Manotick, Ont. – The 156-player field will gather August 19-23 for the 2024 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at the Carleton Golf and Yacht Club in Manotick, Ont. 

The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship is a 72-hole stroke play event, with a 36-hole cut to the low 70 players and ties happening after the second round. The championship also includes an inter-provincial team competition that will take place over the first two rounds of play. The lowest two scores out of three team members, over 36-holes will determine the winner of the Inter-Provincial Team Championship. The Mid-Amateur division will run concurrently with the Mid-Master division for players 40 and older. 145 Canadian competitors are joined in the field this week by 11 Americans —namely the 2023 runner up and third place finishers: Ryan Terry (Tennessee) and Derek Meinhart (Illinois). 

“We are extremely excited to be hosting the 2024 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur, presented by BDO at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club. The host club organizing committee has been working tirelessly to make sure his event is a success for players, family members, volunteers, and everyone involved,” said Golf Canada’s Tournament Director, Daniel Suppa. “We appreciate the support and look forward to hosting the elite group of golfers at one of the Ottawa regions premier golf courses.” 

Joseph Deraney of Belden, Miss. won the 2023 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, following rounds of 72-69-69-68 for a total score of 10-under (278), enroute to claiming the national title. Deraney will not be competing in Manotick. 

The field comprised of golfers aged 25-and-over, will navigate the scenic and challenging layout that winds its way through mature trees, lush fairways and picturesque water features. The Carleton Golf and Yacht Club is known for its past rich history, hosting various championships and national events including the PGA Seniors’ Championship.  

Established in 1963 by American entrepreneur Mort Kalin, who had a vision to build the first community in North America to integrate housing and golf, Carleton is situated in the centre of a dynamic community actively connected to the Club. Surrounded by houses and bordering the Rideau River, it originally featured a yacht club and is the only course in Ottawa accessible from the water. Dedicated members and a commitment to creating a superior golf experience has resulted in a premier course that offers many challenges. The Club prides itself on creating friendships and lasting memories through golf and social activities.

“Hosting the Canadian Men’s Mid-Am Championships at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club is a dream come true. It’s not just about the tournament; it’s about celebrating the spirit of golf, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. From showcasing our beautiful course to welcoming talented players from all over Canada, this event is a true symbol of the passion and countless hours of dedication to the game of golf,” said Tyler Fitzgerald, Director of Golf at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club. “We can’t wait to create lasting memories and share the joy of the game with everyone involved.” 

Charles Fitzsimmons of King, Ont. won the Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship back-to-back years in 2021 and 2022 and placed third at the 2019 championship. He returns this year hoping to etch his name on the national title for a third time. 

Previous winners of the championship include one of Canada’s top-ranked men amateur golfers, Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ont., who won the event three years in a row from 2014-2016; Graham Cooke who won it seven times between 1987 and 2002; and Stu Hamilton who won it on four separate occasions between 1990 and 1994. 

In addition to the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur title, the 2024 champion will receive direct exemptions into the 2024 U.S Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Championships.  

Practice rounds are scheduled for Monday, August 19, before the 72-hole stroke play competition kicks off on Tuesday, August 20. Play wraps up on Friday, August 23, followed by an awards ceremony.  

Additional information about the tournament, including the full field and tee-times is available here. 

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS     

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit https://www.golfcanada.ca/competitions-calendar/.    

Shropshire holds lead in both the Junior and Juvenile divisions following windy conditions on Thursday

Innisfail, Alta. – Spencer Shropshire battled the wind and the field on Thursday to shoot an even par 72 to sit at 12-under, good for a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.

“The wind was a huge factor, it was essentially a different golf course today,” said Shropshire following his round on Thursday.

The 16-year-old from Ramara, Ont. got off to a strong start with two birdies on the front nine and a string of pars. After bogeying no. 10, he recorded three straight birdies to stretch his lead to five shots through 13. He ran into some trouble on no. 14 where he carded a double bogey and then responded with three more pars before dropping a stroke on 18 to finish with a 72.

“I played the front really well, just played conservative and birdies came when they came and, on the back, just hit a couple bad shots and a couple bad breaks and just didn’t finish how I wanted but still happy with a two-shot lead going into tomorrow,” said Shropshire.

