Terry Lenyk - Golf Canada

Victoria, BC – Yakima, Washington’s Brock Mackenzie got his quest for a second Bayview Place Island Savings Open presented by Times Colonist title off to a good start on Thursday, firing a 7-under 63 at Uplands Golf Club to lead by one over Manhattan Beach, California’s Jake Sarnoff.

The 2010 champion went bogey free on Thursday, with the 63 representing his best score at Uplands in his sixth appearance. The 32-year old said his familiarity with the golf course was key to his performance in getting off to a good start.

“There aren’t too many courses other than maybe my home course that I’m this comfortable on,” said Mackenzie, a former All-American at the University of Washington. “For some reason everything just kind of suits my eye. I know where to miss it and where to hit it, and it’s just kind of up to executing. I rolled it a couple of putts today.”

Few players have as strong a track record as Mackenzie at Uplands – in addition to his win, he also posted a pair of top five finishes in 2009 and 2011 and was in the hunt on Sunday last year before fading with a Sunday 77.

“I’ve had some nice success at Uplands and I’ve always enjoyed coming back here. The people are great,” said Mackenzie, who said his familiarity with the event made it one of his favourites on PGA Tour Canada. “I see the same walking scorers each year and say ‘Hey, do you want to come walk with me this week?’ So it’s pretty cool to see.”

One shot back of Mackenzie with a 64 was Sarnoff, playing in just his second PGA Tour Canada event. The 24-year old, like Mackenzie, was also bogey-free on Thursday, and said he managed to navigate Uplands successfully despite a few wayward shots.

“I just kind of missed in the right spots,” said Sarnoff. “I was in the rough a lot but I had a lot of open shots and I putted really well. It’s always good to have no bogeys on the scorecard.”

Victoria, BC – Yakima, Washington’s Brock Mackenzie got his quest for a second Bayview Place Island Savings Open presented by Times Colonist title off to a good start on Thursday, firing a 7-under 63 at Uplands Golf Club to lead by one over Manhattan Beach, California’s Jake Sarnoff.

The 2010 champion went bogey free on Thursday, with the 63 representing his best score at Uplands in his sixth appearance. The 32-year old said his familiarity with the golf course was key to his performance in getting off to a good start.

“There aren’t too many courses other than maybe my home course that I’m this comfortable on,” said Mackenzie, a former All-American at the University of Washington. “For some reason everything just kind of suits my eye. I know where to miss it and where to hit it, and it’s just kind of up to executing. I rolled it a couple of putts today.”

Few players have as strong a track record as Mackenzie at Uplands – in addition to his win, he also posted a pair of top five finishes in 2009 and 2011 and was in the hunt on Sunday last year before fading with a Sunday 77.

“I’ve had some nice success at Uplands and I’ve always enjoyed coming back here. The people are great,” said Mackenzie, who said his familiarity with the event made it one of his favourites on PGA Tour Canada. “I see the same walking scorers each year and say ‘Hey, do you want to come walk with me this week?’ So it’s pretty cool to see.”

One shot back of Mackenzie with a 64 was Sarnoff, playing in just his second PGA Tour Canada event. The 24-year old, like Mackenzie, was also bogey-free on Thursday, and said he managed to navigate Uplands successfully despite a few wayward shots.

“I just kind of missed in the right spots,” said Sarnoff. “I was in the rough a lot but I had a lot of open shots and I putted really well. It’s always good to have no bogeys on the scorecard.”

WINNIPEG (Golf Canada) – Scott Secord of the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds stole the show on Wednesday at the Canadian University/College Championship by firing a competitive course record 7-under 65.

The Calgary native’s second round was highlighted by a six birdies and an eagle on the par-5 4th hole at Southwood Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg, Man.

“It was a lot of fun today, I played with a couple of good guys and we created some group mojo and kind of pushed each other,” Secord said. “We weren’t really thinking about scores, just birdies chances.”

