TORONTO — RBC today announced its new sponsorship as a Global Partner of Women’s Golf Day (WGD) and lead sponsor of the inaugural WGD RBC Toronto event, taking place June 7 at the historic Scarboro Golf and Country Club. The Women’s Golf Day movement, recognized each year in June, includes more than 1,000 events in over 80 countries, and celebrates women and girls learning valuable skills that will empower them on and off the golf course.

With a shared vision of advancing the game of golf for women, RBC is proud to partner with WGD, a global network of women dedicated to supporting golf and one another in the pursuit of excellence in the game. As lead sponsor of the WGD Toronto event, RBC will help provide new and experienced golfers across the greater Toronto area with resources, networking opportunities and access to the game.

“We are thrilled to partner with Women’s Golf Day for the launch of the inaugural WGD RBC Toronto event and to further our commitment to supporting women in sport,” said Shannon Cole, Vice-President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “WGD’s passion for championing the advancement of women in golf is inspiring, and we are excited to be joining their incredible global network.”

“As Women’s Golf Day continues to evolve and expand globally, we are excited to welcome RBC, an organization that shares our passion for advancing women through the sport of golf,” said Elisa Gaudet, Founder of Women’s Golf Day. “We look forward to launching this initiative in Toronto and continuing to empower Canadian women to get involved in golf no matter what their level and explore the benefits for themselves, family and friends.”

Golfers can participate in the WGD global initiative by registering for the Toronto event, taking place on Tuesday, June 7 at Scarboro Golf and Country Club from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST. The event will include a panel discussion featuring prominent women in the sport including Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Member Lorie Kane, a choice of participation in either a 9-hole shotgun game or golf clinic, as well as networking opportunities with leading golf industry professionals.

Additionally, event participants will receive complimentary tickets courtesy of Golf Canada, to the RBC Canadian Open taking place from June 6-12 at the iconic St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Etobicoke. Tickets to the WGD event are limited and registration will close once all spots have been filled.

“Scarboro Golf and Country Club is thrilled to host the Toronto event for Women’s Golf Day and to partner with RBC and WGD on this amazing initiative,” said Carol-Ann Goering, Chief Operating Officer, Scarboro Golf and Country Club. “Our Club aims to engage a diverse community of golfers and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the WGD network this June.”

RBC is a proud supporter of women’s golf on both the professional and grassroots level, demonstrated through longstanding sponsorships including: Team Canada; CP Women’s Open; RBC PGA Scramble; and RBC Community Junior Golf. RBC is also the official financial services partner of golfers on the LPGA TOUR including world no. 9 Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp and Morgan Pressel.

Key Facts:

What: Women’s Golf Day in partnership with RBC

When: Tuesday, June 7 from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST

Where: Scarboro Golf and Country Club, Toronto, ON

How: Register for the inaugural Toronto event here. Registration includes complimentary tickets to the RBC Canadian Open, courtesy of RBC and Golf Canada. Spots are limited and registration will close once all spots have been filled.

Women’s Golf Day (WGD) is a global movement that Engages, Empowers, and Supports women and girls through golf and facilitates them learning the skills that last a lifetime. The one-day, four-hour event, has now taken place at more than 1000 locations in nearly 80 countries since its inception in 2016, and has introduced thousands of new golfers to the sport. WGD is the fastest-growing female golf development initiative. Learn more at womensgolfday.com.

Nanaimo, B.C. — After battling rainy conditions in Nanaimo this week, the final round of the NextGen Pacific Championship – fueled by JOURNIE Rewards wrapped up on Sunday at Nanaimo Golf Club with Angela Arora and Eric Zhao each securing a one-stroke victory to win their respective divisions.  

The 54-hole stroke play competition marked the first of eight NextGen Championships and featured a starting field of 119 male and female golfers.

For Angela Arora, who hails from Surrey, B.C., the win marks the second championship title of the calendar year following her victory at the CJGA Western Canadian Championship in March. Arora, a member of Team Canada’s National Junior Squad, fired rounds of 70, 74, and 76 to earn the top spot on the leaderboard.

“This week was great, my putting was really good the first day and that got me off to a good start,” said the 17-year-old. It built some momentum into the week and overall, my game was in great shape. I had a couple holes today where I didn’t play as good but I figured it out and I finished strong which I’m really happy about.”

Eric Zhao, who finished second at the Golf Canada Junior Squad Selection Camp in 2021 recorded rounds of 73, 71, and 73. The 14-year-old Zhao is also a member of Golf Canada’s National Junior Squad.