While he admitted that leading a tournament is something new for him, having now held the lead on consecutive days has certainly helped him feel more comfortable heading into the final round.

There are a trio of golfers behind Shropshire at 10-under, including Team Canada NextGen member, Isaiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont. On Wednesday, Ibit was part of Team Ontario’s Inter-Provincial Team championship win for the second year in a row. After firing an even par round on Wednesday, Ibit responded with a 5-under 67 where he carded five birdies and closed with an eagle on no. 18 for the second straight day to jump up the leaderboard.

Tied for second with Ibit are Dawson Lew of Toronto, Ont. and Matthew Wilson of Nanaimo, B.C., who both shot rounds of 2-under 70 on Thursday.

Some prefer to know what the competitors are doing as you get down the stretch, while others do not. Shropshire embraces playing with those that are in contention, “I think it makes it easier when you play with guys that are in contention, when they’re close to you, it makes you play solidly the whole round.”

He says the game plan he set out for the week won’t change tomorrow regardless of his position on the leaderboard.

“I want to put as many wedges in my hands as possible and I need to be better on the par fives, I haven’t played them well, so I need to be better on the par fives,” he added.

Team Canada NextGen member Matthew Javier of Toronto, Ont. and Charlie Gillespie of Calgary, Alberta round out the top five, both at 7-under. Low round of the day belonged to Manav Bharani of Brampton, Ont. who fired a 6-under 66 to move into a tie for 12th at 2-under.

In addition to being atop the Junior division, Shropshire also leads the Juvenile division by two shots over Lew with a trio of golfers tied for third at 3-under including defending champion, Alex Zhang of Richmond, B.C.

The Junior and Juvenile championship rounds are played concurrently over four rounds. The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

In Friday’s final round, Shropshire will be playing in a group with Ibit and Lew they will tee off at 10:00 a.m. MDT. For Friday’s final round groupings and tee times, please click here.

For the leaderboard following the third round of play at the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Oakville, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Ryan Paul of Ancaster, Ont. has been appointed Tournament Director of the RBC Canadian Open.

Paul has served the past seven years with Golf Canada as Tournament Director of the CPKC Women’s Open, Canada’s lone stop on the LPGA Tour. During Paul’s tenure as CPKC Women’s Open Tournament Director, the National Open Championship has been hosted in four provinces and has become a signature women’s sporting event in Canada, having earned back-to-back LPGA Tournament of the Year honours in 2022 and 2023. In addition, the tournament has won a number of awards including, Best Sponsor Activation (2023, 2022 and 2019), Best Charity and Community Engagement (2022, 2019 and 2017), Best Volunteer Appreciation (2023) and has seen the largest build on the LPGA Tour (2023, 2022).

A member of Golf Canada’s Senior Leadership Team, Paul has led Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship to record levels of commercial and operational success since taking over as Tournament Director in 2017. Last month’s CPKC Women’s Open – hosted for the first time ever at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta. set a new tournament record with 73,290 fans attending the event.

“Ryan Paul has done a tremendous job in growing every aspect of the CPKC Women’s Open and he will now take that stellar record into continuing to grow the RBC Canadian Open and maintain the amazing trajectory of this award-winning PGA TOUR event,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer, Golf Canada. “Ryan comes from a lineage of great tournament directors with his father Bill occupying a similar role for many years. Ryan is just the right leader and growth mindset to be the ideal new leader of this great national championship.”

A collaborative and experienced golf industry leader, Paul has been a key contributor to Golf Canada’s professional championships team and the success of Canada’s National Open Championships dating back to 2007. Prior to being named Tournament Director of the CPKC Women’s Open, Paul worked as Golf Canada’s Manager, Professional Championships and Assistant Tournament Director, supporting both of Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open. 

Paul honed his executive management skills with Wasserman from 2011-2016 as an account manager on the agency’s key golf accounts for RBC, CN, Shaw, Manulife, and CPKC where he managed operations, experiential activities, and player relations. 

For Paul, taking on the leadership position of Canada’s lone stop on the PGA TOUR begins a new chapter stewarding a signature Canadian sporting event that has long been a part of his life.

