BC Children’s Hospital Foundation named official charity partner for 2020 CP Women’s Open
Vancouver, January 31, 2020 – Canadian Pacific (CP) and Golf Canada announced today that BC Children’s Hospital Foundation has been chosen as the primary charity partner for the 2020 CP Women’s Open. Fundraising initiatives will occur leading up to the tournament and a month-long public match campaign starts February 1st, in recognition of Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Month.
“The CP Women’s Open is an amazing opportunity to draw attention to the important work being done by doctors to mend the hearts of the future,” said Keith Creel, President and CEO of CP. “Partnering with BC Children’s Hospital Foundation again is a natural fit and progression from our first partnership in 2015. I look forward to seeing the lasting legacy this brings to the hospital, children and families who need it.”
Funds raised through the CP Women’s Open partnership will support the Children’s Heart Centre at BC Children’s Hospital. Funds will be used to purchase a new fleet of the latest generation cardiac ultrasound machines, advance the cardiac research program and help to train the next generation of medical superstars.
“We are delighted to be chosen as the charity partner for the 2020 CP Women’s Open and are honoured to be the first charity to partner with CP for a second time,” said Teri Nicholas, President and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Funds raised through this partnership will continue to take children’s health care in our province to the next level, giving new hope to kids and families when they need it most.”
“CP’s generosity will not only support the daily work of the clinical care team, it will enable us to substantially expand our research capacity,” said Dr. Shubhayan Sanatani, head, division of cardiology at BC Children’s Hospital. “This infusion of high-quality personnel into our scientific programs will create additional opportunities to pursue new solutions for children’s heart health. We are very grateful to have a partner like CP by our side as we work to solve tomorrow’s problems today.”
The month-long public match campaign beginning February 1 until the end of February will match online donations to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. In addition to matching all one-time donations, CP will also match the total of the first year of contributions for all new monthly donations. With the match in place, the Foundation is hoping to acquire 100 new monthly donors by the end of the month. Visit bcchf.ca/heart for more information.
CP is proud to also announce the CP Women’s Open community charity partner is Royal Inland Hospital Foundation in Kamloops, an important terminal in the CP network and home to nearly 200 employees. CP will contribute $250,000 to fundraising efforts in support of cardiac care at Royal Inland Hospital.
“We are so proud to witness first-hand the incredible work CP does through CP Has Heart and the meaningful impact made in the lives of countless Canadians,” said Lawrence Applebaum, CEO of Golf Canada. “Excitement for the CP Women’s Open continues to grow in the Vancouver area and I’m very much looking forward to a tournament week highlighted by world-class golf and charitable giving in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.”
The 2020 CP Women’s Open will feature the stars of the LPGA Tour at Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club from August 31 – September 6.
9 golf things we’re still thinking about from the 2020 PGA Show ⛳️?
The PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando is one of the most vibrant opportunities for golf industry members to connect in the New Year.
This year’s edition was no different.
Thousands of attendees packed the floor of the Orange County Convention Center – they say there are 10 miles worth of walkable area on the convention floor – and pushed through a windy and cold (by Orlando standards) demo day at Orange County National Golf Center’s 400-yard-in-diameter driving range.
The PGA of Canada put on a spectacular evening, as it does every year, to honour many deserving award winners from the year-that-was in Canadian golf, including a special award in 2020 to the president of Golf Canada, Charlie Beaulieu.
That wasn’t the only Canadian connection at this year’s show, as you’ll see when you read on.
The PGA Show is a unique event, and Golf Canada wants to give you an inside look at the goings on from Florida.
Here are the nine things we’re still thinking about from the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show.
1. CELEBRATING CANADA
The PGA Show draws attendees and exhibitors from all around the world, but it was great to see some strong Canadian connections in 2020.
