PANAMÁ CITY, Panamá — Taylor Pendrith carded a 7-under 63 to take the first-round lead at the Panamá Championship. Greyson Sigg sits alone in second after posting a 6-under 64 at the Club de Golf de Panamá. Grant Hirschman and Ryan Ruffels are two strokes off the lead after posting matching 65s on Thursday.

Pendrith began his round with a fast start carding birdies on three of his first four holes. The 28-year-old added three more birdies against one bogey to post a front nine 30. Despite making his second bogey of the day on No. 11, he rallied with birdies on Nos. 12 and 15 to get back to 6-under. Pendrith stuck his approach on the last and holed his short birdie putt to finish the round at 7-under.

“It was pretty smooth honestly,” Pendrith said of his round. “It’s nice to get off to a good start. I hit a lot of really good wedge shots inside 10-feet and my putter was on. I made a really good bogey on No. 11. I birdied the next hole and had a lot of good looks coming in.”

Pendrith spent last season refining his game on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada. In 12 starts, the Kent State University product recorded two wins, six top-10s and eight top-25s. He went on to finish second on the Order of Merit. Last December, Pendrith finished T30 at the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament earning him guaranteed starts for the 2020 season.

“To get two wins was a breakthrough year,” he said. “I’ve been close in the past up there losing in a bunch of playoffs. It gives me a lot of momentum and confidence coming up here knowing that I know how to win on the Mackenzie Tour. Hopefully I can chase a win down out here.”

Pendrith grew up in Ontario, Canada and remains close with PGA TOUR player Michael Gligic. Last season, Gligic earned his first Korn Ferry Tour title at the Panamá Championship and went on to secure his PGA TOUR card.

“Me and him (Gligic) are good buddies,” Pendrith said. “Obviously, he’s the champion here from last year. We have some good Canadian vibes here. I play golf with Gligic all the time and it’d be cool to go back-to-back Canadian wins here.”

.@TaylorPendrith on the prowl ??‍♂️

The #TeamCanada Young Pro Squad member shot a 7-under 63 to take the early @KornFerryTour lead ?

Read ➡️ https://t.co/FYmhx2Fltp pic.twitter.com/nByViil9X4

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) January 31, 2020

Greyson Sigg sits alone in second after carding a 6-under 64 on Thursday. Beginning the day on the front nine, Sigg recorded pars on each of his first three holes. He erupted with an eagle on the par-5 fourth and added birdies on Nos. 6 and 9. Despite a bogey on No. 10, Sigg rebounded with birdies on Nos. 12, 14 and 15. The 24-year-old played his remaining three holes at even-par to post 6-under for the round.

“I got off to a pretty good start,” Sigg said. “I shot 4-under on the front nine and bogeyed No. 10 but kind of brought it back with a couple birdies there. All in all, it was a pretty solid day.”

The University of Georgia product is making his first start at the Panamá Championship. The Club de Golf de Panamá typically ranks as one of the hardest courses on the Korn Ferry Tour and was the most difficult last season. However, the par-70 layout played significantly softer on Thursday providing players with ideal scoring conditions.

“I played with a couple guys in the practice rounds and they were saying how different it is,” he said. “It’s almost a good thing I haven’t seen the golf course and how different it’s playing.”

Grant Hirschman tallied seven birdies against two bogeys during Thursday’s opening round to post 5-under 65. The 24-year-old credited a hot putter as the key to his successful debut at the Club de Golf de Panamá.

Hirschman made 13 cuts in 18 starts on the Korn Ferry Tour last season. During the final stretch of the 2019 Regular Season, the University of Oklahoma product recorded four top-20s in his final five starts to finish 67th on the points list and retain status for 2020.

“I like to think I’m carrying momentum from last year into this season,” he said. “I ended on quite a string of top-25s and a couple top-10s and had a top-10 last week. I’m kind of trying to keep it rolling.”

Ryan Ruffels, making the third start of his Korn Ferry Tour career, carded a bogey-free 5-under 65 on Thursday. The 21-year-old tallied birdies on Nos. 6, 7 and 8 en route to a front nine 32. He added birdies on Nos. 12 and 17 to earn a share of third.

