With the new Canadian golf campus announced for construction on the property of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont., I know that buildings and structures will not advance our great sport. Collaboration will.

Embarking on this exciting multi-phase journey with partners to share facilities and ideas, drive programs, celebrate heritage and work collectively for the betterment of golf in this country. To collaborate in an environment that supports rules education, handicap and course rating, tournament administration, education, and so many other functions of Canadian golf.

Golf Canada’s vision to be a world leader in golf contemplates more than a physical building—culture, collaboration, and innovation are critical elements. 

Establishing a campus environment for the golf community to meet, work, play, train, plan, celebrate and collaborate will be a transformative moment for our sport.

The vision that the Humeniuk family and the leadership group at Osprey Valley have invited us to be a part of with this world-class property is progressive and incredibly exciting. Chris Humeniuk and his team have welcomed Golf Canada to align with their vision for this wonderful property—a facility and a family that wants to give back to the game. 

Similar to the 54-holes of golf at TPC Toronto, every touchpoint on the new Canadian golf campus will be welcoming and publicly accessible. This aligns with our commitment as the National Sport Federation to create a safe, diverse, and welcoming environment within our organization and across our sport.

In addition to Golf Canada’s new base of operation, a reimagined Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate the storied history of the game. With thoughtful consideration, we will highlight the rich history of the game represented through archives, artifact collections, and the country’s foremost golf library and research resource.

To the honoured members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, the new home for Canadian golf will proudly celebrate your outstanding legacies and stories woven throughout the entire property, celebrating the artifacts and treasures for Canadian golf enthusiasts to engage with.

The vision for phase one of the Canadian golf campus will also include a 30,000 sq. foot community putting green that pays homage to the R&A’s Himalayas putting course at St Andrews in Scotland. A place for youth, families, new enthusiasts, and the community to come out and experience the game at no cost. 

Phase two will feature a new national headquarters for First Tee – Canada that will support coaching education and program development for First Tee chapters across Canada. First Tee fosters inclusivity with affordable access and curriculum that empowers young people to build character through the game of golf. First Tee uses golf as the amazing medium in teaching life skills and this national centre will be both a headquarters for the entire program but also a community hub for Caledon and Peel Region.

In 2021, the Humeniuk Family Foundation and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley made a major chapter-founding gift to Golf Canada Foundation that aligns with the property serving as the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada.

First Tee – Canada headquarters will house an indoor short game complex that will double as a national talent identification centre for the next generation of Canadian players, bolstering Golf Canada’s goal to advance 30 Canadians to the LPGA and PGA Tours by 2032.

Phase two aligns with a multi-million-dollar Drive Campaign launched by the Golf Canada Foundation to fund the First Tee – Canada headquarters, chapters, and programming along with enhancements to Team Canada’s high-performance program. To date, $39.3M of the $70M fundraising goal has been secured through major gift donations. The Golf Canada Foundation, its Board, and their network of donors and trustees has become the most impactful fundraising body in Canadian golf. Visionaries and true champions for the sport.

Before breaking ground on a new home, it is important to recognize where we came from. Since 1976, Glen Abbey Golf Club, the town of Oakville, and Golf Canada have shared a special connection—nearly 50 years of partnership that contributed to the success of our respective operations. Glen Abbey and our friends at Clublink will always hold a special place in Golf Canada’s history. 

Now we begin a new chapter.

Caledon, Ont. will become a must-visit destination in Canadian golf. The town and the Region of Peel has welcomed this project with fervour, and we invite the community to be a part of our journey.

To Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada, thank you for joining us in this exciting project. As well, to the PGA of Canada and its members, your expertise will create an environment to learn, develop programs and share ideas.

We will also invite our global friends and affiliates in the game—the R&A, PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, and others – to feel welcomed on campus with their deep-rooted Canadian interests.

I am encouraged by the success experienced by Golf Australia, the USGA, the PGA TOUR, PGA of America and other organizations that have taken similar progressive paths to create collaborative home bases.

While a project of this significance requires adjustment, it will not change Golf Canada’s commitment to support the needs of more than 305,000 members at 1444 member clubs nationwide.

The home for Canadian golf is an enterprise we share with our talented staff and committed volunteers who embrace Golf Canada’s mission to increase participation and excellence in the sport.

This is an exciting time for golf.

Participation, investment, and levels of play have been bolstered by a global pandemic that brought golfers together. Working through the pandemic has challenged every business to be innovative and be open to charting new operational paths.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the power of collaboration—something we can all look forward to with the new home for Canadian golf.

The rising temperatures today at Rivershore Estates and Golf Links were no problem for Jean-Philippe Parr. During the third round of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, the 18-year-old shot a 4-under-par 68 to extend his stay at the top of the leaderboard. 

Parr, who calls St-Célestin Que. home, carded six birdies today, playing in a group with fellow Team Canada National Junior Squad members Cooper Humphreys and James Newton. To spectators observing the round, the group, familiar with playing together, clearly enjoyed the competition this afternoon.

Parr’s bogey on 13 today snapped a streak of 34 holes of bogey-free golf. Yesterday, Parr fired a round of 62 which tied the low Canadian Junior Boys Championship single-scoring record set by Calvin Ross in 2017 and matched by Christopher Vandette in 2019.

“My wedge game and putting has been really solid recently which fits this course perfectly as there are many wedges and a lot of good birdie opportunities,” said Parr

The University of Tennessee commit will look to defend his 2021 title tomorrow with a two-stroke cushion heading into Thursday’s final round. Vandette was the last to do so, going back-to-back in 2018 and 2019.

Sliding into second was Matthew Javier from Toronto, Ont. The 15-year-old recorded his third eagle of the tournament, and second in as many days on the par-5 4^th, to better his position on the scoreboard by one from yesterday’s round where he sat T3.

Andre Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) and Ethan Wilson (St. Albert, Alta.) tied for third and look to close the three-stroke gap in tomorrow’s final round.

