tour and continued his strong play this summer on the Canadian Tour recently winning the Tour’s ATB Financial Classic in Calgary. Risdon, Baryla, Mills and Leggatt currently sit as the top ranked Canadians on the Nationwide Tour ranked 29th, 41st, 62nd and 98th respectively.

A trio of notable PGA TOUR veterans will also challenge for Canada’s national Open championship including 12-time PGA TOUR winner and recent victorious Ryder Cup Captain Paul Azinger, 5-time PGA TOUR winner and last year’s US Open runner-up Rocco Mediate and Billy Andrade, a 4-time PGA TOUR winner including the 1998 Canadian Open.

Up and coming young pro Danny Lee, winner of both the 2008 US Amateur and 2008 British Amateur Championships has also accepted an exemption to compete at Glen Abbey.

The field for Canada’s national Open championship will feature three Canadian amateurs competing on exemptions including previously announced Team Canada members Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. and Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont. as well as Cam Burke of New Hamburg, Ont. who earned his exemption by winning the 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

Also taking part in this year’s event is Canadian club professional Kyle German, competing on a CPGA exemption as winner of the 2008 Canadian PGA Club Professional Championship.

Six additional exemptions into the field for the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship will be awarded to the top six players (not otherwise exempt) on the Canadian Tour’s Order of Merit following this weekend’s Saskatchewan Open in Saskatoon, Sask.

Four additional spots into the field will determined on Monday, July 20 as 156 players will tee it up in the RBC Canadian Open Monday Qualifier at Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton, Ont.

The players announced today will join the field at Glen Abbey that includes previously announced PGA TOUR stars Anthony Kim, Camilo Villegas, Sean O’Hair, Luke Donald, Retief Goosen, Nick Watney, Hunter Mahan, Trevor Immelman Mark Calcavecchia, Fred Couples and defending champion Chez Reavie as well as Canadian favourites Stephen Ames and Mike Weir.

The final field of confirmed players for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club will be available after 5:00 pm on Friday, July 17th.

ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN.

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

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

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

New Blog - PGA Tour Moving Ahead with New Groove Rule

A year ago the USGA, arguably the governing body of the rules of golf, along with the R&A, notified players and equipment manufacturers last year that effective January 1, 2010 the dimensions in the grooves of golf clubs over 25 degrees of loft would change dramatically to create less spin on shots and make play from the rough more difficult. It is the latest effort to make shot making and driving accuracy more of a premium and the rough more difficult. Both Associations remain concerned about the ease with which today's players are breaking par.

For some time now both the PGA Tour and USGA have been lengthening golf courses in the hopes of making par a good score again. Bethpage Black, this year’s US Open course was set at over 7,400 yards and had little success in making par the winning score. The players and technology have easily won the yardage battles and tournament scores well under par are still the norm. Last week the PGA Tour (who governs itself) agreed to follow the USGA's lead and also bring the new groove rule into effect for the start of the 2010 season. The Tour hopes that the new rule will have the desired effect of increasing the demand on driving accuracy and is hoping the new groove rule will make errant shots more penal.

So as the PGA Tour and USGA prepare to introduce the rule, Stewart Cink (PGA Tour winner), posted a Tweet on his Twitter page saying that he'll just play a softer ball next year! Will the new groove rule mean anything in terms of scoring next year? Doubtful as technology usually wins.

A Mixed Start to the Week in Golf

It has been an interesting week in golf to start the beginning of July. Here are three hot topics that began this week in the golf business:

The Good: The RCGA announced a stellar field committed to the RBC Canadian Open coming up this July at Glen Abbey Golf Club. Among the players confirmed include Sean O'Hair, Hunter Mahan and J.B. Holmes along with Ricky Barnes who is coming off a great performance at the US Open. They will join veterans such as Retief Goosen, Lee Janzen and 2010 Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin. Former RBC Canadian Open Champions scheduled to play include Scott Verplank, John Rollins and Bob Tway. It is a good field for the date challenged RBC Canadian Open and spectators should look forward to a great week of golf.

The Bad: The Canadian PGA announced today that they were unable to find a corporate sponsor for the playing of the 2009 CPGA Seniors Championship. The Association remains committed to the playing of the Championship in 2009 and will self-fund a guaranteed purse of $25,000. The event will be contested at The Marshes in Ottawa, ON. Tough to see one of the oldest Professional Golf Organizations facing this type of challenge, but it is good that the event will remain on the schedule this year.

