Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Randy Vanberg, Quintero Golf & Country Club, Hole #16
I hit a 6 iron from 185 yards. It bounced twice and rolled the final 10 feet into the cup. We teed off from an elevated green so we could see it drop. I was playing with my best friend Marc Chiswell and two locals. It was a wonderful experience I will never forget!
Ivan, Sandhills Golf & Country Club, Hole #17
Got one! On hole #17 at Sandhills, Ontario last fall.
Trish Ross, Hemet Golf Course, Hole #7
I got a hole-in-one on hole #7 at Hemet Golf Course in Hemet, California on November 24th, 2023. I used a 5 hybrid and the yardage was 127 yards. This was my second hole-in-one, what makes this funny is my first hole-in-one was at Lacombe Golf Course in Lacombe, Alberta on hole #7 which is also a par 3!
Phil Rebus, Cove Cay Country Club, Hole #12
My ace took place at the Cove Cay Golf Club in Clearwater, Florida on the par 3, hole #12 late in the afternoon on March 23, 2024. I was playing with my wife Stephanie and two gentlemen from Chicago, Mark and Scott. I hit a pitching wedge from 122 yards, which turned out to be a one hopper that ended up in the jug. Because of the pin position (just behind a front bunker) and green elevation I did not see the shot go in, however a man on a neighbouring tee let out a cheer and walked over to shake my hand. I couldn’t believe my ball had gone in, but after walking up to the green we found the ball mark approximately two feet in front of the hole and my ball in the cup.
Carmen Auciello, Blackmoor Golf Club, Hole #15
The hole was playing 153 yards, slightly downwind. I hit a 9 iron that was right at it the whole time and basically one bounced into the hole! It was a surreal moment and was a great way to end our golf trip to Myrtle Beach. I was playing with Jim Schmidt, Glenn Crisp and Derek Haughton. Was a lot of fun.
David Dischiavi, Cherry Downs, Hole #6
I was playing with my buddy Evangelos (Evange) Bethanis, he’s a Golf Canada member as well. The hole is listed at 170 yards, I gunned it at 157 and used an 8 iron. If you want a few more details it was into the wind with a big of a push off the right, little baby draw and it rolled in. The group in front of us heard the pin shake and walked to the green and saw it in the cup.
Dan White, Whistle Bear Golf Club, Hole #14
My second round at the club this year after opening on Friday, I was playing with two good friends; Michael Dixon and Ryan Smyth on a mid Sunday morning round. The wind is regularly gusty at Whistle Bear Golf Club, and as we reached the par 3, hole #14, my playing partners lasered the flag at 155 yards with a good wind into us from the left. The pin located in the middle to back left on the green with the hole not visible in the landing area. I hit a 7 iron left over the green side bunkers watching the wind drift it back towards the flag, not knowing what happened after it landed. As we walked up, the group in front of us walked over the hill from the 15th tee shouting we think that went in. In disbelief, Mike gets there ahead of me and checks the hole and confirms it, my ball is in the hole, for my first hole-in-one!
Jeff Gossack, Deer Creek, Hole #8
I’ve been playing golf since 1975 starting from when I was a junior at the old Green Valley golf course in Saint Monique, Quebec. I have been moved on to play golf at Cedarbrook Golf and Country Club for two years and then Hillsdale Golf & Country Club for 22 years. I am currently now a member of Elm Ridge Golf and Country Club in Ile Bizard, Quebec for the last three years. Where I’m currently a member of our senior intersectional team. Believe it or not, it took me 60 and a half years to finally enjoy the moment of making my first hole-in-one. I have literally been on the lips several times, hit sticks, rolled over the hole countless times. But it never dropped. Even my sister, who didn’t take the game seriously has actually had a hole-in-one. So you can imagine, the excitement to finally get the proverbial monkey off my back.
It happened at my home course in Florida, which I’m a member at. Which is Deer Creek Golf Club in Deerfield, Florida on hole #8 par 3. Playing 156 yards into the wind that day and I had a 7 iron. At this point in my career, I probably would’ve taken a lucky bounce or a skulled duff. But to my amazement, it actually was an absolute gorgeous shot. I was playing with my good buddy Jerry Marcus who actually lives in New Jersey. As well as two other members of deer Creek, a gentleman named Joe, also from New Jersey, and Ron from parkland down here in Florida. Hope you will share my story with other golf enthusiasts. To never give up Faith in this wonderful game as everybody will eventually get an outstanding moment to cherish if they just keep at it.
Jay Kembhavi, Cordova Bay Golf Course, Hole #6
It was a beautiful Spring morning in Victoria at the superb Cordova Bay Golf Course. My playing partners were Lorraine Cooper – Morton, Mike Morton and Barry Greenwood. The magical moment happened on hole #6 which has an elevated green. If I remember, it was 136 yards, slope adjusted. I hit a 6 iron, saw it roll to the pin and disappeared. I thought it had rolled in, as did my playing companions but because it’s an elevated green, we weren’t 100% sure till we walked up and confirmed the ball (a Red Srixon) was indeed in the cup. The Marshall, Brad Johnston happened to be at the green and saw what happened. That’s when we really celebrated! Brad of course immediately spread the word around and I got several congratulatory messages from all the wonderful staff at the club and other members who know me. Pretty memorable day especially since it was my very first ace and was very happy to share it with my friends.
Adam Gognavec, Legends On The Niagara, Hole #17
Hey Golf Canada! The hole-in-one was actually on Saturday the 20th! It was awesome, was 162 yards to the flag. There was an 82km/h wind gust that day so I hit a flighted 8 iron right at it, it landed about five yards short and rolled in like a putt. I was playing with two of my good buddies Troy and Christian. The group in front of us was my brother and his buddies and they heard our reaction to it dropping! It was my third hole-in-one but the feeling still doesn’t go away.