In the Juvenile Boys Division, Matthew Javier holds the lead at 14 under for the tournament, with Andre Zhu closely trailing by one stroke. In third place is Vancouver, B.C. native Ryan Liang who came in at 9 under.

Tomorrow promises to be an exciting battle of top junior talent with an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, S.C., as well as a spot in 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, on the line.

The final round is set to commence tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. PT, with the awards ceremony following play at approximately 3:00 p.m.

Quick Links:

Leaderboard

Course details

Championship history

For more information about the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship click here.

It was another scorching day in Kamloops as the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO brought the heat to Rivershore Estates and Golf Links while wrapping up the second day of play.  

The 36-hole inter-provincial competition came to a close as Team Québec, consisting of Jean-Philippe Parr, Felix Bouchard, and James Newton, extended their day one lead to capture the title by six strokes. Hot on their heels was Team Ontario who challenged throughout the afternoon but fell short of closing the gap that Team Québec laid out yesterday.

Team Québec was boosted by an impressive showing from Team Canada National Squad member Jean-Philippe Parr. In the individual competition, the 18-year-old battled lofty temperatures and recorded eight birdies and an eagle to edge a one-stroke lead over teammate James Newton at 12-under after 36 holes. The round also ties the low Canadian Junior Boys Championship single-round scoring record set by Calvin Ross in 2017 and matched by Chris Vandette in 2019.

“I just did everything really solid today,” said JP. “Got off to a hot start and then just kept it in the fairway which gave me good chances to attack the pins, and then just putted really nicely and made some really good birdie putts. Overall just really solid golf overall!”

Heading into round three, Parr looks to stay consistent.

“Heading into tomorrow, just trying to keep the same gameplan and keep making birdies since there are so many birdies out there,” he added. “Also just going to try to be patient and most importantly have some fun.”

James Newton, 11-under for the tournament, is also a member of Team Canada National Junior Squad. The 18-year-old fired a 2-under-par 70 during today’s round and plays out of Royal Ottawa Golf Club in Gatineau, Qué.

Closely following and tying for the third spot on the leaderboard were Cooper Humphreys (Vernon, B.C.) and Matthew Javier (North York, Ont.). Fifteen-year-old Javier also occupies the lead in the 16-and-under Juvenile Division. Andre Zhu sits second and one stroke off the lead.

The winner will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, S.C., as well as a spot in 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

Round three is set to commence tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. PT

Quick Links:

Leaderboard

Course details

Championship history

For more information about the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship click here.

The Canadian Junior Boys Championship teed off today as 156 competitors headed to the mountain-side course, Rivershore Estates & Golf Links.

During the opening round, James Newton’s clubs were hotter than the weather in Kamloops. The Team Canada National Junior Squad Member – who plays out of Royal Ottawa Golf Club in Gatineau, Qué. – carded an opening round of 63 to tie the course record and lead the 83^rd Canadian Junior Boys Championship by three strokes.

“I was hitting it well from tee to green today,” said Newton of the opening round. “I gave myself many birdie opportunities with my wedges, but my putter was on fire. Not only was I making birdie putts but also par saves.” 

Newton’s 9-under-par 63 included an impressive seven birdies and an eagle on the 18^th that marked the highlight of the 18-year-old’s day. He finished the round without a single blemish on this scorecard.

“My thought process tomorrow is going to be the same as it was today,” he added. “Stay patient and stay positive.” 

A four-way tie for second chased Newton throughout the day, each finishing at six-under.

Vernon, B.C. native and Team Canada National Junior Squad member Cooper Humphreys saw a solid, bogey-free round with an eagle on his 13^th hole. Humphreys won the Juvenile Boys Division last year during the 2021 Canadian Junior Boys Championship and has recently committed to Oregon State University.

“Today I hit the ball well and did a good job of minimizing my mistakes,” shared Humphreys. “I worked on my putting after and I think I found something that should help in the next few days!”

Antoine Jasmin from Blainville, Qué. found his groove on the last four holes leading to four consecutive birdies out of his total of eight. The 16-year-old plays out of Club de golf le Blainvillier.

Eighteen-year-old Denby Carswell carded seven birdies and one bogey. The Burnaby, B.C. resident graduated from high school in May 2022.

Matthew Javier also made eagle on 18. The 15-year-old hails from North York, Ont. and plays out of Scarboro Golf & Country Club.

In addition to tying for second in the individual competition today, Antoine Jasmin and Matthew Javier also share a piece of the lead in the 16-and-under Juvenile division. Each fired a round of 66 today.

Defending champions Team Québec consisting of Jean-Philippe Parr, Felix Bouchard, and James Newton, jumped out to an early lead in the 36-hole inter-provincial team competition. The trio combined for a score of 11 under par and a five-stroke lead over Team Ontario.

The winner will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, S.C., as well as a spot in 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

Round two is set to commence tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. PT

Quick Links:

Leaderboard

Course details

Championship history

For more information about the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship click here.

Golf Canada’s 2022 championship season continues at Rivershore Estate & Golf Links in Kamloops, B.C. for the 83^rd playing of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, from Aug. 7-10.

This national championship, which was first held in 1938 in London, Ont., offers an opportunity for the top junior male golfers from coast-to-coast to compete against the best in their class in a 72-hole stroke play competition. This year, 156 players will clash on the west coast of Canada aiming to add the Silver Cup to their trophy cases.

“Golf Canada is excited to return to British Columbia for the Canadian Junior Boys Championship,” said tournament director Daniel Suppa. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the juniors play at the highest level this week. The calibre of this year’s field is amongst the best we’ve seen in recent history, and I know I will be thoroughly impressed. We’re confident that Rivershore will prove as a testy challenge as these elite juniors look to showcase their talents.”

