2017 in review: Professional golf
The year 2017 is drawing to a close and what a year it was for Canadian golf. Our pros won literally around the world and on just about every tour imaginable. Our amateurs of all ages made Canada proud at home and abroad. And, off the course, there were significant moments that are well worth memorializing as 2018 looms on the horizon. This is the first of a three-part series remembering most, if not all, of those memorable moments.
(If we’ve unintentionally overlooked any—there were so many, after all!—please let us know on Twitter or Facebook.
March:
Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C, had a year to remember. In March, he wins his first PGA TOUR title at the Valspar Championship in Florida. In January, he shoots a 13-under-par 59 in the third round of the CareerBuilder Challenge in California. His outstanding season-long performance earns him a spot in the Presidents Cup in late September.
Lock it in! @ahadwingolf collects his first #PGATOUR victory with a 1-stroke win @ValsparChamp
RT to send a BIG ?? congratulations! pic.twitter.com/J5bjNazUdn
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) March 12, 2017
April:
Calgary’s Stephen Ames wins his first PGA TOUR Champions title, holding off Bernhard Langer at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic in Georgia.
June:
Nineteen-year-old Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., wins the Meijer LPGA Classic, her fourth LPGA Tour title.
Jean-Philip Cornellier of Club de golf Knowlton in Quebec wins the PGA Championship of Canada at Deer Ridge GC in Kitchener, Ont.
Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand wins the Manulife LPGA Classic at Whistle Bear GC in Waterloo, Ont.
July:
Team Canada graduate and Nova Scotia product Austin Connelly had a 2017 season to remember on the European Tour that included three top-10 results. The 21-year-old added a T14 finish at The British Open Championship en route to earning full status status on the European Tour for the 2018 campaign.
Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas defends his RBC Canadian Open title at Glen Abbey GC in Oakville, Ont., winning a one-hole playoff over Charley Hoffman.
This edition of our national men’s Open garners even more attention than usual, due to innovations such as “The Rink,” which transforms the par-3 seventh hole into a hockey-themed fan experience complete with hockey boards, a Zamboni, bleachers, and volunteers in black-and-white referee jerseys. Even course designer Jack Nicklaus relishes the experience, taking what he says was his first shot with a hockey stick.
August:
Sung Hyun Park wins the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club but, to Canadian fans, Brooke Henderson of nearby Smiths Falls, Ont., is the real star. Finishing T12 at her home course, she shows incredible talent and determination, firing a course-record 63 in the third round after almost missing the 36-hole cut on Friday. Tournament sponsor CP makes a $2-million donation to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Brittany Marchand of Orangeville, Ont., wins the DATA PGA Women’s Championship of Canada at Scarboro G&CC in Toronto.
Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., wins the Web.com Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship in Missouri.
Jim Rutledge of Victoria, B.C., wins his fifth PGA Seniors Championship of Canada at the Burlington (Ont.) G&CC.
Brittany Marchand wins the Symetra Tour’s PHC Classic in Wisconsin.
September:
Richard T. Lee of Toronto wins the Asian Tour’s Shinahan Donghae Open.
Anne-Catherine Tanguay of Quebec City wins the Symetra Tour’s Garden City Charity Classic in Kansas.
October:
Team Canada Young Pro Squad member Anne-Catherine Tanguay of Quebec City finishes eighth on the Symetra Tour money list to earn a spot on the 2018 LPGA Tour.
Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., earns his PGA TOUR status by finishing in the top 25 on the Web.com Tour finals money list. He joins Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., who qualified for the PGA TOUR by virtue of his 10th-place finish during the Web.com Tour’s regular season.
Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., wins the New Zealand Women’s Open for her second LPGA Tour victory of the season and fifth overall.
Congrats to @CanadianPacific ambassador @BrookeHenderson on winning the @NZWomensOpen, finishing with a 3-under 69 for a five-stroke victory pic.twitter.com/JfQO3YHivL
— CP Women’s Open (@cpwomensopen) October 2, 2017
December:
Ryan Yip of Calgary, Albin Choi of Toronto, and Stuart Macdonald and Seann Harlingten of Vancouver finish inside the top 45 in the final stage of the Web.com Tour qualifying school to earn guaranteed starts in 2018.
Maude-Aimee LeBlanc of Sherbrooke, Que., and Brittany Marchand of Orangeville, Ont., earn conditional status on the 2018 LPGA Tour at the final stage of qualifying school.
