Josh Nagy holds clubhouse lead at -6 with 108 golfers still to complete opening round

Caledon, Ont. – Josh Nagy shot an opening round of 65 on Monday to sit as the clubhouse leader in the 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

The opening round was delayed due to fog that pushed back tee times by two and a half hours or more on both courses of The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. Most of the players in the afternoon wave were not able to complete their rounds on either course with play being suspended for darkness at 8:15 p.m. As a result, round one will resume at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday with round two tee times to follow.

Justin Matthews of Little Britain, Ont. was one of those not able to finish his opening round and is also at 6-under through 13 holes at The Paintbrush.

Nagy of Saskatoon, Sask. played in the morning flight and recorded seven birdies on his way to 6-under to hold the clubhouse lead by one-shot over Brady McKinlay of Lacombe, Alta. and Nicholas Dentino of Carmel, Ind.

“Just kept the driver in play all day and then the putter started to heat up on the front nine,” said Nagy following his round. “Made a nice long birdie putt on one and then on three, had a good look at eagle and was able to get that down for birdie and played the par fives really well too so that really helps.”

Nagy did just that as he birdied all three of the par-5 holes on The Paintbrush on Monday. He has had a successful run of late having won the 2023 Saskatchewan Amateur men’s title last month and said he hopes to build off that tournament through this week.

McKinlay, was also playing The Paintbrush and briefly held the lead on Monday. He finished with six birdies, including four in a row from holes 14 through 17.

“I birdied 11, made a good birdie there and those four in a row I just had good numbers, good wedges and I think I had about three or four putts from seven feet, and I made them all,” said McKinlay.

In the Inter-Provincial Team Championship, Team Alberta sits at 6-under to lead Team Saskatchewan by one-stroke and defending champions, Team Quebec by two. Team Alberta consists of Brady McKinlay, Ethan Wilson (St. Albert, Alta.) and Kye Fisher (Leduc, Alta.). The team championship is being played over the first 36 holes of the tournament.

The first two rounds of the tournament see the field of 264 golfers split between playing both The Pulpit and The Paintbrush. Players who start on The Pulpit will then play the Paintbrush for round two and vice versa. The final two rounds of the national championship will be played on The Pulpit.

The 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion receives an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. from August 14-20.

For the leaderboard of the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Caledon, Ont. – The final field is now set for the 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

Nine players earned the final spots in the field of 264 following Friday’s supplemental qualifier at The Pulpit in Caledon, Ont. The national championship is set to begin on Monday, August 7 with the opening two rounds being played on both courses of The Pulpit Club (The Pulpit and The Paintbrush).

There was a four-way tie for first with Isaiah Ellis (Smithville, Ont.), Patrick Deardorff (Clarkston, Mich.), Matthew Bremer (Burlington, Ont.) and Alex Wilson (Orangeville, Ont.) all shooting rounds of 69, good for 2-under. Mike Kray (Oakville, Ont.) shot an even par, 72 while four players shot 1-over, 72 to round out the nine players that secured their spots on Friday.

The 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion receives an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. from August 14-20.

For the full player field competing in the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship Supplemental Qualifier Results

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Field of 264 will compete in the prestigious tournament; final spots up for grabs in supplemental qualifier on Friday

Caledon, Ont. – The 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO is set to begin on Monday, August 7 with a field of 264 amateur golfers competing over four rounds of competition at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont.

This year’s field features a talented field of Canadian players, including the following 2023 Provincial Men’s Amateur Champions: Cooper Humphreys (B.C.), Ethan Wilson (Alberta), Josh Nagy (Saskatchewan), Braxton Kuntz (Manitoba), Cameron Pero (Ontario), James Newton (Quebec), Isaac MacNaughton (Nova Scotia), and Teran Newall (Newfoundland and Labrador). In addition to Charles Fitzsimmons (2021, 2022 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Champion) and Jean-Philippe Parr (2021, 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Champion). Golfers from all 10 provinces and one territory are represented in the field along with nine additional countries: Australia, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, England, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, United States, and Wales.

The first two rounds of this year’s tournament will be contested on both courses of The Pulpit Club, The Pulpit and The Paintbrush. Following the opening 36-holes of the championship, the field will be reduced to the top 70 players plus ties. Wednesday and Thursday’s rounds will both played on The Pulpit course with an awards ceremony following Thursday’s final round.

“We are excited to get the 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship underway next week at two incredible golf courses,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Adam Cinel. “The staff at The Pulpit Club have been working tirelessly in preparation for this prestigious national championship. The championship field is as strong as we’ve seen in recent years, featuring the best amateur players from across Canada, as well as a strong international contingent. The players competing in the tournament will enjoy the unique tests that are presented by The Pulpit and The Paintbrush.”