“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to take on the role of Tournament Director for the RBC Canadian Open. The RBC Canadian Open has always been a big part of my life having grown up with it and is one I am very passionate about. For Golf Canada and RBC to have the confidence in me to play a lead role in our National Men’s Open Championship is truly an honour. I am excited to dive right into preparations for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. The RBC Canadian Open is a world-class event and I look forward to continuing to build upon the growth and success it has achieved,” said Ryan Paul, Tournament Director, RBC Canadian Open. “I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to CPKC, the LPGA Tour’s players, caddies, staff and key stakeholders for an incredible seven years working to elevate the CPKC Women’s Open and women’s golf in Canada. I am beyond proud of what we’ve collectively accomplished highlighted by back-to-back Tournament of the Year honours. I look forward to remaining part of the CPKC Women’s Open team in a supporting role and watching the tournament continue to succeed.”

Paul takes over the role of RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director from Bryan Crawford who left Golf Canada in June to become Commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League.

Paul and his wife Samantha are parents to three young children.

The 2025 RBC Canadian Open will be conducted June 3-8 for the first time ever at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be played August 18-24 at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.  

Golf Canada has already begun the search for a new CPKC Women’s Open Tournament Director.

Spencer Shropshire leads both the Junior and Juvenile divisions
at 12-under

Innisfail, Alta. – Team Ontario has successfully defended their title as the Inter-Provincial Team champions at the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.

Team Ontario entered the day with a two-shot lead over Team British Columbia (B.C.) and that is exactly how things would end, as the defending champions finished with a combined 10-under score to win back-to-back team championships.

“It’s just really nice to represent our province and show out strong for Ontario and represent as a team,” said Isaiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont.

Ibit, a member of Team Canada NextGen was the lone returning player to Team Ontario after winning the inter-provincial team title last year in North Bay, Ont.

“It’s really nice to not only win it twice but just be part of this team twice. It’s nice to have a little competition and just have more fun with it. Hopefully both of these guys may even be on the team next year as well, so hopefully they can bring home the triple crown if they can,” said Ibit.

Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. recorded rounds of 3-under 69 and even par 72, while teammate Gabriel Mainella of Markham, Ont. had his scores count both days with a 3-under 69 and 2-under 70. Ibit opened with a 5-under 67 on Tuesday and eagled the no. 18 on Wednesday to shoot an even par 72.

Team B.C. shot a combined 8-under and were represented by Austin Krahn of Christina Lake, B.C., Ryan Vest of Vernon, B.C. and Manpreet Lalh of Nanaimo, B.C. Team Alberta rounds out the top three finishing at 5-under.

Spencer Shropshire of Ramara, Ont. sits alone atop the standings in both the Junior and Juvenile divisions following a second consecutive 6-under 66 to sit at 12-under for the tournament.

Shropshire is two shots clear of Team Canada NextGen member, Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. in the battle for the Silver Cup in the Junior division and four shots ahead of Dawson Lew of Toronto, Ont. in the Juvenile Division.

“Progressively getting better every week which is awesome. I’ve noticed more consistency, and my putting has been really good,” said Shropshire reflecting on his season thus far.

The 16-year-old who won at AJGA Junior Championship last month in Michigan has said his putting has been one of the strong points of his game and he credits a hot putter for his strong start over the first two rounds of the national championship.

“I played great again today, putter was nice, made the putts I was supposed to and added a couple bonuses there too. It feels great, never been in this position before so looking forward to tomorrow,” said Shropshire following his second round.

Javier finished with a 3-under 69 on Wednesday to move to 10-under for the tournament. The 17-year-old was rolling along with seven birdies and one bogey through 14 holes on Wednesday before running into some trouble late in his round. Javier recorded a bogey on no. 16 and a double bogey on 17 before closing with a par to finish his round.

There is a three-way tie for third with Matthew Wilson of Nanaimo, B.C., Brett Jones of Calgary, Alta. and Lew all at 8-under. A trio of golfers are tied for sixth at 5-under, with Team Ontario teammates Ibit and Mainella along with Tim Hachey of Osoyoos, B.C.

The Junior and Juvenile championship rounds are played concurrently over four rounds. The 156-player field has been cut to the low 76 players following a cut line of 7-over.

