Field of 264 will compete in the prestigious tournament; all ten provinces represented and one territory; Inter-Provincial Team Championship to be contested over first 36 holes

Saskatoon, Sask. – The 119th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO is set to be contested August 5-8 with a field of 264 amateur golfers competing over four rounds at both the Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.

This year’s field features a number of top amateur golfers from around the world including, Max Kennedy of Dublin, Ireland, currently ranked no. 28 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). Joining Kennedy are Wang Ngai Shen of Hong Kong, China (no. 155 WAGR), Mateo Fuenmayor of Colombia (no. 264 WAGR) as well as defending champion, Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. McCulloch (no. 135 WAGR) has enjoyed a successful season at Michigan State and competed at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open and qualified for the 2024 U.S. Open.

The following 2024 Provincial Men’s Amateur Champions will also be competing in the field: Brett Jones (Alberta), Team Canada NextGen member Cooper Humphreys (British Columbia), Braxton Kuntz (Manitoba), Team Canada NextGen member Matthew Javier (Ontario), Ryan Lamswood (Newfoundland and Labrador), Alexander Mercier (Quebec) and from the host province, Kye Fisher (Saskatchewan).

Along with Humphreys, Javier and McCulloch there will be an additional nine Team Canada members competing in Saskatoon including, Laurent Desmarchais (Bromont, Que.), Isaiah Ibit (Orleans, Ont.), Alex Long (Toronto, Ont.), Ben MacLean (Niagara Falls, Ont.), Jean-Philippe Parr (St-Célestin, Que.), Luke Smith (Toronto, Ont.), Hunter Thomson (Calgary, Alta.), Ethan Wilson (St. Albert, Alta.) and Eric Zhao (North York, Ont.).

“We are excited to get the 119th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship underway next week at two beautiful golf courses here in Saskatoon,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Adam Cinel. “The staff and volunteers at both Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club been working tirelessly to ensure those competing will enjoy the test both courses present. We look forward to hosting a full field of 264 players as they compete for our prestigious national championship.”

Golfers from all 10 provinces and one territory are represented in the field along with 11 additional countries: Australia, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, England, France, Hong Kong, China, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, United States and Wales.

The first two rounds of this year’s tournament will be contested on both courses with the field playing each course once. Following the opening 36-holes of the championship, the field will be reduced to the top 70 players plus ties. Wednesday and Thursday’s rounds will both played at Riverside Country Club with an awards ceremony following Thursday’s final round.

“We are thrilled and honoured to co-host this prestigious national golf championship along with Riverside Country Club. It has been a great partnership as we work together with Golf Canada to make this a memorable experience for the players, spectators and volunteers,” said Warren Proctor, Host Club Committee Chair, Saskatoon Golf and Country Club. “We have had an unbelievable positive response from our membership in support of hosting this championship. I must also recognize our Club management, including course superintendent Terry McNeilly who, along with his staff have been working tirelessly to get our golf course in wonderful condition to be challenging and a fair test for the players.”

Prior to the start of the tournament, there will be a final qualifier on Friday at Riverside Country Club where a field of 46 players will be competing for the final nine spots in the tournament.

“Riverside Country Club has a long history of hosting prestigious golf events, and we look forward to welcoming some of the top tier national and international players for the 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship,” said Robert Klombies, Executive Director, Riverside Country Club. “It is heartening to see the level of excitement and engagement that our members and golf community exhibit to ensure players enjoy an incredible experience both at Riverside and within the City of Saskatoon.”

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.

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). The last time the Canadian Men’s Amateur was held in the city of Saskatoon was in 2007 at Riverside Country Club, when Taylor won.

Nick Taylor is the only Canadian male golfer to have won the Canadian Junior Boys (2006), Canadian Men’s Amateur (2007) and RBC Canadian Open (2023) titles. Brooke Henderson is the only Canadian female golfer to win the national championship trifecta, having won the Canadian Junior Girls (2012), Canadian Women’s Amateur (2013) and the CPKC Women’s Open (2018).

The national championship will also feature an Inter-Provincial Team Championship that will take place over the first 36-holes of the tournament. Team Ontario will be defending their title as 10 provinces and one territory will be vying to etch their names into the Willingdon Cup.

The 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. from August 12-18. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship. In addition, the winner will receive $1,200 CAD.

For the full player field competing in the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Victoria, B.C. – Momo Sugiyama of Gold Coast, Australia., shot 2-under-par 70 at Royal Colwood Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. on Thursday to take a three-shot lead into the final round of the 110th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship presented by BDO.  

