If it seems like it’s been harder to get a tee time this summer, it’s not just your imagination.

Golf Canada reports that there were 17 per cent more scores registered with the national sport body this June compared to the same month last year. A total of 1,483,506 rounds were submitted to Golf Canada’s handicap calculator last month compared to 1,271,782 in June 2019.

“It was a pretty big jump from last year, comparing 2019 numbers to this year,” said Adam Helmer, senior director of golf services for Golf Canada, on Wednesday. “We were expecting that as golf has emerged as one of the safest activities, where people can be physically distant and we’ve reduced touchpoints.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

What a month CANADA! June 2020 was the greatest month of scores posted to the Golf Canada Score Centre in recorded history ? Special thanks to all golfers, member clubs and operators for accomplishing this while keeping everybody safe. Here’s to beating this number in July – go low Canada! ??

A post shared by Laurence Applebaum (@laurence.applebaum) on Jul 14, 2020 at 7:44pm PDT

The surge in June ended a streak of three months when recreational rounds played in Canada dropped precipitously due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As restrictions were lifted across the country in May, the number of scores registered increased.

In May, 165,026 rounds were registered between the 1st and the 15th but 265,480 scores were submitted in the final two weeks of that month. The May 1-15 numbers are a nearly 40 per cent drop from the same period in 2019 (211,809) but the May 16-30 numbers are just five per cent lower than last year (269,266).

Helmer said he expects the number of rounds submitted to Golf Canada to continue to climb through July and into August.

“We’ve heard anecdotally that a lot of newcomers have joined the sport, especially now that school is done we’re going to see an increase in juniors too. We think the trend is going to continue,” said Helmer. “Golf has seen a pretty big lift and it’s emerged as the sport of the summer.”

The upward trend comes even as Golf Canada had to cancel all of its amateur and professional championships due to travel restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

A shift in how scores are registered has also been seen, with most recreational players entering their scores online instead of in the course’s clubhouse or pro shop, which have largely been closed this summer because of physical distancing protocols.

Golf Canada plans to launch an updated version of its scoring app later this month, helping to keep players physically distant and improve their game.

The PGA of America, Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA TOUR jointly announced today that both the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup have been rescheduled and will now be played one year later than originally planned.

The 43rd Ryder Cup, scheduled for September 22-27, at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, has been rescheduled for September 21-26, 2021.

Likewise, the Presidents Cup, initially slated for September 30-October 3, 2021, at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, will now be played September 19-25, 2022.

The decision to reschedule the Ryder Cup was based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in conjunction with the state of Wisconsin and Sheboygan County, with the health and well-being of all involved as the top priority.

“Unlike other major sporting events that are played in existing stadiums, we had to make a decision now about building facilities to host the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “It became clear that as of today, our medical experts and the public authorities in Wisconsin could not give us certainty that conducting an event responsibly with thousands of spectators in September would be possible. Given that uncertainty, we knew rescheduling was the right call. We are grateful to PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and our partners at the TOUR for their flexibility and generosity in the complex task of shifting the global golf calendar.

“As disappointing as this is, our mandate to do all we can to safeguard public health is what matters most. The spectators who support both the U.S. and European sides are what make the Ryder Cup such a unique and compelling event and playing without them was not a realistic option. We stand united with our partners from Ryder Cup Europe, the NBC Sports Group, Sky and our other broadcast partners around the world. We look forward to delivering the Ryder Cup’s renowned pageantry, emotion and competitive drama to a global audience in 2021.”

Guy Kinnings, Europe’s Ryder Cup Director, said: “The Ryder Cup is rightly celebrated as one of the world’s greatest sporting occasions, made special and totally unique in our sport by the fervent atmosphere created by the passionate spectators of both sides.

“While that point is significant, it is not as important as the health of the spectators which, in these difficult times, is always the main consideration. We considered all options including playing with a limited attendance but all our stakeholders agreed this would dilute the magic of this great occasion.

“We therefore stand beside our partners at the PGA of America in the decision to postpone the Ryder Cup for a year and join with them in extending our thanks to the PGA TOUR for their willingness to move the dates of the Presidents Cup.

“We also thank NBC, Sky and our many broadcast partners around the globe, in addition to the worldwide partners of this great event, whose support and commitment are second to none.”