Secord’s Thunderbirds’ teammates also stepped up on Wednesday morning as they soared into the lead after carding a 6-under 282. Individually, UBC’s Jack Wood posted a 2-under 70 and currently shares second place at 2-under 142 alongside the University of Alberta’s Quinn Bunten-Walberg, who posted the second low round of the day after a 5-under 67. Université Laval Rouge et Or’s Samuel Rochette, Russell Bowie of Queen’s University and Alex Dumais of the Humber College Hawks also trail Secord by nine strokes in second place.

“I’m not going to underestimate anyone out here,” Secord said about his competition. “The course is excellent, the greens are great for the winter they had, so I just have to keep attacking.”

In the team competition, the Thunderbirds hold a 9-stroke lead over the Western University Mustangs. The Mustangs posted a 7-over 295 and currently sit one-stroke ahead of the University of Manitoba Bisons who carded a 1-under 287.

On the women’s side, the Thunderbirds stumbled on Wednesday but were able to hang onto their overnight lead in the team division. The squad ended the second round at 23-over 455 for the championship, 11 strokes ahead of Université de Montréal Carabins who are defending their title this week. The Carabins rebounded on Wednesday with a 10-over 226.

Individually, the University of Victoria’s Megan Woodland matched the low round of the day on the women’s side after an even-par 72. Woodland’s round was highlighted by a 2-under 34 opening-nine and leaves her tied for the lead with the University of Toronto’s, Laura Upenieks at 5-over 149. Upenieks carded a 2-over 74 after opening with a 3-over 75 on Tuesday.

Woodland has had a couple of close calls at this national championship and hopes to continue her strong play over the final two days.

“It’s basically been my goal since my first year to come out and win one of these events,” the Vikes veteran player said. “I’ve come close the past three years and haven’t really been able to finish it off, so it’s kind of been my goal all year and I hope I can play well the next two days.”

Woodland and Upenieks currently sit one-stroke ahead of Kylie Barros of the Thunderbirds and Université Laval Rouge et Or’s Alexandra Pelletier.

For more information on the 2014 Canadian University/College Championship including starting times and results click here.

(WINNIPEG, Man.) – The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds lead the women’s division, while the Western University Mustangs are atop the men’s leaderboard after first round play at the Canadian University/College Championship at Southwood Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg, Man.

On the women’s side, the Thunderbirds, 9-time national champions, hold a commanding lead after 18 holes of play. The squad carded a 5-over 221 opening round and were led by Kat Kennedy who fired a 1-under 71 that was highlighted by three birdies. Kennedy’s teammate Kylie Barros, the 2011 individual national champion, sits in second after a 2-over 74.

“It feels good, I was just consistent out there,” Kennedy said. “There were some up and downs but I stayed focused and held onto it until the finish.”

If the Thunderbirds can continue their strong play they will take home their 10th Canadian University/College title when the tournament concludes on Friday.

“We just want to give it our all, it’s our last tournament of the season,” Kennedy continued. “We’re going to play for the team as a team and stay strong that way.”

The University of Victoria Vikes trail the Thunderbirds by 11 strokes after posting a 16-over 232 as a team, while the Université de Montréal Carabins and Waterloo Warriors share third at 22-over. Individually, Laura Upenieks from the Toronto Varsity Blues sits in third one stroke ahead of a trio of players who are tied at 4-over par.

In the men’s team competition, the Western University Mustangs came blazing out of the gates on Tuesday morning, firing an opening round 4-under 284. The Mustangs were led by Spencer Berk and Traynor Turkiewicz, who both posted 3-under 69’s and currently sit in a 4-way tie for second at 3-under par.

“The whole team is pleased with the way they are playing which is important,” said Mustangs Head Coach, Jim Waite. “We have five guys that can really play this year. In other years we’ve had three but never five and this year we feel that these guys can give us good numbers day after day.”

The Thunderbirds hold second place at even-par 288, while the University of Manitoba Bisons share third place alongside the Humber College Hawks at 5-over 293.

