Blair, Goss avoid five-man playoff, advance to U.S. Open Final Qualifier

Michael Blair

CALEDON, Ont. – If you think you’ve heard the name Michael Blair before, it’s because you have. The Ancaster, Ont., native, who competed in the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, is now vying for a spot at this year’s U.S. Open and his odds just got a whole lot better.

The 30-year-old withstood inclement weather conditions in what seemingly was just another day at the office for Blair, who fired a cool 2-under par 69 at The Pulpit Club (Paintbrush course) on Monday to earn medallist honours in the local qualifying round.

Blair wasted no time getting to work on Monday morning as part of the first pairing to tee off in Caledon, Ont., and set the tone early for the remaining 75 players in the starting field.

After an even par showing on the front nine, he knocked down three birdies coming in, to claim the early clubhouse lead – one that was ultimately never surrendered.  

Riley Goss of Toronto, Ont. solidified his spot in the Final Qualifier with a 1-under 70, as a result of two birdies on his final five holes of the day. Goss also eagled the par-5 No. 8 earlier in the round.

Then, things got interesting:

  • Five: the number of players tied at even par
  • Three: the number of spots remaining for a berth in the Final Qualifier
  • One: the number of ways to settle the tie.

What does that equal? A playoff.

Jeff Fang, Steve Gonko, Chris Crisologo, David Li Sheman and Branson Ferrier entered the pot in hopes of pencilling their names into the next stage and with the stakes high, it was the latter trio of names who prevailed.

Cosologo, Sheman and Ferrier’s pars on the first playoff hole proved good enough to see them through to the final stage of qualifying for the 122nd U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Fang and Gonko will serve as alternates in the event that one of the qualifiers opts out of the final stage.

Players will be designated to the course of their choice for the Final Qualifier. To see the list of Final Qualifying sites click here.

For the full leaderboard click here.

Amateur

Golf Canada introduces new financial benefits at four 2022 National Amateur Championships

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Golf Canada is adding new financial benefits available to competitors at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, Canadian Junior Boys Championship, Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, and Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, each presented by BDO.

To help defray the cost of participation, a limited number of needs-based financial assistance grants will be available for competitors who must travel to play in the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and Canadian Junior Boys Championship. A total of 26 grants of $500 each will be provided to eligible participants based on family financial need using an application process that is similar to how universities allocate financial aid.

“Golf Canada recognizes the financial demands associated with attending national championships and sees this as a modest way to help junior players and their families,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director of Amateur Championships and Rules. “We will evaluate the impact of this pilot initiative as we plan for future years.”

In addition, in accordance with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, Canadian Junior Boys Championship, Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, and Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, will now compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD at each event. 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.

McKenna says these new financial initiatives are part of Golf Canada’s commitment to operating globally prominent amateur championships and its increased efforts to grow the number of Canadians competing on the LPGA Tour and PGA TOUR.

Applications for financial assistance grants for the national junior championships will open on May 16, 2022 and may be submitted by any junior golfer who qualifies for the Canadian Junior Girls Championship or Canadian Junior Boys Championship, both presented by BDO. For the financial assistance grant application form click here.

For more details about the financial assistance grants click here. For more information on the purse payout plan click here.

Amateur NextGen Championships

Angela Arora and Eric Zhao crowned champions at NextGen Pacific Championship

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Champions Angela Arora and Eric Zhao [NANAIMO, BC - 15 May 2022] Presentations following the final round of the NextGen Pacific Championship at the Nanaimo Golf Club. (Photo: Chuck Russell/Golf Canada)

Nanaimo, B.C. — After battling rainy conditions in Nanaimo this week, the final round of the NextGen Pacific Championship – fueled by JOURNIE Rewards wrapped up on Sunday at Nanaimo Golf Club with Angela Arora and Eric Zhao each securing a one-stroke victory to win their respective divisions.  

The 54-hole stroke play competition marked the first of eight NextGen Championships and featured a starting field of 119 male and female golfers.

