ATLANTA – Paul Casey shot a 5-under 65 to build a two-shot lead in the Tour Championship. That leaves him one round away from ending eight years without winning on the PGA Tour in the biggest way possible.

Casey holed a 40-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole and escaped with par on the closing hole at East Lake.

He was at 12-under 198, two shots ahead of Kevin Kisner (64) and PGA Tour rookie Xander Schauffele (65). Casey’s only PGA Tour victory was in 2009 at the Houston Open. A victory Sunday might be enough to also give him the FedEx Cup and the $10 million bonus.

Justin Thomas had to rally for a 70 and fell five shots behind. He’s still in the hunt for the FedEx Cup.

Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., struggled to a 3-over 73 and is 1 over for the event.

Furthering their commitment to growing Canadian junior golf, Acura is adopting five Golf in Schools kits through an Adopt a School Week contest in support of the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program.

The contest requires Canadians to simply nominate a school along with the city and town by commenting on the contest Facebook post by Oct. 6.

On Oct. 13, 2017 at approximately 1 p.m. ET, one (1) eligible entry per Region will be selected by random draw from among all eligible entries submitted (full contest rules are available here).

Click here to participate a nominate a school in your area!

OTTAWA — A well-accomplished field of competitors will take to The Marshes Golf Club from Sept. 24-29 for the fourth annual World Junior Girls Championship. In total, 60 athletes will represent 19 countries – including two teams from host nation Canada.

“With our partners, we are proud to offer a world-class event for girls of this age group, where there are fewer opportunities for international competitions,” said tournament director Mary Beth McKenna. “These girls are some of the best juniors in the world and we are thrilled to host them in a tournament where they can continue their growth and development.”

This year’s field is highlighted by 11 competitors ranked inside the World Golf Amateur Rankings (WAGR) top 100. Among them are the tournament’s top two ranked players from Sweden: Amanda Linnér (No. 18) and Beatrice Wallin (No. 38). The pair will be joined by teammate Linn Grant (No. 84) — who was a member of the silver (2014) and bronze (2015) World Junior Girls Championship team medal winners. Both Linnér and Grant will make their second appearances at the championship.

In 2017, Linnér captured the ANNIKA Invitational Europe and France International U21 (Esmond Trophy), while also placing second at the ANNIKA Invitational USA. Wallin earned a second place finish at the France International U21 (Esmond Trophy) and Grant picked up wins at the Helen Holm Scottish Open Stroke Play Championship and German Girls Open.

The 2017 installment of the event will see numerous players return as 18 members of the field have played in at least one World Junior Girls Championship, including both the 2016 silver medallist Jennifer Chang (USA) and bronze medallist Caterina Don (Italy), who look to become the first repeat medallists in tournament history.

Led by the 91st ranked Chang, the American team will aim for another strong performance following last year’s third place result. Team USA will also feature 2017 U.S. Girls Champion Erica Shepherd (No. 162) and Gina Kim (No. 75).

While the Italian team does boast the defending individual bronze medallist, it could be another member who steals the show. Alessia Nobilio, who participated in the 2016 World Junior Girls Championship, comes into the tournament as the third-highest ranked player at No. 41 after a 2017 season that saw her win the International Juniors of Belgium and France International  – Cecile de Rothschild Trophy. In addition, she and teammate Caterina Don (No. 127), won the Italian U18 Team Championship. Don also picked up individual honours with a win at the Italian Girls U18 National Championship. The two World Junior Girls Championship veterans will be joined by newcomer Alessandra Fanali, who currently ranks 112th in the WAGR.

In 2016, the Philippines captured the title by a nine-stroke margin on the strength of gold medallist Yuka Saso, who was the lone player to finish the tournament under par. This year, the defending champions will be paced by Harmie Nicole Constantino (No. 305), who won the Philippine Amateur Open. She will be joined by teammates Junia Louise Gabasa and Kristine Torrabla.

With all of the returning teams and players, the World Junior Girls Championship is also pleased to welcome two teams that will be making their debut in 2017, Chinese Taipei and Switzerland. Chinese Taipei will send Kuan-Yu Lin (No. 1096), Hui-Wen Chiu (No. 943) and Jo-Hua Hung (No. 379). The Swiss will feature Victoria Monod (No. 612), Elena Moosmann (No. 85) and Chiara Tamburlini (No. 376).

