MILTON, Ont. – Jonas Blixt has always struggled with overthinking on the golf course.

But the Swede cleared his mind on Monday for two rounds to finish atop the leaderboard in a U.S Open qualifying tournament at RattleSnake Point Golf Club. Blixt was tied for the lead after the day’s opening round and finished the day alone at No. 1 with an overall score of 10 under.

“Today I was just going to go out there and not think too much technically, and just play,” said Blixt with several players still out on the course. “I had some gnarly shots, but I saved myself and made some putts and things are going a lot better with my game.

“It was nice to see that today no matter what happens.”

Blixt is playing this season on a major medical extension. He’d missed several weeks of the PGA Tour season before competing in Monday’s qualifier and found playing 36 holes in a single day tiring.

Fortunately for him, the forecast called for heavy rain on Tuesday, giving him a ready excuse to miss practising at St. George’s Golf and Country Club to prepare for this week’s RBC Canadian Open.

“I’m going to be in my bed for a long time,” said Blixt with a laugh.

England’s Callum Tarren and Japan’s Satoshi Kodaira tied for second a shot back of Blixt to earn the other two U.S. Open berths.

It’s only the second time a U.S. Open qualifier has been held in Canada, with RattleSnake Point also hosting the event in 2019.

Jared du Toit of Kimberley, B.C., had to settle for one of two alternate spots after he bogeyed No. 18. Derek Bard of the U.S. took the other alternate spot for the third major of the men’s golf season, tying du Toit at 7 under.

Du Toit earned the first alternate position ahead of Bard after a three-hole playoff in the driving rain. That put du Toit in a solid position to still play in the U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., June 16-19.

“Oh it was not fun, especially bogeying my last hole to cause all that. It was kind of a punishment for bogeying the last hole,” said du Toit of the playoff. “I’m very fortunate that bogey didn’t really cost me and I was able to give myself some good looks in the playoff and then convert with a birdie.”

Three players withdrew from the qualifier on Monday morning, reducing the field to just 22 players despite having three berths at the prestigious U.S. Open on the line. There were eight other qualifiers happening across the U.S. on Monday, with the field in Canada the smallest.

“When I heard there was 27 players I thought there’d be only one spot and then to hear three I was like ‘holy moly!” said Tarren, who was originally scheduled to play in the qualifier at The Club at Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter, Fla., on Monday.

“But my caddy was like, ‘you may as well play in Canada because we’re playing the Canadian Open this week.’ So I changed it and it’s paid off.”

There were nine Canadians playing at RattleSnake Point. Toronto’s Riley Goss tied for sixth at 6 under and Michael Gligic of nearby Burlington, Ont., tied for 12th at 4 under.

Du Toit said that having a U.S. Open qualifier on the Monday before the Canadian Open and only a short drive away is helpful for growing the sport in Canada.

“It’s a great fit in the schedule with the Canadian Open being here,” he said. “The strength of field is great, which a lot of guys really liked.”

David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., and amateur Owen Mullen of Truro, N.S., who were paired together, tied for 15th at 3 under.

Branson Ferrier of Barrie, Ont., was 18th at 2 under, Brendan Leonard of Cambridge, Ont., was 19th at 1 under. David Li Sheman of Aurora, Ont., and Hamilton’s Michael Blair tied for 20th at even par.

CALGARY—Fred Couples and John Daly are coming back to Calgary and bringing with them the top rookie on the PGA TOUR Champions, Padraig Harrington,  for the 10th anniversary celebrations at the 2022 Shaw Charity Classic presented by Suncor, August 1-7.

The trio of major winners – Fred Couples (1992 Masters), John Daly (1995 Open Championship, 1991 PGA Championship), and Padraig Harrington (2008 PGA Championship; 2008, 2007 Open Championship) – are the first to add their names to the tee sheet when the PGA TOUR Champions’ lone Canadian stop makes a full return after operating under a modified structure and ticket price in 2021. The 10th-anniverary of the award-winning community event will feature a string of special events and activities for Calgary golf fans to enjoy for as low as $10.

Couples is the first World Golf Hall of Famer to commit to returning to Calgary.  A crowd favourite since the tournament’s inception in 2013, Couples won the 2014 event in thrilling fashion after a career-best final round 61 that included a chip-in eagle on the 54th hole. Boom Boom got sized up for a white cowboy hat after winning the first playoff hole over Billy Andrade.

“Calgary has been a very enjoyable place for me. I have always said, as long as I’m healthy I plan on coming here every year,” said Couples, who has 13 victories on golf’s senior circuit. “The people at Shaw are incredible. The crowds are huge. The course is always in great shape, and I feel like I play it well. There is nothing more a player could ask for. I look forward to getting back and participating during this special year for the tournament.”