Individually, UBC’s Scott Secord birdied two of his last three holes to card a 4-under 68 and break out of a four-way tie for the lead. Secord closed with a 3-under 33 and currently holds a one-stroke lead over Berk, Turkiewicz, Bisons’ Charlie Boyechko and Alex Rakowski of the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

“My putting was great, that’s the biggest key out here,” Secord said. “Tomorrow it’s just about the same thing, par or better and hopefully the wind is down in the morning.”

For more information on the 2014 Canadian University/College Championship including starting times and resultsclick here.

Ottawa, Ont. (NAGA) — The Canadian Golf Industry generated $14.3 billion in economic benefits across our nation, according to a recent economic analysis conducted by Strategic Networks Group, Inc. on behalf of the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA).

The Canadian Golf industry employs the equivalent of 300,100 people through direct and spin-off effects, generating more than $8.3 billion in household income. The industry also contributes more than $36.1 billion in total gross production through direct and indirect and induced spending; generates more than $1.4 billion in property and other indirect taxes; as well provides an estimated $2.2 billion in income taxes used to support a variety of programs for all Canadians.

Based on a nation-wide survey of more than 15,000 golfers and more than 300 golf courses in 10 provinces and three territories, the 2014 Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study provides a follow up data set to the initial comprehensive and independent assessment of the economic impact of the golf industry in Canada released in 2009.

“The Economic Impact Study reinforces that the game of golf in Canada continues to have a tremendous financial, charitable, tourism and positive environmental impact in communities across Canada,” said NAGA Chair Jeff Calderwood, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association of Canada. “The study outlines the considerable scope and magnitude of the impact that our sport has on the Canadian economy.”

The 2014 study was once again conducted on behalf of NAGA by Strategic Networks Group (SNG), a world leader in economic development and analysis for communities, regions and industries. SNG also conducted the 2009 Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study which allows the Canadian golf industry to benchmark the game’s economic impact over the past five years.

“We were very pleased to have been invited back to conduct this important research on behalf of the Canadian golf industry,” said Thomas McGuire, SNG’s Vice President. “This 2014 study draws on a massive sample of Canadian golfers and course operators and clearly demonstrates that the Canadian golf industry continues to be a significant nation-wide driver of economic impacts. What this study shows in relationship to the 2009 research is that golf in Canada has been able to maintain itself over a period of very challenging global economic circumstances that had left no sector of the economy untouched.”

The announcement of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study was made on a media teleconference from Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Following the media teleconference golf industry leaders from the NAGA partner associations met with legislators and members of Parliament in Ottawa as part of a golf industry lobby day.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CANADIAN GOLF ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY:

The game of golf accounts for an estimated $14.3 billion of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is up from the $12.2 billion reported in 2009*. Included in that economic impact are:
•   300,100 direct, indirect and induced jobs (342,000 in 2009)
•   $8.3 billion in household income ($8.0 billion in 2009)
•   $1.4 billion in property and other indirect taxes ($1.3 billion in 2009)
•   $2.2 billion in income taxes ($2.6 billion in 2009)
•   Canadian golf industry generates $14.3 billion in economic activity (GDP)
•   Industry employment estimated at more than 300,100 golf related jobs,
•   $533 million in philanthropic dollars generated at more than 37,000 events at golf courses
•   Golf related travel within Canada generates nearly $2.5 billion in tourism annually
•   Estimated 60 million rounds of golf played in Canada in 2013

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*Note that 2009 figures are adjusted by the consumer price index and reported as current dollars.
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Golf in Canada generates an estimated $36.9 billion in total gross production (see end notes in the Economic Impact Study for definitions) through the combination of direct, indirect and induced spending impacts.

The total direct economic activity (total direct sales, golf related travel, capital spending) resulting from the Canadian Golf Industry is estimated at $19.7 billion. Direct revenues generated directly by golf courses and their facilities, and stand-alone driving and practice ranges ($5.0 billion) rivals the revenues generated by all other participation sports and recreation facilities combined ($4.8 billion) in Canada.

Additional key benefits and impacts of golf in Canada include:

• Environmental Benefits – Over 175,000 hectares of green space managed by approximately 2,308 golf course operators, including 30,000 hectares of unmanaged wildlife habitat under golf course stewardship.

