July Talk and Lindsay Ell added to SiriusXM Concert Series at 2024 RBC Canadian Open
Mike Masaro
All Canadian line-up set for two-night concert series at Hamilton Golf and Country Club
The festival vibe for Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship just got stronger as Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Canadian artists July Talk and Lindsay Ell have been added to the performance line-up of the SiriusXM Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open.
Juno Award winners, July Talk will be performing on Friday, May 31 along with previously announced Canadian legends, Our Lady Peace.
Award-winning singer, songwriter and philanthropist, Lindsay Ell will join country music rising star Josh Ross on Saturday, June 1 as the headline acts at the SiriusXM Concert Series taking place following play at the historic Hamilton Golf and Country Club, May 28 to June 2, 2024.
The two-night onsite concert series will be hosted by title sponsor, SiriusXM Canada in partnership with Live Nation Canada and Golf Canada and will shine a spotlight on Canadian talent and emerging musical artists.
July Talk originated in Toronto and features two front people, Leah Fay Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis, surrounded by whiplashing guitarists Ian Docherty and Josh Warburton, and drummer Danny Miles and percussionist Dani Nash. The band has produced four studio albums since its inception in 2012. Three-time Juno award winner, July Talk is highly regarded for its on-stage presence and performances and has toured extensively over the past decade. The band’s most recent album, Remember NeverBefore, was released last year and is regarded as the most potently yet inventively “July Talk” album yet, the band returns – changed – to where they began.
Lindsay Ell has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, with three career number ones and more than 401 million streams. Ell has been nominated for numerous awards including: ACM Awards (New Female Vocalist (2019), New Female Vocalist (2020), and Music Event of the Year (2020)); CMT Awards (Social Superstar (2015), Collaborative Video of the Year (2019)), CMA Awards (Musical Event of the Year (2019)); and JUNO Awards (Country Album of the Year (2021)) along with 20 CCMA Awards. In addition, last year Ell earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination (Best Host or Presenter, Factual or Reality/Competition) for her role as Host of Canada’s highest-rated reality TV program, Canada’s Got Talent. Ell will be joining Shania Twain’s Las Vegas residency later this summer as Twain’s lead guitarist and recently shared the stage with OneRepublic.
In addition to world-class golf and the SiriusXM Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open, spectators will enjoy a week-long festival atmosphere at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, highlighted by, The Rink, located at the 13th Hole along with a variety of food and patio experiences at The Fare Way featuring The Keg.
“The additions of July Talk and Lindsay Ell to previously announced artists Our Lady Peace and Josh Ross promise to make the 2024 Sirius XM Concert Series a memorable experience for golf and music enthusiasts alike. Fans onsite will enjoy world-class golf followed by two incredible nights of live music featuring these amazing Canadian talents,” said Bryan Crawford, tournament director, RBC Canadian Open.
RBC Canadian Open tickets for Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 include full day access to the tournament and the SiriusXM Concert Series. The concert grounds will be located near admissions and The Fareway featuring The Keg at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
Celebrating 100 Days until Olympic Golf at Paris 2024
Golf Canada
Men’s competition to be held 1-4 August, followed by the women’s competition 7-10 August
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND (Tuesday, 23 April, 2024) – In 100 days, the men’s golf competition will commence at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics at the renowned Le Golf National. The men’s golf competition will be contested Thursday, August 1st through Sunday, August 4th, followed by the women’s competition, which will run Wednesday, August 7th through Saturday, August 10th. Paris 2024 marks the fifth time golf has been featured in the Olympics, and just the third time since 1904 after its return at Rio 2016.
“With 100 days until the beginning of Olympic Golf Competitions, we’re excited to see the momentum building as we approach the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games,” said International Golf Federation Executive Director Antony Scanlon. “We know Le Golf National will provide a challenging, dramatic test to the competitors, and I can’t wait to welcome these 120 athletes as they represent their nations on sport’s biggest stage while vying to be presented Olympic medals atop the podium.”
QUALIFICATION
Both the men’s and women’s fields for the Olympic Golf Competitions feature 60 players. The IGF uses the Official World Golf Ranking to create the Olympic Golf Rankings as a method of determining eligibility. The top 15 world-ranked players will be eligible for the Olympics, with a limit of four players from a given country. Beyond the top 15, players will be eligible based on the world rankings, with a maximum of two eligible players from each country that does not already have two or more players among the top 15. For more information on the qualification process and to access the most updated Olympic Golf Rankings, please click here.
If qualification ended today (April 23, 2024), Canada’s team would be comprised of Nick Taylor, Adam Hadwin on the men’s side and Brooke Henderson and Maddie Szeryk on the women’s team.