Prior to the start of the tournament, there will be a supplemental qualifier on Friday at The Pulpit where a field of 113 players will be competing for the final spots in the tournament.

The inventors of the “Trivial Pursuit” board game, Chris Haney and Scott Abbott, created Devil’s Pulpit in 1990 and the name of the course comes from a rock formation seen from the 7th tee. Haney and Abbott constructed another 18-hole course, Devil’s Paintbrush, two years later. In 2020 Longridge Partners Inc. purchased the Devil’s Pulpit Golf Association and in February 2021, the name was changed to The Pulpit Club. The Courses were also re-named from Devil’s Pulpit & Devil’s Paintbrush to The Pulpit and The Paintbrush.

“It’s an honour for The Pulpit Club to be the host venue for the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur. Hosting any national championship is a great responsibility. But the level of support we’ve received from our membership, ownership and surrounding community is a testament to the positive momentum golf is experiencing,” said Rob Roxborough, General Manager, The Pulpit Club. “The Pulpit Club’s championship courses will offer two completely different tests. The Paintbrush is a Scottish links style design, while the Pulpit is more of a traditional parkland course with incredible changes in elevation. The winner will be a player with great imagination, creative shot making abilities, and a strong short game. Wishing each player in the field an enjoyable walk, and good luck.”

Established in 1895, the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship is the third oldest amateur championship in the world. The tournament was first contested as one of the newly formed Royal Canadian Golf Association’s (RCGA), now known as Golf Canada, first orders of business in 1895 at the Ottawa Golf Club.

The national championship originally began as a match play competition but changed to stroke play for the 1969 championship. It remained that way through 1994 when it reverted to match play in honour of the RCGA’s and the championship’s centennial in 1995. The championship once again reverted to stroke play in 2008 and in 2010, the tournament changed to a double field format for the first time ever.

Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George S. Lyon won the Amateur eight times between 1898 and 1914 and was runner-up two more times. Fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Sandy Somerville made it to the match play final ten times between 1924 and 1938, capturing six championships. Other past champions include Canadian Golf Hall of Famers and four-time winners, Nick Weslock (1957, 1963, 1964, 1966) and Doug Roxburgh (1972, 1974, 1982, 1988). Most recently, two-time PGA TOUR winner and two-time Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion, Mackenzie Hughes (2011, 2012) and 2023 RBC Canadian Open and three-time PGA TOUR winner Nick Taylor (2007).

Nick Taylor is the only Canadian male golfer to have won the Canadian Junior Boys (2006), Canadian Men’s Amateur (2007) and RBC Canadian Open (2023) titles. Brooke Henderson is the only Canadian female golfer to win the national championship trifecta, having won the Canadian Junior Girls (2012), Canadian Women’s Amateur (2013) and the CPKC Women’s Open (2018).

The new purse payout that was introduced in 2022 will continue at this year’s championship. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship will compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Amateur golfers may accept prize money up to a maximum of $1,200 CAD, and payouts will be awarded to the top 10 finishers and ties.

The national championship will also feature an Inter-Provincial Team Championship that will take place over the first 36-holes of the tournament. Team Quebec will be defending their title as nine provinces and one territory will be vying to etch their names into the Willingdon Cup.

The 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion receives an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. from August 14-20.

For the full player field competing in the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Creemore, Ont. – Judith Kyrinis took the lead on Tuesday and never looked back on her way to winning the 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO on Thursday at The Mad River Golf Club.

Kyrinis finished the tournament at 6-over with rounds of 69, 73 and 80 for a three-day total of 222, ten shots clear in the Mid-Amateur division. The win gives Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont. her third Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master Championships, having previously won both in 2019 and 2016.

“It’s awesome. To have it as a stand-alone, the inaugural, it’s very special…to win any national championship three times it’s humbling. I am very proud of that,” said Kyrinis after signing her scorecard following play on Thursday.

As difficult as it is to win any tournament, leading from start to finish is a special feat. For Kyrinis the golf course would not allow her to let up all week, “you just can’t take a shot off right, so it was my motivation right there and try to do the best I can every shot. Little bit of a struggle out there today but probably was for everybody, tough conditions.”

The players were thrown a little bit of everything weather wise this week at Mad River. Pleasant conditions for the opening round were forgotten with heat playing a factor during play on Wednesday. Thursday began with light showers before the skies turned blue but brought a challenging wind for players to contend with.

