Future Links driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge National Event returns to Glen Abbey Golf Club
OAKVILLE, Ont. — The 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge National Event will take place on Saturday, July 21 at Glen Abbey Golf Club, the host of the 2018 RBC Canadian Open.
Twenty-four golfers from three age groups will compete in the 10th edition of the Junior Skills National Event which returns to Glen Abbey Golf Club as a lead in event to Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.
The participating juniors will compete in a four-part skills challenge (putting, chipping, driving and iron play) with one overall winner per age group and gender.
Golf Canada, in partnership with Acura and the PGA of Canada will host the national finals of the 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge on Saturday, July 21 at Glen Abbey Golf Club. The event is the culmination of more than 3000 Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills participants competing at 171 golf facilities across Canada. The field is comprised of 24 golfers from across Canada: five boys and girls in the 9-11 age group; four girls and boys in the 12-14 age group; and three boys and girls in the 15-18 division; all selected from the top of the Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge National Leaderboard.
FIELD
Girls 9-11
Lea Lemieux (Garson, Ont., Timberwolf Golf Academy )
Sophia Xu (King City, Ont., Kings Riding Golf Club)
Avery Cohen (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)
Katherine Hao (Vancouver, B.C., Fraserview Golf Course)
Lindsay McGrath (Milton, Ont, Glencairn Golf Club)
Boys 9-11
Manav Bharani (Brampton, Ont., Turnberry Golf Club)
Colby Bent (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)
Andre Zhu (King City, Ont., King Valley Golf Club)
Grady Cohen (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)
Brayden Boge (Winnipeg, Man., Golf Mentor Academy)
Girls 12-14
Alissa Xu (King City, Ont., Kings Riding Golf Club)
Annabelle Chapleau (Mont Tremblant, Que., Club des Champions)
Jahnavi Bharani (Brampton, Ont., Turnberry Golf Club,)
Jean Craig (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)
Boys 12-14
Cale Maclaughlin (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)
Matis Lessard (Québec, Que., Académie de Golf Fred Colgan)
Brent Chapman (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)
Nicholas Colton (Bathurst, N.B., Gowan Brae Golf Club)
Girls 15-18
Taylor Cormier (Corner Brook, N.L., Blomidon Golf and Country Club)
Camille Gagnon (Sainte-Julie, Que., Club de Golf la Vallée du Richelieu)
Chelsea Joseph (Lethbridge, Alta.; Lethbridge Country Club)
Boys 15-18
Owen Gauder (Thornhill, Ont., Bayview Golf and Country Club)
Gregoire Vincent (Québec, Que., Académie de golf Fred Colgan)
Jack Rain (Sudbury, Ont., Idylwylde Golf & Country Club)
The winners of the Future Links driven by Acura Skills Challenge National Event in the boys and girls 15-18 age groups will receive an exemption into their local Future Links driven by AcuraChampionship in 2019. All other attending participants of the Future Links driven by Acura Junior Skills National Event will receive prizing courtesy of Titleist Footjoy.
On Sunday, July 22, Future Links, driven by Acura Skills Challenge National Event participants will have the opportunity to play the famous Glen Abbey layout in an exciting match play format, outfitted by program sponsor Cobra Puma Golf. Following that, participants will be provided weekly grounds passes and have an opportunity to be involved in Monday’s Golf Canada Foundation Pro-Am and secure a spot in Wednesday’s Walk with a Pro event during the RBC Canadian Open Pro-Am.
For more information on the Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills National Event click here.
Laurence Applebaum reflects on first year as CEO of Golf Canada
As Laurence Applebaum marked his first year as Golf Canada’s CEO on July 10, it would have been easy to point to a couple of recent announcements as early anniversary presents.
On July 3, it was revealed that the RBC Canadian Open would vacate its logistically problematic date the week immediately after The Open Championship in July and shift to the week prior to the U.S. Open, taking place the first week of June starting next year.
On July 9, Canadian Pacific and Golf Canada announced that CP had extended its title sponsorship of the CP Women’s Open, the only LPGA Tour event in Canada, for five years through 2023. The announcement was made at Magna Golf Club, the opulent and outstanding facility in Aurora, Ont., which will host the 2019 CP Women’s Open.