Designed by Robert Jones Sr., Rivershore Estate & Golf Links is setup uniquely as a links-styled course that is buried in a desert-like setting and protected by the sagebrush hills above. Nestled along the shores of the South Thompson River, this championship course features 95 bunkers that are moderately surrounded by water hazards and other areas that will cause havoc for players of all calibres. The par-72 will play at a maximum of 6,852 yards for the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

The championship has served as a significant milestone in several professional and amateur careers. Before playing on the PGA Tour, Abbotsford, B.C., native Nick Taylor captured the 2006 Canadian Junior Boys title. The championship counts Canadian Golf Hall of Fame members Doug Silverberg, George Knudson, Gary Cowan and Doug Roxburgh among its winners.

Headlining this year’s pool of competitors is none other than the defending champion, Jean-Phillippe Parr. In 2021, the 18-year-old made pars on the final eight holes at Club de Golf Vallée du Richlieu in his home province of Québec, to claim the Canadian Junior Boys Championship. The St Célestin, Qué., native carded rounds of 65-73-66-74 for a total score of 10-under par en route to the one-stroke victory.

Parr, a member of Team Canada’s National Junior Squad, returns this year looking to become the ninth back-to-back winner in the tournament’s history, and first since fellow Quebec-native Christopher Vandette accomplished the feat in 2018 and 2019.

Looking to spoil Parr’s attempt at a title defence are 11 of the remaining 12 players on the National Junior Squad, including Cooper Humphreys (Vernon, B.C.), who finished as the runner-up to Parr in last year’s competition. Eric Zhao (North York, Ont.), Ethan Wilson (St Albert, Alta.) and Félix Bouchard (Otterburn Park, Qué.), who won gold for Team Canada alongside Humphreys at the 2022 Toyota Junior Golf World Cup, are also in the field.

Ben MacLean (Niagara Falls, Ont.), James Newton (Ottawa, Ont.) and Owen Kim (Oakville, Ont.), who each secured top-10 finishes in 2021, are also returning to bid for the national title. Gavyn Knight (Parksville, B.C.), Malik Dao (Notre-Dame-de-Île-Perrot, Que.) and Mathieu Lafontaine (Vaudreuil-Dorion, Que.) round out the Team Canada contingent.

Returning this year is the interprovincial team competition. The interprovincial championship, first held in 1959, will be played in conjunction with the first 36 holes of the competition, with three-player teams vying for the team title. In rounds one and two the best two scores of the three golfers from each provincial team count towards the team’s score. The lowest aggregate score over rounds one and two determines the champion.

Team Québec are the reigning champions. Christopher Vandette and Laurent Desmarchais – who are coming off an interprovincial championship win at the 2022 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship – accompanied Logan Boucher at Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club in New Brunswick and bested the Albertans by eight strokes in 2019.

The Juvenile division – a subdivision for boys 16 and under – remains in place this year and will run concurrently with the Junior division through the 72-hole competition. Humphreys was awarded the Jack Bailey Trophy in 2021, winning by a commanding 13 strokes over runner-up Zhao. Since its inception in 1970, only ten players have won both the Junior and Juvenile division titles.

New to this year’s tournament is a purse payout. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship will now compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Amateur golfers may accept prize money up to a maximum of $1,200 CAD, and payouts will be awarded to the top-10 finishers and ties.

Practice rounds are scheduled for August 6^th, followed by the official tee off to the championship on August 7^th. A champion will be crowned at the conclusion of the final round on August 10^th. The field will be reduced to the low 70 players (including ties) at the halfway point of the competition.  

The winner will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, S.C., as well as a spot in 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

For more information about the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship click here.

Pathways to success often depend on access to experiences and opportunities. Unfortunately, across Canada, many children all too often lack the resources or access to empowering extracurricular activities, such as sports or organized recreation.

Knowing the positive impact that sport can have on a child’s life, Golf Canada’s junior programming through First Tee strives to break down barriers to accessing the game of golf. First Tee – Canada provides inclusive youth development activities to participants as young as five years old, using golf as a vehicle to support the personal growth and confidence of children.  

First Tee – Canada programming is offered at golf courses, schools, and community centres in regions across the country with specifically designed curriculum and instructor training for each of these impactful learning environments.

On traditional Musqueam First Nation territory alongside the Fraser River lies The Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy. This tree-lined golf course and driving range [in/near Vancouver, B.C.] is home to First Tee – British Columbia.

The delivery of First Tee – BC programming at Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy began in the fall of 2021 and despite the program’s infancy, there has been an outpouring of positive feedback from the community.

“These kids have been using golf as an outlet, (and) feel a sense of inclusion and safety at the golf course,” says Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy General Manager Kumi Kimura. “They never knew how much fun golf was and that it [can] help as a healthy escape from [a sometimes] not so healthy world.”

Registration for 12 participant spots fills up quickly. The hour-long sessions are grouped by age, varying from seven to 12, and coached by PGA of Canada professional Kelvin Ko and First-Tee Certified Coach Jody Kinsman. Along with learning the fundamental skills of golf, children experience the opportunity to develop or further reinforce many of the life skills and values learned through sport.

Kimura shared a personal story of the opportunity First Tee – BC presented to siblings participating in the program—children who were dealing with familial troubles at home and seeking a positive outlet.

For some children, sport can the mean the world; a positive escape where individuals learn about themselves, build confidence, understand commitment, and develop healthy habits—all values worth carrying for life. Together with the support and generosity of donors, First Tee – BC and Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy have introduced the sport of golf to children who might not have otherwise experienced the game.

Golf has often battled a perception that the game is exclusive to the affluent. By creating “hubs” consisting of schools, community centres, and accessible golf courses within a small radius, First Tee – Canada is working to debunk that perception, one community at a time. And with a strong philanthropic community of donors supporting First Tee – Canada, many program locations provide equipment and offer registration at no cost.

In striving to be a world leader in the sport, Golf Canada is committed to changing the face of golf to better reflect the multicultural strength of the Canadian population. First Tee – Canada is providing opportunities, relationships, and experiences for children that are laying the foundation for a more diverse game.