For Angela Arora, who hails from Surrey, B.C., the win marks the second championship title of the calendar year following her victory at the CJGA Western Canadian Championship in March. Arora, a member of Team Canada’s National Junior Squad, fired rounds of 70, 74, and 76 to earn the top spot on the leaderboard.

“This week was great, my putting was really good the first day and that got me off to a good start,” said the 17-year-old. It built some momentum into the week and overall, my game was in great shape. I had a couple holes today where I didn’t play as good but I figured it out and I finished strong which I’m really happy about.”

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Angela Arora [NANAIMO, BC – 15 May 2022] Final round of the NextGen Pacific Championship at the Nanaimo Golf Club. (Photo: Chuck Russell/Golf Canada)

Eric Zhao, who finished second at the Golf Canada Junior Squad Selection Camp in 2021 recorded rounds of 73, 71, and 73. The 14-year-old Zhao is also a member of Golf Canada’s National Junior Squad.

“This week I tried to change my mentality a little bit,” said the North York, Ont. native. I tried to have fun throughout the whole week and honestly, if you have fun you’re probably going to play good so that’s a big takeaway from this week. It was definitely successful because I was way more confident over my shots.”

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Eric Zhao [NANAIMO, BC – 15 May 2022] Final round of the NextGen Pacific Championship at the Nanaimo Golf Club. (Photo: Chuck Russell/Golf Canada)

Including Arora, the top eight 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.

1Angela Arora (Surrey, B.C.)
2Lauren Kim (Surrey, B.C.)
3Rebecca Kim (Victoria, B.C.)
4Katie Cranston (Oakville, Ont.)
T5Lauren Zaretsky (Thornhill, Ont.)
T5Tina Jiang (Richmond, B.C.)
7Ella Weber (Burlington, Ont.)
8Amy Lee (Langley, B.C.)

From the Junior Boys division, the top eight players have earned exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 6-10, at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links in Kamloops, British Columbia.

1Eric Zhao (Toronto, Ont.)
T2Ben MacLean (Niagara Falls, Ont.)
T2Cooper Humphreys (Kelowna, B.C.)
T4Ethan Wilson (St Albert, Alta.)
T4Félix Bouchard (Otterburn Park, Que.)
6Caleb Davies (Langley, B.C)
7Owen Kim (Oakville, Ont.)
8Gavyn Knight (Parksville, B.C.)

For the full results, click here.

About the NextGen Championships, 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. 

Amateur

What are the Rules of Amateur Status?

Golf Canada flag
Parksville, BC — 03 June 2016 — Golf Canada branding at the Canadian University/College Championship at Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, BC. (Photo: Chuck Russell/Golf Canada)

This article covers:

  • The making of Rules of Amateur Status
  • Get to know golf’s Rules of Amateur Status
  • The 4 ways to lose your Rules of Amateur Status
  • What happens if you lose Amateur Status in golf?

You may think of the Rules of Amateur Status as the proverbial “antidote for insomnia.” But you are guaranteed some sleepless nights if you choose to ignore them.

You may be thinking, “I’m not a high-roller who plays for tons of cash so those regulations don’t apply to me.”

You would be wrong.

As in most things legal, ignorance of the law is no defence. And breaking the Amateur Status rules, even unknowingly, can mean you won’t be allowed to participate in any amateur competitions for a significant period.

These Rules were revised and updated effective Jan. 1, 2022. According to Susan White, Golf Canada’s Chair of Amateur Status, they “exist to maintain the distinction between amateur and professional golfers and to protect the integrity of the game by minimizing pressure on the Rules of Golf and Handicapping. They give golfers the opportunity to level the playing field and to compete against each other using their handicaps.”

Golf Canada realizes not all amateur golfers are created equal so there are several guidelines that apply only to those players who have low handicaps and/or compete in high-level competitions. They are referred to as golfers of “skill or reputation” and have been successful at the provincial level or compete at the national level. In a related development, the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the U.S. ruled last year that college athletes, i.e., amateurs, can profit off their name, image and likeness.