Ruffels is no stranger to golf in Latin America having made 43 starts on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica. The Australian earned guaranteed starts for the 2020 season after finishing T21 at the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament last December.

“I played in Latin America the last two years so I’m comfortable down here,” Ruffels said. “I’ve played a lot of golf down in South America. Q-School was about as much pressure as you could get. I was able to get through all of those challenges pretty well.”

MARRAKECH, Morocco – Stephen Ames shot a 9-under 63 on Thursday to take a four-stroke lead over a Hall of Fame quartet in the Morocco Champions, the first PGA Tour Champions event in Africa.

Making his season debut, Ames matched the Samanah Golf Club record set by Daniel Brooks in the 2009 Samanah Masters. The 55-year-old naturalized Canadian citizen from Trinidad played the four par-5 holes in 5 under, making an eagle on No. 5 and birdies on Nos. 9, 12 and 18.

“Today was a great day,” Ames said. “I hit the ball very nicely and capitalized with my putting. … The main thing I worked on all week was putting and I putted extremely well today.”

Canada’s @StephenAmesPGA is FEELING it! ?

He shot 9 under today to lead by 4 ?? pic.twitter.com/zV2xWNXYQR

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) January 30, 2020

Ames has one senior victory after winning four times on the PGA Tour.

Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Jose Maria Olazabal and Retief Goosen shot 67 in sunny conditions with an afternoon high of 77 degrees.

Kevin Sutherland was at 68 with Tom Pernice Jr., Ken Tanigawa, Scott Parel and Rod Pampling.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, coming off a playoff victory two weeks ago in the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric in Hawaii, shot 70.

Taylor Pendrith‘s return to the Korn Ferry Tour hasn’t exactly gone to plan so far.

After earning an exemption on the second-tier circuit thanks to two victories on the Mackenzie Tour last year, the Richmond Hill, Ont., native was rearing to go. But at the season-opening Great Exuma Classic, the Team Canada Young Pro Squad member came down with the flu – having to play in the Bahamian heat with a fever. That became bronchitis as he played in the Great Abaco Classic last week, with caddy Mitch Theoret also sick.

“It was definitely not enjoyable,” said Pendrith on Wednesday. “Played nine holes in the first three days of the practice rounds and basically laid in bed, had the chills. It was bad. But I wanted to play and my game was good coming into the first round, just sort of an unlucky thing to happen.”

It wasn’t just Pendrith’s health that was at issue, with high winds at Sandals Emerald Bay and Baha Mar wrecking havoc on scores for the entire field. He tied for 58th at the Great Exuma Classic and then tied for 66th at the Great Abaco Classic. This week’s Panama Championship at the Club de Golf de Panama – which Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont., won last year – is better suited to Pendrith’s big driving style.

“I remember in previous years here having to hit 2 irons off the tee to try and keep it short of the run up but I practised yesterday and hit a lot of drivers,” said Pendrith. “It definitely sets up well for me. The ball kind of just lands on the fairway and doesn’t roll very far so I can hit a lot of drivers and use my shorter clubs to get on to the greens. I’m looking forward to it.”

This is not Pendrith’s first go-round on the Korn Ferry Tour. He also played on it in 2016 when it was called the Web.com Tour but ongoing wrist issues, a partially torn tendon in his arm, and a torn muscle in his palm, disrupted that and the 2017 seasons.

Now that he’s back, Pendrith feels he’s better prepared to play his brand of golf.

“I feel like when I was out here in 2016 I was searching for the right thing to do and following people, being on the range for three, four hours. That didn’t work for me,” said Pendrith. “I’m just doing my own thing. On a Monday maybe I’ll just go to the putting green for an hour and leave. Or maybe just play nine holes on Monday instead of 18 and two hours on the range.

“It’s all about managing that and having fun again, which is great. I’ve got a really good mindset.”

Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., and Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., are the other Canadians in the field in Panama City this week.

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Madelene Sagstrom won the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio on Sunday for her first LPGA Tour title, birdieing the par-3 17th to tie for the lead and winning with a par when Nasa Hataoka missed a 3-footer on the last.