“This week I tried to change my mentality a little bit,” said the North York, Ont. native. I tried to have fun throughout the whole week and honestly, if you have fun you’re probably going to play good so that’s a big takeaway from this week. It was definitely successful because I was way more confident over my shots.”

Including Arora, the top eight players in the Junior Girls division have earned exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Girls Championship taking place July 25-29 at The Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.

From the Junior Boys division, the top eight players have earned exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 6-10, at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links in Kamloops, British Columbia.

For the full results, click here.

About the NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards

The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2022 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

In a sport as storied and historic as golf, Golf Canada is pleased to recognize the 63 member clubs celebrating significant milestone anniversaries in the 2022 calendar year.

Highlighting the group are five member clubs who have been in operation since 1897, speaking to the cross-country passion that Canadians house for the sport.

All clubs celebrating an anniversary will receive a display plaque from Golf Canada to mark the occasion. Clubs reaching their centennial anniversary will also receive a commemorative framed letter, and clubs reaching the 125-year mark will receive a framed historical print.

125 Years

Calgary Golf & Country Club – Calgary, Alta.

Napanee Golf & Country Club – Napanee, Ont.

Old Lennoxville Golf Club – Sherbrooke, Que.

Peterborough Golf & Country Club – Peterborough, Ont.

The Riverside Country Club – St. John, N.B.

100 Years

Ashburn Golf Club – Halifax, N.S.

Briars Golf Club Ltd. – Sutton, Ont.

Burlington Golf & Country Club – Burlington, Ont.

Cedar Brae Golf Club – Scarborough, Ont.

Cedarhurst Golf Club – Beaverton, Ont.

Cherry Hill Golf Club – Ridgeway, Ont.

Connaught Golf Club – Medicine Hat, Alta.

Dufferin Heights Golf Club – Stanstead, Que.

Dunany Country Club – Wentworth, Que.

Glenboro Golf & Country Club – Glenboro, M.B.

Highland Country Club – London, Ont.

Hollinger Golf Club – Timmins, Ont.

Idylwylde Golf & Country Club – Sudbury, Ont.

Lookout Point Country Club Ltd. – Pelham, Ont.

Marine Drive Golf Club – Vancouver, B.C.

Oakwood Inn & Country Club – Grand Bend, Ont.

Pembroke Golf Club – Pembroke, Ont.

Penticton Golf & Country Club – Penticton, B.C.

Point Grey Golf & Country Club – Vancouver, B.C.

Portage Golf Club – Portage la Prairie, M.B.

Red Deer Golf & Country Club – Red Deer, Alta.

Redstone Golf Resort – Rossland, B.C.

Club de Golf Rosemère (Fontainebleau) – Blainville, Que.

Royal Mayfair Golf Club – Edmonton, Alta.

Sandy Hook Golf Club – Sandy Hook, MB

Club de Golf St-Jean – Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

The Thornhill Club – Thornhill, Ont.

Uplands Golf Club – Vaughan, Ont.

Uplands Golf Club – Victoria, B.C.

Club de Golf Val-Morin – Val-Morin, Que.

75 Years

Cowichan Golf & Country Club – Duncan, B.C.

Pinebrook Golf & Country Club – Calgary, Alta.

50 Years

Ainsdale Golf Course – Kincardine, Ont.

Beauty Bay Golf Club – Kenora, Ont.

Cedar Glen Golf Course – Williamsburg, Ont.

Kedron Dells Golf Club – Oshawa, Ont.

Club de Golf du Parc Kingsway – Aylmer, Que.

Le Grand Vallon – Beaupré, Que.

Club de Golf Le Loup de Baie St-Paul – Baie Saint-Paul, Que.

Club de Golf Les Saules – Rimouski, Que.

Golf & Academy Longchamp – Sherbrooke, Que.

Murray Hills Golf Course – Brighton, Ont.

Nackawic Golf & Country Club – Nackawic, N.B.

Outlook Riverview Golf Club – Outlook, S.K.

Pine View Golf Course – Gloucester, Ont.

Club de Golf Rivière Rouge – Coteau-du-Lac, Que.

Club de Golf Ste-Flore – Shawinigan, Que.

Club de Golf St-Jean-de-Matha – St-Jean-de-Matha, Que.

Club de Golf St-Jérôme – St-Jérôme, Que.

25 Years

Bell Bay Golf Club – Baddeck, N.S.