The strong international field will join the six players chosen to represent Canada. Monet Chun (Richmond Hill, Ont.), Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.) and Céleste Dao (Notre-Dame Ile Perrot, Que.) will form Canada One, while Alyssa DiMarcantonio (Maple, Ont.), Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) will make up Canada Two.

In addition to the four-round, 72-hole team and individual event, the World Junior Girls Championship will celebrate the game of golf and promote the development of junior girls golf. There will be a PGA of Canada coaching summit and Future Champions Clinic on Sept. 24. The opening ceremonies take place on Sept. 25 before the first round of competition on Sept. 26. Closing ceremonies will take place on Sept. 29 immediately following play.

Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the fourth annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.

Golf Town, the official retailer of the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program, has adopted 93 elementary schools in support of the second annual Adopt a School Week.

In total, Golf Town’s donation is valued at over $44,000, a number that further reinforces their commitment to the future of Canadian junior golf since joining as a program sponsor in August. The 93 adoptions were made possible through a fundraising initiative at Golf Town stores across Canada, giving customers the opportunity to donate towards the adoption of a school in their local area.

“To have been able to partner with Golf Canada on an initiative we feel strongly about and then also have success with, is rewarding for us and something we are very proud of. There is a need and desire to grow the game, and we are so thrilled we were able to bring that to life in our stores so we can do our part in inspiring kids to pick up a club and learn about the game we all love,” said Chad McKinnon, President of Golf Town Ltd. “The Golf in Schools initiative allowed us to bring our associates and customers together to make this possible. We sincerely thank our associates and our generous customers for believing in this initiative and making it a success.”

The Kitchener, Ont. and South Edmonton store locations raised the highest totals, each with enough to adopt six schools in their communities.

As of September, there are currently 2,856 schools registered in the elementary program — translating to 28 per cent of total elementary schools in the country.

“Golf Town’s engagement with the Golf in Schools program has been incredible,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “Through the involvement of all of their retail outlets they have been able to provide significant growth for the Golf in Schools program from coast-to-coast. Thanks to their partnership, we are one step closer to having the Golf in Schools program in every school in Canada.”

Following Adopt a School Week, Golf Canada will be announcing all elementary, intermediate and high school adoptions conducted in 2017.

Find out more or adopt a school in your community at golfcanada.ca/adoptaschool

The indomitable spirit will be par for the course at the 2017 Invictus Games.

In the dark of night, at 9:33 p.m. on Oct. 2, 1994, a high-powered sniper bullet was fired from an enemy-held position in the Bosnia and Herzegovina town of Ilijas. It travelled some 800 metres and pierced the armoured vehicle in which Canadian Forces warrant officer Tom Martineau was riding. The bullet ripped through Martineau’s left triceps and ricocheted through his internal organs, splitting his left kidney, detaching his spleen and fracturing his thoracic 12 vertebrae, immediately paralyzing him from the waist down.

“I knew right then and there that this was going to affect my golf swing,” muses the resident of Kingston, Ont., who turns 57 in June.

One of Team Canada’s estimated 12 golf participants at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto this September, Martineau can joke about it now. But the physical injuries for wounded warriors often pale in comparison to the psychological demons that accompany them. Martineau, who fell victim to drugs and alcohol addiction in the aftermath of his injury, contemplated suicide on more than one occasion.

“I had a loaded rifle in my mouth,” he recalls. “For whatever reason, the thought occurred to me: ‘Who will look after my dog?’”

Martineau withdrew his weapon and began the journey back into the light — an arduous road shared by military veterans the world over as they learn to keep those demons at bay and reintegrate into society.

Double amputee Bernie Broad from Team UK is more than a match for most players (photo: Terry D. Cuffel)

For many, sports have provided an opportunity to find renewed focus and purpose. Nowhere is that more evident than the Warrior Games, a U.S.-based multi-sport event originated in 2010 for seriously wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans. The 2013 edition in Colorado was officially opened by Prince Harry, who was a captain and helicopter pilot in the British Army at the time. Inspired by the efforts of participants in the international Paralympics-style event, the prince was motivated to launch an expanded international version in 2014 — the Invictus Games.

