Course rating allows handicaps to be portable to any golf course
Slope rating is the difference between the course rating for a ‘scratch’ golfer and the course rating for a ‘bogey’ golfer multiplied by a factor. The Slope rating indicates the difficulty of a golf course for the ‘bogey’ golfer relative to the scratch player.
Click here for more information on the World Handicap System.
Titleist introduces new T100•S irons
The introduction of the all-new Titleist T100•S irons meets the need for a fully-forged player’s iron that plays stronger to produce greater distance.
Modeled after the tour-refined design of the new Titleist T100 models – which have quickly become the most played irons this season on the PGA Tour – the new T100•S irons are individually calibrated with 2-degree stronger lofts to give better players the distance they need to score lower, while preserving the feel and precision required for superior shot shaping.
Available for fittings March 12 (and in golf shops March 27), T100•S is a direct result of player feedback and the engineering ingenuity that has made Titleist the longstanding #1 iron on the PGA Tour. Joining T100, T200 and T300 in the strikingly new T-Series iron family, the T100•S introduces a new fully-forged Player’s Distance iron model unlike anything else in the category.
“T100•S was developed as a Player’s Distance iron with an emphasis on the word Player’s. We’ve taken the most popular irons on the PGA Tour and carefully engineered them to maximize distance,” said Josh Talge, Vice President, Titleist Golf Club Marketing.

“As we were launching the new T-Series, we met a lot of golfers who were really excited about T100 but had become accustomed to playing stronger-lofted iron sets. It would have been really easy to just take T100’s and bend them stronger for those players. But by doing that you start to sacrifice the incredible feel and turf interaction – the reasons why players were gravitating toward them in the first place. So our engineers went back and redesigned each individual iron to give these players the stronger lofts and distance they’re looking for, while preserving the performance of that pure forged shape and sole.”
T100•S PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY
T100•S irons are masterfully designed to deliver the same tour-level precision and signature forged feel as T100, in 2-degree stronger lofts for longer distance:
- Carefully calibrated T100 design with 2-degree stronger lofts enhances carry distance throughout the set.
- New fully-forged dual cavity construction provides precise distance and control
- Thinner, more responsive face increases ball speed across the face.
- Co-forged dual-density tungsten (with an average of 66 grams placed in the heel and toe of the mid and long irons) delivers exceptional stability.
- Tour-refined sole shape (same as T100) features a thin topline, minimal offset and enhanced camber for improved turf interaction.
- Progressive set design – with progressive blade lengths, sole widths and hosel lengths – delivers optimal CG positioning with preferred shaping through the set.
- Available irons: 3 (19º), 4 (22º), 5 (25º), 6 (28º), 7 (32º), 8 (36º), 9 (40º), P (44º), W48.
“While we’ve engineered T100•S for distance, this still a precision product,” said Marni Ines, Director, Titleist Irons Development, Golf Club R&D. “To be a great iron player you need to be in control of your distances and have the ability to work the ball when the shot calls for it. The design of T100•S simply allows players to hit their number from even farther away – with the tight dispersion and proper trajectory they need to hit it close.”
FREE TRIAL & FITTINGS
Beginning March 12, golfers can experience the performance of T100•S irons by attending a Titleist Trial & Fitting Event (including Titleist Thursdays), or visiting a Titleist Fitting Partner at one of hundreds of locations nationwide. To find a fitting event or location, golfers can visit https://www.titleist.ca/fitting.
T100•S STOCK SHAFT
T100•S’s stock shaft – the True Temper Projext X LZ (Mid launch, low spin | 120g) – enhances ball speed and launch for maximum distance with the proper trajectory to stop shots closer to the hole.
In addition, Titleist offers an industry-leading number of custom shaft choices, many at no upcharge.
T100•S AVAILABILITY
New Titleist T-Series T100•S irons will be available in golf shops worldwide beginning March 27, with fittings beginning March 12.
Team Canada coach Tristan Mullally excited for Canada’s wave of NCAA talent
After an intensive training camp with Golf Canada’s national amateur squad, coach Tristan Mullally is excited for the future of the women’s game in this country.
Mullally worked with Quebec City’s Sarah-Eve Rheaume, Noemie Pare of Victoriaville, Que., Brigitte Thibault of Rosemere, Que., and Mary Parsons of Delta, B.C. last week at The Legacy Golf Club in Phoenix. The camp focused on the ongoing development of all four players, preparing them to make the leap to the professional ranks.
“We’ve got a young, dynamic group that are a little bit light on experience but have some of the best attitudes that I’ve ever seen in terms of our national team,” said Mullally on Wednesday. “It’s very easy to improve their golf when their attitude is the way it is.
“I’m expecting over the next couple of years to start to see some of these players starting to be those next discussion points.”
Of course, right now the biggest discussion point in Canadian golf is Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont. She became the winningest golfer in Canadian history last season and is ranked eighth in the world. Henderson and Hamilton’s Alena Sharp represent the Canadian contingent on the LPGA Tour this season.