A winner of 15 PGA TOUR events, the smooth swinging bomber is remembered most for his 1992 triumph at the Masters Tournament. Once graduating to the senior swing, he made an immediate statement. Finishing second in his first start, he went on to win his next three events, becoming the first player ever to win three of his first four tournaments. Couples has two major championship victories on the PGA TOUR Champions: 2011 Senior Players Championship, and The Senior Open Championship in 2012.

It will be a family affair when Long John Daly makes his first return to the Shaw Charity Classic since his lone appearance in 2016. The two-time major winner will be travelling to Calgary along with his son Little John who will be caddying after recently completing his freshman year playing golf at the University of Arkansas.

One of the most colourful characters in professional sports, Daly is a two-time major champion, a winner of five PGA TOUR titles and one PGA TOUR Champions title who is adored by golf fans around the globe.

The story of how golf’s “Wild Thing” burst onto the international scene never gets old. It was nearly 25 years ago when John Daly was the ninth and final alternate of the 1991 PGA Championship. A 25-year-old rookie, Daly drove halfway across the country the night before his first round at Crooked Stick Golf Club where he eventually went out and won the golf tournament – not to mention legions of fans around the world with his booming drives, deft short game and fearless approach to the game. He backed that up by winning the 1995 British Open at the Home of Golf in St. Andrews.

“I’ve always said I’ve got the greatest fans in the world, and Calgary is no different. No matter what, through thick and thin, they’ve always stuck by me,” said Daly. “This tournament always has huge galleries. There is nothing better than getting it going and having the fans get loud and crazy. That’s just the way I like them so I’m looking forward to getting up to Canada with Little John, and hopefully give the fans something to get loud about.”

Daly and Couples will have to fend off the top name in the PGA TOUR Champions’ rookie class for 2022, Padraig Harrington.

A three-time major winner, Ireland’s Padraig Harrington brings 31 victories worldwide with him to the Shaw Charity Classic. Not only was Harrington the first player from Ireland to win the Claret Jug in 60 years (2007), he was the first European to successfully defend his British Open title in nearly a century the following summer (2008).  A six-time Ryder Cup European Team Member added his third major title to his resume when he also won the 2008 PGA Championship which brought him to third in the Official World Golf Rankings.

“I really enjoy it (playing on the PGA TOUR Champions). I was shocked. I’m substantially longer than the field and yet I got lapped in the first two events,” said Harrington. “These guys were just running by me. I played with Bernhard [Langer] and he made me look like an amateur golfer. It was a lesson for me. If I want to go out there and beat these guys – just because you hit it past them ain’t going to do it. You have to be very good with your wedges and very good with your scoring.”

Three of the biggest names in golf are sure to help tournament officials make a continued impact in supporting the more than 260 youth-based charities benefitting from the Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink program. Donations can be made by visiting www.shawcharityclassic.com/donatenow.

“Fred Couples, John Daly and Padraig Harrington are three of a handful of players in professional golf who are needle movers,” said Sean Van Kesteren, executive director, Shaw Charity Classic. “Sport is entertainment, and these guys are exactly who fans of any sporting event want to come out and see. They are extremely talented. They still hit the ball a mile, and are colourful characters who are sure to entertain both with their play and while interacting with our loyal fan base.”

Single-day General Admission tickets for tournament play August 5-7, 2022, that are purchased in advance for the award-winning tournament will cost $10 while upgraded Clubhouse tickets purchased in advance will be only $30 (plus GST and fees). Juniors 12 and under are admitted FREE when accompanied by a ticketed adult. The deadline to purchase advanced tickets is July 31, 2022, at 11:59 PM MT. The RBC Championship Pro-Am (August 3-4, 2022) will also be FREE for spectators to attend.

Limited quantities of advance General Admission and Clubhouse tickets are available for purchase at www.shawcharityclassic.com.

Rocky Mountain House, Alta. – As the old saying goes, ‘age is just a number.’ Lucy Lin and Alex Zhang proved that theory right at the 2022 NextGen Western Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards.

Lin, 12, and Zhang, 13, showed maturity beyond their years – and then some – at Pine Hills Golf Club in Rocky Mountain House, Alta. They certainly were not the oldest in the starting field of 93 players but this week they proved to be the best, winning their respective divisions at the junior event.

Lin, a Vancouver, B.C. native, lead wire-to-wire in the Junior Girls division, shooting even-par or better in each of the three rounds to secure a two-stroke victory over Eileen Park – yet another youngster who proved her talents out west.

“I had a lot of fun, [gained] a lot of experienced, learned a lot and played quite well,’ said Lin.