• Golf Participation –SNG estimates, based on starts reported by operators and rounds played reported by Canadian golfers, that approximately 60 million rounds of golf were played in 2013 (approximately 70 million rounds of golf were reported in 2009).

• Employment Opportunities – The Canadian Golf Industry provides an excellent employment opportunity for 126,000 people, with as many as 37% of those working at Canadian golf courses being students. (approximately 43% reported in the 2009 study)

• Charitable Activity – In 2013 there were nearly 37,000 charitable events hosted at Canadian golf courses (25,000 were reported in 2009). Using conservative estimates, these events raise more than $533 million for charitable causes across Canada ($473 million in 2009 dollars).

• Golf Tourism – In 2013 Canadian travellers spent $2.5 billion annually on golf-related travel within Canada (including on-course spending at courses visited). Foreign visiting golfers spent $1.6 billion on golf related travel and on-course spending (approximately $2 billion reported in the 2009 study).

An executive summary outlining the results of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study is available by clicking here.

TOTTENHAM, Ont. — The field battled rain and heavy winds at times during the Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) Women’s Match Play Championship at Woodington Lake Golf Club’s Legacy Course, June 2-4, but when it was all said and done, a familiar name was the last one standing. Seaforth resident Robyn Doig capped off the week with a 1up victory over Concord’s Christina Foster.

The two were neck and neck throughout the front nine with Doig taking the lead on the second hole, only to see Foster square the match on No. 5. The two traded the next two holes and thru 9 holes it was all square.

On the back nine, Doig, a current University of Central Florida team member fell behind after Foster, birdied the 11^th hole, but a par on 12 allowed her to get the match back to even. On hole 15, Foster bogeyed the par-3, while Doig pared, giving her the 1up lead. That lead lasted only one hole as Doig would bogey the 16^th. Doig regained the advantage with a birdie on the 17, setting up a do or die for Foster on the 18^th. Doig would hang on after she split the hole and earned her second-straight Match Play Championship.

After the match, the 22-year-old Doig talked about what it meant to win the event for the second year in a row.

“I am really excited,” said Doig. “It’s an honour to win this event because so many great players play in it and it is really cool to have my name on the trophy, twice.”

When asked about the turning point in the round she said she wasn’t sure if there was an exact moment.

“We were pretty steady back and forth for basically the whole match,” she added. “I guess the birdie on 17, it put me 1up with one to play so I knew I needed a couple good shots on the last hole but the birdie was really what I needed.”

Earlier in the day, Doig, who was ranked first after the qualifying round, defeated Uxbridge’s Gail Pimm, ranked fifth, in the semi-final 4&3, while Foster, the third seed, eliminated the number two seeded, Elizabeth Tong from Thornhill. Doig’s road to the championship also went through Pickering’s Meghan Bennett in the quarterfinals and Stouffville’s Ivy Steinberg in round one. Foster defeated Courtney Tolton of Mitchell in the quarters and Unionville’s Natasha Lehman in the first round.

For Doig the win is a nice addition to her provincial trophy case. In addition to last year’s Match Play Championship, she was also the 2013 Investors Group Women’s Amateur Champion, which she also won at Woodington Lake.

“It’s hard to say what it is that I like about playing here because the Old Course it totally different than the one we played here this week. So I guess it is just a great place to be.”

The Ontario Women’s Match Play was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.

Montreal, Que. (Golf Canada) – Excitement is quickly building towards the 2014 RBC Canadian Open, as 2013 champion Brandt Snedeker confirmed on a media teleconference this morning that he will be at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Île-Bizard, Que., July 21-27 to defend his RBC Canadian Open title.

Currently ranked No. 31 in the world and a member of Team RBC, Snedeker captured Canada’s National Open Championship by three shots last year at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. A six-time PGA TOUR winner and the 2012 Fed Ex Cup champion, Snedeker will lead the field of world class golfers into Royal Montreal for the 105th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship.