Anthony Francella, Hawks Landing Golf Club, Hole #13
I was down in Florida for an annual golf trip with the boys. Eight of us go down to play and get the rust off before the golfing season gets into full gear in Ontario. That day I was playing with John, Kenny and Darryl. The yardage was 149 yards and I hit a perfect 9 iron right at the flag. From the tee, we couldn’t tell where the ball ended up, however we knew it was close. When getting up to the green, the ball was nowhere to be seen. We’ve all had that anticipation before, could it be in the hole? I ran up to check the cup and screamed when I saw my ball in the bottom.
Elton Weston, Fort Langley Golf Course, Hole #5
I was playing our Saturday league with Rob Dahlseide, Rob Mitchell and Bryan Martyniuk. The hole was cut on the front of the green about 84 yards from the tee I hit a choked down sand wedge.
Geoff Phillips, Glacier Greens Golf Club, Hole #12
Thanks for the congratulations on my lucky hole-in-one on April 3. The hole was #12 at Glacier Greens in Comox B.C. It was 96 yards and I hit a pitching wedge. My playing partners were Mick Hewson, Paul McRoberts and Mike Maddocks. The goofy toothless smile was from the dentist the day before, all in all a very enjoyable day.
Michael Coulthard, Gallagher’s Canyon, Hole #5
I was playing with my usual Wednesday night foursome at Gallaghers Pinnacle, Tom, Brian and Roger (sub for Frank partying in Vegas haha). We’ve been playing regular Wednesday nights here since the course opened in 1996. It’s a nine hole course so I register back nine scores to reflect blue tee distance. It was playing about 105 yards and I hit a 54° wedge. It was my second hole-in-one at the Pinnacle (fourth career), both Tom and Brian have been with me for three of the four. The last two (2016 and 2020) were to elevated greens so we didn’t get to see them drop, it was nice to watch this one roll in.
Ryan McColl, The Oaks Golf & Country Club, Hole #15
My son Wesley and I are proud members of our amazing club “The Oaks Golf & Country Club” in Delaware, Ontario. This season my son and I said, “This year one of us will get a hole-in-one on hole #15 our signature par 3 island hole.” On Monday, April 23, a beautifully lit evening, the camera rolled, and it happened! We were stunned, screaming, laughing, and celebrating when we fell to the ground, and I may have broken my thumb! We go back for more x-rays on Monday. We got it all on video, hole #15, par 3, 123 yards. We got you hole #15! The crazy thing is this is my sixth hole-in-one and fifth at The Oaks but the best one ever because it was with my son and our first together! So blessed! #memoryforlife
Andrea Mounce-Halasz, Chester Golf Club, Hole #8
123 yards
4 hybrid
July 12, 2023
National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA)
OTTAWA, Canada – The National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) is an industry coalition consisting of the five national golf associations in Canada – Golf Canada; National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Canada; the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC); Professional Golfers Association of Canada (PGA of Canada); and the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA).
Each association represents a unique sector of the golf industry – its purpose is to advocate as a single voice about issues that affect golfers and golf businesses, and subsequently their employee groups, and related stakeholders. Since 2011, NAGA has executed an annual lobby day, referred to as National Golf Day, as an event to highlight the positive virtues of Canadian golf and build relationships with key legislative decision-makers both federally and provincially.
NAGA is delighted to advise that after a four-year pause due to COVID-19, we will again be conducting the annual National Golf Day initiative on May 22-23, 2024, with a press conference on Parliament Hill, followed by targeted advocacy meetings with MPs and Senators in Ottawa.
Golf: Many Benefits
Golf flourished during the pandemic as the nature of the sport easily allowed for social distancing while delivering a social recreation experience for both avid and new players . Several clubs now have waitlists due to the increased interest in golf as more people took up the sport when travel or other recreational activities were adversely impacted. Post-COVID, golf enthusiasts have continued their renewed (or new) interest in the sport because of its many benefits, whether health, mental, or social.
Current data suggests that hundreds of thousands of participants have entered the sport in recent years, totaling nearly six million golfers in Canada, just under 20% of the entire Canadian population. New golfers are increasingly likely to be female with active women golfers growing by 6% in 2023 vs 2022. New golfers are also ever more likely to be BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) as evidenced by a 33% lift in BIPOC active golfers in 2023 vs 2022.
Economic Impact Study
Complementary to the advocacy work of NAGA, the coalition conducts an economic impact study every five years to measure the financial, employment, charitable, tourism and environmental impact that the sport and the business of golf contributes to communities across Canada. The survey was executed in February 2024 and the results will be released just prior to National Golf Day 2024. The study will highlight economic insights for each of the 10 provinces and three territories from coast-to-coast.
Given that this study will be the first since COVID and the interest spike that followed, NAGA anticipates the results to be dramatically different than prior years.
Call to Action
In the lead-up to National Golf Day 2024, NAGA invites its association members to encourage your networks to get involved in the sport, whether that be playing a round of golf, experience family time at your local course, introducing a new player to the game, taking a lesson, or enjoying a meal at your local course clubhouse.
NAGA stakeholders are encouraged to consider running a special National Golf Day promotion to support the day and join in the wonderful momentum that golf is currently experiencing.
Sincerely,
National Allied Golf Associations
National Golf Course Owners Association Canada
Daniel Pilon, President
Jeff Calderwood, CEO + Chair, NAGA
The Club Management Association of Canada
Jana-Lyn Fairbairn, CCM, President
Suzanne Godbehere, CEO
Golf Canada
David McCarthy, President
Laurence Applebaum, CEO
Canadian Golf Superintendents Association
John McLinden, AGS, President
Kathryn Wood, CEO
Professional Golfers Association of Canada
Scott Kolb, PGA, President
Kevin Thistle, CEO
All Canadian line-up set for two-night concert series at
Hamilton Golf and Country Club
The festival vibe for Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship just got stronger as Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Canadian artists July Talk and Lindsay Ell have been added to the performance line-up of the SiriusXM Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open.