Lin, the second youngest player in the field in the Junior Girls divisions, welcomed the challenge of competing against girls up to the age of 19, and says she was just trying to play her own game, hit every shot well and learn from the experience.

The west-coast prodigy is now turning her focus to a U.S. Junior Girl Qualifier and says her main goal for this season is to qualify for that event.

Park, the runner-up in the Junior Girls division and youngest competitor in the field, put her talent on display in Alberta and showed why her potential is amongst the highest of junior girl golfers in Canada.

“I don’t have any fears. I’ve played with these girls for a few years now, so I am kind of used to it,” said Park. “It’s actually pretty fun to play with the older girls now. There’s a little more challenge [though] because they hit it further than me.”

The 12-year-old says she is trying to hit more “bombs” and throw more “darts” to make up for the gap in distance from the older girls. It’s safe to say she did her fair share of dart throwing this week, finishing 2-under par for the tournament.

Shifting gears, Park says she hopes to win the U19 Provincial Championship and “maybe” the Alberta Ladies Amateur Championship.

In the Junior Boys divisions, Zhang mounted an improbable comeback in the final round, firing a 1-under 72 for a two-stroke victory over Charlie Gillepsie. The 13-year-old showed that no moment was too big for him in a field where many of his competitors had more experience under their belt.

“I wasn’t scared at all, but I viewed it as a good challenge for me and a good test of golf,” said Zhang. “It was really great for experience to see how they managed emotions and their shots.”

“I knew my game was feeling pretty good going into today. I knew I had to play my own game, not think about the score and who’s leading, and I would have a good chance of winning,” said the Richmond, B.C. native.

Click here for full results of the 2022 NextGen Western Championship.

Including Lin, the top six players in the Junior Girls division have earned exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Girls Championship taking place July 25-29 at The Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.

From the Junior Boys division, the top six players have earned exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 6-10, at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links in Kamloops, British Columbia. Tyler Kidd knocked off Cole Bergheim in a playoff to secure the final spot at Nationals.

About the NextGen Championships series, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards

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 2022 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

Bromont, Que. – The University of British Columbia’s golf team did it again, completing the four-division sweep at the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO and cementing their status as a dynasty in Canadian collegiate golf.

The T-Birds won the women’s team division for the fifth time in a row, and fifteenth time in the 18-year history of the event, while the men’s earned their seventh banner since the inaugural event in 2003. Aidan Schumer and Sonja Tang were crowned champions of the men’s and women’s individual events, respectively.

“We’ve probably been through as many hard times as good times […] It’s just been an incredible year – I’m very proud of them,” said head coach Chris MacDonald. “Everyone at this tournament works hard; they’re willing to put the extra time in [and] I think there’s a certain level of internal chemistry,” he said of the bond between the men’s and women’s teams.

The Thunderbirds women’s 98 stroke triumph sets the record for the largest margin of victory since 2004 and caps off a perfect season of 12 tournament wins is as many events played. The team of Sonja Tang, Élizabeth Labbé, Shania Remandaban and Grace Bell finished off a wire-to-wire win with a final round 3-over par 219.

“We work really hard, everyone here pushes each other on and off the course and it’s just really nice to have one last win in Canada,” said Tang, the 2022 Canadian University/College Women’s Individual Champion.

On the men’s side, team captain Ethan De Graaf, Aiden Schumer, Mackenzie Bickell, Russell Howlett and Dylan MacDonald combined for a tournament score of 7-under par 1145 for an eight-stroke victory over the Université de Laval Rouge et Or (1-over par 1153). The University of Victoria Vikes rounded out the top three at a total of 8-over par 1160.

Despite trailing by four strokes entering the final round, Tang pulled off the comeback, one even she didn’t think was possible.

“I still can’t believe it; I was back by four, I didn’t really think I had a chance but I just kept my head down and played,” she said. “I think I played pretty decent today.”

Decent is an understatement to Tang’s performance. After a one hour and 50-minute weather delay interrupted her final round, the Vancouver B.C., native headed back onto the course and withstood the howling wind conditions enroute to a final round 1-under par 71, to win by three strokes over her teammate Labbé. Remandaban and Bell rounded out the all-UBC top four.

Schumer held a one stroke lead entering the final round but dropped into a tie for the lead with Jacob Armstrong – one of the three second place finishers, along with Samuel Breton Gagnon and Alexis Leray – midway through his round. The Columbus, Ohio, native stepped on the gas late in his round to escape the pack and earn the title of 2022 Canadian University/College Men’s Individual Champion.

“I did have an idea [of the leaderboard] somewhat. I don’t think it was the worse thing in world. I knew the guys were struggling a little bit on the back nine, so I really felt a push to do something for not just myself, but for the guys,” he said. “I had those two birdies on five and six, that really just got me going and I put myself in a good place to comfortably come down the stretch and take it.”