Just as significant was the news that the event’s charity, CP Has Heart, has raised almost $6.5 million for heart health initiatives in just four years. CP’s sponsorship also supports Golf Canada’s National Team Program (Team Canada) and the Young Pro Program which aids emerging Canadian professionals as they transition to the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. CP is also the title sponsor of the CP Women’s Leadership Summit which will make its debut on Aug. 21 during the CP Women’s Open at Wascana Country Club in Regina.
But in an interview after the CP Women’s media conference at Magna, Applebaum was quick to deflect the credit for these notable accomplishments.
“We are extremely fortunate to have great partners like CP and RBC and so many others who support the game of golf in Canada. Without them and a supportive Board of Directors and our talented and hard-working team of staff and volunteers, I doubt very much would get accomplished at all, much less in a year.”
So giving credit where credit is due, it must be noted that the past 12 months have been, if not tumultuous, at least a “whirlwind,” according to Applebaum.
“One of the biggest highlights and I have to admit, one of the biggest surprises, was the reception I enjoyed from the golf community both within our borders and outside. I was overwhelmed by how much Canadians love their golf and also by how welcoming the global golf community, like the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, the USGA and the R&A, has been to a newcomer.”
Building relationships was a keystone of Applebaum’s priority list when he came on board to lead Golf Canada. He traversed the country, listening to golfers to determine how Golf Canada could become “more relevant,” in his words.
One of the positives he noted was the reaction to Golf Canada’s new membership model. The hope is to transition all member clubs to the Gold Level by the end of next year. The Gold Level comes with a laundry list of benefits from an official handicap factor to incident protection (up to $2,500 reimbursement for damaged, lost or stolen equipment, plus other unfortunate golf-related events), discounts on merchandise and event, tickets, and more).
“I had many golfers come up to me and say ‘I’ve been a Golf Canada member for a long time but I’ve never really seen the value. But now I do.’”
Another thing Applebaum noted during his travels was that the “Canadian golf community” is anything but. It’s fragmented, to say the least.
But the good news is that when he joined Golf Canada, work was well underway on the organization’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (by a task force headed by current Golf Canada President Leslie Dunning. Published last winter, it is a leading-edge document that, says Applebaum, “shows that we welcome all of Canada’s almost six million golfers with open arms. It’s a great outreach initiative that we are determined to live up to.”
About the same time as the Diversity and Inclusivity Policy was released, Applebaum appeared at a media conference with PGA of Canada CEO Kevin Thistle to announce that the two national organizations have teamed up to combat and prevent abuse, bullying and harassment in golf by adopting Respect in Sport and Respect in the Workplace as part of a deepened commitment to the Responsible Coaching Movement.
Laurence Applebaum and PGA of Canada CEO Kevin Thistle signing the Responsible Coaching Movement for golf in Canada
After such a hectic yet rewarding first year, Applebaum might be excused if some of the memories are a touch hazy. But that’s not the case in at least one instance.
“It had to be at last year’s CP Women’s Open at Royal Ottawa,” he recalls as his face lights up with a smile. “To see Brooke Henderson make the cut on the number and then go out on Saturday and shoot a course-record 63, well, what a great moment for Canadian golfers! It’s something I’ll never forget.”
And with that, he stands up, shakes hands, and heads into Year Two.
Canada’s Brooke Henderson hoping to return from break with a ‘vengeance’
WINNIPEG – Brooke Henderson is looking forward to some much-needed time off and then returning to the golf course with a “vengeance.”
After the Canadian star failed to hang on to her final-round lead and finished third at last weekend’s LPGA Tour Marathon Classic in Ohio, she planned to spend some time at home before getting ready for the British Open on Aug. 2-5 in England.
“It’s so important to be physically ready but also mentally,” Henderson said Tuesday after headlining a pro-am and junior clinic at the St. Charles Country Club in Winnipeg.
“And, especially in the summer months when it’s so hot and you’re grinding every single day. It is tiring and you have to really pay attention and know that rest is just as important.
“So I’m excited to kind of have some downtime, get some rest and be balanced, and then get back at it and work hard. I feel like it’s good for you to kind of refresh and then go forward with a vengeance.”
Her break actually got off to a bit of a rocky start as two flights to Winnipeg out of Toronto were cancelled Monday night. She arrived Tuesday morning and the event was a hit despite some scheduling changes.