The Ugly: Golf Course Industry Magazine reports that there have already been 71 golf course closures (18 hole equivalents) in the United States through the first half of the year. So far in 2009, there have been only 16.5 new courses opened (18 hole equivalents). In all of 2008 there were "only" 106 golf course closures. Overall, the net supply of golf courses has declined from a high of 16,057 in 2004 to a low of 15,931, a net reduction of 126 golf courses. While participation is showing small increases, golf course owners and operators continue to find it difficult to turn a profit in trying times.

Stellar Field of High Profile Talent Commit to 2009 RBC Canadian Open

Canadian golf fans to be treated to premier lineup of PGA TOUR stars representing the future of professional golf

• EMERGING SUPERSTARS SEAN O’HAIR, HUNTER MAHAN, NICK WATNEY, J.B. HOLMES, CHARLIE HOFFMAN, KEVIN NA, DUSTIN JOHNSON AND BUBBA WATSON TO JOIN IMPRESSIVE CAST INCLUDING CAMILO VILLEGAS, ANTHONY KIM, TREVOR IMMELMAN AND LUKE DONALD FOR 100TH PLAYING

• RETIEF GOOSEN, SCOTT VERPLANK, BRIAN GAY, JERRY KELLY, BILLY MAYFAIR, COREY PAVIN AND STEVE FLESCH AS WELL FRED COUPLES AND MARK CALCAVECCHIA REINFORCE A STRONG VETERAN CONTINGENT SET TO CHALLENGE FOR CANADA’S NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in partnership with title sponsor RBC, announced today that a string contingent of emerging superstars and PGA TOUR notables have confirmed their intention to compete at the 2009 RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Among the players set to challenge for Canada’s national Open championship include rising stars Sean O’Hair, Hunter Mahan, Nick Watney, J.B. Holmes, Charlie Hoffman and Dustin Johnson. Other PGA TOUR notables added to the field include long-hitting Bubba Watson, Kevin Na, Steve Marino and Jeff Quinney as well Ricky Barnes, fresh off his impressive run at the 2009 US Open.

The field for the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship will also welcome several proven PGA TOUR veterans including Retief Goosen, 2-time 2009 PGA TOUR winner Brian Gay, Jerry Kelly, Steve Flesch, Todd Hamilton, Shaun Micheel, Lee Janzen and 2010 Ryder captain Corey Pavin. Other players announced today include former RBC Canadian Open champions Scott Verplank (2001), John Rollins (2002) and Bob Tway (2003).

“It’s become a new era for the RBC Canadian Open and we’re delighted to welcome this tremendous mix of emerging talent and notable veterans to the field for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open,” said Bill Paul, Tournament Director of the RBC Canadian Open. “We’ve methodically tracked our player field and the fields of other PGA TOUR events since 2007 and are thrilled with our progress and relative standing to date. The event as well as the inherent strength of our field has come a long way since RBC has come on board and I think right now having a partner so focused on results has been a driving force behind the resurgence of the event.”

The players confirmed today will join a 2009 RBC Canadian Open field that includes previously announced young guns Anthony Kim, Camilo Villegas, Trevor Immelman, Luke Donald and defending champion Chez Reavie; veteran talents Fred Couple and Mark Calcavecchia; as well as Canadian favourite Stephen Ames and Mike Weir.

“We know that Canadian golf fans want to see the best field possible challenge for the title and we’ve worked incredibly hard with the RCGA to position the RBC Canadian Open as a must play event for players on TOUR,” said Jim Little, RBC Chief Brand and Communications Officer. “Given the list of young superstars and PGA TOUR veterans set to compete, I think Canadian golf fans will be treated to a true showcase of world class golf.”

The field was also bolstered last week with the announcement that Canadian National Amateur Team members Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. and Matt Hill of Bright’s Grove, Ont., currently the no. 1 and no. 3 ranked amateurs in the world, have been given exemptions to compete in the 100th playing of Canada’s national Open championship.

PROVEN RESULTS – THE FIELD AT A GLANCE:

Among the PGA TOUR notables and world class amateur golfers confirmed for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open include:

Sean O’Hair
• 3-time PGA TOUR winner
• Currently 8th in 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 13th on the Official World Golf Ratings

Retief Goosen
• 7-time PGA TOUR winner including 2004 & 2001 U.S. Open Championships
• Sits 16th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 23rd on the Official World Golf Ratings

Hunter Mahan
• Sits 23rd on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 39th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• Four top-10 finishes in 2009 including; T4th - Travelers Championship, T6th - U.S. Open Championship and T10th the Masters