“I believe these are stories that need to be told,” says Kimura. “Golf is no longer an elitist game, but a game for all people, in the good time and the bad.”

The relationship that First Tee – BC has created with the Musqueam community, and the positive impact on participants is a testament to the power of sport, and better yet, the future legacy of First Tee – Canada. 

The program’s impact on youth is reflective of the facility’s impact in its community. The name Musqueam relates back to the flowering plant, məθkʷəy̓, which grows in the Fraser River estuary. Like flowers, children grow and develop in different ways, in a healthy, safe, enriching environment.

By virtue of the land, the collaborative efforts of First Tee – BC, Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy and the game of golf, for every flower that blooms this summer, a child will too.

Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).

Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.

Alexander Heuton, Sleepy Hollow, Hole #3

Thanks for the note. I was playing with one of my usual playing partners and fellow member, Conrad Hansuld. We were playing hole number 3 at Sleepy Hollow from the back tees. The pin was front left. I gunned the flag at 176 yards, but we were hitting dead into the wind. I took a 6 iron and hit a soft draw that landed a few feet short of the hole. It took one hop, then rolled into the cup.

I have been playing for decades and have come close many times, but this was my first hole-in-one. It was quite a rush! 

Anisur Salim, Dentonia Park Golf Course, Hole #1

Occurred on July 30th at Dentonia Park Golf Course. Hole-in-one happened at hole # 1, using a 56-degree wedge.

Thanks,

Anisur

Brad Beghetto, Transcona Golf Club, Hole #16

130 yards. 9 iron.

Brent Choi, Coppinwood, Hole #7

Thank you for your note. It’s awesome you do this. I was with Mark Applebaum! It was 138 yards into the sun. Used an 8 iron on hole 7 of Coppinwood. Funny that I had a great front 9, partially in thanks to the hole-in-one, but fell apart on the back 9 as I lost the ability to hit the fairway. 

Brent Jewett, Kingswood Signature, Hole #17

Thanks for reaching out.

I was playing with three close friends: Jason Billing, Shaun Davis and Rob McNeelands.

The 17th hole at the Kingswood Signature Golf Course is considered a difficult par 3 over water to a large undulating green protected by water and two bunkers on the left and large mounds (for those who choose to bail out) on the right.

I had just flushed a 4-iron on previous hole, so coming into hole #17, I was feeling pretty good about my long-iron play. When I got to the elevated tee on 17, a steady breeze was coming from right to left and the pin was tucked toward the back of the green on a downslope. I lasered 184 yards to the pin, with about a 175-yard carry to the middle of the green. I pulled my 5-iron out of the bag, aimed at the right side of the green and hit a slight draw which the wind carried over toward my landing point in the middle of the green. It then slowly started making its way down to the hole (which we could see from the elevated tee). Then, about three seconds later, we all watched it disappear into the cup – boom! – just like that – my first hole-in-one!

Sincerely,

Brent Jewett

Brian Martin, Sirocco Golf Club, Hole #5

Hole #5 was playing 119 yards from the white tees. I used my 9 iron to card my first ever ace. I was playing with Gord Wagner, Larry Taylor and Tony Goutbeck 

It was a real thrill. I hope I don’t have to wait over 50 years for my next one.

Byron Rokeby-Thomas, Balfour Golf Course, Hole #7

Thank you! I was playing with Shaun O’Connor who is also from Nelson. It was from the blue tees on hole #7. I believe it’s about 140 yards and I used a pitching wedge.

Cameron Bartling, Beach Grove Golf Club, Hole #16

Thank you for reaching out.

Saturday was truly fantastic getting my first hole-in-one. The hole was playing 132 yards and I hit a 9 iron.

The guys I was playing with were Syd Sharp, David Gilliland and Richard Langhammer.

Thanks again for reaching out.

Cam Bartling

Cooper Anderson, Fort William Country Club, Hole #2

Thank you. Playing partners were Dan Speer and Brian Sippila. I used a 9 iron, and the yardage was 154 yards.

Dan Klimas, Rosemere Fontainebleau, Hole #13

It was from 155 yards using a 6 iron. I was playing with another member, Norm Hacker, as well as two guests, Dylan Hacker and Tyler Rothstein. It was a great day and experience. This makes four holes-in-one in my 45 years of playing, three of which were at my club, Rosemere Fontainebleau, on three different par 3’s (holes 4, 6, and 13) and one at Mount Bruno in Quebec.

Thank you,

Dan Klimas

Daniel Boire, Darcy Ranch Golf Club, Hole #12

Happened June 25^th. Playing with my friend, Ryan, and two others we were paired with. 155 yards so I used my 9 iron. Thanks for reaching out!

David Munro, Caledon Woods Golf Club, Hole #13

Thank you for your kind words.

I play from the green tees (combination of the white and red teams) and have played from these tees for a couple of years now. I only started playing golf at 60 years old (am now 75). I never had great distance, and it’s getting more difficult to get to the green every year.

My favourite club in my bag is a ping 6 hybrid, seiners flex. The par three I made the hole-in-one on is 110 yards, and while I could make that distance with a 7 iron, I chose the 6 hybrid, because the wind was in our face and because it is my most accurate club. I chose the 6 hybrid, and I choke down on it a little, put the ball back in my stance and I get height and accuracy, and this time I got extreme accuracy. Playing partners were John Giancola, Rodney Maltais and Darwin Gauthier.

You have my permission to quote, if for no other reason, than to encourage high handicapped players, to not give as they get older, just move to the appropriate tees.

Derek Janzen, Fairview Mountain Golf Club, Hole #10

I would like to post for one of my buddies.  

Derek Janzen made a hole-in-one on number 10 at Fairview Mountain Golf Club in Oliver, B.C. It was playing 145 yards. He hit a thin 8 iron which landed just short of the hole and rolled into the cup. 

Cheers,

Jason, on behalf of Derek Janzen

Frank Pinilla, Summit, Hole #2

Hi there, thanks for this!

