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.

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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.

Week-long women’s golf festival with competitive and introductory programming for all ages of women and girls across Calgary to run in conjunction with enhanced Digital Commercial Bank Glencoe Invitational.

March 8, 2023 – Golf Canada and The Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary have announced a partnership that will support enhancements to the prestigious Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational, along with the pilot launch of a week-long women’s golf festival taking place across the Calgary region during the week of the championship.

Established in 1992, the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational is one of the premiere golf competitions in Canada with approximately 100 athletes – both professionals and elite amateurs in the women’s division and amateurs only in the men’s division – competing over 54 holes on The Forest Course at The Glencoe Golf & Country Club. The championship runs June 15-17 and will feature an expanded prize purse of at least $60,000 CAD in the women’s division. The winner of the women’s championship will also receive an exemption into the 2023 CP Women’s Open. 

Team Canada athletes will compete in the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational and Golf Canada will assist in recruiting international players to compete in the championship. Team Canada will also conduct training camps in Calgary surrounding the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational with athletes and coaches from the men’s, women’s, and NextGen squads. Following the championship, Golf Canada will host a US Women’s Amateur Qualifier on Monday, June 19 at the Sundre Golf Club in Sundre, Alta.

“The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational is a premier golf competition in this country, and it is exciting to see the enhancements take shape, especially the progressive investment to elevate opportunities for women,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer, Kevin Blue. “We are thankful for The Glencoe and the leadership they are demonstrating to help foster the growth of women’s golf in Canada. We are proud to partner in the enhancement of the women’s championship and deliver additional community golf activities to advance participation among women and junior girls in the Calgary area.”

“We are excited to grow the success of the tournament by partnering with Golf Canada,” said Tournament Chair, Dale Goehring. “This year’s event will enable more elite Canadian male and female players to compete on home soil.  Working alongside with Golf Canada with the tournament and Festival events aligns with the Glencoe Golf & Country Club’s mission to create exceptional experiences and grow the game of golf for both women and men.”

In addition to enhancements to the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational, Golf Canada will pilot a women’s golf festival concept that will take place during the week of the championship. Beginning on June 12, Golf Canada will host several introductory community events at Calgary area golf courses promoting recreational women’s and junior girls’ golf participation with a focus on the fun and social aspects of the game.

Information about new and existing clinics, leagues and programs for women and girls in the Calgary region will be shared throughout the week. The R&A is also providing important support for the Calgary area women’s golf festival pilot.    

“We are proud to have  support from Glencoe and the R&A in helping to pilot the Canadian Women’s Golf Festival with a dedicated focus on programming for women and girls that spans the full participation pathway from first involvement to high performance,” said Laura Wilson, Golf Canada’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Safe Sport. “We see this being a week-long celebration of women’s golf. The enhancements to the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational along with highly visible programming will address participation gaps and bring greater awareness among women of the physical, psychological, and social benefits of golf.”

Activities planned for the Women’s Golf Festival during the week of The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational include:

• Tee it Up Clinics – a first trial opportunity for young girls with introductions to fundamental skills such as driving, chipping, and putting in a fun and relaxed environment filled with music, games, and laughter.

• Team Scramble – a women focused fun and non-traditional nine-hole event for women and junior girls.

• Try Golf Taster – introductory events to encourage women to try golf in a low pressure, unintimidating environment.

• Women in Coaching – women’s only coach education sessions that will present an opportunity to develop leaders and role models in golf, especially focused on community coaching.

Golf Canada will work with Alberta Golf, City of Calgary, golf courses in the Calgary area and community-based organizations to operate the Women’s Golf Festival during the week of The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational as a pilot project with a goal that the concept can draw sustainable funding to support expansion to four Canadian markets in 2024. 

The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) Virtual Summit presented by RBC on Women in Coaching took place March 6, 2023, as part of an ongoing GJAC series intended to help golf journalists across Canada stay connected, as well as to generate discussion and opportunities around important issues in the game.

GJAC Virtual Summits presented by RBC are approximately one hour in length and are recorded for public viewing.

The format consists of a moderated question and answer period, followed by a brief opportunity for questions from attendees. You can watch this one below.

