Today, Taylor Pendrith holds the distinction as a winner on the PGA TOUR but it was 10 years ago when he enjoyed his first taste of success against the best professional golfers in the world.

Competing as an amateur, the Kent State University senior shot a 65 on the first day of the 2014 RBC Canadian Open to sit in a tie for third spot after the opening round. The then 23-year-old relatively unknown amateur from Richmond Hill, Ont., spoke about his humble beginnings in the sport and his steady progression.

“I started when I was 12 and didn’t really have any aspirations to become a professional golfer,” he said after his eye-opening first round.

“When I was 15, I played in a smaller junior circuit and started to win and thought maybe I could move it to the next level. When I was 16 and 17 and started playing more competitive tournaments, then got recruited and went down to (Kent State) and then it kind of clicked,” recalled Pendrith who finished the 2014 RBC Canadian Open as the top amateur in the field.

Former high school teammate and Canadian National Team member Rebecca Lee-Bentham talks about Pendrith’s progression as a golfer since their high school days.

“It seemed like he played every sport in high school but I recall his main sports were actually hockey and baseball. I remember being on the co-ed volleyball team and the golf team together,” noted the former Bayview Secondary student and former LPGA Tour pro.

“Taylor ended up joining the same golf club as me and I started to see him practise and play a lot more in his last couple of years in high school. I guess you could say he was a bit of a late bloomer but over the years, I’ve seen him improve non-stop from high school golf to college golf and as a professional,” she continued.

“Taylor’s progression and success is a testament to his talent, hard work and love for the game. It’s honestly one of the most inspirational things to witness.”

Another important part of Pendrith’s journey which should be highlighted was seeing his Kent State University teammates and his fellow Canadian National Team members Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Conners make it onto the PGA TOUR.

Since winning the RSM Classic in Nov 2016, Hughes has been a regular on the PGA Tour.

In April of 2019, Conners won the Valero Texas Open and has since solidified his place as a rising star on the PGA TOUR. 

After graduating from Kent State University, he competed on the Mackenzie Tour and then advanced to play on the Korn Ferry Tour. In his second event, Pendrith recorded a fourth place finish but injuries would prevent him from enjoying continued success on the KFT and he would find himself back on the Mackenzie Tour.

“When I first advanced from the Mackenzie Tour I thought it was good. Obviously have seen my buddies go from there to the Korn Ferry Tour, win (on) the Korn Ferry Tour, come to the PGA TOUR, win (on) the PGA TOUR,” said Pendrith at the 2022 Presidents Cup referring to Hughes and Conners.

During the 2022 Presidents Cup, Conners spoke about their journeys to the PGA TOUR.

“It goes to show you we have a similar path and the National Team Program, Golf Canada, Herb Page at Kent State, they’ve led us on a great path. They’ve taught the right things. It’s really special to have shared the journey to professional golf with Taylor and have him out on the PGA TOUR now and to have him on the International Presidents Cup team,” said Conners.

Pendrith acknowledged his path to the PGA TOUR may have taken a little bit longer but he’s eager to show his potential now he’s injury free.

“My path took a little longer which I’m okay with.  Bouncing around, being hurt multiple times, there’s definitely some doubt. But to finally get there (on the PGA TOUR), I always kind of knew in the back of my mind if I was healthy, my game’s good enough to compete out here, and most of this year I showed that,” he pointed out.

“It’s been a rocky road but I don’t mind being 30-year-old rookie. It’s an honour to call yourself a PGA TOUR member and I think just makes it that much better that it took me a long time to get here and I’ve finally achieved it,” Pendrith added at the 2022 Presidents Cup.

The most notable achievement to date for Pendrith came at the beginning of this month when he became the first Canadian to win the CJ Cup Byron Nelson since the tournament was established in 1944.

“I’m not a big history guy but Byron Nelson is a special name and for my name to be on that trophy is super special,” he said after making a clutch birdie putt on 18 to finish on top of the leaderboard by one stroke.

“It was a mix of emotions for sure with everything happening so fast. But I’m very happy that it did go in. Just tried to stay in my routine. Felt like my routine was really good this week, which I’ve been working on the last few weeks, so just did the same thing I did over every other putt,” added the talented Canadian golfer who is known for his power off the tee.