I was playing with some of our “weekend morning regulars” (about 10 of us that switch around depending on schedules). My playing partners that morning were Mark O, Scott L and Enrique G.

This was on the 2nd hole at Summit, and we scoped the pin at 167 yards, an easy 6-iron for me (which was perfect in hindsight!). I was first to tee it up and had an easy swing that tracked nicely with my fade, the ball hit near the middle of the green and tracked up and left towards the back, left pin.

We were playing into the morning sun so it was hard to see but it was looking really good when we couldn’t see the ball sitting on the green. What clinched it for us was that the rest of our morning regular group, who were up on the 3rd tee, started yelling loudly! I grabbed my range finder to have a better look (we couldn’t really tell if they were yelling that “ooooh, it just lipped out” or “whoa, it’s in the hole”) – but that confirmed it…lots of high-fives and hands in the air! Plus, a round of beers for the boys after the round, on me!

What a fun start to the round!

Cheers,

Frank Pinilla

Janice McCarthy, Pointe West Golf Course, Hole #2

My hole-in-one was in #2 at Pointe West Golf Course during our weekly Ladies League.  

My foursome consisted of: Jan Groulx, Mary Harris and Alice Saunders.  

I used a 9 iron to a middle pin placement that was about 95 yards away with a slight breeze into us.

Thanks,

Janice McCarthy 

John Whelan, Shelburne, Hole #11

Thank you for the recognition. I have been playing golf for a little over 50 years now (I am 73), and while I have come close on many occasions, this was my first hole-in-one. I was on the 11th hole at Shelburne, playing with Morgan Rutledge, about 120 yards, using an 8 iron. When the shot landed, it looked to be about 2-3 feet short and I am thinking an easy birdie, then it disappeared into the hole. Funny enough, after so many years of playing golf, my initial reaction was disbelief, and later relief that I could finally cross that accomplishment off.

Golf is such a fun sport, so unpredictable, rewarding in many ways and always looking forward to the next outing.

John Whelan

Jordan Harding, Flamborough Hills Golf Course, Hole #1

I recently had my first hole-in-one at Flamborough Hills Golf Course on June 27th. It was on my 10^th hole (hole #1 on the hills course) Par 4! 315 yards. I was playing with my friend, Chris, and another member which we had just met that day on the first hole. Not only was this my first hole in one it was also my first albatross. ?

Keith Richards, Mickelson National, Hole #15

I was playing golf with my girlfriend, friend, Drew, and a fourth fill named Rafi. It was an 8 iron from 170 yards. Tight little draw, couple hops and in the hole.

Cheers,

Keith

Kevin Galandy, Country Hills Golf Club, Hole #14

Hole #14 at the Country Hills, Ridge course. Played tips (gold box), 161 yards, knockdown 7 iron into a strong wind. 

Also, playing in the club championship. Playing partners were Aaron Ma and Chan Woo Lee.  

Went on to win the 2nd flight by 6 strokes. 

Cheers,

Kevin

Len Teichroeb, Fairview Mountain, Hole #7

Thanks so much.

Wednesday, July 20^th 2022. Hole #7. Par 3. This particular day was a blue pin location (back of the green). Approximately 168 yards. Taylormade M2 19 degree Hybrid club and my Taylormade TP5 ball. Playing with my regulars, Rich Engel and Phil Anderson (missing that day was Jerry Duteil). Picture perfect day for golf, which we have at Fairview a lot.

Amazing course. Expertly directed by our staff of General Manager, Brian McDonald, and head pro, Rob Tadey, and all the rest of our amazing staff.

If you have never had the chance to come and play our course, it’s a “must play” whenever the opportunity might arise.

Thanks again for the email.

Len T.

Linda Gray, Country Hills Golf Club, Hole #12

Thank you for the lovely email congratulating me for my hole-in-one last week. It is truly one of the most incredible feelings to experience. 

It was a gorgeous day, and we had a slight wind in our faces. It was a back right pin and the distance was 137 yards. The green slopes towards us at that location, so I used my trusty 7 wood. I had one of those swings where everything clicked in to place you could feel the smooth tempo. In fact, I was in such good position, I lost sight of the ball until it hit the green. The ball ran up the green past the pin and then took the slope and rolled into the hole. It was fantastic. What a feeling! This is definitely one for my bucket list.

It was Ladies Day, and I had the pleasure of golfing with some fabulous ladies; Patty Condon, Lesley Cooney-Burk and Barb Sigalet. 

Thanks again and have an awesome day. It is Ladies Day again and I am heading to the course. 

Sincerely,

Linda Gray

Linda Stickney, Crown Isle, Hole #16

Thank you for the graphic for my hole-in-one. I would love to share the event. #16 at Crown Isle is all carry over water 107 yards to a back right pin. I used a choked down Adams 6 hybrid and a Srixon soft feel ball #1. The #1 must be a good sign. Two hops on the green and in the hole. My playing partners, Violet Erskine and Lesley McFarlane, and I all saw the ball go in the hole. Some very loud hurrahs from all of us.

This is my second ace with the first being at Apache Wells Country Club in Mesa, Arizona.

Lyle Dickson, Richmond Country Club, Hole #12

Was playing with three fellow Richmond Country Club members – David Hinton, Pat O’Brien and Duncan Mackenzie. Hole was playing 175 yards and we did not really see the ball go in, hence had the putter in hand as thought it was at the back of the green but that was Duncan’s ball and mine was in the hole. Used a 4 hybrid club as 175 is a long par three for an old guy. 

Lyle Dickson

Mark Burrell, Glen Cedars Golf Club, Hole #14

Thanks for the email. Hole was playing 142 yards and I used a wedge. I was playing with Gordon Chilton and Donny Grogan.

Mark Jones, Calabogie Highlands Golf Club, Hole #8

Thank you very much. 