Nick Watney
• Sits 10th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 33rd on the Official World Golf Ratings
• Three top-10 finishes in 2009 including win at the Buick Championship

Bubba Watson
• Sits 36th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 68th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• Two top-10 finishes in 2009

Brian Gay
• Sits 7th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 38th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• 3-time PGA TOUR winner including two PGA TOUR wins in 2009 (Verizon Heritage & St. Jude Classic presented by FedEx)

Ricky Barnes
• T2nd at the 2009 U.S. Open Championship
• Former U.S. Amateur Champion

Steve Marino
• Sits 21st on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• T2nd at the 2009 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial

Charlie Hoffman
• Sits 17th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• 13 career top-10 PGA TOUR finishes and winner of the 2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic

Dustin Johnson
• Sits 14th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 47th on the Official World Golf Ratings

J.B. Holmes
• Sits 46th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Ranked 58th on the Official World Golf Ratings
• 2-time PGA TOUR winner (2006 & 2008 FBR Opens)

Jeff Quinney
• Eight career top-10 finishes
• Former U.S. Amateur Champion

Kevin Na
• Sits 19th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• Six top-10 finishes in 2009 including 3rd place finish at FBR Open and a T3rd at THE PLAYERS Championship

Scott Verplank
• 2001 RBC Canadian Open champion
• 5-time PGA TOUR winner

Billy Mayfair
• 5-time PGA TOUR winner
• Finished 2nd at the 2008 RBC Canadian Open

Jerry Kelly
• Sits 28th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings
• 3-time PGA TOUR winner
• Winner of the 2009 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Todd Hamilton
• 2-time PGA TOUR Winner
• Winner of the 2004 British Open Championship

Corey Pavin
• 15-time PGA TOUR winner
• 12-time International winner
• Captain of the 2010 US Ryder Cup Team

Lee Janzen
• 8-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2-time U.S. Open Champion (1993 & 1998)

Shaun Micheel
• Winner, 2003 PGA Championship
• Two top-25 finishes in 2009

Bob Tway
• 8-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2003 RBC Canadian Open champion

John Rollins
• 2-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2002 Canadian Open Champion
• Sits 30th on the PGA TOUR’s 2009 FedExCup standings

Steve Flesch
• 4-time PGA TOUR Winner
• Two top-10 finishes in 2009 including T6th at Masters and 7th at Transitions Championship

Mike Weir
• Eight-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2003 Masters champion
• Four-time President’s Cup team member
• 2009 Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee

Anthony Kim
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner (2008 Wachovia Championship & 2008 AT&T National)
• 2008 Ryder Cup hero
• Ranked 15th on the Official World Golf Ratings

Stephen Ames
• Three-time PGA TOUR winner
• Champion, 2006 The PLAYERS Championship
• Four-time World Cup team member

Chez Reavie
• 2008 RBC Canadian Open champion
• Two top-25 finishes in 2009

Trevor Immelman
• 2008 Masters champion
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner
• Two-time President’s Cup team member

Camilo Villegas
• Champion, 2008 TOUR Championship
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2006 World Cup team member

Luke Donald
• Two-time PGA TOUR winner
• Two-time Ryder Cup team member
• Ranked 27th on OWGR

Fred Couples
• 15-time PGA TOUR Winner
• Five-time Ryder Cup team member
• Four-time President’s Cup team member & 2009 President’s Cup Captain

Mark Calcavecchia
• 13-time PGA TOUR winner
• 2005 Canadian Open winner
• Four-time Ryder Cup team member

Nick Taylor
• Currently the no. 1 ranked amateur golfer in the world
• Recent low amateur at the 2009 US Open Championship
• Former Canadian Junior and Canadian Amateur champion
• Member of Canada’s national amateur golf team

Matt Hill
• 2009 NCAA Division I Individual champion
• Winner of the 2009 Jack Nicklaus Award (NCAA Division I Player of the Year)
• Currently the no. 3 ranked amateur golfer in the world
• Member of Canada’s national amateur golf team

Additional player commitments will be announced in the coming weeks and the final field of confirmed players for the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club will be available after 5:00 pm on Friday, July 17th.

PREMIERE HOST VENUES
The RCGA and RBC are committed to hosting the RBC Canadian Open at the finest golf courses in the country going forward. The renowned Glen Abbey Golf Club, long considered the home of Canada’s national Open championship will host the event for a record 25th time in 2009. The 2010 RBC Canadian Open will then mark a storied return to the venerable St. George’s Golf and Country in Toronto before heading west in 2011 at the historic Shaughnessey Golf and Country Club.

For corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-OPEN.

ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca or call 1-800-571-OPEN.

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

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

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

Tiger Woods' visit to Canada for Nike Golf Invitational raises money for charity

WALLACE, Nova Scotia - Tiger Woods said he had a "blast" at a fundraising event Friday at Fox Harb'r Golf Resort and Spa that included an exhibition with his swing coach Hank Haney and NBA legend Charles Barkley.

Woods, Haney and Barkley shared many laughs and barbs during a morning nine-hole exhibition match at the Fox Harb'r resort that was part of the Nike Golf Invitational event that raised funds for the Tiger Woods Foundation and Canadian junior golf.

"I've never been to this part of Canada before. It's really beautiful," Woods said. "The event was great, and it was really fun to play with my friends Hank and Charles. We don't get a chance to play with each other very often.

"I'm also thankful that we were able to raise a lot of money for my foundation and for Canadian junior golf," said the world's No. 1 golfer.

The event was attended by about 100 invited guests of Nike Golf Canada at the spectacular Fox Harb'r Resort created by Ron Joyce, founder of the Tim Hortons chain of about 3,450 restaurants in Canada and the United States.

"We were thrilled to host Tiger Woods at Fox Harb'r for this important fundraising event and to welcome him to Atlantic Canada," Joyce said. "The Nike Golf Invitational is a milestone event for Fox Harb'r to host the No. 1 player in the world and raise significant funds for the important work done by the Tiger Woods Foundation and for developing junior golf in Canada.

A special broadcast of the Nike Golf Invitational will air on TSN on Sunday, June 28 at 9 p.m. EDT that will include exclusive interviews with Woods, Haney and Barkley.

"We are grateful to have had the opportunity to provide an intimate setting for our partners to interact with Tiger Woods and to showcase spectacular Fox Harb'r and raise significant funds for young people," said Vitalis Gomes, Director of Marketing for Nike Golf Canada.

One of only four 5-star resorts in Canada, Fox Harb'r Golf Resort and Spa features the award-winning Graham Cooke-designed championship course as well as a sporting lodge, a luxury spa and wellness centre, a private 4885 ft. airstrip, marina, a private gated community and much more. For more information, visit www.foxharbr.com.

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Located in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to honouring and respecting the traditions and heritage of the game, and to providing committed golfers with the absolute best equipment in the game.

For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.ca. Editors and journalists seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter.

Geoff Ogilvy wins 2009 TELUS World Skins Game at La Tempête Golf Club

Star-studded golf event a huge success on the golf course and in the Québec City community
as TELUS donates $202,000 to Opération Enfant Soleil

Geoff Ogilvy Wins the 2009 TELUS World Skins

Québec City, Québec - Geoff Ogilvy made birdie at just the right time today at La Tempête Golf Club, earning seven skins for $150,000 and going on to win the 2009 TELUS World Skins Game over Mike Weir, Fred Couples, Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter.

Ogilvy made birdie on the Par 5 14th hole while the four other players made par, giving him his first TELUS Skins Game title in his second appearance in the popular Canadian summer golf event. Fred Couples came in second place with four skins for $65,000, Sergio Garcia earned three skins for $45,000, and Canada’s Mike Weir and Ian Poulter each won two skins for $50,000.

"We all really enjoyed coming to Québec City, many of us for the first time, to play in front of some amazing fans," said Ogilvy. "Being able to help raise money with TELUS for a very worthwhile charity makes today a perfect day."

Fulfilling its promise to "give where we live", TELUS partnered with Opération Enfant Soleil this year, raising $202,000 through various initiatives for the local charity that invests in the development of quality pediatric care in Québec.

"Although Geoff Ogilvy will be taking home the trophy, the real winners are the kids and families who rely on the services Opération Enfant Soleil supports," said François Côté, president, TELUS Québec and TELUS Health Solutions. "At TELUS, we give where we live. We would like to thank the players and fans who helped raise an incredible amount of money to ensure more newborns with heart conditions receive the quality care they need."

"Thanks to partners like TELUS involved with Opération Enfant Soleil, sick children can receive high quality care and benefit from state-of-the-art treatments in large pediatric facilities funded by our organization. I thank all the participants for making this important event happen, said Ginette Charest, executive director of Opération Enfant Soleil."

Four of the five players in the TELUS World Skins Game were coming off a rain-delayed U.S. Open in New York, forcing the event to play all 18 holes today, while organizers also brought in PGA TOUR stars Padraig Harrington, Chris DiMarco and Michael Campbell, as well as Québec pro Rémi Bouchard, to play in a nine-hole Saint-Jean-Baptiste exhibition on Monday.

