Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).

Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.

Rey Lee, Tower Ranch Golf & Country Club, Hole #12

My first hole-in-one, ever. It was on hole #12 over a gully using a soft 8 iron. Hole was at the back of the green, 138 yards. I didn’t see the ball go in but two of my playing partners saw it go in. Played with Ryan Lawrence from Tower’s pro shop, a guy from Sunset Ranch’s pro shop and another Tower member. Lucky it only cost me $80 in refreshments as it was end the end of season.

Brad Gibson, Markland Wood Golf Club, Hole #2

Hole #2 measured at 152 yards!

Colin Anderson, Anderson Links Golf & Country Club , Hole #3

The hole was #3 on the West course (my 12th hole as we’d already played the East nine and were looping over), playing about 130 yards. I hit a smooth 9 iron that landed a few yards short and right of the hole, then spun left and rolled towards the pin and disappeared. My playing partners and I weren’t sure if it was in or had just rolled over the crest until we made it up to the green and checked in the hole. Sure enough, there it was! High fives all around! Not surprisingly, I also got closest to the pin on that hole for the course’s fall bonus par 3 event. I’ve added the ball to my golf memento box alongside my other hole-in-one from nearly 30 years ago and other reminders of special times playing this mostly humbling, sometimes rewarding and always fun game.

James Watt, Markham Excutive Golf Course, Hole #4

My hole-in-one was at Markham Excutive Golf Course. Hole #4 and the distance was was 202 yards. I used my driver. I was with fellow golfer Joseph Yu and w play in the senior league together. My first hole-in-one was a great finish to the last game of the season.

Nancy Kaiser, The Springs Course, Hole #17

I was golfing with my husband, John and two young men by the name of Ty and Ben, who we were paired with by the pro shop. It just happens that John and Ty worked together at the Copperpoint Golf Course in Invermere.

The yardage on hole #17 is listed on the score card as 101 from the gold tees. I used my nine iron, teed it down a bit, swung and hoped for the best. At that time of day, late afternoon, the sun was directly in my eyes so I couldn’t track the ball too well. I just knew I had hit the green but couldn’t tell where the ball ended up. My playing partners had gone over the ravine to their tee boxes and none of us could see the hole, just the pin. When we got to the green, we located everyone’s ball but mine, until I looked in the hole. There was a bright pink ball looking up at me!

The funny thing is, as we were going up one of the earlier fairways, we were talking about hole-in-one’s and how none of us had had one and some of us had never seen one. Well, I still haven’t seen one but I have had one now!

Linda Heaslip, Penticton Golf and Country Club, Hole #10

It was from the silver tees on hole #10. The shot was 155 yards with a three wood. I was playing with Janet Bremner, Caroline Palmer and Angela Turnbull.

Andy Gee, Carrying Place Golf and Country Club, Hole #12

While golfing with my two guests, Gord Tanner and Dave Fleming, I put a good swing on my 56° wedge on the par 3, hole #12 and scored a hole-in-one. To my delight and the astonished look on my guests faces, I watched my ball soar very high in the air towards the pin. The ball landed softly, bouncing about four feet up and landing with a small six inch hop and a very short roll and in. I tossed the club when I raised my arms I delight. All my friends could do was hold their hands up while I slapped them. This was a long time coming and by my very rough calculation, it took something like 34,200 holes of golf played to get a hole-in-one. I expect the next one will be a lot sooner.

Jeff Saunders, Shannon Lake Golf Club, Hole #2

Finally made my third hole-in-one. It had been 25 years since my last one. I wore a shirt that morning that belonged to my best friend’s father (George) who had passed away recently. I told my wife I was going to channel my inner George on the course. Hole #2, gap wedge, playing 128 yards downhill. Struck it pure and it looked good in the air.

Mark Pretty, Indian Hills Golf Club, Hole #11

This was my first hole-in-one and the first of anyone in my group that day. In fact, none of us had ever witnessed a hole-in-one before. I was with my good friends, Justin Turnbull, Mike Meadows and Matt Webb and we were playing Indian Hills Golf Course in Lambton Shores. We were on hole #11, playing the blue tees, about 135 yards from the pin. I hit a 9 iron, and said while the ball was still in the air, that it was, “A little left and a little long.” Justin said as the ball hit the ground, “No, I think it’s really good.” The ball hit the fringe on left side of the green and spun to the right and roll back down the green and into the hole. It was very exciting! Something I will never forget!