I was playing in our Men’s league. Was 159 yards to the pin and I used a 6 iron. 

Thanks,Mark 

Mike Cowie, Carnoustie Golf Club, Hole #8

Hi. I’m Mike Cowie and I got a hole-in-one on #8 at the championship course at Carnoustie. It was 165 yards and I used and 8 iron. I was with fellow Canadian member Marc Laatu when it happened. The date was July 16^th 2022.

Mitch Gillingwater, Moncton Golf and Country Club, Hole #12

Thanks for reaching out, very exciting moment for sure!

It was a great day at Moncton Golf and Country Club. I hit a 5 iron from the blue tees with hole #12 playing 195 yards. 

I played with two of my best friends, Steve McLaughlin and Gerard Reinders, along with Steve’s father, Pat. Moncton Golf and Country Club was my home course growing up, I started playing there when I was 11 years old, must have played hundreds of rounds there. I now live in Toronto and get back to New Brunswick with my wife and two young sons once a summer to visit family and get a round or two in with friends. Amazing trip home!

Nick LaPointe, Country Meadows, Hole #10

Thanks for the email. It was something I never thought I would accomplish.

It started off somewhat of a normal Saturday morning tee time, we usually have the first two tee times of the morning (7:00am and 7:10am). I’m usually at the course by 5:30am, however today I was running late and went right to the tee box. I was in the first group with Michael Boudrea, Brian Duff and Daniel Hebert. The round for myself was scrappy, shooting 6 over on the front 9. We got to the 10th hole, and I was second in line to tee off. The flag measured 147 yards on a slightly elevated tee to a front pin location on the Champion (blue) tees. I proceeded to hit a soft and controlled 9 iron which was executed as I pictured it, the ball’s trajectory was high and tracking towards the flag with a neutral flight, one bounce and rolled towards the cup until we couldn’t see if anymore. Brian thought it was sitting behind the pin. Since it was in the shadows, I verified with my range finder that it wasn’t on the green and must have gone in the hole.

Celebration isn’t my thing, so it was a gentleman’s handshake from my playing partners once we got on the green and verified it was at the bottom of the cup and moved on. Then it hit me…I was now 4 over with 8 to play and I wasn’t going to have a hole-in-one and shoot in the 80’s. The nerves kicked in knowing I had to put in a good back 9. Well, I managed to finish with 2 bogeys, 2 birdies, and 4 pars for a 4 over round of 76.

That’s the story. Just a beautifully executed controlled soft 9 iron from 147 yards.

Cheers,

Nick

Paul Woodward, Arrowsmith Golf Course, Hole #13

Well, it was a beautiful day for a round of golf and my wife decided to join me. We headed out to Arrowsmith Golf Course on Vancouver Island where I have been a member for a year and a half now. The scenery is spectacular, and the course is well kept and very challenging, especially the greens that always seem to slope opposite to your putt!

We were grouped together with Dan and Sandy, local golf enthusiasts that try to get out a couple times a week. It was on the 13^th tee box that a once in 40-year occasion was set up. The flag was at the back of the green on the top tier making it impossible to see the hole. The book distance was 151 yards from the blue tee off, being at the back figured at least 160 to the hole. I cleaned the 7 iron leaned into the swing and let it fly. I remember thinking that it looked really good, nice high apex dropping onto the top tier slightly left of the pin. 

Dan’s tee shot also made the top, but we could see his ball at the edge of the top tier. My wife, Denise, and Sandy made good tee shots but didn’t make the green. The lady’s made their second shots and now everyone was on the green. As I walked up to the top tier, I saw Dan’s ball but no sign of mine, so I automatically walked to the back edge to see if it had rolled past and down the back of the green. When I didn’t spot the ball, Denise said look in the hole and in absolute disbelief there it was, wow first ever “ace”.

I can only hope the next one comes sooner! I golfed occasionally in Alberta but after moving here two years ago, I average a couple games a week so I hope the odds are way better that I will cut the 40-year streak down to a couple years! It’s a tough but great game and I’m looking forward to a repeat performance.

Richard Betkowski, Highlands Golf Course, Hole #3

Hi! Richard calling from Highlands Golf Course (HGC) in Edmonton, Alberta. 

HGC opened on April 24th this year. I shot my first round on the 25th and while shooting my 2nd on the 26th, I aced the 3rd hole, 197 yards with a 3 metal and Srixon Soft Feel!

Watched it tracking and it was on a good line. Arriving at the hole with putter and chipper in hand, I went ball hunting. My fellow members were chipping onto the green, and I figured I went through the green not seeing my ball on the green. Checked the back of the green, nothing. Walked back to the hole and low and behold, my third ace!

Ron Gerlitz, DJ Coppens and John Keaveny were there to witness!

#3 on the 3rd!

Golf is the best ‘social event’ ever!

Ciao!

Richard Betkowski

Richard Penney, Forest City National, Hole #7

Thanks.

Playing partners: Steve Irwin, Zaya Lazar and Myron Hladyniuk.

Hole yardage: 163 yards to pin.

Club used: 7 iron.

Ross Lynd, Harvest Golf Club, Hole #16

It certainly was an exciting day! Our 16th is a steep uphill 151-yard hole from the white tee. I hit a 5 hybrid and as it landed at the front of the green, everyone in the group said, ‘that should be close’! Once arriving at the top of the hill no ball was in sight, so the excitement started to build. Playing partners Ross Shipley and Grant Cooper were the first to the hole and immediately raised their arms. Third playing partner, Doug Campbell, joined me in a cheer before congratulations all around.

It is my second hole-in-one having one on the 15th hole on the Melfort Golf and Country Club in 2001.

Thanks again.

Stephen Colford, Clovelly, Hole #7

Hi,

It is my 5th hole-in-one.

It was on the 7th hole at Clovelly which was measuring 141 yards long on Sunday. I hit a 7 iron into the wind. The ball hit just before the pin and one hopped into the hole. The ball mark can be seen in the picture.  I was playing with Charlie Follett, Ted Kwon and Peter Furlong.