With the decision to play the 2020 Ryder Cup in September 2021, all subsequent Ryder Cups after Whistling Straits will also shift to odd years: 2023/Marco Simone Golf and Country Club (Rome, Italy); 2025/Bethpage Black (Farmingdale, New York); 2027/Adare Manor (County Limerick, Ireland); 2029/Hazeltine National Golf Club (Chaska, Minnesota); 2031/Europe (to be determined); 2033/The Olympic Club (San Francisco); 2035/Europe (to be determined); 2037/Congressional Country Club (Bethesda, Maryland).

With the momentum of the successful 2019 Presidents Cup played in Melbourne, Australia, the 14th playing of the Presidents Cup will now be hosted for the first time in the Southeast United States at Quail Hollow Club in 2022.

“These two premier international team events are lifted by the spirit of the fans,” said Monahan. “With the uncertainty of the current climate, we fully support the Ryder Cup’s decision to delay a year in order to ensure fans could be a part of the incredible atmosphere in Wisconsin, and the delay of this year’s Presidents Cup was the right decision in order to allow for that option. We are thankful that our global partners, our friends at Quail Hollow Club, our long-time annual title sponsor in Charlotte and all associated with the Presidents Cup and the Junior Presidents Cup have approached this change with a unified, positive spirit. We are confident the move will give us even more runway as we bring the Presidents Cup to Charlotte in 2022.”

Additionally, as a result of the Presidents Cup date change, the Wells Fargo Championship will be played at its traditional venue at Quail Hollow Club in 2021, at TPC Potomac in 2022 during the Presidents Cup year and will return to Quail Hollow in 2023. Presidents Cup 2022 qualifying will be determined at a later date.

The Ryder Cup, which began in 1927, brings together the finest tour professionals from the United States and Europe.

“While it is disappointing that the Ryder Cup won’t be played this year, the decision to reschedule is the right thing to do under the circumstances,” said U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker. “At the end of the day, we want to stage a Ryder Cup that will rival all other Ryder Cups in my home state of Wisconsin, and now we have the opportunity to showcase the event as it was meant to be seen.”

Pádraig Harrington, Captain of the European Ryder Cup Team, said: “Rescheduling the Ryder Cup was never going to be an easy decision given the many factors to take into consideration. But I believe it is the right assessment given the unprecedented circumstances we are facing at this time.

“When you think of the Ryder Cup you think of the distinctive atmosphere generated by the spectators, such as around the first tee at Le Golf National two years ago. If that cannot be responsibly recreated at Whistling Straits in September, then it is correct that we all wait until it can be.

“I know, right now, that September 2021 feels like a long time away. But it will come around quickly and I guarantee that the European players and I will be ready when it does.”

For Ryder Cup qualifying, both the United States and European teams will revisit their respective selection processes in the near future.

In a corresponding decision, the PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe also announced that the Junior Ryder Cup will be rescheduled for September 20-21, 2021 at Blue Mound Golf & Country Club in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. It was originally scheduled for September 21-22, 2020.

Master Craftsman Bob Vokey’s long-trusted T Grind – an original Vokey grind still in the bags of many tour players including Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas – is now available through WedgeWorks.

Inspired by Vokey’s work with one of the game’s all-time best wedge players, the T Grind was designed for great hands and a vivid short-game imagination. Available in 58º and 60º lofts, it is ideal for a shallow angle of attack in firm conditions, with low bounce and a narrow crescent surface. Compared to Vokey’s L grind, it has a wider back flange which allows for lower measured bounce.

“Wedge play is an art, and the T Grind brings out the best in the artist,” Vokey said.

“The leading edge stays low to the playing surface as the wedge is rotated which allows you to hit a variety of shots from tight lies. This is the wedge that really made Vokey Grinds an important part of our process – and still to this day is a great option.”

T GRIND ON TOUR

Both Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have recently added Vokey T Grind lob wedges to their setups. Spieth first used the T Grind during his college career. At last season’s Players Championship, Spieth asked Vokey PGA Tour Rep Aaron Dill to build him a 60-degree T Grind – and it has stayed in the bag ever since. Justin Thomas tested a series of low-bounce options leading up to the 2019 Presidents Cup, ultimately deciding the T Grind best fit the conditions and his game at Royal Melbourne. He now keeps a 60T in his travel bag and selects either the T Grind or a low-bounce K Grind based on the week, course and conditions.

The T Grind continues to grow in popularity on tour, especially in Europe where players are more often faced with links-style conditions.

