Caledon, Ont. – TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley announced a major enhancement project on its parkland-style North course and practice facilities, with work beginning in late 2023. Renowned golf course architect Ian Andrew will lead the renovation, which will see the North enhanced as a venue for high-level championship competition while retaining its signature appeal for golfers of all abilities.

The project will begin in early August, with work scheduled to be completed by the end of the 2023 season in time for a grand opening alongside TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley’s new clubhouses, on-site accommodations and amenities in 2024.

Augmented course features will include renovation of green sites to expand closely- mown runoff areas, as well as strategically re-located bunkers and tee boxes. TPC Toronto’s practice facilities will also be completely renovated, including resurfacing of the driving range and construction of new short game and putting greens.

“For more than 20 years the North course has been known to golfers as a welcoming and wide modern course that players of all skill levels can enjoy. With this renovation, the course will be elevated into a compelling test for high level championship play while retaining its identity as fun, friendly and accessible for all players,” said TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk.

Originally designed by Doug Carrick, the 7,151-yard North course opened in 2001. Momentum to enhance the course to suit high level competition began in 2018, when Osprey Valley became the first Canadian facility to join the PGA TOUR’s TPC Network and launched the Osprey Valley Open, an annual PGA TOUR Canada event. In consultation with the PGA TOUR and TPC Network, a vision was forged to renovate the course as a venue for championship play.

Collaboration with Ian Andrew Golf Design began in 2022, with a focus on course changes to enhance competitive features, providing additional shotmaking options and strategic intrigue to the modern, parkland-style course. Following the completion of changes, the course will measure over 7,500 yards from the championship tees.

“Ian has presented us with a compelling approach to supercharge the course in a way that will test elite competitors and make the North a choice venue for high level competition while retaining the playability and fun factor that golfers have come to know and love,” said Humeniuk.

Andrew, who worked under Doug Carrick on original construction of the North course, including extensive work on design of the course’s green complexes, has an extensive portfolio of golf course design including renovations of St. George’s Golf and Country Club and Oakdale Golf and Country Club in preparation for the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open.

In addition to two original designs at Laval-sur-le-lac in Quebec (with Mike Weir) and Maple Downs in Toronto, the Brantford, Ont., resident has also been called upon for renovations to dozens of classic venues throughout North America designed by distinguished golden age architects such as Stanley Thompson, Seth Raynor, Walter J. Travis, A.W. Tillinghast, Willie Park Jr. and others.

With a focus on transforming the course for the modern competitive game, Andrew said golfers can expect to see course changes that intensify the challenges placed on elite competitors yet keep the fun factor for players of all abilities, such as strategically placed fairway bunkers confronting the longest hitters and runoff areas that offer multiple recovery shot options around the greens.

“This property, and the North course in particular, is a special place for me, having worked with Doug on the original design of this bold and truly fun golf course. With TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley at the forefront of so much excitement in Canadian golf, I’m thrilled to play a part in this project and look forward to continued collaboration with Chris and the Osprey Valley team,” said Andrew.

Following the 2023 August long weekend, renovation will begin and see the North course and practice facilities closed for the remainder of the 2023 season.

Opened in 2001, the parkland-style North (formerly known as Toot) course features wide fairways and dramatic green complexes protected by deep bunkers. The course has hosted several high-level competitive events, including PGA TOUR Canada’s Osprey Valley Open, RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying and U.S. Open Local Qualifying.

(TORONTO, March 27) – Golf Canada, in partnership with title sponsor RBC, are excited to announce Sam Burns and Cameron Young have committed to play the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.

The tournament, which is the 112th playing of Canada’s national open golf championship, will take place June 6 to 11 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto.

Burns and Young met in the final of the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play, with Burns topping Young for his fifth-career PGA Tour victory. The 26-year-old is now ranked No.10 in the world on the back of his three PGA Tour titles in the last 12 months. Burns, of Shreveport, Louisiana, is ranked No.8 in the FedExCup.

Young, meanwhile, continues his impressive early-career effort on the PGA Tour. His second-place result at the Match Play was his sixth career runner-up finish. Young, from Scarborough, New York, is the reigning PGA Tour Rookie of the Year and is ranked 14th in the world.