Sagstrom finished with a 2-under 70 for a 17-under 271 total at rain-softened Boca Rio Golf Club.

“I put something on the Instagram in the beginning of the week, saying I’m determined that 2020 is going to be the best season yet. I didn’t know it was going to be this good right away,” Sagstrom said. “But no, I have worked really hard over many years now, and I think that the biggest change or the biggest journey I have had is within myself and my mental game.”

Hataoka shot 69. The Japanese player birdied Nos. 15 and 16 to take the lead, then fell into a tie when Sagstrom birdied the 17th and lost with the bogey on the par-4 18th.

“It kind of helps me out with the beginning two tournaments, being there at the top, gives me a little strength to keep on going for the following many tournaments coming ahead,” Hataoka said. “Missing the win gives me more motivation to keep on going for the next many tournaments coming.”

She also finished second last week in the season-opening Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, losing to Gaby Lopez on the seventh extra hole in a Monday finish.

Sagstrom bogeyed two of the first five holes, then rebounded with birdies on Nos. 8, 10 and 11 – chipping in on 10.

“It doesn’t matter how you start,” Sagstrom said. “If you just continue fighting, things can go your way. And I just told myself, `Keep fighting, keep fighting.”’

Sagstrom made a 4-footer for birdie on 17, then saved par from 5 feet on 18,

The 27-year-old Swede and former LSU star opened with a 72, shot a career-best 62 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead and doubled her advantage Saturday with a 67.

“I have never been in a situation like this before, so obviously it was all new to me,” Sagstrom said about taking the lead into the final round. “I didn’t know how I was going to handle it or if it was going to go my way or not, so my whole goal today was just go out and stay patient and do what I have done the other days.”

Sagstrom won in her 69th career LPGA Tour start. She’s the 12th Swede to win on the tour, and the first since Pernilla Lindberg in the 2018 ANA Inspiration. Sagstrom won three times on the Symetra Tour in 2016 and led the money list to graduate to the big tour.

Brooke Henderson was the top Canadian. The Smiths Falls, Ont., native finished in a tie for 15th place at 7 under after shooting 73 in the final round.

Danielle Kang was third at 15 under after a 69. She parred the final eight holes.

“I kept hitting it to 30, 35 feet,” Kang said. “And they’re not easy to make. So, it’s hard to two-putt, to be honest.”

Celine Boutier shot 70 to finish fourth at 13 under. Sei Young Kim was 11 under after a 73,

The tournament was the first official event in Boca Raton since the 1989 Oldsmobile LPGA Classic.

Brigitte Thibault of Rosemere, Que., is headed back to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

The 21-year-old National Team member was the only Canadian in the field at the inaugural event last year and was officially invited back on Saturday. Participating in the first-even women’s event at the prestigious course was the start of a career season for Thibault. She went on to win the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship and the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference Championship.

“I didn’t want to set expectations because I didn’t know if they were keeping the same procedures, I didn’t know how they would select the people this year,” said Thibault. “So I didn’t want to set expectations, but I knew I had a great year. I did a lot of things right.”

Thibault, who is a member of Golf Canada’s national amateur squad, is entering her third season on Fresno State University’s golf team.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

?BACK to Augusta National! ?⁣ ⁣ We’re proud to have #TeamCanada’s @bri.thib represent Canada for a second straight year at the @anwagolf from April 1-4 ⛳️??‍♀️⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #golfstagram #anwagolf #golf #golfer #golflife #roadtoaugusta

A post shared by Golf Canada (@thegolfcanada) on Jan 25, 2020 at 7:19am PST

She was also part of Canada’s bronze-medal team at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, with Mary Parsons, Austin Connelly and Joey Savoie. After her productive 2019 Thibault was named the female amateur of the year by the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.

Although Thibault missed the cut at last year’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur she thinks the experience will set her up for greater success.

“There were things I did right, things I did wrong,” said Thibault. “Last year there was so much excitement and we didn’t really know what to expect. None of the players had an advantage. None of them had played there before.

