Canadian Stephen Ames one shot back of leaders at Regions Tradition
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Defending champion Steve Stricker birdied the final hole Friday for a 3-under 69 to move into a four-way tie for the lead halfway through the Regions Tradition, while Canada’s Stephen Ames is one stroke back.
Stricker joined Madison, Wisconsin, neighbour Jerry Kelly, Monday qualifier Alex Cejka and first-round leader Darren Clarke atop the leaderboard in the first of the PGA Tour Champions’ five majors.
Cejka, who made the field as the first alternate when Jay Haas withdrew, followed his opening 68 with a 69 at Greystone Golf & Country Club. Kelly had a 70 and Clarke shot 71 to get to 7 under.
“I’m just grateful for every start I get,” said Cejka, who was born in Czechoslovakia and grew up in Germany. “I know it’s tough. There’s only 80 guys every week in the field. So many old great players who are privileged out here to play. And I got to prove myself. And if I have to go back to Monday qualifier or do a top 10 to get me in next week, I will do whatever (it) is necessary to do.”u
Stricker had four birdies and a bogey. In 2019, he pulled away for a six-stroke win and his first senior major title. The event was cancelled last year.
“I didn’t do anything dumb today, just hung around,” Stricker said. “We’re only halfway home, so we have a weekend to go.
“Someone’s going to probably bust out of this pack, I would imagine. The wind is supposed to switch directions for the weekend, so that will shake thing up probably a little bit, too.”
Cejka tied for second at the Chubb Classic after winning the Monday qualifier.
It was a huge turnaround from a rocky PGA Tour Champions debut in February when he closed with a 78 in Arizona.
Ames, from Calgary, is one of three players one stroke off the lead. The others are Dicky Pride and Ernie Els.
Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., who won his first career PGA Tour Champions event last week, is eight shots off the lead at 1 over.
Two-time champion Bernhard Langer’s 69 put him only two strokes back in pursuit of his 12th PGA Tour Champions major title.
Ames, who started on No. 10, held the lead going into the final two holes. He fell back with a double bogey on the par-4 eighth hole after making only one bogey on the first 34.
“Scoring was really tough today, with the wind blowing around and stuff like that,” Ames said. “But I had an unfortunate break on 8, where my ball ended up on top of one of those acorns and it ricocheted and made double.”
Pride, who lives about an hour away in Tuscaloosa, hasn’t finished better than 12th in nine PGA Tour Champions events.
He cycled through an adventurous round to move into contention. Pride, son of former University of Alabama golf coach Dick Pride, had four bogeys and five birdies.
He sandwiched two of the bogeys around an eagle on the par-5 No. 2 hole and finished with another misfire. Pride had struggled on the PGA Tour’s developmental Korn Ferry Tour in 2019, finishing 62nd in the only tournament he completed and earning $1,588.
“I need to cut out the bogeys,” Pride said. “I need to play a little bit more consistent.”
Statement: Cancellation of the 2021 NextGen Ontario & NextGen Western Championships
With province-wide restrictions currently in place in Ontario through May 20 and in Alberta through May 26, Golf Canada has cancelled the 2021 NextGen Ontario and Western Championships.
The NextGen Ontario Championship was scheduled for May 27-30 at Saugeen Golf Club in Port Elgin, ON, while the NextGen Western Championship was slated for June 3-6 at Leduc Golf Club in Leduc, AB. The latest restrictions in each province rule out regional travel and also prohibit sport competitions of any kind.
In consultation with provincial health officials and our event partners, Golf Canada will continue to evaluate provincial health and travel restrictions related to COVID-19 to make informed and responsible decisions related to our 2021 championship schedule. The safety and well-being of our championship competitors, tournament staff and volunteers along with event stakeholders and our host community at large is paramount to Golf Canada.
The feasibility of conducting each NextGen Championship will be evaluated no later than 3-4 weeks prior to the start of the competition. An updated list of Golf Canada’s 2021 competitions is available here.