Both Burns and Young, who were members of the victorious United States’ President Cup squad, were added to RBC’s impressive roster of ambassadors in November.

The RBC Canadian Open is one of the most highly anticipated events on the PGA Tour, attracting top golfers from around the world. The tournament has a rich history dating back to 1904 and has been won by some of the greatest names in golf, including Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Rory McIlroy – the two-time defending champion.

More player announcements will be made in the weeks leading up to tournament week. Players have until 5 p.m. ET on Friday, June 2 to commit to the event.

For information on tickets, volunteer opportunities and corporate hospitality, visit www.rbccanadianopen.com.

The PGA of Canada is pleased to announce the national championship schedule for the 2023 season.
 
The 2022 season saw five players from four provinces win events – Wes Heffernan at the BetRegal PGA Championship of Canada, amateur Sarah-Eve Rheume at the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada, Jim Rutledge at the PGA Seniors Championship of Canada presented by GOLFTEC, Kevin Stinson at the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf and Craig Gibson at the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf.
 
Four impeccable venues have been selected in three provinces for the 2023 national championship season, while the date and location for next winter’s Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf will be announced at a later date.
 
The season will open with the 101^st playing of the BetRegal PGA Championship at Bigwin Island Golf Club in Baysville, Ontario from June 11-14. The flagship event will feature 75 of the top professionals in the country competing over the course of 54-holes, looking to join the likes of Arnold Palmer and Lee Trevino on the P.D. Ross Trophy.
 
From there, we will move to Canada’s southern-most city, Kingsville, Ontario, where Kingsville Golf & Country Club will host the top professional and amateur women in the country from July 3-5 for the 36-hole ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada.
 
One month later, Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford, British Columbia will host the top senior players in the country at the PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada presented by GOLFTEC. All eyes will be on reigning champion Jim Rutledge, who can tie Moe Norman’s record of eight senior championship titles.
 
The fourth national champion will be crowned September 18-21 just outside Edmonton, Alberta, as The Ranch Golf & Country Club will host the top assistants in the country at the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf.
 
Women are eligible to compete in all National Championships and will play at a course length slightly shorter than the men’s yardage. 

“We are heading into this year’s national championships with so much momentum after a terrific tournament season last year, which included the historic 100^th BetRegal PGA Championship of Canada,” said PGA of Canada president Gord Percy. “Some incredible venues have stepped up to host our professionals this year which will surely lead to the crowning of worthy champions.”
 
“We are thrilled to welcome back all our tournaments’ supporters. To Callaway Golf, BetRegal, ORORO Heated Apparel, GOLFTEC, G&G Brands, Golf Away Tours and NoSweat, thank you for your continued support of our professionals and golf in Canada.”
 
Registration for the championships are now open. Refer to the events page on PGAofCanada.com to register. Contact PGA of Canada Championship Manager Matt Mueller via email at matt.m@pgaofcanada.com for more information. 

*Note – the PGA of Canada Championship staff are working to finalize a location for the Head Pro Championship and will provide an update prior to May 1. The target dates are December 6-9.

TORONTO, March 23, 2023 — RBC is pleased to announce seven-time Grammy Award-winning Canadian icon Alanis Morissette as the headliner for Saturday night at the 2023 RBCxMusic Concert Series. The headliner for Friday night will be announced soon.

Hosted by RBC and in partnership with Live Nation Canada and Golf Canada, the RBCxMusic Concert Series has seen unforgettable performances from the likes of Maroon 5, Florida Georgia Line, Flo Rida and The Glorious Sons. Performances will take place on the Friday and Saturday evenings of tournament week on site at the iconic Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario, home of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open. Audiences will also enjoy opening acts from First Up with RBCxMusic – a program dedicated to providing emerging Canadian artists with a platform for exposure, funding, education and mentorship opportunities.

Alanis Morissette will close the RBCxMusic Concert Series on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The closing night of the concert series has sold-out every year since it was introduced in 2019.

“It’s always a great feeling to perform back home in Canada,” said Alanis Morissette. “The RBCxMusic Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open is a celebration of live music, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Canadian icon Alanis Morissette as one of our headliners for the RBCxMusic Concert Series at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open,” said Shannon Cole, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “Both music and golf share an incredible power in bringing communities together, and we’re excited to see the continued success of this highly-anticipated event.”  