Dragonfly Golf Links Ltd. – Renfrew, Ont.

ElleGolf – Calgary Women’s Golf Club – Calgary, Alta.

Innisfil Creek Golf Club – Cookstown, Ont.

Club de Golf l’Empress – Rimouski, Que.

Lake Joseph Golf Club – Port Carling, Ont.

Métropolitain d’Anjou – Anjou, Que.

Royal Charbourg – Quebec City, Que.

The Meadows Golf and Country Club – Niagara Falls, Ont.

Golf Canada values its members and we’d love for you to take advantage of exclusive member savings for all your home and auto insurance needs.

Licensed RBC Insurance® advisors are available to offer you personalized insurance advice and explain your coverage options to you. 

Member benefits designed with you in mind.

• Customized, easy-to-understand coverage 
• Dedicated Advice Centre support, in addition to local RBC Insurance stores 
• 24/7 claims service
• Quick and simple claims process, with digital notifications on your claim’s status 
• Lifetime guarantee on all covered home and auto repairs completed by a preferred vendor 
• No interest or service charges 
• Convenient self-serve options to view coverage and update payment preferences 
• Additional saving opportunities 
• Claims Service Satisfaction Guarantee

We’ll help you get it

Call 1-800-769-2529 and ask for your group plan rate

Visit your exclusive group member site to learn more about how we can help protect you:

www.rbcinsurance.com/quote/golf

® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.

Please see your policy for all terms and conditions. Home and Auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, RBC Insurance does not offer auto insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

Service provided by Aviva General Insurance Company. Clients may call 1-888-885-5915 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, ET). Service not available in Quebec. Quebec residents may call 1-888-563-7119 for questions about their policy and coverages.

Golf Canada and STALK&BARREL Handcrafted Canadian Whisky announced today a multi-year partnership that will see STALK&BARREL become the official Canadian Whisky Partner for Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

Through its partnership position which runs through 2025, STALK&BARREL Handcrafted Canadian Whisky will be poured exclusively at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open hospitality and concession locations with fan activations planned at the Recipe Unlimited Fare Way food and beverage experience onsite at both championships.

“Welcoming a premium, locally crafted whisky to our corporate hospitality and concessions offering will further enhance the festival experience of our National Open Championships and we are pleased to introduce STALK&BARREL as our Official Canadian Whisky for the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open,” said John Sibley, Chief Commercial Officer of Golf Canada.

STALK&BARREL is a handcrafted Canadian Whisky, made locally at a craft distillery in Ontario with a true ‘grain to glass’ commitment.  It’s a small batch, single malt that is 100% Canadian owned and operated and aspires to inspire new traditions among Canadians. 

“The STALK&BARREL team is ecstatic to be aligned with a great Canadian institution like Golf Canada.  We’re proud to affiliate ourselves with an organization that embodies the same Canadian spirit and values as ours and Golf Canada was the clear choice. We look forward to working together with them through their partner clubs, members, and marquee events for 2022 and beyond.” said Steven Ciccolini, President, CIVC.

The 2022 RBC Canadian Open will be held June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto, Ont. with nearby Islington Golf serving as the official practice facility. The 2022 CP Women’s Open will be contested August 22-28 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.  

Golf Canada announced today that Salimah Mussani has been promoted from Assistant Coach and named as Women’s Head Coach for Team Canada. Mussani will oversee the development of Canada’s top female amateur and professional golfers with the objective of increasing the number of Canadian players on the LPGA Tour.

“I am extremely honoured and grateful to have this opportunity to lead our women’s program into this next phase,” said Mussani. “Having the opportunity to help our country’s top female golfers achieve their dreams and succeed is a blessing. “I am looking forward to working together with everyone who is involved in the development of our players on their journey to the LPGA Tour.”

Mussani assumes the Women’s Head Coach position after serving as Assistant Coach under Tristan Mullally, who transitioned into the role of National Talent Identification Director as part of Golf Canada’s enhancement to its player development program.

A two-time Ontario Junior champion and two-time Canadian Junior champion, Mussani brings a wealth of competitive experience having been a key member of a NCAA runner-up golf team at Stanford University before competing as a professional on the Epson and LPGA Tours, as well as the (former) Canadian Women’s Tour. Mussani is a former PGA of Canada Women’s champion and winner on the Epson Tour and (former) Canadian Women’s Tour. Mussani has held assistant coaching roles with Stanford University, University of British Columbia, and Team Canada. Originally from Burlington, Ont., Mussani is a PGA of Canada class “A” professional  who now resides in Vancouver.