“It definitely does bring back a lot of memories,” Henderson said. “I think it kind of gives me that lift as somebody else was mentioning earlier, just that kind of little extra boost, that little extra confidence that I am on the right track, I am doing things the right way.
“I’ve just got to keep moving forward and good things are going to happen.”
Good and bad things happened to the Smith Falls, Ont., native last Sunday, but after assessing her play she was letting the disappointment of not claiming a seventh Tour victory roll off of her.
The 20-year-old still had a one-shot lead after the 14th hole, but then bogeyed the 15th and 16th. She made par on the 17th and 18th par-five holes, but missed out on a playoff that was won by Thidapa Suwannapura of Thailand over American Brittany Lincicome.
“Leading up to that, I played amazing golf all week,” Henderson said. “The four holes kind of don’t give the respect to those other holes that much but I was playing great.”
She had believed her final putt was bang on.
“I thought it was in, to be honest,” she said. “It’s right where I thought and it just stopped breaking, I guess a foot or two to go.
“But that’s all you can do. I hit it on the high side. It had a chance to go in. It looked awesome and, unfortunately, it just didn’t go in and that’s cool.”
Henderson is sixth in earnings after taking home $843,597 this year, following seven Top 10 finishes in 18 events, including winning the Lotte Championship in April. Her six career Tour victories is two shy of Sandra Post’s record for the most by a Canadian woman.
She plans to continue working hard on improving her short game.
“Putting has been a huge focus for me over the last few months, I guess since the start of the season,” she said. “That’s where I’m trying to make big gains.”
Her break will also include important time off with her family.
“This year definitely has been challenging for my family,” said Henderson, who withdrew from last month’s U.S. Women’s Open after her grandfather on her mother’s side passed away.”
“My other grandpa is sick now, too, and it’s really kind of scary. But I feel like I’ve been handling everything, the ups and the downs, pretty well.”
“I’m just trying to overcome those things and hopefully get some more wins in the near future.”
Canadian Adam Hadwin feels better the second time around at British Open
In a recent video posted to Instagram, Adam Hadwin was preparing for this week’s British Open by hitting balls in his backyard in Phoenix.
It may seem counterproductive, climate-wise, except it was during an Arizona monsoon – and the Canadian golfer was there in full rain-gear, smiling away.
The state’s monsoon season runs from mid-June to September, which lined up perfectly for Hadwin as he prepared for the third major of the year.
“I do have more understanding about links golf and what to do where and when. I feel more confident that I’ll be able to adjust my game over there going over this time (better than he did) last year,” the 30-year-old Hadwin, of Abbotsford, B.C., said.
“Certainly there’s lots still to learn, but I definitely learned a lot playing last year.”
Not only did 2017 mark Hadwin’s debut at the British Open, it also was his first trip to Europe.
He missed the cut, and despite enjoying being tourist-for-the-day in Liverpool with his wife Jessica, he’s eager for more this year at Carnoustie Golf Links.
Scotland has experienced a heat wave the last few months, meaning the course is ripe for long, running shots along baked-out turf.
Hadwin, the lone Canadian in the field, said he has worked on some specific links golf strategies.
“I dialed in the basics but also added some of those unique shots I might face, and tried to fly the ball a little bit lower, especially off the tee,” said Hadwin.
“If you hit good golf shots, it doesn’t matter what kind of golf course you’re playing. It’s really just golf in the end.”
Hadwin plans to add a few different clubs to his bag that he hasn’t used since last year’s British Open.
Hadwin admitted he doesn’t know much about Carnoustie, but has been told repeatedly it will be a stern test of golf.
“Everyone seems to be calling it ‘Car-nasty’ so my understanding is it’s going to be a very difficult golf course, especially if the conditions make it more so,” he said.
He planned to play 18 holes on Monday after walking the course over the weekend. He’ll play another full round on Wednesday as, from experience, he knows a major-championship venue changes drastically from the beginning of the week to Thursday’s opening round.
“I’ll ease my way into it,” he said. “I know I’m arriving an extra couple days (early) versus a normal week, but the biggest thing is to get adjusted .”
As Canada’s highest-ranked male golfer, Hadwin has earned more than US$1.4 million this season, with three top-10 finishes.
He missed the cut at last month’s U.S. Open, ending a streak of cuts-made that was one of the longest on Tour, but feels confident he’ll begin to score well again sooner rather than later.