In addition to legendary music performances, spectators can expect the return of other exciting fan-favourite experiences, including The Rink located at the 14^th hole, the RBC Avion Visa Sky Lounge (exclusively reserved for Avion Visa cardholders), the RBC Vantage deck, and an enhanced food and beverage area at The Fare Way featuring The Keg.

“The RBCxMusic Concert Series has been a catalyst for growing the RBC Canadian Open into a world class sport and entertainment event. Having an iconic Canadian like Alanis Morissette headline the Saturday night performance will be an outstanding experience for all of our guests,” said Bryan Crawford, Tournament Director, RBC Canadian Open.

Now available on RBCCanadianOpen.com, tickets for Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10 are $110 (plus tax and service charges) and include full day access to the tournament and the RBCxMusic Concert Series. The concert grounds will be located across from the Oakdale Golf and Country Club Clubhouse, and 1st and 10th tee. RBC clients can unlock exclusive tickets and receive a $10 Concert Cash^® code redeemable towards a future concert ticket purchase. The event is General Admission / All Ages.

TORONTO — PGA TOUR Canada announced its 2023 schedule, featuring a calendar of 10 tournaments that begins in June and concludes in September. After a successful inaugural Fortinet Cup season, this marks the second year of the competition that rewards top points-earners during the PGA TOUR Canada season. 

“We couldn’t have been more pleased with our 2022 season. Introducing the Fortinet Cup was so fulfilling for everybody associated with PGA TOUR Canada, and it was extremely gratifying to again team with long-time partners and venues while also welcoming new communities, golf courses and partners. It’s with a significant amount of pride that we present this new schedule,” said PGA TOUR Canada Executive Director Scott Pritchard. “We’ve put together a strong group of tournaments in conjunction with our partners, sponsors and host organizations, and while our season is still a few months away, we can’t wait to get underway.” 

“Fortinet is excited to once again welcome our community of customers and partners to a season-long Fortinet Cup in Canada. Our first year sponsoring PGA TOUR Canada was an unqualified success, with more than 600 technology leaders sharing insights and a first-class golf experience,” said Marc Asturias, Vice President of Marketing and Government Vertical at Fortinet Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. “We’re a company with a long track record of key investments in Canada over the last 20 years as its top cybersecurity platform vendor. Making the investments needed across Canada has been critical—to showcase the talents of these early-in-their-careers professional golfers, positively impact communities and local nonprofits across the Tour and bring value to our business customers and partners.”

Following six Qualifying Tournaments that lead up to the regular season, PGA TOUR Canada will begin its season June 12-18, at the Royal Beach Victoria Open at Uplands Golf Club in British Columbia’s capital city. 

The next week, June 19-25, the Tour travels to Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, for the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open. The third tournament in three weeks is the ATB Classic in Edmonton, moving to a course that is a PGA TOUR Canada venue for the first time—Northern Bear Golf Club.

The Tour will have a one-week break before players visit Quebec, for the Quebec Open at Golf Château Bromont on July 10-16. This is Golf Château Bromont’s inaugural year hosting a PGA TOUR Canada tournament. The Commissionaires Ottawa Open at Eagle Creek Golf Club in the capital city’s suburb of Dunrobin is the next week, July 17-23. 

The third of four tournaments in a month-long stretch of golf is the venerable Osprey Valley Open presented by Votorantim Cimentos CBM Aggregates at TPC Toronto in Caledon, Ontario, on July 24-30. This will be the fourth playing of the tournament at the only TPC facility in Canada. The four-tournament stretch concludes with a return to Windsor, Ontario, for the Windsor Championship at Ambassador Golf Club July 31-August 6. 

As the end of the season approaches, the Tour will observe a scheduled two-week break, the season concluding with three consecutive tournaments. Players will travel to Winnipeg, Minnesota in the U.S. and then end in Calgary. 

“We feel there is a good pacing to the tournaments, our breaks coming at strategic times, allowing the players to regroup and recharge at critical points during the season,” Pritchard added. 

The CentrePort Canada Railpark Manitoba Open, the 2022 PGA TOUR Canada Tournament of the Year, is again set for Southwood Golf and Country Club on August 21-27. After making history in 2022 as the first tournament outside Canada to host an official event, the CRMC Championship presented by Gertens will again be at Cragun’s Conference and Golf Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota. 