Said Will Harvey, Vokey’s European Tour Rep: “I’ve had players say they feel like they can hit any shot with the T – the combination of the forward bounce for low pitch shots and the grind for the soft control shots is something needed with the vast amount of shots required on links or firmer course set ups.”

SM8 TECHNOLOGY

WedgeWorks T Grind wedges are designed with the same advanced technologies that have made Vokey Design SM8 wedges the #1 wedge on tour:

• Reimagined Progressive CG is pushed forward from the face for increased MOI – producing improved distance and trajectory control, better feel and a club face that simply wants to square up at impact for more consistent results. To achieve this in the T Grind and all SM8 lob wedges, Vokey’s team lengthened the hosels and counterbalanced that weight with high-density tungsten low in the toe.

• 100% Inspected Spin Milled Grooves are cut with a level of precision that is unique by finish, producing maximum spin and shot control. Micro-grooves are individually cut in between grooves, which maximize spin on partial shots. A proprietary heat treatment is applied to the impact area to double the durability of the groove without impacting feel – making it the most durable groove in golf.

ADVANCED PERSONALIZATION AND CUSTOM OPTIONS

Consistent with SM8, the T Grind features a modern, clean look, which also provides a big canvas for customization. Inspired by Aaron Dill (@VokeyWedgeRep), the WedgeWorks custom options are expanded to include:

• Six unique toe engravings;
• Expanded stamping options: 10-character Straight/Freestyle; 15 characters around toe; 5-character staircase style; and
• Custom paint-filled Loft and Grind markings and BV Wings logo.
• Hand Grinds: Raw finishes can be hand ground to exact specs, including both performance grinds and profile adjustments – a true tour van experience.

SM8 wedges can also be custom ordered with an industry-leading selection of shafts, grips, shaft bands and ferrules. For a complete list of options, visit Vokey.com.

LOFTS, FINISHES & AVAILABILITY

The WedgeWorks T Grind will be available for custom order in golf shops and on Vokey.com in both 58° and 60° lofts in Tour Chrome and Raw finishes. RH only. Price ($269) includes custom stamping, custom ferrule and custom shaft band.

Something strange happened on the way to this article.

The original theme was to explore how Canadian courses are dealing with the myriad of challenges reopening in the midst of a pandemic.

Chatting with course managers, I heard the usual explanations of sending carts out with just one rider, physical distancing at all times, F&B nightmares, cancellations of events like tournaments and weddings, and on and on.

Then I started to hear comments like these:

“Our leagues are at an all-time high and our memberships and junior memberships are showing a significant increase.” Michael Todd, the President and Director of Operations at Legacy Ridge Golf Club in Owen Sound, Ont., found a silver lining inside the COVID cloud that compensated somewhat for the loss of other revenue streams.

Although his club (originally the Stanley Thompson-designed Owen Sound G&CC) turns 100 years old this summer, there will be no centennial bash but golfers will still get to play. More golfers than ever, in fact—a theme I found repeated over and over, across the country.

“Golf is back!” exults Scott Atkinson, CEO of multi-course owner/operator Play Golf Calgary Facilities. “Golfers are playing more. Golfers are finding their way back after years of not playing and plenty of people are taking up the game for the first time. Our short-course play has doubled. Tons of families and lots of couples are playing together. It’s wonderful!”

You may have heard the phrase, “It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good.” If not, it refers to an unfortunate event that somehow benefits someone.

A clearer, more pertinent explanation comes via Ashley Chinner, the former touring pro who now works in the insurance business in the Toronto area. “I talked to a public course manager who told me his tee sheet has been slammed every day. ‘Hate to say it but COVID could be the best thing for golf since Tiger.’”

This is not to make light by any means of the coronavirus that has killed hundreds of thousands globally and affected millions of others.  It does, however, demonstrate that there are glimmers of good news.

Membership at the semi-private Granite Ridge GC in Milton, Ont., is up 30 per cent and leagues are better attended than ever. Public tee times are booked solid several days in advance.

Scott MacLeod, a PGA of Canada member and the editorial director/associate publisher of Flagstick Golf Magazine, said he spoke to a colleague in New Brunswick who told him membership at his club increased to 550 from 390 this spring.  In fact, Golf New Brunswick reports that many facilities in that province are seeing increases in both memberships and greens fee play.