Mollie Marcoux Samaan is resigning in January as LPGA commissioner, a surprise announcement Monday after record growth in prize money along with criticism the LPGA wasn’t gaining in popularity during the surge in women’s sports.

Marcoux Samaan is leaving on Jan. 9, three weeks before the LPGA begins its 75th season. Liz Moore, the chief legal and technology officer, will be interim commissioner until a search committee hires a new one.

Marcoux Samaan did not cite a specific reason for resigning except to mention spending more time with her three children. She will serve the third-shortest stint among nine LPGA commissioners dating to 1975, behind only Jim Ritts (1996-99) and Bill Blue (1988-90).

“With the LPGA positioned for continued growth, it’s time for me to have more time to cheer on our three amazing children as they live their dreams while I continue to pursue my passion for building leaders, uniting communities and creating value through sports, particularly women’s sports,” Marcoux Samaan said in a statement.

The LPGA said prize money increased by more than 90% under Marcoux Samaan, a big part of that the major championships. The five majors had a combined prize fund of $23.4 million in 2021. Next year, the majors combine to offer at least $47.8 million in prize money.

She announced the end of her tenure a week after the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship awarded $4 million to the winner, Jeeno Thitikul, from an $11 million purse.

“Since joining the LPGA in 2021, Mollie has been instrumental in solidifying our position as the global leader in women’s professional golf, realizing record growth in player earnings and fan engagement,” said John B. Veihmeyer, chairman of the LPGA board. “Mollie has been a steadfast advocate for equity in the sport and has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for women and girls through the game.”

The LPGA said the average earnings for the top 100 players topped $1 million this year, compared with an average of just over $570,000 in 2021.

Women’s sports across the landscape has seen a spike in money and interest, though Marcoux Samaan was criticized for the LPGA not getting enough attention behind remarkable story lines this year. Nelly Korda tied an LPGA record with five straight wins, and Lydia Ko won Olympic gold to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame, and then won another major at the Women’s British Open at St. Andrews.

The Americans also won the Solheim Cup, but not without a transportation mess on the opening day at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia when there were not enough buses for spectators and many of them waited hours before they could get in, missing the opening tee shots that typically feature packed grandstands and raucous cheering.

Marcoux Samaan pointed to growth in defending her job when some of the criticism was raised at the season-ending tournament.

“I focus every day on trying to support the athletes, to try to grow the tour, and to try to make this the best place in the world to play and to give additional opportunities to girls and women. So I feel like the statistics really speak for themselves,” she said at the Tour Championship.

“I think we’re experiencing enormous growth. That’s really what my job is.”

Along with huge increases in earnings, Marcoux Samaan announced full subsidized health care for the LPGA for the first time in its history. She also was behind stipends for missing the cut and domestic travel in a bid to make sure players were adequately compensated.

Official prize money for the LPGA in 2025 is $127.5 million.

Terry Duffy, the chairman and CEO of CME Group, signed a two-year extension of the LPGA deal. In an interview with Golfweek, he gave Marcoux Samaan high marks.

“I don’t know how you could not give A++ to where the tour is at today under her leadership,” Duffy said. “I run markets. I don’t care if you’re running a business at a hardware store or an exchange or professional golf, there’s ebbs and flows to everything in life and everything in business. … If you’re worth more today than you were 10 years ago or three years ago, you’re doing the right things.”

Marcoux Samaan was the ninth commissioner — and second female commissioner — when she left her role as athletic director at Princeton. Marcoux Samaan replaced Mike Whan, who took over in 2010 when players revolted and ousted Carolyn Bivens.

Whan brought high energy and a big personality during his 11 years, making him the longest-serving LPGA commissioner in history.

The LPGA board will work with an executive search firm to conduct a global search for the organization’s next commissioner.

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The LPGA Tour visits Canada for the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, scheduled to take place at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont., from August 20 to 24. Visit cpkcwomensopen.com for more into.