COMPETITION FORMAT
The competition consists of a 72-hole individual stroke play for both men and women, with four rounds scheduled over four consecutive days. Scores are cumulative from round to round. The player with the lowest aggregate score wins.
HOST COURSE – LE GOLF NATIONAL
Le Golf National, one of the most prestigious golf venues in Europe, will host both competitions and is owned and managed by the French Golf Federation. Located in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Le Golf National has previously hosted major international competitions, most notably the 2018 Ryder Cup. The venue also serves as the permanent home for the annual Open de France event on the DP World Tour. Le Golf National opened in 1991 and was fully renovated in 2016.
KEY DATES FOR OLYMPIC GOLF
12 June – 50 days from the beginning of the men’s Olympic Golf competition
17 June – Olympic Golf Rankings finalised for the men’s golf competition
24 June – Olympic Golf Rankings finalised for the women’s golf competition
23 July – Olympic Torch at Le Golf National
29 July – Groupings and tee times announced for the men’s golf competition
1-4 August – Men’s golf competition
5 August – Groupings and tee times announced for the women’s golf competition
7-10 August – Women’s golf competition
NEW IGF WEBSITE
Today, the IGF also released its new website: www.igfgolf.org.
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of April 15, 2024
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Ronald Rozon, Royal Colwood Golf Club, Hole #7
I was playing with Michael Gibbons, James Leslie and Michael Craig. Hole #7, 149 yards, Pitching Wedge.
Phyllis Laschuk, Point Grey, Hole #2
On Tuesday, April 9th, I received the eGolf Canada newsletter and read all the articles including the Hole-in-One Report. It brought back memories of the past hole-in-one’s I’ve had in 2018 and 2019 and thought – “it would be nice to enjoy another one day”.
On April 11th, I arrived at Point Grey for my usual Thursday game. It was starting to rain and the forecast was for continuing rain throughout the day. With two from our group cancelling, my longtime (over 30 years) golf buddy, Caroline McKee showed up, along with a new member, Betty Gass. We reluctantly agreed to play a few holes and decide if we would continue. As we walked to the first tee, Killian from the pro shop stopped us and asked if we would have the young fellow on the tee join us as his group had cancelled and he was a guest from The Ottawa Hunt Club.
We happily agreed and mentioned to Geoff that we may only play a few holes due to the weather and he said that was fine. On the first hole we were impressed with his ball striking as well as his engaging and patient manner despite the 40 plus age difference.
On the second hole, approximately 86 yards, I took my pitching wedge and watched as my ball bounced once, hit the flag and landed near the hole. I was breathless as I turned to see if my group had just seen the shot, and as I looked back to the hole the ball had disappeared.
Yes, the ball was in the hole. But silence followed as I mentioned that the hole-in-one insurance states that you have to complete at least nine holes. And the rain was persisting, so I was grateful when Caroline, Betty and Geoff said they would continue and complete the nine.
After hole #9, we enjoyed drinks and lunch and most importantly for me will be the memories for my lifetime of sharing my hole-in-one with dear friends and a special new acquaintance.
Deborah Parker, Tara Golf & Country Club, Hole #4
I was playing with Linda Landry and Wynann Biondo. As you can see from the picture I brought my wedge with me because we didn’t see it go in and I figured I may have rolled off the back, but to my surprise it didn’t! It was on a par 3, I believe the yardage was 134. I hit my Ping 5 hybrid and was playing my Taylor Made Tour Response.
Member at Belleview Golf Club – Woodslee, ON – Witnesses: Peter & Shelly Roovers & Andrew Bouchat – Handicap: 16 – Hole #11 – Par 3 – 126 yards – used my TaylorMade Kalea 3W and a Titleist golf ball
It was a nice spring day with blustery winds. I was playing with my husband and two friends and having a decent round. The shot on hole #11 was slightly left of the pin – bounced once and ran towards the cup and disappeared. My husband yelled “it’s in”. I was picking up my tee and actually did not see it go in the hole. We told the Golf Course Manager (Josh) who sent a notification to the Membership via Facebook. This was my third Hole-in-One putting me one-up on my husband who has two of them.
Rosemary Willett, Paragon Golf & Country Club, Hole #7
This was my seventh hole-in-one! Last year I had one on hole #15 at Paragon playing with Mike Willett, Lorraine Drummond and John Drummond. This year I had a hole-in-one on hole #7 at Paragon and I was playing with the same couple and my husband! I used a choked up 7 wood for 110 yards.
David Wilks, Uplands Golf Course, Hole #11
I had a hole-in-one on hole #11 at Uplands Golf Course. I was playing with John Agar and Keith Classen. From the white tees it is 140 yards to a middle pin. The winds were gusting that day. I hit a 4 hybrid with a slight draw onto the green. Thought it had gone by, but found it in the hole when we got up to the green. After the round went to the club house and used our club’s hole-in-one insurance to buy beverages for those who joined us to celebrate the occasion. It was a fun day and evening. Totally unexpected!