The following week, the Tour’s ninth season ends, with the limited-field Fortinet Cup Championship, moving to a new home at Country Hills Golf Club in Calgary for its final event. The top-60 players on the Fortinet Cup standings following the CRMC Championship will be eligible to compete. Country Hills has previously hosted PGA TOUR Canada tournaments four times. In addition, the winner of the Fortinet Cup Championship will earn a berth in the PGA TOUR’s Fortinet Championship played in California later this year. 

“All nine of our full-field tournaments are crucial as they lead to the Fortinet Cup Championship. Returning to a familiar spot—Country Hills Golf Club—is an exciting turn of events for the conclusion of our year as we crown a Player of the Year and send off five players to the Korn Ferry Tour for the 2024 season,” Pritchard continued. “PGA TOUR Canada has grown immensely since it began in 2013, and I am constantly amazed and impressed at the level of play and abilities of our players. The fact they are going on to success on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA TOUR should come as a surprise to no one.”

2023 PGA TOUR Canada Schedule

If a lot (and we mean a lot) goes right for a pair of Canadian golfers this week, then there will be plenty of eyes on a particular Round-of-16 match at Austin Country Club.

But for Nick Taylor, he’s just trying to enjoy the uniqueness of the week at the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play – especially after another solid result on the PGA Tour on Sunday.

Taylor and countryman Adam Hadwin have a chance to face off against each other if they make it out of group play at the WGC, a unique scenario that could unfold for the Canadians if they both top their groups. Taylor, at No. 67 in the Official World Golf Ranking, and Hadwin at No. 63, also have a chance to earn Masters berths this week if they get into the top-50 in the OWGR by week’s end. Either golfer could do that if they make it to the semi-finals, per the world-ranking projections, but given the way the brackets look only one could do it since one would have to beat the other to move on.  

Taylor, who finished tied for 10th at last week’s Valspar Championship for his fourth top-10 result of the season, admitted he’s not thinking about the carrot at the end of the week, just given how many variables there are first.

“It’s one of those things where so much has to happen. It’s so different than a stroke play event. A lot of things I can’t control but it’s a lot of matches away. You knock one down at a time, that’s great, but it’s not in my mind right now,” Taylor said. “Maybe it’ll be there Saturday afternoon if I have to win a match to get there, but not starting Wednesday.”

With a laugh, Taylor said he and Hadwin have never played a match against one another in a tournament. He won the 2007 Canadian Men’s Amateur championship, which was the last year it was a match-play event, in 38 holes. He did not face any of the current crop of Canadians on the PGA Tour en route to the finale, however, and never faced off against his countrymen in U.S. Amateurs or collegiate events either.

About a decade ago he won a match-play event on a mini-tour in the U.S., but he can’t recall in the last 10 years if he’s ever played another match-play tournament.

Still, he enjoys the format.

“Playing one person is so different than what we normally do but I’ve always enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to it,” said Taylor. “I’m not a huge fan of round robin; I’m a bigger fan of knockout-and-go. But it also gives you three matches and hopefully I can win all three. You’re always trying to win each but if the first day doesn’t go as plan you still have a shot so you can keep grinding away.”

This is set to be the final match-play tournament on the PGA Tour schedule for the foreseeable future, as it was confirmed recently this event would be removed from the 2024 schedule. There are 64 golfers in the field divided into 16 groups of four. The winner of each group will move on to the knock-out rounds.

Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion, while there are five Canadians in the field – a record – with Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, and Adam Svensson joining Hadwin and Taylor.

Taylor said Austin Country Club, which will play host for the seventh time is “quirky” but ideal for this format.

“It suits match play. There are so many different shots you can hit and strategies, like where you are in your match or where your competitor hits it, that can change your strategy quickly which makes it a fun course for your format,” he said.

While there are plenty of reasons to believe in the Canadian contingent this year – Conners finished third last year, for example, knocking off Dustin Johnson in the consolation match – it’s Taylor who is coming into the week with the most momentum.