Golf Canada is deeply saddened by the loss of Past President and Honorary Life Governor, The Honourable James (Jim) Andrews Grant PC, CM, KC of Montreal, Que. who passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024 at the age of 87.

Grant served as President of Golf Canada in 2003 and supported the organization across a multitude of volunteer committees and councils.

A longtime member of both Royal Montreal Golf Club and Mount Bruno Golf Club, he had an accomplished history of service to the sport of golf both in his home province of Quebec and nationally. A Past President of Golf Quebec (1992), Grant was also a supporter of the Golf Canada Foundation in helping to advance its efforts to raise funds in support of Canadian golf.

A brilliant and accomplished lawyer who was called to the Bar of Quebec in 1962, Grant was a Partner and Chairman of the law firm, Stikeman Elliott, LLP.

In 1996, he was named to the Security Intelligence Review Committee and was summoned to the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada.

On May 8, 2003 he was made a member of the Order of Canada.

Grant received a Bachelor of Civil Law in 1961 from McGill University and in 2009 was awarded Faculty of Law’s James A. Robb Award which celebrates those who nobly give of their time and efforts to support the Faculty of Law in its academic endeavours.

Outside of golf, Grant also served his community as a deeply committed volunteer. He was a past Chair of the Montreal Youth Network, headed numerous youth-oriented agencies, and has made major contributions to the development of child welfare services. Countless other organizations have also benefited from his extraordinary leadership abilities and his concern including CARE Canada, the Centaur Theatre, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, McGill University and the Montreal General and Children’s hospitals.

During his distinguished career, Grant also served on the Board of Directors of CAE Inc. as well as CIBC.

He strongly supported his community with contributions to education, politics, sports, health and the arts which left an indelible mark. He was an exceptional athlete in a variety of sports which he enjoyed with family and friends. He will be remembered for his intelligence, loyalty, and humour – those who knew him would say he showed up, aimed high, tried hard, was loyal, and made others better.

Grant touched the lives of many across his personal and professional network and is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy and daughters Katherine (Michael Harding), Jennifer (Mark Coombs), Christy (Gregor Andrew) and grandchildren Elizabeth, Zach, Madeline, Robbie, Riley and Sarah. He is also survived by his sister Nancy (William Daly).

A celebration of life will be held in 2025. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

A link to the obituary notice in the Montreal Gazette is below:

https://montrealgazette.remembering.ca/obituary/james-grant-1092361502

Golf Canada offers 2025 bundled ticket package to watch the stars of the
PGA and LPGA Tours compete for Canada’s National Open Championships

(November 27, 2024) – Two National Open Golf Championships combined into one great ticket as Golf Canada is pleased to introduce The Opens Flex Pass for a limited time, starting Black Friday (November 29) through to Cyber Monday (December 2).

The Opens Flex Pass will provide golf fans and event enthusiasts of the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open with the ultimate flexibility in a bundled ticket offer to watch the stars of the PGA and LPGA Tours compete for Canada’s National Open titles.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER

In 2025, both events will be hosted in the Greater Toronto area with the RBC Canadian Open taking place June 4-8 at TPC Toronto (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the CPKC Women’s Open running August 20-24 at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Cost of The Opens Flex Pass is $147 (plus taxes and fees) and golf fans can choose their preferred day to attend each of the tournaments through this limited time offer. Any one-day tickets are valid for one scan during tournament week, there is no need to pre-select your preferred date.

The 2025 RBC Canadian Open will be conducted for the first time ever at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. TPC Toronto is quickly becoming one of the premier Canadian golf destinations, with all three courses ranked inside the Top 100 by SCOREGolf Magazine. Cheer on Canadian favourites Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Taylor Pendrith, Adam Hadwin and 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor as they compete for Canada’s National Open Championship. The Canadian contingent will challenge the defending champion from Scotland, Robert MacIntyre, who finished at 16-under to win at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and earn the Scotsman’s his first PGA TOUR victory.

The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will take place at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont., one of 17 golf clubs in Canada to have hosted both the Men’s and Women’s National Open Championships. The CPKC Women’s Open is one of the top women’s sporting events in Canada and won back-to-back LPGA Tournament of the Year honours in 2022 and 2023. The Brooke Brigade will be out in full force as 2018 CPKC Women’s Open champion Brooke Henderson will headline a field of the world’s best in Mississauga. Defending champion Lauren Coughlin earned her first LPGA Tour win in 2024 at the Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta., an event that set an all-time attendance record for the tournament.

