Newest leader in Canadian golf selected following three month interim position
ACTON, ON (January 31st, 2009) – After a lengthy search and intense deliberation, the Canadian PGA announced today that Gary Bernard has been named the Association’s new Executive Director. The executive search process conducted with McKinley Solutions Inc., a leader in the corporate hiring world, began in early November and culminated in today’s announcement.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce to our membership that Gary Bernard has been selected as the Canadian PGA’s next Executive Director,” said Lindon Garron, President of the Canadian PGA. “Gary has always acted in the best interests of the Canadian PGA Members and his intimate knowledge of our Association will ensure that current initiatives will continue in a seamless manner. Canadian PGA Director of Education since 2004 and currently acting in the Interim Executive Director role since October, Gary has clearly demonstrated that he is the right person at the right time for this pivotal position.”
As a Canadian PGA Member, you are the first to receive this announcement, followed by the Canadian golf media. A subsequent announcement will be made during the World PGA Alliance conference on Sunday.
“I have never been more proud to be a Member of the Canadian PGA than I am today. I am thrilled and humbled to take on the responsibility of serving the 3,600 members of the Canadian PGA on a daily basis. It is a true honour to be selected as the new Executive Director of the Canadian PGA” said Bernard, who will jump immediately into the position with Canadian PGA Board meetings underway next week. “I, along with the 3,600 members of the Canadian PGA, have a passion for our great game and I am very serious about making progressive steps for our Members within the Canadian golf industry. I welcome the challenge and look forward to working with the Board, national staff and all of our partners across the country to develop new opportunities for the game of golf.”
A native of Chatham, New Brunswick, Bernard spent eight years as an educator within the New Brunswick public school system. During that time he was named “Young Professional of The Year” by the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (CAPHER). In addition, he served as Vice-President, and later President of the Physical Education Teachers Society; representing New Brunswick at the World CAPHER conference in Vancouver in 1986.
Following his education career, Bernard spent two years in the sporting goods industry where he managed several T & R Sports locations in Atlantic Canada. After a successful run, Bernard realized that his true passion lay in the game of golf and his decision to work in the game had an instant impact on the future of the Canadian PGA.
“This is a very exciting day for the Canadian PGA and golf in Canada. We are delighted to select Gary Bernard as the new leader for our Association.” stated Garron, who is currently serving his second year as President of the Canadian PGA. “Under the professional direction of McKinley Solutions, we have successfully completed a very comprehensive process. A number of qualified candidates were interviewed and evaluated. In the end, Gary was our unanimous selection. He holds valuable knowledge of the Canadian PGA and its partners within the World PGA Alliance, as well as with our industry partners in Canada. He has excelled inside and outside of the Canadian PGA and we are confident that he is the right candidate to set the present and future direction of our sport and our organization.”
Among his many career achievements, Bernard was a leader in the development of the Teaching and Coaching Certification Program (TCCP) alongside fellow Canadian PGA member Henry Brunton. He has been involved in education with the Canadian PGA since 1995 when he began facilitating all workshops to Canadian PGA Professionals across the country. He was instrumental in leading the integration of the TCCP program with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC).
Bernard was also a key member of the Royal Canadian Golf Association’s National Player Development Program coaching staff from 1999 to 2001. He has worked at a number of different facilities, both in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, and has a full understanding of what a Canadian PGA Member must do to succeed in the golf business.
A graduate of the University of New Brunswick (B.Ed ’79) and currently nearing completion of his Masters degree (M.Ed) from UNB, Bernard will participate in his first official meeting when he represents the Canadian PGA at the World PGA Alliance conference in Orlando, Florida.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN PGA
Established in 1911 and the second oldest professional golf association in the world, the Canadian Professional Golfers' Association is a non-profit Association comprised of 3,600 golf professionals across the country. The Association’s mandate is to develop, promote and support our members as experts in the game and business of golf and, in so doing, serve both its members’ needs and those of the golfing public through the Association’s varied programs and events.
The Association consists of the National Office located in Acton, Ontario and nine Zone Offices across the country.