But for the majority of us, the Amateur Status rules come into play only when we are tempted to participate in a calcutta (an auction-style betting format often found at pro-ams, member-guests and other events), gambling on the course, playing in tournaments with high-value prizes, hole-in-one competitions, etc.

How can you lose your amateur status?

  1. Accepting a prize with a value exceeding $1,200 Cdn or accepting prize money in a handicap (not scratch) competition. However, this prize rule applies only to tee-to-hole competitions played on a golf course or simulator but does not apply to long-drive, putting or other skills competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-hole competition.
  2. Playing as a professional.
  3. Accepting payment for giving instruction with the exception of coaching at educational institutions and assisting with approved programs.
  4. Accepting employment as a golf clubs professional or membership in an association of professional golfers.

If you violate these rules, you will be subject to losing your amateur status, and your Golf Canada official handicap, for a length of time determined by Golf Canada. During that period, you cannot compete in any amateur competitions at any level. You must apply to Golf Canada to be reinstated.

For a complete explanation of the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, visit https://www.golfcanada.ca/amateur-status/.

FAQs

Can I play in a calcutta?

Yes, as long as the money is from the players who are betting on their own group and others. It cannot be compulsory to participate and cannot be supported by sponsors.

Can I gamble with others?

Yes. Within reason. There is no set amount because what is reasonable for one person may be different for another person.  The guidance is that it is a reasonable amount among the players involved.

What if I get a hole-in-one?

Congratulations! The prize limit does not apply to a hole-in-one made outside a tee-to-hole competition or during a tee-to-hole competition provided the length of the shot is at least 50 yards.

Amateur NextGen Championships

NextGen Championships open out west at Nanaimo Golf Club

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Nanaimo Golf Club

Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off this Friday, May 13, in Nanaimo, B.C. with the NextGen Pacific Championship – fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, captaining the ship.

The 54-hole stroke play competition will begin with a practice round on May 12, before the official tournament gets underway on May 13. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 50 Junior Boys and top 20 Junior Girls, including ties, for the final round which is scheduled to wrap up on May 15.

The starting field will feature 119 male and female competitors – 82 Junior Boys and 37 Junior Girls – vying for a spot in their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer.

The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 6-10, at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links in Kamloops, British Columbia. The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will also earn exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 25-29, at The Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ontario. 

Nanaimo Golf Club, located on Vancouver Island, was designed by the renowned Pacific-Northwest golf course architect A.V. Machan and is widely considered one of the most prestigious clubs on the island. Though its official opening dates back to 1962, it was not until 1968 that it operated as an 18-hole course. From the championship tees, the par-72 course plays long, challenging golfers to muscle it far down the fairway to best set up an opportunity at reaching the green in regulation.

To follow the live leaderboard click here.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Malik Dao

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(Fran Harris/ Golf Canada)

Malik Dao is a name to look out for on the greens of Nanaimo Golf Course this week. As a member of Team Canada’s National Junior Squad, Dao enters the NextGen Pacific Championship with a host of competitive golf experience to his name and a ton of success to boot. The 2020 Quebec Men’s Amateur Champion knows what it takes to win a NextGen Championship, having already done so in 2020, and will be looking for a repeat performance in B.C.

Angela Arora

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(Andrew Penner/ Golf Canada)

Angela Arora already has one championship under her belt in the calendar year, claiming the CJGA Western Canadian Championship at Mayfair Lakes in March, where she fired rounds of 72, 72 and 68 to win by one stroke. The Indiana University commit will now be looking to carry the momentum into Nanaimo this week but faces notable competition in fellow Team Canada National Junior Squad members, Ella Weber, Luna Lu and Yeji Kwon.

Lauren Zaretsky

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(Andrew Penner/ Golf Canada)

Lauren Zaretsky will be another name to pay attention to when the tournament kicks off on Friday. The Thornhill, Ont., native made big steps in 2021, winning the Ontario Spring Classic and the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, and will be searching for her first title of 2022 in Nanaimo, B.C.