Steve Colford

Stewart Storie, The Okanagan Golf Club, Hole #4

Playing with my wife, Gloria Heung-Storie, and Charles and Bill, Okanagan GC members. 157 yards. Used a 6 iron.

Stewart

Tommy Schurman, The Old Course at St Andrews, Hole #8

Hi there,

We did a guy’s golf trip to Scotland this past May of 2022. Peter Dunphy, Brian Francoeur, Mark Francoeur and I played 11 different courses in 11 days and one of them being…The Old Course in St. Andrews. May 26th to be exact. 

I had never been to Scotland before, so obviously it was also my first time playing the most famous golf course in the world…“The Home of Golf”!

Our foursome teed off around 3:00 pm local time and she was “a wee bit windy” that day. I can still remember asking my caddy what he would shoot on a day like today as he was a 40-year-old local and scratch handicap. He said, “I wouldn’t be playing in this!”. He also told me that if the greens were mowed at the height of when The Open Championship would be playing there in July, they would suspend the round as the ball wouldn’t be able to come to rest. Which is scary because I thought the speed of the greens that day was pretty freakin’ fast! Conditions were tough to say the least, but at least it wasn’t raining on top of it all. It was still a comfortable temperature to play as long as you dressed for it. 

Going along fairly steady for the first 7 holes. Get up on the par 3 eighth hole which is playing about 160 yards that day. Wind is howling out of the right and slightly helping. I’m last to hit in our group and I watch how all the balls seem to roll forever once they land on the green. Not that it really mattered as it’s basically just “hit and hope” in that kind of wind! I hit an 8 iron a tad thin, but in the direction I was aiming (way out to the right). After contact was made, my playing partners and all the caddies began to walk towards the green. I hung back waiting to see it as there was some longer fescue grass between the tee and green. Sure enough, that little white ball started rolling towards the back pin. It seemed to roll forever as I stood there watching it. 

All of the sudden, it disappeared and for a split second I wasn’t sure if it went in or off the back. But, luckily there was a golfer and caddy directly behind our green playing the 10th hole as it shares with #8. The golfer and his caddy both raised their arms in the air at the same time as the ball disappeared…and then my arms went up…and then all chaos broke loose! I really don’t remember much from that point until the video starts up on the green when I go to pick the ball out of the hole. 

There has not been a day that goes by that I ask myself, “Did that really happen?” because something like that…making an “ace” at the Home of Golf….is stuff out of dreamland.

Tyler Horning, Wildfire Golf Club, Hole #3

It was a very exciting moment. A bucket list item I was fortunate enough to experience.

I was playing with my father, Paul Horning, as well as Kenneth Michael Kelly and Pierre Hoppener. The card reads 113 yards from the whites. I used an 8 iron. Pin on the right side of the green over sand traps. Ball landed on the green about 8 feet from the hole, one hopped, and rolled straight into the hole. 

Regards,

Tyler Horning

Velma MacLean, Stanhope, Hole #10

Thank-you! I am very happy with my hole-in-one! 

I was playing with two friends, Rosemary MacArthur and Kimberly Ellis, at our home course, Stanhope Golf and Country Club, in PEI.

It was #10 hole which is 135 yards. I used my #3 Mavrik hybrid. It was a red flag! I hit the sweet spot on the club and the ball hit the front of the green, rolled up to the flag and then the ball disappeared. I was sort of speechless. My friends were more excited than I was! I was in disbelief until I picked it out of the hole!

I recently purchased my final couple of Mavrik irons so now I have a complete set and I absolutely love my “Callaway Mavrik clubs”. 

When I retired in 2017, I started golfing, took lessons from our Pro, Shannon Grinton, and got hooked on this sport! I play at least 100 rounds a season and love it!  

Thanks again!

Velma MacLean

When Luis Carrera woke up this morning over 4800 kilometres from his hometown in Mexico City, Mexico, the Canadian Men’s Amateur title was an attainable dream he could visualize if he stayed confident. Clearly, the strategy worked. Carrera fired a 66 during the final round at Point Grey Golf and Country Club to claim the title for the117^th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

“I was like, I think I can win this if I play good, but I’ve got to go get it,” said Carrera. “I’ve got to go take the chances that I get, and I’ve got to make some putts, and I knew I had to come and play well.”

The 22-year-old came out of the gate hot this morning when he made eagle on his first hole. The momentum catapulted him up the leaderboard and his consistent play awarded him a solid, bogey-free round.

“I made some good putts today,” he recalled about his most memorable moments of the tournament. “But I think the eagle on one [would be the most memorable]. That really got me going.”

Carrera might be a long way from home, but the University of Central Florida senior quickly won over the hometown crowd at Point Grey. With a near-tangible excitement, a beaming Carrera hoisted the prestigious Earl Grey Cup to a round of enthusiastic applause and, after a quick lesson, sabered a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

“It feels amazing,” said Carrera of the victory. I’ve worked really hard for events and to finally see the results and to win such a great event, it feels amazing. It’s such an honour and I’m so happy to do it.”

With the win, Carrera becomes only the second Mexican golfer and first since Rafael Alarcon in 1979 to take home the title.

Arriving at the course on Tuesday, the 22-year old found an unexpected piece of home when he ran into Rodrigo Pena, a golf services employee at Point Grey Golf and Country Club and an old friend who shared membership at same club in Mexico City. The surprise clandestine meeting led to Rodrigo serving as Carrera’s caddie for the final round and, well, the rest is history.

Carrera and Mississauga, Ont. native Robbie Latter went wire to wire for the majority of the day, with Latter finishing just two strokes back for the tournament at -8. In third place was Canadian Remi Chartier at 6-under.