“It feels unbelievable and to see some of those names on this trophy it’s crazy.  I still can’t believe I’m a winner of this tournament.”

Pendrith has come a long way from the bright-eyed amateur who surprised many with his stellar opening round 10 years ago at the 2014 RBC Canadian Open.

Over the last decade, the married father of one has overcome challenges with injuries and has now solidified himself as a regular on the PGA TOUR – and also holds the distinction as a PGA TOUR winner.

Given his strong results recently, Pendrith, who will turn 33 later this month, appears to be peaking for homecoming and will be entering the RBC Canadian Open as one of the dark horses to hoist the historic trophy.

And what better way for Pendrith to celebrate his birthday than to have a strong showing in front of family and friends and be in contention for victory number two on the PGA TOUR – this time on Canadian soil.

OTTAWA – Jeff Calderwood has been part of the business side of Canada’s golf industry for three decades and even he admits the enthusiasm and excitement from the grass-roots level all the way up the game’s ladder has hit never-before-seen levels.

The latest Canadian Golf Economic Impact study was published Thursday, combined with a return to Parliament Hill for a half-dozen of the game’s key stakeholders for National Golf Day.

The buzz was back.

“(The numbers) were basically record highs. And everyone is in a fun mood,” said Calderwood, the CEO of Canada’s National Golf Course Owners Association and chairman of the National Allied Golf Association.

If Calderwood had to pick one key number it would be the bumped-up GDP figure – up 30 percent in the five years since the last Economic Impact Study was conducted in 2019 to just over $23 billion.

That figure is an “eye-opener” for politicians and the like, Calderwood explained, because of how positive it was.

“(The day on Parliament Hill) was the first one since the COVID-19 pandemic, which is meaningful in itself,” Calderwood said. “Golf is good for Canada. It’s good for Canadians.”

Calderwood, as the leader of a collection of small business owners, is quick to point out that while the golf industry is in a good place that’s “not to be confused with Easy Street.” Nothing’s easy when it comes to small business.

“There are so many people who work in this industry, including myself, who don’t really understand the tangential opportunity and business that exists within golf,” said Suzanne Godbehere, the CEO of the Club Management Association of Canada. “There is the economic side of things and the people who work in food and beverage and more. The golf clubs are more like small cities that get operated.

Like with any small business, the future remains uncertain. But post-COVID, the game held on to approximately two-thirds of the massive participation bump it received in the immediate tracking years of 2020 and 2021 according to Calderwood. Six million Canadians played golf in 2023 (for a total of 74-million rounds) making it the country’s largest participation sport. And golf, as an industry, hits on plenty of key topics that politicians care about – youth employment, charity, the environment, and more.

“We gave an update on numbers and built relationships with key parliamentarians – you have the respect you’re a serious industry,” Calderwood said. “When you point out how much is paid in taxes or how many people you employ across the country, they treat you now as a serious industry as well as a great game.”

Golf Canada’s CEO, Laurence Applebaum, has had a front-row seat to plenty of the game’s biggest moments over the last half-decade and while he’s first to acknowledge that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our day-to-day life was difficult and disturbing, the trickle-down effect on golf highlighted how much the game was ideally suited as safe and operationally strong.

“The GDP impact, the economic force golf is for employment, for stimuli, for tourism, for the environment, and for charity – with dollars-raised returning to pre-pandemic levels – has been amazing to track,” Applebaum said.

One of the key things Canadian golf’s stakeholders were able to learn through the COVID-19 pandemic was the continued relationship with all levels of governments (including international governments) and now they’ve been able to come back to Parliament Hill to talk about the perception of golf and educate beyond just sport.

Applebaum said one conversation Thursday was with a member of parliament from Saskatchewan who, prior to joining politics was a teaching professional. Another, from Ontario, learned the game from his grandfather.

“We have all these friends of golf that want to be part of this crazy growth we have right now,” Applebaum said. “We are so excited about the trajectory and the state of the game – and now to keep things on that track.”

New Economic Impact Study Released

OTTAWA, May 23, 2024 – After a four-year pause due to COVID-19, the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) are on Parliament Hill leading National Golf Day and discussing with Parliamentarians the many positive benefits of golf for Canadians.

The golf industry representatives are also releasing the results of a new Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study highlighting golf’s financial contributions and incredible popularity as the number one participation sport in Canada.