Along with world class golf, fans can belt out their best rendition of “O’ Canada” and experience the thrills of the iconic “Rink Hole” as well as enjoying premium food and beverage options in The Fare Way at both national open championships.

Don’t miss out on this limited time offer to secure your spot at both of Canada’s National Open Championships through The Opens Flex Pass.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida and SURREY, B.C. – PGA TOUR Americas announced Tuesday that Morgan Creek Golf Course in Surrey, British Columbia, will host the Fortinet Cup Championship in 2025. The 16th and final event of the PGA TOUR Americas season will include the top 120 players in the season-long Fortinet Cup and will be contested September 22-28, 2025. The 72-hole event will determine the Fortinet Cup Champion and the season’s top 10 players who will earn Korn Ferry Tour cards for the 2026 season.

“We’re delighted to partner with Morgan Creek and their fantastic team and look forward to contesting the Fortinet Cup Championship in the greater Vancouver area, for the first time in the history of the event,” said Scott Pritchard, Vice President of PGA TOUR Americas. “It’s been a mutual goal of ours and Fortinet to play the Fortinet Cup Championship in the Greater Vancouver Area since the inception of our partnership and we are looking forward to an amazing competition at one of British Columbia’s premier venues.”

Designed by Thomas McBroom, Morgan Creek has earned the reputation as one of the top golf courses in Canada since it opened in 1995. The course plays as a par 72 and just under 7,000 yards. For the Fortinet Cup Championship, players will play the course as a par 70, as two par 5s will be converted into par 4s. The Fortinet Cup Championship will be the first PGA TOUR-sanctioned tournament hosted by Morgan Creek, however the club is no stranger to hosting national and international tournaments and has hosted Golf Canada, PGA of B.C. and Maple Leaf Junior Tour events. Additionally, Morgan Creek has hosted Open Qualifiers for the RBC Canadian Open and the LPGA’s CPKC Women’s Open.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the Fortinet Cup Championship to Morgan Creek,” said Tom Doull, Director of Golf Operations at Morgan Creek Golf Course. “This prestigious event is the perfect match for our commitment to excellence in golf, and we are thrilled to showcase our course on an international stage. We can’t wait to celebrate the season’s top players and create a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

The Fortinet Cup Championship has proven to be a pivotal stop for the future stars of the PGA TOUR. Past participants of the Fortinet Cup Championship include PGA TOUR member and 2023 Fortinet Cup Champion Hayden Springer, Tony Finau, Jake Knapp and 2024 Presidents Cup International Team members Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes and Taylor Pendrith.

“We are very excited about the arrival of the Fortinet Cup Championship in British Columbia for 2025,” stated Gordon Phillips, Vice President of Western Canada at Fortinet. “This event will be the perfect opportunity to bring together our customers and partners and provide them with the best golf in Canada, as well as experience Fortinet’s industry-leading cybersecurity technology and commitment to the local community, built on more than 2,000 Fortinet employees based in the lower mainland in BC. Fortinet has strong ties with BC, home to our largest R&D facility and the FortiGuard´s threat intelligence team.”

“As the Title Sponsor for the Fortinet Cup Championship, we are proud to partner with PGA TOUR Americas to host this prestigious event at Morgan Creek Golf Course in Surrey, BC,” said Marc Asturias, Vice President of Marketing and Field CISO for Government at Fortinet Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. “For the last 25 years, Fortinet has been a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. This sponsorship allows us to further our commitment to excellence in cybersecurity, fostering community engagement, promoting young golf talent, and helping the local communities.”

Since Fortinet became the Cup sponsor and season-ending Fortinet Cup Championship title sponsor, the tournament has partnered with deserving charities, including the Corey and Mallory Conners Family Fund, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids and most recently the First Tee of Ontario. Giving back to the community remains an integral pillar to this event and Fortinet will be announcing the charity partner in the coming months.

The 16-event PGA TOUR Americas season will consist of six events in Latin America, and 10 in North America, nine of which are in Canada. PGA TOUR Americas will announce the complete 2025 schedule in the coming weeks.