Dormie Workshop – founded by some brothers in Nova Scotia – has quickly become the authoritative name in leather goods. Dormie’s headcovers are world class (you can buy yours from Golf Canada’s website) and this year brothers Jeff and Todd Bishop announced they would be expanding Dormie’s line to include golf bags, luggage, glove covers and more. Dormie has also entered into a partnership called “The Collective” with two other hip golf companies, Foray (clothing) and Asher (gloves).
While Dormie is expanding its assets line, 2UNDR remains committed to supporting the assets of the male golfers out there.
The British Columbia-based underwear company has continued its relationship with star Rickie Fowler and its line of performance undergarments have continued to be well received by many on the PGA TOUR as well as on the course and off.
2. LEGENDS LAUNCH NEW GEAR
Once you’ve reached legend status in golf you just need one name. Tiger, Jack, Arnie, Rory, Annika… you know exactly who they are.
The same goes for Scotty (Cameron) and (Bob) Vokey.
Vokey, a Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, was on-hand this year to launch the new Vokey SM8 wedges, while Cameron happily showed off his new line called Special Select.
The Special Select line blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship, while the SM8’s have seen innovation in three key areas – distance & trajectory control, spin, and grinds.
Both the SM8 line of wedges and the Special Select putters are Tour-proven, look amazing, and are perfect for your bags in 2020.
3. OUTFITTING OUR STARS
Canadian golf had a banner year in 2019 and as we look ahead to 2020, our stars will not only be playing well, but looking good too.
During the PGA Show Levelwear announced it had re-signed some of Canada’s biggest stars in golf including Corey Conners, Michael Gligic, and Taylor Pendrith. The company, based just north of Toronto, had re-signed Adam Hadwin – Canada’s top-ranked male golfer – last year, and its new gear for men and women was on display in Orlando.
It’s likely that Conners and Hadwin will be representing Canada at the Olympics later this summer, and adidas had in its booth the uniforms that Team USA and Team Canada would be wearing on the golf course in Tokyo – with some solid red-and-white accents (of course).
4. GOLF GETS… GREENER
While 2020 will mark the third year Canada has legalized cannabis, it’s not nationally legal across the United States. However, 2020 was a big year at the PGA Show for vendors who produce a variety of CBD products aimed at calming the mind and body of golfers, as many states are starting to legalize it.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a product derived from cannabis but doesn’t cause a ‘high’ like another cannabinoid, THC. Instead, CBD oil – when mixed in chewing gum or edibles has the potential to relax its chewer. When combined with other oils or muscle creams, it provides a new kind of soothing feeling.
While not for everybody, the lines at each of the CBD booths showed that people were at least interested in trying something different.
And, since both CBD and THC are fully legal across Canada, it won’t be the only time interest in the products will be sparked.
5. ON-COURSE FUN
You’re supposed to have fun playing golf. While there were plenty of products at the PGA Show that promoted this, there were two that really stood out.
The first were pushcarts from Walker Trolleys. Brad Payne, who used to work as a designer for Apple, designed the cart. It made its debut at the PGA Show, and it’s a combination of sleek and practical, with whitewall tires, a polished aluminum frame, and a leather handle – plus a customizable canvas storage system. Look for them at some premium golf facilities across North America this summer.
Many golfers – while they’re walking or riding – like to listen to music on the course these days. But Bushnell has invented a new product for 2020 that combines the world of tunes with the world of tight approaches. The Bushnell Wingman is a Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a GPS yardage device. So while you’re rocking out to Rush or The Tragically Hip this summer, you’ll only be interrupted by a voice telling you how far it is to the front, middle, or back of the green you’re staring down.
6. DOING OUR PART FOR THE PLANET
A big trend not just in golf but also in the worlds of retail, technology, and more, is encouraging companies and the general public to be more environmentally friendly.
At the PGA Show this year, for the first time, there were shirts and shoes made out of recycled plastic water bottles. That’s just one example of clothing companies making a concerted effort to try to be more environmentally conscious.
Canadian shaft maker ACCRA also announced at the PGA Show it would be launching a new shaft called the Eco-Satin (a version of its i-Series shaft). Eco-Satin uses fewer chemicals on the finish and nearly 40 litres less water than normal.