Brooke Henderson was named Female Athlete of the Year by both Canadian Press and Postmedia.
Top 10 stories of 2017 on golfcanada.ca
Below are the top 10 most viewed web articles on golfcanada.ca for the 2017 calendar year:
No. 10 – Canada’s 150 oldest clubs
As Canada comes together to celebrate 150 years since the birth of our nation, it is a time of reflection on all the things that have made our country what it is today—including the golf landscape, which holds the second-largest amount of courses per capita in the world.
No. 9 – Get out and Golf Day teed up for May 28
With Canada 150 celebrations happening in communities from coast-to-coast all year long, the Canadian golf industry has partnered with ParticipACTION in designating Sunday, May 28 as Get Out and Golf Day.
No. 8 – Calvin Ross becomes first New Brunswick golfer to win Canadian Junior Boys Championship
Calvin Ross shot a 1-over-par 71 to claim the 2017 Canadian Junior Boys title at Cataraqui Golf & Country Club on Thursday becoming the first New Brunswick native to capture the event.
No. 7 – Golf Canada appoints Laurence Applebaum as new CEO
Following a comprehensive search, Golf Canada has announced the appointment of Laurence Applebaum as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
No. 6 – Golf Canada announces 2017 schedule
A total of 25 professional and amateur championships, as well as qualifying events into Canada’s two National Open Championships—the RBC Canadian Open and the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open—will be conducted in 2017.
No. 5 – 9 tips for your first time golfing
Here’s the best piece of advice ever: Don’t be intimidated. The object of the game is to have fun. Golf isn’t nearly as complicated as, say, quidditch, and just a little harder than dodge ball.
No. 4 – Topgolf and Cineplex announce partnership to bring sports venues to Canada
Global sports entertainment leader Topgolf® and Cineplex (TSX: CGX), a leading entertainment and media company, today announced an exclusive partnership that will bring Topgolf’s sports entertainment experience to Canada. The joint venture will see the opening of multiple Topgolf venues in markets across the country during the next several years.
No. 3 – Golf Canada announces 2018 Team Canada
Golf Canada is pleased to announce the 18 athletes who have been chosen to represent Team Canada as part of the 2018 National Amateur Squad and Development Squad.
No. 2 – Golf’s governing bodies announce proposed changes to modernize the Rules of Golf
As the National Sport Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada, in conjunction with the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA), has unveiled a preview of the proposed new Rules of Golf. This joint initiative was designed to modernize the Rules and make them easier to understand and apply.
No. 1 – Final field set for 2017 RBC Canadian Open
Golf Canada and RBC are pleased to announce the final field of competitors vying for the US$6.0 million purse at the 2017 RBC Canadian Open, July 24-30 at Glen Abbey Golf Club.
Canadian Golf Superintendents Association appoints chief operating officer
RBC PGA Scramble returns to Cabot Links in 2018
The RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company returns to the magnificent Cabot Links in 2018.
After a successful campaign in 2017, the scramble’s national final will once again grace the town of Inverness, N.S. from Oct. 11-13, 2018.
“The 2017 RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final at Cabot Links was a huge success with participants from all over Canada enjoying a golf trip-of-a-lifetime,” said PGA of Canada president Steve Wood. “In 2018 we look forward to more golfers from across the country sharing the world-class experience of Cabot Links.”
Taking place Oct. 11-13 at the world-famous Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, N.S., the national final will feature 20 teams—comprised of four amateurs and one PGA of Canada professional—playing in a 54-hole Ambrose-style format.
“We’re thrilled to return to Cabot Links and experience the best of Cape Breton golf for the 2018 RBC PGA Scramble National Final,” said Matt McGlynn, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “Together with the PGA of Canada, we’re providing even more unique and memorable opportunities that support the game of golf and its continued growth in Canada.”
Located in Inverness, N.S., Cabot Links is Canada’s first and only authentic links golf resort. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque town of Inverness, the Cabot Links course represents a dramatic departure from the typical golf excursion.
With six holes playing directly alongside the water and every hole offers an ocean view, Cabot Links is where traditional links-land golf comes to life against the spectacular Nova Scotia landscape.
The Cabot Cliffs course, designed by the decorated team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is the newest addition to Cabot. Exquisitely carved out of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard-worthy panoramas vying for your attention and every hole calling out to the sea, it is links-land golf at its best.