Golf Canada is proud to work alongside GJAC to assist facilitating these Summits.

Panelists for this Summit included:

• Lindsay Knowlton, PGA of Canada teaching professional, founder & President of Iron Lady Golf 
• Suzy Whaley, PGA of America teaching professional, first female President of the PGA of America
• Salimah Mussani, PGA of Canada teaching professional, Team Canada Head Women’s Golf Coach
  
  This session was moderated by PGA of Canada member and GJAC Board Member Scott MacLeod.

2022 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available

Golf Canada releases its new five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2027)

Judy Astle recognized by Golf Canada as its 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year

Volunteers Kay Thompson and Nick Marrone along with golf journalist and historian Joe McLean to be recognized with Golf Canada’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award

Golf Canada recognizes 2022 National Junior Facility Award winners

(March 2 – Golf Canada) – Golf Canada’s 2023 Annual Meeting culminated on Thursday, March 2 with the election of David McCarthy of Toronto as the 117^th President of the National Sport Federation.

McCarthy, a senior partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP, has been a volunteer with Golf Canada for more than 20 years across various committees and councils. A member of both the Donalda Golf & Country Club and the St. Andrews Golf Club, McCarthy was part of Golf Canada’s Governors Council (2014-2018) and has served on the Board of Directors since 2018.

“I am extremely honoured that the Nominating Committee has extended its confidence in me to serve as the 117^th President of Golf Canada,” said McCarthy. “There is great momentum for Golf Canada and golf in Canada and I look forward to assisting our sport to grow with pace.”  

Based on the report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, McCarthy will be joined on the 2023 Board of Directors by newly elected Vice-President Adam Daifallah of Montreal, Que. in leading the 13-member Board of Directors who will work closely with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum.

Returnees to the Board of Directors include Susan MacKinnon of Calgary, Alta., Patrick Kelly of Victoria, B.C., Shawn Evans of Kitchener, Ont., Alison Chisholm of Rothesay, N.B., Diane Drury-Clarke of Montreal, Que., Peter Major of Calgary, Alta., Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montreal, Que., and Michelle Collens of Vancouver, B.C. along with new additions Teri Yamada of Toronto, Ont., Kelly Roberts of London, Ont., and Adam Zubak of Vancouver, B.C. 

Liz Hoffman of Wasaga Beach, Ont. concluded her two-year term as the association’s 116^th President and transitions to become an Honorary Life Governor. Two other long-time volunteers – Patricia Thompson of Kelowna, B.C. and Michael Richards of Montreal – were also named by Golf Canada as new Honorary Life Governors in recognition of their longstanding contributions to the association.

As part of its Annual Meeting, Golf Canada also released the association’s 2022 Annual Report including its Financial Statements which are available here.

Golf Canada Releases its New Five-Year Strategic Plan

As part of the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum presented the  new five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2027), a roadmap for the organization’s operational, governance, sport, competitive and commercial areas of focus. The evolution of the Strategic Plan supports the organization’s vision to be a world leader in golf and its mission to better the lives of Canadians through participation and excellence in golf. Click here to see Golf Canada’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

Judy Astle named 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year…

In the continued celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized New Brunswick native Judy Astle as the 2022 recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. Now in its 17^th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community. Click here for more.

Volunteers Kay Thompson and Nick Marrone along Golf Journalist & historian Joe McLean to Receive Golf Canada’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award…

Golf Canada announced that three accomplished golf contributors – tireless volunteers Kay Thompson of St. John’s, N.L. and Nick Marrone of Toronto along with golf journalist and Ottawa Valley golf historian Joe McLean – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2023 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award will be celebrated in person with the recipients later this year. Click here for more.

Golf Canada Recognizes 2022 National Junior Facility Award Winners…

Golf Canada has named the six inaugural winners of the National Junior Facility Awards, a collection of Canadian golf facilities recognized across various areas for their positive contributions to impact and advance junior golf at their club and in their community. Click here for more.

Golf Canada’s 2022 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually on Thursday, March 2 with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and key industry stakeholders participating.

(Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is thrilled to recognize the winners of its National Facility Awards for Junior Golf from the 2022 season.