Globally experienced Canadian sports executive returns home to lead new chapter for Canada’s National Women’s Open

(November 26, 2024) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Claire Welsh of Barrie, Ont., has been appointed as the new tournament director of the CPKC Women’s Open.

Welsh spent 10 years working for The R&A in St Andrews, Scotland, holding progressively senior roles with The Open and the AIG Women’s Open championships. Most recently, Welsh served as the head of player relations for The R&A, where she developed and implemented a player relations strategy focusing on all areas of the player experience. In that role, she was responsible for critical elements including player engagement and retention, travel and accommodation, accreditation, ticketing, and player facilities, while building trusting relationships with players and their support teams at both major championships.

In addition, Welsh developed a comprehensive player survey and benchmarking program, delivering The Open Clubhouse, considered to be the best-in-class for a player facility in professional golf. She worked closely with the LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour, and IMG on all player relations aspects of the AIG Women’s Open following The R&A’s merger with the Ladies Golf Union.

Welsh also worked within The R&A’s Commercial and Communications departments, focusing on media relations, digital content, broadcast, and partnership agreements all while leading a team and supervising event staff and volunteers. She also worked with the International Golf Federation supporting golf’s return to the Olympic programme at Rio 2016.

“We are incredibly excited to add Claire to our team at Golf Canada and bring home a globally experienced golf industry executive to lead a new chapter for the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Golf Canada Chief Operating Officer Garrett Ball. “Claire’s experience working with The R&A along with all facets of building a successful and memorable tournament for the players, staff, partners, and fans was exceptional. We spoke with talented candidates both internally and externally and it was Claire’s extensive international experience in the global golf space that positions her as the ideal lead for Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.”

For Welsh, returning home to lead Canada’ National Women’s Open Championship, one of Canada’s premier women’s sport properties is an ideal opportunity.

“It’s a true honour and privilege to serve as Tournament Director for the CPKC Women’s Open, an event that celebrates the very best of golf in Canada. Coming home to help shape the next chapter of our National Women’s Open feels incredibly special, especially at a time when women’s sports are experiencing remarkable growth and recognition,” said Welsh. “I know how important this historic event is for golf’s top players, and I’ve also seen its ability to inspire communities right across the country. I’m really looking forward to collaborating with the incredible teams at Golf Canada and CPKC to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, players, volunteers and partners alike.”

After studying Communications and Media Studies at Carleton University, Welsh began her career in sports at her hometown newspaper, The Barrie Examiner, as a freelance sportswriter before serving as Director of the Tim Horton’s Charity Golf Tour and founding the Thursday Night Lights high school football series. She also worked at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games as an event services team lead for the men’s and women’s hockey competitions.

Prior to joining The R&A, Welsh spent six years working with Golf Ontario as the marketing and communications manager overseeing championship media coverage and the organization’s digital channels.

Welsh will begin her new role remotely this week before returning to Canada in January and will report to Golf Canada’s Chief Operating Officer Garrett Ball. She takes over from former CPKC Women’s Open Tournament Director Ryan Paul who was appointed tournament director of the RBC Canadian Open in August.

The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be conducted August 19-24 for the first time at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

For many children, golf is often seen as a sport that is unattainable to them. Whether it’s cost, finding a way to get to a course, or even the perception of the sport not being inclusive. First Tee – British Columbia (First Tee – BC) aims to break down those barriers and make golf more accessible for children of all backgrounds.

Since launching in 2021, First Tee programming has been delivered to over 33,000 youth across the province at nearly 70 locations including golf courses, schools and community centres, with a coaching
staff of over 55 coaches.

The goal is to introduce as many children as possible to golf, particularly those who might not otherwise have the chance, and to offer them empowering and positive experiences through sport.

A key contributor of the program’s reach and success is establishing meaningful partnerships with community and youth organizations.

First Tee – BC has partnered with nearly 20 community centres across the province. Additionally, youth organizations including Big Brothers BC, KidsPlay Foundation, the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS), and Extreme Outreach Society have come onboard.

Through these valuable community partnerships, First Tee – BC has already introduced over 4,000 children to golf through affordable programming offered in-house or through field trips and events at
nearby partnered golf courses.