For more information please visit http://www.cpga.com/
Sunday, January 31, 2010
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.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Canadian Junior Golf Association British Columbia Schedule Launched
The Canadian Junior Golf Association has updated and launched their 2010 tournament schedule for British Columbia. Click on this link to view the tournament schedule for Canada's leading junior development tour!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
2010 RCGA Annual General Meeting Culminates With Induction of Jack McDonald as 107th President
The late Dave Matthews named 2009 Volunteer of the Year; Chuck Gage and Bob Mullock honoured with Distinguished Service Award; Gary West appointed RCGA Honorary Life Governor
Vancouver (RCGA) – Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. was inducted as the 107th President of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) during the National Sport Organization’s (NSO) Annual General Meeting held this weekend in Vancouver.
McDonald succeeds 2009 President, Tom McCarthy of Halifax, N.S., while Karen Rackel of Edmonton becomes First Vice-President and Montreal native Diane Dunlop-Hebert assumes the role of Second Vice-President.
“I am privileged and deeply honoured to be appointed 107th president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association,” said McDonald. “I want to thank the entire RCGA Board of Directors for the trust and confidence they have shown in my leadership and I look forward to great things for the organization in 2010.”
McDonald was born in Rosetown, Sask. and grew up in Swift Current, Sask. where he worked summers at Elmwood Golf and Country Club. While attending the University of Saskatchewan, he played varsity golf for the Huskies.
He has been a member of Prince George Golf and Country Club, where he served as Club Captain and as a member of the Board of Directors. He has also been a member of Kamloops Golf and Country Club and Rivershore Golf Links, where he served as a member of the Board of Directors, President and Chair of the Rivershore Amateur.
His accomplished competitive career saw him compete in several B.C. Amateurs, B.C. Mid-Amateurs, Canadian Amateurs and Canadian Mid-Amateurs. He also represented B.C. at the 1997 Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship.
His dedication to golf eventually led him towards golf administration and an invitation in 1987 to join the British Columbia Golf Association (BCGA) as a Zone Representative. He advanced to the BCGA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee before serving as BCGA President in 1997 and 1998.
McDonald became a governor with the RCGA in 1998 and has since served on several committees including CN Future Links, Greens, Player Development, Amateur Championships and the Executive Committee. He has also served as Tournament Chair for both the 1999 Canadian Amateur and 2001 Canadian Mid-Amateur Championships which were held at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops. As a member of the RCGA Executive Committee, Jack served as 2nd Vice President in 2008 and 1st Vice President in 2009.
He has officiated numerous amateur, professional and Open golf championships both in Canada and internationally. He also served as Chairman of the RCGA’s Rules of Golf Committee from 2005-2008, represented the RCGA on the Joint Rules Committee and became a member of the R&A in 2000.
As a member of the RCGA Executive Committee, Jack served as 2nd Vice President in 2008 and 1st Vice President in 2009.
He and his wife of more than 41 years, Ona, have two daughters, Tracey and Gillian.
Chuck Gage and Bob Mullock honoured as Co-Recipients of RCGA Distinguished Service Award
Created in 1993, the RCGA’s Distinguished Service award has been awarded annually to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the game of golf in Canada. For 2009, the RCGA’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Chuck Gage and Bob Mullock, both of Vancouver.
Gage has had major impact on golf in Canada, specifically the West Coast and British Columbia.
His desire to become involved as a golf administrator can be traced back to his days as a young member at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, where he found inspiration from Club Pro Jack McLaughlin.
In 1969, he served as Tournament Chairman for the LPGA Tour’s Ladies' Supertest Open (now the CN Canadian Women’s Open) hosted by Shaughnessy. In 1970, he served as co-Chair of the Shaughnessy Charity Invitational, raising more than $700,000 in 30 years, and has volunteered at the 1966 and 2005 Canadian Opens which were also held at Shaughnessy.
He has spent countless hours volunteering with the Pacific Coast Golf Association, the BCGA and the Pacific Northwest Golf Association.