Juno Award winners, July Talk will be performing on Friday, May 31 along with previously announced Canadian legends, Our Lady Peace.
Award-winning singer, songwriter and philanthropist, Lindsay Ell will join country music rising star Josh Ross on Saturday, June 1 as the headline acts at the SiriusXM Concert Series taking place following play at the historic Hamilton Golf and Country Club, May 28 to June 2, 2024.
The two-night onsite concert series will be hosted by title sponsor, SiriusXM Canada in partnership with Live Nation Canada and Golf Canada and will shine a spotlight on Canadian talent and emerging musical artists.
July Talk originated in Toronto and features two front people, Leah Fay Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis, surrounded by whiplashing guitarists Ian Docherty and Josh Warburton, and drummer Danny Miles and percussionist Dani Nash. The band has produced four studio albums since its inception in 2012. Three-time Juno award winner, July Talk is highly regarded for its on-stage presence and performances and has toured extensively over the past decade. The band’s most recent album, Remember Never Before, was released last year and is regarded as the most potently yet inventively “July Talk” album yet, the band returns – changed – to where they began.
Lindsay Ell has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, with three career number ones and more than 401 million streams. Ell has been nominated for numerous awards including: ACM Awards (New Female Vocalist (2019), New Female Vocalist (2020), and Music Event of the Year (2020)); CMT Awards (Social Superstar (2015), Collaborative Video of the Year (2019)), CMA Awards (Musical Event of the Year (2019)); and JUNO Awards (Country Album of the Year (2021)) along with 20 CCMA Awards. In addition, last year Ell earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination (Best Host or Presenter, Factual or Reality/Competition) for her role as Host of Canada’s highest-rated reality TV program, Canada’s Got Talent. Ell will be joining Shania Twain’s Las Vegas residency later this summer as Twain’s lead guitarist and recently shared the stage with OneRepublic.
In addition to world-class golf and the SiriusXM Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open, spectators will enjoy a week-long festival atmosphere at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, highlighted by, The Rink, located at the 13th Hole along with a variety of food and patio experiences at The Fare Way featuring The Keg.
“The additions of July Talk and Lindsay Ell to previously announced artists Our Lady Peace and Josh Ross promise to make the 2024 Sirius XM Concert Series a memorable experience for golf and music enthusiasts alike. Fans onsite will enjoy world-class golf followed by two incredible nights of live music featuring these amazing Canadian talents,” said Bryan Crawford, tournament director, RBC Canadian Open.
RBC Canadian Open tickets for Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 include full day access to the tournament and the SiriusXM Concert Series. The concert grounds will be located near admissions and The Fareway featuring The Keg at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
To purchase tickets to the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, please visit RBCCanadianOpen.com/tickets/.
Men’s competition to be held 1-4 August, followed by the women’s competition 7-10 August
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND (Tuesday, 23 April, 2024) – In 100 days, the men’s golf competition will commence at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics at the renowned Le Golf National. The men’s golf competition will be contested Thursday, August 1st through Sunday, August 4th, followed by the women’s competition, which will run Wednesday, August 7th through Saturday, August 10th. Paris 2024 marks the fifth time golf has been featured in the Olympics, and just the third time since 1904 after its return at Rio 2016.
“With 100 days until the beginning of Olympic Golf Competitions, we’re excited to see the momentum building as we approach the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games,” said International Golf Federation Executive Director Antony Scanlon. “We know Le Golf National will provide a challenging, dramatic test to the competitors, and I can’t wait to welcome these 120 athletes as they represent their nations on sport’s biggest stage while vying to be presented Olympic medals atop the podium.”
QUALIFICATION
Both the men’s and women’s fields for the Olympic Golf Competitions feature 60 players. The IGF uses the Official World Golf Ranking to create the Olympic Golf Rankings as a method of determining eligibility. The top 15 world-ranked players will be eligible for the Olympics, with a limit of four players from a given country. Beyond the top 15, players will be eligible based on the world rankings, with a maximum of two eligible players from each country that does not already have two or more players among the top 15. For more information on the qualification process and to access the most updated Olympic Golf Rankings, please click here.
If qualification ended today (April 23, 2024), Canada’s team would be comprised of Nick Taylor, Adam Hadwin on the men’s side and Brooke Henderson and Maddie Szeryk on the women’s team.
COMPETITION FORMAT
The competition consists of a 72-hole individual stroke play for both men and women, with four rounds scheduled over four consecutive days. Scores are cumulative from round to round. The player with the lowest aggregate score wins.
HOST COURSE – LE GOLF NATIONAL
Le Golf National, one of the most prestigious golf venues in Europe, will host both competitions and is owned and managed by the French Golf Federation. Located in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Le Golf National has previously hosted major international competitions, most notably the 2018 Ryder Cup. The venue also serves as the permanent home for the annual Open de France event on the DP World Tour. Le Golf National opened in 1991 and was fully renovated in 2016.
KEY DATES FOR OLYMPIC GOLF
- 12 June – 50 days from the beginning of the men’s Olympic Golf competition
- 17 June – Olympic Golf Rankings finalised for the men’s golf competition
- 24 June – Olympic Golf Rankings finalised for the women’s golf competition
- 23 July – Olympic Torch at Le Golf National
- 29 July – Groupings and tee times announced for the men’s golf competition
- 1-4 August – Men’s golf competition
- 5 August – Groupings and tee times announced for the women’s golf competition
- 7-10 August – Women’s golf competition
NEW IGF WEBSITE
Today, the IGF also released its new website: www.igfgolf.org.