Cabot Cliffs ranked No. 1, while Cabot Links ranked No. 4 on SCOREGolf’s 2016 Best Golf Courses in Canada list. Cabot Cliffs also debuted 19th on the World’s Top 100 Courses list by Golf Digest.
“We are thrilled to be able to host the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company again in 2018 here at Cabot,” said Andrew Alkenbrack, General Manager of Cabot Links. “Our team thoroughly enjoyed the week and the fact that the sponsors and competitors liked it enough to make a return visit is the highest compliment. We are greatly looking forward to welcoming the winning teams from across the country again next year.”
The RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final, however, is as much about the off-course activities as the on course. In addition to the three rounds of golf, participants will be treated to a number of special events, prizes, meals, activations and much more.
As if it were scripted, the 2017 RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final came down to a nerve-inducing putt.
Needing to make a four-foot par putt for the win on the final hole at Cabot Links, team Cordova Bay amateur player Rodney Webber stepped up and made the biggest putt of his life.
“I’m no professional golfer, but standing over that putt I definitely felt like one,” Webber said. “That was definitely the most pressure-packed putt I’ve ever had in my life.”
Webber, along with his Cordova Bay teammates—Phil Kondrak, Eric Smith, Eric Watson and PGA of Canada professional Nate Ollis—finished the three-day national championship at Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs at 46-under-par, mere 0.8 better than the squad from The Landings.
“Honestly, we couldn’t have asked for a better week,” Cordova Bay said. “We can’t thank RBC and The Lincoln Motor Company enough for supporting this amazing event,” they said, adding, “the experience from the very beginning has been world class—from the golf courses to the meals and the lodging—everything has been the best.”
The 2018 edition of RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company will see thousands of golfers from across the country participate in the series of local and regional events next summer.
For more information about the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company, click here.
Golf Canada mourns the loss of legendary railroader & golf champion Hunter Harrison
It is with great sadness and the highest regard that Golf Canada mourns the loss of former CP CEO Hunter Harrison who passed away suddenly on December 16, 2017.
“On behalf of the entire Canadian golf community as well as our partners at CP and the LPGA Tour we are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Hunter Harrison and extend our most sincere condolences to his wife Jeannie and all of his family, friends and colleagues,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “We are proud to celebrate and remember Hunter as a champion for women’s golf, high performance and junior golf during his career as the greatest railroader and one of the greatest supporters of Canadian golf during his long history with CP and other railroads. His leadership, passion for excellence and vision to support so many facets of the game had an immeasurable impact on Canadian golf.”
Under Mr. Harrison’s leadership with CP and other railroads prior, the CP Women’s Open evolved into one of the premier events on the LPGA Tour which has contributed millions to children’s charities in the event’s host communities dating back to 2006.
His legacy as an extensive partner and friend to Golf Canada also touched high performance initiatives including Golf Canada’s National Team program, the (former) Canadian Women’s Tour and national amateur competitions as well grassroots golf through the Future Links national junior golf program.
Hunter Harrison was legendary railroader who will be ceaselessly remembered for his leadership, friendship, generosity and enormous contributions to the game of golf in Canada.
What others are saying:
CP family mourns loss of legendary railroader and former CEO, Mr. E. Hunter Harrison https://t.co/RmI4d9V5R4
— Canadian Pacific (@CanadianPacific) December 16, 2017
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Hunter Harrison, longtime supporter and friend of the LPGA and women’s golf. Hunter was instrumental in the expansion and growth of the Canadian Women’s Open. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will miss him! pic.twitter.com/vNkcD7q67S
— LPGA (@LPGA) December 17, 2017
VERY hard to read about Hunter Harrison passing. HUGE supporter of women’s golf & someone that truly lifted the @LPGA – RIP to our friend & partner!!
CSX Corp. Chief Executive Hunter Harrison died Saturday, a day after the surprise announcement that he was placed on medical leave— Michael Whan (@LPGACommish) December 16, 2017
Deeply saddened over Hunter Harrison’s passing earlier today. An inspirational friend to the @LPGA, golf in Canada & someone who was never too busy for me. #RIP Sir. You will be missed ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/loSE2pVJpW
— Rick Young (@RickSCOREGolf) December 16, 2017
Mackenzie Tour holds on to win Aruba Cup
With T.J. Vogel providing the exclamation point for the third straight day, Team Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR prevailed in a thrilling finish to win the second annual Aruba Cup on Saturday at Tierra del Sol Resort and Golf in Aruba.