7. GOLF GOES DIGITAL
One of the largest – and most impressive – booths on the PGA Show floor in 2020 was that of Foresight. Foresight has made golf launch monitors and HD simulators for nearly a decade. The San Diego-based company now has more than 10,000 of their products in retailers, courses, homes, and driving ranges across North America.
In 2020 it was focused on launching the GCHawk, which is actually an overhead-mounted launch monitor (versus setting the machine on the ground). The GCHawk captures data from every club in the bag, and no matter if you’re a lefty or righty, you don’t need to set yourself up any differently.
It’s hard to beat the Foresight digital experience, and seeing it in action at the PGA Show was truly impressive.
8. SHOES FROM THE SHOW
There is only one part of a golfer’s gear that is used on every single shot plus every single step during a round – his or her shoes.
This year at the PGA Show we saw copious kicks, from modern to classic. If they were tech-first or comfort-first, all the shoes we saw were designed for golfers in mind and to make every swing and every step even more comfortable.
A couple of shoes that really stood out were from FootJoy. The company literally has ‘foot’ in the name – so you know every year you’ll see some solid options. New for 2020 is the Tour X, a shoe inspired by FJ’s vast network of Tour players. You’ll also see an expansion of its FJ Flex line (including another custom design coming for the RBC Canadian Open…) including the Coastal and LE1 – perfect for on-course or off.
Also jumping out at us for 2020 given their fresh design concepts were the Ignite PWRADAPT CAGED shoe from Puma – with a focus on locked-in stability and comfort – and adidas’ new CODECHAOS line, which features several spikeless models with style inspired by running shoes.
9. IT’S A GLOBAL GAME
One thing for certain whenever thousands of golfers and golf industry professionals get together – it’s clear the game has gone global.
Many of the companies above have headquarters in the U.S., with key offices across Canada, Europe, and into Asia. You could sit at a table with people from five different countries, and three or four different languages could be spoken. The PGA of America put on plenty of informative discussions during the show that tapped into global knowledge, while representatives from the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, European Tour, Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada, and the USGA – amongst many others – were all mixing it up during the week.
The USGA, in particular, had a special new announcement for 2020. Just weeks prior to the show it, along with the R&A and Golf Canada, brought forth the World Handicap System (WHS), and it was a hot topic at the PGA Show. Industry professionals learned more about how they can best work with their members and public players this year and moving forward. The WHS provides all golfers a consistent measure of playing ability (more here).
Just like many new and innovated pieces of technology at the PGA Show, the World Handicap System is built to make golf more fun.
Canadian Taylor Pendrith takes first-round lead at Panamá Championship
PANAMÁ CITY, Panamá — Taylor Pendrith carded a 7-under 63 to take the first-round lead at the Panamá Championship. Greyson Sigg sits alone in second after posting a 6-under 64 at the Club de Golf de Panamá. Grant Hirschman and Ryan Ruffels are two strokes off the lead after posting matching 65s on Thursday.
Pendrith began his round with a fast start carding birdies on three of his first four holes. The 28-year-old added three more birdies against one bogey to post a front nine 30. Despite making his second bogey of the day on No. 11, he rallied with birdies on Nos. 12 and 15 to get back to 6-under. Pendrith stuck his approach on the last and holed his short birdie putt to finish the round at 7-under.
“It was pretty smooth honestly,” Pendrith said of his round. “It’s nice to get off to a good start. I hit a lot of really good wedge shots inside 10-feet and my putter was on. I made a really good bogey on No. 11. I birdied the next hole and had a lot of good looks coming in.”
Pendrith spent last season refining his game on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada. In 12 starts, the Kent State University product recorded two wins, six top-10s and eight top-25s. He went on to finish second on the Order of Merit. Last December, Pendrith finished T30 at the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament earning him guaranteed starts for the 2020 season.
