Brooke Rivers: Challenge Accepted
The late great Arnold Palmer once said: Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated and that’s something that resonates with Brooke Rivers. The second year member of Golf Canada’s National Team Program acknowledges golf is a sport that requires a lot of attention to detail – and that suits her just fine because she enjoys being a student of the game.
Hailing from Brampton, Ont., Rivers—who turns 17 on March 17th—played a number of sports growing up. Besides spending time on the links, she also enjoyed time in the hockey arena, on the soccer field and the softball diamond. But she was drawn to the unique challenges on the golf course.
“Golf is such a big passion for me because there are so many intricate details to the game and there is always something to learn. It is such an exciting sport and it is very rewarding to see results from my hard work”
BROOKE RIVERS
The junior standout understands one of the biggest secrets to success on the golf course is simply to be consistent. However, being able to achieve this consistency regularly in every tournament is the complicated part that requires hard work, dedication, and attention to detail.
Since shifting her focus solely to the sport, Rivers has accepted the challenge of being the best golfer she could be. And she’s enjoyed some impressive results.
In 2019, she won the NextGen Quebec Championship and the Coca Cola Junior Championship.
In 2020, she claimed the AJGA Visit Tallahassee Junior Championship and followed that up by capturing the prestigious North and South Junior Championship in 2021.
The victory at Pinehurst for the 43rd Girls’ North and South Junior earned her automatic entry into this year’s Women’s North and South Amateur, which will be held in July.
She likes the fact that golf allows her to enjoy the outdoors and meet people from all around the world. And on the golf course, the talented young Canadian has some specific short term goals she would like to meet.
“Over the next year I would like to improve my game and my scoring average as well as gaining entrance into some elite Women’s events,” she noted.
Rivers says being part of the National Team Program has played an important part in the development of her game.
“Golf Canada’s National Team Program has provided resources such as personal training and mental coaching which has been very helpful”
Brooke Rivers
“In addition, there has been the added support of coaches coming to tournaments. This has been a big advantage as I was able to gain new ideas to aid in my preparation.”
Rivers currently has her sights set on the next challenge on her golf journey. That involves playing NCAA Division I golf where she plans to continue her learning and development in the classroom and on the golf course.
“Over the next five years, I would like to be placing well at collegiate events,” said Rivers, who recorded an impressive second place showing at the 2020 Ontario Amateur Championship.
The second year National Team Program members says she is motivated by the success of former alum Brooke Henderson as well as others who have gone through the program.
And with the support of Golf Canada, Rivers is committed and dedicated to challenge of reaching her full potential and being the best golfer she can be.
“It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get my game to where it is now and I know that I will have to keep training hard and learning every day to get my game to the next level.”
Watch: Gender Equality in Golf – Virtual Summit
The Canadian Golf Journalists Association (GJAC), in partnership with RBC, conducted a virtual summit on gender equality in golf.
The panel (moderated by Leah Bathgate-Snethun) includes:
- Mollie Marcoux Samaan – LPGA Commissioner
- Mary DePaoli – EVP Marketing/Sponsorship, RBC
- Beth Ann Nichols – GWAA President/Golfweek
Aaron Cockerill records career-best T2 finish on the DP World Tour
Appropriately enough, it was a magical week in Kenya for Aaron Cockerill.
At last week’s DP World Tour event – the Magical Kenya Open – the Winnipeg native finished tied for second. It was his best career result across the pond, and it came with both the biggest paycheque he’s ever cashed (just over CAD$180,000) plus a little more job security for the balance of the year.
“It was fun when they send you that text where you finish and what you made for the week,” said Cockerill with a laugh.
The 29-year-old jumped 190 places in the in the Official World Golf Ranking to 351 after his result Sunday. It’s the best spot he’s ever hit in his career.
Cockerill has spent the last month playing golf in Africa. He played three Challenge Tour events before teeing it up on the DP World Tour in Kenya, and the next two weeks’ events are in South Africa. Cockerill made two of the three cuts on the Challenge Tour (like the Korn Ferry Tour in North America) but didn’t have any good finishes – “that’s just how golf can be sometimes” – but arrived in Nairobi and found an elevated comfort level on the golf course.
“Nothing was really that different. Just put myself in a different spot through a couple of days, had a good weekend, and hung around and it turned out to be a great week,” said Cockerill.
Cockerill, whose wife Chelsea travels with him often and can usually be found caddying for him, said he’s been able to adjust well to the rigors of the DP World Tour over the last few seasons. When he first headed over the Atlantic to try his hand on the then-European Tour he was star-struck. He’s young enough, he said, to have watched most of the guys he was competing against on TV growing up.