The connections being built in these communities are bigger than golf.

First Tee blends fundamental golf skills with life lessons. While children learn how to swing the club and about distance control, they also continue to develop skills like goal setting, perseverance, and self-
confidence.

Perry Monych, First Tee – BC coach, encapsulates the personal impact this program can make.

“The most rewarding part is seeing kids, who might not have initially been interested in golf, return week after week with enthusiasm and willingness to take on more challenges,” said Monych. “The life skills they continue to develop through the program are invaluable and often more impactful than the golf skills themselves.”

One impactful way First Tee – BC strives to expose more youth to the sport is through try golf events.

These events are offered at no cost to community partners and participants and provide all the necessary equipment. It is an opportunity to introduce golf to children in a no-pressure, fun an inclusive environment.

In August, First Tee program location Highland Pacific Golf in Victoria, BC, hosted a try golf event for over 20 youth from the Extreme Outreach Society, an organization striving to break the cycle of
addiction, poverty and homelessness.

Scott Stefani, program manager, First Tee – BC speaks to the importance of connections with community organizations.

“Community partnership is such a valuable resource, helping us to provide disadvantaged children and youth with opportunities they may not otherwise have,” said Stefani. “We are so grateful for community
partners like the Extreme Outreach Society.”

The goal is for children to associate a positive experience with golf. Hopefully they make new friends, have fun with their coaches, learn more about the sport and discover more about themselves.

The next step would be to offer registered programming opportunities at a nearby golf course to children who are eager to stay connected to the game.

Through a supportive network of generous donors, First Tee – BC can provide no-cost events and programming and offer financial assistance opportunities to families in need.

To contribute and help First Tee – BC continue to make a meaningful impact, please visit https://firstteebc.ca/giving/.

Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).

Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.

Xavier Recasens, St Catharines Golf and Country Club, Hole #17

I was playing with one of my best golf buddies, Jim Cooper and also two great friends, Brett Dilabbio and Fred Kolodij. The great shot took place at Jim and I’s home course St. Catharines Golf and Country Club on hole #17 into a brisk wind. I hit a solid 6 iron from 10 to 12 feet left front of the green into a front left pin placement as we all watched the ball roll in and disappear.

Brett Gelfant, Summit Golf & Country Club, Hole #2

Was playing 166 yards from the blue tee’s. Used a Titleist T-150 9 iron. Landed on the front of the green and released off the slope to the back left hole position. This was my second hole-in-one but first one I was able to watch go in the hole.

Ewan Baldwin, Victoria Golf Club, Hole #8

Ewan was pretty excited by his first ace. He has been hunting for one since he watched my first one in 2020.

• Time: approximately  4:00 pm.
• Distance: 109 yards
• Club: Taylormade sand wedge
• Ball: Taylormade TP5x
• Witness: Luke Bernekevitch (his father) and Lindsay Bernekevitch (Head Professional at Victoria Golf Club)
• Famous Llast words: “This is going to be a difficult shot”

Written by Ewan’s father, Matthew Baldwin

John Kozij, Greyhawk Golf Club – Predator, Hole #8

I was playing with Ewen MacMillan, Peter Howe and Leonard Huffman. All of us, members of the Greyhawk Golf Club.

The par 3, hole #8 on Predator had the pin on the right back of the green that day and it measured 170 yards from the tee off blocks.

I hit an older model Callaway 7 wood with an high and slight fade to the middle of the green and the momentum carried into the back right hole location. Ewen called it. I walked up there to confirm it was in the hole before celebrating my first hole-in-one.

Robert Tomlin, Picton Golf & Country Club, Hole #2

Second hole at Picton Golf & Country Club. Used a pitching wedge from 110 yards. Easy hole! I was golfing with Howard Ziedenberg, Don Rodney and John Hughes.

Rob Piasecki, Selkirk Golf & Country Club, Hole #16

My hole-in-one happened on my third last round of the year playing with my friend and frequent golf partner Glen Laye. It was a great Fall morning and was warming up as we approached the par 3, hole #16 at Selkirk Golf and Country Club. It was playing at 128 yards and I chose 9 iron. Swing was good, and we watched it one hop into the hole! Very exciting day indeed.