The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

For the leaderboard following the second round of play at the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Mike Weir has plenty of tough decisions leading up to the 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club in late September.

As captain of the International Team, Weir has been keeping tabs on players who could potentially take on the powerhouse Americans at the biannual best-on-best men’s tournament.

“This is crunch time for a lot of players,” said Weir in Calgary on Tuesday at a press conference ahead of the 2024 Rogers Charity Classic at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club. “We have six automatic spots off the world rankings and then there’s six picks with a lot of Canadians in the mix, so hoping they’re going to really play well the next couple weeks and that I can pick them for the team.”

With Olympic gold medallist Scottie Scheffler and recent two-time major champion Xander Schauffele leading the American side, Weir will count on leadership from Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, fresh off winning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, who is atop the International standings.

Tom Kim and Sungjae Im are second and third in the International Team rankings, while fellow South Korean national Byeong Hun An is in sixth. Veteran Australian golfers Jason Day and Adam Scott are sitting comfortably in fourth and fifth.

Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., who competed at the 2022 edition of the Presidents Cup along with Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., is currently in a good position in seventh spot in the International standings.

Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin, both of Abbotsford B.C., are holding down the 11th and 12th spots, while Pendrith is right behind them in 13th and Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., isn’t far back in 15th.

“As I’ve said all along, it’s an international team,” said Weir, who will rely on help from his captain’s assistants Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas to select the best squad. “It’s not Team Canada, so you have to be fair to everybody. A lot of guys are playing well.

“I really like our team the way it’s shaping up. Guys are very excited. I’ve been engaged with the players since the get-go, since I became the captain. Players have reached out to me and they’re very engaged and excited to be on the team.”

While he’ll be taking part at the Rogers Charity Classic (formerly Shaw Charity Classic) for the fourth straight year, Weir will have the upcoming Presidents Cup on the top of his mind.

“Even though I’m working on my game and playing, my mind is constantly thinking about it,” said the 54-year-old Canadian Golf Hall of Famer from Brights Grove, Ont. “Calls before rounds, calls after rounds, texting with guys, our analytics guys. I’m trying to get all the information I can in regards to the players so I can make the best decision upcoming in the next couple weeks.

“I don’t want to make a decision on a whim. I want to have all the information and stats on the players so I can make an informed decision. Yeah, a little bit harder to play but still fun. I found a nice balance.”

That being said, Weir will still do his best to have a good showing at the annual PGA Tour Champions tournament.

“It’s always great to come home, for sure,” said Weir, who’s best showing at the senior-circuit stop in Calgary was a tie for ninth in 2021. “This is the only time we get to do that on the Champions Tour right now. It’s a great golf course. From the first time I played here a few years ago, I really liked the golf course. I’d like to play a little better on it hopefully this year, but always enjoy playing here.

“The city is great. Great restaurants, great food. The fans come out here better than probably any other event on the Champions Tour, so I think all the players enjoy coming here to Calgary.”

Team Ontario leads inter-provincial team championship over
Team B.C. by two

Innisfail, Alta. – Matthew Javier and Austin Krahn find their names atop a stacked leaderboard following the opening round of the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.

After sitting at even par through his opening nine holes, Team Canada NextGen member, Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. got on a roll collecting seven birdies including four consecutive to start his second nine to card a 29, good for a 7-under 65.

“I hit the ball really good all day. On the back putts started dropping. Got off to a good start on hole one, made a ten-footer, two putt birdie on two, threw a dart on three and up and down for birdie on four and just made a lot of putts coming in,” said Javier who took the early clubhouse lead at Innisfail on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old has said that his putting has been the key to his success so far this season, but that hasn’t always been the case. Javier has had a strong season with two provincial tournament wins including the 2024 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship in late June.

Contending at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship is not new for Javier, having been part of Team Ontario’s Inter-Provincial Team Championship winning side and finishing tied for fourth in the Junior division and solo third in the Juvenile division last year in North Bay, Ont. That experience is something he will draw on this week in Innisfail.

“I was in the second last group, so I was right there and when you get into situations like those and you get into them again…just the experience of being in that situation helps you the next time and gives you confidence,” he added.