In Calgary, Rob Ward told me Willow Park G&CC had 5,000 rounds in May compared to 3,700 the same month a year ago. Michael Turner reports anecdotally that courses in Metro Vancouver are seeing “exponential growth.”

From Manitoba, self-described struggling golfer and keen observer of the game Jim Geruzzi says he’s heard the same refrain from various courses. “Seems like rounds played are way up (20%++). Just in time, too, as some courses where facing hard decisions even before COVID.”

“We have to keep reminding ourselves that even in these tough times, we are still a club,” emphasizes Cory Johnson, the General Manager of Breezy Bend Country Club in Headingley, Man. “And that can be tough when you can’t socialize the same way you could before the virus.”

Johnson and his team have adapted many traditions to cope with our new and ever-changing reality with some surprising success. For example, the annual general meeting was held via video conference and had the highest turnout ever. From the time the course opened May 3, it has been busier than usual with the necessary protocols in place.

Sean Joyce, the Director of Golf at Mill River Resort in P.E.I., says their junior membership has doubled and adult memberships are up as well.

But there are COVID caveats, too.

Ian Leggatt, the former PGA TOUR professional who now is director of golf at Summit GC in Richmond Hill, Ont., has seen a growth in membership because, in his opinion, “people are reallocating their summer spend that they likely would have used for a vacation.

“I’ve said all along that this [COVID-19] would have a positive impact on golf. Now we just need to stay open and not let a few bad apples misbehave and get the courses shut down again.”

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for the staff at courses. I’ve heard horror stories of golfers, private club members and public players alike, abusing staff and disregarding safety protocols put in place to protect them. In fact, I had an acquaintance quit his job at a course because of the constant abuse and the lack of back-up from management.

Ken Bruneski, the Superintendent at Nk’mip Canyon Desert Golf Course in Oliver, B.C., is appalled by the way some people are taking advantage of the new guidelines, like by requesting separate carts even though they arrived at the course in the same vehicle. “We are running into a lot of troubles here. With reduced tee times and hours of operation, combined with the limited number of carts, we are finding it impossible to get league play going or opening up the tee sheet fully to increase revenue. It’s more than a little bit frustrating.”

And the negative impact on other sports and activities must be acknowledged. They are the unfortunate and undeserving victims of that “ill wind”, for sure. Kids can’t play softball or soccer, older folks can’t lawn bowl, families can’t travel on vacation.

“Really, it’s the only game in town,” notes a tweet from Pointe West GC in Windsor, Ont.

One of my favourite sayings comes from J.H. “Doc” Holliday, a pal of Wyatt Earp and OK Corral shootout fame.

“There’s no such thing as a normal life,” he allegedly once said.

“There’s just life.  And you deal with it.”

Such is life—and golf—in the time of COVID.

BERTHOUD, Colo. – Team Canada Young Pro Squad member Taylor Pendrith posted the best finish of his career on the Korn Ferry Tour on Saturday, tying for third at the TPC Colorado Championship at Heron Lakes.

Pendrith, from Richmond Hill, Ont., was 13 under for the tournament after shooting a 2-under 70 in the fourth and final round.

The 29-year-old Pendrith and four other golfers finished two strokes behind winner Will Zalatoris of the United States. Fellow American Chase Johnson was second at 14 under.

Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., tied for 10th at 10 under, while Vancouver’s Stuart Macdonald tied for 63rd at one over.

The result pushes Pendrith up 23 spots to 26th on the Korn Ferry points list. The top 25 at season’s end earn PGA Tour cards.

Pendrith’s previous best showing on the PGA Tour’s top feeder circuit was a tie for fourth in 2016 at the Club Colombia Championship.

One shot back entering the final round Saturday, Pendrith moved into a tie for the lead after draining three birdies on his front nine. But bogeys on Nos. 10 and 14 dropped him back before a birdie on No. 16 allowed Pendrith to notch the career-best result.

The tour shifts to San Antonio for its next two events.

BERTHOUD, Colo. – Canadian Taylor Pendrith is in contention for his first Korn Ferry Tour victory with one round to go at the TPC Colorado Championship at Heron Lakes.

Pendrith, of Richmond Hill, Ont., fired a 5-under 67 on Friday to reach 11 under through three rounds – leaving him in a tie for second place only one stroke back of leader Will Zalatoris.

Pendrith began the day in sixth after shooting 68-70 in the first two rounds. He followed that up on Friday with his best round of the tournament, going bogey free with five birdies to climb the leaderboard.