The 34-year-old had a fairly introspective off-season and came into the 2022-23 campaign with a new approach to his game. He’s using celebrated Canadian short-game guru Gareth Raflewski now and switched the claw putting grip. That’s seen Taylor move from 137th in Strokes Gained: Putting last season to 52nd in the same category so far this year. He’s 19th on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained: Total and last week at the Valspar was a perfect example of how his complete game benefitted him by the end of 72 holes.

“Last week was pretty steady, I didn’t feel like I had my best stuff… but each day I felt like a different part of my game was carrying me to the finish line,” he said.

“Since I went to this claw grip my four days putting are definitely not as bad as they used to be, and I can have consistent good rounds. It’s elevated on the greens a little bit which is kind of everything out here. If you can take advantage of hot rounds with the putter and turn your 74s into 72s then that’s crucial. That’s been the biggest change.”

Taylor’s wife, Andie, is due with their second child on May 8and the two-time Tour winner said he’ll take three weeks off around the birth before returning to action at the RBC Canadian Open. He said he’ll likely tee it up at the Valero Texas Open next week (a win-and-you’re-in scenario for the Masters) unless he goes deep this week at the WGC-Match Play.

To do that, however, he’ll have to knock down a fellow Canadian first.

“It’ll be pretty fun. I’m sure all of Canada will be glued to the TV, “ Taylor said with a laugh, “at least a lot of Ledgeview members will be glued to the TV.”

Championship schedule to include ten National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms in addition to Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open

Golf Canada will also conduct qualifiers for several USGA Championships including Local and Regional Qualifying for the U.S. Open as well as the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Men’s and Women’s Amateurs and U.S. Junior Girls and Boys Championships

(March 15, 2023) Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2023 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at venerable golf facilities across Canada.

The 2023 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s two signature National Open Championships — the RBC Canadian Open, June 5-11, at first-time host Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto and the CP Women’s Open to be conducted at Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club Aug. 21-27.  

Golf Canada’s 2023 competition calendar also includes ten National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms.

As the National Sport Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships to support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.

“After a wonderful return to a full championship schedule for 2022, we are pleased to continue that momentum in 2023 and welcome thousands of talented athletes to our national championships,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “Together with our corporate partners, our generous host clubs across the country, and all the volunteers that make these championships possible, we are looking forward to another great season of championship golf.”

Each of Golf Canada’s championships are set to be contested at some of Canada’s top clubs including the Canadian Men’s Amateur heading to The Pulpit Club’s 36 holes (Pulpit Course and Paintbrush Course) in Caledon, Ont. while the Canadian Women’s Amateur will be played at Ashburn Golf Club (New Course) in Halifax.

New for 2023 include the winners of both the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur receiving an exemption into the respective USGA Championships. This marks the inaugural time this is on offer for the winner of the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur, which will be, for the first time, a stand-alone event.

Each of the National Junior and Amateur Championships will include $8,000 purses with $1,200 of that going to the respective champions. Financial Assistance Grants supported by Gary Cowan Heritage Fund and the Canadian Senior Golf Association will once again be available for Juniors competing in the Canadian Junior Championships who meet eligibility requirements which can be found here.

Golf Canada will also conduct several professional and amateur championship qualifiers including five regional qualifiers into the RBC Canadian Open as well as final qualifiers for both the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.

Other notable qualifiers being conducted for USGA Championships on the 2023 schedule include a U.S. Open Local and Final Regional Qualifier and a first-ever U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier in addition to qualifiers for the U.S. Junior Amateur and Girls’ Junior Championships, the U.S. Women’s Amateur, and the U.S. Amateur Championships.  

Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off May 1 with a U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Cherry Hill Club in Ridgeway, Ont. and concludes the week of October 7 with both the NextGen Fall Series West at The Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey, B.C., and the World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms at the Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont.

To view Golf Canada’s 2023 Championship Schedule, including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities, click here.

2023 Championship Season at a Glance…

The 19th playing of the Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO will be held May 29-June 2 at Fire Rock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.

The 109th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO takes place July 31 – Aug. 4 at Ashburn Golf Club in Halifax, N.S. with the champion earning an exemption into the 2023 CP Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. The winner also receives exemptions into the 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and 2024 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championships, if applicable.

The 68th Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO will be contested July 23-27 at Hampton Golf Club in Hampton, N.B. where the winner will earn an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.