For the 19-year-old, the win is no drop in the bucket.

“I am very privileged to be in this spot and I really have to enjoy it no matter what,” said Schumer. “I had to keep it in perspective, and I just focused on what I’ve been practicing my whole life.”

Schumer, who last won a tournament three years ago at the Ohio High School State Championship, says this was the biggest win in his young career as a golfer, but was quick to note that it was more than just a personal achievement.

“It’s hard to process right now, it still hasn’t fully sunken in [but] this is for the guys, this is for UBC,” he said.

Schumer’s tournament score of 277 matched the second lowest 72-hole score in tournament history, matching Lee French (2007), Scott Secord (2014) and Daniel Campbell (2018) who previously accomplished the feat.

Click here for more information including the leaderboard, final round pairings and course information.

Top-5 Women’s – Individual

Top-5 Men’s – Individual 

Top-5 Women’s – Team

Top-5 Men’s – Team

Bromont, Que. – It was a rainy morning, but the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds continued to shine in the third round of the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO at Golf Château Bromont.

On Saturday afternoon, the Thunderbirds will attempt the four-division sweep, looking to become only the second group in the history of the event to do so, and first since 2016. As it stands, UBC leads in the men’s and women’s team divisions, while Thunderbirds Élizabeth Labbé and Aidan Schumer sit atop the individual standings.

The T-Birds women’s team built on their notable lead in round three, which now stands at 77 strokes, just nine shy of breaking the record for the largest margin of victory in any of the team divisions at the event since 2004. That year, the Thunderbirds won by 135 shots.

The men in blue and gold stayed steady in round three shooting a combined 4-under 284, but it was the team in red and gold from Université Laval who made the biggest splash on moving day, combining for a 9-under 279.

Alexis Leray, who has flown under the radar all week, piloted his Laval team with a 4-under 68, and re-entered the conversation in the men’s individual competition. The 2021 RSEQ Champions will, however, need to make up at least six more shots on the T-Birds in the final round for any hope of a national championship.

Schumer, who finished birdie-birdie on holes No. 17 and 18 to take the outright lead, holds a one-shot advantage over Leray and Samuel Breton Gagnon (Champlain St-Lawrence) ahead of the final round.

“It’s just like with running; if you run more, you’re going to get faster. You’re to get better at anything you train, including your mind,” said Schumer on visualizing winning a national championship. “I definitely enjoy being in this position and regardless of the outcome, it’s been a really good week with the guys. Hopefully I can put together one more good round.”

Labbé stretched her lead to four strokes in the women’s individual competition with an even-par 72. Round three was a rollercoaster ride for the Lévis, Que., native, who made three bogeys out of the gate, but negated the slow start with five birdies coming in.

“I’ve been having a little more trouble settling into my last two rounds, so I’ve just been trying to be patient,” said Labbé. “Obviously the pins today were a little bit trickier and a little bit harder to reach, so I just stayed patient and I knew it would balance out.”

The Thunderbird, who has lead wire-to-wire thus far, says she feels more and more comfortable playing with the lead and for now, is simply focusing on what she can control: her own game.

As for scoreboard watching tomorrow, there won’t be any for Labbé – “I’m just going to do my thing and hope for the best,” she said.

Sonja Tang is four back of her teammate entering the final, while Shania Remandaban and Grace Bell round out the all-UBC top four in the women’s individual division.

A heavy rainfall early Friday morning delayed the start of the third round. With all hands on deck, the grounds crew took the necessary actions and the course was deemed playable at 9:30 a.m.

“Patrice Fredette and his team did an outstanding job of providing playing conditions worthy of a Canadian Championship,” said Martin Ducharme, general manager of Golf Château Bromont. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t contribute to the start of the third round, but the grounds crew did the necessary work, and I would say a miracle to get the course back in shape.”

As a result of the morning delay, the gas tank on daylight ran dry and forced a stoppage to round three at 8:31 p.m. due to darkness. Play resumed at 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning and wrapped up at 8:15 a.m.

A quick turnaround is in the works as the final round is scheduled to tee off at 10:00 a.m.

Click here for more information including the leaderboard, final round pairings and course information.

Top-5 Women’s – Individual

Top-5 Men’s – Individual 

Top-5 Women’s – Team

Top-5 Men’s – Team

Golf Canada and RBC are pleased to announce the final field vying for the US$8.7 million purse at the 2022 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in partnership with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. 

After a wait of 1,093 days and two years of cancellation due to the global pandemic, 2019 champion and world no. 7 Rory McIlroy returns to Canada looking to defend his title against a stellar field of PGA TOUR stars led by world no. 1 and 2022 Master champion Scottie Scheffler, world no. 3 and 2022 The Players champion Cam Smith, world no. 4 and 2022 PGA champion Justin Thomas and world no. 9 Sam Burns, a 3-time PGA TOUR winner in 2022.