Mullock has a history of volunteerism which stretches more than 50 years. Both the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association and BCGA have been fortunate beneficiaries of his volunteer time and efforts.
Contributing to his community came natural to Bob who spent 35 years with the RCMP before retiring from the force as Chief Superintendant in 1985.
He has served as Zone 3 President in 1992, as well as BCGA Director, Vice President of Finance (1996) and President (1999-2000).
His contributions to the BCGA continued well after his presidency. In 2002, following two years of planning, his efforts led to the launch of the BCGA Player Development Trust Fund. Today, the Fund acts as the charitable arm of the BCGA assisting juniors and graduating junior golfers access to playing the game and the opportunity to develop their skills regardless of financial circumstance.
He also served as an RCGA governor.
In 2003, his extraordinary contributions to amateur sport in B.C. were recognized when he was honoured by Sport B.C. with the esteemed Daryl Thompson Award.
The Late Dave Matthews named Volunteer of the Year
The late Dave Matthews of St. Catherine’s, Ont. was recognized as the RCGA’s Volunteer of the Year. 2009 marked the fourth year for this initiative which recognizes individuals in the golf community whose tireless efforts and dedication help to grow the game in Canada.
Matthews was a native of Truro, N.S. and lived in Noranda, Que., Toronto and finally St. Catharine’s, Ont. where he became a proud member of St. Catharines Golf & Country Club.
Throughout the years, Matthews volunteered as Chairman for the Canadian Tour Championship, served as volunteer committee chairman for RCGA professional events since the 2001 Canadian Women's Open at Angus Glen and up until the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club.
Matthews was diagnosed with terminal cancer three weeks prior to the Canadian Tour championship, an event he worked diligently to pull together. Sadly, he passed away less than a week after the event.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, children Scott and Todd, mother Ruby, sister Donna and brother John.
Garry West appointed RCGA Honorary Life Governor
Congratulations to Garry West of Toronto who was named an Honorary Life Governor by the RCGA. West, a former Chairman of the (RBC) Canadian Open and past President of the Golf Association of Ontario, spent 14 years as a Governor before serving as RCGA President in 2007.
2009 Donation Beneficiaries
As part of the its Annual General Meeting, the RCGA acknowledged several of the programs and services that received funding either directly from the RCGA or through one of the association’s programs or championships.
-$25,000 to assist the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation
-$152,500 in partnership with the CPGA and Provincial Association partners to support CN Future Links
- $72,000 to the Provincial Grant Program
-$70,200 for the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum
-$10,000 to benefit the CJGA (Canadian Junior Golf Association)
-$652,600 to the Canadian Cancer Society and $116,300 to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation through the Golf Fore the Cure program
-$1.25 million total for the Mike Weir Foundation and Reach Out Centre for Kids in Halton Region in the name of the 2009 RBC Canadian Open
-CN and the CN Canadian Women’s Open raised a total of $1.6 million through the CN Miracle Match Program in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary
-The RCGA Foundation distributed $240,500 in 2009 and since 1982 has awarded over $2.3 million in scholarships to promising young golfers, landscape architects and turfgrass scientists
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
Vancouver (RCGA) – Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. was inducted as the 107th President of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) during the National Sport Organization’s (NSO) Annual General Meeting held this weekend in Vancouver.
McDonald succeeds 2009 President, Tom McCarthy of Halifax, N.S., while Karen Rackel of Edmonton becomes First Vice-President and Montreal native Diane Dunlop-Hebert assumes the role of Second Vice-President.
“I am privileged and deeply honoured to be appointed 107th president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association,” said McDonald. “I want to thank the entire RCGA Board of Directors for the trust and confidence they have shown in my leadership and I look forward to great things for the organization in 2010.”
McDonald was born in Rosetown, Sask. and grew up in Swift Current, Sask. where he worked summers at Elmwood Golf and Country Club. While attending the University of Saskatchewan, he played varsity golf for the Huskies.