Jennifer Greggain of Chilliwack, B.C. joins Mussani on the coaching staff of Team Canada as a full-time Associate Coach, transitioning from her current role as Assistant Coach for the National Junior Squad. A former LPGA Tour player with 22 years of professional golf experience, Greggain previously served as a Provincial Coach for British Columbia Golf and as the Assistant Coach for Team Canada.

“I am incredibly excited to work alongside Salimah as we lead our women’s program into the future. We are both very passionate about Canadian women’s golf and feel well-prepared to help Canada pursue its player development goals,” said Greggain.

Mussani and Greggain will support an expanded women’s roster of Team Canada athletes that includes eight players on the Amateur Squad as well as five players on the Young Pro Squad. 

“We are excited about the leadership that Salimah and Jennifer will provide for our women’s program. In addition to enhancing the performance of Canada’s best amateur and professional players, they will create a supportive and communicative culture that prioritizes overall wellbeing for our Canadian women during their journeys to the LPGA tour,” said Golf Canada High Performance Manager Emily Phoenix.

Golf Canada’s High-Performance program builds on the support that Canadian athletes have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations. In addition to Golf Canada Foundation and the generosity from the major donor Trustee program, Golf Canada’s High-Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Audi, Titleist, FootJoy, COBRA PUMA GOLF, Foresight Sports, Heritage Canada, Bear Mountain Resort, Citi Canada (Young Pro) and the Canadian Olympic Committee. 

Golf Canada is proud to announce a new partnership with Johnsonville that will see the company become the Official Sausage Partner of Golf Canada and its two signature events – the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

The partnership positions Johnsonville as the exclusive supplier of sausage products – including their signature bratwurst – at Canada’s National Open Golf Championships beginning in 2022.

Spectators at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open will also enjoy sampling new and sensational flavours from one of North America’s leading sausage brands at the Johnsonville Trailer within the Recipe Unlimited Fare Way food and beverage experience.

“We are very pleased to welcome Johnsonville’s globally renowned products as the Official Sausage Partner of the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open,” said John Sibley, Chief Commercial Officer of Golf Canada. “Golf fans will be treated to a premium food and sampling experience, and we look forward to this partnership enhancing the summer-fun festival vibe across our two flagship properties.”

Johnsonville has remained committed to excellence since its inception in 1945. For the 77-year-old organization, partnering with the National Sport Federation is an opportunity to showcase their signature products to an engaged golf audience at two of Canada’s premier sporting events.

“Our brand has always been one to bring family and friends together around good food and good times – at backyard barbeques and sporting events of all kind. We’re proud to bring golf fans our delicious Johnsonville bratwurst at Golf Canada events and serve as the official sausage of the CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open” said Brad Martin, Managing Director of Johnsonville Canada.

The 2022 RBC Canadian Open will be held June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto, Ont. with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. The CP Women’s Open will be contested August 22-28 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.

(April 21, 2022) – Canada’s National Open Golf Championships will welcome a new beer partner as Golf Canada has selected Sleeman Breweries and their premium portfolio of beers, led by Sleeman Clear 2.0, as the Official Beer of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

Through the partnership, Sleeman Clear 2.0, the fastest growing light beer in Canada, will be the flagship beer sold at Golf Canada’s two National Open Golf Championships. The iconic beer brand will also engage spectators with fun activations including a custom beer patio at both events as well as an exclusive dedicated VIP viewing area during the RBCxMusic Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open featuring Flo Rida (June 10) and Maroon 5 (June 11).

“Watching world-class golf and enjoying a premium cold beer is a perfect compliment to celebrate summer festival season. We are thrilled to offer Canadian golf fans an outstanding, premium better-for-you beer in Sleeman 2.0 at the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open” said John Sibley, Chief Commercial Officer at Golf Canada. “Sleeman’s quality craftsmanship and proud Canadian identity are well aligned to deliver energy and brewing excellence to Golf Canada’s two signature events.”

As the third largest brewery in Canada, the Guelph, Ont. based Sleeman will work with Golf Canada to host an extraordinary Canadian golf audience with its portfolio of premium-brewed beer, led by Sleeman Clear 2.0.