When Carrera’s name is etched into the Earl Grey Cup later this year, he’ll join a list of notable Canadian Men’s Amateur Champions including PGA TOUR winner and Olympian Mackenzie Hughes (2011-12), PGA TOUR winner Nick Taylor (2007), Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Moe Norman (1955-56) and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Doug Roxburgh (1972, 1974, 1982, 1988) who was also in the field this week.

Along with the title, Carrera has earned an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship being contested August 15-22 in Paramus, N.J. This was his first time competing in the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

Team Québec charged ahead to win the inter-provincial competition in a seven-stroke victory over the host squad, Team British Columbia. Laurent Desmarchais, Christopher Vandette, and William Forgues shot a collective 3-under to become the ninth team from Québec to secure the title since the Willingdon Cup became an annual competition in 1927. Reigning champions Team Ontario rounded out the top-3 at 6 over par.

Quick Links:

Leaderboard
Course details
Championship history & past champions

For more information on Golf Canada’s Amateur Championships, click here.

In one of the most dominant performances in championship history, Shelly Stouffer breezed through the bracket to win the 60th U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur at Anchorage Golf Course. Stouffer put an exclamation point on the week with a resounding 4-and-3 victory over Sue Wooster in the 18-hole final to become the fourth Canadian to win the title.

Moments after Wooster missed an 8-foot birdie putt on the 15th, Stouffer, 52, of Nanoose Bay in the province of British Columbia, calmly rolled in a 3-footer for par to end the match. She raised her arms in celebration and hugged her 15-year-old son, Brett, who caddied for her throughout the championship in Alaska. It was an emotional end to a fulfilling week, the winning moment made all the more special because they could share it together.

“He knows my game because we play a lot together,” said Stouffer. “He was helping with reading the greens. He knows my clubs. He was awesome. He kept me calm.”

Stouffer sprinted out to an early advantage against Wooster and never looked back. She birdied the first hole to take a 1-up lead and doubled the lead with a winning par on the fourth. Stouffer moved three ahead when Wooster double bogeyed the par-5 sixth, and followed with wins on Nos. 8 and 9, the latter with a birdie, to take a commanding 5-up lead at the turn. 

“I’ve been feeling really good about my game, and I didn’t really have a lot of nerves,” said Stouffer. “We kept to our game plan. I’m like, ‘Why change it now?’ And it totally worked in my favor, I think.”

Few would have guessed that Stouffer would raise the trophy after her inauspicious start on Saturday. She made five bogeys and two double bogeys in Round 1 of stroke play, needing 37 putts in a 9-over-par 81 that left her T-45. 

But the next day, Stouffer was a completely different player. She rebounded with a 4-under 68 in Round 2 – the lowest in the championship by five strokes – to earn the No. 2 seed in match play. Stouffer never looked back, winning 37 holes and losing just eight over the course of her six matches. 

For Wooster, it was another disappointing defeat in a Senior Women’s Amateur championship match – her third in the last four years. Her 15 match-play victories since 2018 are second only to three-time champion Lara Tennant in that span, but the 60-year-old Australian has no hardware to show for it.

A day after coming back from a 3-hole deficit against Christie Blasi in the semifinals, Wooster could not turn the tide against Stouffer. She managed to win only one hole on the day – with a par on the 14th – but it was too little, too late.

“I’m so proud of myself for making three finals in four years,” said Wooster. “I’m not going to give up on winning this trophy one day. It didn’t happen today, but things happen in funny ways. I think my day will come.”

Stouffer is the eighth Canadian to win a USGA championship and joins Marlene Streit (1985, 1994, 2003), Gayle Borthwick (1996, 1998) and Judith Kyrinis (2017) as Canadian winners of the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur.

What the Champion Receives 

• A gold medal 
• Custody of the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Trophy for one year 
• A 10-year exemption into the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur 
• An exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur at Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles, Calif. 
• Two-year exemptions into the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur (2022 and 2023) and U.S. Senior Women’s Open (2023 and 2024)  

Despite the threat of rain in the forecast, skies remained dry over Point Grey Golf and Country Club for round three of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO. Canadians Robbie Latter and Eric Zhao lit up the leaderboard today, each shooting a cool 65 in the third round to tie for the top spot.

Latter, who calls Mississauga, Ont. home, carded five birdies and an eagle to ascend 14 spots in the race for the 117^th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship title. The Southern Miss sophomore finished T25 at last year’s event and won the Future Links (now NextGen) Québec Championship as a 17-year-old in 2018.

“My ball striking was very good today,” stated Latter. “Having my brother on the bag today definitely helped!”

Though 14-year-old Eric Zhao faced challenges on the 11^th hole, the birdies far outweighed the bogeys with an impressive total of nine filling his scorecard. The west coast seems to be treating the National Junior Squad member quite well this season. In May, Zhao was crowned Champion of the Junior Boys Division at the NextGen Pacific Championship in Nanaimo, B.C.

“Today, I focused on staying patient and accepting the shots I hit,” said Zhao. “I only thought about my current shot and never the past or future ones. It did help as I made two bogeys and a double but being aware of my emotions and redirecting my focus allowed me to come back.”

In tomorrow’s final round, Zhao looks to stay consistently calm.

“I want to do something very similar tomorrow. My only expectation is that I learn from this experience playing under heavy pressure,” said a humble Zhao. “I also don’t want to overthink anything and just focus on each shot as I play it, and maybe I’ll go home proud of myself.”

Rounding out the top three is St-Célestin, Que. native Jean-Philippe Parr. The 18-year-old shot his lowest round of the tournament at 67 to sit one stroke off the lead. Parr is also a member of Team Canada’s National Junior Squad.

Tomorrow promises to be an exciting battle of top amateur talent with an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship on the line. Not only will the winner etch their name into the historic Earl Grey Cup, but also into Canadian golf history – the competition being the oldest amateur championship in the country.

The awards ceremony will take place at approximately 3:00 p.m. PT at Point Grey Golf and Country Club.

Quick Links:

Leaderboard
Course details
Championship history & past champions

For more information on the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, click here.