Emma Bittorf and Willis win the women’s and men’s
Net Stableford Championships

Brighton, Ont. – Natasha Stasiuk and Chris Willis were atop their respective leaderboards from start to finish and have successfully defended their titles to win the 2024 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO. Stasiuk’s win marks her fourth consecutive national championship while Willis earns his second in as many years on Thursday at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brighton, Ont.

Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. shot a final round of 15-over 86 to finish at 41-over for three days to win by 22 shots over Emma Bittorf of Strathmore, Alta. The win gives Stasiuk her four consecutive Canadian All Abilities National Championship.

“It feels pretty special to win it for the fourth time. I’ve had some struggles this year but at the same time it feels really good for my confidence level. I’ve been invited to different things this year, I’ve gone to Portugal, I’ve gone to England recently, it’s all helped my game. Even though I did struggle a lot this week, I had a really good first round and my last two rounds were an adventure but that’s part of golf” said Stasiuk following her round.

In the Women’s Net Stableford division there is a new champion as Bittorf held off a late charge from three-time defending champion, Tess Trojan of St. Catharines, Ont. to win the title for the first time. Bittorf collected 31-33-34 points during the tournament rounds to finish with 98 total Stableford points to win by five over Trojan (93 points). Stasiuk finished third with 87 total points.

On the men’s side, Willis of Aurora, Ont. fired a second consecutive 4-under 67 on Thursday to finish the tournament with rounds of 74-67-67-208, good for 5-under and a nine-shot victory. Willis was reflective on his entire year after earning back-to-back national titles.

“I’ve had a very special year this year where I’ve got to play at a Champions Tour event called the World Champions Cup and I got to hang out with all my heroes and play the same tees and on the same course that they’re playing that filled me with a lot of confidence and then I went to Portugal with Natasha (Stasiuk) and Russell Aide and the teaching and instruction there boosted my game beyond what I thought it could be and then my experiences at the British, finishing third, playing with the world number one and two filled me with confidence and then the U.S. Open. So really, playing well here is a culmination of this year’s opportunities that I’ve received through playing adaptive golf and I feel like I’ve reached a level that I was very much hoping to achieve so it’s awesome,” said Willis.

Reggie Millage of Milton, Ont. finished in second at 4-over for the tournament while Josh Hunke of New Hamburg, Ont. finished third at 13-over.

Willis also won the Men’s Net Stableford Championship for the first time, with 110 total points from three days. Willis collected 32 points on Tuesday followed by 39 points on both Wednesday and Thursday to win by five over Hunke (105 points). Scott Stafford of St. Thomas, Ont. and Geoff Beecroft of Newcastle, Ont. finished tied for third with 100 points each.

The stableford scoring format of the Canadian All Abilities Championship awarded set points based off a golfer’s net score for the hole. The points were awarded as follows: Albatross (5 points), Eagle (4 points), Birdie (3 points), Par (2 points), Bogey (1 point), Double Bogey or higher (0 points).

The fourth playing of the national championship featured 57 golfers competing over 54-holes. The field was represented with players from Canada, the United States, Australia, Ireland and Sweden with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments competing in the largest field in tournament history. Both Stasiuk and Willis were happy to see more competitors this year as the tournament continues to grow.

“Over the last four years it’s nice to see more women coming to it and more competition. It’s always nice to have Tess (Trojan) with me too, it’s someone close to me but it’s also nice to have new people and I would like to see more girls in it,” said Stasiuk.

Willis added, “there’s more competitors and they’re all trying to find ways to improve. There is noticeable improvements among many of the golfers without any external instruction, they’re just getting better year after year having the opportunity to come and compete in a serious event like this.”

First conducted in 2021 at Humber Valley Golf Course in Toronto, Ont., the competition supports Golf Canada’s commitment to create a more inclusive and respectful sport environment across the Canadian golf community.

For the final leaderboard from the 2024 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Willis and Josh Hunke co-lead Men’s Net Stableford division while
Emma Bittorf leads Women’s Net Stableford Championship

Brighton, Ont. – With 18 holes remaining, Chris Willis and Natasha Stasiuk are in strong position to defend their respective national championships at the 2024 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brighton, Ont.

Willis of Aurora, Ont. fired a 4-under 67 in Wednesday’s second round to move to 1-under for the tournament. Willis recorded an eagle and five birdies during his round and said there wasn’t much difference for him on his front and back nines other than an unfortunate four putt on a difficult pin position on no. 8.

“I wedged a few close, and I hit a great approach on a par five to a foot and a half for an eagle,” said Willis who earned an eagle no. 15.

“My wedge play and hitting it close to the hole and capitalizing on those are what made my round really good,” he added.