Owned and operated by IMG in Canada for 17 years, the TELUS World Skins Game has included many of the biggest names in the game including Jack Nicklaus, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and Greg Norman.

About IMG
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $9.7 billion of annual revenue and 11.6 million customer connections including 6.2 million wireless subscribers, 4.2 million wireline network access lines and 1.2 million Internet subscribers. Led since 2000 by President and CEO, Darren Entwistle, TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services including data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, entertainment and video. In support of our philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $137 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered more than 2.6 million hours of service to local communities since 2000. Nine TELUS Community Boards across Canada lead our local philanthropic initiatives. For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.

Nick Taylor Keeps on Rolling at the US Open

The number one ranked amateur golfer in the World, Nick Taylor of Abbottsford, B.C., continued his great play at this weekend’s US Open. Taylor became the number one player after shooting a six under par score of 136 over 36 holes in his US Open Sectional Qualifier last week. Canada's Matt Hill remains the World number two player after his NCAA Championship victory a few weeks ago. It is believed that this is the first time a Canadian has held the number one position, never mind the number one and two positions.

Taylor continued rolling right into the US Open where he tied the lowest ever 18 hole score by an amateur shooting 65 in the second round. It was a long week for all the players, including Taylor who never even started his third round on Saturday. The final round began late on Sunday with Taylor managing 10 holes and the final group playing two before the USGA called play for the day. Taylor was +3 on his final round and sat at +6 for the tournament tied for 34th place when the horn went to end Sunday's round. On Monday, Taylor played his final 8 holes in one over par with one birdie and two bogeys and finished tied for 36th place with a final score of +8. Still, at the end of the day, Nick Taylor showed the World why he is deserving of his number one ranking and his play at the US Open was one of the greatest Amateur performances of all time. Well done Nick!

The RCGA should receive some credit for his success as he was part of the RCGA's Player Development program for a number of years. The RCGA has taken a lot of heat over the past year about it's Player Development program being considered a 10 year failure. It failed to place any new Canadians on the PGA Tour following last December's qualifying school and had many questioning the program. Then there was the rather vocal Dick Zokal, who left his position or didn't have his contract renewed (no one seems sure which is true), over what appears to be a difference in philosophy with the RCGA on the Player Development program.

However, if the play of Nick Taylor and Matt Hill resemble the future for Canadian golf perhaps the RCGA’s development program is working and we will see more Canadian players on the PGA Tour in the future.

Monday Play at the US Open Alters Schedule for Monday's TELUS Skins Game

TELUS World Skins Game to proceed with Couples, Garcia, Ogilvy, Poulter and Weir after U.S. Open - Padraig Harrington, Michael Campbell and Chris DiMarco join Québec Pro Remi Bouchard on site on Monday

Québec City, Québec - Organizers of the 2009 TELUS World Skins Game are pleased to announce that the event will proceed with Fred Couples, Sergio Garcia, Geoff Ogilvy, Ian Poulter and Mike Weir as soon as the U.S. Open ends. Weather permitting, it is possible that all five players will be at La Tempête Golf Club in time for the start of the event this Monday.

In order to thank the fans for their support, and to ensure that every minute of the day is filled with world class golf action, organizers announced that PGA stars Padraig Harrington from Ireland, Michael Campbell from New Zealand, and Chris DiMarco from the United States, would be joining top-ranked Québec pro, Rémi Bouchard, for an exhibition match on Monday at La Tempête Golf Club in Lévis.

"While the weather certainly cooperated at the U.S. Open on Saturday and we are optimistic that our five pros will arrive in time for Monday's play, we did not want to leave anything to chance," said Brad Pelletier, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Canada. "We saw this as an opportunity to thank the fans of Québec for their support from the time we announced La Tempête as the location for the 2009 event, and to ensure that this is the best TELUS World Skins Game yet."

Depending on the outcome of the U.S. Open, the TELUS World Skins Game will move forward with one of the two following scenarios:

If the U.S. Open ends on Sunday and the five originally scheduled players are in Québec on Monday, all eight pros will play in the morning Pro-Am at 8 a.m., followed by a nine-hole exhibition match featuring Harrington, Campbell, DiMarco and Bouchard at 12 p.m. The TELUS World Skins Game front nine will begin at 12:30 p.m. with Weir, Couples, Garcia, Ogilvy and Poulter.