Zalatoris got to 12 under by shooting 70, while Erik Barnes sits tied with Pendrith after matching him with a 67.

Pendrith’s best finish this season came two weeks ago at The King and Bear Classic at World Golf Village, where he placed 14th.

Pendrith, who earned two victories last season on Canada’s Mackenzie Tour, is the top-ranked Canadian on the second-tier Korn Ferry Tour, sitting 49th.

Meanwhile, Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., has moved into the Top 10 with 18 holes to play. He is 7 under following a 4-under 68, while Vancouver’s Stuart Macdonald is 2 over after firing a 75.

Mackenzie Hughes doesn’t think of himself as an ambassador for golf, but when he has the opportunity to promote the sport he loves he embraces that role.

The Canadian became something of an online sensation Sunday after he drained back-to-back putts of more than 43 feet to birdie his final two holes and finish third at the Travelers Championship. Video of the two putts – especially the 48-footer on No. 17 that took almost a 90 degree turn to find its line – has had his phone buzzing for days.

A tweet from the PGA Tour of Hughes’s impressive putts has had more than 2,500 retweets and nearly 18,000 likes, even drawing casual fans into golf.

Piece of ? pic.twitter.com/MUsWWiNss6

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) June 29, 2020

“We’re just trying to put on a good show and entertain whenever we play,” said Hughes. “I’d love to get as many people as possible into the game because, obviously, I think it’s a great game.”

It’s not the first time Hughes has put on a show for fans.

At the 2019 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf Club – essentially Hughes’s home course, having grown up in nearby Dundas, Ont. – he drew raucous cheers when he pulled on a Kawhi Leonard jersey before teeing off at No. 13 when the Toronto Raptors were in the thick of the NBA’s post-season.

“I knew that was going to get a good reaction,” said Hughes, who added that he likes to engage fans. “I think it reminds you to not take things too seriously and have a little bit of fun out there. I think when I do that I play better.

“I mean, we’re in an entertainment business so we are trying to, in essence, put on a show for people. If I can help in any way, then that’s awesome.”

Hughes is skipping this week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club, instead spending time with his wife, son and family at a cottage in western New York to celebrate Canada Day and Independence Day.

Happy Canada Day! Proud to be Canadian and to represent Canada wherever I compete #CanadaDay ??

— Mackenzie Hughes (@MacHughesGolf) July 1, 2020

There will be four Canadians in the field when the event tees off on Thursday with Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont., Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., and Roger Sloan of Merritt, B.C., playing.

Hughes had intended to play in the Rocket Mortgage but, with the PGA Tour having to re-shuffle its calendar because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it meant that there were seven high-quality events in a row. As a result, he reluctantly withdrew from the tournament in Detroit.

Tying for third at the Travelers Championship has been a big benefit to Hughes’s season.

He now sits 46th in the FedExCup standings and 98th in the world golf rankings. Hadwin is 60th and Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., is 66th in the world, putting three Canadians in the top 100 of the world golf rankings for the first time ever. With Nick Taylor, from Abbotsford, sitting at 102, there could be four in the top 100 sooner rather than later.

Caledon, Ont. – Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas and legendary comedian Gerry Dee prevailed in exciting fashion at The Face-off on Tuesday, winning by a single stroke over TSN’s James Duthie and Jeff O’Neill in the $60,000 charity match at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

Dubas converted a clutch birdie putt on the 17^th hole to take a lead that he and his team would not relinquish, leading to a one-stroke victory over Team Duthie in the 18-hole modified stroke play contest.

A total of $60,000 in donations from TPC Toronto and the Humeniuk Foundation was on the line for a charity of each player’s choice, with Dee leading the way by earning $20,000 for KidSport Ontario and Dubas earning $18,000 for the You Can Play Project. $11,000 went to both The Frontline Fund and the Down Syndrome Association of York Region on behalf of Team Duthie.

“There are a lot of charities that need our support right now, and for us to help out just by playing some golf and having some laughs together was such a treat,” said Dubas. “Our sincere thanks goes to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley and the Humeniuk Foundation for putting together a great event and supporting some great causes in our communities.”

“All four of us had great charities, and that’s the best part of it. We won today, but these great organizations are the real winners and hopefully we can keep doing this and having more fun in the future,” said Dee.