Other notable additions to the field for the 111th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship include world no. 15 Matthew Fitzpatrick, world no. 16 Tony Finau, world no. 23 Tyrell Hatton and big-hitter Cameron Champ along with past Major winners, Shane Lowry, Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, Jason Dufner and Danny Willet. 

Team RBC will be represented at St. George’s by a collection of international and Canadian talents including world no. 38 Harold Varner III and 2013 RBC Canadian Open champion Brandt Snedeker along with world no. 34 Corey Conners and fellow Canadian PGA TOUR players Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor, Roger Sloan, Michael Gligic, Adam Svensson, and Taylor Pendrith.

The field for the celebrated return of the 2022 RBC Canadian Open includes five of the top-10 players in the world (Scheffler, Smith, Thomas, McIlroy, and Burns) and the top-four players on the current FedEx Cup ranking. Seven major championship winners (accounting for 11 titles) will compete along with eight 2021-22 PGA TOUR in-year winners, six past champions of the RBC Canadian Open, and 21 Canadians. 

“We are extremely pleased with the field of world-class competitors that make their way to Canada to join us in the celebrated return of the RBC Canadian Open and challenge for the 111^th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Bryan Crawford. “Led by our defending champion Rory McIlroy, this year’s championship features a strong mix of stars from all around the world and the deepest field of Canadian talent ever to challenge for our National Men’s Open title. Along with great golf, fans will be treated to an incredible festival environment with terrific on-site activities including the Recipe Unlimited Fareway food and beverage experience and the RBCxMusic Concert series featuring Flo Rida (June 10) and Maroon 5 (June 11). It is the return that Canadian golf fans deserve as we get set to kick off summer.” 

In total, 156 players will compete for the US$8.7 million purse next week in Toronto when the RBC Canadian Open returns to the storied Stanley Thompson design for the sixth time and first since 2010. 

Due to current Government of Canada travel restrictions extending beyond June 1, Team RBC ambassadors Webb Simpson and Matt Kuchar are not able to participate in the championship and have officially withdrawn from the 2022 RBC Canadian Open. Golf Canada and RBC look forward welcoming Simpson and Kuchar back to Canada for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.

Click here for a full field list for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open.

PGA TOUR Season Winners…

A total of eight in-year PGA TOUR winners accounting for 14 PGA TOUR titles in 2021-22 will compete at St. George’s led by 4-time winner Scottie Scheffler, 3-time winner Sam Burns, and 2-time winner Cam Smith. Other in-year PGA TOUR winners in the field include Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Luke List, JJ Spaun, and Chad Ramey. 

Past Champions…

Six past RBC Canadian Open champions will compete at St. George’s including Chez Reavie (2008), Sean O’Hair (2011), Scott Piercy (2012) Brandt Snedeker (2013), Jhonattan Vegas (2016-17) and defending champion Rory McIlroy (2019). 

Twenty-one Canadians to compete for their National Men’s Open Title…

Current PGA TOUR players Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor, Adam Svensson, Michael Gligic, Taylor Pendrith and Roger Sloan will lead a talented roster of 21 Canadians competing in the RBC Canadian Open. The 2022 event welcomes home a legend as 8-time PGA TOUR and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Mike Weir will make his 29^th start in the RBC Canadian Open. Other Canadians competing on exemption include David Hearn, Aaron Cockerill, Stuart MacDonald, Albin Choi, Myles Creighton, Jared du Toit, Brendan Leonard, Wes Heffernan, Callum Davison, and Max Sekulic along with Team Canada amateurs AJ Ewart and Johnny Travale. 

Final Tournament Exemptions to be Named…

The final four exemptions into the field for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open will be handed out at the Monday Qualifier on Monday June 6, to be played at Oakdale Golf and Country in Toronto, host site of the 2023 and 2026 RBC Canadian Open. 

Click here for the full current list of competitors competing in the 2022 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in partnership with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. 

Tickets for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open are available here.

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).

Alice Yeung, Glencairn Golf Club, Hole #17

Thank you for the email.

I was playing with my husband Joseph and a Korean couple, however, they left after playing 9 holes.

I had my hole-in-one on 24/5/2022 at Glencairn GC, Speyside #17, blue flag of around 140 yards, I used my 5 wood.  The ball ran really well on the green and along the break towards the flag, but owing to the slope, we could not see it ran in.  After reaching the green, we could not find the ball anywhere.  My husband walked to look at the hole, and saw the ball there.

This was my 3rd hole-in-one, my 2nd hole-in-one was at a charity golf tournament, I won $10K.