National Golf Day also celebrates golf’s physical and mental health benefits, its safe sport attributes, social merits, environmental stewardship, diversity, life skills for youth, and economic value to the business community. National data indicates that hundreds of thousands of Canadians have entered the sport since Covid-19, totaling six million Canadian golfers and further strengthening golf’s status as the number one participation sport in the country.

“Canadians played 74 million rounds of golf in 2023, a considerable 24% increase from the last Study in 2019,” stated Jeff Calderwood, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada, and Chair of NAGA.

“Existing golfers have been playing more often and new golfers have been taking up the game at impressive levels,” said Calderwood. “The broad appeal of golf as a safe, healthy, outdoor recreation that can be enjoyed by all ages, genders, abilities, and budgets, anywhere in Canada, generates continued growth in the game. The impressive economic impacts that are then generated reflect that popularity.”

NAGA conducts an economic impact study every five years to measure such financial contributions as employment, charitable support, tourism, and gross domestic product. The sport and business of golf are thriving post-pandemic and continue to be an important economic engine for Canadians and their communities across Canada. Some of the highlights from the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study include:

• Golf contributes a massive amount to Canada’s GDP at $23.2 billion, an increase of $4 billion since the previous Study.
• Golf supports 237,000 person-years of employment, illustrating its importance as a vital source of livelihood for countless Canadians. Nearly 135,000 Canadians work directly in golf, with 45,000 being student employment.
• Golf-related activities generated over $14.2 billion in labour income, sustaining families and generating significant economic spin-off spending.
• $382 million was raised through golf activities for charities across Canada, a return to the pre-Covid-19 range and tops among all participation sports.
• Approximately 6 million Canadians played golf in 2023, an all-time high for the number one participation sport in the country, generating 74 million rounds played.
• Golfer spending totalled $14.2 billion in 2023.
• Golf course operations contributed $8.1 billion to Canada’s GDP.
• Capital expenditure by golf course operations in 2023 was $907 million.
• Taxes paid to governments by the Canadian golf industry were $4.7 billion in 2023.

“Golf is a sport that brings so many benefits to Canadians – not just the economic contributions. It is also a holistic solution to many of life’s necessities and an activity that can enjoyed for a lifetime,” said Laurence Applebaum, CEO, Golf Canada.

“Golf is a healthy, safe activity, promoting environmental stewardship, providing exceptional social value, and is great for business. And importantly, we’re seeing tremendous diversity in our growth with incredible levels of engagement,” said Applebaum. “In addition, the recent success of our Canadian LPGA and PGA Tour Pros has further propelled the enthusiasm for the sport, with such stars on the world stage as Brooke Henderson and Nick Taylor.”

Other attributes of Canadian golf include:

• 18 holes of golf burns up to 2000 calories, a very healthy 15 km walk and active exercise in nature.
• 95% of golfers in Canada feel that golf is very good for their mental health, which has also been clinically proven.
• 83% of Canadian golfers state that the social aspects of golf are important to them and improve their lives.
• Spectator interest in professional golf is at an all-time high. The RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open are setting records for attendance and commercial success.
• Golf is a trusted Safe Sport environment for both recreational and competitive play.
• Canadian golf has been experiencing great diversity, including a 6% increase in active women golfers and 33% growth in BIPOC golfers in 2023.
• Off-course golf including simulator play and virtual golf experiences have bolstered the growth in  participation.
• Sustainable golf has become a leading environmental stewardship movement in Canadian golf, with golf courses throughout the country embracing sustainability pledges and best practices.

Golf flourished during the pandemic as the nature of the sport easily allowed for social distancing while delivering a social recreation experience that could not be found elsewhere.

With golf now better recognized as an important part of the solution, and all of the health, social and economic benefits, the positive spotlight on golf and its impact on Canadian communities has since sustained most of that increased demand.

In summary, the study clearly shows that golf is good for Canada and Canadians.

TORONTO, Canada – PUMA Golf has launched its latest Maple Leaf Collection, marking the third consecutive season of creating exclusive gear for Canadian golfers. This new collection features over a dozen fresh styles of apparel and headwear designed to unite the nearly 6 million Canadians passionate about the sport.