Latin for “unconquered,” this year’s Invictus Games will feature 550 competitors from 17 allied nations and will debut golf among its dozen adaptive sports. Five-time Canadian Open host St. George’s Golf and Country Club will provide the venue for the one-day golf competition on September 26 that is expected to field around 60 competitors. Offering free entry for all spectators, the low-net event will employ the points-based Stableford scoring system, including a double-bogey maximum to assist with pace of play. Ground rules will also be implemented to address severe bunkers and other hazards for players with limited mobility.

“When (the Invictus organizers) said they’d like to have the golf event at St. George’s, I thought, ‘Well yeah, who wouldn’t?’ says Jim Clark, chair of the golf competition’s organizing committee. “But after we met with general manager Jason Clarke, the St. George’s board’s vote was a unanimous yes. And then they asked, ‘What else can we do to make it better?’”

Clark, who has served as chairman of the RBC Canadian Open since 2002 and of the 2015 Pan Am Games golf competition, is experiencing a lot of that type of support in preparation for golf’s launch at Invictus.

“We needed 60 volunteers, but were quickly oversubscribed,” he explains. “I’ve never seen anything like it. We’ve had to turn away more than 100 of these amazing, experienced Canadian Open volunteers.”

The royal, red-haired gentleman who will be handing out the medals on the 18th green is also worthy of mention.

“These Games have shone a spotlight on the unconquerable character of servicemen and women, their families and the invictus spirit,” says Prince Harry.

Karyne Gélinas, a 37-year-old Moncton native and Country Meadows GC member, is another Canadian hopeful. She suffered a lower back injury in a 1998 car accident, and after it was re-aggravated, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) captain was forced to retire from her air traffic controller role last fall. Now she’s training 10 to 12 hours weekly to hopefully walk all 18 holes at St. George’s.

“Invictus has given me a new purpose,” notes Gélinas, a multi-sport competitive athlete prior to her injury. “It has been an amazing experience and I’ve met incredible people. But honestly, it will be great to represent our country and wear the Canadian flag again.”

“You’re willing to give your life for each other so there’s a sense of failure when you’re removed from that equation,” adds Martineau, who now helps fellow service vets navigate the road to physical and emotional recovery with the Department of National Defence’s Operational Stress Injury Social Support services. “Some athletes on the team have never re-socialized. They’re being brought together as part of a team again. You cannot measure the positives of these Games that could be life altering.”

Martineau has recovered to the point that he can now stand on his own two feet, play to a 12 handicap and pummel drives nearly 240 yards at his home course — albeit never knowing if his left leg might buckle. It’s a long way from being wheelchair-bound for three years after the shooting.

Martineau, who will also be competing in wheelchair basketball at the Games, espouses the virtues of the Soldier On program — a CAF initiative that helps currently serving veterans and members overcome illness or injury through physical activity — as well as its support for those competing at the Invictus Games.

“But’s not about the medals,” he assures. “It’s the individual journey.”

To find out more information about the event or tickets, visit invictusgames2017.com

This article was originally published in the Summer Issue edition of Golf Canada Magazine. Click here to view the full magazine

RICHMOND, B.C. — Marc-Etienne Bussieres parlayed an incredible final nine holes at Richmond Country Club into a win at the PGA Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf.

Bussieres closed with a final-round 6-under-par 66 Thursday, making an eagle and three birdies over the final nine holes to chase down and eventually pass his good friend Sonny Michaud.

Heading into the final round, Michaud held a commanding five-shot lead over the PGA of Canada’s No. 1-ranked player. Bussieres knew, however, a solid round of Wednesday could give him the opportunity to hoist the championship trophy at day’s end.

“With conditions being a little windier and firmer today, I knew it wouldn’t be easy out there, so if I put together a really good round I could still catch Sonny,” said Bussieres. “I made that eagle on No. 10 and that gave me a little fire and after the birdie on 15 I just had a feeling I had it because I was just hitting it so well.”

For what seemed like miles and miles worth of made putts over the first two days for Michaud, his wand went cold Wednesday in Richmond en route to a final round even par 72.