About the NextGen Championships, 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. 

For more information on the NextGen Pacific Championship, click here:

19th Hole

Golf Canada recognizes member clubs celebrating an anniversary in 2022

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In a sport as storied and historic as golf, Golf Canada is pleased to recognize the 63 member clubs celebrating significant milestone anniversaries in the 2022 calendar year.

Highlighting the group are five member clubs who have been in operation since 1897, speaking to the cross-country passion that Canadians house for the sport.

All clubs celebrating an anniversary will receive a display plaque from Golf Canada to mark the occasion. Clubs reaching their centennial anniversary will also receive a commemorative framed letter, and clubs reaching the 125-year mark will receive a framed historical print.

125 Years

Calgary Golf & Country Club – Calgary, Alta.

Napanee Golf & Country Club – Napanee, Ont.

Old Lennoxville Golf Club – Sherbrooke, Que.

Peterborough Golf & Country Club – Peterborough, Ont.

The Riverside Country Club – St. John, N.B.

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THe Riverside Country Club

100 Years

Ashburn Golf Club – Halifax, N.S.

Briars Golf Club Ltd. – Sutton, Ont.

Burlington Golf & Country Club – Burlington, Ont.

Cedar Brae Golf Club – Scarborough, Ont.

Cedarhurst Golf Club – Beaverton, Ont.

Cherry Hill Golf Club – Ridgeway, Ont.

Connaught Golf Club – Medicine Hat, Alta.

Dufferin Heights Golf Club – Stanstead, Que.

Dunany Country Club – Wentworth, Que.

Glenboro Golf & Country Club – Glenboro, M.B.

Highland Country Club – London, Ont.

Hollinger Golf Club – Timmins, Ont.

Idylwylde Golf & Country Club – Sudbury, Ont.

Lookout Point Country Club Ltd. – Pelham, Ont.

Marine Drive Golf Club – Vancouver, B.C.

Oakwood Inn & Country Club – Grand Bend, Ont.

Pembroke Golf Club – Pembroke, Ont.

Penticton Golf & Country Club – Penticton, B.C.

Point Grey Golf & Country Club – Vancouver, B.C.

Portage Golf Club – Portage la Prairie, M.B.

Red Deer Golf & Country Club – Red Deer, Alta.

Redstone Golf Resort – Rossland, B.C.

Club de Golf Rosemère (Fontainebleau) – Blainville, Que.

Royal Mayfair Golf Club – Edmonton, Alta.

Sandy Hook Golf Club – Sandy Hook, MB

Club de Golf St-Jean – Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

The Thornhill Club – Thornhill, Ont.

Uplands Golf Club – Vaughan, Ont.

Uplands Golf Club – Victoria, B.C.

Club de Golf Val-Morin – Val-Morin, Que.

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Hollinger Club

75 Years

Cowichan Golf & Country Club – Duncan, B.C.

Pinebrook Golf & Country Club – Calgary, Alta.

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Pinebrooke Golf & Country Club

50 Years

Ainsdale Golf Course – Kincardine, Ont.

Beauty Bay Golf Club – Kenora, Ont.

Cedar Glen Golf Course – Williamsburg, Ont.

Kedron Dells Golf Club – Oshawa, Ont.

Club de Golf du Parc Kingsway – Aylmer, Que.

Le Grand Vallon – Beaupré, Que.

Club de Golf Le Loup de Baie St-Paul – Baie Saint-Paul, Que.

Club de Golf Les Saules – Rimouski, Que.

Golf & Academy Longchamp – Sherbrooke, Que.

Murray Hills Golf Course – Brighton, Ont.

Nackawic Golf & Country Club – Nackawic, N.B.

Outlook Riverview Golf Club – Outlook, S.K.

Pine View Golf Course – Gloucester, Ont.

Club de Golf Rivière Rouge – Coteau-du-Lac, Que.