If the U.S. Open is carried over to Monday, Couples, Harrington, Campbell and DiMarco will participate in the TELUS World Skins Game 8 a.m. Pro-Am, followed by an exhibition match at 12:30 p.m. with the same pros joined by Québec PGA pro Remi Bouchard. In this instance, ALL 18 HOLES of the TELUS World Skins Game, featuring Weir, Couples, Garcia, Ogilvy and Poulter would be played on Tuesday, June 23, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

TELUS WORLD SKINS GAME SCHEDULE

Monday, June 22
8:00 a.m. - Professionals play in Pro-Am (Front nine holes).
12:00 p.m. - Exhibition Match featuring Padraig Harrington, Michael Campbell, Chris DiMarco and Québec PGA pro Remi Bouchard.
12:30 p.m. - Front nine of TELUS World Skins Game featuring Mike Weir, Fred Couples, Sergio Garcia, Geoff Ogilvy and Ian Poulter (if U.S. Open concludes on Sunday).

Tuesday, June 23
8:00 a.m. - Professionals play in Pro-Am (Back nine holes).
12:30 p.m. - Back nine of TELUS World Skins Game featuring Mike Weir, Fred Couples, Sergio Garcia, Geoff Ogilvy and Ian Poulter (if U.S. Open is carried over to Monday, ALL 18 HOLES of the TELUS World Skins Game would be played on Tuesday).

Fulfilling its promise to "give where we live", TELUS has partnered with Opération Enfant Soleil, a local charity that invests in the development of quality pediatric care in Québec, for the 2009 TELUS World Skins Game.

Owned and operated by IMG in Canada for 17 years, the TELUS World Skins Game has included many of the biggest names in the game including Jack Nicklaus, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and Greg Norman.

The TELUS World Skins Game is also sponsored by Audi, Desjardins, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, GREY GOOSE® Vodka, Québec City Tourism, Québec Tourism and Samsung.

About IMG
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $9.7 billion of annual revenue and 11.6 million customer connections including 6.2 million wireless subscribers, 4.2 million wireline network access lines and 1.2 million Internet subscribers. Led since 2000 by President and CEO, Darren Entwistle, TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services including data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, entertainment and video. In support of our philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $137 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered more than 2.6 million hours of service to local communities since 2000. Nine TELUS Community Boards across Canada lead our local philanthropic initiatives. For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.

RBC and RCGA Unveil Celebrity Participants and Concerts for Week of 2009 RBC Canadian Open

Hollywood Actor Kevin Costner, Comedian George Lopez and Network TV Star Thomas Gibson as well as NHL Superstars Martin Brodeur and Rick Nash join NBA All Star Steve Nash among notables confirmed for inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic

• Pengrowth Concert Series to feature Kevin Costner and Modern West, Tom Cochrane and Red Rider and Bachman Cummings performing live onsite at Glen Abbey following first three rounds of play

• Canada’s national Open championship to be weeklong festival in celebration of Canadian golf, including the 29th Annual SCOREGolf Awards being celebrated tournament week

• National Charity Partner Mike Weir Foundation as well as Local Community Beneficiary ROCK to benefit from RBC Canadian Open philanthropic vision

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) in partnership with title sponsor RBC, announced today that entertainers Kevin Costner and George Lopez, as well as NHL superstars Martin Brodeur and Rick Nash will join 2-time NBA MVP Steve Nash among the notable participants confirmed for inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic to be played Monday July 20 kicking off the 100th playing of the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

In addition, the popular Pengrowth Concert Series, introduced in 2008, will feature performing artists Kevin Costner and Modern West, Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, and Bachman Cummings performing live onsite at Glen Abbey following first three rounds of play of Canada’s national Open championship.

The announcements were made as the RCGA and RBC unveiled the full calendar of tournament week events taking place during what’s become an annual week long celebration of Canadian golf.

“The RCGA and our partners at RBC are proud that the week of the RBC Canadian Open has been defined as the chance for all Canadian golf fans and golfers to celebrate the game and our national Open championship,” said Scott Simmons, CEO and Executive Director of the Royal Canadian Golf Association. “From the way we conduct the event, our fan experience, our marketing and promotional efforts and our commitment to charitable giving, we are making this event a first class stop on the PGA TOUR.”

In 2008, the PGA TOUR recognized the RBC Canadian Open with an award for the most improved onsite presentation. Canada’s national Open championship will again feature both onsite and offsite activities expected to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance.