Inspired by Canada’s iconic maple leaf, PUMA’s Maple Leaf Collection transforms this national symbol into contemporary designs suitable for both on and off the golf course. The collection represents the maple leaf’s elegance while presenting a sophisticated, fashion-forward aesthetic that celebrates Canadian golf.

“No matter if it’s a pivotal shot at your local club or a crucial putt on a grand stage, Canadians are always ready to seize the moment,” said Dwayne Boecker, Vice President at COBRA PUMA GOLF. “Our bold designs reflect this competitive spirit, allowing golfers to perform at their best while representing Canada with pride. This collection showcases our unique perspective on the game at PUMA.”

The collection prominently features a red, white, and black color palette, traditional for Canadian gear. Highlights include the Maple Dot Polo, showcasing a distinctive maple leaf and ditsy dot pattern, available in both men’s and women’s sizes. The Maple AOP Polo features an all-over print of repeating black and red maple leaves, creating a dynamic and visually striking design perfect for any Canadian. Additionally, the Women’s Microdot Polo adds texture and visual interest with a black base adorned with small red microdots, offering a subtle contrast that’s sure to become a wardrobe staple.

Each piece in the Maple Leaf Collection is crafted with PUMA’s premium-quality materials, including tech-forward fabrics that wick moisture and keep players cool under pressure. Additional features include contrasting plackets, solid collar stands, and recycled materials, ensuring both performance and sustainability.

“Our team captured Canada’s essence through the Maple Leaf, reflecting a shared national identity,” said Chris MacNeill, Teamhead, PLM – Golf Apparel & Accessories, PUMA Golf. “Incorporating this symbol into our products fosters a cultural connection among fans and golfers across the country and beyond.”

The collection also includes stylish headwear options. The Canada Snapback Cap features a structured, flat-brim design with a classic six-panel construction, adorned with a maple leaf emblem whose stems are mini golf clubs. The Reversible Bucket Hat offers a versatile design with a wide brim for sun protection, featuring a playful print on one side and a more subtle dual-colored stripe on the other.

PUMA Golf’s Maple Leaf Collection is available starting today online, at Golf Town, and select retailers. For more details, visit ca.pumagolf.com.

Product Highlights:

• Canada Snapback Cap ($49.99): Special edition performance cap with a unique maple leaf emblem featuring golf clubs as leaf stems, available in two colors.
• Canada Reversible Bucket Hat ($49.99): Versatile wide-brim bucket hat that matches the Maple Dot polo print on one side and features a solid black with red and white stripes on the other.
• Canada Maple Dot Polo ($99.99): Playful pattern of maple leaves and ditsy dots, available in two colors.
• Canada Maple AOP Polo ($99.99): Bold top with a repeating all-over print of the maple leaf, reflecting national pride.
• MATTR Pines Polo ($99.99): Highlights Canada’s Boreal Forest with a design reflecting the country’s natural beauty.
• MATTR Bay Polo ($99.99): Performance-oriented polo with a traditional look featuring a solid grey and thin-red stripe design.
• Pure Colorblock ¼ Zip ($109.99): Lightweight quarter-zip with a vibrant red stripe across the chest.
• W CLOUDSPUN Microdot Polo ($89.99): Subtle microdot print with a red-and-black theme.
• W Canada Maple Dot Polo ($89.99): Playful and stylish pattern of maple leaves and ditsy dots, tailored for women.
• W Lightweight ¼ Zip ($99.99): Colorblock design with a red stripe across the chest, ideal for cooler weather.

Renovated North Course championship layout to challenge the stars of the PGA TOUR for the historic 114th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Golf Championship

2025 championship along with spectacular clubhouse and facility enhancements represents the culmination of a longtime dream by the Humeniuk Family to transform TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley into a signature destination for Canadian Golf

PURCHASE RBC CANADIAN OPEN TICKETS

May 21, 2024 – Canada’s National Men’s Open Golf Championship is set to write a new exciting chapter as TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. will host the RBC Canadian Open in 2025.

Golf Canada in partnership with the PGA TOUR announced that the recently renovated 7,445-yard North Course at TPC Toronto will challenge the stars of the PGA TOUR in 2025.

With the announcement, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley will become the 38th golf course in the 121-year history of the event (and only the eighth since 1977) to host Canada’s National Men’s Open Golf Championship.

