Checking in with Team Canada

Team Canada members might be spread out across the country and as far as Korea this holiday season, but there’s certainly no shortage of holiday spirit amongst the players.

Despite being busy shopping and relaxing, a few of the players took the time to weigh in on what they’ll be up to over the next few weeks. They also gave some insight on what they’d like to get from Santa, what they think each other needs to find under their respective Christmas trees and their goals for the upcoming season competing for Canada on the National and Development teams.

What are your plans over the holiday season?

“I’m in Korea to visit my family! I’m really excited because I don’t see them a lot since I live on the other side of the world.” -Jisoo Keel

“My plans are to relax and spend time with my family after a long semester away at school, and I’m also getting ready to wear a lot more clothes to stay warm!” -Christine Wong

“I just finished up exams, so I’m looking forward to the break. Going to relax and maybe play some hockey and go on a snowboard trip.” -Chris Hemmerich

“A lot of relaxing, a lot of baking, and a lot of shopping.” –Brittany Marchand

Do you have any favourite or funny holiday traditions?

“Dad tells lame jokes at the dinner table and we play full contact card games. Also, my grandfather has never played a round of golf in his life, yet he is still one of my biggest supporters and always pulls out the old green jacket during the holiday season.” –Matt Williams

“We listen to church choirs and have a few favourite movies.” –Augusta James

“Our favourite Christmas tradition is enjoying my mom’s homemade cinnamon buns on Christmas morning (sorry Jason!).” –Matt Scobie

“Eating as much food as possible at the family dinner before school starts.” -Christine Wong

“We go to church with my family and we celebrate my grandmother’s birthday and Christmas at my aunt’s house.” – Valérie Tanguay

What’s on your wish list for this year?

“I have all my golfing tools, a car would be the ultimate present.” –Mark Valliere

“I haven’t really asked for anything specific, but my family looks pretty suspicious lately so I’m curious to see what they have planned!” – Kevin Kwon

“My wish is to the win the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship this summer.” –Valérie Tanguay

“I would love if Santa could drop by and give me an extra 20 yards, maybe then I wouldn’t be the shortest hitter on the team” –Matt Williams

If you could buy any of your teammates or coaches any present, what would it be and why?

“I would buy Coach Tristan Mullally opera singing lessons because he told me that he sings opera!” –Jisoo Keel

“I would buy Christine Wong a lifetime supply of soynut butter (her peanut-free guilty pleasure) and for Augusta, either a label maker to make things just that more organized for her, or a TV tray to eat her dinner more comfortably while watching her shows.” –Brittany Marchand

“I’m not sure if this is possible, but I would try and buy tickets for all the players and coaches on Team Canada to play Augusta National.” –Kevin Kwon

“I would buy my teammates and I a vacation trip to somewhere warm and relax (without golf clubs).” –Christine Wong

“I would buy them all left-handed clubs so they can play golf the right way.” –Matt Williams

“I would definitely get Matt Williams a backup set of Puka shells.” -Matt Scobie

“I’d buy Garrett Rank a white NC State hat because he asked for one and I forgot to pick one up for him over Thanksgiving.” –Augusta James

“I’d buy Rob (Robert Ratcliffe - Men's Assistant Coach )a wig!” -Mark Valliere

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?

“No more 3 putts.” –Matt Williams

“Maintain a disciplined workout routine and also keep a healthier diet.” –Christine Wong

“To have more gratitude for all the small things and to read more.” -Brittany Marchand

Goals for the 2013 Season

“Make the Team Canada Men’s Squad, get into the top 100 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings and win an NCAA title.” -Kevin Kwon

“Place in the top 5 in all or most of the tournaments that I compete in and gain the confidence I need for the next level in golf, the professional tour.” –Christine Wong

“Become known as a great short game player.” -Mark Valliere

Highlight moments of 2012

“Going to Turkey to compete in the World Am.” –Augusta James

“My wins at CN Future Links Ontario and the Alberta Junior, however, I’m most proud of my fourth place finish at the Callaway Junior World Golf Championship.” –Matt Williams

“Winning the Canadian Championship CCAA with a final score of 67 and when I won the provincial championship.” -Valérie Tanguay

“Qualifying for the U.S. Open and winning my first professional event at the Richmond Golf Club.” –Jisoo Keel

“Travelling to Czech Republic with the Canadian University team and playing against other countries.” –Chris Hemmerich

“Winning the Ontario Amateur.” –Brittany Marchand

“Making Team Canada and singing my National Letter of Intent with the University of Houston.” -Matt Scobie