Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, well, ok, it was circa 1987, Bob Beauchemin and his wife sat in the basement of their townhouse in Brampton, Ont., stuffing envelopes and then licking and placing stamps on them.

Not much remarkable about that except Bob was the president of the Tournament Players Division of the Canadian Professional Golfers Association (which soon was rebranded as the Canadian Tour) and the envelopes were registration forms for the Tour Qualifying School. It was a shoestring operation, to say the very least.

The size of the shoestring varied over the years but, thanks to Bob and his successors as commissioner between then and 2012—Richard Grimm, Jacques Burelle, Rick Janes—there has always been a circuit of some sort for good players to hone their skills. The purses, venues and number of tournaments varied almost year to year, but our homegrown tour hung in there.

The year 2012 was significant as that was when the PGA TOUR acquired the Canadian Tour, which now is known as PGA TOUR Canada. Along with the globally recognized brand came a commitment to consistency as shown in this year’s dozen tournaments with uniform purses of $150,000. The new arrangement also provided Golf Canada with the opportunity to offer exemptions to deserving young pros and amateurs, such as members of Team Canada.

“It the perfect place for young players to see where they stand versus the quality of competition that is out there,” says Bill Paul, Golf Canada’s Chief Championship Officer. “It works as an opportunity for them to test themselves at that level, which helps them determine where their game is and where it has to improve if they want to make it to the PGA TOUR eventually.”

The 2014 schedule wraps up this week in London, Ont., with the PGA TOUR Canada’s TOUR Championship presented by Freedom 55 Financial and conducted by Golf Canada at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club. In addition to serving as title sponsor of the TOUR Championship of Canada, Freedom 55 Financial also sponsors the Freedom 55 Canadian Player of the Week award presented at each PGA TOUR Canada event as well as the season ending Freedom 55 Player of the Year Award.

There is lots at stake for the players who qualified for this week’s championship by being in the top 60 of the season-long Order of Merit. Come Sunday, the top five players on the Order of Merit will earn Web.com Tour status for the following season, with players finishing sixth through 10^th earning an exemption into the final stage and players finishing 11^th through 20^th  into the second stage of Web.com Tour Qualifying School.

And thanks to the presenting sponsor, a division of London-based London Life Insurance Company, there is a lot at stake for the future of golf in and around the largest city in southwestern Ontario.

Golf Canada’s terrific Golf in Schools program is the official charity of this week’s TOUR Championship.

“In establishing a community legacy for the TOUR Championship of Canada presented by Freedom 55 Financial, Golf Canada will invite area golf clubs throughout London and Southwestern Ontario in a campaign to adopt schools to be a part of the Golf in Schools program,” said the press release announcing the initiative

Golf in Schools—which is offered in more than 2,225 elementary and almost 230 high schools across Canada—provides children with a basic introduction to golf through the Canadian school physical education curriculum. The program, which is endorsed by Physical Health and Education Canada, is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with the PGA of Canada and the provincial golf associations. (More information about the Golf in Schools program including the school adoption program is available by clicking here.)

“We’re excited to promote Golf in Schools,” said Mike Cunneen, Senior Vice-President, Freedom 55 Financial/Wealth and Estate Planning Group. “We got involved in the program because it introduces golf and promotes healthy lifestyle—and hopefully gets more young people involved in the game.”

Paul also pointed out that the recent Canadian Pacific Women’s Open held at London Hunt and Country Club raised more than $1.1 million for the Children’s Health Foundation with funds going towards improving children’s cardiac care at the Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre.

So, there is no doubt that golf has altered the lives of many in this city and its environs and will continue to do so for years to come.

“Our goal for Sunday is not only to announce the winner and the players who get onto the Web.com Tour but also to announce how many schools have been adopted,” Paul said. “We think it is a great way to leave a lasting impact on the community.”

Bill Paul, Jeff Monday, Mike Cunneen (PGA TOUR/ Claus Andersen)

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France – South Korean teen Hyo-Joo Kim made history look easy, with barely a glitch as she posted the lowest score ever in a major with a 10-under 61 to open the Evian Championship on Thursday.