He has been a member of Prince George Golf and Country Club, where he served as Club Captain and as a member of the Board of Directors. He has also been a member of Kamloops Golf and Country Club and Rivershore Golf Links, where he served as a member of the Board of Directors, President and Chair of the Rivershore Amateur.
His accomplished competitive career saw him compete in several B.C. Amateurs, B.C. Mid-Amateurs, Canadian Amateurs and Canadian Mid-Amateurs. He also represented B.C. at the 1997 Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship.
His dedication to golf eventually led him towards golf administration and an invitation in 1987 to join the British Columbia Golf Association (BCGA) as a Zone Representative. He advanced to the BCGA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee before serving as BCGA President in 1997 and 1998.
McDonald became a governor with the RCGA in 1998 and has since served on several committees including CN Future Links, Greens, Player Development, Amateur Championships and the Executive Committee. He has also served as Tournament Chair for both the 1999 Canadian Amateur and 2001 Canadian Mid-Amateur Championships which were held at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops. As a member of the RCGA Executive Committee, Jack served as 2nd Vice President in 2008 and 1st Vice President in 2009.
He has officiated numerous amateur, professional and Open golf championships both in Canada and internationally. He also served as Chairman of the RCGA’s Rules of Golf Committee from 2005-2008, represented the RCGA on the Joint Rules Committee and became a member of the R&A in 2000.
As a member of the RCGA Executive Committee, Jack served as 2nd Vice President in 2008 and 1st Vice President in 2009.
He and his wife of more than 41 years, Ona, have two daughters, Tracey and Gillian.
Chuck Gage and Bob Mullock honoured as Co-Recipients of RCGA Distinguished Service Award
Created in 1993, the RCGA’s Distinguished Service award has been awarded annually to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the game of golf in Canada. For 2009, the RCGA’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Chuck Gage and Bob Mullock, both of Vancouver.
Gage has had major impact on golf in Canada, specifically the West Coast and British Columbia.
His desire to become involved as a golf administrator can be traced back to his days as a young member at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, where he found inspiration from Club Pro Jack McLaughlin.
In 1969, he served as Tournament Chairman for the LPGA Tour’s Ladies' Supertest Open (now the CN Canadian Women’s Open) hosted by Shaughnessy. In 1970, he served as co-Chair of the Shaughnessy Charity Invitational, raising more than $700,000 in 30 years, and has volunteered at the 1966 and 2005 Canadian Opens which were also held at Shaughnessy.
He has spent countless hours volunteering with the Pacific Coast Golf Association, the BCGA and the Pacific Northwest Golf Association.
Mullock has a history of volunteerism which stretches more than 50 years. Both the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association and BCGA have been fortunate beneficiaries of his volunteer time and efforts.
Contributing to his community came natural to Bob who spent 35 years with the RCMP before retiring from the force as Chief Superintendant in 1985.
He has served as Zone 3 President in 1992, as well as BCGA Director, Vice President of Finance (1996) and President (1999-2000).
His contributions to the BCGA continued well after his presidency. In 2002, following two years of planning, his efforts led to the launch of the BCGA Player Development Trust Fund. Today, the Fund acts as the charitable arm of the BCGA assisting juniors and graduating junior golfers access to playing the game and the opportunity to develop their skills regardless of financial circumstance.
He also served as an RCGA governor.
In 2003, his extraordinary contributions to amateur sport in B.C. were recognized when he was honoured by Sport B.C. with the esteemed Daryl Thompson Award.
The Late Dave Matthews named Volunteer of the Year
The late Dave Matthews of St. Catherine’s, Ont. was recognized as the RCGA’s Volunteer of the Year. 2009 marked the fourth year for this initiative which recognizes individuals in the golf community whose tireless efforts and dedication help to grow the game in Canada.
Matthews was a native of Truro, N.S. and lived in Noranda, Que., Toronto and finally St. Catharine’s, Ont. where he became a proud member of St. Catharines Golf & Country Club.
Throughout the years, Matthews volunteered as Chairman for the Canadian Tour Championship, served as volunteer committee chairman for RCGA professional events since the 2001 Canadian Women's Open at Angus Glen and up until the 2009 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club.