NAGA announces new golf rules for Alberta
The National Allied Golf Association (NAGA) Alberta chapter has informed industry stakeholders of new rules for golf in the province that go into effect Sunday, May 9th at 11:59 pm.
To be part of the solution and battle the third wave of COVID-19, golfing in Alberta will be limited to members of your household or if living alone, to two close contacts.
“With the recent announcements based on surging case numbers, we are fortunate to have been provided with an opportunity to remain open for the enjoyment by Albertans. However, this needs to be done responsibly,” said Erica Beck, the president of NAGA Alberta, in her letter to stakeholders. “Today, we were informed that golf was on the list of industries to be closed, however, the industry’s commitment to being responsible and ensuring protocols were put into place to maintain the safety and well-being of golfers were the key deciding factors in the industry being permitted to remain open. We strongly urge all golf courses to continue to remain vigilant as the safety of staff and guests remains our utmost priority and we ask that all facilities do their part to adhere to all AHS guidelines.”
To read the full statement from May 6th, click here.
Megan Osland and Noémie Paré qualify for the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open
OAKVILLE, ONT. – Canadians Megan Osland and Noémie Paré clinched their spots in the field for the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open by capturing one of the precious tickets available in their respective qualifying events.
Noémie Paré, member of Team Canada’s amateur squad, won the 2020 Québec Women’s Amateur Championship and was runner up at the 2020 Alberta Ladies Amateur Championship.
Native of Victoriaville, Que., Paré qualified in Massachusetts on May 5th after tying Christina Kim with 137 total strokes at Dedham Golf & Polo Club.
In a post round interview with MassGolf.org, Paré said:
“This is amazing, it’s just the right step in the right direction. I haven’t had time to process it yet, but I just can’t wait to experience the whole thing.”
The 2021 U.S. Women’s Open will be Paré’s first major championship appearance.
After making her first appearance in 2019, Osland will be returning to the U.S. Women’s Open in 2021 as a result of placing second at a qualifying tournament in Ormond Beach, Florida.
The Kelowna, B.C. native remained close behind Kim Metraux of Switzerland, shooting a pair of 71s and finishing second at the 36-hole qualifier held at Oceanside Country Club.
The U.S. Women’s Open takes place from Thursday, June 3 to Sunday, June 6 at The Olympic Club in San Fransico, Calif.
Canada to host U.S. Junior Amateur & Girls’ Junior Qualifier
Golf Canada is pleased to announce it will host a U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Girls’ Junior Qualifier at the Oshawa Golf & Curling Club on Monday, June 21st.
Held for the first time in Canada, the Qualifier will offer an opportunity for Canadian players to qualify for the respective USGA Championships.
Eligibility to compete in the Qualifiers and details on the Championships can be found below.
73rd U.S. Junior Amateur Championship
The Country Club of North Carolina
Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina
July 19th – 24th
U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier Eligibility
Handicap Index Limit: 4.4
Age Limit: Cannot be 19 on or before July 24, 2021
Entry Fee: $100
Entries Close: May 26th at 5:00pm EDT
72nd U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship
Columbia Country Club
Chevy Chase, Maryland
July 12th – 17th
U.S. Girl’s Junior Qualifier Eligibility
Handicap Index Limit: 9.4
Age Limit: Cannot be 19 on or before July 17, 2021
Entry Fee: $100
Entries Close: May 19th at 5:00pm EDT
Eligible players can register here.
For any questions pertaining to entry or registration, please contact the USGA at champs@usga.org or (908) 326-1950.
***Golf Canada championships only proceed with the authorization of local and provincial health authorities***
VIDEO: Mackenzie Hughes is paying the rent
With a win in his rookie season, it seemed success came easy for Mackenzie Hughes, yet that is anything but the case. The Canadian has overcome hardships at every level of his career, most notably last season with his first trip to the TOUR Championship, thanks to a simple mindset that is prominent in all aspects of his journey from Canada to the United States.