Sugiyama opened the championship with a 6-under 66 followed by back-to-back rounds of 2-under 70 to now sit at 10-under to hold her place atop the leaderboard through 54 holes. Sugiyama got off to a solid start on Thursday with five consecutive pars to start her opening nine holes, then birdied the par-5 sixth hole finishing her front nine with a 35. Sugiyama’s back nine included a birdie and eight pars as the Australian looks ahead to Friday’s final round with hopes of winning her first-ever Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.  

“It would be a huge honour if I win the title. I have never won overseas before so it would be a great experience for me and a huge confidence booster,” said Sugiyama. There is a packed leaderboard in chase of Sugiyama including fellow Australian, Caitlin Peirce of Adelaide, Australia who continues to hold second place alongside Ashley Kozlowski of Littleton, Colo. at 7-under. Both Peirce and Kozlowski shot rounds of even par 72 on Thursday and are three back of Sugiyama. 

Defending champion and Team Canada member, Lauren Kim (Surrey, B.C.) is alone in fifth at 4-under par, six shots off the lead, while Team Canada member Lauren Zaretsky of Thornhill, Ont. moved into a tie for sixth following a round of 4-under 68 on Thursday. Zaretsky’s 68 was good for low round of the day at Royal Colwood. 

The winner of the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship will earn an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship taking place August 5-11 at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla. In addition, the winner will receive an exemption into the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, taking place August 18-25 at Mississaugua Golf Club in Mississauga, Ont.  

For the full leaderboard, following Thursday’s third round at the 110th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, click 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/.  

Team Ontario wins back-to-back Inter-Provincial Team Championships by two strokes over Team Alberta and Team British Columbia

Victoria, B.C – Team Ontario has won the Inter-Provincial Team Championship after finishing with a combined score of 4-over at the 2024 Canadian Women’s championship, presented by BDO at Royal Colwood Golf Club on Tuesday.

Entering the second day of competition at Royal Colwood Golf Club, Team Ontario consisting of Nobelle Park of Oakville, Ont., Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont., and Julia Alexander-Carew of Oakville, Ont., trailed Team Alberta by four strokes. Reigning Canadian Junior Girls champion and Team Canada NextGen member Shauna Liu helped to lead the charge for Ontario, firing rounds of 70 and 77, while Park’s 1-under 71 and Alexander-Carew’s 1-over 73 helped to secure Ontario’s second consecutive inter-provincial team title at the Canadian Women’s Amateur.

“It feels great, I feel like all three of us worked really hard for this and we all played really good these past few days, so I am really proud of all of us,” said Liu.

After a close battle coming down the stretch, Team Alberta and Team British Columbia both placed second in the inter-provincial team competition at 7-over par.

In the individual competition, Momo Sugiyama of Gold Coast, Australia, who fired an opening round 66, continues to hold her spot atop of the leaderboard after a second round 2-under 70 to sit at 8-under par through 36 holes and holds a one-shot lead heading into Thursday.

Caitlin Peirce from Adelaide, Australia and Ashley Kozlowski of Littleton, Colo. are tied for second place at 7-under par. Yurang Li from Fullerton Calif. is fourth place alone at 5-under for the tournament. Li fired the low round of the day with a bogey free, 4-under 68.

Team Canada NextGen member Anna Huang currently sits in fifth place at 4-under following a 1-under 71. Defending champion and Team Canada member Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C. is in a three-way tie for sixth place with Sydney Sung of Palo Alto, Calif. and Lauren Gomez of Murrieta Calif. at 3-under.

Following the conclusion of second round play, a cut was made with the low 71 players at 9-over or better moving on to play the final two rounds of the national championship.

The 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship taking place August 5-11 at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla. In addition, the winner will receive an exemption into the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, taking place August 18-25 at Mississaugua Golf Club in Mississauga, Ont.

For the full leaderboard, following Wednesday’s second round of the 110th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, click 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/.

Corey Conners set to tee off at 3:33 a.m. ET,
Nick Taylor will tee off at 5:44 a.m. ET on Thursday

Men’s golf will be getting underway on Thursday morning at Le Golf National in Paris, France at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Team Canada is represented by Corey Conners (Listowel, Ont.) and Nick Taylor (Abbotsford, B.C.). Conners will begin his first round at 3:33 a.m. ET and is playing with Min Woo Lee (Australia) and Christiaan Bezuidenhout (South Africa). Taylor tees off at 5:44 a.m. ET. and is grouped with Byeong Hun An (Republic of Korea) and Shane Lowry (Republic of Ireland). On Friday, Taylor will begin his second round at 3:44 a.m. ET, while Conners will tee off at 5:33 a.m. ET.