Matthews was diagnosed with terminal cancer three weeks prior to the Canadian Tour championship, an event he worked diligently to pull together. Sadly, he passed away less than a week after the event.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, children Scott and Todd, mother Ruby, sister Donna and brother John.
Garry West appointed RCGA Honorary Life Governor
Congratulations to Garry West of Toronto who was named an Honorary Life Governor by the RCGA. West, a former Chairman of the (RBC) Canadian Open and past President of the Golf Association of Ontario, spent 14 years as a Governor before serving as RCGA President in 2007.
2009 Donation Beneficiaries
As part of the its Annual General Meeting, the RCGA acknowledged several of the programs and services that received funding either directly from the RCGA or through one of the association’s programs or championships.
-$25,000 to assist the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation
-$152,500 in partnership with the CPGA and Provincial Association partners to support CN Future Links
- $72,000 to the Provincial Grant Program
-$70,200 for the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum
-$10,000 to benefit the CJGA (Canadian Junior Golf Association)
-$652,600 to the Canadian Cancer Society and $116,300 to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation through the Golf Fore the Cure program
-$1.25 million total for the Mike Weir Foundation and Reach Out Centre for Kids in Halton Region in the name of the 2009 RBC Canadian Open
-CN and the CN Canadian Women’s Open raised a total of $1.6 million through the CN Miracle Match Program in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary
-The RCGA Foundation distributed $240,500 in 2009 and since 1982 has awarded over $2.3 million in scholarships to promising young golfers, landscape architects and turfgrass scientists
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit www.rcga.org.
Friday, January 22, 2010
RBC Deepens Commitment to Canadian Golf
RBC becomes partner of Team Canada High Performance Program and RCGA National Amateur Championships
RBC announces new funding initiative to support Canadian pros advancing to LPGA and PGA TOUR
PGA TOUR players Stephen Ames and Mike Weir become ‘Team RBC’ Ambassadors
TORONTO, ON — RBC today announced a significant extension of its golf sponsorship programs that will help fund and enhance grassroots and developmental programs across Canada.
Building Canadian Competitive Golf Excellence
Already the title sponsor for Canada’s national golf championship, the RBC Canadian Open, RBC will help fund Team Canada, the Royal Canadian Golf Association’s high performance national amateur golf team program. RBC will also contribute support to the resurgence of Canada’s national amateur golf championships, conducted by the RCGA.
“We are proud to support the RCGA’s vision to drive excellence in competitive amateur golf, building on the recent accomplishments of national team players like Nick Taylor, Matt Hill and Jennifer Kirby at the collegiate, national and international level,” said Jim Little, RBC chief brand and communications officer.
“Extending our support to Canada’s national amateur championships not only allows talented Canadian players to compete in world class competitions on home soil, but also offers so many more golf enthusiasts and volunteers across the country the long-term opportunity to get involved and be a part of this great sport.”
“We applaud RBC for their long-term vision in supporting an environment that will build competitive golf excellence in Canada,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA executive director and CEO. “Programs that promote grassroots and amateur competition as well as those that help support training and high performance opportunities are critical to Canadian golfers developing their competitive potential.”
Supporting Emerging Talent
RBC also announced plans to deepen its relationships with Canada’s emerging and established touring professionals.
RBC is creating a new initiative to help young male and female professional golfers make the jump to the professional ranks on the PGA and LPGA Tours. Beginning in 2010, RBC has created a new initiative to support emerging Canadian professionals making the transition to the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour -- including 2010 graduates Graham DeLaet and Chris Baryla on the PGA TOUR, and Lisa Meldrum and Samantha Richdale on the LPGA Tour -- by providing a combination of funding and tailored, comprehensive financial planning and private banking services through its RBC Sports Professionals program. Athletes who elect to sign up for the program will become RBC ambassadors and carry corporate branding on their golf bags as they compete each week on the world’s stage.