Willis holds a four-shot lead over Reggie Millage of Milton, Ont. who sits second at 3-over. Josh Hunke of New Hamburg, Ont. is third at 7-over. Willis says it will be a new kind of pressure for him as he is 18 holes away from defending his title.

“I’m going to have to keep driving the ball well, keeping it in play and making sure I hit the right tiers on the greens and just stay patient with my putter and hopefully a few fall and I walk away with a medal and a trophy.”

Willis also holds a piece of the lead in the battle for the Net Stableford Championship after earning 39 points on Wednesday. Willis now has 71 points overall to join Hunke as co-leader. They sit ahead of Vic McClelland of High River, Alta. who is third with 69 points. Kevin Delaney of Windsor, Ont. is fourth with 68 points and Geoff Beecroft of Newcastle, Ont., Spencer Easthope of Okotoks, Alta., and Scott Stafford of St. Thomas, Ont. are tied for fifth with 66 points.

In the Women’s Gross Stroke Play Championship, Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. holds a 14-shot lead heading into the final round after recording a 16-over 87 to now sit at 26-over for the tournament. Bittorf of Strathmore, Alta. sits second at 40-over following an 18-over 89 in her second round.

Bittorf has taken the lead in the Net Stableford Championship division after earning 33 points on Wednesday to now sit at 64 points overall. Bittorf leads Stasiuk (57 points) by seven points. Three-time defending Stableford champion, Tess Trojan of St. Catharines, Ont. is third with 55 points.

The stableford scoring format of the Canadian All Abilities Championship awards set points based off a golfer’s net score for the hole. The points are awarded as follows: Albatross (5 points), Eagle (4 points), Birdie (3 points), Par (2 points), Bogey (1 point), Double Bogey or higher (0 points). The golfers with the highest total of accumulated points over 54-holes will win their respective divisions.

A field of 57 players, regardless of disability classification, are competing over 54-holes in four different divisions in the national championship: Women’s Gross Stroke Play; Women’s Net Stableford; Men’s Gross Stroke Play; and Men’s Net Stableford.

The fourth playing of the national championship features competitors from Canada, the United States, Australia, Ireland and Sweden with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments and the largest field in tournament history. First conducted in 2021 at Humber Valley Golf Course in Toronto, Ont., the competition supports Golf Canada’s commitment to create a more inclusive and respectful sport environment across the Canadian golf community.

For the full leaderboard following the second round of the 2024 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

The chase for the remaining PGA Tour cards for the 2025 season begins Thursday at the Procore Championship.

Roger Sloan of Merritt, B.C., is one of the players hunting to stay on the tour in the FedEx Cup Fall mini-season, and he’s using every tool at his disposal to secure one of the 55 remaining full cards or 25 spots with conditional status for next year. That includes relying on analytics to help him better strategize on the course.

“My focus is doing what I can possibly do, controlling what I can do to be the best golfer that I can be,” said Sloan. “I’m looking forward to this fall schedule, some good tournaments.

“There’s a lot of travel involved in the fall schedule, but it’s an exciting time for us. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The FedExCup Fall circuit is eight PGA Tour events that lets players lock up or improve their positions in priority ranking and secure additional playing opportunities for the next year, which begins at The Sentry on Jan. 2.

Only players ranked 51st or higher in the FedEx Cup standings through the playoffs can earn points in the fall months, meaning Taylor Pendrith (14th) of Richmond Hill, Ont., Corey Conners (39th) of Listowel, Ont., and Adam Hadwin (47th) of Abbotsford, B.C., have no need to play. Golfers ranked Nos. 51-70 in the FedEx Cup regular standings also already have their cards for next season, but can earn spots in the first two signature events after The Sentry.

Sloan enters play on Thursday at Silverado Resort’s North Course in Napa, Calif., 173rd in the FedEx Cup Fall standings. The top 125 players at the end of the RSM Classic on Nov. 24 will have full membership next season with Nos. 126-150 retaining conditional status.

“Got some good progress in last year, got it back out here on the PGA Tour,” said Sloan, who played on the second-tier Korn Ferry Tour in 2023. “I think I’m more dialled into making strategy changes, how I play a golf course. 

“Basically using a lot of ShotLink data and using the statistics to improve the strategy. I’ve started to see in the last several months, that some of the numbers underneath the surface are rapidly improving so I’m really encouraged to see that.”

The ShotLink System is a data platform for collecting and disseminating scoring and statistical data on every shot by every PGA Tour player in real-time. In practical terms, it allows golfers like Sloan to better understand the odds of making certain shots in recurring situations.