COVID-19, although incredibly difficult for travel and logistics, basically gave Cockerill a ‘bonus’ year in Europe. That allowed him to spend more time with the guys he was competing with week in and week out.
“I pretty much know everyone in the field now,” he said. “When you play with them, you’re talking about things you already know about them. You’re not introducing yourself.”
Cockerill’s tie for second in Kenya (he finished four shots back of winner Ashun Wu of China) moved him to 28th on the DP World Tour’s season-long points list. At the start of 2022 Cockerill didn’t have good status, so his plan was to tee it up at five Challenge Tour events and five DP World Tour events, see which Tour he was playing better on, and go from there.
Having such a great result at the early part of the season has now, essentially, given him DP World Tour status for the balance of 2022.
Cockerill is hopeful for an exemption this year into the RBC Canadian Open (he’s currently the 9th-ranked Canadian male in golf, with seven of those ahead of him PGA Tour regulars) but has a laser-like focus on getting to the DP World Tour’s ‘Category 10’ status ranking – equivalent to finishing inside the top 125 on the FedExCup standings on the PGA Tour, which would allow him to pick and choose his schedule overseas.
Despite the huge paydays available on the PGA Tour, Cockerill is quite comfortable playing his worldly schedule. If he could lock in full-time DP World Tour status it’s likely he’ll stick it out there instead of making a PGA Tour run.
“It’s so fun,” he said. “The travel and the places you get to go… it’s more difficult and there is huge money on the PGA Tour, but there is something about it over here where it’s really a blast.”
Now Cockerill is hopeful to parlay some early-season success into some more, well, magic.
“I think the biggest thing I took away is, regardless of the finish, I just felt very confident and comfortable in the situation (on Sunday). To know that I can be there on Sunday and feel good about it and put together a good round when it mattered was the biggest takeaway for me,” said Cockerill. “It being my best finish was just a bonus but the whole process was fun and very rewarding.”
Golf Canada releases 2022 championship schedule
Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2022 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at golf facilities across Canada.
The 2022 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s signature professional championships — the RBC Canadian Open, June 6-12, at St. George’s Golf & Country Club with host practice facility, Islington Golf Club in Toronto, Ont., and the CP Women’s Open, to be conducted August 22-28 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.
Golf Canada’s 2022 competition calendar includes nine National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms. Interprovincial team competitions played concurrently over the first 36 holes at select national championships will return in 2022.
As the National Sport Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships to support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.
“Golf Canada is incredibly proud to return to a full championship schedule in 2022 and welcome more than 3,000 talented Canadian and international athletes to our national championships,” said Golf Canada’s CEO, Laurence Applebaum. “Together with our host clubs, corporate partners, and volunteers that help drive the success of our events, there is incredible momentum in our sport as we look ahead to the 2022 season.”
Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off on May 13 in Nanaimo, B.C. with the NextGen Pacific Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards at Nanaimo Golf Club, and concludes in October with the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by Sargent Farms at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.
To view Golf Canada’s 2022 championship schedule, including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities, please click here.
Championship Season at a Glance…
The 18th playing of the Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO will be held June 1-4 at Golf Château Bromont. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.
The 108th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO takes place July 19-22 at Westmount Golf & Country Club in Kitchener, Ont. with the champion earning an exemption into the 2022 CP Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. The winner also receives exemptions into the 2023 U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2022 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championships, if applicable.
The 67th Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO will be contested July 26-29 at The Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont. where the winner will earn an exemption into the 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2023 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
The 117th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 1-4 at Point Grey Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, B.C and Seymour Golf & Country Club in North Vancouver, B.C. A maximum field of 264 players will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes, with the final two rounds contested at Point Grey. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2023 U.S. Open, and if applicable, will earn an exemption into the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur, 2022 U.S. Senior Amateur or 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championships.
The 83rd playing of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 7-10 at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops, B.C. with the winner earning an exemption into the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be held August 23-26 at The Thornhill Club in Thornhill, Ont., while the club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this season.
The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and Senior Championship, presented by BDO will be held August 30 – September 1, at Breezy Bend Country Club in Headingley, M.B. with the Senior champion earning an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Open.
As part its centennial anniversary, Red Deer Golf & Country Club in Red Deer, Alta. will host the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO from September 6-9, with the champion earning an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.
The second playing of the Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, a national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, will be held September 13-14 at Essex Golf & Country Club in Windsor, Ont.