To boot, the first round of her major debut achieved perfect symmetry, with five birdies each on the front and back nine.

“I made a chance (for) a birdie on every (hole),” she said. “I missed some (but) it didn’t matter.”

If she didn’t sound fussed about the 61, it’s because she did it last year on Japan’s JLPGA circuit.

“My goal is to have a good experience here. That’s all,” said the 19-year-old Kim, who was in the first year of a physical education course at Seoul University.

Her good experience exceeded the previous best score in a major of 62, by Minea Blomqvist of Finland in the third round of the 2004 British Open – also when she was 19 – and Lorena Ochoa in the first round of the 2006 Kraft Nabisco Championship. In a men’s major, 63 is the lowest, and it has been achieved multiple times.

“I like a hard course,” Kim said. “I felt very comfortable today.”

Blomqvist and Ochoa might still be holding their record if not for Kim’s remarkable escape on the third hole, when she went into the bunker off the tee and still got a birdie.

“She had a few up and downs and a chip-in on the third, par four … after she shot a little bit left,” her caddie Gordon Rowan said. “She had a very difficult chip.”

“She’s not a massive hitter but has a very decent length, and keeps up with the girls. She’s so straight and this is a course where you need to hit fairways because the rough is very thick. Her accuracy into the greens means that she’s never far away. She also has a very good temperament, and even on days when she’s fighting and putts don’t fall, she keeps going.”

Kim is ranked 20th in the world, and leads the Korean LPGA money list with three wins.

She takes a four-shot lead over veteran Karrie Webb into the second round of the last major of the year.

Korean Mi-Jung Hur was five behind Kim in third after a round of 66, while defending champion Suzann Pettersen of Norway and Brittany Lincicome of the U.S. were six behind.

Inbee Park, bidding for back-to-back majors after defending her title at the LPGA Championship, was tied for 12th at 2 under.

Meanwhile, Michelle Wie’s bid for a second major ended early as she retired after just 13 holes, clearly still feeling the effects of a recent finger injury.

Wie had two double bogeys and was 5 over when she pulled out. The U.S. Women’s Open champion was returning after five weeks out and missing four tournaments following a stress reaction in her right index finger. She wore blue strapping around her hand.

“I had hoped it was a week later but I just really wanted to come to France. I really love this tournament,” she said. “The doctors told me `It’s all up to you.’ But they did tell me if it did hurt to stop right away because it could get worse.

“I should have stopped earlier but I was having so much fun out there.”

Wie believed she should be able to play next month, in Asia.

The 39-year-old Webb had eight birdies but was undone by two bogeys.

The last of Webb’s seven majors was at the Kraft Nabisco in 2006, the year she won at Evian.

“Probably the best I putted for a long time. Switched to an old putter I used about 12 years ago,” the Australian said. “I changed swing coaches in the middle of the season, so I’ve actually probably put more work in through the summer than I normally would. The changes are starting to click.”

Alena Sharp is the lone Canadian in the field. The Hamilton, Ont. native opened with a 7-over 78.

ST. THOMAS, Ont. — As the Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) season comes to an end, the final senior men’s event took place Sept. 11 at the St. Thomas Golf and Country Club. There were 55 teams of senior men, 55-years-old and over, that took to the course in damp, fall-like conditions for the Senior Men’s Better Ball Championship.

With many great teams taking part, it was assured there would be many great scores. By the end of the day there were 16 total teams under par. No team scored better than that of Collingwood’s Michael Jackson and Welland’s Sandy Billyard, who posted the low round at 7-under (65). The difference for the duo came on the ninth hole when Billyard, from Hunters Pointe Golf Course, hit a hole-in-one on the par three.

“It really seemed to get us going,” said Jackson. “Up until then we had made eight straight pars. Sandy played a great round of golf today.”

The ace galvanized the team as they went on to play the back nine 5-under and finished the day 7-under (65).