Roger Rivard, Bear Mountain Golf Course, Hole #6
I had my hole-in-one on Monday, April 15th on the Valley Course, hole #6 on Bear Mountain. I shot it 137 yards using my 7 iron. I was playing with Harry Oshanski, Brad Maclaren and Andy Bes.
Byron Chamberlain, The Meadows Country Club (Grove Course), Hole #5
I was playing with Janice Lui at the time. I used a Pitching Wedge and the distance was about 124 yards.
MONTREAL – International Team Captain Mike Weir announced Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas as captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which will be played at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Sept. 24-29.
“I am excited to announce Ernie, Trevor, Geoff and Camilo as my captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup,” said Weir. “The four of them each have their own special history with this event and today’s announcement is a mere formality, as we have been working closely together through the years to ensure the International Team continues its momentum from 2019 and 2022. The culture and close-knit nature tied to this team is foundational to everything we will do heading into Montreal, and I can’t wait work alongside them to deliver a great week of golf for our players.”
Els, a 19-time PGA TOUR winner, has appeared in eight Presidents Cups (1996, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013) and holds the record for most matches won by an International Team player (20). The South African amassed an all-time 20-18-2 record and is third overall in matches won, trailing Tiger Woods (27) and Phil Mickelson (26) and tied with Jim Furyk (20). Els served as a captain’s assistant to Nick Price in 2017 before being named International Team Captain in 2019. That year, he unified the team with the creation of the shield and led the team to its biggest lead in Presidents Cup history before falling to a Tiger Woods-led U.S. Team, 16-14, at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, in Melbourne, Australia.
“Mike has been a longtime friend, is a true icon of sport in his home country, and it’s an honor to participate captain’s assistant as his captain’s assistant as he leads the International Team into Montreal in 2024,” said Els. “This team has built a lot of momentum over the past five years, and I am eager to get to work and ensure our players are prepared to compete in Canada.”
Immelman, the 2022 Presidents Cup International Team Captain, has been added to Weir’s roster of leadership. The 2008 Masters champion played a pivotal role in the continued development of the International Team following Els’ creation of the shield. With a combination of strategy, authenticity and planning by Immelman, the team was able create an extremely close-knit group of players at Quail Hollow Club and lay the groundwork for Captain Weir to continue building the team’s momentum. The 44-year-old returns to the team for his second stint as a captain’s assistant after first serving under fellow countryman Els in 2019. Immelman competed for the International Team in 2005 and 2007.
“Being a part of this team means a great deal to me and is something I have put my heart and soul into over the years,” said Immelman. “This team has been resilient through adversity and is building a foundation for the future that we have taken immense pride in. I could not be more excited to support Mike as he leads a team of guys into Montreal that are fully committed to playing for our shield and representing the International Team.”
Ogilvy returns to the Presidents Cup for a fourth time in the role of a captain’s assistant (2017, 2019, 2022). The 46-year-old Australian played on three consecutive International Teams (2007, 2009, 2011), where he amassed 7-6-1 record. Ogilvy owns eight career PGA TOUR victories, including the 2006 U.S. Open and three World Golf Championships, in addition to winning two of Australia’s biggest titles – the 2008 Australian PGA and 2010 Australian Open.
“Mike is the ideal leader for the International Team heading into Canada and I am very much looking forward to working alongside him,” said Ogilvy. “His passion for this event, this sport and the enthusiastic Canadian sports fans is second to none and will make for an incredible week for our players in Montreal. It’s an honor to return as captain’s assistant once again and I can’t wait to assist in delivering a successful week for the International Team.”
Villegas, 42, will return in 2024 after making his debut as a captain’s assistant in 2022 at Quail Hollow Club. The Colombian represented the International Team at the 2009 Presidents Cup at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. In addition to being a five-time PGA TOUR winner, Villegas reached a career-best No. 7 in the Official World Golf Ranking and represented Colombia in the World Cup of Golf in 2006 and 2011.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be named as captain’s assistant and I look forward to working alongside Mike and preparing our guys for a great week at Royal Montreal,” said Villegas. “I served in this same capacity in 2022 in Charlotte, and the camaraderie and competitive fire from that team is something I know will carry over this fall as we continue to build a road to success for the International Team.”
For more information about the Presidents Cup, or to purchase tickets, please visit PresidentsCup.com.