Club de Golf Ste-Flore – Shawinigan, Que.

Club de Golf St-Jean-de-Matha – St-Jean-de-Matha, Que.

Club de Golf St-Jérôme – St-Jérôme, Que.

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Cedar Glen Golf Course

25 Years

Bell Bay Golf Club – Baddeck, N.S.

Dragonfly Golf Links Ltd. – Renfrew, Ont.

ElleGolf – Calgary Women’s Golf Club – Calgary, Alta.

Innisfil Creek Golf Club – Cookstown, Ont.

Club de Golf l’Empress – Rimouski, Que.

Lake Joseph Golf Club – Port Carling, Ont.

Métropolitain d’Anjou – Anjou, Que.

Royal Charbourg – Quebec City, Que.

The Meadows Golf and Country Club – Niagara Falls, Ont.

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Lake Joseph Golf Club
Inside Golf House

Take advantage of exclusive member savings from RBC Insurance

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Please see your policy for all terms and conditions. Home and Auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, RBC Insurance does not offer auto insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

Service provided by Aviva General Insurance Company. Clients may call 1-888-885-5915 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, ET). Service not available in Quebec. Quebec residents may call 1-888-563-7119 for questions about their policy and coverages.

PGA of Canada

Gord Percy named 49th President of the PGA of Canada

Gord Percy
Credit: PGA of Canada

An introduction from his daughter, Paige Percy 

Today, Gord Percy was named the 49th president of the PGA of Canada at the association’s Annual General Meeting. The PGA of Canada, first established in 1911 is the second oldest and third largest professional golf association in the world. 

Percy is an esteemed community member, golf professional, and golf industry leader. I would also say he is the best father in the world. He once said in an article about his career that his primary motivation is his children, so it feels only fitting that his daughter is the one to introduce him as the new President of the PGA of Canada. 

I was lucky enough to work for my dad for many years at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club as a back shop and pro shop employee (since then, my dad has moved to become the Head Professional and General Manager at Smiths Falls Golf Club). 

One of my favourite parts of working for him was our drives to and from work. Sometimes during those drives, we would listen to the news or music, but more often than not we would talk about golf – not just about how he was playing, but about growing the game, changes in the industry, and memories over his lifetime. These conversations brought up industry challenges, dreams of what golf could be in the future, and a lot of nostalgia.

My favourite stories my dad tells are often about his adventures and experiences as a young golfer in his hometown of Verona, Ontario. He was first introduced to golf, not at a course, but at home, by his babysitter while his parents were at work. He transitioned from playing golf around the house to Rivendell Golf Course (although he certainly still plays a lot of golf around the house, even today).

He still holds the course record of an 11-under par, 60 at Rivendell!

Growing up, I often heard stories about him giving golf lessons to senior members, setting course records, and making shots he sometimes still considers his best. 

Although an injury changed his career trajectory, he still aspired to work in the golf industry and ended up getting a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from Queens University and a Professional Golf Management Graduate Certificate from Humber College. 

His ability to change direction, persevere and still follow his passions are the same qualities he has instilled in my brother and me. He has always emphasized the importance of pursuing education, whether formal or informal, which the PGA of Canada has further supported through their Ian Webb scholarship program for members’ spouses, children, and grandchildren. 

At home and at work, supporting education and professional development is a top priority for my dad.

“I think the big things for me are finding ways to get pros into jobs where they can have successful careers and can stay with it,” he says. “You used to hear stories about pros working a ton, not making a lot of money, and not having that work-life balance. I think we’re moving in the right direction but there is still some work to do. The education, continuing being innovative with it, and getting more people interested and using that platform – that is all very important to me.” 

It’s clear that growing the game of golf has always been a passion for my dad. This is particularly evident when he runs junior golf camps or gives junior lessons. During these camps I got to watch so many young people become passionate about golf through his teaching. His ability to inspire and teach is a talent he’s had since the beginning of his career. 

