MONTREAL – International Team Captain Mike Weir announced Japan’s Shigeki Maruyama as his fifth and final captain’s assistant for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which returns to The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Sept. 24-29. Maruyama joins fellow captains assistants Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas, who were announced in April. 

Maruyama competed in the Presidents Cup in 1998 and 2000, compiling a 6-2-0 record, including a 5-0-0 performance in the former, when the International Team defeated the U.S. Team in Australia, 20.5-11.5. He is one of only six players in Presidents Cup history to post a 5-0-0 record on the week.

“I am thrilled to announce Shigeki as my fifth captain’s assistant for the 2024 Presidents Cup,” said Weir. “His record in this event speaks for itself, but more importantly, he adds a trusted voice in our team room and is someone who will inspire these 12 players through his unwavering support and dynamic personality.”

Maruyama won three times during his PGA TOUR career, with his last victory coming at the 2003 Wyndham Championship. The 54-year-old posted three top-10 finishes in major championships, including a career-best T4 at the 2004 U.S. Open. Maruyama won 10 times on the Japan Golf Tour and represented Japan in the 2002 World Cup of Golf, partnering with Toshimitsu Izawa to notch a two-shot victory over the United States team of Phil Mickelson and David Toms.

“Representing the International Team in the Presidents Cup as both a player in 1998 and 2000 and later as a captain’s assistant in 2013 was one of the most valuable experiences in my golf career,” said Maruyama. “I am honored that Captain Weir has given me the chance to be part of this special brotherhood once again. I am looking forward to a great week in Montreal and helping to deliver an incredible atmosphere for our players and fans in Canada.”

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.

Evan Brown, Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, Hole #6

It was a 172 yard, par 3, 7 iron to back right pin. The special moment was I was playing with my 12 year old son. It’s my second hole-in-one, the first was 28 years ago!

Jim Laursen, Ardmore Golf Course, Hole #17

I was playing with Pat Davies, Nick Wishlaw and Bill Schuss on our regular dime and quarter match on a Friday. We usually play what we call “short 17” so that we can shoot for “closest to the pin” on the 90 yard hole. One of the boys had put his shot quite close and was crowing about his likely, “big cash win.” I was last to tee off, grabbed a wedge and told them not to count me out just yet. I was the most surprised when my shot took two hops and rolled into the hole. I then pocketed the, “closest to the pin” money but put it towards a cool one for my partners back at the clubhouse.

Wade Jones, Otter Creek Golf Club, Hole #12

I have been playing for about 50 years now and although I have had a number of near misses this is only my second hole-in-one. We had three groups of guys and great weather for our trip to Otter Creek that day. For equipment it was a TaylorMade day as I was playing my SIM2 irons and using a TaylorMade and a Tour Response golf ball. On hole #12, I hit my 6 iron to the pin which was 170 yards on the scope and back left of the green. Unfortunately, as this green is elevated and sloped front to back, we did not get to see it roll into the hole. I knew that I hit a great looking shot but as our group (Steve Killaire, Murray Ball and myself) got onto the green we could see the other balls but not mine until I kidded that it must be in the hole. I took a look and sure enough there it was. It was a great feeling and well worth the bar tab afterwards.

Bill Eggert, Fairview Mountain Golf Club, Hole #15

Pretty amazing for a 34 something handicap! It was hole #15 (in the bowl). 84 yards and I used an approach iron. Hit the green 10 feet in front and rolled right in. I was golfing with Hap May, Ron Fontaine and a friend of theirs whose name I can’t remember. I golf with them once or twice a year when they come up for their holiday. They were long time customers of mine when I owned the winery next door to the golf course, and we have remained friends. 

A much better accomplishment in my books was breaking 100 last Saturday at Nk’mip.

Rob Armitage, Essex Golf & Country Club, Hole #5

I was out on the course with Jeff Miller, Maggie Miller and my wonderful wife, Deb Armitage. Interestingly, the day before, Jeff had come incredibly close to a hole-in-one on the same hole. We were still chuckling about that when I stepped up to take my shot. Playing 163 yards with a helpful wind, I hit an eight iron that sailed perfectly toward the flag. Based on the divot, it landed just six inches in front of the pin and then rolled in. It was an unforgettable moment and a memory I’ll cherish forever.