“Number 9 was the nicest shot I hit all day!” said Billyard. “It was a four-iron, 180 yards up hill. It landed just in the right spot and rolled in like a putt. Mike made a clutch birdie on 17 and that was the winner for us.”

It is the first time that either Jackson, Georgian Bay Club, or Billyard have won the Senior Men’s Better Ball title.

“The win means a lot to me because I haven’t won a provincial event since 1973,” added Billyard. “I’m thrilled. For Mike, it is just another notch in his belt.”

“It is always nice to win a tournament but it was especially nice to win with Sandy. We didn’t make a bogey all day and just played a solid game,” added Jackson.

Finishing second was a team from host St. Thomas Golf & Country Club – Stephen Brodie and John Scott. The two used their hometown knowledge of the course to their advantage finishing 6-under (66).

Rounding out the top five was a tie for third between three teams. Richard Evoy (Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club) & Tom Hossfeld (Hylands Golf Club), Ian Montgomery (Weston Golf & Country Club) & Richard Lockwood (London Hunt and Country Club) and Kerry Short & Les Westlake (St. Catharines Golf and Country Club) all ended the day at 3-under (69).

For the final leaderboard, click here.

MARKHAM, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada in partnership with the Golf Association of Ontario is pleased to announce the six players who will represent Team Canada’s two squads at the inaugural World Junior Girls Golf Championship September 26th to October 1st at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.

Representing the first of two Canadian squads competing are Brooke Henderson, 17, of Smiths Falls, Ont., Grace St-Germain, 16, of Ottawa, Ont. and Naomi Ko, 17, of Victoria, B.C. Canada’s second team in the event will include Jaclyn Lee of Calgary, Selena Costabile of Thornhill, Ont. and Alisha Lau of Richmond, B.C.

The Canadian contingent will be coached by Team Canada Development Squad Women’s Coach Ann Carroll, alongside Reggie Millage the provincial Head Coach for the Golf Association of Ontario.

The inaugural international junior girls championship – which will be contested on the South Course at Angus Glen Golf Club – will be conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with the Golf Association of Ontario.

The championship features three-player teams of athletes under the age of 19 representing 15 countries. As host country, Canada will field two teams in the competition. A full listing of rosters for each country can be found here and full bios for the Canadians selected can be found below.

The 16-team field will compete over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. Qualifying countries for the inaugural championship were invited based on their performances at the 2012 World Amateur in Turkey.

The 2014 World Junior Girls Golf Championship will mark the first official playing of a female junior championship of its kind – the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup is a boys’ only event that has been contested for almost 20 years.

The event – which is supported by the International Golf Federation, received grant funding by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Other funding partners include the Golf Canada Foundation (Women’s Fund) and the R&A as well as Central Counties.  Funding was also provided from the Federal and Provincial governments in preparation for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.

In addition to a 72-hole competition, the championship will include skills competitions, an international golf coaches’ summit and golf clinics outside of tournament play in the spirit of establishing an interactive junior golf festival around the championship.

The Angus Glen Golf Club will also play host to the debut of golf at the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games from July 16-19, 2015. The World Junior Girls Golf Championship will provide training opportunities for officials and volunteers registered for the historic event that is set for the south course at Angus Glen.

The event gets underway with Opening Ceremonies at Angus Glen beginning at 5:30pm on Saturday, September 27th.

Admission to the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free for all spectators for the duration of the championship. For more information visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

TEAM CANADA PLAYERS BIOS

Squad # 1

Brooke Henderson
As the No. 1 ranked amateur in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, the Smiths Falls, Ont. native has captured seven amateur titles this season and two professional titles (Canadian Women’s Tour Ontario and PGA Women’s Championship of Canada). A member of Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad, Henderson recently won the individual medal at the World Amateur Championship. Additionally, she finished runner-up at the 2014 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and also finished T10 at the U.S. Women’s Open. She also earned Low Canadian and Low Amateur honours at the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open where she finished T46 and while also finishing T45 at the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic.