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. The 2022 NextGen Championship host clubs include Nanaimo Golf Club (Nanaimo, B.C.), Oak Bay Golf Club (Port Severn, Ont.), Pine Hills Golf Club (Rocky Mountain House, Alta.), Quarry Oaks (Steinbach, MB), Club de Golf Hemmingford (Hemmingford, Qué.), and Antigonish Golf & Country Club (Antigonish, NS). An additional two Fall Series championships will take place in September and October, where players will compete for exemptions into their respective 2023 national junior championships.
An accomplished field of international competitors will take to Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont., from October 10-15, for the seventh annual World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by Sargent Farms. The event will welcome 25 countries playing as 3-member squads competing for both a team and individual title.
Golf Canada has also confirmed that it will not be continuing with the National Orders of Merit, beginning in 2022. Previously used to track golfer performance, the rankings will be replaced by a comprehensive talent identification system that supports the new Canadian golf high-performance strategy.
Team Canada’s Katie Cranston wins DJ World Junior title, teammate Nicole Gal finished 3rd
MURRELS INLET, SC – It was a weekend to remember for Team Canada member Katie Cranston.
Cranston, a native of Oakville, Ont., shot a remarkable 4-under 68 in Sunday’s final round to erase a four-stroke deficit on her way to capturing the girls title at the Dustin Johnson World Junior Championship.
The 17-year-old’s clutch final round at TPC Myrtle Beach was boosted by an ace on the par-3 13th which helped her close out the event at 5 under par (68-75-68). She finished with a four-stroke victory over Bailey Shoemaker (Dade City, Fla.).
Fellow Team Canada member (and Oakville native) Nicole Gal rounded out the top three with a share of third place at 5 over par. Gal won the 2019 Drive, Chip & Putt Championship at Augusta National.
Now in its seventh year, the Dustin Johnson World Junior features 90 of the top international players from around the world.
Click here for full scoring.
Henderson finishes T6 at HSBC Women’s World Championship
SINGAPORE – Last Thursday, the LPGA Tour took to Sentosa Golf Club for the 14th time for the HSBC Women’s World Championship. It was here where Brook Henderson recorded her third top-10 LPGA finish of the season, firing five under 67 to finish tied for sixth place.
Leader Jin Young Ko earned her sixth win in her last 10 LPGA Tour starts and set two new benchmarks in the record books, marking her 15th consecutive round in the 60s and her 30th consecutive round under par.
Next week the LPGA Tour heads to Thailand where Henderson will compete in the Honda LPGA Thailand.
Full leaderboard here.
Cub Cadet becomes official lawn mower partner of Golf Canada
Golf Canada and Cub Cadet are excited to announce an integrated partnership that makes Cub Cadet the Official Lawn Mower Partner of Golf Canada and the country’s two National Open Golf Championships, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.
As the Official Lawn Mower Partner of the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open, Cub Cadet will showcase its award-winning product line at both tournaments and engage fans through immersive on-site experiences that exhibit how Cub Cadet lawn mowers can enhance the lawn care experience for homeowners and professionals.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cub Cadet as Golf Canada’s first Official Lawn Mower Partner,” said Golf Canada’s Chief Commercial Officer, John Sibley. “This partnership across our two flagship properties will showcase Cub Cadet’s innovative product line to spectators at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open, demonstrating the intrinsic connection between golf, premium lawn maintenance and the turf care experience.”
For more than 60 years, Cub Cadet has been manufacturing innovative equipment that unlock possibilities for lawn care lovers worldwide – from the landscapers who rely on Cub Cadet to make every lawn as pristine as an 18th green, to the neighbourhood enthusiasts globally, whose immaculate yards are their greatest passion.
Cub Cadet’s award-winning and renowned lawn maintenance lineup features residential lawn tractors – the XT Enduro™ Series as well as the Ultima Series of zero-turn mowers, featuring both traditional lap-bar control and innovative steering-wheel control. Cub Cadet also offers a full array of zero-emission battery-powered mowers.
“At Cub Cadet, we build tools of strength and precision so our consumers can create the space they envision and live the possibilities they imagine. Partnering with Golf Canada allows us to extend these homeowner possibilities to the back nine and beyond,” said Jennifer Duchesne, Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications for Cub Cadet.
The 2022 RBC Canadian Open will be held June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto, Ont., with Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. The CP Women’s Open will be contested August 22-28 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.
BDO Canada becomes official business & professional services partner of Golf Canada
Golf Canada and BDO Canada LLP (BDO) have announced an integrated multi-year partnership that will see BDO become the Official Business and Professional Services Partner of Golf Canada and its two signature events – the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.