“It’s not like we’re trying to find, you know, a better swing path or better release or anything mechanical,” said Sloan, who has a member of his team who is “good with numbers” sift through all the data for him. “This is literally just the decision-making of each and every shot from certain points on the golf course. 

“It’s pretty neat to be able to make those adjustments, the improvements in certain statistical categories, without really ever touching the putting stroke or the full swing, or any of the mechanics.”

For Sloan, it’s meant changing his strategy in two areas. 

“One is par-3 strategy and then the second is my strategy into the green beyond 150 yards from the rough,” he said. “Those are two categories that I’ve given a lot of strokes back to the field, and just adjusting those strategies, I’ve seen an incredible improvement in my par-3 scoring average and my strokes gained to the green has improved dramatically. And again, we haven’t touched the golf swing. 

“What it boils down to, for me personally in those two areas, was I’m ultra-aggressive. I’m way too aggressive in those areas where I just need to back off a little bit.”

Conners will be in the field at the Procore Championship, as will Presidents Cup International teammate Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., who is 52nd in the FedEx entering play on Thursday.

Nick Taylor (58th) of Abbotsford, Adam Svensson (75th) of Surrey, B.C., Ben Silverman (107th) of Thornhill, Ont., and Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., will also tee it up.

DP WORLD TOUR — Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., is the lone Canadian in the field at the Amgen Irish Open. He’s 47th in the Race to Dubai Rankings, the points list of the European-based circuit and 279th in the official world golf rankings. He’s still within the provisional cutoff of the tour’s championship Nov. 14-17. This week’s field is tougher than usual, however, as world No. 3 Rory McIlroy and No. 32 Shane Lowry are also playing in their national open at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland.

KORN FERRY TOUR — Myles Creighton of Digby, N.S., leads the Canadian contingent into the Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation. He’s 38th on the second-tier tour’s points list. He’ll be joined by Edmonton’s Wil Bateman (48th), Etienne Papineau (63rd) of St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Que., and Sudarshan Yellamaraju (96th) of Mississauga, Ont., at Vanderbilt Legends Club North Course in Franklin, Tenn.

EPSON TOUR — Vancouver’s Leah John rocketed 66 spots up the Race for the Card points list thanks to her third-place finish at last week’s Guardian Championship. That puts her at 54th in the points list heading into the Tuscaloosa Toyota Classic. Maddie Szeryk (117th) of London, Ont., and Brigitte Thibault (118th) of Rosemere, Que., will also play on Friday at Ol’ Colony Golf Course in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Stasiuk and Emma Bittorf co-lead the Women’s Net Stableford Championship and Ian St John leads the
Men’s Net Stableford Championship

Brighton, Ont. – There are familiar names atop the leaderboard following the opening round at the 2024 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO.

Natasha Stasiuk leads the Women’s Gross Stroke play division and co-leads the Net Stableford division. While in the Men’s Gross Stroke play division, there is a three-way tie with Josh Hunke, Reggie Millage and defending champion Chris Willis tied for the lead. Ian St John leads the Men’s Net Stableford division following play on Tuesday at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brighton, Ont.

A field of 57 players, regardless of disability classification, are competing over 54-holes in four different divisions in the national championship: Women’s Gross Stroke Play; Women’s Net Stableford; Men’s Gross Stroke Play; and Men’s Net Stableford.

In the Women’s Gross Stroke Play Championship, Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. is in search of her fourth straight national championship after shooting a 10-over 81, to take a 12-shot lead into Wednesday’s second round.

Stasiuk is happy to be in Brighton and defending her title this week, “the golf course is very challenging with tough pins. Things were going very well until the 16th hole, but I still managed to shoot an 81. My goal will be to shoot under 80 and I hope to achieve that the next two rounds. Sleep and healthy foods will be the key to keep things going positively.”

Emma Bittorf of Strathmore, Alta. sits second at 22-over (93) and Tess Trojan of St. Catharines, Ont. is third in the Women’s Stroke Play division following a 28-over 99 on Wednesday.

Bittorf and Stasiuk are currently tied for the lead in the Women’s Net Stableford competition after earning a total of 31 stableford points in the opening round. Trojan, the three-time Women’s Stableford defending champion is third with 27 points.

In the Men’s Gross Stroke Play Championship, defending champion Chris Willis of Aurora, Ont., Reggie Millage of Milton, Ont. and Josh Hunke of New Hamburg, Ont. are all tied at 3-over following rounds of 74. They collectively own a three-shot lead over two others tied for fourth at 6-over.

Willis, who is playing in his third Canadian All Abilities Championship is coming off two top 10 finishes in Major Championships, the G4D British Open and the U.S. Adaptive Open says he has high hopes to have a strong tournament this week.