Grace St-Germain
A native of Ottawa, Ont., St-Germain captured the 2014 Canadian Junior Girls Championship by seven strokes. The 16-year-old was also victorious at the Quebec Women’s Amateur Championship and earned medalist honours at the GAO’s Junior Girls’ Match Play Championship. Recently she added another win to her season at the Graham Cooke Junior Invitational.

Naomi Ko
A member of Team Canada’s National Development Squad, Ko is the reigning 2014 B.C. Junior Girls champion. Additionally, the 17-year-old Victoria, B.C. native won the CN Future Links Ontario title and finished fourth at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

Squad # 2

Jaclyn Lee
Lee is a three-time winner this season after victories at the CN Future Links Prairie Championship, Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship and Alberta Junior Girls Championship. The Calgary native is also a member of Team Canada’s National Development Squad.

Selena Costabile
A native of Thornhill, Ont., Costabile captured the 2014 GAO Junior Spring Classic and the CJGA World Junior Challenge. The 16-year-old also finished runner-up at the CN Future Links Ontario Championship and notched a pair of third place finishes at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and the AJGA/CJGA’s Junior Championship.

Alisha Lau
A native of Richmond, B.C., Lau was victorious at the CJGA’s Nike Golf Junior Series at Hazelmere, finished second at the CN Future Links Prairie Championship and fourth at the CN Future Links Pacific Championship. Additionally, the 15-year-old posted a third place finish at the B.C. Women’s Amateur Championship.

The Nova Scotia Golf Association (NSGA) has announced recipients of the 2014 Murray Purcell Bursary Program.

The 2014 winners originate from all areas of the province. This year the NSGA received bursary applications from a variety of Nova Scotian students and eight of these student golfers have been awarded bursaries to a total of $15,000.

With the increasing cost of post secondary education the NSGA decided to create a Bursary program to help its provincial golfers. This endowment program was renamed in 2007 in memory of the late Murray Purcell. Mr. Purcell worked with the NSGA for over 15 years and was instrumental in creating many of the programs that exist today, including the bursary program.

Congratulations to the following recipients:

Jordan Hirtle – $3000
The top bursary of $3000 is awarded to Jordan Hirtle of Grandview Golf and Country Club. Jordan is set to enter his first year of medical school at Dalhousie University in September. Mr. Hirtle has already obtained an undergraduate degree in science, and a Masters of Business Administration both from Dalhousie.

Erin MacIsaac – $2500
Erin is a member of Parrsboro Golf Club entering her 4^th year at St. Thomas University where she is pursuing a science degree. Ms. MacIsaac is a dual athlete competing on the varsity hockey and golf teams.

Brett MacIsaac – $2000
Brett, who is a resident of Dartmouth, and plays at Parrsboro Golf Club is entering his first year of the engineering program at Dalhousie University. Mr. MacIsaac recently graduated from Dartmouth High School where he was a member of the volleyball, rugby, and golf teams.

Jeannine Philpott – $1500
Jeannine is a recent graduate of Hants East Rural High School, who is a member at Oakfield Golf and Country Club. In September Jeannine will pursue and undergraduate science degree in human kinetics at St. Francis Xavier with the intention of pursuing medical school afterwards.

Emily Cyr – $1500
Emily is a member of Abercrombie Golf Club and a recent graduate of Northumberland Regional High School. Emily will be attending Dalhousie University in the fall after being accepted into the Faculty of Science. Ms. Cyr hopes to pursue either pharmacy or occupational therapy during her time at Dalhousie.

Alex Feltmate – $1500
Alex is a member at Oakfield Golf and Country Club and will be returning for his third year of business studies at Acadia in September. Mr. Feltmate is an accomplished golfer competing at both regional and national events. In the future the Fall River resident hopes to open his own business within the sport and fitness industry.

Evan Starratt – $1500
Evan is a Truro resident who plays at the Truro Golf Club. In September Mr. Starratt will head to Acadia University to pursue a business degree where he hopes to one day to pair his business pedigree with his golf background.