“Absolutely, all those conditions factored for sure. The heat when you’re going up the back, that’s hard, luckily, I walk a lot so I’m good with that, but the wind’s today, it was really hard pulling clubs and trusting them, and I just got off to a bit of a nervous start. Even with that lead, it’s still nervous,” Kyrinis said with a laugh.

Kyrinis sits second all-time in tournament history with three championships trailing only Christina Proteau of Port Alberni, B.C. who has won the Mid-Amateur title six times. In addition, Kyrinis will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 9-14 at Stonewall (North Course) in Elverson, Pa. and an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

In both the Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master divisions, Dawn Woodard of Greer, S.C. received silver medalist honours, finishing the tournament at 16-over. There was a four-way tie for third place with Augusta James (Marysville, Ont.), defending champion Shelly Stouffer (Nanoose Bay, B.C.), Julie Streng (Greensboro, N.C.) and Samantha Perrotta (Bordentown, N.J.) all finishing at 18-over in the Mid-Amateur division. Stouffer and Streng also finished tied for bronze medalist honours in the Mid-Master division.

On Wednesday the Margaret Todd Trophy was awarded to Team Quebec, who won the Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Team Championship. Quebec finished the team competition at 25-over to hold off the defending champions, Team British Columbia by three strokes with Team Ontario finishing third. Team Quebec consists of Natacha Brossard and Suzanne Ricard from Montreal and Marie-Thérèse Torti of Candiac, Que.

For the full results of the 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Kyrinis maintains lead in both the Women’s Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master divisions

Creemore, Ont. – The Margaret Todd Trophy is headed to La Belle Province. Team Quebec was crowned as the Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Team champions on Wednesday at the 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

Quebec finished the team competition at 25-over to hold off the defending champions, Team British Columbia by three strokes. Team Quebec consists of Natacha Brossard and Suzanne Ricard from Montreal and Marie-Thérèse Torti of Candiac, Que.

For Torti winning the first team championship in the first year as a stand-alone tournament was special and their team spirit helped them this week, “we encourage each other, we’ve played our mid-am long ago together, I’ve played with Natacha and Suzanne and we’re really good representatives of Quebec. I’m happy we’re here, it’s a tough course and I’m glad we prevailed,” she said.

Ricard and Torti’s scores counted in the second round, with Ricard shooting a 3-over, 75 and Torti an 11-over, 83. The two lowest scores from the team are counted towards the team score for the day.

Ricard credited her putting for a solid round on Wednesday, “I was not tentative, but I was not aggressive either on the putting side, so I was just trying to be on the greens in regulation and get away with two putts and if the putt falls that’s great and if not, I don’t want to be left with a six-footer,” said Ricard.

“For my first Canadian Championship playing with Marie-Thérèse and Suzanne was a blessing, it was amazing. My first experience and we won it, proud to be from Quebec, proud to be Canadian as well,” added a jubilant Brossard.

Soaring temperatures made for tougher conditions during Wednesday’s second round at The Mad River Golf Club.

In the Women’s Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master divisions, two-time champion, Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont. holds the lead heading into Thursday’s final round. Kyrinis shot a 1-over, 73 on Wednesday to now sit a 2-under for the tournament and hold a 11-shot lead in the Mid-Amateur division and a 12-shot lead in the Mid-Master division.

Kyrinis had another strong finish with birdies on holes 14 and 18 but said the weather definitely played a factor today, “yeah, you know swirly winds out there, you’re walking up to you your ball and the wind’s into you and you pull a club then it turns around and its behind you and these greens are really hard right, so you really have to have the right club going in and be confident with it. It was a tough golf course out there for sure.”

For the second straight day, Kyrinis finished her round with a birdie on 18 after dropping a long putt from the back of the green, “missed a way shorter one on 17, very makable so you know sometimes it all just evens out when you make a long one,” Kyrinis said with a chuckle.

Those in attendance were treated to an appearance by Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and member of the Order of Canada, Sandra Post who visited The Mad River Golf Club during second round action.

Post is excited that the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is now its own stand-alone event, “it’s a great beginning and a great golf course and I know you’re going to have a great champion.

“What a great kickoff, this is like history to me. I am witnessing history and that’s what I feel about this tournament. It will only go on and be bigger and better in the future,” added Post.

The individual winner of the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 9-14 at Stonewall (North Course) in Elverson, Pa. In addition, the champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

For the full leaderboard click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Creemore, Ont. – There is a familiar name atop the leaderboard after round one of the 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur, presented by BDO.

Two-time champion, Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont. shot an opening round of 3-under, 69 to lead both the Women’s Mid-Amateur division and Women’s Mid-Master division at The Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont. on Tuesday.