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Ronald Rozon, Royal Colwood Golf Club, Hole #7
I was playing with Michael Gibbons, James Leslie and Michael Craig. Hole #7, 149 yards, Pitching Wedge.
Phyllis Laschuk, Point Grey, Hole #2
On Tuesday, April 9th, I received the eGolf Canada newsletter and read all the articles including the Hole-in-One Report. It brought back memories of the past hole-in-one’s I’ve had in 2018 and 2019 and thought – “it would be nice to enjoy another one day”.
On April 11th, I arrived at Point Grey for my usual Thursday game. It was starting to rain and the forecast was for continuing rain throughout the day. With two from our group cancelling, my longtime (over 30 years) golf buddy, Caroline McKee showed up, along with a new member, Betty Gass. We reluctantly agreed to play a few holes and decide if we would continue. As we walked to the first tee, Killian from the pro shop stopped us and asked if we would have the young fellow on the tee join us as his group had cancelled and he was a guest from The Ottawa Hunt Club.
We happily agreed and mentioned to Geoff that we may only play a few holes due to the weather and he said that was fine. On the first hole we were impressed with his ball striking as well as his engaging and patient manner despite the 40 plus age difference.
On the second hole, approximately 86 yards, I took my pitching wedge and watched as my ball bounced once, hit the flag and landed near the hole. I was breathless as I turned to see if my group had just seen the shot, and as I looked back to the hole the ball had disappeared.
Yes, the ball was in the hole. But silence followed as I mentioned that the hole-in-one insurance states that you have to complete at least nine holes. And the rain was persisting, so I was grateful when Caroline, Betty and Geoff said they would continue and complete the nine.
After hole #9, we enjoyed drinks and lunch and most importantly for me will be the memories for my lifetime of sharing my hole-in-one with dear friends and a special new acquaintance.
Deborah Parker, Tara Golf & Country Club, Hole #4
I was playing with Linda Landry and Wynann Biondo. As you can see from the picture I brought my wedge with me because we didn’t see it go in and I figured I may have rolled off the back, but to my surprise it didn’t! It was on a par 3, I believe the yardage was 134. I hit my Ping 5 hybrid and was playing my Taylor Made Tour Response.
Claire Primeau-Bouchat, Belleview Golf Club, Hole #11
Member at Belleview Golf Club – Woodslee, ON
– Witnesses: Peter & Shelly Roovers & Andrew Bouchat
– Handicap: 16
– Hole #11 – Par 3 – 126 yards – used my TaylorMade Kalea 3W and a Titleist golf ball
It was a nice spring day with blustery winds. I was playing with my husband and two friends and having a decent round. The shot on hole #11 was slightly left of the pin – bounced once and ran towards the cup and disappeared. My husband yelled “it’s in”. I was picking up my tee and actually did not see it go in the hole. We told the Golf Course Manager (Josh) who sent a notification to the Membership via Facebook. This was my third Hole-in-One putting me one-up on my husband who has two of them.
Rosemary Willett, Paragon Golf & Country Club, Hole #7
This was my seventh hole-in-one! Last year I had one on hole #15 at Paragon playing with Mike Willett, Lorraine Drummond and John Drummond. This year I had a hole-in-one on hole #7 at Paragon and I was playing with the same couple and my husband! I used a choked up 7 wood for 110 yards.
David Wilks, Uplands Golf Course, Hole #11
I had a hole-in-one on hole #11 at Uplands Golf Course. I was playing with John Agar and Keith Classen. From the white tees it is 140 yards to a middle pin. The winds were gusting that day. I hit a 4 hybrid with a slight draw onto the green. Thought it had gone by, but found it in the hole when we got up to the green. After the round went to the club house and used our club’s hole-in-one insurance to buy beverages for those who joined us to celebrate the occasion. It was a fun day and evening. Totally unexpected!
Roger Rivard, Bear Mountain Golf Course, Hole #6
I had my hole-in-one on Monday, April 15th on the Valley Course, hole #6 on Bear Mountain. I shot it 137 yards using my 7 iron. I was playing with Harry Oshanski, Brad Maclaren and Andy Bes.
Byron Chamberlain, The Meadows Country Club (Grove Course), Hole #5
I was playing with Janice Lui at the time. I used a Pitching Wedge and the distance was about 124 yards.
MONTREAL – International Team Captain Mike Weir announced Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas as captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which will be played at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Sept. 24-29.
“I am excited to announce Ernie, Trevor, Geoff and Camilo as my captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup,” said Weir. “The four of them each have their own special history with this event and today’s announcement is a mere formality, as we have been working closely together through the years to ensure the International Team continues its momentum from 2019 and 2022. The culture and close-knit nature tied to this team is foundational to everything we will do heading into Montreal, and I can’t wait work alongside them to deliver a great week of golf for our players.”
Els, a 19-time PGA TOUR winner, has appeared in eight Presidents Cups (1996, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013) and holds the record for most matches won by an International Team player (20). The South African amassed an all-time 20-18-2 record and is third overall in matches won, trailing Tiger Woods (27) and Phil Mickelson (26) and tied with Jim Furyk (20). Els served as a captain’s assistant to Nick Price in 2017 before being named International Team Captain in 2019. That year, he unified the team with the creation of the shield and led the team to its biggest lead in Presidents Cup history before falling to a Tiger Woods-led U.S. Team, 16-14, at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, in Melbourne, Australia.
“Mike has been a longtime friend, is a true icon of sport in his home country, and it’s an honor to participate captain’s assistant as his captain’s assistant as he leads the International Team into Montreal in 2024,” said Els. “This team has built a lot of momentum over the past five years, and I am eager to get to work and ensure our players are prepared to compete in Canada.”