Jake Lloy – $1500
Jake is a resident of Windsor and is a member at Avon Valley Golf and Country Club. Lloy is a experienced golfer competing in many NSGA events, and will look to continue his golf at St. Thomas University where he will pursue a degree in economics. Following his time at St. Thomas Mr. Lloy hopes to work in the banking and financial sector.

On Sept. 6, 2014, 16-year-old Team Canada athlete Brooke Henderson took over the no.1 spot on the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR). This marks the first time in program history that a Canadian female has held the no. 1 spot.

Henderson, a Smiths Falls, Ont. native, learned the news after former no. 1 Minjee Lee of Australia turned professional following the World Amateur, allowing Henderson to move up from the second spot. She will be representing Canada in the World Junior Girls Championship later this month.

Below is a slideshow summarizing Henderson’s journey to no. 1 in the world.

Tony Gil receives funding through SunCor’s ‘Fueling Athletes and Coaching Excellence’ program

Petro-Canada, a SunCor energy business, has announced they have increased funding to $10,000 for each recipient. Team Canada Development Squad member, Tony Gil, was one of 50 athletes and coaches to receive the financial assistance.

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), and their National Sport partners work together each year to run the FACE program, which provides developing, pre-carded Canadian athlete and coach pairings with funding to help fuel their dreams.

“It’s wonderful to see renewed and strengthened support from Petro-Canada, who has supported Canadian athletes for more than 25 years,” said Marcel Aubut, COC president. “We look forward to cheering on the athletes as they continue to gear up for success on the world stage.”

Canadian men tee off at World Amateur Team Championship

The Men’s World Amateur Team Championship began Wednesday when 69 countries from around the world tee-it-up at 72 Golf East in Japan.

The men’s trio of Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith and Adam Svensson have continued the success for Canada at the World Amateur Championship, firing a 10-under 134 to share the lead with Sweden and Switzerland after Wednesday’s opening round at Karuizawa 72 Golf East.

Click here to follow the leaderboard.

Team Canada’s freshman and graduates

With the start of a new school year, Team Canada has three Development Squad members heading south of the border to begin their collegiate careers as freshmen.

Sabrine Garrison
Calgary
University of Minnesota

Valerie Tanguay
St-Hyacinthe, Que.
Oklahoma University

Matt Williams
Calgary
University of Houston

Carter Simon
Sutton, Ont.
N.C. State

With that said, there are a few ‘old folks’ on the National Amateur Squad who graduated from their respective schools:

Corey Conners
Listowel, Ont.
Kent State

Taylor Pendrith
Richmond Hill, Ont.
Kent State

Chris Hemmerich
Kitchener, Ont.
Guelph University

Anne-Catherine Tanguay
Quebec City
Oklahoma University

2015 Team Selection

The team selection process for the 2015 Team Canada squads gets underway on Sept. 23behind closed doors. Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer, Jeff Thompson, will chair the meeting.

Click here to read more on the selection criteria process.

KARUIZAWA, Japan – The men’s trio of Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith and Adam Svensson have continued the success for Canada at the World Amateur Championship, firing a 10-under 134 to share the lead with Sweden and Switzerland after Wednesday’s opening round at Karuizawa 72 Golf East.

Conners, the 2014 U.S. Amateur runner-up, carded a 6-under 66 to lead the way for the Canadian contingent. The Listowel, Ont. native posted five birdies on the front nine, boosting him to a tie for second on the individual leaderboard, one back of Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult.

“It was definitely motivating to see the ladies do so well and we want to continue the success for Canada,” said the 22-year-old. “We’re all hoping to play as well as they did and we’re off to a nice start.”

His Team Canada teammate and old roommate at Kent State, Taylor Pendrith, carded a 4-under 68.

“I drove the ball pretty well and my putting was probably the best part of my game today – I made a lot of nice putts and some 15- to 20-footers,” said the Richmond Hill, Ont. native. “Overall I’m pleased with the way I played. It was unfortunate to bogey the last two holes but I’m very happy.”