“This step is a very important element of my development as a professional and my hat is off to RBC for taking a leadership role here and identifying the need,” said DeLaet. “It’s clear they really get it and are doing an admirable job connecting all the dots through support of Canadian player development from the grassroots all the way up to those of us fortunate enough to make the leap to the PGA TOUR. I’m pleased to be joining their program and am looking forward to meeting everyone on their team.”
Weir, Ames Join Team RBC
In addition, RBC is enhancing existing relationships with PGA TOUR pros Stephen Ames and Mike Weir by entering into new multi-year extensions with both players. RBC becomes the official bank for Ames and Weir and both will have RBC branding prominently featured on their staff golf bags when they compete each week on the PGA TOUR. The partnerships are anchored in philanthropy with RBC continuing on as presenting sponsor of the Stephen Ames Cup and the Mike Weir Foundation entering its second year as the national charity partner of the RBC Canadian Open.
“I have been fortunate to have had a very close partnership with RBC for a number of years now and I’m thankful to see that continue,” said Weir. “More importantly, however, I’m excited about their support at the amateur level and their investment in the future of Canadian golf. We are seeing many great young Canadian golfers coming up and the support of RBC will not only help them succeed, but will provide the opportunities for even more amateurs to pursue their dreams in the sport.”
“Canadians are showing every week that they can compete with the best in golf,” said Ames. “RBC’s grassroots commitment to the game will be a boost to the next generation of players that will pay dividends for years to come. Their strong commitment to charity, both through the RBC Canadian Open and my own charitable foundation, is also something that I’ve appreciated personally, not only for the future of the game, but also for the future of the programs that benefit communities across Canada.”
Ames kicked off his season on the PGA TOUR last week at the Kapalua event in Hawaii while Weir made his first start yesterday at the Bob Hope Classic in La Quinta, California. Weir and Ames join American standout Anthony Kim forming ‘Team RBC’ on the PGA TOUR.
“Over the past two years, supporting the RBC Canadian Open has given us an opportunity to engage so many of our clients, employees and community partners in an event that they enjoy,” said Little. “We’re very pleased to take the next step and invest further in the long-term future of golf in Canada by playing a greater role in nurturing the next generation of national golfing heroes and further developing the game that so many Canadians love.”
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes, and is Premier National Partner of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
The RCGA National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. The RCGA allocates over $1 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.
Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations. The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour. For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit http://www.rcga.org/
RBC announces new funding initiative to support Canadian pros advancing to LPGA and PGA TOUR
PGA TOUR players Stephen Ames and Mike Weir become ‘Team RBC’ Ambassadors
TORONTO, ON — RBC today announced a significant extension of its golf sponsorship programs that will help fund and enhance grassroots and developmental programs across Canada.
Building Canadian Competitive Golf Excellence
Already the title sponsor for Canada’s national golf championship, the RBC Canadian Open, RBC will help fund Team Canada, the Royal Canadian Golf Association’s high performance national amateur golf team program. RBC will also contribute support to the resurgence of Canada’s national amateur golf championships, conducted by the RCGA.
“We are proud to support the RCGA’s vision to drive excellence in competitive amateur golf, building on the recent accomplishments of national team players like Nick Taylor, Matt Hill and Jennifer Kirby at the collegiate, national and international level,” said Jim Little, RBC chief brand and communications officer.
“Extending our support to Canada’s national amateur championships not only allows talented Canadian players to compete in world class competitions on home soil, but also offers so many more golf enthusiasts and volunteers across the country the long-term opportunity to get involved and be a part of this great sport.”
“We applaud RBC for their long-term vision in supporting an environment that will build competitive golf excellence in Canada,” said Scott Simmons, RCGA executive director and CEO. “Programs that promote grassroots and amateur competition as well as those that help support training and high performance opportunities are critical to Canadian golfers developing their competitive potential.”
Supporting Emerging Talent
RBC also announced plans to deepen its relationships with Canada’s emerging and established touring professionals.