“The course is fun. The greens are huge with lots of tiers, so approach shots will be tricky. While the course has started soft a couple of days with warm weather and this course will firm up and play even tougher.”

Willis added, “the adaptive golf community is growing quickly in Canada, events like this showcase people with disabilities and how they can achieve, perform, and compete at a high-level. I’m very happy to be a part of this rapidly growing community.”

Hunke, opened and closed his round with birdies on Tuesday and reflected on a great day with amazing playing partners on a tricky course, “Timber Ridge is in good shape and the greens are tricky to figure out. I hit it well but just could not find the bottom of the cup. With a couple more rounds and the help of my caddie Bob, we should be able to dial that in. Looking forward to the next two days of competition golf.”

Co-leader Millage also found the approach shots and greens difficult, “today was a battle. I was a little uncomfortable on some tee shots and Timber Ridge gives us all we can handle around the greens. I made a lot of pars today and some from some tricky places so that allowed me to get away with a decent score.”

In the Men’s Net Stableford competition Ian St John of Ireland leads after earning 39 stableford points on Tuesday to hold a three-point lead over Hunke (36 points). Kevin Delaney of Windsor, Ont. (35 points) sits in third, while Vic McClelland of High River, Alta. (34 points) is fourth. There is a tie for fifth with Geoff Beecroft of Newcastle, Ont. and Dave Marchand of Camrose, Ont. at 33 points.

The stableford scoring format of the Canadian All Abilities Championship awards set points based off a golfer’s net score for the hole. The points are awarded as follows: Albatross (5 points), Eagle (4 points), Birdie (3 points), Par (2 points), Bogey (1 point), Double Bogey or higher (0 points). The golfers with the highest total of accumulated points over 54-holes will win their respective divisions.

The fourth playing of the national championship features competitors from Canada, the United States, Australia, Ireland and Sweden with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments and the largest field in tournament history. First conducted in 2021 at Humber Valley Golf Course in Toronto, Ont., the competition supports Golf Canada’s commitment to create a more inclusive and respectful sport environment across the Canadian golf community.

For the full leaderboard following the opening round of the 2024 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Former Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club Partnership Executive to lead
Golf Canada’s integrated Commercial Business

(September 10, 2024) – Golf Canada announced today that sports business leader Mark Palmer has joined the organization as its new Chief Commercial Officer, beginning September 23, 2024. 

Palmer joins Golf Canada from the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club where he spent more than 20 years helping to drive the team’s commercial growth, most recently as Director, Partnership Development.

Palmer will join Golf Canada’s Executive Team as a key contributor in leading and managing all areas of revenue generation for the organization including oversight of partnerships, sponsorship, and all revenue-related functions of the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open as well Amateur Championships, BDO National Golf League, She Plays Golf, and First Tee – Canada. He will also support the development of innovative business opportunities and additional revenue streams including new events and facilities for Golf Canada’s new headquarters at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

“Mark is an accomplished and dynamic revenue driver with a proven track record of transforming corporate partnerships into substantial top-line growth and we are exceptionally pleased to welcome him to Golf Canada to help drive the organization to an elevated level of commercial success,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Mark is an innovative leader who brings a depth of related industry experience, a network of deep-rooted relationships and a proven track record of sustained top-line revenue growth to help drive the momentum of our talented commercial team.”

Palmer has led initiatives that helped catapult the Blue Jays sponsorship revenue, pushing the team to top five in Major League Baseball’s rankings. He supported the team in monetizing a comprehensive stadium renovation during the previous two years and successfully negotiated numerous sponsorship deals with premium Canadian and international brands. Prior to partnership development, Palmer was successful in driving substantial premium hospitality and group sales ticket revenue, leading a team that rose as high as third in group ticket sales across all MLB teams at the time.

“I am honoured to join Golf Canada as Chief Commercial Officer, working with a talented team passionate about growing the game in Canada,” said Palmer. “Together, we will drive new commercial opportunities, partnerships, and innovations to elevate the sport, while building on Golf Canada’s legacy and ensuring golf continues to thrive in Canada.”

Palmer honed his executive commercial expertise across several team roles during his tenure including Corporate Partnerships, Ticket Sales and Premium Hospitality. Adept at leveraging analytics, market research and creative thinking to exceed business objectives, Palmer also brings expertise in strategic negotiation, innovative program development, and maximizing sponsorship value.

Adding a depth of professional association and volunteer experience, Palmer sits on the Board of Directors for the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada (SMCC), Variety – The Children’s Charity of Ontario, and is a current member and former Chair of the Canadian Marketing Association’s (CMA) Sponsorship Council.