Telesa Brown, Heritage Pointe Golf Club, Hole #14

It was hole #5 on the Heritage nine. I was golfing with my husband. The hole was 85 yards and I used my pitching wedge.

Paul Callanan, Brampton Golf Club Limited, Hole #3

I hit an 8 iron, because the wind was coming toward us and because the greens were a little soft due to the rain and aeration about a week before. I was playing with Bob Bates, Frank Dykstra and Gordon Drakes in a weekly tournament of about 40 guys at Brampton Golf Club that we call “Friboyz.”

Ron Spence, Black Mountain Golf Club, Hole #4

The weather was a perfect Okanagan morning, sunny, clear, calm and +24 degrees celsius. I was playing with my buddies Roy Millar, Shawn Flett and Carl Lawrence. Hole #4 is a 155 yard elevated tee about 150 feet above the hole. The pin was at the back of the green past a ridge. I had the honors and Roy said, “if we land on the right side at the top of the ridge the ball should roll right into the cup.” Roy has a rangefinder and with slope correction the distance was 144 yards.

I teed up a Titleist one ball and with my 35 year old Ping Persimmon 5 wood, (I also have driver, 3, and 7 Persimmons), hit a high easy shot that hit the top of the ridge, bounced once and rolled about 35 feet into the hole, amazing feeling. It’s my first hole-in-one in 60 years of golfing. I have hit the pin at the Brandon Golf and Country Club with a brand new Mercury Cougar as a prize. Another time I rolled right around the hole at Gallagher’s Canyon Golf course with a price of a trip for four to St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland. My only other near hole-in-one was leaving the ball on the lip at Kelowna Springs Golf course with a $20,000 cash prize. This day was not during a tournament but I will treasure the moment for life and the folks at Black Mountain Golf Course were great.

RESORT VILLAGE OF ELK RIDGE, Saskatchewan – Team Canada member A.J. Ewart claimed his first professional victory at the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open presented by Lake Country Co-op and moved into the No. 14 position of the Fortinet Cup. John Keefer captured his fourth runner-up finish alongside Grant Booth and Brendon Doyle. Six players tied for fifth.

Ewart made his fifth start of the PGA TOUR Americas season this week and gained entry into the field via sponsor exemption. The 25-year-old began and ended the tournament at the top of the leaderboard after finalizing Thursday’s first round in solo possession of the lead. Through 36 holes, Ewart shared the lead with three other players and reclaimed the individual lead by one stroke after Saturday’s third round. At one point Sunday afternoon, with four holes remaining, Ewart was part of a four-way tie for the lead. A birdie on No. 16 boosted Ewart back to the top, and with late bogeys from playing partners Chuan-Tai Lin and Bryce Lewis, Ewart claimed victory with a par on the 18th hole.

With his victory, Ewart became a fully exempt member on PGA TOUR Americas for the rest of the 2024 season and through the Latin America Swing of 2025. From relying on sponsor exemptions to get into events to now having a place to play until next season, Ewart relays, “It’s really special just having some job security, right, and knowing where you’re going to be and plan ahead. The last month and a half or two months have been kind of chaotic, I didn’t know where I was going to be or what I was going to be doing, just playing everywhere and whatnot. Now it’s nice to know exactly what’s going to happen.”

Not only did a victory secure Ewart exempt membership, but it moved him 155 spots up the Fortinet Cup to No. 14 in the points list. Given that Ewart is safely inside the top 120 of the Fortinet Cup, he is expected to play in the next two full-field events, as well as the limited-field, season-ending Fortinet Cup Championship. The top 10 players in the Fortinet Cup following the conclusion of the Fortinet Cup Championship will earn Korn Ferry Tour cards for the 2025 season.

“Yeah, obviously it’s special, right,” said Ewart on the opportunity to content for a Korn Ferry Tour card. “That’s what we want to be. We want to keep moving on up and eventually make our way to the PGA TOUR. To have a chance for a Korn Ferry Tour card is everything that I could wish for. I’m thankful to be in this position and looking to make the most of the opportunity.”