The Face-off saw Team Dubas and Team Duthie compete in a unique 18-hole stroke play format, consisting of six holes of net best ball, six holes of modified alternate shot and six holes of scramble. After falling into a five-shot deficit through 12 holes, Team Dubas clawed their way back thanks to a number of solid drives from Dee and some timely solid shots from Dubas, who found the par-5 13^th green in two leading to a birdie that tied the teams with five holes to go.

Dee’s drive over the water and subsequent approach with a wedge on the risk-reward 17^th hole led to Dubas’ successful eight-foot birdie putt to give Team Dubas their first lead of the day, and when both teams made par on the home hole, the match’s outcome was secured.

As part of the winning team, both members of Team Dubas earned an additional $8,000 for their charities. Dee took closest to the pin honours on the par-3 eighth hole and longest drive on the par-5 13^th, worth an additional $1,000 each, while Duthie’s birdie on the par-4 second hole earned $1,000 as the day’s first birdie and O’Neill’s tee shot on the par-3 15^th earned $1,000 for closest to the hole.

The $60,000 in donations come in addition to the $350,000 in donations already announced by TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley and the Humeniuk Foundation towards COVID-19 relief efforts and community services this spring.

“We couldn’t be happier with the support we received from Kyle, Gerry, James and Jeff today,” said TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk. “Our goal for this event was to create a platform and raise some awareness in addition to some financial support for some outstanding charitable causes. To have the participation and engagement that we did from these gentlemen means an incredible amount to us, and we look forward to many more events like this one in the future.”

ANCASTER, ON – Emerson Mahoney will take over as the next Head Golf Professional at Hamilton Golf & Country Club at the end of the 2020 golf season.

After an exhaustive selection process that included reviewing 53 applications from across North America and interviews with several candidates, Emerson quickly became the unanimous choice of the HGCC selection committee.

“Emerson is an exceptional golf professional and a terrific individual, who is committed to leading all aspects of our golf operations and providing an exceptional golf experience for our members,” says HGCC Club President, Joel Ippolito. “We look forward to having Emerson join the management team this fall as we build upon the strong traditions at HGCC and prepare to enter a new era at HGCC.”

Emerson is currently in his 12^th season as the Head Golf Professional at Brampton Golf Club. The club is home to a Robbie Robinson layout and it will celebrate its 100^th anniversary in 2021. Robinson designed the East Course at HGCC.

“I have many fond memories at HGCC, so to return as the club’s next Head Golf Professional is truly an honor. I have been in the golf industry for 30-plus years and it has been my career ambition to be the Head Golf Professional at the most premier golf club in Canada,” says Mahoney, who was born and raised in Hamilton. He is a graduate of Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School.

Emerson started in the golf industry as an assistant professional at Glendale G&CC in Hamilton. After three summers of learning the ropes, he made the switch to HGCC as an associate golf professional under Head Professional, Rob McDannold from March 1996 to January 2003. Emerson then made the move to Winnipeg, where he was the Head Golf Professional at Niakwa Country Club for six seasons before returning to Ontario for the opportunity at Brampton GC.

“I have been away for 18 years, but I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the members and getting to know the newer members,” says Emerson, who lives in Burlington with his wife, Angela and their two sons, Peyton, 17, and Avery, 15. “I’m very excited to be joining the HGCC management team later this year and will embrace the opportunity to elevate the golf experience at the club as we plan for the future.”

Emerson is expected to start at HGCC in October 2020.

Current Head Golf Professional, David Miller, is set to retire at the end of the 2020 golf season. The California native served as an associate professional at HGCC from 1991 to 1995 before moving to Beverly G&CC as the Head Professional from 1996 to 2007. He returned to HGCC as the Head Professional in 2008 and is regarded as one of the very best in the business.

Emerson will be only the 12th person to hold the Head Golf Professional title at HGCC since the club was founded in 1894. Nicol Thompson served as head pro from 1899 to 1901, 1903 and then from 1912 until his retirement in 1945. He was succeeded by Dick Borthwick, who retired in 1974. Ken Steeves held the reins from 1975 until his untimely passing in 1980. Gary Maue took over from 1981 to 1989, and Rob McDannold followed in the role from 1989 until 2007. Five other professionals served as head pro for shorter periods in the early years of the club from 1894 through 1911.

VANCOUVER – Due to continued travel and border restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LPGA Tour, together with Golf Canada and title-sponsor Canadian Pacific (CP), have announced that the CP Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver has been postponed until 2021.