I’m so proud that to him growing the game isn’t just about getting more people to play. Rather, it is about making sure that as the game of golf grows in an inclusive way. Whether it is attending events for military veterans golfing, working with organizations to provide youth memberships, or prioritizing growing the game for women, he works to make sure golf grows inclusively. 

He was instrumental in having Brooke and Brittney Henderson both join the PGA of Canada and is proud he was part of naming our Female Player of the Year award after Brooke.  Having known the family since his early days of being a professional he is proud to have fit Brittney for her first set of Ping Clubs that would later become Brooke’s.  Brooke went on to use an old 46 inch extra stiff driver with his name imprinted on it that she had much amateur success with.  He jokes its his fault she chokes up on her clubs.   

The PGA of Canada has also taken this up through their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, which he was involved with and personally invested in. This extends his commitment to making sure that golf takes care of its professionals. He says priority for him going into his presidency is ensuring golf professionals across Canada have access to support, such as through the Members Assistance Program, the mentorship program, and the Benevolent Fund. 

 “Another thing that really is important to me; I’d like to find a way to help our members more – in sync with the Benevolent Fund – whether it is getting them more benefits from being a golf professional, or more value added so that we can help everybody out,” he says.

Over the last several years, it’s been so exciting to watch my dad take on his board leadership roles, first with the PGA of Ottawa, and most recently with the PGA of Canada. I’ve seen him work with people across the country and globally, making sure the golf industry is not only innovative, but fun. I most recently witnessed this during the 2021 RBC PGA Scramble, which brought professional and amateur golfers from across Canada together in Cape Breton. The event highlighted how golf experiences can change people’s lives and bring people together, something my dad truly appreciates and emphasizes in his work. 

The 2021 season marked his 25th season as a PGA professional. During his career he has won numerous tournaments and has received accolades such as Ottawa Zone Teacher of the Year, Assistant of the Year, and Golf Professional of the Year. Although he has amassed many trophies and awards over the years, he always says he’s most proud of being a father. Likewise, as he becomes President of the PGA of Canada, I am still most proud along with my brother Ethan that he is our father. 

Percy succeeds Teejay Alderdice as President, while Scott Kolb becomes Vice-President of the Association. In addition, Tiffany Gordon becomes the first female Secretary of the Association. 

The full list of Directors of the Association includes: 

For 3 years 
Alberta – Mrs. Tiffany Gordon 
Ontario – Mr. Simon Bevan 

Québec – Mr. Rémi Bouchard 

For 2 Years
Northern Ontario – Mr. Travis Spiess
Manitoba – Mr. Adam Boge 

Ottawa – Mr. Gordon Percy 

For 1 Year 
British Columbia – Mr. Scott Kolb 
Saskatchewan – Mr. Jeff Chambers 
Atlantic – Mr. Gordon Smith

  

Team Canada

Salimah Mussani makes collaboration the heart of her coaching plan for Golf Canada

Salimah Mussani
Salimah Mussani, Team Canada Women's Head Coach (Golf Canada)

Golf may be an individual sport, but Salimah Mussani believes that collaboration will take Canada’s golfers to the next level.

Mussani was named the head coach of Golf Canada’s women’s team last Friday and the Burlington, Ont. native has already set to work conferring with players and alumni alike. It’s all part of Golf Canada’s stated goal of having a total of 30 golfers on the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour within the next decade.

“How we actually get them there is by making sure they have that support team, making sure they have access to all the things that they need,” said Mussani. “Whether it’s finances, whether it’s a technical coach, whether it’s some specialty, whatever it is, you know, physio, chiro, acupuncture.

“Whatever it is that they need, that we can help them to have to be their best selves, I think is kind of the crux of getting them there.”

Part of Mussani’s process is to acquire as much information as possible from a variety of sources. Golf, like many professional sports, is increasingly data driven with analytics able to show athletes how their play is developing over a season shot-by-shot.