Back to back ? #blessed pic.twitter.com/B4FT25dF5L

— brigitte thibault (@bri_thib) January 25, 2020

“So to know what we’re expecting to play, what shot you’re supposed to hit, and all these things are definitely good to have learned.”

TORONTO, ONT – The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada and Golf Ontario have reached a six-year agreement in partnership with Woodington Lake Golf Club to host and conduct the Ontario Open. The first tournament, an official tournament on the Tour’s 2020 schedule is set for Tottenham, Ontario, on August 24-30.

Debuting in 1923, the Ontario Open’s past champions include Sam Snead, along with Canadian golf legends Moe Norman, George Knudson and seven-time champion Nick Weslock. Following a 23-year hiatus, the event returned for its 63rd edition in 2019, an event won by Greg Eason, who five years earlier finished fifth on the Mackenzie Tour Order of Merit. Eason has 31 career Tour starts.

“The Ontario Open has a rich history in Canada, and the Mackenzie Tour is thrilled at the opportunity to be involved with such a storied event,” said Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada Vice President Scott Pritchard. “We’re looking forward to working alongside Golf Ontario and the team at Woodington Lake to deliver a world-class tournament.”

Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario’s Executive Director since 2015, played a large part in revitalizing the Ontario Open and says he is looking forward to adding to the legacy of the event with the Mackenzie Tour’s involvement.

“The Ontario Open is steeped in tradition and history and has a long list of distinguished winners,” said Kelly. “We were thrilled to bring back the Ontario Open in 2019 to Woodington Lake Golf Club and equally thrilled with the success of the event.

“To now join forces and take the event to the next level with The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada is an exciting time for Golf Ontario, and we believe this will be one of the marquee events on Tour this year,” continued Kelly.

Hosting the 156-player tournament is the Legend Course at Woodington Lakes Golf Club, a 36-hole facility north of Toronto. Measuring more than 7,000 yards, the Legend Course opened in 1995 and covers 200 acres of rolling terrain.

“Woodington Lake is truly a special piece of property, and the Ontario Open was a huge success in 2019,” said John Chetti, General Manager of Woodington Lake. “Our Legend course is a great test of golf, having some of the best golfers in the world tackle it is special for all of us at Woodington Lake and we look forward to hosting an extraordinary event.”

Craig Loughry, Golf Ontario’s Director of Golf Services, will serve as Tournament Director of the event. In addition to his experience with Golf Ontario, Loughry was also Golf Canada’s Director of Handicap and Course Rating and was the International Association of Golf Administrators President in 2017.

“We’re very excited about this announcement and the future of the Ontario Open, as well as our partnership with Woodington Lake Golf Club and the Mackenzie Tour,” said Loughry “We are already well down the road to planning some special activities around the event and look forward to unveiling some of those over the next few months.”

The tournament also announced today that the Golf Canada Foundation (GCF) will be the Ontario Open’s official charity recipient.

“The Golf Canada Foundation’s contributions to the game of golf and young golfers fit right in line with Golf Ontario’s mission to shape lives by leading, creating and promoting positive golf experiences,” said Loughry. “We’re delighted to partner and financially support the GCF and its mandate.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Golf Ontario and the Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada as the official charity of the Ontario Open,” said Martin Barnard, the CEO of the Golf Canada Foundation. “The event will drive tremendous awareness and fund programs critical to getting more kids playing golf in Ontario.”

The full 2020 Mackenzie Tour schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

The next generation of Titleist AVX ­is engineered for greater ball speed, longer distance and increased short-game spin – advancing the multi-component golf ball technology that has produced breakthrough results for golfers who prioritize distance and extremely soft feel.

First introduced in the spring of 2018 following a comprehensive four-month test market, AVX was developed as a performance alternative to sit alongside Titleist’s industry-leading Pro V1 and Pro V1x models – offering the lowest flight, lowest spin and softest feel of the three premium performance offerings.

From core to cover, every piece of the new Titleist AVX golf ball has been reengineered to deliver improved total performance from tee to green

The engine of 2020 AVX – a larger, reformulated low compression core – works in combination with a redesigned high flex casing layer to deliver greater ball speed and low long game spin for more distance.