Palmer graduated from the University of Windsor with a BA in Communication Studies, before earning a Post-Graduate Diploma in Sports and Event Marketing from George Brown College. He also holds certification in Negotiation, Business Strategy, and DNA of Top Performers through the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. In 2022 Palmer was granted Charter Marketer Designation by the CMA

An avid and enthusiastic golfer, Palmer resides in Toronto with his partner, Kathryn and their five children.

Final national championship of the season features a field of 156 golfers competing for the senior title along with a super senior division and an
inter-provincial team competition

Saugeen Shores, Ont. – The 2024 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO is set for September 12-15 with a field of 156 amateur golfers competing over four rounds at Saugeen Golf Club in Saugeen Shores, Ont.

The field competing for the John Rankin Memorial Trophy features five past winners including defending champion Doug Hanzel of Savannah, Ga., Darren Ritchie of St. John, N.B. (2021), Brady Exber of Las Vegas, Nev. (2018), Jack Hall of Savannah, Ga. (2015) and David Schultz of Calgary, Alta. (2013).

Along with the past champions, among those in the field are Dave Bunker of Ridgeway, Ont. who won the 2024 Ontario Senior Men’s Championship in July. Miles McConnell, a Canadian who now resides in Tampa, Fla. who has enjoyed a successful season having won the 2024 Gate Senior Invitational back in January and followed it up with three runner-up finishes and a third-place finish in tournaments throughout the season. Accomplished Australian golfer, Ken Brewer of Newcastle, Australia will also be heading to Saugeen Shores.

“We are very excited to welcome an incredible and talented field of golfers set to compete for our Canadian Men’s Senior Championship this week at Saugeen Golf Club,” said Daniel Suppa, Tournament Director, Golf Canada. “The staff, volunteers, host committee along with the entire community have really gone to great lengths to ensure that those competing for our national championship are given an experience they won’t soon forget at Saugeen.”

Founded in 1925 by a group of local visionaries, Saugeen Golf Club stands as a testament to their vision and community spirit. Recognizing the growing popularity of golf, they established a premier golfing destination in Port Elgin and Southampton. Hiring renowned golf architect Stanley Thompson, they crafted the initial nine holes now known as Legacy with meticulous attention to detail, setting the stage for a Legacy of excellence.

Expanding their vision over the decades, first with the addition of the Sunset nine in 1956 and the Sunrise nine in 1996 solidified their reputation for exceptional golf and camaraderie for players of all levels. Next year, Saugeen Golf Club will celebrate its centennial anniversary as it celebrates the enduring legacy of their founders and guide their team into the next century with pride and a reverence for the past.

“Saugeen Golf Club is extremely proud to be hosting this prestigious national championship. The process began four long years ago, and we cannot be more exhilarated to display what our golf club and community has to offer,” said Brad Young, General Manager and COO, Saugeen Golf Club. “With playing conditions that rival any in our country, to the 200 plus volunteers that are donating their time, we’re confident that this weeklong event will set the precedence of national championships for years to come”

The Canadian Men’s Senior Championship was established in 1962 for golfers aged 55-and-over and includes a Super Senior division for golfers 65-and-over that was introduced in 1995. The national championship consists of 72 holes of stroke-play with a cut after 36 holes. The Super Senior Championship is contested concurrently over the four rounds of the championship. In addition, the Senior Inter-Provincial Team Championship was added in 1977 and runs concurrently through the first 36 holes of the tournament.

A trio of Canadian Golf Hall of Famers lead the way having won the most Canadian Men’s Senior Championships in tournament history including, Bob Wylie of Calgary, Alta. with seven (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1995). Nick Weslock of Oakville, Ont. with six (1973, 1974, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983) and Graham Cooke of Hudson, Que. with four (2001, 2002, 2008 and 2009).

Prior to the start of the national championship, there will be a one-day qualifier on Tuesday, September 10 at Saugeen Golf Club where a field of 56 golfers will be playing for six spots in the tournament. Practice rounds are scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, and the tournament gets underway on Thursday, September 12.

The champion will receive an exemption into the 2025 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at Biltmore Forest Country Club in Asheville, N.C.

For the full player field competing in the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

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.

Matt Prosser, Avon Valley Golf & Country Club, Hole #5

I was playing with my friend Brett MacNeil. Yardage was 125 and the club was a 50 degree Titliest SM7 wedge.

 

Kent Cameron, Cottonwood Golf & Country Club, Hole #2

I was playing Cottonwood Golf & Country Club in Calgary with a couple friends from work. It was on an afternoon round, on hole #2, playing 145 yards, back centre pin. I hit a nine iron with a baby cut. The ball landed just short of the hole but released and rolled in! It was a pretty awesome day!