Mussani said she and assistant coach Jennifer Greggain will rely on that hard data but are also looking into anecdotal input. To that end, she has sent a survey to alumnae of Golf Canada’s programs, including Hall of Famers Lorie Kane, Gail Graham and Marlene Streit, to find out what they think could help the current generation of golfers.

“It’s just a matter of putting all these puzzle pieces together,” said Mussani. “I think that’s kind of the beauty of where I am right now.

Salimah Mussani

“Everybody’s working toward the same goal and the same vision, which makes it that much more fun.”

Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee, a member of Team Canada’s young pro squad, said she appreciates Mussani’s collaborative approach. Lee believes that a healthy team-first culture will lead to strong results, even for a sport like golf which ultimately comes down to individual performances.

“(Mussani) wants to come in here and make a difference,” said Lee. “She’s not just coming here with her own ideas of what she wants to do and what she thinks it’s going to be best for the team. She’s reaching out to alum and asking what their opinions are of the program and what they felt could have been changed while they were on the team.

“I think that’s a testament to who she is, how she’s taught us, and gives a little bit of insight of how she’s going to run this team going forward.”

Mussani is a two-time Ontario junior champion, a two-time Canadian junior champion, and a key member of an NCAA runner-up golf team at Stanford University. She also competed as a professional on the Epson and LPGA Tours, as well as the former Canadian Women’s Tour.

She has held assistant coaching roles with Stanford University, University of British Columbia, and Team Canada.

Mussani believes that her background as a player and experience working with varsity athletes gives her valuable insight as a coach. She also said that being a woman coaching young women may be helpful to building relationships.

“I think, for a player to relate to a female coach, I think it’s a lot easier,” said Mussani, who noted she’s working primarily with young women between the ages of 17 and 25. “I think of myself when I was a 19-year-old girl. It would have been hard for me to pick up a phone and call an older guy and be vulnerable.

“I’ll have that closer path for the girls to get to know them and to forge that relationship in a little closer knit way.”

Maddie Szeryk agrees with Mussani. The young pro squad member from London, Ont., said that she’s looking forward to building a relationship with her new head coach.

“I think that’s part of what makes her relatable, we all feel comfortable in talking with her,” said Szeryk. “She’s just really helpful and I think just very easygoing but also is a great coach and is firm with things. She’s very encouraging.

“She’s just really eager to get going and wants to know how she can help us, looking at stats and coming out to tournaments. I know she’s really excited for the role and I think we’re all really happy for her.”

RBC Canadian Open

RBC Canadian Open gear available online now!

RBC Canadian Open eStore

The PGA TOUR’s long-awaited return to Canada is on the horizon and what better way to get started than by shopping the official gear of the 2022 RBC Canadian Open by Levelwear, available online today.

From polos and outerwear to accessories and headwear, the RBC Canadian Open e-store is stocked with everything you need as Canada prepares to welcome the world to St George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ont., on June 6-12.

Coast-to-coast

Whether on-site at the RBC Canadian Open or watching from afar, we’ve got you covered with all your favourite items. Thinking about teeing it up in the morning before watching the pros compete down the stretch on Sunday? Stay warm with this Men’s Firstlite Vest by Levelwear.

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One-stop shop

The RBC Canadian Open is the lone stop north of the border on the PGA TOUR this year, so don’t miss your chance to get your hands on some of the hottest apparel online at the eStore. These Women’s Chance Polo shirts are going fast, so get yours while supplies last to stay cool in the summer sun as you cheer on a strong Canadian contingent from The Rink on 16.

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Tip of the cap

No time to do your hair in the morning after rocking out to Flo Rida and Maroon 5 at the RBCxMusic Concert Series? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a full range of headwear, including this Razor Visor in honour of Team RBC member and two-time Master’s champion Bubba Watson.

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Lazy Sundays

Comfort is key on the tee and at home. Sit back, relax and enjoy the RBC Canadian Open in this Women’s Loop Pullover sweater as Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes bid to win the coveted title on home soil.

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To shop the official gear of the RBC Canadian Open by Levelwear click here.