As the presenting sponsor for all nine Canadian Amateur Golf Championships conducted by Golf Canada, BDO has made a significant commitment to the growth of golf in communities across Canada. BDO will also partner with Golf Canada to develop and further enhance technologies that support the Canadian golfer experience.
In addition to BDO’s support for golf at the professional and amateur levels, Golf Canada will access BDO’s trusted expertise providing accounting, assurance, tax, and advisory services for the National Sport Federation.
“Golf Canada has had an exceptional relationship with BDO as our auditor and professional services firm since 2019 and the work and growth that we have experienced together has brought us to this enhanced next level,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum.
“We are extremely excited about the opportunities for BDO in golf and in working with our team and connected stakeholders. BDO is a world class organization, and we are thrilled to be working with them extensively to expand our use of their services across all of their areas of expertise.”
For BDO Canada, partnering with the National Sport Organization to engage with Canada’s considerable golf audience reflects a firm-wide commitment through sport to give back to communities served across the country.
“We are excited to partner with Golf Canada and become the presenting sponsor for Canadian Amateur Golf Championships,” said Pat Kramer, CEO of BDO Canada.
“This is the next step in our commitment to connecting and engaging with Canadians, through sport. Working alongside Golf Canada, we look forward to supporting Canadian athletes at both the amateur and professional levels.”
Liz Hoffman elected to serve a second term as President
Golf Canada’s 2022 Annual Meeting culminated on Thursday, March 3rd with the election of Liz Hoffman of Wasaga Beach, Ont. to serve a second term as the 116th President of the National Sport Federation.
Hoffman, a member of both Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont. as well as The Thornhill Club in Vaughn, Ont. is joined by Vice-President Dale Jackson of Victoria, B.C. in leading the 13-member Board of Directors who will work closely with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum.
Based on the report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, Hoffman and Jackson will be joined on the 2022 Board of Directors by returnees Alison Chisholm of Rothesay, N.B., Adam Daifallah of Montreal, Que., Diane Drury-Clarke of Montreal, Que., Shawn Evans of Kitchener, Ont., Patrick Kelly of Victoria, B.C., Susan MacKinnon of Calgary, Alta., Peter Major of Calgary, Alta., David McCarthy of Toronto, Ont., Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montreal, Que., and Rai Sahi of Mississauga, Ont., along with new addition Michelle Collens of Vancouver, B.C.
“I am extremely honoured that the Nominating Committee and membership has extended their confidence in me to serve a second term as President”
Liz Hoffman
“In 2021, the organization and our sport continued to grow with pace and 2022 is going to be another special year. Our National Open Championships are back, Canadian high-performance golf is accelerating, First Tee – Canada will continue to roll out across Canada, industry collaboration with our provincial and national partners has never been stronger, and most importantly, people are enjoying the game and everything it has to offer.”
Long time Golf Canada volunteers Barbara Allan of Kingston, Ont. and Jim Clark of Aurora, Ont. were recognized at the Annual Meeting for their contributions to the association as Honorary Life Governors. Golf Canada’s 2022 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually over two days, March 2-3 with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and key industry stakeholders participating.
2021 Annual Report & Financial Statements
Click here to read Golf Canada’s 2021 Annual Report, which includes a recap of the past season, as well as the organization’s 2021 Financial Statements, which were released during Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting.
Feature Presentations
Golf Canada’s 2022 Outlook & Operational Plan – presented by Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum
Keynote Address: Fireside Chat with International Golf Federation President & World Golf Hall of Fame Member, Annika Sörenstam – hosted by Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman
Canadian Golf High-Performance Strategy – presented by Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Safe Sport – Introduced by Golf Canada Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Safe Sport, Laura Wilson
Ken Casey and David Atkinson named co-recipients of the 2021 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year…
In the continued celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada also recognized Ken Casey of St. John’s, N.L. and David Atkinson, formerly of Vancouver, B.C. and now Goderich, Ont. as the 2021 co-recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. Now in its 16th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community. Click here for more.
Volunteers Ruth & Ian Giles along Golf Journalist Garry McKay to Receive Golf Canada’s 2022 Distinguished Service Award…
Golf Canada announced that three accomplished golf contributors from Hamilton, Ont. – tireless volunteers Ruth and Ian Giles along with esteemed golf journalist Garry McKay – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2022 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award will be celebrated in person during the week of the 108th playing of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, July 19-22 at Westmount Golf and Country Club in Kitchener, Ont. Click here for more.