Vogel’s half point in the final match to finish gave his team a 10.5 to 9.5 tally over Team PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, allowing the Mackenzie Tour team to survive a furious charge by their opponents and giving the Canadian side their first win in the two-year history of the annual team competition.
“It feels amazing,” said Mackenzie Tour Team Captain Ben Silverman, who saw his team begin the day with a 6.5 to 3.5 lead but quickly found his side trying to hold off a late rally. “The Latinoamérica Team really pushed hard at the end, and you’ve got to give them a lot of credit for the way they fought back today.”
Needing just four points to secure the cup, Team Mackenzie Tour secured an early point as Kramer Hickok defeated José de Jesús Rodríguez 3 and 1 in a battle of each Tour’s Player of the Year. Max Rottluff and Robby Shelton also notched decisive victories, winning their matches 6 and 4 and 6 and 5, respectively, putting the Mackenzie Tour just one point from victory.
???
Let the #ArubaCup celebration party begin! pic.twitter.com/fQEWAhRnDn
— Mackenzie Tour (@PGATOURCanada) December 16, 2017
Every time it seemed victory was at hand, however, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica clawed closer to a remarkable comeback. Oscar Fraustro drained a 30-foot birdie putt at 18 to halve his match with Johnny Ruiz and keep hope alive, while Jared Wolfe turned a 1 down deficit into a 1 up win over Lee McCoy, putting the pressure squarely on the shoulders of Vogel.
After securing points thanks to clutch closing birdies in both Four-Ball and Foursomes play on Thursday and Friday, Vogel was once again put in position to decide the outcome, and he delivered yet again, making birdie at the 17th to square his match before halving the 18th to set off a celebration for the Mackenzie Tour squad.
“I’m just so happy for the team. It was a lot closer than we anticipated, but a win’s a win and I’m just happy for the guys,” said Vogel, who added that his experience early in the week helped him come through in the clutch again. “I think the first match really helped, coming down the stretch and winning the last two holes with Rico (Hoey). That really helped. I felt like as long as I was within reach, I was going to be able to close strong.”
The win caps a thrilling week and a memorable season for all 10 players on the team, especially those who earned promotions to the Web.com Tour.
“It was a great way to celebrate our success throughout the year,” said Hickok. “The year is such a grind, and the Aruba Cup a great way to reward the players who played well. It was great to get to know these guys better and spend a week with them, and I’m glad it ended the way it did.”
Mackenzie Tour extends lead on day two at Aruba Cup
NOORD, Aruba – With three victories in the final four matches, Team Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada extended their lead over Team PGA TOUR Latinoamérica at the Aruba Cup on Friday, leading the matches 6.5-3.5 after Foursomes play at Tierra del Sol Resort and Golf in Aruba.
One day after their thrilling win anchor match win in Thursday Four-Ball, T.J. Vogel and Rico Hoey once again provided the exclamation point on the day, closing out their match 3&1 against José Toledo and Jared Wolfe to give the Mackenzie Tour a 3-2 edge in Foursomes play.
“I think it’s great for overall team morale just to win both days. Even though today was just 3-2, it’s a big victory,” said Mackenzie Tour Captain Ben Silverman. “The fact that we were able to pull out a couple of matches at the end, it’s huge.
“We just have a head start, but we still have to go out and win at least four points tomorrow.”
With the Mackenzie Tour holding a 3.5-1.5 lead to start the day, it quickly appeared as though PGA TOUR Latinoamérica would turn things around in a big way on Friday, earning leads on the front nine of the day’s first four matches. The first two points of the day went their way, as Hank Lebioda and Brian Richey defeated Patrick Newcomb and Johnny Ruiz 6&4 while Oscar Fraustro and Nelson Ledesma took down Max Rottluff and Kramer Hickok on the day’s first match 2&1.
From there on out, however, the Mackenzie Tour took over, with Lee McCoy and Chase Wright providing the spark.
Nursing a 1 up lead against Tee-k Kelly and José de Jesús Rodríguez, McCoy emphatically closed the door at the 18th hole by stuffing a 6-iron from 152 yards into a stiff wind to within five feet of the flag, with the birdie eventually being conceded for a 2 up win.
“I think finishing so poorly yesterday, I had a lot of motivation to make up for that half point that I let slip away and was fortunate to come out on the other side of that today,” said McCoy, who bogeyed the 18th hole yesterday to half his Four-Ball match and added that it was important to build on Thursday’s strong start for the Mackenzie Tour team.