“To get two wins was a breakthrough year,” he said. “I’ve been close in the past up there losing in a bunch of playoffs. It gives me a lot of momentum and confidence coming up here knowing that I know how to win on the Mackenzie Tour. Hopefully I can chase a win down out here.”
Pendrith grew up in Ontario, Canada and remains close with PGA TOUR player Michael Gligic. Last season, Gligic earned his first Korn Ferry Tour title at the Panamá Championship and went on to secure his PGA TOUR card.
“Me and him (Gligic) are good buddies,” Pendrith said. “Obviously, he’s the champion here from last year. We have some good Canadian vibes here. I play golf with Gligic all the time and it’d be cool to go back-to-back Canadian wins here.”
.@TaylorPendrith on the prowl ??♂️
The #TeamCanada Young Pro Squad member shot a 7-under 63 to take the early @KornFerryTour lead ?
Read ➡️ https://t.co/FYmhx2Fltp pic.twitter.com/nByViil9X4
— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) January 31, 2020
Greyson Sigg sits alone in second after carding a 6-under 64 on Thursday. Beginning the day on the front nine, Sigg recorded pars on each of his first three holes. He erupted with an eagle on the par-5 fourth and added birdies on Nos. 6 and 9. Despite a bogey on No. 10, Sigg rebounded with birdies on Nos. 12, 14 and 15. The 24-year-old played his remaining three holes at even-par to post 6-under for the round.
“I got off to a pretty good start,” Sigg said. “I shot 4-under on the front nine and bogeyed No. 10 but kind of brought it back with a couple birdies there. All in all, it was a pretty solid day.”
The University of Georgia product is making his first start at the Panamá Championship. The Club de Golf de Panamá typically ranks as one of the hardest courses on the Korn Ferry Tour and was the most difficult last season. However, the par-70 layout played significantly softer on Thursday providing players with ideal scoring conditions.
“I played with a couple guys in the practice rounds and they were saying how different it is,” he said. “It’s almost a good thing I haven’t seen the golf course and how different it’s playing.”
Grant Hirschman tallied seven birdies against two bogeys during Thursday’s opening round to post 5-under 65. The 24-year-old credited a hot putter as the key to his successful debut at the Club de Golf de Panamá.
Hirschman made 13 cuts in 18 starts on the Korn Ferry Tour last season. During the final stretch of the 2019 Regular Season, the University of Oklahoma product recorded four top-20s in his final five starts to finish 67th on the points list and retain status for 2020.
“I like to think I’m carrying momentum from last year into this season,” he said. “I ended on quite a string of top-25s and a couple top-10s and had a top-10 last week. I’m kind of trying to keep it rolling.”
Ryan Ruffels, making the third start of his Korn Ferry Tour career, carded a bogey-free 5-under 65 on Thursday. The 21-year-old tallied birdies on Nos. 6, 7 and 8 en route to a front nine 32. He added birdies on Nos. 12 and 17 to earn a share of third.
Ruffels is no stranger to golf in Latin America having made 43 starts on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica. The Australian earned guaranteed starts for the 2020 season after finishing T21 at the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament last December.
“I played in Latin America the last two years so I’m comfortable down here,” Ruffels said. “I’ve played a lot of golf down in South America. Q-School was about as much pressure as you could get. I was able to get through all of those challenges pretty well.”
Stephen Ames takes PGA Tour Champions lead in Morocco
MARRAKECH, Morocco – Stephen Ames shot a 9-under 63 on Thursday to take a four-stroke lead over a Hall of Fame quartet in the Morocco Champions, the first PGA Tour Champions event in Africa.
Making his season debut, Ames matched the Samanah Golf Club record set by Daniel Brooks in the 2009 Samanah Masters. The 55-year-old naturalized Canadian citizen from Trinidad played the four par-5 holes in 5 under, making an eagle on No. 5 and birdies on Nos. 9, 12 and 18.