“The RBC Canadian Open has become more than just the traditional four rounds of golf, it’s a week-long event in the middle of summer that will attract thousands of people to the Toronto area for this world-class golf experience,” said Jim Little, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, RBC. “With concerts on the golf course, promotions in downtown Toronto and at our RBC branches across the Halton region, and the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic, we’re proud to welcome everyone and their families to the RBC Canadian Open.”

THE INAUGURAL MIKE WEIR CHARITY CLASSIC- Monday July 20th
As part of the 100th playing of the RBC Canadian Open, a new chapter in the event’s history will be written with the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic set to kick off tournament week on Monday, July 20th.

This charity based Pro-am will feature marquee celebrities from the music, sports and entertainment industries, as well at top stars on the PGA TOUR. With 100% of the net proceeds from the Mike Weir Charity Classic benefiting children’s charities, the event will assist in achieving the RBC Canadian Open’s philanthropic objectives.

The list of participating celebrities added today includes:

Kevin Costner - Two-time Oscar winner and Golden Globe Award winner

George Lopez - Comedian, Actor, and Producer and star of sitcom 'George Lopez'

Tom Cochrane - Legendary Canadian singer, songwriter and Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee

Thomas Gibson - Star of television hit drama Criminal Minds and former sitcom Dharma & Greg
Steve Nash - Two-time NBA MVP, 2008 inductee to Canada’s Walk of Fame

Martin Brodeur - Most All-time Wins By an NHL Goalie, Vezina Trophy winner

Rick Nash - 4 time NHL All-Star and Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner, Captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets

Watch for upcoming announcements over the next two weeks as the final celebrity names will be added and paired with PGA Touring Professionals, completing the 2009 Mike Weir Charity Classic Field. Amateurs that have purchased a team will play 9 holes with a Celebrity and 9 holes with a TOUR player as part of their once in a lifetime experience. Tickets to the event are only $15, with children admitted FREE with a paying adult.

A SEVEN-DAY CELEBRATION OF CANADIAN GOLF
The RBC Canadian Open will once again feature something for everyone through new tournament week enhancements and unique sponsor programming designed to bolster community interest and attract record-setting attendance while adding to the overall prestige of Canada’s national Open championship.

PENGROWTH Championship Pro-Am Draw Party – Tuesday July 21st
Attended by corporate hospitality buyers and sponsor partners playing in the Championship Pro-Am, this evening has been elevated with special guest hosts, appearances by past Canadian Open champions and this year’s addition of the Canadian Tenors as special musical guest.

SCORE Golf Awards – Wednesday, July 22nd
After being officially welcomed into tournament week of the RBC Canadian Open last year, the 29th Annual SCORE Golf Awards will take place Wednesday, July 22nd at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. The annual awards show honouring excellence in Canadian golf will also partner with the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum in a special tribute to the legends of Canadian golf and the 100th playing of the Canadian Open. The evening will feature a light-hearted panel discussion with Mike Weir and Stephen Ames about their favorite Canadian Open memories moderated by SCORE Golf’s Bob Weeks.

PENGROWTH Concert Series @ the 19th hole – Thursday, July 23rd through Saturday, July 25th
The PENGROWTH CONCERT SERIES @ the 19th hole will feature three nights of musical entertainment following the completion of play on from Thursday, July 23rd through Saturday, July 25th. The schedule for the Pengrowth Concert Series @ the 19th hole is as follow:

Thursday, July 23rd (following play)
Kevin Costner and Modern West
www.kevincostnermodernwest.com

Friday, July 24th (following play)
Tom Cochrane
www.tomcochrane.com

Saturday, July 25th (following play)
Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings (Bachman Cummings)
www.bachmancummings.com

SPONSOR ACTIVATION PROGRAMS – Wednesday July 22nd through Tournament Week
RBC Canadian Open sponsors have been re-building their activation programs, both on and off-site, with a renewed focus on fan engagement and interactivity. In addition to on-site programs by Bell, Pengrowth, BMW, Molson and LG and RBC will be hosting the RBC Avion Golf Challenge in the downtown core, engaging golf fans in advance of the tournament.

Additional sponsor activities onsite include:

RBC – to conclude the activation program hosted downtown Toronto at the corner of Bay and Wellington St. executed July 13th through tournament week, five lucky finalists will attempt a 60-foot putt on the 18th green at Glen Abbey following the RBC Canadian Open closing ceremony on July 26th. Successful putts made by the finalists will earn the lucky winners $100,000 cash and will trigger a $100,000 donation to the tournament’s charity beneficiaries.

Bell - Bell will be constructing two interactive Bell Communication Centres where fans can keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues via Bell's mobile phone and high speed internet stations on site – free for RBC Canadian Open spectators.