Tied in the lead for the Silver Cup is Austin Krahn of Christina Lake, B.C. Krahn also began his round on the back nine Tuesday morning and recorded two birdies to start. After making the turn he made three consecutive birdies and eventually closed his round with two more to move to 7-under (65).

“I just hit the ball really well today, every swing felt good, and I felt really confident over every shot. There are a couple tricky holes out here where you have to commit to different lines and every swing, I hit to where I wanted to and there were a couple holes today where I was a little out of play but got it up and down and able to save pars and after that the putter was rolling good today,” said Krahn who finished after Javier.

The 17-year-old has enjoyed a successful season thus far, winning the B.C. Indigenous Championship in June for the second consecutive year along with the B.C. Junior Boys Championship in early July.

Krahn says he plans to stick to his game plan which he created during practice rounds earlier this week.

“Hitting the same clubs off the tee that I plotted out and don’t get too scared over tee shots and commit to the ones you decided you’re going to and just stay patient and try to make some putts. It’s a four-day tournament, there’s still lots of golf left so don’t need to make birdies on every hole out here, just make some pars and wait for the birdies to fall.

Spencer Shropshire of Ramara, Ont. is currently alone in third following a 6-under 66 on Tuesday. The 16-year-old also leads the Juvenile division by one-shot over Canadian Junior Boys defending champion, Alex Zhang of Richmond, B.C. Zhang became the 11th player in tournament history to win both the Junior and Juvenile divisions last year.

Zhang is in a three-way tie for fourth in the Junior division along with Team Canada NextGen teammate Isiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont. and Nathaniel Yoo of North York, Ont. all at 5-under (67).

Team Ontario leads the battle for the Junior Boys Inter-Provincial Team Championship following the opening round over Team British Columbia by two shots. The defending champions shot a combined 8-under on Tuesday led by Isiah Ibit, the lone returning player from last year’s championship team. Teammates Gabriel Mainella of Markham, Ont. and Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. both recorded rounds of 3-under 69. Team B.C. sits with a combined score of 6-under and was led by Austin Krahn along with teammates Manpreet Lalh of Nanaimo, B.C. (1-over) and Ryan Vest of Vernon, B.C. (3-over). The host province, Team Alberta sits at 2-under to round out of the top three. The two lowest scores of three count towards the team score each day. The team championship will be awarded following Wednesday’s second round.

The Junior and Juvenile championship rounds are played concurrently over four rounds. The 156-player field will be cut to the low 70 players plus ties in the Junior division and a minimum of ten players in the Juvenile division following Wednesday’s second round.

The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

For the leaderboard following the first round of play at the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

(August 13, 2024) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that The Royal Ottawa Golf Club and Rivermead Golf Club in Gatineau, Québec. will be the host courses for the 120th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, taking place July 25-31, 2025.

“Golf Canada is incredibly proud and excited to have two historic courses host one of our most prestigious amateur events and the oldest amateur event in the country,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director, Amateur Championships and Rules, Golf Canada. “We’re grateful to the membership of The Royal Ottawa Golf Club and Rivermead Golf Club, its volunteers and the city of Gatineau who we know will welcome some of the world’s top amateur golfers and present a true test for those competing.  Returning to The Royal Ottawa Golf Club, the host club of the first playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur will be memorable and the support of Rivermead Golf Club will set the stage for an incredible National Championship.”

The Royal Ottawa Golf Club stands as the premier golf club in the National Capital Region, celebrated for its rich heritage and top-tier facilities. The Club features a traditional Championship Golf Course, alongside a challenging nine-hole course ideal for families and avid golfers. Renowned for its world-class practice facilities equipped with TrackMan technology, the Club also takes pride in its active, award-winning competitive Junior program. Additionally, the Club’s reciprocal program grants members access to prestigious clubs in nine countries around the globe. The Royal Ottawa Golf Club last hosted the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship in 2016 where Hugo Bernard of Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Québec. won the national championship.

“The Royal Ottawa Golf Club is honoured to once again partner with Golf Canada to host their 120th Canadian Men’s Amateur. The club’s history of supporting amateur golf events in Canada is storied, dating back to the first ever such competition hosted by the club in 1895,” said Greg Richardson, General Manager, The Royal Ottawa Golf Club. “Our members are excited to welcome the best amateur men’s golfers to see them play our fantastic golf course and compete for an historic tenth such crown here at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club, the most of any club in Canada.”