Although Hadwin sits 60th on the FedEx Cup season-long points race (more than twice as high as the next-closest Canadian), he admitted his putting – long considered his strength – has let him down slightly this year.
He told The Canadian Press in December his objective for 2018 was to improve his iron play, which he said he’s done. But because of how much Hadwin practised that aspect of his game, his putting work tapered off.
He said he has spent more time on the putting green recently to work on speed, alignment and feel.
Hadwin hasn’t notched a top-20 finish since May. He said he is in a “birdie-bogey cycle,” but feels he’s playing well overall.
“I’m driving it well enough and keeping it in play. I’ve hit my fair share of bad shots but overall I’m hitting it pretty well, I’m just not scoring,” he said. “And in golf, it’s not about how, it’s about how many.”
After the British Open, Hadwin will fly back to Oakville, Ont. for next week’s RBC Canadian Open, where his best finish is a tie for fourth in 2011.
PGA TOUR releases full 2018-19 schedule
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The PGA TOUR today unveiled a revamped tournament schedule for next season, providing an exciting change for players and fans as they are able to engage in – and better follow – a cadence of events highlighted by significant championships every month and culminating with the FedExCup Playoffs in August.
Highlights from the new 46-tournament schedule:
- Per last week’s announcement, the RBC Canadian Open is moving from its traditional spot in late July to June 3-9, leading into the U.S. Open. Hamilton Golf & Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario, will host the event for the first time since 2012.
- The FedExCup Playoffs will feature three events, instead of four: THE NORTHERN TRUST, August 5-11 (125-player field); the BMW Championship, August 12-18 (70 players); and the TOUR Championship August 19-25 (30 players). TPC Boston will continue as a Playoffs site every other year, rotating with the New York City area as host of THE NORTHERN TRUST starting in 2020.
- As previously announced, two new tournaments have been added, though now the dates have been confirmed: the Rocket Mortgage Classic June 24-30, the first PGA TOUR tournament to be held in the city of Detroit; and the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities July 1-7, which becomes the first PGA TOUR Champions tournament to transition to the PGA TOUR.
- The Puerto Rico Open returns to the schedule following its cancellation this year due to the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico is slotted for February 18-24, the same week as the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship.
- As previously announced, THE PLAYERS Championship moves from May to March (11-17) and the PGA Championship moves from August to May (13-19).
- Also announced previously is the final World Golf Championships event of the season, until now staged in Akron, Ohio, will be held July 22-28 at TPC Southwind in Memphis as the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational (replacing the FedEx St. Jude Classic).
- The Houston Open and A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier are moving to the fall and will be played next as part of the 2019-20 schedule.
“We are extremely pleased with the way the schedule has come together, particularly with the number of changes that were involved and the strength of the partnerships required to achieve this new look,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “It’s been our stated objective for several years to create better sequencing of our tournaments that golf fans around the world can engage in from start to finish. And by concluding at the end of August, the FedExCup Playoffs no longer have the challenge of sharing the stage with college and professional football. This will enhance the visibility of the FedExCup Playoffs and overall fan engagement with the PGA TOUR and the game as a whole.”
Monahan credited FedEx, umbrella sponsor of the FedExCup, title sponsors and host organizations for their crucial role with the revamped schedule.
“Beginning with our 10-year extension with FedEx last May and continuing with many recent, long-term title sponsor commitments, as well as new sponsors and host organizations joining the PGA TOUR, our key constituents have validated our vision and the direction for our future,” he said. “Our thanks to these tremendous partners for their flexibility and support during this process. We feel strongly that together, we have created a schedule that will heighten interest in all tournaments while further elevating the FedExCup Playoffs.”
The season also features venue rotations for several tournaments, including the first two FedExCup Playoffs events. THE NORTHERN TRUST returns to Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, where it was last held in 2013, while the BMW Championship returns to Medinah Country Club near Chicago for the first time since 1966.
The three rotating major championships add historical notes to the schedule. Coinciding with the PGA Championship’s first May dates since 1949 will be its debut at Bethpage Black on New York’s Long Island. The Open Championship, meanwhile, will be held at Royal Portrush July 15-21, marking its return to Northern Ireland after nearly 70 years. And the U.S. Open (June 10-16), last held at Pebble Beach Golf Links in 2010, returns next year when the club celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Canadian Pacific extends sponsorship of CP Women’s Open through 2023
Canadian Pacific (CP), Golf Canada and the LPGA Tour officially announced today that CP has extended its title sponsorship of the CP Women’s Open for five years, beginning in 2019 through 2023. Terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
Since becoming title sponsor of the CP Women’s Open in November of 2013, CP has worked closely with Golf Canada to enhance Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship including the overall experience for players and fans. CP has also established a meaningful charitable legacy through CP Has Heart, which has raised nearly $6.5M for heart health initiatives in the event’s host communities.