“Today was a great day,” Ames said. “I hit the ball very nicely and capitalized with my putting. … The main thing I worked on all week was putting and I putted extremely well today.”
Canada’s @StephenAmesPGA is FEELING it! ?
He shot 9 under today to lead by 4 ?? pic.twitter.com/zV2xWNXYQR
— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) January 30, 2020
Ames has one senior victory after winning four times on the PGA Tour.
Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Jose Maria Olazabal and Retief Goosen shot 67 in sunny conditions with an afternoon high of 77 degrees.
Kevin Sutherland was at 68 with Tom Pernice Jr., Ken Tanigawa, Scott Parel and Rod Pampling.
Miguel Angel Jimenez, coming off a playoff victory two weeks ago in the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric in Hawaii, shot 70.
Canada’s Taylor Pendrith battles through fever to start Korn Ferry Tour season
Taylor Pendrith‘s return to the Korn Ferry Tour hasn’t exactly gone to plan so far.
After earning an exemption on the second-tier circuit thanks to two victories on the Mackenzie Tour last year, the Richmond Hill, Ont., native was rearing to go. But at the season-opening Great Exuma Classic, the Team Canada Young Pro Squad member came down with the flu – having to play in the Bahamian heat with a fever. That became bronchitis as he played in the Great Abaco Classic last week, with caddy Mitch Theoret also sick.
“It was definitely not enjoyable,” said Pendrith on Wednesday. “Played nine holes in the first three days of the practice rounds and basically laid in bed, had the chills. It was bad. But I wanted to play and my game was good coming into the first round, just sort of an unlucky thing to happen.”
It wasn’t just Pendrith’s health that was at issue, with high winds at Sandals Emerald Bay and Baha Mar wrecking havoc on scores for the entire field. He tied for 58th at the Great Exuma Classic and then tied for 66th at the Great Abaco Classic. This week’s Panama Championship at the Club de Golf de Panama – which Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont., won last year – is better suited to Pendrith’s big driving style.
“I remember in previous years here having to hit 2 irons off the tee to try and keep it short of the run up but I practised yesterday and hit a lot of drivers,” said Pendrith. “It definitely sets up well for me. The ball kind of just lands on the fairway and doesn’t roll very far so I can hit a lot of drivers and use my shorter clubs to get on to the greens. I’m looking forward to it.”
This is not Pendrith’s first go-round on the Korn Ferry Tour. He also played on it in 2016 when it was called the Web.com Tour but ongoing wrist issues, a partially torn tendon in his arm, and a torn muscle in his palm, disrupted that and the 2017 seasons.
Now that he’s back, Pendrith feels he’s better prepared to play his brand of golf.
“I feel like when I was out here in 2016 I was searching for the right thing to do and following people, being on the range for three, four hours. That didn’t work for me,” said Pendrith. “I’m just doing my own thing. On a Monday maybe I’ll just go to the putting green for an hour and leave. Or maybe just play nine holes on Monday instead of 18 and two hours on the range.
“It’s all about managing that and having fun again, which is great. I’ve got a really good mindset.”
Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., and Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., are the other Canadians in the field in Panama City this week.
Henderson finishes T15; Sagstrom collects first career LPGA title
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Madelene Sagstrom won the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio on Sunday for her first LPGA Tour title, birdieing the par-3 17th to tie for the lead and winning with a par when Nasa Hataoka missed a 3-footer on the last.
Sagstrom finished with a 2-under 70 for a 17-under 271 total at rain-softened Boca Rio Golf Club.
“I put something on the Instagram in the beginning of the week, saying I’m determined that 2020 is going to be the best season yet. I didn’t know it was going to be this good right away,” Sagstrom said. “But no, I have worked really hard over many years now, and I think that the biggest change or the biggest journey I have had is within myself and my mental game.”
Hataoka shot 69. The Japanese player birdied Nos. 15 and 16 to take the lead, then fell into a tie when Sagstrom birdied the 17th and lost with the bogey on the par-4 18th.