RBC is creating a new initiative to help young male and female professional golfers make the jump to the professional ranks on the PGA and LPGA Tours. Beginning in 2010, RBC has created a new initiative to support emerging Canadian professionals making the transition to the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour -- including 2010 graduates Graham DeLaet and Chris Baryla on the PGA TOUR, and Lisa Meldrum and Samantha Richdale on the LPGA Tour -- by providing a combination of funding and tailored, comprehensive financial planning and private banking services through its RBC Sports Professionals program. Athletes who elect to sign up for the program will become RBC ambassadors and carry corporate branding on their golf bags as they compete each week on the world’s stage.
“This step is a very important element of my development as a professional and my hat is off to RBC for taking a leadership role here and identifying the need,” said DeLaet. “It’s clear they really get it and are doing an admirable job connecting all the dots through support of Canadian player development from the grassroots all the way up to those of us fortunate enough to make the leap to the PGA TOUR. I’m pleased to be joining their program and am looking forward to meeting everyone on their team.”
Weir, Ames Join Team RBC
In addition, RBC is enhancing existing relationships with PGA TOUR pros Stephen Ames and Mike Weir by entering into new multi-year extensions with both players. RBC becomes the official bank for Ames and Weir and both will have RBC branding prominently featured on their staff golf bags when they compete each week on the PGA TOUR. The partnerships are anchored in philanthropy with RBC continuing on as presenting sponsor of the Stephen Ames Cup and the Mike Weir Foundation entering its second year as the national charity partner of the RBC Canadian Open.
“I have been fortunate to have had a very close partnership with RBC for a number of years now and I’m thankful to see that continue,” said Weir. “More importantly, however, I’m excited about their support at the amateur level and their investment in the future of Canadian golf. We are seeing many great young Canadian golfers coming up and the support of RBC will not only help them succeed, but will provide the opportunities for even more amateurs to pursue their dreams in the sport.”
“Canadians are showing every week that they can compete with the best in golf,” said Ames. “RBC’s grassroots commitment to the game will be a boost to the next generation of players that will pay dividends for years to come. Their strong commitment to charity, both through the RBC Canadian Open and my own charitable foundation, is also something that I’ve appreciated personally, not only for the future of the game, but also for the future of the programs that benefit communities across Canada.”
Ames kicked off his season on the PGA TOUR last week at the Kapalua event in Hawaii while Weir made his first start yesterday at the Bob Hope Classic in La Quinta, California. Weir and Ames join American standout Anthony Kim forming ‘Team RBC’ on the PGA TOUR.
“Over the past two years, supporting the RBC Canadian Open has given us an opportunity to engage so many of our clients, employees and community partners in an event that they enjoy,” said Little. “We’re very pleased to take the next step and invest further in the long-term future of golf in Canada by playing a greater role in nurturing the next generation of national golfing heroes and further developing the game that so many Canadians love.”
RBC AND THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN
In partnership with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), RBC is the title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, the third oldest national golf championship worldwide, next only to the British Open and the U.S. Open. With a history of great players and premier fields, the RBC Canadian Open provides golf fans with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a world class event on Canadian soil. RBC also sponsors all levels of amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport organizations and elite-level athletes, and is Premier National Partner of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
ABOUT THE RCGA NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
The RCGA National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. The RCGA allocates over $1 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.
Team Canada, the pinnacle of the RCGA’s High Performance Program, provides access to world class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, elite competitive opportunities and builds on the support that team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations. The RCGA’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly sponsored by Titleist, Foot-Joy and Under Armour. For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.rcga.org/teamcanada.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit http://www.rcga.org/
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Canadian International Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show is there to feed your inspiration and nurture your vision. It’s where you’ll find the ideas, tools, contacts and strategies to make your projects a reality and improve your course’s operational efficiencies, from staffing to maintenance and product use.
Save this date!
From February 26 to March 2, 2010, golf course management professionals from across North America will gather in Toronto for the annual Canadian International Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show. This year’s conference promises to be the most exciting ever. See details about our educational program and our celebrity keynote speaker, Peter Mansbridge, who promises to be one of the event’s highlights.
The International Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show is presented jointly by the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA). It combines a unique program, exciting networking events and a one-of-a-kind trade show—all geared to helping golf course managers deliver value to their property.