“Extending our partnership with Golf Canada as title sponsor of the CP Women’s Open will enable CP to continue to make a significant difference in communities across Canada through our community investment program, CP Has Heart,” said Keith Creel, CP President and Chief Executive Officer. “Partnering with these world-class athletes and this wonderful tournament enhances pride across our company, while building deeper, stronger relationships within the host communities. Since our first CP Women’s Open in 2014 we have raised close to 6.5 million dollars for children’s hospitals and pediatric cardiac care systems across the country, and we look forward to supporting even more young hearts and families in the years to come.”
In addition to being title sponsor of the CP Women’s Open, CP is extending its role as a premier partner of Golf Canada’s National Team Program (Team Canada) and the Young Pro Squad which supports emerging Canadian professionals in their transition to the LPGA Tour and PGA TOUR. CP also proudly supports Canadian golf legend Lorie Kane and major champion Brooke Henderson as CP Ambassadors.
CP will also continue its investment as title sponsor of the CP Women’s Leadership Summit which will make its debut on August 21 during tournament week of the 2018 CP Women’s Open at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask.
For Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum, CP’s extended relationship with the CP Women’s Open further solidifies CP’s standing as a champion supporter of golf in Canada.
“Canadian Pacific has been an incredible partner supporting excellence in Canadian golf for the past five years and we are honoured to have them continue their title sponsorship of the CP Women’s Open,” said Applebaum. “CP is among Canada’s most respected corporations and as a deeply invested golf partner under the leadership of Keith Creel, their commitment to delivering a world-class experience for players, caddies, fans and charitable beneficiaries, has elevated the status of Canada’s National Women’s Open to one of the premier events on the LPGA Tour.”
As part of CP’s title sponsorship renewal, the purse for the 2019 CP Women’s Open will be $2.25M US beginning in 2019 with a commitment to be among the top-tier purses on the LPGA Tour for the term of the agreement.
“For our players, this championship is a must-play event with great hospitality as well as great history,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “The LPGA’s success is made possible through partnerships like the ones we enjoy with CP and Golf Canada. I’d like to congratulate both CP and Golf Canada on this five-year sponsorship extension. With CP’s help, we’re proud to continue showcasing the LPGA Tour to millions of golf fans in Canada, across North America and around the world.”
MAGNA GOLF CLUB TO HOST 2019 CP WOMEN’S OPEN
In addition to announcing the title sponsorship renewal, Golf Canada and CP also confirmed today that the 2019 CP Women’s Open will be conducted at the prestigious Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario.
The naming of Magna Golf Club as host of the 2019 CP Women’s Open kicks off an east-west venue rotation over the five-year term to bring the event to world-class facilities in host communities in which CP employees live and work across its network. The 2019 event marks the first time since 2001 that Canada’s National Women’s Open has been contested in the greater Toronto area.
“Magna Golf Club is a truly magnificent facility which will prove to be a world-class experience for the stars of the LPGA Tour,” added Applebaum. “The CP Women’s Open is one of Canada’s premier sporting events and we are thrilled to return to the Toronto area for the first time in nearly 20 years so that golf fans and partners can experience the incredible Magna Golf Club as well as the global excitement of the LPGA Tour.”
In 2019, the #CPWO will be heading to the beautiful @MagnaGolfClub in Aurora, Ont. ??⛳️
Read ➡️ https://t.co/zxE71wEFxw pic.twitter.com/GXL9ZW17WB
— CP Women’s Open (@cpwomensopen) July 9, 2018
“When presented with the opportunity to host the 2019 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open Championship, we were immediately excited,” said Magna Golf Club General Manager and Director of Golf, Stuart Brindle. “The event will allow some of the world’s greatest golfers to experience Magna Golf Club, while making a tremendous impact on our local community.”
The 2019 charitable beneficiary for the CP Has Heart campaign is support of pediatric heart health initiatives will be announced in the coming months.