Hahaha, I will work hard on my 4th, and many more to come, cheers!

Alice

Alvin Shen, Scarlett Woods Golf Club, Hole #16

Thanks very much for this email!

I was paired with two other guys who were great to play with. The hole was only 80 yards and I hit a lob wedge. The ball actually clipped the end of a tree that hangs between the tee box and the hole. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the ball landing or going in. However, I was fairly confident it was on the green (80 yards is a great number for me – just a stock/smooth LW) and the line was right at the pin – so I thought it may be in the hole as I didn’t see the ball anywhere. After the short walk, we found the ball sitting in the hole!

Thanks very much,

Alvin

Brad Aitken, Islington Golf Club, Hole #15

Playing with Head Pro Phil K. and two long time friends since Junior days, Rick S. and Glenn S.

15 hole. 165 yards 7 iron. 

Brad Klein, Riverside Country Club, Hole #11

I was golfing with a couple of weekend golf buddies and fellow members of Riverside, Corey H. and Wes U.  The scoped yardage was 205 yards from our gold tees, I used a well struck, baby cut 4 iron.  Unfortunately, I did not see the ball fall into the hole, as the tee box angle and pin placement obscured the view of the green with the slight ridge just in front of the green.  My playing companions also hit good shots that looked to be green high, and as we approached the green we only saw two balls, it was at that point that I thought, maybe just maybe, I had my second hole in one of my 40 year golfing career.  Walked to the green with wedge and putter in hand, but low and behold I took a peek into the hole and there it was…slightly muted celebration, but high fives all around.

Happy to let you know it was just my 11th hole of the season…lol…tough way to start the season.

I am attaching a picture of the illustrious occasion, and you have my permission if you decide to share.

Thanks,

Brad Klein

Cam Robinson, Tor Hill Golf Club, Hole #17

I was playing with my friends from the Tor Hill men’s club. I was playing the West Course hole number 8 which is a beautiful downhill shot that is well bunkered and lots of trees to go over. We were playing the blue tees and it played 195 yards with the back pin position. I hit my 5 wood to clear the tree height and landed just short of the green and bounced up and rolled it into the hole. Although it is my 2nd hole in 1 this one in particular holds special meaning to me as my father’s ashes are spread around this hole and I was hoping that 1 day that I could get an ace there.

I am sure my dad was helping me out that night so thanks pops.

Thx.

Cam Robinson

Daniel Waugh, Metcalfe Golf Club, Hole #8

For my round at Metcalfe Golf Club, I was a single who was paired with a twosome whose first names were Phil and Tony (not sure about last names). 

Hole #8 was 180 yards and I hit a 7 iron. Slam dunk.

Dennis Campbell, Vernon, Hole #17

On May 24 I was playing in an interclub Seniors’ match at the Vernon Golf & Country Club. My partner was Rob L. from my club, the Kelowna Golf & Country Club, and our Vernon opponents were two much younger, fitter, and harder hitting players, Mike S. and Earl S. The 17th at Vernon was playing 178 yards that day into a strong breeze; I went up a club and selected my old 5 wood. The shot, a gentle draw, was virtually perfect, all four of us watched my ball disappear into the hole; Rob claimed he even heard it hit the pin.

The Vernon Back nine has two par 3’s, I tell everyone I played those two holes in 3 under par. It’s fun to watch some golfers ‘do the math’.

I’m 77, and currently playing to a13.  This was my 6th hole-in-one over 65 years playing golf; in perspective, considering  my 17,378 double bogies over the same time frame; I feel I deserved this one.

Dennis Campbell

Derek Melo, Oakville Golf Club, Hole #11

I was playing with Andrew C., Rob E., and Mike T. Yardage was 148. Played a less than full 6 hybrid cut shot. We couldn’t confirm from the tee block as the hole was cut just a few yards from the back of the green which was surrounded by deep rough.

As I walked to the green, I wasn’t seeing the ball in the back rough. My heart started to pound as I continued to the hole. Looked in and there it was!

Donald Veinot, Kenwo Country Club, Hole #2

Thank you – it was 152 yards uphill I used a 7 iron. Playing partner was Kyle D. You have permission to use it. Thanks again.

Hope you have a great day.

Donny Troschuk, Steinbach Fly-In, Hole #18

Thanks for reaching out to me about the great moment. I was on the 18th hole, par 3 playing 148 yds with a wind into us and off the right…pin was back right over the water and I hit a little extra club with my 6 iron. I had to the pleasure of sharing this experience with Ron T., Don T., Howard S. and Dan M.

Thanks,

Donny Troschuk

Doug Sherman, Bayview, Hole #17

I was with two longtime friends and regular early morning group, Troy M. and Gary K. and our ‘Sunday Guy’, Jeffrey A. The hole measured 150 yards, but downhill, so likely playing 140.