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Golf Canada
PGA TOUR
Masters champion Scottie Scheffler won the rain-delayed RBC Heritage on Monday to continue his dominant play on the PGA Tour. Scheffler held a five-shot lead with three holes to play when the tournament was suspended due to darkness on Sunday night. He returned on Monday and made a bogey on the final hole for what officially ended up as a three-stroke victory. It was his fourth win in his last five starts and Scheffler becomes the first player in almost 40 years to win the week after the Masters. The bogey ended a streak of 68 consecutive holes of par or better. Sahith Theegala made birdie on No. 16 before closing out his round with back-to-back pars to give him sole possession of second place. Wyndham Clark was one of the golfers who managed to finish his final round before play was suspended. He made a charge with six birdies and an eagle through his first 11 holes before stumbling down the stretch to finish with a 65. He ended up tied for third with Patrick Cantlay, four strokes back. Tom Hoge was on the 18th hole when the horn sounded to stop play but he elected to finish his round rather than come back on Monday. After his tee shot sailed out-of-bounds, his fourth shot found the native area and his next shot ended up in the bunker. After his sixth shot found the green, Hoge needed three putts for a quintuple-bogey 9 that dropped him from a tie for sixth to a tie for 18th.
POS
SCORES
TOTAL
T39
Mackenzie Hughes
66-66-75-71
-6
T42
Adam Hadwin
67-70-70-72
-5
T44
Corey Conners
69-71-66-74
-4
T44
Adam Svensson
72-66-70-72
-4
T49
Nick Taylor
71-70-69-71
-3
NEXT EVENT: Zurich Classic of New Orleans (Apr. 25)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Corey Conners, Adam Hadwin, Taylor Pendrith, Ben Silverman, Roger Sloan, Nick Taylor
NEXT EVENT: Zurich Classic of New Orleans (Apr. 25)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Corey Conners, Adam Hadwin, Taylor Pendrith, Ben Silverman, Roger Sloan, Nick Taylor
PGA TOUR
Billy Horschel ran off four straight birdies on his first five holes and played bogey-free the rest of the way for a two-shot win at the Corales Puntacana Championship. It was the eighth career win for Horschel but his first in almost two years. The victory earns him a spot in the PGA Championship next month and likely entry into the next $20 million PGA Tour signature event. Wesley Bryan, who got into the tournament on a sponsor exemption, led for the first 54 holes and was looking to become just the second wire-to-wire winner of the event until a bogey on No. 15 ended his chances. He finished runner-up, his best result since winning the 2017 RBC Heritage. …Taylor Pendrith notched his third top-15 result of the season and his best result since the end of January.
POS
SCORES
TOTAL
T11
Taylor Pendrith
67-69-65-73
-14
MC
Ben Silverman
73-70
MC
Roger Sloan
72-75
PGA TOUR AMERICAS
Matthew Anderson made back-to-back birdies over the final two holes for a come-from-behind win at the rain-shortened ECP Brazil Open. It is the first career victory for the Golf Canada National Team member in just his 14th start since turning pro. He became the first Canadian to win on the newly amalgamated PGA Tour Americas, which combined the Latinoamerica and PGA Tour Canada tours. The victory also moves Anderson into top spot on the season-long Fortinet Cup standings. He will earn conditional membership on the Korn Ferry Tour next year if he remains in the top two positions through the six-event Latin American swing. The tournament was shortened to 54 holes after rain delayed the start of the first round on Thursday due to unplayable conditions. …Joey Savoie picked up his second top-20 finish in three starts this season. …Jeevan Sihota recorded his third career top-25 finish as a pro
POS
SCORES
TOTAL
1
Matthew Anderson
63-65-69
-16
T19
Joey Savoie
65-70-68
-10
T21
Jeevan Sihota
69-64-71
-9
T34
Chris Wilson
66-67-74
-6
T34
Thomas Giroux
68-65-74
-6
T41
Noah Steele
71-67-70
-5
T48
Jimmy Jones
69-68-73
-3
T52
Lawren Rowe
66-69-76
-2
MC
Max Sekulic
72-68
MC
Johnny Travale
72-68
MC
Chris Crisologo
73-71
MC
Stuart Macdonald
72-73
MC
Brendan MacDougall
78-70
NEXT EVENT: Diners Club Pero Open (Apr 25)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Matthew Anderson, Chris Crisologo, Thomas Giroux, Jimmy Jones, Stuart Macdonald, Brendan MacDougall, Lawren Rowe, Joey Savoie, Max Sekulic, Jeevan Sihota, Noah Steele, Johnny Travale, Chris Wilson (alternate)
LPGA TOUR
Nelly Korda became just the third player in LPGA Tour history to win five consecutive starts with a two-stroke victory at the Chevron Championship. It’s the second major title in three years for the world’s number-one ranked player who joins Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam as the only players to win five consecutive events. Korda started the final round one stroke back of the lead but vaulted to the top of the leaderboard after making birdies on two of her first four holes. She increased the lead to four with a birdie on No. 10 and despite bogeys on Nos. 11 and 15, those chasing her failed to take advantage. Maja Stark put on a late charge with birdies on her final two holes to pull within a stroke of Korda, who birdied her final hole for the two-shot victory. Lauren Coughlin made back-to-back birdies on Nos. 13 and 14 to get within two shots only to give it all back with bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes. Brooke Henderson, whose third-round 64 was tournament record and just one stroke shy of her best round at an LPGA major, had three birdies over her first six holes but a bogey on No. 2 and a double bogey on No. 4 cancelled out those gains and she ended up in a tie for third with Coughlin. It’s her eighth career top-5 finish in a major championship.