Immelman, the 2022 Presidents Cup International Team Captain, has been added to Weir’s roster of leadership. The 2008 Masters champion played a pivotal role in the continued development of the International Team following Els’ creation of the shield. With a combination of strategy, authenticity and planning by Immelman, the team was able create an extremely close-knit group of players at Quail Hollow Club and lay the groundwork for Captain Weir to continue building the team’s momentum. The 44-year-old returns to the team for his second stint as a captain’s assistant after first serving under fellow countryman Els in 2019. Immelman competed for the International Team in 2005 and 2007.
“Being a part of this team means a great deal to me and is something I have put my heart and soul into over the years,” said Immelman. “This team has been resilient through adversity and is building a foundation for the future that we have taken immense pride in. I could not be more excited to support Mike as he leads a team of guys into Montreal that are fully committed to playing for our shield and representing the International Team.”
Ogilvy returns to the Presidents Cup for a fourth time in the role of a captain’s assistant (2017, 2019, 2022). The 46-year-old Australian played on three consecutive International Teams (2007, 2009, 2011), where he amassed 7-6-1 record. Ogilvy owns eight career PGA TOUR victories, including the 2006 U.S. Open and three World Golf Championships, in addition to winning two of Australia’s biggest titles – the 2008 Australian PGA and 2010 Australian Open.
“Mike is the ideal leader for the International Team heading into Canada and I am very much looking forward to working alongside him,” said Ogilvy. “His passion for this event, this sport and the enthusiastic Canadian sports fans is second to none and will make for an incredible week for our players in Montreal. It’s an honor to return as captain’s assistant once again and I can’t wait to assist in delivering a successful week for the International Team.”
Villegas, 42, will return in 2024 after making his debut as a captain’s assistant in 2022 at Quail Hollow Club. The Colombian represented the International Team at the 2009 Presidents Cup at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. In addition to being a five-time PGA TOUR winner, Villegas reached a career-best No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking and represented Colombia in the World Cup of Golf in 2006 and 2011.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be named as captain’s assistant and I look forward to working alongside Mike and preparing our guys for a great week at Royal Montreal,” said Villegas. “I served in this same capacity in 2022 in Charlotte, and the camaraderie and competitive fire from that team is something I know will carry over this fall as we continue to build a road to success for the International Team.”
For more information about the Presidents Cup, or to purchase tickets, please visit PresidentsCup.com.
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Angus Black, Marina Mazatlan, Hole #2
I was playing with a group that here in Mazatlan we call ourselves the PGA (Paraiso Golf Association). The par 3, hole #2 is 146 yards long (from the white tblocks). I used my 7 wood with a ProV1 golf ball.
Kendra Stoner, Gorge Vale Golf Club, Hole #10
After starting golfing only three years ago, I’m gained a huge respect and love for the sport. In my first year of playing I was able to eagle a par 4 at my local course in Tofino, B.C. I’ve been hooked to the game ever since. So obtaining this hole-in-one was so incredibly special.
I was golfing with my friend Alex Cartwright who went to University for golf as is now a member at Gorge Vale. Playing with golfers at a higher level than me has always pushed me to be a better golfer.
We played 36 holes that day. My hole-in-one was the 10th hole in my back 18 round. After our front 9 of our second round, both fatigued we almost decided to not continue our second round – thank goodness we kept playing as I got my hole-in-one the next hole!
Alex teed off first landing around two feet from the hole, we were both very excited about his shot. Next was me, teeing off from the white/greens, around 115 yards out, I was in between clubs but decided to use my 8 iron. After a swing that felt good, we watched the ball land about two feet in front of the hole and what felt like slo-motion watched the ball roll into the cup.
Being the bubbly, energetic person I am, I started running around the tee box throwing my arms around in excitement. The way this hole is designed is it runs across from the driving range, and those on the range shared this excitement with us. The foursome in front of us also shared the exciting occurrence by jumping up and down and cheering!
I quickly jumped in the cart with my friend and raced to the green where I could perform my most favourite journey on a golf green of my life.
Picking that ball out of the cup, not even thinking about grabbing my putter is indescribable.
Honestly, I was ready to call it a day, but continued on the round and finished the last eight holes in exciting anticipation to get to the clubhouse for a much deserved pint.
Once entering the clubhouse, and being one of the only woman on the course that day, everyone knew what had happened before I even arrived. I walked in to a crowd of people clapping, in Kendra fashion, I did a little curtesy and sat at a table with some friends. One who was a member and also got a hole-in-one that day on hole #16, what a special day!
My friend is a member of the course and therefore gets a round of beer for everyone with his membership hole-in-one insurance so he rang the bell and everyone cheered in excitement (for the hole-in-one and free beer of course). The clubhouse was packed and I knew my tab would be outrageous so I didn’t ring the bell right away, instead I waiting a while for the crowd to die down a little before having my moment of bell ringing glory.
With a less dented wallet, I rang the bell, bought a round for the clubhouse and obtained my bag tag/flag of achievement.
That evening, FaceTiming my dad and sharing the story I could tell brought great pride and joy. He was able to share his stories of his three hole-in-ones and reminded me that this occurrence may be a once in a lifetime achievement in which I am grateful.
It was a special day that I will never forget.
Craig Kotyk, Venetian Bay Golf Club, Hole #16
It was hole #16, a par 3 , 149 yards from the white tees into the wind. I used a five wood because of the strong wind and it hit the front of the green and rolled up into the hole. This was over the water and when I went to look for my ball I thought it had rolled off the back although I felt I had taken a great shot , it was then that I looked into the hole and saw my ball. I could not believe it and what an incredible feeling! I was playing with my wife Nancy and two Venetian bay residents whom we were paired with, Rick and John. I am in awe and so honoured to join the hole-in-one club!