Adam Svensson, a Surrey, B.C. native, carded a non-counting 3-under 69.

“We put in some really good preparation,” said team captain, Graham Hill. “Derek Ingram, our coach, works very closely with all the guys here. I don’t think we’re surprised that we played well here today. We’re just taking it day by day and we’re happy with the start.”

Canada was one of thirty-seven teams to break par in the first round and contribute towards the 65 sub-par scores, breaking the record of 42 in 2004.

The Canadians opened on the Iriyama Course in the first round – they will alternate tomorrow by playing the Oshitate Course. They are set to tee-off at 10:35 am (JST), grouped with Malaysia and Slovakia.

Click here for team scoring.
Click here for individual scoring.

Corey Conners (USGA/ Steve Gibbons)

KARUIZAWA, Japan – The men’s trio of Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith and Adam Svensson have continued the success for Canada at the World Amateur Championship, firing a 10-under 134 to share the lead with Sweden and Switzerland after Wednesday’s opening round at Karuizawa 72 Golf East.

Conners, the 2014 U.S. Amateur runner-up, carded a 6-under 66 to lead the way for the Canadian contingent. The Listowel, Ont. native posted five birdies on the front nine, boosting him to a tie for second on the individual leaderboard, one back of Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult.

“It was definitely motivating to see the ladies do so well and we want to continue the success for Canada,” said the 22-year-old. “We’re all hoping to play as well as they did and we’re off to a nice start.”

His Team Canada teammate and old roommate at Kent State, Taylor Pendrith, carded a 4-under 68.

“I drove the ball pretty well and my putting was probably the best part of my game today – I made a lot of nice putts and some 15- to 20-footers,” said the Richmond Hill, Ont. native. “Overall I’m pleased with the way I played. It was unfortunate to bogey the last two holes but I’m very happy.”

Adam Svensson, a Surrey, B.C. native, carded a non-counting 3-under 69.

“We put in some really good preparation,” said team captain, Graham Hill. “Derek Ingram, our coach, works very closely with all the guys here. I don’t think we’re surprised that we played well here today. We’re just taking it day by day and we’re happy with the start.”

Canada was one of thirty-seven teams to break par in the first round and contribute towards the 65 sub-par scores, breaking the record of 42 in 2004.

The Canadians opened on the Iriyama Course in the first round – they will alternate tomorrow by playing the Oshitate Course. They are set to tee-off at 10:35 am (JST), grouped with Malaysia and Slovakia.

Click here for team scoring.
Click here for individual scoring.

Corey Conners (USGA/ Steve Gibbons)

ATLANTA – Nick Faldo was honored with the Payne Stewart Award on Tuesday about an hour after his father died in England.

Faldo was with his father at the time. George Faldo was 88.

The six-time major champion accepted the award through a recorded video. He described his father in the video as “playing the 18th hole of life.” Faldo’s son, Matthew, was to receive the award on his behalf at a Tuesday night ceremony in Atlanta.

The Payne Stewart Award is presented annually to a player who shares Stewart’s respect for golf’s traditions and commitment to charity and who takes care in how he presents himself through dress and conduct.

Stewart, a three-time major champion, died in October 1999 when a private jet crashed into a field in South Dakota.

ATLANTA – Nick Faldo was honored with the Payne Stewart Award on Tuesday about an hour after his father died in England.

Faldo was with his father at the time. George Faldo was 88.

The six-time major champion accepted the award through a recorded video. He described his father in the video as “playing the 18th hole of life.” Faldo’s son, Matthew, was to receive the award on his behalf at a Tuesday night ceremony in Atlanta.

The Payne Stewart Award is presented annually to a player who shares Stewart’s respect for golf’s traditions and commitment to charity and who takes care in how he presents himself through dress and conduct.

Stewart, a three-time major champion, died in October 1999 when a private jet crashed into a field in South Dakota.