A new, thinner cast urethane cover – specifically formulated for AVX by Titleist Golf Ball R&D chemists – delivers increased spin and control for improved greenside performance.

The increased core size also produces an even softer-feeling AVX.

New AVX, offered in both white and high optic yellow, is now available in golf shops worldwide.

“In our ongoing discussions with golfers, we are constantly meeting players who tell us, ‘AVX is the ball I’d been waiting for,’ ” said Frederick Waddell, Senior Product Manager, Titleist Golf Balls. “At the same time, we’ve been able to lean on those golfers to better understand how they experience AVX and what we can do to help them shoot lower scores. The improvements to AVX are a direct result of their insights and the inventiveness of our R&D team to take this design to the next level – and we expect golfers to see better numbers across the board. The new AVX is faster and longer, it performs better around green, and delivers even more of the incredibly soft feel that golfers love about this product.”

Every AVX is made by Titleist associates in the company’s state-of-the-art Ball Plant 3 manufacturing facility to the highest performance and quality specifications in the industry, ensuring the most consistent performance ball to ball, and dozen to dozen.

2020 AVX PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY

AVX delivers unmatched performance in a low compression, multi-layered construction through proprietary core, cover and aerodynamic technologies:

• New, Larger Core Formulation generates high speed and low long game spin to drive more distance with exceptionally soft feel.
• Redesigned High Flex Casing Layer promotes higher ball speed and lower spin on long shots for enhanced distance.
• New, Thinner Cast Urethane Elastomer Cover System has been specifically formulated by Titleist R&D to provide greater ball speed and increased greenside spin and control.
• Unique Catenary Aerodynamic Dimple Design delivers a piercing, low trajectory while providing a consistent ball flight on all shots.

AVAILABILITY

The new Titleist AVX is available in Canadian golf shops beginning Jan. 23 starting at $64.99.

The all-new Pro|SL offers more traction and stability for every single shot. The all-new Infinity outsole configuration provides grip that just won’t quit, with 189 points of traction that deliver superb contact with the ground and the perfect foundation throughout the golf swing.  The unique infinity shape optimizes stability, with an 11.5% wider heel and increased forefoot stability.

“As the industry leader, we didn’t tweak or adjust the new Pro|SL, we innovated and advanced and received Tour approval,” said Richard Fryer, Director of Product Management, FJ Footwear.  “As a result, we’ve developed a product that delivers more stability, more traction, more comfort and more choice, setting the standard in performance footwear, again”. 

MORE COMFORT.

Pro|SL offers just the right amount of comfort with a Dual-Density (D²) Midsole that delivers both stability and cushioning. Its advanced design utilizes two densities of FJ proprietary FineTuned Foam (FTF): a firm FTF around the perimeter for support and control, and a softer FTF under the foot for max cushioning and comfort. 

With multiple layers of comfort and support, along with a super-soft waterproof leather and Power Harness to hug your feet, the all-new Pro|SL provides the comfiest ride in golf with max medial/lateral control and support.

MORE CHOICE.

For those looking for even more comfort and stability, FootJoy has created an additional option, Pro|SL™ Carbon, integrating a full-length carbon fiber insert into the midsole for off-the-charts stability and motion control. Carbon fiber flexes and elastically snaps back to its molded position with each step recovering more of the energy generated while walking and allowing the body to work less.  This will result in less leg and foot fatigue at the end of the round.

Pro|SL Carbon shoes provide enhanced wrap-around comfort and no-slip fit with a soft, molded collar and conforming underfoot cushioning with an OrthoLite® Impressions FitBed®.

“I’m someone who loves to be comfortable, and the new Pro|SL is the most comfortable golf shoe I’ve ever put on my feet,” said Louis Oosthuizen.

“When I tried Carbon for the first time, I wanted to put them in play immediately,” said Charley Hoffman. “The comfort and stability is incredible”.

The #1 Shoe in Golf is also introducing a new version of the hottest shoe in golf in the Women’s performance footwear lineup.  The all-new Women’s Pro|SL has already been worn to victory on the LPGA by Sei Young Kim, winner of the 2019 CME Group Tour Championship.