“You don’t want to give them too much wiggle room going into singles because that’s where the majority of the points are up for grabs. 10 points are there for the taking to make it interesting, and I’m sure it’s going to be,” said McCoy.
Shelton and Niebrugge closed out their match 5&4 with a flurry of birdies, leaving Vogel and Hoey, who won Thursday’s anchor match in dramatic fashion, in position to turn the momentum fully towards the Mackenzie Tour if they could earn another point.
“I told them they were the swing match, and Rico was like, ‘Aye aye, Captain!’ They were just loose and they pulled it through,” said Silverman.
A pair of solid pars at 15 and 16 earned the Mackenzie Tour tandem a 2 up lead with two to play, and after Toledo’s drive found a fairway bunker and the Latinoamérica squad took five strokes to get on the green, the hole and match were conceded.
The Aruba Cup will resume Saturday morning with singles matches beginning at 8 a.m.
Click here for full scoring.
Golf Coaches Association of Canada releases University/College mid-season rankings
The Golf Coaches Association of Canada, in partnership with Golf Canada, have announced the mid-season poll rankings for both the men’s and women’s University/College golf teams.
WOMEN
The defending Canadian University/College champion University of British Columbia Thunderbirds and RSEQ’s Laval Rouge et Or women’s golf teams (57 points) were chosen as the No. 1 University/College golf teams in Canada at the mid-season point of the 2017-18 golf season.
The T-Birds and Rouge et Or both earned three of six 1st place votes based on results from various conference championships and fall team scoring averages. The OUA Champion Toronto Varsity Blues (48 points) came in third, followed by the UFV Cascades Thunderbirds (40 points) who slot in 4th place. The Victoria Vikes (35 points) round out the top 5.
| Rank | School | Points |
| 1 | Laval Rouge et Or | 57 |
| 1 | British Columbia Thunderbirds | 57 |
| 3 | Toronto Varsity Blues | 48 |
| 4 | Fraser Valley Cascades | 40 |
| 5 | Victoria Vikes | 35 |
| 6 | Humber Hawks | 33 |
| 7 | Montreal Carabins | 22 |
| 8 | Queens Gaels | 18 |
| 9 | Waterloo Warriors | 12 |
| 10 | Manitoba Bisons | 4 |
| 10 | Windsor Lancers | 4 |
MEN
The Canada West Golf Champion University Victoria Vikes Golf Team (59 points) were chosen as the top University/College golf team in Canada at the mid-season point of the 2017-18 golf season. The Vikes earned five of six 1st place votes based on results from various conference championships and fall team scoring averages.
The RSEQ Champion and reigning Canadian University/College champions Laval Rouge et Or (54 points) came in second, followed by the UBC Thunderbirds (45 points). The UFV Cascasdes (42 points), and Western Mustangs (37) round out the top 5.
The Golf Canada University/College Golf Championship will run May 28 – June 1, in Chilliwack, B.C. at the Chilliwack Golf Club.
| Rank | School | Points |
| 1 | Victoria Vikes | 59 |
| 2 | Laval Rouge et Or | 54 |
| 3 | British Columbia Thunderbirds | 45 |
| 4 | Fraser Valley Cascades | 42 |
| 5 | Western Mustangs | 37 |
| 6 | Manitoba Bisons | 28 |
| 7 | British Columbia Okanagan Heat | 22 |
| 8 | Montreal Carabins | 22 |
| 9 | Ottawa Gee Gees | 10 |
| 10 | Concordia Stingers | 8 |
PGA of Canada announces national award winners
Murray Tucker Golf Professional of the Year Award winner Andrew Steep headlines an impressive contingent of PGA of Canada National Award recipients.
Steep, along with his fellow national award winners and two new PGA of Canada Hall of Fame inductees, will be honoured at the association’s annual PGA of Canada Night on Thursday, Jan. 25 at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla.
This year’s winners are:
Murray Tucker Golf Professional of the Year
Andrew Steep, Southwood Golf & Country Club, Manitoba
Moe Norman Candidate for Membership of the Year
Sean Murray, Bearspaw Country Club, Alberta
Stan Leonard Class “A” Professional of the Year
Sean Thompson, Calgary Golf & Country Club, Alberta
Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year
Mike Matuch, Bearspaw Country Club, Alberta
George Knudson Teacher of the Year
Matthew Robinson, Rideau View Golf & Country Club, Ontario
Tex Noble Professional Development Award
Jason Schneider, Wildwood Golf Course, Saskatchewan
Ben Kern Coach of the Year
Paul Horton, Heritage Pointe Golf Academy, Alberta
Jack McLaughin Junior Leader of the Year
Kevin Haime, Kevin Haime Golf Centre, Ontario
Mike Weir Player of the Year
Pierre-Alexandre Bedard, Club de Golf Cap Rouge, Québec
“This year’s PGA of Canada national award winners are wonderful golf professionals and on behalf of the national board of directors’ and the association’s 3,700 members, I’m proud to congratulate them today on their achievements,” said PGA of Canada president Steve Wood.