“I’m very excited to be heading to The Royal Montreal Golf Club to defend my title at the end of July,” Brandt Snedeker said earlier on a teleconference today “I’ve never been to the course but everybody that I’ve asked has great things to say about this historic venue. It was very special to me to win Canada’s Open Championship last year especially considering it is sponsored by one of my partners in RBC. Hopefully I’ll be able to have another strong showing in 2014.”

Golf Canada and RBC are also pleased to report that a number of notable names have indicated their intent to play the 2014 RBC Canadian Open. An interim list released today boasts golfers featured within the top echelon of the Official World Golf Rankings.

Joining Snedeker at Royal Montreal will be World No. 4 Matt Kuchar; World No. 12 Jim Furyk; World No. 16 Luke Donald; World No. 18 Graeme McDowell; World No. 38 Hunter Mahan and World No. 51 Ernie Els.

Canada’s Graham DeLaet, currently ranked No. 32 in the world will lead a Canadian contingent that includes World No. 88 David Hearn, Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Mike Weir and recently announced Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Stephen Ames. The Canadian foursome will vie to see if one of them can become the first Canuck to capture the title since Pat Fletcher won the Canadian Open in 1954.

With many of the world’s best players excited about playing for Canada’s National Open Championship, RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Bill Paul credits the engagement of title sponsor RBC as a driving factor.

“With the RBC Canadian Open less than two months out, we are very pleased with the strength of our field as it comes together,” said Paul. “This is a testament to the commitment of our partners at RBC in delivering a world-class event experience. And that’s exactly what golf fans can expect when the world’s best player’s tee it up at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in July.”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE MEDIA TELECONFERENCE.

Family Day
New this year, Family Day on Saturday, July 26th will feature a ticket package especially aimed at families with activities onsite for parents and children to enhance the spectator experience at Canada’s National Open Championship. Family Day will include specially priced grounds passes that provide access to dedicated fan areas, kids’ golf activities and more. In addition to specially priced ticket packages on Family Day, children aged 17 and under gain free admission all week when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada
Also announced today, Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada will continue to be the Official Charity Partner of the RBC Canadian Open. Now in its second year, this relationship will continue to support RMHC through a combination of program grants and various fundraising activities before and during the event.

“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with RMCH through the RBC Canadian Open,” stated Martin Thibodeau, President, Quebec Headquarters, RBC Royal Bank. “As an extension of our commitment to supporting youth and kids in Canada, this relationship will continue important work that was started in 2013 to specifically support the mental well-being of children and their families when they are facing some of the most vulnerable and challenging times in their lives.”

Players confirmed to compete in the 2014 RBC Canadian Open include:

Stephen Ames
– Four-time PGA TOUR winner, including the 2006 Players Championship
– Competing in his 17th RBC Canadian Open
– Inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2014

Graham DeLaet
– Currently ranked No. 1 in Canada, No. 32 in the world and No. 20 in the FedEx Cup standings
– Competing in his 6th RBC Canadian Open

Luke Donald
– Five-time PGA TOUR winner and winner of back-to-back BMW PGA Championships in 2011 and 2012
– Currently ranked No. 16 in the world and No. 40 in the FedEx Cup standings

Ernie Els
– 19-time PGA TOUR winner and 4-time major winner (1994 and 1997 U.S. Open, 2002 and 2012 Open Championship)
– Member of the World Golf Hall of Fame
– Currently ranked No. 51 in the world and No. 94 in the FedEx Cup standings

Jim Furyk
– 16-time PGA TOUR winner including the 2003 U.S. Open
– Two-time RBC Canadian Open champion (2006 and 2007)
– Currently ranked No. 12 in the world and No. 11 in the FedEx Cup standings

David Hearn
– Currently ranked No. 2 in Canada, No. 88 in the world and No. 62 in the FedEx Cup standings
– Competing in his 12th RBC Canadian Open

Matt Kuchar
– Seven-time PGA TOUR winner including 2014 RBC Heritage, 2013 World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship, 2013 Memorial Tournament and 2012 The Players Championship
– Currently ranked No. 4 in the world and No. 3 in the FedEx Cup standings