Looking to design and customize your own golf shoes?  The all-new Pro|SL is available on MyJoys beginning February 3, 2020.  Create custom MyJoys with over 14 million possible combinations of colours, prints, laces and more, available for both Men and Women in both Laced and BOA®.

The Pro|SL shoe is available in Canada on February 1 starting at $229.

A month ago, Jared du Toit wasn’t even sure he’d be playing in the Latinoamerica Qualifying Tournament in Mexico. He’d been frustrated with the state of his game for all of the 2019 season and drilled hard for most of November and December trying to get things back on track. By the time the holidays rolled around, he was fed up.

But fast forward to last Sunday and he’d won the event at the Estrella del Mar Golf & Beach Resort, earning a full exemption for the PGA Tour Latinoamerica season.

“I talked to the people close to me, my coaches and family and everyone was kind of like, ‘Nah, just go do it,”’ said du Toit, who had consulted with Golf Canada coach Derek Ingram and Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood, a mental performance coach with the national program, among others.

“So then I really committed to doing it and really good practices and whatnot and I felt really good for tee off and then obviously played well in the event so it was a big relief getting it done.”

The 24-year-old du Toit shot 5-under 67 in the final round to finish the week at 22-under 266 overall for a two-stroke win over Mexico’s Juan Carlos Benitez.

Du Toit took a full break from golf for two weeks over the holidays – he didn’t even bring his clubs home with him to Kimberley, B.C. – to clear his head. When he returned to Arizona he set aside all of the thinking and work he’d done before the holidays, created a plan of attack, and returned to playing. That hard reset helped him clear his mind ahead of the qualifier.

“Honestly, I think with all that going on my expectations probably weren’t the highest,” said du Toit, who shot a 5-under 67 in the opening round in Mexico before a 68-64-67 finish. “So maybe when I went down there and I started out great, it was just kind of felt like it was playing with house money.”

The PGA Tour Latinoamerica season doesn’t start for another six weeks and du Toit expects he’ll use that time to find more consistency in his game, play some mini tour events and maybe take on some Monday qualifiers on the Korn Ferry Tour. When the Latinoamerica season does kick off, it will be right back at Estrella del Mar, which du Toit sees as an advantage.

“I’ve probably played 15 rounds on that golf course over the years so I’m very comfortable with it,” said du Toit. “It’s kind of this unique blend of grasses that it took me awhile to adjust to.

Whether other people struggle with that adjustment or not, it’s definitely a thing.

“I think my experience on that golf course will help me out and hopefully I can get off to a great start to the season.”

It’s expected that du Toit will be named to Golf Canada’s Young Pro Squad for a third straight year. He was previously on the organization’s amateur squad, including in 2016 when he tied for ninth as an amateur at the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

“Golf Canada has been very good to me over the last four or five years,” said du Toit. “Basically my first real coach was from Golf Canada. They’ve been really good to me and I would love to keep that relationship going for as long as I can.”

Canadian apparel & lifestyle brand Levelwear announced today the signing of 10 Ambassadors to their Global Tour Staff.

Talor Gooch, the former Oklahoma State Cowboy and graduate of the Canadian Tour in 2016 has signed a multi-year agreement and will join a growing stable of young and talented PGA Tour Athletes. The agreement will see Gooch wear Levelwear’s premium collection of polos, pullovers, and pants while teeing it up each week on Tour.

“While playing the RBC Canadian Open in 2018, I had the pleasure of meeting and playing the Pro-Am with members of the Levelwear Executive Team. That was the start of a relationship that led to our multi-year partnership.  The product is modern, clean and fits great and is extremely comfortable to play in regardless of the elements. I’m excited to become part of the Levelwear family.” – said Gooch. Gooch played this past week in La Quinta, California at The American Express finishing T16.

Corey Conners who won for the first time on Tour in 2019 when he captured the Valero Texas Open has resigned a multi-year agreement. The Canadian had a stellar 2019 season that saw him make the Tour Championship where he finished tied for 26th.  Currently 56th on the Official Golf World Rankings, Connors has been a key member of the Levelwear family since the 2017 season.