First conducted in 1973, Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has allowed the brightest stars of the LPGA Tour to shine on Canadian soil and inspire the nation’s next generation of female golfers.
The 2018 CP Women’s Open will be held August 20-26 at Wascana Country Club in Regina. Additional information regarding tickets, sponsorship or volunteer opportunities can be found at www.cpwomensopen.com.
Jessica Porvasnik wins DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada
THORNHILL, Ont. —Until today, Jessica Porvasnik hadn’t won a professional golf championship outside the state of Ohio. Now, however, the 23-year-old American can call herself national championship winner.
Porvasnik captured the DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada Thursday at the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto, finishing the 36-hole event at 4-under-par, 140.
“I’ve won two professional events in Ohio, but this is my first win outside of the state,” Provasnik said. “There are some pretty impressive names on the trophy, so to win this championship is very special to me.”
The DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada was first played in 1987 and past champions include five-time winner Lorie Kane, Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp, Cathy Sherk, Gail Graham, Nancy Harvey, and Jessica Shepley.
With the win, Provasnik takes home the first place prize of $10,000 and an exemption into this year’s CP Women’s Open at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Aug. 20-26.
Aram Choi of Surrey, B.C., and Mexico’s Sandra Angulo finished T2, one shot back at 3-under-par.
Hamilton Golf & Country Club’s Emma De Groot finished fourth at 2-under-par for the championship. With her impressive finish, she takes home the low PGA of Canada club professional division title, along with a spot on the PGA of Canada’s PGA Cup team.
The PGA of America recently formed the Women’s PGA Cup, a first-of-its-kind team competition for Women PGA members from around the world. The PGA of Canada is pleased to be taking part in this landmark event, which will be played October 21-26, 2019 in the United States.
The five members of the inaugural PGA of Canada team will be determined based on the performance of eligible finishers at the 2018 and 2019 DCM PGA Women’s Championship.
American Jenny Lee, Valerie Tanguay and Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto member Elizabeth Tong round out the top-five at 1-over-par.
Earlier in the week, title sponsor DCM announced the ‘Power Up’ initiative.
Founded by DCM, in partnership with the PGA of Canada, the Power Up initiative aims to support the athletic, personal and financial needs of Canadian female golfers. The initiative has the two main goals of supporting top Canadian female golfers on the brink of LPGA Tour status and create a landmark Canadian championship in women’s golf.
More information about the Power Up initiative will be announced in the coming weeks.
To follow the DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada online, visit pgaofcanada.com, twitter.com/pgaofcanada, instagram.com/thepgaofcanada and facebook.com/pgaofcanada
The next PGA of Canada national championship takes place at the Beverly Golf & Country Club, Aug. 7-10 for the PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada.
Click here for scores.
Celebrating 50 year milestones
Fifty years ago, in 1968, we celebrated the opening of a number of golf courses from coast-to-coast in Canada.
The list of clubs include:
- Acme Golf Club (Acme, AB)
- Fort Langley Golf Club (Fort Langley, BC)
- Kokanee Springs Resort Club (Crawford Bay, BC)
- Meadow Gardens Golf Club (Pitt Meadows, BC)
- West Pubnico Golf & Country Club (Pubnico, NS)
- Kanata Golf & Country Club (Kanata, ON)
- Chibougamau-Chapais Club de Golf (Chiboufamau, QC)
- Glen Cedars Golf Club (Claremont, ON)
Notable Golf Moments in 1968:
The World Amateur Team Championship was held in Australia, Bob Charles is the first left-handed golfer to win the Canadian Open and the only New Zealander, and Sandra Post wins LPGA Rookie-of-the-Year Award as well as the 1968 LPGA Championship in a playoff. Bob Goalby won his only major championship, one stroke ahead of Roberto De Vicenzo, the reigning British Open champion.
Jessica Porvasnik leads PGA Women’s Championship of Canada
THORNHILL, Ont. —Players took advantage of ideal scoring conditions Wednesday at the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto for the first round of the DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada.
A total of seven players posted rounds under par on the venerable Stanley Thompson designed gem in Toronto’s north end.
Jessica Porvasnik of Ohio leads the way after an opening-round 4-under-par 68, which included five birdies on the inward nine. Kayla Lawrence, Aram Choi and Sandra Angulo are just one shot back at 3-under-par. Emma De Groot and Brooke Baker were both 70, while local favourite and Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto member Elizabeth Tong was 71 Wednesday.