The 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 7-10 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. The event will be played over the Pulpit and Paintbrush 18-hole layouts. A maximum field of 264 players will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes, with the final two rounds contested at Pulpit. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Open, and if applicable, will earn an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Mid-Amateur, 2023 U.S. Senior Amateur or 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championships.

The 84th playing of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 13-17 at North Bay Golf & Country Club in North Bay, Ont.  The champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be held August 20-24 at Algonquin Golf Resort in St. Andrews, N.B.

The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship presented by BDO will be held July 24-27 at Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont., the first year that the championship will be conducted as a standalone event. 

The Canadian Women’s Senior Championship presented by BDO will take place August 29-September 1 at Mill River Golf Resort in O’Leary, P.E.I.  The Senior Champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Senior Championship and 2024 U.S. Women’s Senior Open.

Big Sky Golf Club in Pemberton, B.C. will play host to the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship September 4-8, with the champion earning an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.

The third playing of the Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, a national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, will be held September 13-15 at Kamloops Golf and Country Club in Kamloops, B.C.

The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2023 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. The 2023 NextGen Championship host clubs include: Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club (Roberts Creek, B.C.), Peterborough Golf and Country Club (Peterborough, Ontario), Athabasca Golf Club (Athabasca, Alberta), Evergreen Golf Club (Nipawin, Saskatchewan), Club de Golf Venise (Magog, Quebec), and Avondale Golf Club (Charlottetown, PEI). An additional two Fall Series championships will take place in September and October, where players will compete for exemptions into their respective 2024 national junior championships. 

An accomplished field of international competitors will take on Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont. from October 2-7 for the eighth playing of the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms. Look for 25 countries playing as 3-member squads competing for both a team and individual title. 

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

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

Multi-year gift by the Aune Family to Golf Canada Foundation will positively impact youth across Saskatchewan and Manitoba with affordable and inclusive access to golf

March 14, 2023 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are proud to announce that the Aune family has pledged a major gift of $1M USD over four years to First Tee – Canada that will enable the launch and advancement of First Tee – Prairies. 

The generosity of the Aune family will fund and facilitate the rollout of First Tee – Prairies in communities across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, introducing golf and the positive experiences associated with golf to youth across the provinces. First Tee – Canada provides accessible and inclusive youth development programming at golf courses, schools, and community centres creating community participation pathways, especially for youth who may have otherwise not had the opportunity.

The Aune family grew up around golf—cousins Jonathan Aune, Stacey Greatrex, and Christine Greatrex, who has been a golf professional for nearly 40 years, are the leading forces behind the chapter-founding gift.

For a family of avid golfers with family ties to the Prairies, and the dedication to carry out Jonathan’s father Brian’s legacy of philanthropy, the launch of First Tee – Prairies will be special in more ways than one.

With the launch of First Tee – Prairies, Canada now has five regional chapters in place. In 2022, First Tee – British Columbia, First Tee – Ontario, First Tee – Premier départ Québec and First Tee – Atlantic delivered programming to nearly 23,000 youth with fifty-five percent of participants coming from equity-deserving communities.

Through its deep network of donors, Golf Canada Foundation is a critical partner in supporting the advancement of First Tee – Canada chapters across the country through its fundraising and philanthropic efforts.

The generosity of the Aune family adds to a growing number of chapter-founding advancement gifts that have been secured since First Tee – Canada’s inception in 2020. A First Tee – Alberta chapter is also expected to be announced in 2023. 

For more information on First Tee – Canada, to get involved, or to donate, visit www.firstteecanada.ca. To learn more about First Tee – Prairies, visit www.firstteeprairies.ca.

-30-

About First Tee – Canada

First Tee – Canada is a youth development program operating under Golf Canada since 2020. In partnership with First Tee, Golf Canada launched First Tee – Canada to provide inclusive and accessible life-enhancing opportunities to children through golf. First Tee – Canada continues to expand programming and positively impact youth at golf courses, schools, and community centres across the country. For more information and to learn how to support First Tee – Canada, visit firstteecanada.ca.