Michael Gilgic won the Panama Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour and secured PGA TOUR membership for the first time by finishing No. 17 on the Korn Ferry Tour Regular Season points list, entering the 2019-20 season 32nd in the final priority ranking. He finished the Korn Ferry Tour season with two top-10s and 15 made cuts in 22 starts. Gilgic played this past week at The Americans Express where he finished T22.

Ryan Brehm who played college golf at Michigan State University where he won 5 times and who helped lead MSU to 3 Big Ten Championships, has also resigned.  Brehm finished T4 at The American Express this past week.

European Tour Members; Paul Waring and Fabrizio Zanotti have also resigned.  Waring is currently 74th on the Official Golf World Rankings.  Waring’s first European Tour win came in 2018 when he won in a playoff at the Nordea Masters.  Waring finished last week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA tournament at T12.

Zanotti has 6 professional wins and 2 European Tour wins with the last one coming in 2017 at the Maybank Championship. Zanotti turned professional in 2003 and played last weeks Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA.

Taylor Pendrith had an incredible year on the Mackenzie Tour Canada in 2019.  The Canadian played in all 12 Mackenzie Tour events, making 10 cuts, registered two wins and six top-10 finishes overall.  He finished the year number 2 on the Order of Merit to earn membership on the Korn Ferry Tour. He also won the Canada Life Canadian Play of the Year Award for the second time in his career.  Pendrith has been a member of the Levelwear family since turning professional.

As key members of the LPGA Tour, Levelwear is excited to have Kristen Gillman and Amy Olson join the company.  The women will wear Levelwear’s premium collection of polos, pullovers, shorts, and skorts.

Gillman is currently ranked 45th on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.  She made 22 cuts in her rookie campaign in 2019 with a career-best T3 at the Buick LPGA Shanghai event.  Her successful rookie season saw her finish second in the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year standings.

“I’m thrilled to join the Levelwear family and be an ambassador for the company.  I’ve never felt more comfortable on the golf course in terms of both style and performance, and I am so proud to represent the brand.  Whether I am competing to hold up a trophy, training in the gym, or traveling between tournaments, Levelwear has a full line of golf and athleisure clothes to make sure I am always on my game and look great while doing it,” said Gillman.

Olson is currently 66th on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking.  She turned professional in 2013 after her collegiate career at North Dakota State University where she won a NCAA record 20 collegiate events.  Her best professional finish was in 2018 with a T2 at The Evian Championship. By the end of 2018, she posted a career-best 4 top 10 finishes in 24 starts.

Sandra Gal has been part of the Levelwear family since 2016 and has resigned. After a 2019 season that had her taking a medical leave after being diagnosed with dormant Lyme disease, she is looking forward to playing a full schedule in 2020.

Levelwear President, Hilton Ngo remarked “Supporting golf at all levels is a strategic priority.  We are thrilled that we can continue to add world-class athletes that enhance our brand initiatives”. We look forward to celebrating their successes during the Tour season.”

These signings signify the rapid assentation to the upper echelon of the golf apparel landscape for Levelwear. Levelwear athletes on Tours now total 26 globally and relationships with; the PGA Tour, the PGA of America, Golf Canada and sponsorships of several top events on Tour like the newly established Rocket Mortgage Classic, The Houston Open, The RBC Canadian Open, the CP Women’s Open and the Shaw Charity Classic among others, Levelwear will have a retail presence at roughly 23 events. Additionally, Levelwear maintains strong retail relationships with roughly 80 of the top 100 golf clubs throughout North America and can be found at top clubs and resorts from coast to coast.

Levelwear has established enduring business verticals in licensed and team sports, golf apparel, and men’s and women’s lifestyle wear, with core strengths of innovation, decoration, and industry-leading service. The company holds licensing partnerships with some of the top global brands, including; MLB, the NHL and NHLPA, NBA, CFL, 140 US Colleges, and various soccer properties (Bayern Munich, Paris St. Germain, Juventus, Celtics, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, etc.) globally. At the PGA Merchandising Show in Orlando later this month, Levelwear will unveil its 2020 collection.