Kyrinis started her round with four consecutive pars and was 2-under through seven. She headed to No.15 at even par and closed with birdies on 15, 17 and 18, a stretch of holes known as “The Mad Mile” to finish her round with six birdies.

“Putter was solid, made some pretty long ones. Got it around the hole, no three putts. It’s a tough golf course, you got to grind your way around out there and you cannot take one shot off or you could make a big number,” said Kyrinis. “I certainly had some misses, but they were decent misses, made a lot of nice up and downs so it was solid.”

Kyrinis who won the 2019 and 2016 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships has consistently been around the top of the leaderboard every year of the tournament and said getting off to a good start is key in a national championship.

“When you don’t, it makes it really tough to kind of get back in the game, so at least I’ll be in the game but there’s still a lot of golf out there left with two days on this golf course, it’s tough.”

Kyrinis leads the Mid-Amateur division by five shots over Isabella DiLisio of Hatfield, Pa. and Samantha Perrotta of Bordentown, N.J. who both shot 74 and sit at 2-over. In the Mid-Master division, Kyrinis holds an eight-stroke lead over defending champion, Shelly Stouffer who shot a 5-over, 77 on Tuesday.

In the Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Team Championship, Team Quebec sits at 11-over and leads by one-shot over Team Manitoba after the opening round. Team Quebec consists of Natacha Brossard and Suzanne Ricard from Montreal and Marie-Thérèse Torti of Candiac, Que. Defending champions, Team British Columbia sit five shots back at 16-over. Seven provinces with three players per team are competing for the team championship over the first 36-holes of the tournament.

This year’s championship marks the first time that the Women’s Mid-Amateur division is being held as a stand-alone competition. The 54-hole stroke play championship was previously held in conjunction with the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, as well as the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. In addition, the Women’s Mid-Master Championship (players aged 40-and-over as of July 25, 2023) is being contested over three championship rounds this week.

Female golfers (aged 25-and-over as of July 25, 2023), with a handicap index of 12.0 or less are eligible to compete in the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. The individual winner of the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 9-14 at Stonewall (North Course) in Elverson, Pa. In addition, the champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

For the full leaderboard click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Defending Champion Shelly Stouffer among five past winners in the field for new stand-alone national competition for Mid-Amateur aged competitors

Creemore, Ont. – The 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO kicks off on Monday, July 24 at the Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont.

Defending champion Shelly Stouffer is among five past champions in the field of 68 golfers competing at Mad River. The Nanoose Bay, B.C. resident is looking to become the first player to claim back-to-back titles since Christina Proteau won four consecutive championships from 2011-14.

Last year, Stouffer shot an even-par 72 in the final round to win by one-stroke over 2015 champion Terrill Samuel, and two clear of six-time champion Proteau at Breezy Bend Country Club in Headingly, Man.

In addition to winning the mid-amateur title, Stouffer also took home the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship and the Mid-Master division titles and was part of Team B.C. winning both inter-provincial team titles. The victories capped a successful summer for Stouffer who also won the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur last August. In doing so, Stouffer became only the second Canadian to win the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship in the same year. She joined elite company as World Golf Hall of Famer Marlene Streit won both titles in 1995.

Four past champions will be joining Stouffer at Mad River including, two-time winner (2016, 2019) Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont., 2010 champion Marie-Thérèse Torti of Candiac, Que., 2015 winner and 2022 British Women’s Senior Amateur champion, Terrill Samuel of Etobicoke, Ont. and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and 2008 champion, Mary Ann Hayward of St. Thomas, Ont. A four-time winner of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, Hayward is also a member of both the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame (2006) and the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame (2011).

This year’s championship marks the first time that the women’s mid-amateur division will be held as a stand-alone competition. The 54-hole stroke play championship was previously held in conjunction with the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, as well as the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

“The Mad River Golf Club will be an incredible host for the first ever Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Adam Cinel. “The staff and volunteers at Mad River have been tremendous to work with in the lead up to the tournament and we are excited to make this national championship a special event for the players.”

The Mad River Golf Club is a member owned, Bob Cupp-designed, championship golf club that offers golfers a variety of strategic choices and shot variations. The course features small and unique green complexes that require precision iron play to hit and hold the greens, and a creative short game to overcome the variety of challenges the golfer will face when missing a green.

“The competitors are going to love Mad River, the sheer beauty, challenge and condition of the golf course coupled with the tranquil country environment is a rare combination on one property,” said Gary Ward, General Manager, The Mad River Golf Club. “Mad River feels strongly about supporting and growing this important demographic of golfer, so were thrilled to host the event in its first year as a “stand alone’ tournament. As importantly the Legacy program we’ve initiated will leave a lasting impact on the community. The program entails creating a junior women’s golf development program involving selected participants from some local high schools (Stayner Collegiate, Our Lady of the Bay, Collingwood Collegiate).”