Steep, the head golf professional at Southwood Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg is the 42nd recipient of the golf professional of the year award. This award is the highest honour paid to a golf professional and is designed to recognize the contribution to developing and improving the game of golf, education, instruction, playing ability and dedication to the PGA of Canada.
“It’s truly an honour to be recognized as the Murray Tucker Golf Professional of the Year award winner,” Steep said. “I can’t thank the PGA of Canada enough for the honour.”
The 31-year-old is a former winner of the Moe Norman Candidate of the Year Award winner and son of PGA of Canada Life Member James Steep.
Additionally, Sam Young and James (Jim) Collins will be inducted into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame during PGA of Canada Night.
“We will proudly induct two more great PGA of Canada professionals into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame at PGA of Canada Night,” said Warren Crosbie, PGA of Canada Hall of Fame Chair. “I would greatly encourage those interested in learning more about the members of the Hall of Fame, as well as the history of the association to visit the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame website.”
The PGA of Canada Hall of Fame nomination process is available here and members of the association, industry partners and the general public are encouraged to submit the names of individuals they feel are worthy of induction.
PGA of Canada Night takes place in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at the PGA Merchandise Show (Orange County Convention Centre) at 5 p.m. in room W109A.
Mackenzie Tour rallies to take lead after opening round of Aruba Cup
NOORD, Aruba – Thanks to a pair of clutch birdies on the 18th hole, Team Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada took the lead over Team PGA TOUR Latinoamérica at the Aruba Cup on Thursday, leading the matches 3.5-1.5 after Four-Ball play at Tierra del Sol Resort and Golf in Aruba.
After the teams halved the first three matches and the Mackenzie Tour scored a full point with Johnny Ruiz and Patrick Newcomb’s 3 and 2 win over Tee-k Kelly and Brian Richey, T.J. Vogel birdied the final two holes to secure a 1 up win with Rico Hoey over Rodolfo Cauaubón and Nelson Ledesma, building a two-point lead.
“It was great to see our guys rally and finish so strongly on the last few holes,” said Mackenzie Tour captain Ben Silverman. “The guys came into the day with a great attitude and had a lot of fun out there. We know that PGA TOUR Latinoamérica is going to come back strong tomorrow, but I’m very happy with our start today.”
Early on, it looked as though the two teams would be evenly matched, with each Tour leading in two matches as the teams headed to the back nine. But the momentum turned thanks in part to Max Rottluff’s birdie-birdie finish, giving he and Mackenzie Tour Player of the Year Kramer Hickok a half point against Hank Lebioda and José Toledo. Shortly thereafter, Ruiz and Newcomb closed out their win over Kelly and Richey to give the Mackenzie Tour the lead.
“We ham-and-egged it really well. We were back-and-forth, and every time I birdied a hole for a tie, Johnny would step up and make a putt. He made a couple of bombs today, and we just kept the rhythm going,” said Newcomb, who holds the distinction of being the only player to win on both PGA TOUR Latinoamérica and the Mackenzie Tour.
• @LeeMcCoyGolf chips in
• @Jruiz1919's putter gets hot
• T.J. Vogel closes in styleThe best action from Day One at the #ArubaCup ? pic.twitter.com/278A92J1fj
— Mackenzie Tour (@PGATOURCanada) December 15, 2017
With one match left on the course, it was Vogel’s time to shine, with the former USC and University of Florida standout recording a two-putt birdie at the par-5 17th to square the match, then stuffing an 8-iron from 129 yards to three feet at the closing hole to make birdie and earn a 1 up win.
“I had probably the best look at the green, and I knew if I put a good swing on it I was gonna have a chance. Fortunately it was the perfect club, and I was able to hit it to three feet,” said Vogel.
The Aruba Cup will resume Friday morning with foursome (alternate shot) matches beginning at 8 a.m.
Click here for full scoring.