About Golf Canada Foundation

The Golf Canada Foundation is the leading source for golf philanthropy in Canada, granting more than $4.5 million to golf programs in 2022, and $19 million invested in the sport since the Foundation’s inception in 1979. The Foundation’s mission is to support and promote programs that increase participation in golf by engaging players of all ages and abilities across Canada. For more information about what the Golf Canada Foundation is doing to support golf in your community, visit us online at www.golfcanadafoundation.com

About Golf Canada

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing more than 319,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s vision is to be a world leader in golf and achieving the mission to increase Canadian participation and excellence For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

Media Contact:

Madelyn Boelhouwer | Senior Coordinator, Marketing and Communications First Tee – Canada | Golf Canada | mboelhouwer@golfcanada.ca

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J., USA AND ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (March 14, 2023) – The USGA and The R&A have proposed a Model Local Rule (MLR) that gives competition organizers the option to require use of golf balls that are tested under modified launch conditions to address the impacts of hitting distance in golf.  

The MLR is intended for use only in elite competitions and, if adopted, will have no impact on recreational golf. 

The proposal notice, which can be found here, was sent to golf equipment manufacturers on March 13, following the Equipment Rulemaking Procedures established by the governing bodies in 2011. Manufacturers and golf stakeholders can provide feedback until Aug. 14, 2023. If adopted, the proposal would take effect on Jan 1, 2026.  

Golf balls that conform to the MLR must not exceed the current Overall Distance Standard (ODS) limit of 317 yards (plus 3 yards tolerance) at modified Actual Launch Conditions (ALC) with a clubhead speed of 127 mph and based on a calibration setup of 11 degrees and 37 revolutions per second (2,220 rpm) as part of this proposal.  

All other balls, including those typically used by recreational golfers with lower swing speeds, would continue to be tested using the existing ALC values (120 mph, and a calibration setup of 10 degrees and 42 revolutions per second – 2,520 rpm). The current ODS limit of 317 yards will remain unchanged and would be applied to both testing setups.  

The Overall Distance Standard was established in 1976 as a ball test intended to reflect maximum potential hitting distance by the longest hitters currently playing the game. 

There is a direct correlation between clubhead speed and hitting distance (further research having been published in the Distance Insights reports). Over the last 20 years hitting distance has increased on average by around 1 yard per year.   

The modified testing setup in the proposed MLR is expected to reduce hitting distance by 14-15 yards on average for the longest hitters with the highest clubhead speeds. 

“Hitting distances at the elite level of the game have consistently increased over the past 20, 40, and 60 years. It’s been two decades since we last revisited our testing standards for ball distances,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “Predictable, continued increases will become a significant issue for the next generation if not addressed soon. The MLR we are proposing is simple to implement, forward-looking and does so without any impact on the recreational game. We are taking the next steps in this process, guided first and foremost by doing what’s right by the entire game.” 

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “We have worked closely with the golf industry throughout this process and taken time to listen carefully to their perspectives and reflect on the helpful and constructive feedback they have provided. At the core of our proposal is a desire to minimize the impact on a flourishing recreational game. We believe the proposed Model Local Rule will help us move forward in a way that protects the inherent qualities of the sport and reduces the pressure to lengthen courses. This is an important issue for golf and one which needs to be addressed if the sport is to retain its unique challenge and appeal.” 

The governing bodies have consulted closely with the golf industry throughout the Distance Insights project, which commenced in 2018 but has been under continual study over at least the last two decades. This is the fourth formal feedback period to be opened in the last five years, in addition to continuing stakeholder engagement across the game, including golfers, fans, competition organizers, equipment manufacturers, golf course owners, superintendents, architects and others.    

Based on feedback received from manufacturers, the USGA and The R&A are no longer considering the use of launch conditions that are optimized for each individual golf ball model to evaluate conformance. Similarly, they are not pursuing a reduction in the characteristic time limit in the existing Equipment Standards or changes to the Moment of Inertia limit of drivers at this time.   

The USGA and The R&A set out to address the long-term trend of increased hitting distances and course lengthening that they believe threatens golf’s long-term sustainability and undermines the core principle that a broad and balanced set of playing skills should remain the primary determinant of success in golf.    

The findings of extensive research by the governing bodies into distance (along with the supporting research and data) were set out within the Distance Insights report into the Implications of Hitting Distance in February 2020 under two key themes: the pressure on courses to continue to lengthen and ensuring that distance did not become predominant in the balance of skills required in golf.  