Trish Leach, The Falls Golf Club, Hole #4

I was so excited because it was my very first hole-in-one. Never thought I would ever get one and then it finally happened! The fun part was the course was a bit backed up so there was a group of four men watching me tee off, along with my partner in life Gord. They let out a huge roar when it went in.

It was about 110 yards from an elevated tee box and I used my trusty, lofty little 9 wood. The ball landed on the green a few feet in front of the hole, and bounced once straight into the cup.

Yay 62 year old me!

Colin McLelland, Glencairn Golf Club, Hole #7

The hole-in-one came on hole #7 at Glencairn Leithfield during our club championship. The yardage was 155 into a breeze. Hit a nice 6 iron with draw into a back pin location and we saw the ball go in the hole. I went on to shoot a nice 77 that day. Played with fellow competitors David Clarke and Brad Gleeson. This is my fourth hole-in-one and second on this hole at Glencairn.

Robert Harrison, Peel Village Golf Club, Hole #2

It was on hole #2 of Peel Village Golf Club in Brampton. The second hole is an uphill par 3. The yardage on the score card was 115. On that day it was playing a little shorter at 109 yards. I was playing with Ian Sarjeant, Brian Sim and Alan Coates. A beautiful day with this being the highlight!

Jennifer Hicks, Amberwood Village Golf & Country Club, Hole #1

This was such a thrill for me. I have been close to having a hole-in-one so many times having birdies, eagles and even an albatross on a par 5 but never and ace. My life partner and a fellow golfer were witnesses to this incredible event. It was on the first hole, what a way to start a round! I used an 8 iron for the 128 yard shot. It was a surreal experience.

Barry Porter, Lakeside Golf Club, Hole #6

It was an exciting time at Lakeside as I happened to make a hole-in-one on the same hole, same tournament, same yardage, same blue flag as the previous year. I’m hoping for the natural hat trick next year when I go for three in a row! It was a bit expensive buying refreshments both years as there were quite a few members playing in the Memorial tournament, thank goodness for hole-in-one insurance!

Photo taken from the Lakeside Golf Club Facebook post.

Patricia Kenny, Predator Ridge, Hole #15

I was playing with Linda Deluca and Lorraine Dollevoet. The shot was on hole #15 on the Ridge course at Predator Ridge and the yardage was approximately 109. I used a seven iron.

Nitin Badhwar, Sleepy Hollow Golf & Country Club, Hole #8

Hole #8 was about 145 yards to a red flag yesterday so I grabbed my 7 iron (I am old now so need extra club). My focus was on not going left as that is what I have been doing a lot lately. Plan was to have it land on the right side and roll down to the hole. To my shock, I nailed a beauty right at the pin. Hit it well, saw a bounce in front of the green and then the four of us just watched the ball track toward the hole. James looked at me after we lost sight of it and I could tell he thought it was in. Carlo was standing on the wheel of his cart trying to get a better look and said, “dude, I think that’s in.” Chris was sure of it too but we all know that hole #8 often tricks you and you find the ball sitting ten feet past the hole when you finally get there.

I tried to stay grounded as we walked up to the green. My heart sank when Carlo got to the hole first and then walked away. By the time I got to the green, I expected to see it on the green but couldn’t see it anywhere. I asked the guys and Carlo just casually said to check the hole and there was yellow Kirkland in the hole. And that is when we just erupted. High fives and hugs all around.

Second ace, and both on hole #8 at Sleepy Hollow Golf & Country Club. Great to do it on a League day and it was made extra special celebrating with the special community that we have at Sleepy Hollow. Definitely felt the love from everyone there, and in texts and e-mails that followed. Feeling on top of the world!

Alex Binkley, Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club, Hole #12

I was playing with my son-in-law Jonathan MacLeod of Bedford, N.S., his father Jack MacLeod of Little Harbour, N.S. and longtime golfing buddy John Moses of Toronto. Hole #12 at Muskoka Lakes is about a 160 yard drive from the gold tee. I hit with my driver. I rarely land on the green on this hole with my first shot so I was surprised to see the ball land there and roll towards the pin. When it disappeared, I was initially speechless but my three loudly cheering pals were shouting hole-in-one. When we reached the green, I walked over and there was the ball resting in the cup. In the end, I was even more surprised at how quickly news of the event spread among the other golfers and the staff at the club.

Fourth playing of the national championship will see largest field in tournament history, headlined by three-time women’s champion,
Natasha Stasiuk, men’s defending champion Chris Willis and
three-time women’s stableford champion Tess Trojan

Brighton, Ont. – The 2024 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO is set for September 10-12 with a field of 60 amateur golfers competing at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brighton, Ont.

The fourth playing of the national championship will see an additional tournament round added, increasing to a 54-hole competition, featuring players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments.