The championship will also feature two additional competitions running concurrently at Mad River. The Women’s Mid-Master Championship (players aged 40-and-over as of July 25, 2023) will be contested over three championship rounds and the Women’s Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Team Championship will take place over the first 36-holes of the tournament. Seven provinces will have 3-player teams represented in the competition.

Female golfers (aged 25-and-over as of July 25, 2023), with a handicap index of 12.0 or less are eligible to compete in the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. The individual winner of the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 9-14 at Stonewall (North Course) in Elverson, Pa. In addition, the champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Sundre, Alta. – Kelli Ann Strand secured top spot while Lauren Kim emerged from a playoff to both earn direct exemptions into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship through the U.S. Women’s Amateur Qualifier held at The Sundre Golf Club in Sundre, Alta. on Monday.

Strand, of Challis, Idaho shot a 3-under 69 to earn Medalist honours. Strand recorded three birdies on the front nine to get off to a strong start and held on to take the top spot in Monday’s qualifier. Strand, a member of the Nebraska Cornhuskers Women’s Golf team, earned second-team All-Big Ten honours and won the Green Wave Classic in her freshman year this past season.

Kim, of Surrey, B.C. outlasted Leah John in a six-hole playoff to secure the second exemption after shooting a 2-under 70. She recorded three straight birdies on 14 through 16 and closed off her round with a pair of pars to get into the playoff. Kim is a member of Golf Canada’s National Team Program and attends the University of Texas. This past weekend, she placed T3 at the 2023 Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational in Calgary.

John will be the first alternate and Tiffany Kong of Vancouver is the second alternate. Monday’s field at The Sundre Golf Club featured 23 golfers from Canada and the United States competing for two direct exemptions. The 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship runs from August 7-13 at Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles with a field of 156 competitors.

For the full leaderboard from today’s qualifier click here.

Two-time defending champion Rory McIlroy is ready to make history in defence of the RBC Canadian Open title at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.

The world’s number three ranked player will lead a field of 156 of the world’s best players looking to become the first player in history to win three consecutive titles.

“Any time you can come back and defend a title sort of wherever that is in the world, it’s nice to be able to do that, said McIlroy. “Obviously the Sunday last year was, to me, one of the probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had playing on TOUR. Battling it out with JT and Tony down the stretch. Rosie was on course trying to shoot 59. There was a ton of low scores. Battling with those two guys. JT and Tony being two of the best players in the world. Coming out on top. Yeah, it was really nice. Nice to be able to defend a title. I felt like the support I got out there was absolutely amazing and I’m looking forward to playing in that sort of atmosphere again this week.”

Rory is feeling the love in ?? pic.twitter.com/H1pp0amXyk

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) June 7, 2023

Goodwood, ON. – Peter Kuest finished atop the leaderboard, while Drew Nesbitt, Ryan Hall and David Carey earned their way through a playoff to secure the final qualifier exemptions in the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-11 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ont.

Kuest, 24, from Fresno, Cal. shot a 6-under 66 to avoid being part of the playoff and felt everything was working for him today, “It’s a tough golf course so I figured just keep the ball in front of me and give myself some good looks at making a lower score and get a couple putts to drop and some of them went in. Tally them up at the end and a 66 so we’ll take it.”

Kuest will be making his third PGA Tour appearance of the season after having played at both the Valero Texas Open and the AT&T Byron Nelson Classic where he finished T14.

Nesbitt, Hall and Carey emerged from a 4-for-3 playoff after shooting rounds of 67, good for 5-under. All four golfers were part of the morning flight and had to wait it out to learn their fate.

In the playoff, Nesbitt rolled in his putt for birdie, while Hall and Carey earned their pars to advance after one playoff hole. Carey’s drive fell into an unplayable lie, and he was forced to take relief, but put his third shot from 177 yards onto the green to make par.

Nesbitt, 28, from Horseshoe Valley, Ont. will be making his third appearance at the RBC Canadian Open having played in 2017 and 2019.

Hall, 23, from Knoxville, Ten. will be making his second appearance in a PGA Tour event this season after playing in the World Wide Technology Championship last November. He will be making his first appearance at the RBC Canadian Open.

Carey, 26, from Dublin, Ireland will also be making his first appearance at the RBC Canadian Open and second PGA Tour tournament this season, having played at the Valero Texas Open.

The RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier featured a field of 122 golfers, for full results click here.

For tickets to the 2023 RBC Canadian Open click here.