It’s a reversal of fortunes from last year when five Canadians were LPGA regulars with Brittany Marchand of Orangeville, Ont., Quebec City’s Anne-Catherine Tanguay and Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee joining Henderson and Sharp.
The injury bug bit, however, with Tanguay having to take a one-year sabbatical to heal an ailing back and focus on personal projects. Lee’s season was derailed by ongoing issues with her wrist. She’ll have partial LPGA status this season as she plays under a medical exemption.
Longtime Symetra Tour player Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., retired in the off-season after finishing 30th on the second-tier tour’s money list, further depleting Canada’s presence in the pro ranks.
But Mullally is optimistic about the next wave of young Canadian golfers playing in the NCAA.

“All of these athletes are on the national team for a reason, they know how to work hard to be efficient with their time,” said Mullally, who collaborates with the players’ university coaches to design individual development plans. “They’ve all done that, they’ve all come back a little bit better than when they left the last national camp and we want to continue that.”
Thibault is coming off of a career season where she competed in the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur, won the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship and the NCAA’s Mountain West Conference Championship. That led to her being named the female amateur of the year by the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.
She and Parsons were also part of Canada’s bronze-medal team at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, with Austin Connelly and Joey Savoie.
Titleist improves Velocity golf balls with new matte colour options
Every component of the new Titleist Velocity golf ball has been engineered for maximum velocity, including new aerodynamic and core technologies that deliver the longest, best performing Velocity yet. Golfers can also experience the speed of Velocity in style, with three new matte color options (Pink, Green and Orange) added for 2020.
Now available in golf shops worldwide, 2020 Velocity has been improved through comprehensive golfer feedback and new innovations developed inside the Titleist Golf Ball R&D labs:
- The invention of a spherically-tiled 350 octahedral dimple design produces a more consistent, high-flying trajectory for longer distance.• Velocity’s engine – a larger, higher speed LSX core – generates fast initial velocity with extremely low spin on all full swing shots to help golfers get every last yard.
- The increased core size also adds spin for greater stoppability on approach shots.
“Velocity golfers love distance, and they never stop asking us for more yards,” said Michael Mahoney, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing. “But we know they’re also trying to shoot lower scores, and distance is only one part of that equation. The advancements our engineers have made to Velocity’s aerodynamics package and high-speed core technology are meaningful. Golfers can take aim from farther away – confident that if they put a good swing on it, they’ll have the extra distance to reach the green with the ball flight to stop it there.”
The new Velocity is manufactured by Titleist associates at Titleist’s owned-and-operated Ball Plant 2 in North Dartmouth, Mass., ensuring the most consistent performance and quality in every dozen and every ball.
NEW MATTE COLOUR OPTIONS
The improved performance of 2020 Velocity is enhanced by three new color options featuring a high optic, vibrant matte finish. Golfers can now choose from Matte Pink, Matte Green and Matte Orange (with play numbers #00-11-22-33), in addition to standard white (with play numbers 1-4).
Each matte finish has been developed and validated by Titleist R&D to maintain exceptional light stability and durability throughout the course of play.
VELOCITY PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY
The new Titleist Velocity delivers longer distance, extremely low long game spin, high flight and greater iron stoppability through the following key technologies:
- New Larger, Higher Speed LSX Core delivers fast speed with extremely low spin on full swing shots for deep downrange distance. The increased core size also adds spin for greater iron stoppability.
- Fast NaZ+ Cover formulation is designed for speed and playable greenside feel.
- New Spherically-Tiled 350 Octahedral Dimple Pattern provides a high ball flight with greater aerodynamic consistency for enhanced long game distance.
AVAILABILITY
The new Titleist Velocity is available in Canadian golf shops beginning Jan. 23 starting at $35.99.
Titleist introduces next generation Tour Soft golf ball
The largest core ever produced by Titleist golf ball engineers drives longer distance and better short game performance in the new Titleist Tour Soft, available beginning Jan. 23 in Canadian golf shops.
Titleist Tour Soft was first introduced two years ago, utilizing new material and process technologies to deliver the best performance in its category – offering a superior combination of soft compression feel, very fast speed for commanding distance and excellent short game spin and control.
For golfers who prefer a softer-feeling golf ball, the new 2020 Tour Soft improves upon its prior generation with real performance advancements to help them play better:
- Titleist’s largest golf ball core is now even larger, delivering faster ball speeds for category-leading distance off the tee.
- The larger core size required engineers to make Tour Soft’s high performance 4CE grafted cover system even thinner, producing increased short game spin around the green.
- Enhanced aerodynamics – a new spherically-tiled 342 cuboctahedron dimple design – provides a more penetrating ball flight.
- Doubling as an alignment aid, the new Tour Soft “T” sidestamp provides golfers the option for easy alignment on the tee or green.
“Golfers wanting to play a softer-feeling ball shouldn’t have to sacrifice yards off the tee or control into the green. We know they have real golf to play and their ball has to be much more than just soft,” said Michael Mahoney, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing. “The new generation of Tour Soft continues to show what’s possible in a lower compression design. Our engineers have developed a longer, all-around better performing golf ball that maintains the soft and responsive feel that golfers love about this product.”
The new Tour Soft, offered in both white and high-optic yellow, is manufactured by Titleist associates at Titleist’s owned-and-operated Ball Plant 2 in North Dartmouth, Mass., ensuring the most consistent performance and quality in every dozen and every ball.
NEW ALIGNMENT STAMP
Tour Soft’s sidestamp has been redesigned and integrated into a new alignment aid feature for 2020. The alignment stamp – resembling a “T” shape – makes it easier for golfers to line up their Tour Soft on the green or tee, without having to mark lines on the ball.