Sweden’s Tim Widing made par on the second playoff hole to defeat Patrick Cover and Steven Fisk and win the LECOM Suncoast Classic. It was his first career win and Widing became the eighth straight first-time winner to start the season. It was also the fifth straight event that had to be decided in a playoff, the longest streak in Tour history. After becoming the youngest player to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour, 15-year-old amateur Miles Russell finished in a tie for 20th to become the youngest player in more than 40 years to record a top-25 finish on the PGA or Korn Ferry Tours …Myles Creighton posted his second top-10 finish in his last three starts. …Étienne Papineau picks up his third top-20 result of the season
Paul Broadhurst edged David Toms by a single shot to win the Invited Celebrity Classic. It was the Englishman’s first win in five years on the Champions Tour. The tournament, which included 40 celebrities in a separate division, was shortened to 36 holes after heavy rains wiped out the second round on Saturday. Prior to Sunday, Broadhurst’s previous best finish this season was a tie for third, which also came in a rain-shortened event – the Chubb Classic in February which was won by Stephen Ames. Former tennis player Mardy Fish won the celebrity portion of the event for the second time in three years, edging former baseball player John Smoltz. Two other baseball players – Josh Donaldson and Bud Norris – finished tied for third with World Golf Hall of Fame member and former LPGA great Annika Sorenstam in fifth. There were no Canadians entered in the event.
NEXT EVENT: Mitsubishi Electric Classic (Apr. 26)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Stephen Ames
ASIAN TOUR
John Catlin went wire-to-wire to win the Saudi Open by seven strokes, becoming the first back-to-back winner on the Asian Tour in five years. Australian Wade Ormsby finished runner-up followed by American Peter Uihlein and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat. Catlin, who became the first player to shoot 59 while winning in Macau last month, just missed becoming the first player in Tour history to play 72 bogey-free holes, missing a seven-foot par putt on No. 14.
POS
SCORES
TOTAL
T33
Jared du Toit
73-67-67-72
-5
NEXT EVENT: GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship (May 2)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Yonggu Shin, Richard T. Lee, Jared du Toit (reserve), Jake Lane (reserve)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Matthew Anderson carded his third consecutive sub-70 round to win the 69th ECP Brazil Open at the Rio Olympic Golf Course. Anderson was one shot off the lead after 16 holes but rallied to make back-to-back birdies on Nos. 17 and 18 to secure his first victory as a professional.
Anderson’s breakthrough win comes after T21 and T3 finishes at the season-opening Bupa Championship at Tulum and the Totalplay Championship at Atlas Country Club. Anderson’s maiden victory vaults him into the No. 1 spot in the Fortinet Cup season-long ranking through three tournaments.
The Mississauga, Ont., native is the first Canadian to win on PGA TOUR Americas and has registered six top-25’s since he turned pro last summer. Anderson found success early in his career by winning the 2019 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship. He was selected for Golf Canada’s Team Canada program in 2021-22 and has been part of the team since.
Prior to turning pro, Anderson came off an impressive finish in his graduate season at the University of San Francisco, earning All-American honors after notching a top-15 finish at the 2023 NCAA Championships. From there, Anderson gained status on PGA TOUR Canada via a fourth-place finish at the PGA TOUR Canada Qualifying Tournament. He finished 50th in the 2023 Fortinet Cup standings to gain membership into the inaugural PGA TOUR Americas season.
Anderson is expected to be in the field at the Diners Club Peru Open, the fourth event of the Latin America Swing, which will be hosted at Los Inkas Golf Club from April 25-28 in Lima, Peru.
Magic becomes official Window and Doors partner of Golf Canada
Golf Canada
Golf Canada and Magic Window (Magic) announced a multi-year partnership that will see Magic become the official Window and Doors partner of Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open.