“This golf course is in great shape with perfect greens,” Angulo said. “It’s a very risk and reward type of golf course, so you have to be very aware where to attack.”
“My experience this week has just been amazing,” she said. “The support from everyone here at the club, the PGA of Canada, the sponsors have just been first class.”
The Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto hosted the inaugural DCM PGA Women’s Championship in 1987, which was won by PGA of Canada Hall of Fame member Cathy Sherk. The club also hosted the event in 1999 (won by Lorie Kane) and for the third time in 2007 (won by Salimah Mussani).
Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto is North America’s only remaining private golf club established by women for women and was founded in 1924 by Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Ada Mackenzie. Designed by famed Canadian golf course architect Stanley Thompson, the course was officially opened for play in 1926.
The winner of this year’s championship will earn an exemption into the CP Canadian Women’s Open at the Wascana Country Club, Aug. 20-26.
De Groot of Hamilton Golf & Country Club leads the PGA Club Professional division by three shots over Rebecca Lee-Bentham.
Additionally, the PGA of America recently formed the Women’s PGA Cup, a first-of-its-kind team competition for Women PGA members from around the world.
The PGA of Canada is pleased to be taking part in this landmark event. The inaugural competition will be played October 21-26, 2019 in the United States.
The five members of the inaugural PGA of Canada team will be determined based on the performance of eligible finishers at the 2018 and 2019 DCM PGA Women’s Championship.
Those eligible to represent their country in the Women’s PGA Cup must be members in good standing with their respective Professional Golfers Association (PGA). They must also be active in the game, be it as a teacher, coach or working as club professional/assistant. Tour professionals who primarily compete for a living are not eligible to participate.
Admittance to the DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada is free and spectators are encouraged to attend the 36-hole championship play.
The DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada was first played in 1987 and past champions include five-time winner Lorie Kane, Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp, Cathy Sherk, Gail Graham, Nancy Harvey, and Jessica Shepley.
Click here for full scoring.
RBC scores ‘a hole in one’ with 2019 PGA TOUR schedule change
RBC, Golf Canada and the PGA TOUR today announced that the 2019 RBC Canadian Open will be moving to a premier spot on the PGA TOUR schedule starting in 2019, one week before the U.S. Open. The 110th RBC Canadian Open, to be played at the historic Hamilton Golf and Country Club with new dates, June 3-9, 2019, is expected to attract an even better field for Canada’s National Championship.
The 2018 RBC Canadian Open will be played as scheduled, July 23-29, at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario.
“The RBC Canadian Open is one of the oldest and most-prestigious golf events in the world and we’re thrilled to start a new chapter in 2019,” said Mary DePaoli, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer, RBC. “As the only Canadian stop on the Tour, the June tournament date will help enrich the experience for fans, players and all Canadians.”
IT’S A DATE! The #RBCCO is moving to June 3-9 in 2019 ??#OurOpen pic.twitter.com/okc6Z3dopB
— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) July 3, 2018
In addition to the new spot on the PGA TOUR schedule, the 2019 RBC Canadian Open will also feature an increased purse, set at USD $7.6-million.
“The PGA TOUR, RBC and Golf Canada have collaborated to ensure this new date is the right fit for players and fans of the RBC Canadian Open,” said Andy Pazder, chief tournaments & competitions officer, PGA TOUR. “As title sponsor of both the RBC Canadian Open and the RBC Heritage, RBC has been a tremendous partner of the PGA TOUR, and we’re thrilled to have this opportunity to move one of golf’s most important and historic tournaments to a new date for the event starting in 2019.”
With even stronger fields and competition anticipated with the new date, the RBC Canadian Open is expected to:
- Increase global awareness for golf in Canada and the RBC Canadian Open tournament
- Drive deeper interest and participation in golf in Canada
- Positively impact the regional economy with increased ticket sales, hospitality and tourism
“Golf Canada is beyond thrilled by RBC’s overall support for the Canadian Open. Together with the PGA TOUR, the new 2019 date change is a clear demonstration of our combined commitment to the game and Canada’s National Open Championship,” said Laurence Applebaum, chief executive officer, Golf Canada. “This exciting change will inject tremendous energy into the RBC Canadian Open and make Canadian golf better.”