Golf Canada’s latest app update includes games and enhanced course lookup
Golf Canada has dropped an app update that is sure to get golfers pumping their fists!
Just in time for the 2021 golf season, the latest version of Golf Canada’s app now features the ability to set up Match Play, Skins of Stroke Play games against friends using Gross or Net scoring.
Put the pencil down and forget about dotting the scorecard. You no longer need to worry about who gets strokes on what hole. The Golf Canada app has you covered.
Plus, users can discover new places to play using a revamped course finder tool. The new look-up functionality allows golfers to search for courses using criteria like number of holes, type of facility (private, public, semi-private) and ease of walking, among many others.
The app is also helping golfers get better connected with their favourite facilities – users can look up clubs who are specifically offering promotions.
Save time and the hassle of setting up matches with your buddies and get the newest version of the Golf Canada app, available starting April 5, 2021.
These new Golf Canada App features are in addition to those users already enjoy, like real-time course GPS data and game tracking.
Don’t play another round until you download the latest version of this app.
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Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum to celebrate 50th anniversary in 2021
The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum is inviting Canadians and golf enthusiasts to help celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2021 by weighing in on the 50 most influential moments in Canadian golf.
The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame enlisted the support of golf leaders, media, and historians to help create a list of the 50 most influential moments in Canadian golf history. The moments will be showcased online and Canadians are invited to share in the history and vote on their favourite moments.
The 10 most moments receiving the most votes will be showcased on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 during the RBC Hall of Fame 50thAnniversary Gala presented by Nike Golf. The virtual gala celebration will take place on what would have been RBC Hall of Fame Day during the RBC Canadian Open which was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Following the virtual gala, the top moments will also be celebrated through social channels through the end of the 2021 season.
“Canada’s storied golf history is marked by the signature accomplishments of so many talented legends of our sport and the Top-50 Most Influential Moments voting celebration invites Canadians to share in the moments they feel are most meaningful,” said Golf Canada Director of Heritage Services Meggan Gardner. “While we won’t be able to celebrate in person, the virtual RBC Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Gala presented by Nike Golf lets us pivot to invite more golf enthusiasts to be a part of the celebration.”
The virtual gala will feature a video showcase of the top-10 greatest moments in Canadian golf as well as interviews with golfers or individuals connected to the moments. The gala will be co-hosted by a pair of honoured members – TSN golf personality Bob Weeks and former LPGA Tour player Gail Graham.
As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, an online auction is currently underway to raise legacy funding for the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum through the Heritage Fund of the Golf Canada Foundation.
Founded in 1971, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame began honour the legends of our sport, beginning with the inaugural induction class that included Ada Mackenzie, George Lyon, Charles Murray, Marlene Streit, George Cumming, and Sandy Somerville. To date, 83 honoured members and their accomplishments as players and builders of the game are showcased in the Hall of Fame and Museum along with history, innovations, and standout moments through the storied history of golf in Canada.
JOIN IN CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANADIAN GOLF HALL OF FAME
Vote on the Top-50 Most Influential Moments in Canadian golf
Weir wins first Champions Tour title in duel with Daly
THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Former Masters champion Mike Weir won his first PGA Tour Champions event Sunday when he held steady with pars down the stretch for a 4-under 68 and let John Daly made the last mistake in the Insperity Invitational.
Weir and Daly were tied going down the stretch at The Woodlands, which was reduced to 36 holes because of heavy rain earlier in the week.
Daly, playing in the group ahead of Weir, was posing over his 9-iron over the water to the 18th green when it came up a fraction short and splashed next to the bulkhead. He made double bogey for a 69 and had to settle for runner-up.
Weir, who missed birdie chances inside 10 feet on the 16th and 17th holes, watched it all unfold and knew what he had to do. He fired his approach to about 15 feet behind the hole, and pumped his fist as he walked toward the green. He wound up winning by two shots.
“J.D. played great. It was unfortunate for him on the last,” Weir said. “This means a lot. I played really well today. I’m still a little off with my putting. I made it hard on myself. But I hit the shots that I needed. It feels very good.”