Golf Canada recognizes Ruth & Ian Giles as well as Garry McKay with 2022 Distinguished Service Award
Three accomplished golf contributors from Hamilton, Ont. – tireless volunteers Ruth and Ian Giles along with esteemed golf journalist Garry McKay – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2022 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.
The announcement of the 2022 Distinguished Service Award honourees will be made during Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting which will be conducted virtually on Thursday, March 3.
“Golf Canada is extremely proud to recognize two long-serving volunteers in Ruth and Ian Giles along with respected golf journalist Garry McKay as the recipients of our 2022 Distinguished Service Award,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman.
“Their contributions have been incredibly impactful to golf in their community as well as at the provincial and national level.”
Liz Hoffman
“Each of their collective efforts has left a meaningful mark on the Canadian golf landscape and it is with great respect and admiration that we honour each of them for their passion and commitment to our sport.”
The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated in person during the week of the 108th playing of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, July 19-22 at Westmount Golf and Country Club in Kitchener, Ont.
Golf Canada 2022 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:
Ruth & Ian Giles (Volunteer)
The Giles’ pairing are long tenured golf volunteers who have shared their time and passion for the game with both Golf Ontario and Golf Canada, serving on numerous committees at the operational and executive level. Over the past four decades, the Hamilton residents have supported hundreds of local, provincial, national, international, and professional championships as duty roster volunteers in a rules or starting and scoring capacity.
Ruth was previously honoured with the 2007 Golf Ontario Volunteer of the Year, the 2007 Bruce Mitchell Golf Canada Volunteer of the Year, and the Golf Ontario 2011 Dick Grimm Distinguished Volunteer of the Year. She also supported Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board middle school golf tournament over the years.
Ian served as the President of the Ontario Golf Association (OGA) in 2001 and in 2002 helped lead the association’s amalgamation with the Ontario Ladies Golf Association – today Golf Ontario. Before becoming President, he spent six years as a Golf Ontario Director chairing numerous committees including the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame committee in 2007 and 2008. A Level 3 rules official and past governor with Golf Canada (2003-2012), Ian has given his time to numerous Golf Canada volunteer committees including the Governors Council and has also served on a number Golf Ontario Volunteer committees. In 2014, Golf Ontario named Ian the recipient of the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award.
The Giles’ have been long-time contributors to the Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour—Ruth has served since 1999 in a variety of roles including past President (2002-03), secretary and a board member. Ian served as President from 1996-98 and has also contributed over the years as a board member and rules official. The selection of Ruth and Ian Giles marks the first time that a family duo has been selected for Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.
Garry McKay (Media)
A past President and founding director of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC), McKay is a respected sports journalist who has covered golf for more than 43 years. He first reported on the RBC Canadian Open in 1968 for CKOC radio and is highly respected as the longtime golf reporter for the Hamilton Spectator where he has covered all aspects of the sport from local golf to the professional game. McKay has also contributed to a multitude of Canadian and international publications during his tenure including Pro Shop, SCOREGolf, Ontario Golf and Golf Canada Magazine.
A decorated journalist across a number of sports, he has garnered a number of achievements including a SCOREGolf Award. McKay has served on the selection committees for the World Golf Hall of Fame, PGA of Canada Hall of Fame, Ontario Golf Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and has also volunteered his time with the Stanley Thomson Society and Golf Canada’s Heritage Committee. McKay is also a founding director, current board member, and treasurer of the Golden Horseshoe Athlete of the Year Award as well as a founding director and current chair of the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame. He is also a founding director of the Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour (1984), an organization he continues to serve on the board of directors and as a volunteer at the registration table, as a rules official, and at the scoreboard.
McKay was recognized by Golf Ontario with the 2015 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award and in 2021 was honoured by his GJAC peers with the Dick Grimm Award.
Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually since 1993 to recognize individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Canadian golf either nationally or within their community.
In addition to the 2022 Distinguished Service Award, Golf Canada will also celebrate Ken Casey of St. John’s, N.L. and David Atkinson, formerly Vancouver, B.C. and now Goderich, Ont. as co-recipients of the 2021 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year.
Another pair of distinguished Golf Canada volunteers – Barbara Allan of Kingston, Ont. and Jim Clark of Aurora, Ont.– will be named Honorary Life Governors for their long serving contributions to the organization.
Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting will culminate with Liz Hoffman of Wasaga Beach, Ont., a member of both Mad River Golf Club and The Thornhill Club sworn in to serve a second term as President of Golf Canada.