“It kind of helps me out with the beginning two tournaments, being there at the top, gives me a little strength to keep on going for the following many tournaments coming ahead,” Hataoka said. “Missing the win gives me more motivation to keep on going for the next many tournaments coming.”
She also finished second last week in the season-opening Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, losing to Gaby Lopez on the seventh extra hole in a Monday finish.
Sagstrom bogeyed two of the first five holes, then rebounded with birdies on Nos. 8, 10 and 11 – chipping in on 10.
“It doesn’t matter how you start,” Sagstrom said. “If you just continue fighting, things can go your way. And I just told myself, `Keep fighting, keep fighting.”’
Sagstrom made a 4-footer for birdie on 17, then saved par from 5 feet on 18,
The 27-year-old Swede and former LSU star opened with a 72, shot a career-best 62 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead and doubled her advantage Saturday with a 67.
“I have never been in a situation like this before, so obviously it was all new to me,” Sagstrom said about taking the lead into the final round. “I didn’t know how I was going to handle it or if it was going to go my way or not, so my whole goal today was just go out and stay patient and do what I have done the other days.”
Sagstrom won in her 69th career LPGA Tour start. She’s the 12th Swede to win on the tour, and the first since Pernilla Lindberg in the 2018 ANA Inspiration. Sagstrom won three times on the Symetra Tour in 2016 and led the money list to graduate to the big tour.
Brooke Henderson was the top Canadian. The Smiths Falls, Ont., native finished in a tie for 15th place at 7 under after shooting 73 in the final round.
Danielle Kang was third at 15 under after a 69. She parred the final eight holes.
“I kept hitting it to 30, 35 feet,” Kang said. “And they’re not easy to make. So, it’s hard to two-putt, to be honest.”
Celine Boutier shot 70 to finish fourth at 13 under. Sei Young Kim was 11 under after a 73,
The tournament was the first official event in Boca Raton since the 1989 Oldsmobile LPGA Classic.
Team Canada’s Brigitte Thibault returns to Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Brigitte Thibault of Rosemere, Que., is headed back to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
The 21-year-old National Team member was the only Canadian in the field at the inaugural event last year and was officially invited back on Saturday. Participating in the first-even women’s event at the prestigious course was the start of a career season for Thibault. She went on to win the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship and the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference Championship.
“I didn’t want to set expectations because I didn’t know if they were keeping the same procedures, I didn’t know how they would select the people this year,” said Thibault. “So I didn’t want to set expectations, but I knew I had a great year. I did a lot of things right.”
Thibault, who is a member of Golf Canada’s national amateur squad, is entering her third season on Fresno State University’s golf team.
She was also part of Canada’s bronze-medal team at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, with Mary Parsons, Austin Connelly and Joey Savoie. After her productive 2019 Thibault was named the female amateur of the year by the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.
Although Thibault missed the cut at last year’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur she thinks the experience will set her up for greater success.
“There were things I did right, things I did wrong,” said Thibault. “Last year there was so much excitement and we didn’t really know what to expect. None of the players had an advantage. None of them had played there before.
Back to back ? #blessed pic.twitter.com/B4FT25dF5L
— brigitte thibault (@bri_thib) January 25, 2020
“So to know what we’re expecting to play, what shot you’re supposed to hit, and all these things are definitely good to have learned.”
Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada adds Ontario Open to schedule
TORONTO, ONT – The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada and Golf Ontario have reached a six-year agreement in partnership with Woodington Lake Golf Club to host and conduct the Ontario Open. The first tournament, an official tournament on the Tour’s 2020 schedule is set for Tottenham, Ontario, on August 24-30.
Debuting in 1923, the Ontario Open’s past champions include Sam Snead, along with Canadian golf legends Moe Norman, George Knudson and seven-time champion Nick Weslock. Following a 23-year hiatus, the event returned for its 63rd edition in 2019, an event won by Greg Eason, who five years earlier finished fifth on the Mackenzie Tour Order of Merit. Eason has 31 career Tour starts.