There are four different divisions in the Canadian All Abilities Championship that players will compete in, regardless of disability classification: Women’s Gross Stroke Play; Women’s Net Stableford; Men’s Gross Stroke Play and Men’s Net Stableford.

The field of competitors includes three-time Women’s Gross Stroke Play defending champion Natasha Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont., who is currently the no. 1 ranked female golfer with an intellectual disability on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) and three-time Women’s Net Stableford winner, Tess Trojan of St. Catharines, Ont.

Stasiuk has enjoyed a successful season thus far, she finished third overall and first in her sports class at the USDGA Championship at the PGA Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla in April. She followed that up by finished first in the intellectual disability category and eighth overall at the U.S. Adaptive Open Championship at Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kan. in July. Stasiuk also placed fourth with two-time Canadian All Abilities men’s champion, Kurtis Barkley at the G4D Tour Nations Cup at Betfred British Masters at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, England last month. In addition to three straight national championships, Stasiuk has also won the Ontario Adaptive Championship four times and won the bronze medal at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.

On the men’s side, defending champion, Chris Willis of Aurora, Ont. currently ranked no. 14 on the WR4GD, 2022 Men’s Net Stableford winner Kevin Delaney of Windsor, Ont. Russell Aide of Stirling, Ont. currently ranked no. 61 on the WR4GD will be competing at Timber Ridge.

Earlier this season, Willis finished third at the G4D Open at the Duchess Course at Woburn in Milton Keynes, England. Along with winning the national championship last year, Willis also won the 2023 Ontario Adaptive Championship.

In January, Stasiuk, Willis and Aide were among 12-golfers that were invited to Quinta do Lago, Portugal for the first Player Development Camp created by the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA), which was supported by the European Tour Group.

“We are very proud and excited to host the largest field in tournament history for the fourth playing of the Canadian All Abilities Championship,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Sam Meek. “This year also sees our national championship expand to a 54-hole competition and is a signature event on the Golf Canada tournament schedule. We are proud to feature both a gross stroke play championship and a net stableford championship which provides equitability for the field competing in this national championship and demonstrates our continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are looking forward to a great week at Timber Ridge Golf Course and thank the staff for their efforts in making this championship a memorable one.”

Designed by Stephen Ward and opened for play in 2001, Timber Ridge offers a unique challenge to all levels of players. With wildly undulating greens and rolling fairways, the layout at Timber Ridge offers a variety of links and parkland style holes, offering two distinct styles that somehow flow together perfectly. Located in Brighton, about an hour east of the GTA, Timber Ridge offers an escape from the confines of the city to a calm, quiet country setting.

“It is an honour to have the opportunity to host an event like the Canadian All Abilities Championship and play even a small role in growing the game of golf,” said Nolan Walsh, Head Golf Professional, Timber Ridge Golf Course. “We are excited to welcome the participants to the property and hope that Timber Ridge offers the perfect setting for such an exciting national championship.”

First conducted in 2021 at Humber Valley Golf Course in Toronto, Ont., the competition supports Golf Canada’s commitment to create a more inclusive and respectful sport environment across the Canadian golf community.

The stableford scoring format of the Canadian All Abilities Championship awards set points based off a golfer’s net score for the hole. The points will be awarded as follows: Albatross (5 points), Eagle (4 points), Birdie (3 points), Par (2 points), Bogey (1 point), Double Bogey or higher (0 points). The golfers with the highest total of accumulated points over 54-holes will win their respective divisions.

Practice rounds are scheduled for Monday, September 9, and the tournament gets underway on Tuesday, September 10.

Golf Canada is grateful for the financial support of the Government of Ontario for the All Abilities Championship from the Ontario Sport Hosting Program.

“Our government is proud to support the 2024 Canadian All Abilities Championships through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “This event offers amateur golfers with a disability an opportunity to showcase their skills in competition with their peers from across the country. I applaud Golf Canada for their unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion and wish all players the best of luck for a successful tournament.”

For the full player field competing in the Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

MONTREAL – Justin Trudeau, the 23^rd and current Prime Minister of Canada, has accepted an invitation to serve as Honorary Chairman of the 2024 Presidents Cup when the competition returns to The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, September 24-29. 

“With the return of the Presidents Cup to Canada, we are honored to have the support of Prime Minister Trudeau as our honorary chairman for the 2024 event,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “The Presidents Cup has customarily honored world leaders throughout its 30-year history, and Prime Minister Trudeau’s addition will greatly enhance our efforts to promote the global nature of golf through spirited team matches.”

Prime Minister Trudeau is part of a distinguished group of world leaders who have previously held the position of Honorary Chairman at the Presidents Cup. 