The report also found that the overall trend of golf courses becoming longer has adverse consequences, including by increasing the cost and time to play, limiting the advancement of sustainability efforts and reducing the challenge of courses – in some cases creating a risk of them becoming obsolete. 

The 2022 Annual Driving Distance Report, which aggregates hitting distance data reported by seven professional men’s and women’s tours worldwide, has also been released, and can be found here.  

Data provided for the report showed that the average clubhead speed on the PGA TOUR was 114.6 mph last year, with an average launch angle of 10.3° and average spin of 2,597 rpm. The mean of the fastest 1 percent of clubhead speeds was 127.5 mph in 2022, while the mean of the fastest 5 percent of clubhead speeds was 124.2 mph.  

The Annual Driving Distance Report also reports a 4 percent average year-over-year increase in hitting distance across all seven tours, with all but the Japan Golf Tour and LPGA Tour reporting the longest values on record. The Korn Ferry Tour recorded the highest annual hitting average across all tours in 2022, at 307.8 yards. 

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Adam Svensson and Adam Hadwin both admitted Sunday at TPC Sawgrass they were fighting with their swings. But when the dust settled it seemed like they won their battles.

Both Svensson and Hadwin finished tied for 13th this week at The Players Championship, earning just over $447,000 USD in the process.

Scottie Scheffler shot a 3-under 69 Sunday to win by five shots – an impressive performance by the newly minted world No.1.

Svensson was grouped with Scheffler for Saturday’s third round after he was leading the tournament by two shots. That was Svensson’s first 36-hole lead in his PGA TOUR career.

The native of Surrey, B.C., struggled in the third round, but regrouped to shoot a 1-under 71 Sunday, including making birdies on Nos. 13, 16, and 18 to close out his week.

“I lost my golf swing the last two days and I found a little bit here and there I just kind of scraped it in and somehow birdied 16 and 18 there and pretty happy about that,” Svensson said.

The former member of the Golf Canada National Team said he learned plenty after being in the third round’s final group and seeing Scheffler’s dominance (the American topped Svensson by 10 shots on Saturday) up close.

“Biggest thing is putting myself in that situation… now I feel calmer just being out here and more relaxed,” Svensson said. “Once I get into that position more often I’ll be better each time and learn from the experiences this week.”

Svensson won’t be wallowing too long in how this week turned out. On Monday he’s off to Augusta National for the first time for a pre-Masters scouting trip. He earned a spot in this year’s Masters after his maiden PGA TOUR victory at The RSM Classic in November.

“I’ve always dreamt of going to Augusta so it should be pretty cool,” said Svensson.

From one Canadian who has already locked up a spot at the Masters to another hoping to do the same, Hadwin matched Svensson with a closing 1-under 71 at TPC Sawgrass. He was in prime position to inch up higher on the leaderboard despite a few ill-timed mistakes on his back nine.

Hadwin missed a six-footer for par on No. 13 and missed a three-footer on his closing hole of the week.

The native of Abbotsford, B.C., admitted there were only about 18-25 holes where he “really felt in control” of his golf ball this week. The other ones, he said with a smile, he was picking his targets and trying to do the best he could.

“It worked out more often than not,” he said with a laugh.

Regardless of that feeling, Hadwin still had an elite ball-striking week. He was fourth in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and fifth in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green.

He also said his tee shot on 18 and his approach on 16 were two of the best shots he hit all week, and he’ll take the positive feels from those into next week.

“Things could be worse. Obviously I want them to be better but it all netted out today,” said Hadwin.

“I think any time you finish top 20, any time you’re in the top 20 in a tournament of this calibre with a field of this strength you’re doing something right.”

Hadwin started the week ranked No. 67 in the world and will officially move up to No. 61 the new rankings are released Monday. If he gets into the top 50 after the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play then he’ll earn a spot in the Masters. Hadwin will tee it up at the Valspar Championship next week – where he won in 2017 – before teeing it up at the Match Play in two weeks.

Taylor Pendrith was the other Canadian to make the cut at TPC Sawgrass. The Richmond Hill, Ont., native was tied for third after the first round, but slipped down the leaderboard Sunday after a final-round 80 and ended up tied for 69th.