“I am extremely proud to see the vision of the Humeniuk Family for TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley become a reality in accepting our invitation to host Canada’s National Open Championship in 2025,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “This incredible property with its spectacular clubhouse and facilities will deliver an outstanding and dramatic competition supported by an operational capacity befitting a world-class championship. This is a special and deserving moment for TPC Toronto in stepping onto the global golf stage in hosting the 114th playing of our National Open Championship.”  

In 2023, the Doug Carrick-designed North Course located 40 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport, underwent a major golf course renovation under the guidance of renowned architect Ian Andrew with consultation from the PGA TOUR for the venue to host large-scale, global championship level competition.

Renovations to the publicly accessible North Course— ranked 21st among Canadian public courses by SCOREGolf prior to renovation —were focused on transforming the layout into a National Open Championship venue, enhancing the course’s dramatic green complexes and positioning bunkers and other hazards strategically to challenge elite players.

The North Course will play to its new championship par of 70 for the RBC Canadian Open, with holes eight and thirteen converted to par-4s. The 585-yard par-5 18th hole, which saw a new tee deck, a signature tree and short grass runoff area in front of the green introduced as part of the renovation, will play as a dramatic risk-reward final hole.

Collaboration over the past six years with the TPC Network has allowed TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley to gain immersive experience and key understandings from other PGA TOUR venues about custom-tailoring its world-class golf course and facilities for top-level championship competition. 

The announcement to host the 2025 edition of Canada’s National Open Championship represents a culmination of a longtime dream by the Humeniuk family to build an outstanding golf destination at Osprey Valley that could host Canada’s National Open Championships – a longtime vision coming to fruition with a championship venue and world-class facilities built for this signature moment.

“This is a momentous occasion for Osprey Valley and represents a major step in our ongoing transformation as a facility, along with the culmination of many years of hard work, planning and preparation by our team,” said Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk. “We have long envisioned that Osprey Valley would become one of Canada’s greatest golf destinations, and becoming the host venue for our country’s national championship is a tremendous component of that vision becoming a reality.”

The new featured amenities at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley – a publicly accessible 54-hole facility – include a 60,000-sqft. modern classic clubhouse overlooking the 18th hole of the renovated North Course. New amenities for TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley – with its three top-ranked golf courses on the property (North / Hoot / Heathlands) – also include the flagship restaurant Two Brothers, VIP Suites and event space, plus a second clubhouse on the Heathlands course and 17 multi-unit cabins for stay-and-play trips currently under construction.

TPC Toronto has hosted high-level professional golf for a number of years including US Open and RBC Canadian Open Qualifiers. Later this season, TPC Toronto will host the 2024 ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada on its Heathlands course, while the North course will host PGA TOUR Americas’ season-ending Fortinet Cup Championship, part of a tradition of hosting PGA TOUR Americas events since 2018 —experiences that that have provided TPC Toronto’s management, turf and hospitality teams with relevant experiences to deliver a premium championship event experience.

In 2022, Osprey Valley and Golf Canada announced a major partnership and bold vision to build a new Home for Canadian Golf on the property of TPC Toronto as Osprey Valley, including Golf Canada’s national headquarters, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, national headquarters for First Tee – Canada and a 30,000-sq.ft community accessible 18-hole putting course, expected to be completed in 2025.  

Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) have committed to having corporate presence at the headquarters, collaborating with Golf Canada to embrace the golf community and develop a dynamic home campus for Canadian golf.

“The Town of Caledon is delighted TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. will host the RBC Canadian Open in 2025,” said Town of Caledon Mayor Annette Groves. “Caledon is the perfect setting for this national tournament that brings many visitors to Caledon. We are excited people will experience our Town’s beautiful landscapes, local businesses and venues.”