The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf were developed to recognize the critical role that golf facilities play in the development of young golfers across Canada. These awards honour the courses and academies that made an especially extraordinary impact on the advancement of junior golf in their communities during the 2022 season.

“We are proud to honour this collection of outstanding golf courses and academies for their extraordinary impact on junior golf,” said Kevin Blue, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. “Advancing golf participation and developing Canada’s next generation of world-class athletes are both important parts of Golf Canada’s mission. These priorities are critical for the long-term health of our sport and require commitment from many industry stakeholders, including the courses where our sport is practiced and played. We are grateful for all facilities across Canada who support junior golf and are eager to celebrate the inaugural class of award winners.”

The winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf will be officially recognized as part of Golf Canada’s 2023 Annual General Meeting being held virtually on March 2 at 1:00pm EST. 

The 2022 winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are:

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

Awarded to the facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs that help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.

Winner: Sawmill Golf Club (Fenwick, Ont.)

This family owned-and-operated course operated programs to support junior golfers of every age group and at every level, including summer golf camps, golf-hockey camps, golf in schools, USGA/LPGA girls golf, and a junior league.

Sawmill Golf Club reserved tee times exclusively for junior golfers during the summer and organized family fun nights to encourage entire families to play golf together. The club also hosted numerous junior golf fundraisers. Its exceptional commitment to junior golf set a powerful example for other facilities.

• Finalist: Centre de Golf de Lanaudière (L’Assomption, Que.)
• Finalist: Whitewater Golf Club (Thunder Bay, Ont.)

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.

Winner: Academie de Golf Fred Colgan (Quebec City, Que.)

Academie de Golf Fred Colgan (AGFC) supported a number of provincial competitors, national competitors, and Team Canada – NextGen players in 2022 including JP Parr, the repeat champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship. AGFC continued its close integration with the provincial development system in Québec and assembled an in-depth staff of coaches to provide comprehensive support for its competitive players.  

• Finalist: Glencoe Golf and Country Club (Calgary)
• Finalist: The Golf Garage at Savage Creek (Rob Houlding) (Richmond, B.C.)
• Finalist: Royal Ottawa Golf Club (Gatineau, Que)

Grassroots Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.

Winner: Blomidon Golf and Country Club (Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador)

Led by an extraordinary role model and junior golf leader in Wayne Allen, Blomidon offered a multitude of programs in 2022 for junior golfers ranging in age from 5 to 18 – including a girls club that features weekly instruction from women coaches. In addition to reserving tee times each day for juniors, Blomidon also executed a unique “close the course for a day” event that catered to junior golfers and their families.  

• Finalist: Hollinger Golf Club (Timmins, Ont.)
• Finalist: Gorge Vale Golf Club (Victoria, B.C.)

Tournament Host of the Year

Awarded to a facility that gives back to youth golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.

Winner: Royal Regina Golf Club (Regina)

The Royal Regina Golf Club made a public pledge to increase its support for junior grassroots and competitive opportunities. It followed through on its commitment by stepping up to successfully host the Saskatchewan Junior Golf Championship. Its membership provided robust volunteer and financial support and created a memorable experience for contestants.

Youth on Course Program Location of the Year

Awarded to the facility that hosted the largest number of Youth on Course rounds in the calendar year.

Winner: Shaganappi Point Golf Course (Calgary)

Shaganappi Point, a municipal course in Calgary, led the country by hosting a total of 1,832 Youth on Course rounds in 2022. Youth on Course golfers paid $5 for their green fees – a price that was made possible by over $13,000 in green fee subsidies.  

First Tee Canada Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a First Tee Canada program location that demonstrates excellent enrollment in First Tee programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.

Winner: Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.)

Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire hosted 66 youth participants for in-depth and fun First Tee sessions during the inaugural season of First Tee – Québec in 2022. Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire also facilitated two field trips from local schools who were operating First Tee in their physical education classes.

Nomination and Selection process

From September 1 until October 31 of 2022, all individual members and facility members of Golf Canada were able to nominate facilities for each award category.

All nominations were reviewed and feedback about nominees was provided by members of the Golf Industry Advisory Council, Sport Committee, and Amateur Championships Committee. Final award selections were made by Golf Canada staff.

Nominations for the 2023 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are expected to open in September.