Because of rain that washed out the opening round Friday, the first round wasn’t finished until Sunday morning and the tournament was reduced to 36 holes. That turned it into a shootout, and Daly and Weir provided most of the action.
Daly holed a 25-foot eagle putt on the par-5 13th to take a two-shot lead, and it looked as though he was on his way. In the next group, Weir hit his approach to 3 feet on the 13th for a matching eagle to tie for the lead again.
Weir fell back with a bogey on the 14th, but he caught a break when Daly missed his 3-wood into the par-5 15th and had to settle for par, and Weir made birdie to catch him again.
Weir fell back with a bogey on the 14th, but he caught a break when Daly missed his 3-wood into the par-5 15th and had to settle for par, and Weir made birdie to catch him again.
Daly couldn’t believe he hit into the water on the final hole.
“I caught a gust on 18,” he said. “I hit a 9-iron from about 155 and I hit a 9-iron from 141 there and I caught a gust and just got a bad break. But I can’t hit the ball any better. I’m excited about next week.”
The 50-and-over circuit plays the first of its five majors next week at the Regions Tradition.
Weir finished at 10-under 134.
Daly tied for second with David Toms and Tim Petrovic, who each closed with a 71. Bernhard Langer (69) and Bob Estes (68) tied for fifth.
Shaw Charity Classic targets safe return to the tee in 2021
CALGARY—The Shaw Charity Classic is preparing for a safe return of golf’s greatest names on the PGA TOUR Champions to Calgary’s Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club, August 11-15, 2021, in an effort to make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of children across more than 230 youth-based charities in Alberta.
After taking a one-year pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tournament staff have begun working with all levels of government, along with the PGA TOUR Champions and its players to make plans for a safe return of the Shaw Charity Classic in 2021.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be back on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule this year in August, and are thankful to all of our corporate partners for sticking with us during these unprecedented times as we develop a plan to safely welcome golf’s best back to Calgary,” said Sean Van Kesteren, executive director, Shaw Charity Classic, who added the tournament annually generates a direct economic impact of $33.1 million to the City of Calgary.
“Ultimately, we are excited to bring back one of Calgary’s signature summer events and generate some energy, excitement and community spirit throughout the city.”
Van Kesteren and his team are hopeful the 2021 edition of the Shaw Charity Classic will be able to have some level of fan participation, and are prepared to modify the structure of the event in order to continue following provincial health and safety guidelines.
“The safety of our community is, and always will be, the top priority. We remain committed to building a modified version of our traditional Tournament week activities while continuing to work with the City of Calgary, Alberta Health Services and the Government of Canada to host this award-winning event,” added Van Kesteren.
Plans for this year’s tournament week include hosting Blakes Women’s Day, August 9, and the RBC Championship Pro-Am, August 11-12, followed by three rounds of tournament play to determine the winner of 2021 Shaw Charity Classic from August 13-15.
Tournament officials have also reinforced their unwavering commitment to ensuring the community spirit of the Shaw Charity Classic continues in 2021 by confirming it will support 233 youth-based charities this year through its Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink program.
Despite being forced to cancel the 2020 edition of the event due to COVID-19 restrictions, the charitable arm of the tournament continued and successfully raised more than $12.5 million to bring the tournament’s eight-year charitable contribution to $61.1 million.
“Charity has always been at the heart of the Shaw Charity Classic, and it is now moreso than ever given the challenging times our communities are facing,” added Van Kesteren. “We are incredibly grateful for the generous contributions this event has received to make a positive impact on the hundreds of thousands of youth across Alberta who rely on charitable organizations for support in areas such as food, healthcare, mental wellness, art, literacy, sport and so much more – especially in this time of crisis. But we also know the work can’t stop now. Working with Shaw, AltaLink and our other corporate partners, the Patron Group and Canadians who have rallied together to support the charities through this much-needed fundraising platform, we are committed to building on the tournament’s legacy of giving this summer, and in the future.”