Established in 1910, Rivermead Golf Club is located in Gatineau, just a few hundred metres from the north shore of the Ottawa River. Initially opened as a 9-hole course, it was expanded to 18 holes in 1915. In 1989, the course was completely renovated by Ken Skodacek working with Ken Venturi to the current outstanding championship layout. In 2023, the Club completed a 5-year course improvement project under the guidance of Jeff Mingay. Rivermead, along with the Royal Ottawa and Ottawa Hunt golf clubs, formed the Ottawa District Golf Association in 1948. These same three clubs have rotated hosting the prestigious Alexander of Tunis tournament since its inception in 1950, with the 75th playing the event held at Rivermead in 2024. Throughout its history, Rivermead has hosted many championships, including the 1920 Canadian Open, the 1925 Ladies’ Canadian Amateur Championship, the CPGA Championship in 1932 and 1959, and the CN Canadian Women’s Tour in 2005 and 2010. Of special pride to Rivermead members is our link to the RBC Canadian Open through the Rivermead Cup. The Rivermead Cup was awarded to the winner of the Canadian Open until 1935. Since 1936, the Rivermead Cup has been awarded to the low Canadian in the RBC Canadian Open.

‘’We are very pleased to be co-host of the 120th edition of the Men’s Canadian Amateur Championship,” said Mathieu Perron, General Manager, Rivermead Golf Club. “Rivermead has a long-standing relationship with competitive golf in Canada and we are eager to receive the best amateur players in the world on our newly renovated course. It will be a great way for us to celebrate our 115^th anniversary.’’

Established in 1895, the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship is the third oldest amateur championship in the world. The tournament was first contested as one of the newly formed Royal Canadian Golf Association’s (RCGA), now known as Golf Canada, first orders of business in 1895 at the Ottawa Golf Club.

The national championship originally began as a match play competition but changed to stroke play for the 1969 championship. It remained that way through 1994 when it reverted to match play in honour of the RCGA’s and the championship’s centennial in 1995. The championship once again reverted to stroke play in 2008 and in 2010, the tournament changed to a double field format for the first time ever. Four-time PGA TOUR winner Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. was the last player to win the championship as a match play competition in 2007 at Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.

Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George S. Lyon won the Amateur eight times between 1898 and 1914 and was runner-up two more times. Fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Sandy Somerville made it to the match play final ten times between 1924 and 1938, capturing six championships. Other past champions include Canadian Golf Hall of Famers and four-time winners, Nick Weslock (1957, 1963, 1964, 1966) and Doug Roxburgh (1972, 1974, 1982, 1988). Most recently, two-time PGA TOUR winner and two-time Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion, Mackenzie Hughes (2011, 2012) and 2023 RBC Canadian Open and four-time PGA TOUR winner Nick Taylor (2007).

Last week, Tyler Mawhinney of Fleming Island, Fla. won the 119th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at 15-under, one shot better than defending champion Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. at Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.

The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) Virtual Summit presented by RBC: 2024 Presidents Cup took place August 13, 2024, as part of an ongoing GJAC series intended to help membership stay connected, as well as to generate discussion and opportunities around important issues in the game.

The format consists of a moderated question and answer period, followed by a brief opportunity for questions from attendees. 

Panelists for this Virtual Summit included:

• Mike Weir – Presidents Cup International Team Captain
• Ryan Hart – Executive Director – 2024 Presidents Cup
• Scott Dickson – GM & Secretary – Royal Montreal Golf Club Moderator: Jason Logan, Editor of SCOREGolf

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.

Mark Tuck, Greystone Golf Club, Hole #14

Hole #14, uphill, 156 yards and hit an 8 iron. Was playing with my son Dylan Tuck and a member from Blue Springs (ClubLink Member). That is my seventh hole-in-one. I had three left handed before changing to playing right handed and have now had four right handed.  

D’Arcy Lachance, Elmhurst Golf & Country Club, Hole #4

Finally, I did it! On Saturday, August 10, 2024 at the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg, Man. on hole #4, playing 164 yards from the white tees. I struck a 6 iron and away it went. I did not see the ball go in but I did see the ball mark on the green. My group beat me to the hole and low and behold there was a big cheer. The shot was in the hole. I was playing with my regular group my wife Kim Smith, Judy Robertson and Judie Roberts.