Golf Canada and CP have continued to monitor guidelines set by federal, provincial and municipal authorities intended to prevent the community spread of the virus. Physical factors including restrictions on international travel and mandatory quarantine along with limitations on group gatherings in the province of British Columbia ultimately forced the event’s postponement at Shaughnessy until 2021.

“The CP Women’s Open is a signature event for Golf in Canada and on the LPGA Tour and we share in the disappointment of our fans, players, volunteers and partners,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “The health of everyone who comes together for the event is our top priority and together with our partners at CP and the LPGA Tour, we can now look ahead to hosting an exceptional CP Women’s Open next year in the world-class city of Vancouver. I also applaud the swift and supportive response from our friends at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club as well as the Province of British Columbia and Sport Hosting Vancouver who continue to be tremendous hosts and partners in welcoming the LPGA Tour back in 2021.”

As title sponsor of the CP Women’s Open, CP is committed to raising charitable dollars in the event’s host community through the CP Has Heart campaign in support of children’s heart health. BC Children’s Hospital Foundation had previously been named primary charity partner for the 2020 CP Women’s Open and will continue on in the same capacity in 2021.

“We are disappointed we are unable to run the event in Vancouver this year as planned. There is no doubt that the 2021 CP Women’s Open will be a remarkable event both on the course and in terms of leaving a positive impact on the community,” said Keith Creel, CP President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to welcoming the world’s best golfers to Vancouver next year.”

The 2021 CP Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club will mark the sixth time the province of British Columbia has hosted Canada’s Women’s Open Championship, with the last time being 2015 at The Vancouver Golf Club, where Lydia Ko won her third CP Women’s Open title.

“The CP Women’s Open is truly a world-class event and a favorite stop for all of us at the LPGA Tour,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “I understand this was a tough decision for everyone involved, but given the restrictions faced, there was simply nothing else that could be done that would have enabled us to run the event in 2020. It is disappointing to miss Canada’s national championship and I know I speak for all LPGA Tour players and staff when I say we look forward to being back in Vancouver next year.”

The 2020 event was originally set for August 31-September 6. The Board of Directors and membership at Shaughnessy quickly decided to shift their focus to welcoming the stars of the LPGA Tour back next August 23-29, 2021.

“Shaughnessy understands the need to postpone this year’s event in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic – we will continue to work with our fantastic group of volunteers and partners in preparation of hosting the best players in the world in 2021,” said Brian Mossop, General Manager and C.O.O. at Shaughnessy.

The rescheduled return of the LPGA Tour will be proudly supported by both the Province of British Columbia as well as Sport Hosting Vancouver. With a global audience reach of over 500 million households across 170 international markets, both bodies are getting behind one of Canada’s signature sports entertainment properties as part of their tourism platform for 2021.

“While we share the disappointment that this year’s CP Women’s Open in Vancouver is postponed, we know this is the right thing to do to keep players, fans and communities safe,” said Lisa Beare, B.C.’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “We look forward to welcoming the LPGA Tour next year and invite all involved to explore more of Super, Natural British Columbia after the tournament.”

“Sport Hosting Vancouver is proud to support Golf Canada through our partners at Tourism Vancouver, the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association,” said Michelle Collens, Senior Manager, Sport Hosting Vancouver. “We look forward to continuing to work with all partners over the next year to ensure the 2021 CP Women’s Open is a highlight on the calendar, including initiatives to foster sport development and support the economic and social objectives of our destination.”

The third annual CP Women’s Leadership Summit, which was scheduled to take place on September 1 as part of CP Women’s Open tournament week, will be replaced in 2020 by a digital experience focused on audience empowerment and inspiring guest speakers. Full details including a schedule and guest speakers will be released in the coming weeks. The Summit, which is a celebration of business leaders, influencers and community champions, will continue to be part of the CP Women’s Open in 2021 and beyond.

Golf Canada, CP and the LPGA Tour would like to thank golf fans across the nation in addition to the many corporate partners, ticket and hospitality purchasers, as well as the countless volunteers for their continued support through this unprecedented time.

Corporate hospitality buyers will be contacted by their Golf Canada sales representative over the coming days to plan forward for 2021. Individual ticket purchases made via Ticketmaster will have the opportunity to be refunded within the next 30 days or be carried over to the 2021 event. Volunteers will be contacted by Golf Canada staff and will be able to choose between deferring their volunteer registration to 2021 or receiving a refund.