ABOUT THE 2024 RBC CANADIAN OPEN

Part of the FedExCup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete at the RBC Canadian Open, May 28 – June 2, 2024, at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ont. Conducted by Golf Canada for more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open provides an opportunity for Canada’s top talents to compete against the world’s best golfers while also creating a positive impact in the event’s host community. Established in 1904, Canada’s National Open Golf Championship is the third-oldest National Open Golf Championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, BDO, Audi, theScoreBet, Levelwear, Titleist, FootJoy, Hilton, Sleeman Clear 2.0, Johnsonville, Humi, Think Turkey, Cub Cadet, SiriusXM, The Keg, Masi, Cayman Islands, Cottage Springs, Magic Windows, Maestro Dobel Tequila, Celebrity Cruises, STALK&BARREL, Matt & Steve’s, Avis, Coca-Cola, and the Government of Ontario and City of Hamilton. The RBC Canadian Open is proud to support First Tee – Canada as the event’s official charity partner. For more information, visit www.rbccanadianopen.com.

In an exciting development for the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club, Jeremey MacRae has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 8, 2024. This announcement comes with high anticipation from the Board of Directors and the Search Committee.

Jeremey J. MacRae, C.C.M., C.C.E., brings an impressive portfolio of over twenty years of leadership experience in the private club industry to his new role. His expertise spans across various domains of facility management, including golf, curling, tennis, wellness, aquatics, multi-unit operations, and food and beverage services. With a track record of elevating member experiences and operational efficiency, Jeremey is poised to lead the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club into a new era of success.

Prior to joining Mississaugua, Jeremey served as the Chief Operating Officer at Weston Golf and Country Club, a renowned establishment with a legacy dating back to 1915. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in transforming Weston into one of Ontario’s premier golf courses. Under his leadership, member services, facilities, and overall operational efficiency witnessed significant enhancements.

Jeremey’s expertise in food and beverage operations is particularly noteworthy, honed through key roles at esteemed establishments. His journey includes successful stints as Food and Beverage/Clubhouse Manager at Brampton Golf Club and Beach Grove Golf and Country Club, where he focused on delivering exceptional dining experiences. Additionally, Jeremey served as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at Inn at St. John’s Hotel Golf & Conference Centre in Plymouth, Michigan, where he contributed to substantial revenue growth and successfully hosted events for large gatherings.

Adept at leading and motivating teams, Jeremey currently manages a diverse range of amenities at Bayview, including an acclaimed 18-hole golf course, six year-round tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a bustling social and events calendar.

His commitment to excellence extends to industry education and professional development, evident through his certifications as a Certified Club Manager (C.C.M.) and Certified Chief Executive (C.C.E.), along with active participation in industry associations and prestigious conferences.

In his role as CEO, Jeremey will oversee all aspects of Mississaugua Golf and Country Club’s day-to-day operations, fostering relationships with staff, members, guests, and the community. His collaborative leadership style and member-centric focus are set to usher in a new era of success and growth for the club, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for recreation and camaraderie.

Jeremey, who resides in Oakville with his family, brings not only professional expertise but also a passion for sports and family. When he’s not on the golf course or tennis court, he can be found coaching his children’s baseball teams or spending quality time with his wife, Amy, and their two children, Avery and Clarke.

Mississaugua Golf and Country Club was recently announced as host of the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open.

Golf Canada is thrilled to announce Connect Hearing as the Official Hearing Healthcare Partner of Golf Canada. This partnership marks a significant milestone in enhancing the well-being and hearing care accessibility for the golfing community across the country.

As a trusted leader in hearing healthcare, Connect Hearing is renowned for its commitment to improving the lives of individuals through innovative hearing solutions and personalized care. Through this partnership with Golf Canada, Connect Hearing aims to extend its support to the golfing community by promoting awareness of hearing health.

Connect Hearing will provide educational resources and solutions to golfers, coaches, and fans alike. By raising awareness of the importance of hearing health and offering convenient access to essential services, Connect Hearing and Golf Canada aim to empower individuals to prioritize their hearing health while enjoying the game they love.

Connect Hearing is set to offer spectators an exclusive experience at two prestigious golf events – the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open – through its innovative activation, the Connect Hearing Listening Lounge. Situated amidst the excitement of the tournament, this viewing lounge promises panoramic views of the course coupled with invaluable insights into maintaining optimal hearing health.

Guests visiting the Connect Hearing Listening Lounge will not only enjoy front-row seats to witness professional golfers in action but can engage with Connect Hearing experts. Here, they will gain access to vital information and resources aimed at enhancing their understanding of hearing health and its impact on overall well-being.