Conners is a two-time PGA TOUR winner (2019 and 2023 Valero Texas Open) and has earned 11 top-25 finishes this season including a sixth-place finish at the RBC Canadian Open in Hamilton, Ont. and a T9 finish at the U.S. Open in June. The 32-year-old is making his second Olympic appearance after finishing 13th at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and says his preparation isn’t too different from his last experience.

“As professional golfers on the PGA TOUR, we are playing in big events week-in and week-out, just coming off The Open Championship a couple weeks ago.  You know, definitely knowing what to expect, I think there’s some added comfort for me. But as far as the preparation, prepare as best I can pretty much each week of the year that we are teeing it up, and it’s certainly no different here.  I think something that’s helpful is knowing what to expect with some of the behind the scenes stuff and logistics. I’m really excited and game feels good and it’s great to be back for my second Olympics.”

Taylor is making his Olympic debut at Paris 2024. The 36-year-old is a four-time winner on the PGA TOUR, including a historic win at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open to become the first Canadian in nearly 70 years to capture Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. This season, Taylor won the WM Phoenix Open and has earned three top-10 finishes to date. He has enjoyed his experience in Paris thus far and at Le Golf National.

“The Opening Ceremonies was a really cool experience. Got to be around the other athletes.  Just asking where they are from, what their training schedules are like. You know, Felix Auger Aliassime, obviously follow him for a long time in tennis but some of the volleyball guys and we met some equestrian ladies. It was fun to meet a bunch of different people. And yeah, to be out here with all the players. This golf course is great. I heard a lot of really impressive things before coming this year and it’s definitely stayed true. I really like the golf course and should be a good test for everybody.”

Conners and Taylor will look to become the first Canadian to win an Olympic golf medal since George Lyon’s gold medal at St. Louis 1904. Canada’s best finishes in men’s golf since the sport returned to the Olympics in 2016 were a 13th place finish for Conners (Tokyo 2020) and a 20th place finish for Graham DeLaet (Rio 2016).

For a live leaderboard, click here. To watch the free live stream of men’s golf on CBC Gem, click here

Team Alberta leads the Inter-Provincial Team Championship by four shots over Team Ontario 

Victoria, B.C. – Cloudy and overcast weather conditions made for an outstanding start at Royal Colwood Golf Club as the opening round of the 110th Canadian Women’s Amateur presented by BDO officially began on Tuesday. The leaderboard fluctuated throughout the day, but Australia’s Momo Sugiyama shot a 6-under 66, positioning herself as the leader by one shot after the opening round. 

Sugiyama of Gold Coast, Australia, carded a total of seven birdies. After an opening nine of 1-under 35, she birdied holes 10, 12, and 14 before back-to-back on 16 and 17 to come home in 5-under 31 as she paces the field into round two. 

“It feels great. I played solid today and made lots of putts, I am happy with that and obviously this is a big tournament and I played it last year and enjoyed it so it’s a huge honour to be the leader,” said Sugiyama. “I am going to try to do the same thing for round two as there is a lot of golf left and keep hitting fairways and making as many putts as I can.” 

Caitlin Peirce from Adelaide, Australia carded a total of seven birdies firing a 5-under 67 to sit in second place, only one stroke back of Sugiyama after the opening round. 

“I was hitting it pretty close so I had a lot of short birdie putts but these greens are pretty slick so if you are in the wrong spot, it can be pretty tricky,” said Peirce. “Hopefully I play tomorrow like I did today, keep holing some putts, hit it good and see how it goes.”  

Casey Weidenfeld (Pembroke Pines Fla.) and Ashley Kozlowski (Littleton, Colo.) are both heading into the second round tied for third place following rounds of 4-under 68. 

Six Canadians ended their round inside the top-10. Team Canada NextGen member, Anna Huang of Vancouver sits in a tie for fifth with Ashleen Kaur of Cypress, Texas, three shots back of the lead following rounds of 3-under 69. Reigning Canadian Junior Girls champion and Team Canada NextGen member Shauna Liu (Maple, Ont.) is currently in a six-way tie for seventh after shooting 2-under 70. Team Canada member and defending champion Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C. is one of those tied with Liu after carding five birdies, to also sit at 2-under 70. Team Canada NextGen member Swetha Sathish of Oakville, Ont. is also among those tied for with Liu and Kim at 2-under. 