Douglas Moore, Knollwood Golf Club, Hole #9
I was playing with three friends Alex, Neal and George. It was around 120 yards and I used 4 hybrid. It was quite cold and windy, but I don’t hit a very long ball anyway. This is my second hole-in-one, I had another July 27, 2001, hole #9 also at Knollwood Golf Club, The New Course.
Greg Leis, River Greens Golf Course, Hole #3
I was golfing with Troy Zuorro, Dave Sharp and Dan Place as part of our Tuesday morning golf league. We play a Stableford game and have a prize for closest to the hole on all four of the par 3’s. I was the third to tee off and both Troy and Dan had already landed on the green ahead of me, so the pressure was on. It was 126 yards with the wind at our backs so I chose my 9 iron. I hit it a bit lower than planned and the ball was running across the ground by the time it hit the green and looked like it was going to roll right off the back. The pin was at the back of the green so I had a fair bit of time to watch it roll across the green. After turning right, then left, it hit the pin, bounced up about 10 cm and then dropped in the cup. It was very exciting to watch. Apparently the whole course heard us cheer. Fortunately Troy was clear headed enough to make me pose for these photos that he took. It was my first, and hopefully not last, hole-in-one.
Tiger Yuanjun Liu, Morgan Creek Golf Course, Hole #3
I made a hole-in-one on April 6 in the MJT Junior Tournament at Morgan Creek Golf Course, Surrey, B.C.! It happened in the first round. There are so many good players in my age group.
On hole #3, it is 147 yards. I stroke with my 9 iron. And it was so amazing that the ball went into the hole straight! This is my first hole-in-one. I can’t believe that it happened in a tournament.
David Pratt, Royal St. Augustine Golf & Country Club, Hole #14
I was a member of a group of seven of us who went on the afternoon of February 5th to play 18 holes of golf at the Royal St. Augustine Golf Club in St. Augustine Florida. I was paired with Mr. Pierre Groulx and his wife Monique Groulx. It was a cool, cloudy afternoon and by the time we arrive at the hole #14 tee the wind was getting stronger as there was some rain moving into the area. The par three hole #14 is a fairly tight but approachable hole. The pin was placed on the right middle of the green. My shot was a high draw that navigated close to the tree line, and I saw it bounce and I thought it would have been on the green or possibly have gone in the right-side bunker or alternatively rolled of the back of the green. Pierre and Monique took their shots and as we approached the green, I could not see my ball. I searched the bunker first, then took a glance at the fringe area beyond the hole and then said to myself well perhaps it’s in the hole. I took a look and too my surprise and delight my ball was in the hole.
We were all so excited after Monique and Pierre putted out, we got in our carts to go and tell our friends in the foursome behind us the news of my hole-in-one. We arrived in the clubhouse to have a celebratory beverage and one of my friends asked myself, Pierre, and Monique if there was a picture taken and we realized no picture was taken. My friends drove with me to hole #14 and took a picture. I am so blessed to have such good friends who reminded by to get a photo of me so I can savour the memory of my first hole-in-one. Thanks Barb and Bob Stewart for reminding me, taking me back to the hole and taking my picture.
Finally, a most interesting part to this story is we are a group of about sixteen to twenty people who winter in the St. Augustine area. On this afternoon, on February 5th, another group of our gang was playing a round down in Palm Coast area at the Palm Harbour Golf Club. When I was preparing to write a note to our gang about my hole-in-one, I saw in my inbox a note from one of our friends that a member of our group, Cynthia Baumgarten, scored a hole-in-one that same afternoon. Now what are the odds of that?
It was an exciting day that I will always remember.
Lesa Bowen, Bonita National Golf and Country Club, Hole #6
First one ever and man did it feel amazing! I was playing with three special ladies from our golf community, husbands were in a foursome behind us. I stepped up to the tee and felt wind in my face so I contemplated clubbing up. So glad I didn’t as my 8 iron hit crisp, my ball hit the green, rolled and at the last moment turned right and into the hole it went!
The sweetest part of my first hole-in-one? We live on this green and I view it daily from our lanai. I’m certain our screams were almost heard back home in Canada!
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Cynthia Watada, Burlington Springs, Hole #12
– Burlington Springs Golf Club
– Hole #12, par 3, 129 yards, 6 hybrid
– Happened on Sunday March 31, 2024
- Foursome of my friends Brian, Zak and Marie and I
Marcello Pavan, Fraserview Public, Hole #7
I am a member of the Men’s Club at the Vancouver’s Fraserview municipal golf course. We were playing the opening day of the 2024 season on Saturday, March 30, a best three out of four, four man team game. My partners were fellow Men’s Club members Tony Aquino, Don Neville and Darren Trach.
We teed off at 9:10, with me arriving at the course just five minutes before that! I ran to the first tee and teed off straight away. After a disastrous opening snowman (no kidding), I settled down. Hole #7 is usually a long par 3, with huge bunkers shielding the left front half of the green. On that day the tees were up, to about 165 yards from the hole, which was cut well over to the centre-right. I took aim to more-or-less the middle of the green, to the right of the front bunker, about 5-10 yards left of the hole, with my 4 hybrid to hopefully ensure I cleared it even with a miss hit. Well, I did miss hit it a little to the right, directly at the flag. It landed about 10 or so yards short and rolled directly to the hole. I was thinking, “hHey, this could be a KP for me” when it suddenly disappeared. My distance vision isn’t the best with those glasses, so my first thought was, “It didn’t go over the back did it?” Then I heard my group screaming, I looked back incredulously, then again at the hole, and then the adrenaline hit.
What a feeling. Surreal, out of body. Not at all what I dreamed it would be like. I tried to keep it together to not gloat in front of my mates, but they were more excited that I was!