Nicholas Lake, Sawmill Golf Course, Hole #14

Yardage was 128. Club was a 9 iron and golfed with Uncle Dom.

Connor Mathers, Sarnia Golf & Curling Club, Hole #12

It was a long time coming! I’ve been playing golf since the age of four, had many close calls but this was the first time the ball actually disappeared.

It was on hole #12, at my home club. I was playing with a close friend of mine and before the tee shot I teased him saying, “I think this one is going to go in.” I was playing the back tees, it was 127 yards to a front pin. This green slopes from back to front, so I knew I wanted to land it well past the hole to try and spin it back.

I hit my 52° wedge, landed it about eight paces behind the flag and we were yelling at the ball to get in as soon as we saw it start to spin back toward the hole. It felt like it took five minutes to finally reach the cup, but it finally disappeared which led to a lot of jumping around and celebrating.

It was very special to get my first hole-in-one. Friends and family came to join in on the celebrations after the round. It will be a shot I never forget.

Greg Keith, Barrhead Golf Club, Hole #7

From the white tees playing 127 yards to a front pin location. I used my 48 degree wedge. The ball landed just past the pin and spun back for my second ever hole-in-one. Funny enough the first one was last year on the exact same hole with a very similar pin placement. I was playing that round with my good friend Trent Kondo.

Rob Bryant, Guelph Lakes Golf Club, Hole #10

This was my second hole-in-one, but the more special one of the two as it happened on my favorite course on the least likely hole I’d expect to get one. I was with my good friend Ben Williams, on hole #10 that was playing 157 yards from an elevated tee. I pulled a seven iron and lined up to the right center of the green. I knew if I took a line straight over the bunker and land it a yard or two on the green the ball will check, catch the slope and feed towards the hole. I hit the shot exactly where I wanted to. It did exactly what I expected it to do. Hit the green, checked, caught the slope and rolled towards the hole and with perfect speed. Then it was like I was watching the rest in slow motion. It was in perfect line with the pin. Hit the pin dead center and dropped. That made for a very special round of golf with a great friend. I will remember it always.

Dave Hong, Cordova Bay Golf Course, Hole #13

I hit an 5-iron baby cut shot on hole #13, a par 3 at Cordova Bay Golf Club that was measuring 173 yards from the blue tees. This hole plays half a club uphill so I had it pegged at a 180 yard shot. I could see the ball tracking towards the flag and then it disappeared. You are never quite sure if it is in but one of my playing partners, Deb Buckley, was at the forward tees and could clearly see the ball going in the hole. I walked up to the hole, and there it was!

My playing partners were Rich Choo, Yves Piette (both in the photo with me), and Deb Buckley who took the photo.

It was my second career hole-in-one and the first one came over 30 years ago. After the hole in one, I felt pressure to complete the round with a decent score. Sure enough I did, and I shot my index with a 74.

Howard Kotzer, Richmond Hill Golf Club, Hole #4

I play in a mens league at Richmond Hill Golf Club in Ontario on Mondays. Two of our regular foursome were not there. They paired Rob and I with two younger guys Eric and Mike who are not in the league. I say younger, I’m 68 and they were early 30’s. I used my Big Bertha 7 iron. The hole is a par 3 and was 154 yards away. I shot first. I knew it was a good shot and was going to be on the green which I would be happy with. I have good eyes. I could see the flag but not the hole. One of the younger guys Eric says, “I think it’s a hole-in-one.” Mike says, “it’s definitely a hole-in-one.” I was watching the ball roll and then it just disappeared. I got very excited and my heart started beating a little harder to say the least but I didn’t want to get too excited just in case. As I was walking to the green I didn’t see my ball close on the flag and now my heart started pounding with anticipation. I went over to the cup and looked down to see my ball in the hole. A hole-in-one! A dream come true after 17 years of playing golf. I was so thrilled, I couldn’t believe it. None of the other guys had ever seen a hole in one other than on TV. Neither had I and now I had seen one and it was my shot. Happiest golf game of my life! It was also the closest to the pin hole to boot. One thing off my bucket list.