“It’s tough trying to win wire-to-wire because if you’re behind there’s no pressure, you just play golf,” admitted Michaud. “I don’t feel like I lost this championship, rather Marc actually won it. But I do wish I was holding the trophy right now and there’s a sour taste in my mouth.”

Playing in his first career PGA of Canada national championship, Cory Renfrew finished alone in the third spot, three shots back at -12. Also playing in his first national championship as a PGA of Canada member, Dillon Bastel locked up the fourth spot at -11.

Pierre-Alexandre Bedard, Nate Ollis and two-time PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada winner Mike Belbin rounded out the top five at 10-under-par.

For the full-time PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf leaderboard, click here.

With the win in Richmond, Bussieres solidified his place atop the PGA of Canada Player Rankings presented by RBC.

“I’ve been calculating the rankings points and I knew that if I played well this week it would pretty much secure my spot for next year’s RBC Canadian Open,” said Bussieres. “Now with this win, it’s going to be hard for anyone to catch me at the top, so I can start preparing now. I definitely want to put on a good show and represent the PGA of Canada well.”

Originally launched in 2011, the PGA of Canada Player Rankings presented by RBC and has received much praise over the past six years.

Players ranked inside the top 64 earn invites to the PGA Championship of Canada. The player who is ranked No. 1 at the conclusion of the championship earns an exemption into the RBC Canadian Open.

The Mike Weir Player of the Year Award is also based on points earned throughout the calendar year. Players gain these points based on performance at national and zone tournaments.

Bussieres earned the Mike Weir Player of the Year Award honours in 2016 after capturing the PGA Championship of Canada at Victoria Golf Club.

The Quebec squad (Bussieres, Bedard, Michaud and Jean-Philip Cornellier) won the 36-hole Inter-Zone competition Tuesday (which is compiled of four players on each team representing their respective PGA Zone and is contested over the first two rounds) by an astounding 28 shots.

The next PGA of Canada national championship takes place Oct. 12-14 at Cabot Links for the RBC PGA Scramble of Canada.

In celebration of the second annual Adopt a School Week, Acura has extended their commitment to Canadian junior golf by adopting 10 schools into the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program.

“We understand the importance of early education and exposure to sport, that’s why Acura is delighted to support various youth initiatives across Canada. Offering schools the opportunity and resources to teach young students the game through the Golf in Schools program will help to grow the love of golf from the ground up,” said Gary Gill, Senior Manager, Acura Sales and Marketing.

In total, Acura has adopted six high schools and four intermediate schools from the communities of their zone offices.

“Having Acura step up to adopt intermediate and high schools is significant,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “These two tiers of the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program are relatively new and thus we don’t have the same level of awareness about these programs. Being able to offer the program to 10 schools will go a long way in allowing students to experience our great sport while learning valuable life skills.”

Through their continued support, Acura will be providing communities across Canada with the entire program kit, which features safe, age-appropriate equipment along with a teacher-friendly learning resource to assist in the delivery of the curriculum.

“The intermediate and high school programs are slightly more expensive due to the type of equipment that is provided to schools so having adoptions specifically targeted at these schools is very meaningful,” added Thompson.

From Sept. 18-22, Golf Canada will be celebrating all those who donate towards a Golf in Schools kit this year during Adopt a School Week. Learn how you can help by visiting

golfcanada.ca/adoptaschool

Even though Sonny Michaud had to work a little harder Tuesday at Richmond Country Club than he did the day the before, his second-round result at the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf was more of the same.

The 28-year-old from Club de Golf La Tempete in Quebec shot a second-round 5-under-par 67, bringing his two-day total to -14. He has opened up a three-shot lead over his good friend and fellow Quebecer, Pierre-Alexandre Bedard.

“It was a bit of a roller coaster today,” Michaud said about his second-round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys. “I right away started with two birdies and then immediately made two bogeys right after that. But during the middle of the round, I had a nice little birdie stretch and that helped me out.”

Michaud and Bedard will be joined in Thursday’s final threesome by their Quebec teammate Marc-Etienne Bussieres, the PGA of Canada’s No. 1-ranked player, who sits at 9-under for the championship.

Two-time PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada winner Mike Belbin is six shots back at 8-under-par, with Victoria’s Eric Wang seven-shots back at 7-under-par. Cory Renfrew, Dillon Bastel and last year’s champion Dustin Risdon are at 6-under-par, T6.