Calloway Big Bertha 9 Wood; it is the same club I used a few years ago for my other hole in one on the 12^th hole at Bayview; the hole in one was obviously great fun, but following it up with a finishing par was very cool too!

Thanks… very cool by Golf Canada!

Iain Carruthers, Dalewood Golf Club, Hole #17

I was playing with part of our usual group, Ron J., Bill E. & John P. Hole 17 goes straight north, there was a 35~40km/h wind out of the northwest into our face, so it was a choice of one or two extra clubs.

I went with two & hit a 3 hybrid with a slight draw, the wind just kept the ball heading straight for the flag until it disappeared from sight, my first ever hole in one.

Please feel free to use the story & photo as you wish.

Iain

Vaughn Perusse, Don Valley Golf Club, Hole #13

Thanks for the email. The hole-in-one I had on Sunday was my 4th, but most satisfying. My first was in 1995 on Dentonia Park #1. I have 2 other aces at Don Valley, #5 in 2000, #15 in 2020 and now #13 last Sunday. I was playing with my wife, Rossana Cossaro, and our regular playing partners Steve Lowe and Eduardo Gutierrez. I believe the yardage was 140 and the best part…my club was a Tom Auchterlonie hickory mashie from St. Andrews, about 115 years old!

Thanks, Vaughn 

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.

Golf Canada and RBC confirmed today that 8-time PGA TOUR winner and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Mike Weir has accepted an exemption to compete in the 2022 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto. 

With the appearance, Weir, the 2003 Master champion and past winner on PGA TOUR Champions who recently finished T4 at the 2022 Senior PGA Championship, will be making his 29^th start in the RBC Canadian Open, third-most in tournament history behind fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famers George Cumming (32) and Gordon Brydson (30).

Also accepting an exemption to compete in the 111^th playing of the Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship are PGA TOUR veteran David Hearn of Brantford, Ont. as well as Winnipeg, Man. native Aaron Cockerill who currently sits 40^th on the DP World Tour ranking. Hearn will be competing in his 18^th RBC Canadian Open while Cockerill will make his first appearance. 

A pair of Canadians currently competing on the Korn Ferry Tour – Stuart MacDonald of Vancouver and Albin Choi of Toronto – have also been extended exemption to compete at St. George’s. Choi, who is currently ranked no. 93 on the Korn Ferry Tour money list will compete in his sixth RBC Canadian while MacDonald, a member of Golf Canada’s Young Pro Squad who is currently ranked no. 111 on the Korn Ferry money list will play in his first RBC Canadian Open. 

Two other members of Golf Canada’s Young Pro Squad – Miles Creighton of Digby, N.S. and Jared du Toit of Kimberly, B.C. – have also been extended exemptions. Creighton will make his first-ever start in Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship while du Toit, who made a magical run in 2016 to finish T9 as an amateur, will make his fourth appearance.

Team Canada Amateur Squad member AJ Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C. will also compete in his first RBC Canadian Open. The 23-year-old sophomore at Barry University has earned seven career NCAA Division II victories including four this season. Ewart’s Team Canada teammate, 21-year-old Johnny Travale of Stoney Creek, Ont., has also accepted an exemption. 

A third member of the Team Canada Amateur Squad—Max Sekulic of Rycroft, Alta. will also compete in his first RBC Canadian Open, an exemption he earned by winning the 2021 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. Sekulic will compete in the RBC Canadian Open as a professional.   

Calgary native Wes Heffernan will compete in his seventh RBC Canadian Open, earning his exemption as the top finisher of on the 2021 PGA of Canada player rankings. 

Canadian Callum Davison of Duncan, B.C. (2021 PGA TOUR Canada season winner) will compete on an exemption previously earned through PGA TOUR Canada and will be joined by Delta, B.C. resident Yi Cao (2020 Canada Life Series winner). 

Brendan Leonard of Cambridge, Ont. recently earned a spot in the field by winning the RBC Canadian Open Ontario Regional Qualifier at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. The next 20 finishers from the Ontario Reginal Qualifier will join 11 players from the Quebec Qualifier (May 9 at Club do Golf Le Blainvillier in Blainville, Que.) nine players from the BC Qualifier (May 17 at Meadow Gardens Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, B.C.), and six from the Alberta Qualifier (May 30 at Mickelson National Golf Club in Calgary, Alta.) in the Final Monday Qualifier on June 6 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. Four exemptions from the Final Qualifier on Monday, June 6 will be available into the field of the RBC Canadian Open.  