“We are very excited about the partnership between Sleeman Clear 2.0 and Golf Canada.  It aligns so well with our shared Canadian heritage, commitment to excellence and the active lifestyle of Clear 2.0 drinkers,” said Dana Brochu, Director or Marketing at Sleeman Breweries. With its refreshing taste, low carbs and low calories, Sleeman Clear 2.0 is the perfect beer to help Canadian golf fans “2.0” their experience this summer at these two premier sporting events.”

As the National Sport Federation, Golf Canada will conduct the RBC Canadian Open June 6-12, 2022 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto Ont. with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. The CP Women’s Open, takes place August 22-28, 2022 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.

Some of the most anticipated videos that emerge from Augusta National Golf Club each year are those from the par-3 16th. While there have been plenty of hole-in-one efforts during the tournament itself, as many know, it’s the pre-tournament skips across the water that really make people smile. 

But did you know that skipping a ball across the pond on 16 was started by a Canadian? 

Gary Cowan, the reigning U.S. Amateur champion at the 1972 Masters Tournament, did it for the first time. It happened in front of Ben Crenshaw, who would go on to win two Green Jackets. 

“Ben couldn’t believe what I was doing,” Cowan told the Augusta Chronicle in a recent interview.

There has been a little bit of debate who started the skipping situation, with Ken Green and Mark Calcavecchia claiming to have started it in 1987. Lee Trevino and Seve Ballesteros said they did it before that, though, in the early 1980s. People thought that was the start until photos of Tom Kite doing it in 1979 emerged. 

But that was a good seven years after the Canadian. 

Cowan, who played eight Masters Tournaments in his career (his best result was a T25 in 1964), didn’t even give a thought about what potential repercussions would be for his fun shot. 

“You know, that never crossed my mind,” Cowan told the Chronicle about whether he thought he might get in trouble by the Green Jacketed members. 

Green, meanwhile, told GolfWeek in 2016 he was quickly scolded. He had a letter from then-Chairman Hord Hardin waiting for him in his locker when he got back inside. 

“I think the words were, ‘Here at Augusta, we refrain from that sort of behavior,’” Green told GolfWeek, although that didn’t stop he and Calcavecchia from doing it again the following year. 

And now skipping the ball across the water on 16 is as traditional as pimento cheese. 

Jace Walker, Mackenzie Hughes’ caddie (and fellow Canadian) was part of one of the most-shared videos of the week from the Masters in 2022. He, along with three other caddies, all skipped shots using their players’ clubs in sync earlier this week. 

Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood, meanwhile, came oh-so-close to dunking their skipped shots on back-to-back attempts. 

While making it across the pond, and coming ‘close’ is fun enough, there have been a few times when just getting it on the green wasn’t going to cut it. 

Vijay Singh, Martin Kaymer, and Jon Rahm have all skipped their ball across the water… and into the hole. 

Singh did it in 2010 with a punched 4-iron. The ball skipped three times and caught that familiar slope before rolling into the hole. Kaymer did it in 2012, while Rahm has been the most recent to do it. 

Just one day after he made an ace (the usual way!) in a Monday practice round in 2020 on the 4th hole, he skipped a ball three times (like Singh) and caught the same slope before dropping. A video of the shot, now on YouTube, has racked up nearly 3-million views. 

It’s more likely to take an average golfer 3-million tries to make it across, but every year when you see the best in the world skip a ball on the pond of the 16th hole at the most iconic golf course in the world, remember that it was a Canadian who started it all ?? ??

San Antonio, TX – With The Masters just one week away, the PGA TOUR headed to TPC San Antonio for the Valero Texas Open. On day four of the tournament, Adam Hadwin would shoot 5-under 67 and would birdie five of his last seven holes to earn him a T4 finish.

“Obviously today was an incredible finish,” said Hadwin. “It’s a tricky golf course and when the wind blows, the landing areas on the greens are so small, you’ve got to be extremely precise. I hit some good shots on the front. I think my short game kind of let me down. I would have liked to get a couple more up and down today on the first 10, but I hit a lot of really good shots those last seven holes, gave myself a lot of chances and was able to capitalize on five of them obviously. Getting the last two, 17 and 18, were huge and just another good solid week overall.”

Hadwin would finish just three shots back of leader J.J. Spaun with the performance earning the B.C. resident his third straight top 10 finish for the first time in his PGA TOUR career.

Corey Conners shot 67 in the closing round to finish the weekend T35 at five-under. Roger Sloan recorded 72 at two-under.

First played in 1922, the Valero Texas Open is the third oldest PGA TOUR tournament following the Western Open (1899), and the RBC Canadian Open (1904).

Full leaderboard here.