For the full leaderboard and Wednesday’s third round tee times, click here

The Quebec squad (Bussieres, Bedard, Michaud and Jean-Philip Cornellier) won the 36-hole Inter-Zone competition Tuesday (which is compiled of four players on each team representing their respective PGA Zone and is contested over the first two rounds) by an astounding 28 shots.

Both Michaud and Bedard said they were looking forward to playing together in the final group Thursday in Richmond.

“It’s going to be our first final pairing tomorrow and I can’t wait for it,” Michaud said. “Of course I’m going to try and win, and he’ll try and beat me as well, but in the end I just want one of us to win.”

Not only are Michaud and Bedard roommates this week in Richmond, they’re also full-time roomies back in Quebec City.

“We’ll both want to win that’s for sure,” Bedard admitted. “But whoever makes the most birdies tomorrow will end up winning.”

The 54-hole national championship takes place through Wednesday at the A.V. Macan-designed Richmond Country Club. Set within the greenbelt of the agricultural land reserve, the venue is known for its tree-lined fairways, well-positioned bunkers, and raised, undulating greens.

School is back in session and the 2017/18 school year is officially underway. To help celebrate the start of the school year, Golf Canada is proud to announce it will match Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools adoptions from Sept. 18-22 in support of Golf Canada’s Adopt a School Week.

For the first 30 adoptions, any golf facility, PGA of Canada professional or individual who “adopts” a school into the Golf in Schools program from Sept. 18-22 will see their adoption matched with a school of their choice.  This matching grant is possible due to Golf Canada’s partnership with the Canadian Seniors Golf Association (CSGA).

Any adoptions occurring outside the first 30 will also be matched, with the second school chosen by Golf Canada. This is made possible by key partners of the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program – Acura, Golf Town and RBC.

There are more than 2,850 elementary schools, 300 high schools and nearly 90 intermediate schools (grades 6-8) taking part in the program. Every student should be given the opportunity to be introduced to golf. With each school adoption, facilities and donors help make this vision a reality.

Each adopted school receives the full program kit which includes age-appropriate golf clubs and a teacher-friendly learning resource.

Developed in conjunction with the PGA of Canada and Physical Health Education (PHE) Canada, the learning resource incorporates Life Skills into the curriculum—placing added focus on transferrable skills both on and off the golf course.

To adopt a school now and double your impact, visit www.golfcanada.ca/adoptaschool

In a 2016-17 season that saw five top 10 finishes and his first career PGA TOUR victory, Adam Hadwin is set to make his first TOUR Championship appearance. His five top 10 finishes include Valspar Championship (1), CareerBuilder Challenge (2), WGC-Bridgestone Invitational (T5), Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard (6) and OHL Classic at Mayakoba (T10).

Hadwin entered the 72nd hole at the Valspar Championship tied for the lead with Patrick Cantlay, but two-putted for par for his first career PGA TOUR win. He became the 15th different Canadian to win on the PGA TOUR and only the second player in TOUR history to win on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada, Web.com Tour and PGA TOUR, joining Mackenzie Hughes.

The Abbotsford, B.C., native is ranked No. 21 in the FedExCup rankings, and will need the following scenarios to occur in order to capture the FedEx Cup:

• Win the TOUR Championship
  • And…
  • Jordan Spieth (#1) finishes 13th* or worse
  • Justin Thomas (#2) finishes 5th* or worse
  • Dustin Johnson (#3) finishes in a 3-way tie for 3rd or worse
  • Marc Leishman (#4) finishes 3rd* or worse
  • Jon Rahm (#5) finishes in a 3-way tie for 2nd or worse
  • Rory McIlroy (#6) finishes T2 or worse
  • *Tie for FedExCup

The TOUR Championship is the last of four events of the FedExCup Playoffs and the finale to the PGA TOUR season for the 11th consecutive season since the FedExCup Playoffs were introduced in 2007. The top five in the FedExCup standings entering the TOUR Championship will have the most control and will win the FedExCup with a victory at East Lake GC.

Click here for the winning scenarios of the Top-3o playing in the TOUR Championship.