The best part? Yes, there is a best part after that – I kept it going, draining three birdies on the day (happened maybe once before in my life) including two on the harder back nine, to shoot a career round for an eight under net. I was buzzing after the ace and really really didn’t want to mess up the rest of the round to ruin it, and it is supremely gratifying to have kept it together.
Ellen Wallace, Big Horn Golf Club, Hole #8
Ellen Wallace had a hole-in-one on March 18 at Big Horn Golf Club in Palm Desert on the Mountains Course hole #8 using a 8 iron. Ellen made this during The Big Deal Golf tournament at her home course. I was excited to watch it go in and this was her second hole-in-one! We were playing nine hole matches, happy to say we won that hole! Way to go Ellen.
Allan Coldwells, Fort Langley Golf Course, Hole #17
I had made this shot hundreds of times before in the past 17 years but have never landed closer. It is hole #17 at the Fort Langley Golf Course and the hole has an elevated tee to a relatively round green surrounded by deciduous trees. In this case the distance was 93 yards so I took out the pitching wedge and made the shot of my life. It was a slight right to left draw shot that landed 15 inches below the hole and rolled up the slope and to my amazement into the hole. It was witnessed by my playing partners that Saturday afternoon which were Les Calder, Darryl Rankin and Calvin Enders.
Lynne Yule, Nanaimo Golf Club, Hole #8
Yes, March 26 was an exciting day! We were playing in our 18 hole Tuesday ladies league, with my playing partners – Wanda Cullen, Wanda Cox and Catherine Deutscher. Hole #8 was 112 yards uphill, and I used my 5 iron. We knew two of us landed on the green but when we walked up to the green, only one ball was there. We looked around the edges of the green, then is was suggested to look into the hole and there was my ball.
Liam Bracken, Copetown Woods, Hole #11
Carded my first ever hole-in-one yesterday at Copetown Woods on hole #11. I am a Golf Canada member and always record my score on my app while playing. Playing 174 yards, I hit my 7 iron and two hopped the ball into the hole. Just a couple hours before the eclipse.
Brenda Lemky, Indian Canyons Golf Resort, Hole #4
On January 15, 2024 while golfing at Indian Canyons Golf Resort, where I am a member during the winter months. I was able to score two hole-in-ones in the same day, same round. The staff at the golf course contacted local news paper and a lovely lady, Kendall Balchan, from the Palm Springs Post contacted me and we had an interview. During the summer months I’m a member at Rivers Edge Golf Club in Okotoks, Alberta. As an avid golfer, I hope to inspire all levels of golfers to never think that getting your first hole-in-one isn’t going to happen to them as I did. Out of the blue it happened to me and the second was overwhelming and exhilarating. Never give up and first and foremost enjoy every moment of participating in an activity you love.
SiriusXM Canada announced as title partner of concert series at the
2024 RBC Canadian Open.
Toronto, April 10, 2024 – Golf Canada is pleased to announce a new partnership that welcomes SiriusXM Canada as the title sponsor of the SiriusXM Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open.
Four-time JUNO Award winning Canadian legends Our Lady Peace will be the headliner on Friday, May 31 followed by 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards, ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’, Josh Ross on Saturday, June 1 as part of Canada’s National Open Championship returning to the historic Hamilton Golf and Country Club, May 28 to June 2, 2024.
Hosted by SiriusXM Canada in partnership with Live Nation Canada and Golf Canada, the two-night onsite concert series will shine a spotlight on Canadian talent and artists. Additional headlining artists will be announced for both nights of the SiriusXM Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open in the coming weeks.
“Spotlighting Canadian talent while bringing fans closer to the music, sports and entertainment they love is something we do through our service every day,” said Rob Keen, SVP, Sales & Marketing, SiriusXM Canada. “Our ongoing partnership with Golf Canada allows us to bring two of our biggest content pillars together: music and sports, elevating the entertainment experience, and making it richer and more vibrant. This year, we’re proud to expand our relationship with Golf Canada by sponsoring the SiriusXM Concert Series, and we are so excited to showcase these artists to new fans, and to create some unforgettable moments.”
Our Lady Peace has been entertaining fans since forming in Toronto in 1992. The band has sold over five million albums, won four JUNO Awards and 10 Much Music Video Awards (MMVA), making them one of the MMVA’s most awarded artists. 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of their debut album “Naveed”, and the 25th anniversary of their third album “Happiness…Is Not A Fish You Can Catch”. Our Lady Peace’s No. 1 hits in Canada include, “Naveed,” “Superman’s Dead,”, “Clumsy,” “Innocent,” “Somewhere Out There,” and “Angels Losing Sleep.”
“The RBC Canadian Open is a world class event. Our Lady Peace is proud to be part of it and look forward to performing at the upcoming tournament,” said Our Lady Peace frontman Raine Maida.
Rising star Josh Ross originally from Burlington, Ont. who now resides in Nashville, made his debut on the country music scene in 2019. He recently released Complicated, on March 29, 2024, an extended play (EP) that includes singles, “Trouble” and “Single Again.” Ross has several other platinum-certified singles including, “Ain’t Doin’ Jack” and “Trouble” and was a SiriusXM Top of the Country Top 3 finalist in 2022. Last year, Ross won ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ at the 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards. Ross has toured with Bailey Zimmerman, Lee Brice, Nickelback, and Brantley Gilbert.
In addition to the SiriusXM Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open, spectators will enjoy a week-long festival atmosphere at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, highlighted by, The Rink, located at the 13th Hole along with a variety of food and patio experiences at The Fare Way featuring The Keg.
“Live music entertainment has become a staple of the RBC Canadian Open. Fans are in-store for world-class golf followed by incredible performances from two award winning Canadian headline acts,” said Bryan Crawford, tournament director, RBC Canadian Open.
Tickets for Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 include full day access to the tournament and the SiriusXM Concert Series. The concert grounds will be located near admissions and The Fareway featuring The Keg at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. To purchase tickets to the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, please visit RBCCanadianOpen.com/tickets/.