A full Canadian contingent will also celebrate the return of the RBC Canadian Open led by world no. 34 Corey Conners, past PGA TOUR winners Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor as well as fellow PGA TOUR members Taylor Pendrith, Adam Svensson, Michael Gligic and Roger Sloan. 

Tickets for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open are available here.

TORONTO – June 2, 2022 – theScore Bet is elevating its presence in its first year as the Official Gaming Partner of the RBC Canadian Open, introducing a premium, first-of-its-kind on course viewing experience. theScore Bet Skyline Seats will bring fans up to 100 feet above the RBC Canadian Open Championship to watch tournament action like never before, overlooking the 1st and 18th holes at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in the greater Toronto area.

theScore Bet Skyline Seats will host tournament attendees high above the course to enjoy food and beverage, providing a bird’s eye view of the championship golf course and sweeping views of the Toronto skyline. The RBC Canadian Open takes place Thursday, June 9 – Sunday, June 12.

“To tee off our partnership with Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open, we wanted to create a memorable and completely unique golf viewing experience that adds real value for fans attending Canada’s premier golf event,” said Aubrey Levy, Senior Vice President of Content and Marketing, theScore Bet. “The Skyline Seats is a fresh, new type of sponsor activation for a sporting event and an execution that showcases theScore Bet brand in a way that speaks to how we’re innovating and consistently enhancing the fan experience, helping get fans into Bet Mode offline as we do online. We appreciate Golf Canada’s collaboration and willingness to push the boundaries to bring this very original concept to life.”

theScore Bet Skyline Seats Details:

• The experience opens on Thursday, June 9 at 9:00 AM.

• Patrons will have the opportunity to secure Skyline Seats spots by visiting theScore Bet’s on-course activations, including the BET MODE Putting Challenges and theScore Bet Members Lounge.

• The seating structure hosts 22 people, who will be harnessed into their seats.

• The experience in the sky is 30 minutes with additional time allotted for embarking and disembarking. Food and beverage is included in the experience.

Also new to the RBC Canadian Open Championship this year is theScore Bet Members Lounge, a premium hospitality space with complimentary food and beverage that overlooks the 18th fairway. The Lounge will be open exclusively to active theScore Bet account holders.

Additionally, BET MODE Putting Challenge stations will be set up throughout the course,  offering fans the opportunity to test their skills for a chance to win premium prizes, including the Skyline Seats experience.

The 2022 RBC Canadian Open is the first event to take place during theScore Bet’s multi-year partnership with Golf Canada. The partnership provides theScore Bet with access to activate across Golf Canada’s high-profile events and national championships.

theScore Bet Skyline Seats are operated by Events in the Sky Canada, part of a global group installing similar experiences around the world since 2006. Toronto-based SDI MKTG is supporting theScore Bet with its activations at St George’s.

Canada’s National Open Golf Championships will welcome a new wine partner as Golf Canada has aligned with Masi Wines, the historic Italian wine producer which celebrates its 250^th anniversary this year, as the Official Wine of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

Through the partnership, Masi’s premium portfolio, led by Masianco Pinot Grigio, the iconic red Campofiorin and the exciting new Fresco di Masi line – two refreshing organic blends perfect for summer – will be the feature wines poured at Golf Canada’s two National Open Golf Championships.

Masi will also elevate the summer festival atmosphere at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open with a pouring experience from the one-of-a-kind Masi Airstream Trailer that offers spectators a custom retreat at the Masi Wine Garden.

“Golf Canada is very proud to partner with Masi Wines to deliver a selection of premium wines to our two flagship properties,” said John Sibley, Chief Commercial Officer at Golf Canada. “Masi’s diverse wine portfolio is well-positioned as the Official Wine of Golf Canada as we look forward to building on the festival atmosphere at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.”

Masi is distributed in Canada by fourth-generation family-owned and operated Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants – a national fine wine and spirits importer and distributor headquartered in Mississauga, Ont. For Masi, the partnership will allow the wine brand to leverage Canadian golf while continuing to advance its brand profile and portfolio of golfing, hosting, ticketing, and media assets. 

“We are delighted to partner with Golf Canada and honoured to serve as the Official Wine of the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.” says Luc Desroches, Sales Managing Director, Canada for Masi. “Golf, like wine, brings people closer together and is at its best when shared amongst good friends. We look forward to introducing golfers across Canada to our exciting range of wines from the beautiful Venetian territories of northeast Italy and beyond. With golf growing in Canada (and Italy!) we are excited to be along for the ride as the preferred glass of the 19th hole.”

As the National Sport Federation, Golf Canada will conduct the RBC Canadian Open June 6-12, 2022 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto Ont. with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. The CP Women’s Open, takes place August 22-28, 2022 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.

Click here for more information on the RBC Canadian Open.

Click here for more information on the CP Women’s Open.