Sarah Huber, Shaganappi Point Golf Course, Hole #16

I was playing with my sister-in-law after two other Shaganappi Ladies League members had to drop from our tee time. I wasn’t playing particularly well, but it was a good swing with my 8 iron from the white 106 yard tees on hole #16. It looked like it went in, but wasn’t until we checked the cup that we celebrated. Very excited!

Ryan Ekdahl, Riverside Country Club, Hole #7

I was playing with my friends Noah Degelman and Cole Young, also Riverside members. Yardage was 154 and I hit a pitching wedge.

Travis Tubb, Prince Rupert Golf Club, Hole #2

Was men’s day at our local golf club. A new two man team format was being used that day. My partner was Terrance Bateman, a seasoned golfer with sick skills. We played with fellow friends and avid golf enthusiast Johnathan Hunt and Mel Young (which were partners that day as well). We were on hole #2, a 140 yard, par 3. I was the third to tee off and after seeing two of the other gentlemen nail the dance floor, I was just hoping to land as well on the green. Mind you this is my first year giving the game my full attention and devotion. Can honestly say I’ve played more rounds this season than my entire life prior! So with my 8 iron in grip and mind trying to stay focused to hit the green I made my swing. Looking up the line looked good, which it has many times before but then land considerably short in a little valley before the green. Next thing we see is the ball touching down in front with a hop and another little hop and ran right into the cup! Elation and pandemonium ensues on the box! What a rush!

Brenda Cook, Bluenose Golf Club, Hole #5

I am 73 years of age. I had never played any organized sports until my husband Philip convinced me to try to take up golf. This was about three years ago. I have been learning to play golf since then with a group of four to six ladies who took me under their wings. We usually golf nine holes, three times each week. It has been enjoyable but frustrating at times, with a very challenging learning curve. Our group is more social then serious. We always have a lot of laughs when we take to the fairways.

I only started to keep a scorecard and register my scores on the Golf Canada website about two weeks before my hole-in-one. This was only after the girls and Philip urged me to do so.

On the big day August 14, 2024, I started with a bogey on hole #1 and then a triple bogey on hole #2. I was just about ready to call it quits, but one of the girls Suzanne Mader said, “forget that hole, there is another one just around the bend.” I pulled myself together and things worked out better on hole #3 and #4.

Then came my favourite hole, hole #5, a par 3 hole, I always try to get on the green and par it, many times I do par this hole. This hole is 126 yards from the forward tees. You hit across a valley onto the green on the opposite hill. I have always had success using my driver on this hole. On this day I hit the ball with a lot of loft and it landed on the green two to three feet straight out from the hole and rolled forward straight into the cup. The girls screamed out, “Brenda you have a hole-in-one!” I was astonished and in disbelief that I could be so lucky! Rumour has it around here that it has been about two decades since a female has had a hole-in-one at Bluenose Golf Club! Unbelievable that I could be so fortunate. The ladies in our foursome on that memorable morning were Jean Jackson, Lola Greek and Suzanne Mader. I don’t think any of us will ever forget that day.

SNOQUALMIE, Wash. — Canadian Stephen Ames successfully defended his Boeing Classic title Sunday, birdieing the par-5 18th for a 5-under 67 and one-stroke victory over Ernie Els, Steven Alker and Robert Karlsson.

The 60-year-old Ames, a naturalized Canadian from Trinidad and Tobago, won his third PGA Tour Champions title of the season and ninth overall. He won four times on the PGA Tour.

“This stage right now, this is all icing on my cake, so I’m just enjoying this and I’m going to take it as long as it goes,” Ames said.

He finished at 11-under 205 at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge.

“I’m enjoying the winning, let’s put it that way,” Ames said. “It is fun, no doubt about that. This year I’ve been very consistent, more than I was last year, which was actually one of my goals.”

Els and Alker played alongside Ames, each shooting 68. Els also has three victories this season. Second-round leader Karlsson shot 75 in the final group.

Charlie Wi (75) and Kirk Triplett (71) tied for fifth at 8 under.

Local favourite Fred Couples tied for 18th at 4 under after a 71.