“Golf Canada is proud to welcome Magic as the official Window and Doors partner of Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open,” said Craig Sharp, senior director, partnerships, Golf Canada. “Magic is well recognized for their innovative and award-winning products, which are designed and manufactured right here in Canada. We are pleased to have them join Golf Canada as a partner with Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.”
Magic is an Ontario-based designer and manufacturer of revolutionary windows, sliding patio doors, and folding glass wall systems. From its inception in 1979, Magic’s sole focus has been to develop innovative window and door technology that solves issues associated with traditional window and door design. Magic’s portfolio has grown to include crank-less casement window hardware, retractable bug screens, retractable solar shades / thermal blinds, and bi-folding door systems. Magic aims to perfect the customer journey by managing every aspect of the sales process; including sales, installation, and after-market service.
“We’re proud to become the official Window & Door Partner of Golf Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship through 2026. This groundbreaking partnership marks the first time a Canadian home improvement brand has partnered with Golf Canada and the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open. We’re excited to introduce Canadian homeowners to our innovative products at the PGA TOUR’s premiere Canadian event while helping to grow the great game of golf in Ontario and across Canada,” said Lior Goldenberg, managing director, Magic.
Magic will have a unique on-course activation at the RBC Canadian Open on the 17th tee of Hamilton Golf and Country Club that will provide a spectacular view overlooking the property with great views of the hole. In addition, Magic will have an activation located in The Fare Way featuring The Keg adjacent to the 18th green where their leading-edge window technology will be on display along with brand ambassadors that will educate spectators on the product itself.
Canada’s Brooke Henderson tees it up at first major of women’s golf season
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS - APRIL 17: Brooke Henderson of Canada shares a laugh with her sister and caddie Brittany Henderson on the driving range prior to the The Chevron Championship at The Club at Carlton Woods on April 17, 2024 in The Woodlands, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
John Chidley-Hill/ Canadian Press
Brooke Henderson has started the LPGA Tour season on a wave, one she hopes to ride into the first major of the season.
The 26-year-old golfer from Smiths Falls, Ont., has four top 10 finishes in the first seven tournaments of the year, finishing no worse than a tie for 27th. That’s the kind of momentum she needs heading into this week’s Chevron Championship.
“I’m always trying to get those top 10s and be in contention on the weekend,” said Henderson on Wednesday. “So it’s been fun to be in that position a couple of times already this year.”
The Chevron Championship moved to The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas, for the first time last year and Henderson found the course challenging, tying for 23rd after shooting an even-par overall. Lilia Vu won it in a playoff against fellow American Angel Yin after both shot 10 under.
Henderson said that she and her sister Brittany Sepanik, who is also her caddy, made a point of getting to The Club at Carlton Woods earlier this year to better prepare for the first of five women’s golf majors.
“Just getting a little better feel for it, knowing where to miss and where the good spots are to try to make birdie,” said Henderson, who noted that the greens are firmer this year. “I think that’s really key and just understanding the course a little bit better. I think that’ll be helpful on the weekend.”
Although Henderson finished 2023 in 15th in the LPGA Tour’s Race to CME Globe standings, she said she wasn’t happy with the year overall. But a tie for sixth at the Maybank Championship on Oct. 26, and taking second with partner Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., at the Grant Thornton Invitational on Dec. 8, helped her shake off that slow start.
She opened the 2024 season with a third-place finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions on Jan. 18, tied for ninth at the Honda LPGA Thailand on Feb. 22, and tied for third at the HSBC Women’s World Championship.
Most recently, Henderson tied for ninth at the T-Mobile Match Play on April 3 for her fourth top 10 of the year, one more than she had in all of 2023.
“I think the game has been trending in the right direction for a few months now and it’s right there,” she said. “I just need a few things to go the right way and then I think hopefully, I’ll be back in the winner’s circle sometime soon.”
Henderson has won two other majors before: the Women’s PGA Championship in 2016 and the Evian Championship in 2022. Her best finish at the Chevron was a tie for second in 2020, when it was called the ANA Inspiration and played at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif.
Rookie Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., is also in the field, making her first appearance at a major. The 22-year-old said she’s excited for the chance to play against the best-of-the-best.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Grewal. “I feel like one of my bucket list goals has always been playing a major and now to start that path off is really exciting.
An Active Season is the period of time when acceptable scores from a specified area should be submitted for handicap purposes. The Rules of Handicapping stipulates that every player is responsible for submitting all acceptable scores into one’s scoring record for rounds played on courses during the active season.
It is the responsibility of authorized provincial golf association to declare active and inactive seasons, with area clubs and players required to observe these dates for score posting purposes. To make this process easier, the Golf Canada Score Centre automatically considers the active season of the course being played when a score is posted and whether it should be included in calculating a player’s Handicap Index.