“The Ontario Open has a rich history in Canada, and the Mackenzie Tour is thrilled at the opportunity to be involved with such a storied event,” said Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada Vice President Scott Pritchard. “We’re looking forward to working alongside Golf Ontario and the team at Woodington Lake to deliver a world-class tournament.”
Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario’s Executive Director since 2015, played a large part in revitalizing the Ontario Open and says he is looking forward to adding to the legacy of the event with the Mackenzie Tour’s involvement.
“The Ontario Open is steeped in tradition and history and has a long list of distinguished winners,” said Kelly. “We were thrilled to bring back the Ontario Open in 2019 to Woodington Lake Golf Club and equally thrilled with the success of the event.
“To now join forces and take the event to the next level with The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada is an exciting time for Golf Ontario, and we believe this will be one of the marquee events on Tour this year,” continued Kelly.
Hosting the 156-player tournament is the Legend Course at Woodington Lakes Golf Club, a 36-hole facility north of Toronto. Measuring more than 7,000 yards, the Legend Course opened in 1995 and covers 200 acres of rolling terrain.
“Woodington Lake is truly a special piece of property, and the Ontario Open was a huge success in 2019,” said John Chetti, General Manager of Woodington Lake. “Our Legend course is a great test of golf, having some of the best golfers in the world tackle it is special for all of us at Woodington Lake and we look forward to hosting an extraordinary event.”
Craig Loughry, Golf Ontario’s Director of Golf Services, will serve as Tournament Director of the event. In addition to his experience with Golf Ontario, Loughry was also Golf Canada’s Director of Handicap and Course Rating and was the International Association of Golf Administrators President in 2017.
“We’re very excited about this announcement and the future of the Ontario Open, as well as our partnership with Woodington Lake Golf Club and the Mackenzie Tour,” said Loughry “We are already well down the road to planning some special activities around the event and look forward to unveiling some of those over the next few months.”
The tournament also announced today that the Golf Canada Foundation (GCF) will be the Ontario Open’s official charity recipient.
“The Golf Canada Foundation’s contributions to the game of golf and young golfers fit right in line with Golf Ontario’s mission to shape lives by leading, creating and promoting positive golf experiences,” said Loughry. “We’re delighted to partner and financially support the GCF and its mandate.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Golf Ontario and the Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada as the official charity of the Ontario Open,” said Martin Barnard, the CEO of the Golf Canada Foundation. “The event will drive tremendous awareness and fund programs critical to getting more kids playing golf in Ontario.”
The full 2020 Mackenzie Tour schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
Titleist debuts the new AVX golf ball with higher speed, distance and control
The next generation of Titleist AVX is engineered for greater ball speed, longer distance and increased short-game spin – advancing the multi-component golf ball technology that has produced breakthrough results for golfers who prioritize distance and extremely soft feel.
First introduced in the spring of 2018 following a comprehensive four-month test market, AVX was developed as a performance alternative to sit alongside Titleist’s industry-leading Pro V1 and Pro V1x models – offering the lowest flight, lowest spin and softest feel of the three premium performance offerings.
From core to cover, every piece of the new Titleist AVX golf ball has been reengineered to deliver improved total performance from tee to green
The engine of 2020 AVX – a larger, reformulated low compression core – works in combination with a redesigned high flex casing layer to deliver greater ball speed and low long game spin for more distance.
A new, thinner cast urethane cover – specifically formulated for AVX by Titleist Golf Ball R&D chemists – delivers increased spin and control for improved greenside performance.
The increased core size also produces an even softer-feeling AVX.
New AVX, offered in both white and high optic yellow, is now available in golf shops worldwide.