“When we began offering alignment aid stamps through our My Titleist customizer (on Titleist.com) in February of 2018, they instantly became the most popular options among golfers choosing to add custom logos to their golf ball,” said Michael Fish, Titleist Golf Ball Product Manager. “Our research and testing with Tour Soft golfers showed an overwhelming preference for using an enhanced alignment stamp and they put this ‘T’ mark at the top of their list.”
TOUR SOFT PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY
The new Titleist Tour Soft is engineered to provide golfers with better performance for their game, delivering responsive soft feel, commanding distance and excellent short-game performance through the following key technologies:
- Reformulated, Larger and Faster Core – the largest of any Titleist golf ball – delivers longer distance and responsive feel.
- Thinner 4CE Grafted Cover – developed using ultra-thin TCU process technology – generates more greenside spin for better control into and around the green.
- Spherically-Tiled 342 Cuboctahedron Dimple Design provides a more penetrating and consistent ball flight.
AVAILABILITY
The new Titleist Tour Soft available in Canadian golf shops beginning Jan. 23. MAP $44.99.
Acceptable golf scores can be submitted in various formats to reflect an accurate handicap
The World Handicap System is designed to offer golfers plenty of opportunities to submit scores for handicap purposes. The more acceptable scores a player submits, the more accurate their handicap index will be.
Click here for more information.
FootJoy launches Tour X high-performance shoe
Experience max performance with the latest high-performance shoe from FootJoy, called Tour X™. With the idea to deliver the ultimate “X” factor, this golf shoe is turbo-charged with advanced technologies and materials to achieve the most feature-rich performance package chosen by elite players like Kevin Kisner and Rafa Cabrera Bello.
“This is a powerful shoe with a strong, stable foundation that allows me to max out my swing speed while staying locked to the ground,” said Kevin Kisner.
Using innovation-powered features and materials, Tour X works to redirect and funnel power by ensuring balance and a stable foundation throughout the golf swing. Tour X was developed from the synthesis of three tour-proven models to provide players maximum performance: Max Stability, Max Control and Max Comfort.
MAX STABILITY
FJ PowerPlate outsole is the most stable outsole in FJ’s range, providing maximum ground coverage and stability which allows players to transfer power efficiently throughout the golf swing. This PowerPlate midsole/outsole system features a full TPU layer with 9 LaunchPods that provide unrivalled stability and increased surface area coverage.
MAX CONTROL
FJ PowerStrap™ system delivers medial and lateral support to provide exceptional midfoot control. The molded TPU strap works with reinforced PowerEyelets, allowing you to pull tight and lock down to maintain a stable, balanced foundation.