In Canada, the active season in each province is as follows:
BC = Mar.1 – Nov.15
AB = Mar.1 – Oct.31
SK = Apr.15 – Oct.31
MB = Apr.15 – Oct.31
ON = Apr.15 – Oct.31
QC = Apr.15 – Oct.31
NS = Apr.15 – Oct.31
NB = May.1 – Oct.31
PE = Apr.16 – Nov.14
NL = Apr.1 – Nov. 30
(NOTE: Some Lower mainland and Vancouver Island courses may observe a year-round active season). For a list of clubs observing a year-round active season, please contact BC Golf
Scores made at any golf course observing an inactive season are not acceptable for handicap calculation purposes. This is because course conditions during inactive seasons are not consistent with the way that the Course & Slope Ratings were determined, which can impact the accuracy of a player’s Handicap Index.
Scores made at a golf course in an area observing an active season must be posted for handicap purposes, even if the golf club where the player is a member is observing an inactive season. The club’s Handicap Committee must make it possible for a player to post these away scores at the beginning of the active season.
It’s important to note that if you are travelling to other countries or regions, you should confirm their active seasons to ensure all acceptable scores are posted. Your home club needs all acceptable scores (even if played during a Canadian “off-season”) to ensure that your Handicap Index is accurate and reflects your demonstrated ability.
For example, if a player belonging to a golf club in Ontario plays golf in Florida (which observes a year-round active season) during January, any score(s) made in Florida are acceptable and must be submitted to the player’s scoring record. If the player is also a member of a golf club in Florida and Ontario, it is important to remember that all acceptable scores must be posted to each scoring record. The Golf Canada Score Centre has tools available to link Canadian and USGA accounts, so that a score posted to one account is automatically transferred to the other. For more information, or to set up this link, please contact members@golfcanada.ca or phone 1-800-263-0009 X399.
For a detailed list of active and inactive schedule in the United States, click here.
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of April 8, 2024
Matei Barbarasa
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Angus Black, Marina Mazatlan, Hole #2
I was playing with a group that here in Mazatlan we call ourselves the PGA (Paraiso Golf Association). The par 3, hole #2 is 146 yards long (from the white tblocks). I used my 7 wood with a ProV1 golf ball.
Kendra Stoner, Gorge Vale Golf Club, Hole #10
After starting golfing only three years ago, I’m gained a huge respect and love for the sport. In my first year of playing I was able to eagle a par 4 at my local course in Tofino, B.C. I’ve been hooked to the game ever since. So obtaining this hole-in-one was so incredibly special.
I was golfing with my friend Alex Cartwright who went to University for golf as is now a member at Gorge Vale. Playing with golfers at a higher level than me has always pushed me to be a better golfer.
We played 36 holes that day. My hole-in-one was the 10th hole in my back 18 round. After our front 9 of our second round, both fatigued we almost decided to not continue our second round – thank goodness we kept playing as I got my hole-in-one the next hole!
Alex teed off first landing around two feet from the hole, we were both very excited about his shot. Next was me, teeing off from the white/greens, around 115 yards out, I was in between clubs but decided to use my 8 iron. After a swing that felt good, we watched the ball land about two feet in front of the hole and what felt like slo-motion watched the ball roll into the cup.
Being the bubbly, energetic person I am, I started running around the tee box throwing my arms around in excitement. The way this hole is designed is it runs across from the driving range, and those on the range shared this excitement with us. The foursome in front of us also shared the exciting occurrence by jumping up and down and cheering!
I quickly jumped in the cart with my friend and raced to the green where I could perform my most favourite journey on a golf green of my life.
Picking that ball out of the cup, not even thinking about grabbing my putter is indescribable.
Honestly, I was ready to call it a day, but continued on the round and finished the last eight holes in exciting anticipation to get to the clubhouse for a much deserved pint.
Once entering the clubhouse, and being one of the only woman on the course that day, everyone knew what had happened before I even arrived. I walked in to a crowd of people clapping, in Kendra fashion, I did a little curtesy and sat at a table with some friends. One who was a member and also got a hole-in-one that day on hole #16, what a special day!
My friend is a member of the course and therefore gets a round of beer for everyone with his membership hole-in-one insurance so he rang the bell and everyone cheered in excitement (for the hole-in-one and free beer of course). The clubhouse was packed and I knew my tab would be outrageous so I didn’t ring the bell right away, instead I waiting a while for the crowd to die down a little before having my moment of bell ringing glory.
With a less dented wallet, I rang the bell, bought a round for the clubhouse and obtained my bag tag/flag of achievement.
That evening, FaceTiming my dad and sharing the story I could tell brought great pride and joy. He was able to share his stories of his three hole-in-ones and reminded me that this occurrence may be a once in a lifetime achievement in which I am grateful.