“In our ongoing discussions with golfers, we are constantly meeting players who tell us, ‘AVX is the ball I’d been waiting for,’ ” said Frederick Waddell, Senior Product Manager, Titleist Golf Balls. “At the same time, we’ve been able to lean on those golfers to better understand how they experience AVX and what we can do to help them shoot lower scores. The improvements to AVX are a direct result of their insights and the inventiveness of our R&D team to take this design to the next level – and we expect golfers to see better numbers across the board. The new AVX is faster and longer, it performs better around green, and delivers even more of the incredibly soft feel that golfers love about this product.”
Every AVX is made by Titleist associates in the company’s state-of-the-art Ball Plant 3 manufacturing facility to the highest performance and quality specifications in the industry, ensuring the most consistent performance ball to ball, and dozen to dozen.
2020 AVX PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY
AVX delivers unmatched performance in a low compression, multi-layered construction through proprietary core, cover and aerodynamic technologies:
- New, Larger Core Formulation generates high speed and low long game spin to drive more distance with exceptionally soft feel.
- Redesigned High Flex Casing Layer promotes higher ball speed and lower spin on long shots for enhanced distance.
- New, Thinner Cast Urethane Elastomer Cover System has been specifically formulated by Titleist R&D to provide greater ball speed and increased greenside spin and control.
- Unique Catenary Aerodynamic Dimple Design delivers a piercing, low trajectory while providing a consistent ball flight on all shots.
AVAILABILITY
The new Titleist AVX is available in Canadian golf shops beginning Jan. 23 starting at $64.99.
Footjoy announces newly innovated Pro|SL shoe
The all-new Pro|SL offers more traction and stability for every single shot. The all-new Infinity outsole configuration provides grip that just won’t quit, with 189 points of traction that deliver superb contact with the ground and the perfect foundation throughout the golf swing. The unique infinity shape optimizes stability, with an 11.5% wider heel and increased forefoot stability.
“As the industry leader, we didn’t tweak or adjust the new Pro|SL, we innovated and advanced and received Tour approval,” said Richard Fryer, Director of Product Management, FJ Footwear. “As a result, we’ve developed a product that delivers more stability, more traction, more comfort and more choice, setting the standard in performance footwear, again”.
MORE COMFORT.
Pro|SL offers just the right amount of comfort with a Dual-Density (D2) Midsole that delivers both stability and cushioning. Its advanced design utilizes two densities of FJ proprietary FineTuned Foam (FTF): a firm FTF around the perimeter for support and control, and a softer FTF under the foot for max cushioning and comfort.
With multiple layers of comfort and support, along with a super-soft waterproof leather and Power Harness to hug your feet, the all-new Pro|SL provides the comfiest ride in golf with max medial/lateral control and support.
MORE CHOICE.
For those looking for even more comfort and stability, FootJoy has created an additional option, Pro|SL™ Carbon, integrating a full-length carbon fiber insert into the midsole for off-the-charts stability and motion control. Carbon fiber flexes and elastically snaps back to its molded position with each step recovering more of the energy generated while walking and allowing the body to work less. This will result in less leg and foot fatigue at the end of the round.
Pro|SL Carbon shoes provide enhanced wrap-around comfort and no-slip fit with a soft, molded collar and conforming underfoot cushioning with an OrthoLite® Impressions FitBed®.
“I’m someone who loves to be comfortable, and the new Pro|SL is the most comfortable golf shoe I’ve ever put on my feet,” said Louis Oosthuizen.
“When I tried Carbon for the first time, I wanted to put them in play immediately,” said Charley Hoffman. “The comfort and stability is incredible”.
The #1 Shoe in Golf is also introducing a new version of the hottest shoe in golf in the Women’s performance footwear lineup. The all-new Women’s Pro|SL has already been worn to victory on the LPGA by Sei Young Kim, winner of the 2019 CME Group Tour Championship.
Looking to design and customize your own golf shoes? The all-new Pro|SL is available on MyJoys beginning February 3, 2020. Create custom MyJoys with over 14 million possible combinations of colours, prints, laces and more, available for both Men and Women in both Laced and BOA®.
The Pro|SL shoe is available in Canada on February 1 starting at $229.