Hunter Mahan
– Five-time PGA TOUR winner including the 2012 World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship
– Currently ranked No. 38 in the world and No. 61 in the FedEx Cup standings

Graeme McDowell
– Two-time PGA TOUR winner including the 2013 RBC Heritage and 2010 U.S. Open
– Currently ranked No. 18 in the world and No. 55 in the FedEx Cup standings

Brandt Snedeker
– Six-time PGA TOUR winner including the 2013 RBC Canadian Open and AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
– 2012 winner of the FedEx Cup
– Currently ranked No. 31 in the world and No. 113 in the FedEx Cup standings

Mike Weir
– Eight-time PGA TOUR winner including the 2003 Masters
– Inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2009
– Competing in his 24th RBC Canadian Open, currently ranked 98th in the FedEx standings

Canadians Earn Their Way to Montreal:
A number of additional Canadians will be attempting to qualify for Canada’s National Open Golf Championship in the coming weeks. Among those qualifying include players participating in RBC Canadian Open regional qualifiers, Canadians competing on the Web.com Tour, players ranked at the top of the PGA TOUR Canada Order of Merit as well as the PGA of Canada Order of Merit leader following the PGA of Canada Championship later this month.

Kevin Carrigan of Victoria, B.C. has secured his spot in the 2014 RBC Canadian Open thanks to his win at the 2013 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Additional exemptions for Canadian amateur and professional golfers competing in the 2014 RBC Canadian Open will be announced in the coming weeks.

VOLUNTEERS:
Golf Canada and the Royal Montreal Golf Club are pleased to announce that a number of volunteer positions are still available for golf enthusiasts to be a part of the RBC Canadian Open. In all, nearly 1,400 volunteer committee positions will contribute to the success of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship and anyone interested in applying can do so at www.rbccanadianopen.com.

TICKETS:
Grounds tickets for all days of Canada’s National Open Championship as well as a limited number of premium ticket packages are still available. A full list of ticket packages and pricing, including the new Family Day package, is available online at www.rbccanadianopen.com. Golf Canada and RBC are also please to offer free admission to children 17 year and younger who are accompanied by a ticketed adult.

OTTAWA – The National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) brought golf industry representatives to Parliament in order to advocate for tax fairness for the game of golf, Canada’s most popular sport. NAGA also released the industry’s much-awaited economic impact study for the $14 billion Canadian golf industry, a document that paints the picture of a very large sector facing serious challenges in today’s economic and legislative climate.

“Canada is a golfing country,” said Jeff Calderwood, NAGA spokesman. “There are an estimated 5.7 million Canadian golfers and there are 2,300 golf courses and practice ranges in Canada. It is the country’s most popular sport. There are more golfers in Canada than there are hockey players, and the industry is worth more than $14 billion per year to the Canadian economy.”

“Unfortunately the golf industry in Canada suffers from an outdated 40-year-old tax policy that singles out golf businesses in an unfair manner,” continued Mr. Calderwood. “We are in Ottawa today to call on the federal government to correct this inequity and to restore tax fairness for Canada’s golf industry.”

Due to a 1971 tax reform, the Canada Revenue Agency does not allow deductions for expenses incurred by business people entertaining clients at golf courses. Canada’s 2,300 golf courses, most of whom are small business operators, feel that they cannot compete fairly with all the other industries where CRA does support entertaining clients. Over time, the unfairness of this discrimination against the golf industry has become more and more significant.

“To Canada’s 2,300 golf course operators, who are now facing the most competitive marketplace in our industry’s history, this unfair tax legislation is no longer a tolerable disadvantage. NAGA and its member associations call on the federal government to close this loophole and establish tax fairness for Canada’s golf industry,” concluded Calderwood.

(Montreal, Que.) – Excitement is quickly building towards the 2014 RBC Canadian Open, as 2013 champion Brandt Snedeker confirmed on a media teleconference this morning that he will be at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Île-Bizard, Que., July 21-27 to defend his RBC Canadian Open title.