Prior to this season, the Coquitlam native entered into his first year as a professional after graduating from a four-year collegiate career at Barry University. He accounted for 14 collegiate victories, breaking the previous record held by PGA TOUR player Adam Svensson. Upon graduation, Ewart qualified for PGA TOUR Canada, but on the outcome of only three made cuts, finished No. 89 in the Fortinet Cup and lost status.

Moving into his second season as a professional in 2024, Ewart appeared in three other events (prior to the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open) on the basis of sponsor exemptions, as well as a fourth event due to his season-best and top-25 finish at the Explore NB Open (T25/-14). With Sunday’s victory, Ewart will round out the rest of the season as a fully exempt member on PGA TOUR Americas, and is expected to be in the field at next week’s CentrePort Canada Rail Park Manitoba Open.

Waiting about 10 minutes to find out he won the 2024 Rogers Charity Classic didn’t bother Ken Tanigawa one bit.

After all, Tanigawa hadn’t experienced victory on the PGA Tour Champions circuit since winning the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship in June 2019.

“It has not sunk in, but it feels amazing,” said the 56-year-old American golfer, who was born in Japan but currently resides in Scottsdale, Ariz. 

“Every year that goes by, you’re not getting younger. You kind of wonder, sure, if you’ll ever win. You sprinkle hope out there. You hope you can and you keep working at your game.”

A day after tying the course record at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club, Tanigawa had eight birdies during a round of 6-under 64 on Sunday to finish atop the leaderboard at 17 under.

“I played an amazing round yesterday, but you just let it go,” said Tanigawa, who won US$360,000. “You’re starting all over from scratch again today.

“I didn’t think about it or carry on. Expectations to shoot low weren’t there — not to play good nor bad. Just go out and you do your best from the first shot on and see what you can shoot.”

Tanigawa had already finished his round when he found out his final score of 193 was good enough to beat second-place finisher Richard Green by two strokes.

“I was told that Richard bogeyed 17, so he needed to eagle 18 and I knew it was hard to get home in two,” Tanigawa said. “You never know. Weird things happen in this game, so it was nice that it was over.”

Tied at 16 under with Green through 16 holes, Tanigawa birdied the par-4, 17th hole. Playing in the last group, Green bogeyed the hole and then only managed to par No. 18 to finish alone in second place at 15 under.

“It’s just a shame that things just at the end there didn’t really fall my way,” said Green, who finished second for the third time this season. “I thought they were going my way there a little bit through the middle of the round, and probably my start today (with a bogey on the first hole) didn’t really help me very much.

“It’s nice to be competing and contending for golf tournaments. It’s fun. I enjoy being out there contending week in, week out, and I’ll keep rattling the cage.”

Darren Clarke and Jason Caron finished in a tie for third at 14 under, while Mario Tiziani was alone in fifth at 13 under.

Canadian Golf Hall of Famers Stephen Ames and Mike Weir both shot rounds of 3-under 67 on Sunday.

Ames, a former Calgary resident, finished as the top Canadian at 10 under in a six-way tie for 10th place.

“It wasn’t the greatest ball striking, but I got it around,” Ames said. “I was able to capitalize on holes that I hit some good shots on and made birdies with it.

“Overall it was a bit up and down, but I think it was good that I was handling the bad shots and moving forward and not worrying about too much.”

Currently sitting second in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup money behind Ernie Els, who also finished at 10 under in Calgary, Ames received a nice ovation from the crowd when he walked up to the 18th green before tapping in his par putt.

“Every time I come back here I get that, so it’s wonderful,” Ames said. “No matter where I finish, you get that reward, which is nice. I think all our Canadian fellows get that.”

Weir finished the tournament in an eight-way tie for 20th at 8 under.

“Overall, I felt like I played pretty good so hopefully that will be momentum (for) next week,” said Weir, who will tee it up at The Ally Challenge in Grand Blanc, Mich., from next Thursday to Sunday.