It was a special day that I will never forget.
Craig Kotyk, Venetian Bay Golf Club, Hole #16
It was hole #16, a par 3 , 149 yards from the white tees into the wind. I used a five wood because of the strong wind and it hit the front of the green and rolled up into the hole. This was over the water and when I went to look for my ball I thought it had rolled off the back although I felt I had taken a great shot , it was then that I looked into the hole and saw my ball. I could not believe it and what an incredible feeling! I was playing with my wife Nancy and two Venetian bay residents whom we were paired with, Rick and John. I am in awe and so honoured to join the hole-in-one club!
Douglas Moore, Knollwood Golf Club, Hole #9
I was playing with three friends Alex, Neal and George. It was around 120 yards and I used 4 hybrid. It was quite cold and windy, but I don’t hit a very long ball anyway. This is my second hole-in-one, I had another July 27, 2001, hole #9 also at Knollwood Golf Club, The New Course.
Greg Leis, River Greens Golf Course, Hole #3
I was golfing with Troy Zuorro, Dave Sharp and Dan Place as part of our Tuesday morning golf league. We play a Stableford game and have a prize for closest to the hole on all four of the par 3’s. I was the third to tee off and both Troy and Dan had already landed on the green ahead of me, so the pressure was on. It was 126 yards with the wind at our backs so I chose my 9 iron. I hit it a bit lower than planned and the ball was running across the ground by the time it hit the green and looked like it was going to roll right off the back. The pin was at the back of the green so I had a fair bit of time to watch it roll across the green. After turning right, then left, it hit the pin, bounced up about 10 cm and then dropped in the cup. It was very exciting to watch. Apparently the whole course heard us cheer. Fortunately Troy was clear headed enough to make me pose for these photos that he took. It was my first, and hopefully not last, hole-in-one.
Tiger Yuanjun Liu, Morgan Creek Golf Course, Hole #3
I made a hole-in-one on April 6 in the MJT Junior Tournament at Morgan Creek Golf Course, Surrey, B.C.! It happened in the first round. There are so many good players in my age group.
On hole #3, it is 147 yards. I stroke with my 9 iron. And it was so amazing that the ball went into the hole straight! This is my first hole-in-one. I can’t believe that it happened in a tournament.
David Pratt, Royal St. Augustine Golf & Country Club, Hole #14
I was a member of a group of seven of us who went on the afternoon of February 5th to play 18 holes of golf at the Royal St. Augustine Golf Club in St. Augustine Florida. I was paired with Mr. Pierre Groulx and his wife Monique Groulx. It was a cool, cloudy afternoon and by the time we arrive at the hole #14 tee the wind was getting stronger as there was some rain moving into the area. The par three hole #14 is a fairly tight but approachable hole. The pin was placed on the right middle of the green. My shot was a high draw that navigated close to the tree line, and I saw it bounce and I thought it would have been on the green or possibly have gone in the right-side bunker or alternatively rolled of the back of the green. Pierre and Monique took their shots and as we approached the green, I could not see my ball. I searched the bunker first, then took a glance at the fringe area beyond the hole and then said to myself well perhaps it’s in the hole. I took a look and too my surprise and delight my ball was in the hole.
We were all so excited after Monique and Pierre putted out, we got in our carts to go and tell our friends in the foursome behind us the news of my hole-in-one. We arrived in the clubhouse to have a celebratory beverage and one of my friends asked myself, Pierre, and Monique if there was a picture taken and we realized no picture was taken. My friends drove with me to hole #14 and took a picture. I am so blessed to have such good friends who reminded by to get a photo of me so I can savour the memory of my first hole-in-one. Thanks Barb and Bob Stewart for reminding me, taking me back to the hole and taking my picture.
Finally, a most interesting part to this story is we are a group of about sixteen to twenty people who winter in the St. Augustine area. On this afternoon, on February 5th, another group of our gang was playing a round down in Palm Coast area at the Palm Harbour Golf Club. When I was preparing to write a note to our gang about my hole-in-one, I saw in my inbox a note from one of our friends that a member of our group, Cynthia Baumgarten, scored a hole-in-one that same afternoon. Now what are the odds of that?
It was an exciting day that I will always remember.
Lesa Bowen, Bonita National Golf and Country Club, Hole #6
First one ever and man did it feel amazing! I was playing with three special ladies from our golf community, husbands were in a foursome behind us. I stepped up to the tee and felt wind in my face so I contemplated clubbing up. So glad I didn’t as my 8 iron hit crisp, my ball hit the green, rolled and at the last moment turned right and into the hole it went!
The sweetest part of my first hole-in-one? We live on this green and I view it daily from our lanai. I’m certain our screams were almost heard back home in Canada!