• 2022 – 46^th U.S. President, Joe Biden
• 2019 – Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Australia
• 2017 – 45^th U.S. President, Donald J. Trump
• 2015 – President Park Geun-hye, South Korea
• 2013 – 44^th U.S. President, Barack Obama
• 2011 – Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Australia
• 2009 – 44^th U.S. President Barack Obama
• 2007 – Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada
• 2005 – 43^rd U.S. President, George W. Bush
• 2003 – President Thabo Mbeki, Republic of South Africa
• 2000 – 42^nd U.S. President, William Jefferson Clinton
• 1998 – Prime Minister John Howard, Australia
• 1996 – 41^st U.S. President, George H.W. Bush
• 1994 – 38^th U.S. President, Gerald R. Ford

The Presidents Cup, a team match play competition featuring 24 of the world’s top golfers – 12 from the United States and 12 from around the world, excluding Europe – is held biennially, and since 1996 has alternated between the United States and international venues. The U.S. Team has won 12 of the 14 previous Presidents Cups, and the only win by the International Team came at the 1998 event in Melbourne. A historic 17-17 tie came in 2003 when the event was held in South Africa.

Canadian Mike Weir will lead the International Team as captain when the event returns to The Royal Montreal Golf Club for the first time in 17 years, while Jim Furyk will captain the U.S. Team.

As host of the 2007 and 2024 Presidents Cups, The Royal Montreal Golf Club will become the second international venue to host the event more than once, joining The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, a three-time host.

For more information about the Presidents Cup, or to purchase tickets, please visit PresidentsCup.com. 

Mike Weir held a dinner for about 20 potential International Team players in early May to try and create a sense of camaraderie in the months leading up to the Presidents Cup.

The Canadian Golf Hall of Famer told the assembled players that it would be great if one of them could win the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and build some momentum for the International Team.

Flash forward to that weekend and Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., was claiming his first PGA Tour win.

“Mike was texting me throughout the week, and he texted me on Saturday night before the final round, and had a lot of motivational things to say,” said Pendrith on Wednesday. “He said ‘you don’t need to be anybody else. Just go out there and play your game and take care of business.'”

Pendrith has handled his business on the PGA Tour since that win, earning a spot on the International Team a second consecutive time.

He, Corey Conners, and Mackenzie Hughes were named to the Presidents Cup on Tuesday, the first time three Canadians will get to play in the event. It’s good timing for them as the prestigious best-on-best tournament will be in Canada for the first time since 2007 when Royal Montreal Golf Club will host the event Sept. 24-27.

“Mike added a little bit of motivation at that dinner to make the team, maybe fired me up a little bit, and I was able to win that week,” said Pendrith on Weir’s influence. “But he’s been great. He is available if you ever have any questions, and has been great to the Canadian guys.

“Obviously, he’s the legend in Canada, and wants us to succeed and follow in his footsteps. The three of us are super pumped, and want to make him proud.”

The team dinners are actually part of the International Team’s strategy.

South Africa’s Trevor Immelman introduced the bonding exercise when he was the team’s captain in 2022, to try and overcome the cultural differences inherent in a team that can feature players from around the world — save Europe and the United States.

Weir said he thinks the tactic is working and that Pendrith’s victory after his speech in Dallas has been something of a rallying point for the International Team.

“There’s a sense within our team room that everybody really likes each other. We’re more familiar with one another,” said Weir after announcing his six captain’s picks on Monday. “Hopefully that leads to good play. When you’re a little bit looser and you know one another, you tend to play a little bit looser.

“Hopefully that leads to the guys really playing free and good.”

Pendrith, Conners, and Hughes have played together as a team in various combinations before. All three played together at Kent State University, Conners and Hughes represented Canada at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and Pendrith and Conners played for the Internationals at the 2022 Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte.

“It’s going to be comfortable to see some very familiar faces in the team room, and we’re all good buddies and want on each other to do extremely well,” said Pendrith. “If we play together, that’s great. If we don’t, then we’re going to do what’s best for the team.

“I think having those guys there and having Weirsy being the captain, it’s going to be a very good week, and I’m super excited to get going.”

Pendrith said he learned a lot in Charlotte, when the Internationals fell to the United States 17 1/2 to 12 1/2. Potentially the biggest lesson for him was the importance of winning the first hole on the first day.

“We’ve got stats and data guys on our team who have so much information, it’s almost overwhelming, but they’re so smart,” he said. “I feel like we’re all buying into it, really trusting them and I think getting off to a good start in the match is huge.

“I don’t know the exact number, but if you win the first hole, you have X per cent chance of winning the match. So that’s what we’re really focusing on, is getting off to a good start.”