Brett Lacey, Gorge Vale Golf Club, Hole #10

Hole #10 played 123 yards. I hit a pitching wedge. I played with Bryan Thompson, Craig Vaughn and Jeff Boyd.

Louise Fagan, Trenton Golf Club, Hole #8

Well, it is my first hole-in-one. I have been golfing for about 12 years now so that was really exciting. I was playing with three friends, Gwen W., Linda R. and Julie O. I hit my shot on hole #8 and I saw my ball go a bit right of the hole. There’s a little hill on that side so my ball hit the hill and started rolling sideways on the green and right into the hole. I had turned around to get back to my bag but the girls kept looking at my ball and their voices got louder so I turned just in time to see my ball roll into the hole. I was a bit in disbelief and kept looking thinking maybe it was hiding behind the flag but no, it went in. What a great feeling! I usually use my 8 iron on this hole in the summer time but because it was cold and windy I clubbed up and used my 7 iron. The distance is about 112 yards to the hole.

Brian Gillam, Georgetown Golf Club, Hole #8

I’ve been a member at Georgetown for 15 years now and play approximately 100 rounds a year and that was my first hole-in-one. I used a eight iron from 142 yards out. I was playing with one of the new members and unfortunately I don’t recall his name. There was also two of his guests there with him.

Peter Sheriff, Greenhills Golf Club, Hole #15

I was playing with my son Mason Sheriff, Rich Vanderwyst and Steve Gligor. The hole was playing 210 yards, and I used a 2 hybrid.

Daytona Beach, Fla. – The 2024 CPKC Women’s Open was named as the Gold Driver Award recipient for Best Volunteer Appreciation at the LPGA 2024 Gold Driver Awards on Tuesday in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Volunteerism was a critical part of the success of the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta. The tournament was conducted for the first time at Earl Grey and saw 1,300 dedicated volunteers, whose positions were filled ahead of schedule, help to deliver an exceptional experience in Calgary. This year’s tournament also set a new record with 73,290 fans attending as Lauren Coughlin won for the first time on the LPGA Tour.

To help recognize the work of its volunteers, the tournament hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Day. The day included a complimentary breakfast, happy hour and gifts that were given to all volunteers to celebrate the 50th playing of Canada’s National Women’s Open.

In addition to winning the Gold Driver Award for Best Volunteer Appreciation this year, the CPKC Women’s Open has earned Tournament of the Year honours in the previous two years (2022 and 2023). Golf Canada and CPKC also received Gold Driver Awards for Best Volunteer Engagement in 2023, Best Sponsor Activation in 2019, 2022, and 2023 as well as Best Community and Charity Engagement in three of the last five full season campaigns.

The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be contested at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. from August 20-24, 2025. Volunteer registration is now open, for more information or to apply, click here.

Canadian golf star Mike Weir is among those set to be inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame next year.

The Brights Grove, Ont. native will join multi-platinum artists Our Lady Peace, award-winning acress Tonya Williams, Juno-winning guitarist Liona Boyd, pioneering cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Tirone David and War Child Canada founder Dr. Samantha Nutt.

The Walk of Fame, which honours notable Canadians for their exceptional achievements, will celebrate inductees with an awards show in Toronto in June.

Next year’s honourees will join more than 230 Canadians who have been commemorated on Canada’s Walk of Fame.

That includes Dr. Frank J. Hayden, the kinesiology professor whose research sparked the Special Olympics movement, who was this year’s sole inductee.

Additional inductees, along with plans for public events, will be announced next year.

Born in Sarnia, Ont., Weir is best known for his historic victory at the 2003 Masters Tournament, where he became the first Canadian and the first left-handed golfer to win the prestigious event.

Turning professional in 1992, Weir secured eight PGA TOUR victories, solidifying his reputation as one of Canada’s greatest golfers. He has also played key roles in multiple Presidents Cup International Teams, both as a player and assistant captain, and most recently as the captain of the International Team for the 2024 Presidents Cup in Montreal.

Weir continues to compete on the PGA TOUR Champions circuit, where he earned his first win at the 2021 Insperity Invitational.

Recognized for his contributions to the sport, Weir was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2007 and inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.