Pengrowth – In addition to sponsoring the Pengrowth Concert Series @ the 19th hole, Pengrowth will be on site handing out a variety of items to spectators including lanyards with ticket holders along with other Pengrowth souvenirs. Care packages including personal hand wipes and Band-Aids with Pengrowth messaging for onsite spectators.

BMW - BMW will offer free shuttle service from the public parking lot in a fleet of their latest X5 xDrive35i Advanced Diesels. Various models from the BMW product lineup will be on display throughout Glen Abbey including the latest Z4 roadster as a Hole-in-One prize on the 15th hole.

LG – As the official electronics supplier to the RBC Canadian Open, LG will be operating a booth on site to showcase the latest top of the line LG technology while offering spectators a chance to win a brand new LG 240HZ HD TV.

Transitions – Transitions will be providing an area for spectators to relax and learn more about their eyesight and the benefits of Transitions products in their “Live Your Vision Lounge” adjacent to the clubhouse, between the 16th and 17th holes. With a focus on the link between healthy sight and athletic performance, Transitions will be giving away photochromic bracelets (change colour when exposed to UV rays) and UV stickers to generate awareness about the importance to protect our eyes from dangerous UV rays. The Lounge will also feature a Lens Challenge in which spectators are invited to guess which lens is photochromic, as well as contesting and a Putting Challenge with eye goggles that simulates an Eye Disease condition (Glaucoma). Lens cleaning cloths as well as information on Healthy Sight and the eye glass buying process will be distributed.

Corona Extra – Corona Extra is proud to be the official beer of the RBC Canadian Open and will be engaging spectators at the Coronaville Patio aside the main concession of the Spectator Village where guests can enjoy themselves with friends.

Fosters – Fosters will be promoting their Wolf Blass wine label through sampling atop the Executive Rooftop Patio.

Corby Distilleries – Corby Distilleries will focus on their whiskey brand The Glenlivet which will be sampled atop the Executive Rooftop Patio.

Suncor – Sunoco’s gas pump slot machine will be engaging spectators as they pull for their chance to win selected gas prizes.

COMMITTED TO A PHILANTHROPIC VISION
In 2008, RBC and the RCGA made a joint commitment to use the RBC Canadian Open to generate $5 million for charity over the first five years of RBC’s sponsorship. RBC and the RCGA are pleased to have the Mike Weir Foundation as the event's national charity partner as well as the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) as the local community charity beneficiary.

“It is critical that the RBC Canadian Open leave a lasting legacy in our local host communities,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA Executive Director and CEO. “The generosity of Canadian golf fans will touch so many in need through our national charity partner, the Mike Weir Foundation, as well as our local community beneficiary, ROCK here in the Halton Region.”

As the event’s local charity partner, ROCK has built a community-based fundraising campaign leveraged around their involvement with the 2009 RBC Canadian Open. The campaign features three tiers of fundraising activities including corporate gifts and private donations; a revenue sharing model tied to the sale of RBC Canadian Open corporate hospitality and bulk ticket packages; and charitable funds raised through prizing and silent auction of RBC Canadian Open memorabilia and golf related experiences.

KIDS UNDER 15 GET IN FREE
As in past years, the RBC Canadian Open is committed to providing affordable family entertainment with the playing of Canada’s national Open golf championship. Any child 15 years of age or younger will gain free admission onto the grounds of the RBC Canadian Open provided they are accompanied by a ticketed adult. Juniors will also have the opportunity to take part in golf clinics and activities on site as part of CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program.

ABOUT THE 2009 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
An exciting new era has arrived for Canada's national championship. Part of the FedEx Cup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.1 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Established in 1904, the tournament is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Bell, Pengrowth and BMW Group Canada. For updated corporate hospitality, tickets, volunteer and sponsorship information please visit www.rbccanadianopen.ca or call 1-800-571-OPEN.

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

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

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

U.S. Open Canadian Broadcast Schedule

The following are the times for television broadcast schedule for the U.S. Open this week. Broadcast special is for Canada and in Pacific Standard Time.

Thursday, June 18, 2009 - TSN - 7:00 am to 4:00 PM
Friday, June 19, 2009 - TSN - 7:00 am to 4:00 PM
Saturday, June 20, 2009 - TSN - 11:00 am to 5:00 PM
Sunday, June 21, 2009 - TSN - 10:30 am to 4:30 PM

Irons Used by the Top 10 Players on the PGA Tour

Check out this link to view the irons used by the top 10 players on the PGA Tour!