Golf Canada’s Official Ready to Drink Partner, Cottage Springs, is proud to announce the creation of an exclusive product tailored for golf enthusiasts, only available at Golf Canada’s Professional Championship events. This collaboration unveils the launch of the Cottage Springs Transfusion, a refreshing beverage crafted specifically for the discerning tastes of golfers.

The Transfusion is a modern twist on the classic golf cocktail, crafted to deliver a blend of flavours that perfectly complement the leisurely pace of a day on the golf course. Featuring a delightful blend of vodka, real grape juice, zesty ginger and fresh lime, this new, limited edition release contains only 3g of sugar and 120 calories per 355mL can.

“As a Canadian company that values innovation, we are thrilled to introduce the Cottage Springs Transfusion” said Keith Walker, VP of marketing at Cottage Springs. “The creation of the Transfusion reflects our commitment to excellence, as we aim to enhance the enjoyment of golfing events across the country.”

Spectators will have the opportunity to taste this iconic drink at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, where Cottage Springs will be activating both in the Fare Way, and with a public grandstand and beverage cart on 13 where fans can enjoy the atmosphere as their favourite PGA TOUR players come through the popular rink hole.

“We are excited to collaborate with Cottage Springs to offer this unique beverage experience to our fans,” said David Vladars, Director, Partnerships at Golf Canada. “The Cottage Springs Transfusion adds a new dimension to our championships, further enhancing the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the event.”

The launch of the Cottage Springs Transfusion marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Cottage Springs and Golf Canada, setting the stage for future collaborations aimed at enhancing the golfing experience for enthusiasts nationwide.

Moreover, Cottage Springs has also renewed their partnership with Golf Canada and will serve as the official Ready to Drink Partner until the end of 2027.

Cottage Springs and Golf Canada are thrilled to continue this partnership, ensuring that golfers across the nation can enjoy premium, signature beverages while experiencing the camaraderie and excitement of the sport. This extended partnership reaffirms a mutual commitment to fostering memorable moments on and off the green, enriching the golfing experience for years to come.

For more information about Cottage Springs and its products, visit www.cottagesprings.ca. To learn more about Golf Canada and upcoming championships, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

About Ace Beverage Group
Ace Beverage Group (“ABG”) is a leading better-for-you (“BFY”) beverage alcohol company in Canada. Its flagship brand, Cottage Springs, is one of the biggest and fastest growing ready-to-drink brands in Canada. Additional popular brands include Ace Hill, Cabana Coast and Casa Del Rey. ABG’s mission is to develop, launch and market the world’s best tasting BFY alcoholic beverages.

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.

Golf Canada and Magic Window (Magic) announced a multi-year partnership that will see Magic become the official Window and Doors partner of Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open.

“Golf Canada is proud to welcome Magic as the official Window and Doors partner of Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open,” said Craig Sharp, senior director, partnerships, Golf Canada. “Magic is well recognized for their innovative and award-winning products, which are designed and manufactured right here in Canada. We are pleased to have them join Golf Canada as a partner with Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.”

Magic is an Ontario-based designer and manufacturer of revolutionary windows, sliding patio doors, and folding glass wall systems. From its inception in 1979, Magic’s sole focus has been to develop innovative window and door technology that solves issues associated with traditional window and door design. Magic’s portfolio has grown to include crank-less casement window hardware, retractable bug screens, retractable solar shades / thermal blinds, and bi-folding door systems. Magic aims to perfect the customer journey by managing every aspect of the sales process; including sales, installation, and after-market service.

“We’re proud to become the official Window & Door Partner of Golf Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship through 2026. This groundbreaking partnership marks the first time a Canadian home improvement brand has partnered with Golf Canada and the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open. We’re excited to introduce Canadian homeowners to our innovative products at the PGA TOUR’s premiere Canadian event while helping to grow the great game of golf in Ontario and across Canada,” said Lior Goldenberg, managing director, Magic.

Magic will have a unique on-course activation at the RBC Canadian Open on the 17th tee of Hamilton Golf and Country Club that will provide a spectacular view overlooking the property with great views of the hole. In addition, Magic will have an activation located in The Fare Way featuring The Keg adjacent to the 18th green where their leading-edge window technology will be on display along with brand ambassadors that will educate spectators on the product itself.

For more information about Magic, please visit www.magicwindow.ca/.