Don’t miss it!
Sign up today for the Canadian International Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow in Toronto in 2010. www.golfsupers.com/toronto2010
Save this date!
From February 26 to March 2, 2010, golf course management professionals from across North America will gather in Toronto for the annual Canadian International Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show. This year’s conference promises to be the most exciting ever. See details about our educational program and our celebrity keynote speaker, Peter Mansbridge, who promises to be one of the event’s highlights.
The International Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show is presented jointly by the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA). It combines a unique program, exciting networking events and a one-of-a-kind trade show—all geared to helping golf course managers deliver value to their property.
Don’t miss it!
Sign up today for the Canadian International Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow in Toronto in 2010. www.golfsupers.com/toronto2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
RCGA to Gather in Vancouver From January 21-23
- Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. to be sworn in as RCGA’s 107th President -
Vancouver, B.C. (RCGA) - The Annual General Meeting of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) will take place next week (January 21-23) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver, B.C.
The 2010 Annual General Meeting will bring together the RCGA Board of Directors, the Governors Council and RCGA staff as well as representatives from Canada’s provincial golf associations and Canadian golf industry stakeholders. The group will assemble over three days of meetings in preparation for the upcoming golf season.
The Annual General Meeting will include the appointment of Kamloops, B.C. resident Jack McDonald as the RCGA’s 107th President. The induction ceremony will take place during the official Annual General Meeting on Saturday, January 23rd from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at the Four Seasons.
The RCGA will also present both its 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award as well as its Distinguished Service Award(s) during a dinner on Saturday, January 23rd to conclude the Annual General Meeting. The awards will honour a trio of individuals for their outstanding contributions to the game of golf.
Ty Votaw, Executive Vice President, International Affairs with the PGA Tour will be on hand at the RCGA’s Annual General Meeting dinner on Saturday, January 23rd as the keynote speaker.
RCGA Member Golf Clubs interested in finding out more information about the 2010 Annual General
Meeting can contact the RCGA at 1.800.263.0009.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit http://www.rcga.org/.
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Vancouver, B.C. (RCGA) - The Annual General Meeting of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) will take place next week (January 21-23) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver, B.C.
The 2010 Annual General Meeting will bring together the RCGA Board of Directors, the Governors Council and RCGA staff as well as representatives from Canada’s provincial golf associations and Canadian golf industry stakeholders. The group will assemble over three days of meetings in preparation for the upcoming golf season.
The Annual General Meeting will include the appointment of Kamloops, B.C. resident Jack McDonald as the RCGA’s 107th President. The induction ceremony will take place during the official Annual General Meeting on Saturday, January 23rd from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at the Four Seasons.
The RCGA will also present both its 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award as well as its Distinguished Service Award(s) during a dinner on Saturday, January 23rd to conclude the Annual General Meeting. The awards will honour a trio of individuals for their outstanding contributions to the game of golf.
Ty Votaw, Executive Vice President, International Affairs with the PGA Tour will be on hand at the RCGA’s Annual General Meeting dinner on Saturday, January 23rd as the keynote speaker.
RCGA Member Golf Clubs interested in finding out more information about the 2010 Annual General
Meeting can contact the RCGA at 1.800.263.0009.
ABOUT THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION
The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) is the governing body of golf in Canada, representing 377,000 members at 1,600 clubs across the country. Recognized by Sport Canada as the National Sports Organization (NSO) for golf in this country, the RCGA’s mission is to grow participation in and passion for the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. The RCGA conducts programs and services to help shape the future of golf in Canada. High performance athlete development, CN Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, turfgrass and environmental research, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Rules of Golf and amateur status, handicapping and course rating are only some of the initiatives the association leads for golf in Canada. In addition, the RCGA conducts Canada’s most prestigious golf championships. The RBC Canadian Open and CN Canadian Women’s Open attract the best professional golfers in the world, while regional junior and national amateur championships showcase the best in Canadian golf.
For further information on what the RCGA is doing to support golf in your community please visit http://www.rcga.org/.
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