MAX COMFORT
Tour X offers comfort technologies that wrap your foot in cushioning and control. Inside the shoe is an OrthoLite® Impressions FitBed®, comprised of two densities of foam – an Open Cell PU Foam that maintains its mechanical properties and cushion throughout its life cycle, and an Impressions Foam that takes an impression of your foot, creating a custom fit.
For added comfort and breathability, Tour X features a 3D Molded Collar and Tour-Spec Stretch Tongue, ensuring maximum in-shoe comfort and support round after round. Tour X is fully-waterproof, using a Chromoskin™ leather by Pittards® of England, providing a super soft, supple feel.
Visit www.footjoy.ca for more information.
AVAILABILITY
The Tour X is available in Canada on January 15, 2020 starting at $299
Henderson recharged heading into LPGA season opener
Brooke Henderson ended 2019 on a high note with a fifth-place finish at the CME Group Tour Championship and took a much-deserved break in the offseason, enjoying the warm weather at her residence in Florida and visiting her friends and family in her native Canada. It was a perfect time for the 22-year-old to reflect on a triumphant year that included becoming the Canadian with the most professional wins on the LPGA and PGA Tour when she won the Meijer LPGA Classic for her ninth career victory.
“I feel like 2019 was a really successful season for me and my sister (and caddie Brittany Henderson) as well,” said Henderson. “We were really happy with how everything went. I felt like I improved in a lot of places, which was good. I think a key thing for me is scoring average and keeping it below 70, which I did last year.”
Henderson returns to action at the biggest party on Tour at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, alongside a host of Hall of Fame athletes and celebrities. Despite the fun nature of the week, she said it still feels just as competitive on the course as it does at any other event.
“I feel like playing with some of the best athletes in the world here, you’re just always pushing each other to be a little bit better and trying to hit a little bit further and make a few more birdies,” said Henderson, who finished T6 in the inaugural tournament in 2019. “It’s really a unique experience as it’s maybe not as intense right off the get go, as it is on the regular LPGA Tour week, but definitely it has that same intensity once you get going, and it has maybe a little bit of fun added to it.”

With the start of season play just a few days away, Henderson said she is already prepped to execute her 2020 goals, which includes continuing her streak of four straight years with at least two wins.
“I’d love to keep that streak alive. It’s been pretty important to me the last few years, especially with how dense the field is in terms of talent,” said Henderson. “It’s really important to me to keep that going, and I feel like to get another major championship win is hopefully on my radar, and hopefully I can get it done maybe this year and in future years.”
Golf’s World Handicap System raises maximum handicap index to 54
The maximum Handicap Index has changed. Where previously there were different values for men and women, now there is one maximum Handicap Index regardless of gender. The maximum Handicap Index is 54.0.
Click here to learn more.
Golf Journalists Association of Canada names 2019 Players of the Year
TORONTO – Brooke Henderson’s on-course accomplishments and continual overhaul of Canadian golf’s record books made her the top newsmaker on the course for the second consecutive year in 2019.
The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) is proud to announce Henderson, Corey Conners, Garrett Rank and Brigitte Thibault as the 2019 Players of the Year as voted by GJAC members across the country. Henderson’s record-setting ninth LPGA victory, which gave her the most professional wins all-time by a Canadian on the LPGA or PGA Tours, was also voted Canadian Golf Story of the Year.
“GJAC is proud to recognize and applaud the top accomplishments by Canadian players every year, and 2019 was full of some incredible performances at every level of the game of golf,” said David McPherson, GJAC President. “Across Canada, these players continue to record performances that make covering their achievements and telling the stories behind them a joy for our members.”
Henderson’s two wins in 2019, which came at the Meijer LPGA Classic and LOTTE Championship, put her into new territory in the Canadian record books with nine LPGA victories, surpassing the old record shared by Sandra Post, George Knudson and Mike Weir.
Corey Conners was named Male Professional of the Year after breaking through for his first PGA Tour victory at the Valero Texas Open, where the second-year PGA Tour member Monday Qualified and went on to win by two. The 28-year old went on to finish 26th in the FedExCup standings and totaled $2,919,864 in on-course earnings for the season.
Rosemére, Quebec’s Brigitte Thibault earned honours as Female Amateur of the Year after a standout season that included wins at the Mountain West Conference Championship and Ontario Amateur Championship, as well as an appearance as Canada’s first entrant into the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and a bronze medal with Team Canada at the Pan American Games.

Finally, Elmira, Ontario’s Garrett Rank repeated as Male Amateur of the Year after winning the prestigious Western Amateur and recording yet another consistent season that included top-10 performances at the Porter Cup, Ontario Men’s Amateur, North and South Amateur and the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur, where he was runner-up.