“It’s phenomenal here at this event. This is one of the premium events on the PGA Tour Champions. The fan support is incredible for myself, Stephen and all the other Canadians, so it’s a great place to play.”

Alan McLean of London, Ont., carded an even-par round of 70 on Sunday to finish one shot back of Weir in a tie for 28th spot.

Gordon Burns of Ajax, Ont., carded a 2-under round of 68 on Sunday to finish the event in a tie for 73rd at 4 over, while Calgary’s Steve Blake shot 79 and finished well back of the leaders at 22 over.

Ibit was seven shots back of the leader after second round;
Spencer Shropshire tops Juvenile division;
Team Ontario wins Inter-Provincial Team Championship

Innisfail, Alta. – The saying it’s not over until it’s over certainly applied this week as Isaiah Ibit fired a final round of 6-under 66 to come from two shots back to win the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta on Friday.

“It’s really nice and it’s kind of bittersweet because it’s my last junior tournament as my junior career is over but it’s pretty surreal, it hasn’t really sunk in yet as of right now. I’m just worried about getting to school first,” said Ibit following his round.

His 66 propelled him to a final score of 16-under, five shots clear of Charlie Gillespie of Calgary, Alta, posting rounds of 67-72-67-66-272.

Ibit of Orleans, Ont. entered the day at 10-under, trailing Spencer Shropshire of Ramara, Ont. who held the lead following rounds two and three. On Friday, Shropshire opened with a bogey to pull Ibit to within one. They would both go on to birdie the second and fourth holes, keeping Shropshire ahead by one through six. Ibit grabbed a share of the lead with his third birdie of the day at no. 7 putting both competitors at 13-under.  

“I was one back and I knew Spencer was going to be really solid and he wasn’t going to come back to me so I figured I needed to make some good birdies and capitalize and when he ended up missing that short putt for bogey I knew that I had the lead and from there I knew that I couldn’t give it up and just kind of build on it,” added Ibit.

It was on the eighth hole where the Team Canada NextGen member grabbed the solo lead and he did not relinquish it following a double bogey from Shropshire, Ibit went two ahead.

He opened his back nine with four consecutive pars followed by back-to-back birdies on 14 and 15 before adding another for good measure on 18 to finish at 16-under. Through the week Ibit found success on no. 18 going birdie-eagle-eagle-birdie over four rounds.

After Wednesday’s second round and a second consecutive inter-provincial team title, Ibit found himself seven shots back of the lead and responded with a solid round on Thursday.

“After we won the inter-provincial cup title for Ontario, I knew that Thursday would have to be a pretty big moving day especially considering I was seven back, so I knew I had a lot of ground to make up and thankfully I played a really good round that day,” said Ibit of his 5-under 67 on Thursday.

Ibit who joined Golf Canada’s Team Canada NextGen program ahead of this season was complimentary of the staff who have helped him get here.

“Team Canada has been great and really helping me develop as a player both physically, golf wise and mentally it’s been great to work with the coaches and everyone at Golf Canada just really willing to help me get better,” he said.

Ibit’s junior career has now come to a close as he will be heading to Kent State University, where he will compete as a member of the Golden Flashes similar to Canadian PGA TOUR winners, Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes and Taylor Pendrith.

“This summer has gone by really fast. Didn’t seem long ago where I was playing in March as there was still snow on the ground up here, so it’s gone by pretty fast but it’s nice to end off the season with this,” he reflected.

Shropshire finished with a 3-over 75 to finish the tournament at 9-under and win the Juvenile division for players 17-and-under. Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. and Eddie Gu of Aurora, Ont. finished at 7-under to tie for second in the Juvenile division.

On Tuesday, Team Ontario successfully defended their title as the Inter-Provincial Team champions, finishing with a combined score of 10-under to beat Team British Columbia by two. Along with Ibit and Pain, Team Ontario was represented by Gabriel Mainella of Markham, Ont. Team B.C. finished at 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 rounded out the top three finishing at 5-under.

In addition to his national championship, Ibit has also earned an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

For the final standings at the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

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.”