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Penny Aston, Cimarron Golf Resort, Hole #10
March 7, 2024 was somewhat of an unusual day in Coachella Valley, Southern California as the wind was howling, gusting anywhere from 50 to 60 km/hour. When our ladies group, made up of many Snowbirds, teed off at the Cimarron Golf Resort, Palm Springs, on the par 3 Pebble Course, it was not particularly windy, but the wind grew increasingly challenging as the round progressed.
The Pebble Course meanders its way through what is called “The Wash”, which provides a place for run off from both the surrounding mountains and the city itself and which, when dry, is filled with dessert sand. My group was a threesome, including Darlene Sloan, Pam Generaux and myself. We, along with the other groups, were determined to complete the round even as the conditions worsened.
The ladies were chatting as I prepared to tee off on hole #10, an 83 yard hole, but with a front pin position of 70 yards. The wind was blowing directly at us so club selection was tricky, but I finally decided on an 8 iron. As I was putting my tee into the ground, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be fun to get a hole-in-one!” not really believing that anything would happen.
I took my swing and made solid contact with the ball watching it arch into the air towards the green while being held up by the wind. The ball landed on the green and curved towards the hole where it appeared to stop in mid roll at the pin because the wind was holding it on an angle; then, the ball dropped into the hole as the wind let up for a second, releasing the pin! I looked at the ladies and we we were all somewhat in disbelief at what we had just seen. Had I really just wished myself a hole-in-one? No way! The celebration began as the ladies were all thrilled with my luck, as was I, and quickly spread the news to the other groups while celebrating birdie or, in this case, hole-in-one juice.
Robby Frankel, Old Corkscrew Club, Hole #12
First one ever! Was playing with my little brother, Jed, and an older gentleman we were paired with that day whose name is slipping my memory. It was the hole #12, 120 yards, gap wedge into howling winds. The ball didn’t even hit the green, it was a slam dunk that destroyed the cup!
Thomas McDougall, Raven Golf Club, Hole #14
On the final day of our golf trip to Arizona, playing with my three good friends at Raven Golf Club. It was our first golf trip since all of us had started to have kids.
Hole #14, 148 yards and slightly up hill. I hit a 9 iron that looked good the entire way. After it landed, it started to roll and the entire group started to shout thinking it could go in, and sure enough the ball disappeared. I said, “That either went in or rolled off the back” as we couldn’t see the entirety of the green. My two buddies in the other cart drove up to the green as fast as they could while I waited on the tee box with my hands on my head. They both ran to the green and looked in the hole and immediately threw their hands in the air and started screening. I sprinted from the tee box all the way to the green in celebration. My first hole-in-one. It was special to be able to do it with the group of guys I was with. It was a great moment.
Bruce Frey, Cottonwood Golf Course, Hole #5
I had my fifth hole-in-one at Cottonwood Golf Course in Nanaimo on March 20, 2024. I am 82 years old and started playing from the forward tees two years ago. This hole-in-one was on hole #11, a 70 yard par 3 over water and sand. I have had hole-in-one’s previously on hole #8, a 130 yard, hole #17 a 180 yard and two on hole #11, one from 70 yards and one from 135 yards. I was playing with my golf buddies Frank Hudson and Mike Zarecki.
Jeffrey Anderson, Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, Hole #7
I was playing with three buddies on February 11, 2024 at Vidanta Vallarta (Norman). The hole #7 is a drivable par 4 and I was fortunate to hit the perfect drive that day. I used my driver from 243 yards. The ball bounced on the green once before finding the bottom of the cup. I couldn’t see the ball after it bounced and we spent a while trying to find my ball before our caddie thought to look in the cup. Talk about a surprise! Anyway, I’ve had a hole-in-one before but never had an albatross so this was pretty exciting!
Gerard Cottreau, Moon Spa – Dunes to Jungle, Hole #8
I was playing with three others from the same resort where the course was located but didn’t know them. The hole was 134 yards and I used a pitching wedge.
Craig Ripley, Lely Resort Golf & Country Club, Hole #6
I hit an 8 iron from 166 yards. It was a super high shot in a very strong crosswind that was hurting a little. It landed a few feet below the hole and disappeared soon after. I was pretty sure it went in, but wasn’t certain if I could see the bottom of the stick or not. Sure enough it was in.
I went up to the tee thinking I would hit an easy 7 iron to keep it lower because of the wind but when I went to take a practice swing I realized I had grabbed my 4 iron!
When I was on the deck I felt the 7 iron was too much club so I grabbed the 8 iron when I was swapping my 4 iron, and I’m sure glad I did!
I was playing with my in-laws Ken and Liz Bialkowski who are members at The Classics. Very memorable to do it with them. My mother-in-law actually witnessed another family member get an ace on the same hole several years ago. She’s wondering when it’s her turn!?
It was my first time out since the Fall and I wasn’t playing very well, so it’s kind of funny to get a hole-in-one when playing pretty poorly. It certainly salvaged the round.
Nathalie Dunn, Four Mile Ranch, Hole #14
It is a great feeling. It was a blind shot so even more exciting. I was playing with my husband Kirk on March 23, 2024, around 2 p.m. All we knew from the guidebook and the score card is that it was 141 yards from the white so I used my 6 iron.
Noel Carragher, Creston Golf Club, Hole #13
March 22, 2024, entered on March 25th. Course was Creston Golf Club. Hole #13 from 124 yards. Club was a pitching wedge and played with Arlene Parnell, Larry Maclean and Allen Blackwell.
Thomas Mündi Isford, Hollecrest Golf Club, Hole #17
I played with my close friend Dale Evans and a couple from Denver. The hole was 190 yards and I used my 3 wood as the wind was in our face.