Team Alberta, consisting of Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta., Jenna Bruggeman of Edmonton, and Grace Bell of Calgary lead the Inter-Provincial team competition at even par. Team Ontario, looking to defend their national title currently sit four strokes back of Alberta at 4-over.  

The 2024 champion of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship will earn direct exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club. 

For the full leaderboard, following Tuesday’s opening round of the 110th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, click here. 

For more information on the 110th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, click 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/ 

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.

Jordan Di Pietro, Vespra Hills Golf Club, Hole #17

Relatively short par 3, but a very small green. Middle pin, landed about ten feet short of the pin, took two bounces and rolled in! Hit my Titleist Vokey 54 degree wedge. Was playing with Ryan Blake and Trevor Craig.

Clem Pineau, Rideau Lakes Golf & Country Club, Hole #8

In 2014, I took up golf as a member of Rideau Lakes Golf and Country Club. In 2017, I had achieved four hole-in-one’s in the span of eight months. At one of them, Brooke Henderson was practicing on our course and she heard the jubilation whereby she signed my scorecard and the golf ball. Brooke made my day even more special. In 2019, took a few years off golfing due other commitments and came back to golf as a full member in 2023.

Now in 2024 I scored my fifth hole-in-one. The shot was taken with a 4 iron on hole #8, keeping the ball low and away from the strong winds that day. This fairway is all downhill with a very obvious left to right green and plays as a 151 yard par 3. This was my second hole-in-one on hole #8.

Dan Hoger, Girouxsalem Golf and Country Club, Hole #6

I was the first to hit as I was with my wife and step-son. I hit what felt like a really solid shot and as soon as I hit it said to them, “oh that’s money,” to which my step-son replied, “like hole-in-one good?” Then, as we were watching the ball roll he says, “wait I think it might actually go in!” We watched the ball suddenly disappear. We were all kind of in shock and once we realized what happened we all got in our golf carts without them even hitting their tee shots and there the ball was right in the bottom of the hole! It was quite the feeling, one of both joy and disbelief at the same time!

Nancy Dezotell, Murray Municipal Golf Club, Hole #9

I was golfing in the Murray women’s regular Monday league that day. I used my driver. Scorecard says 134 yards, but it was a blue flag on a very windy day. Was my first hole-in-one.

Paul Rodgers, Purcell Golf, Hole #3

I was playing with my wife and my friend Mike who was visiting us in Kimberley. It was hole #3 of a three round golf weekend. I hit an eight iron from about 164 yards according to my golf watch. Right after I hit it, I jokingly quoted a video Mike had previously sent me of Bubba Watson imitating Patrick Reed during a round, “be the number!” It was a nice high draw, as good as I can hit an eight iron. Hit the front of the green and started moving to the front centre pin and we all watched it drop in the hole for my first ever ace. I just started taking lessons last year and broke 100 for the first time a couple weeks before this so we were all very stunned. Was a great feeling and I was quickly brought back to reality a few holes later when I took an eight on the next par three. Love this game. 

Dean Evanger, Derrick Golf & Winter Club, Hole #8

It was an amazing day and we got to celebrate that evening by watching the Oilers beat the Panthers in game six. The dream was still alive! I was playing with Derrick member, David Reynar and a guest, Shawn Hagen. It was on hole #8 from deck two, which was at 142 yards. I used a 9 iron.

Allan Woo, Richmond Country Club, Hole #9

Playing with Rod Yeoh, Jake Silberberg and Ben Chang. Hole #9 at Richmond Country Club. Told Jake I need a birdie to finish the front nine at even par. 8 iron over the left front bunker, kick right and all I thought was my birdie chance. Then it rattled hitting the pin and went in.

Jim Grant, Kelowna Golf & Country Club, Hole #17

I have attached a picture above of myself and Ian Dawson who had back to back hole-in-ones on Monday, June 10th at Kelowna Golf and Country Club on hole #17. I got my hole-in-one and then Ian Dawson in the group immediately behind our foursome proceeded to also get a hole-in-one on the same hole #17. Because my hole-in-one went in first, I of course got the closest to the pin on the hole for the day, much to Ian’s disappointment! The hole was playing 136 yards and we both hit 8 irons.

Braun Draper, Elmira Golf Club, Hole #3

Braun Draper, age 14, a member at Elmira Golf Club, hit a hole-in-one on July 23rd on hole #3 in Elmira, Ontario. A par 3, 119 yard beauty. A pitching wedge did the trick. He was golfing with Mason Gruhl, a good friend and a member at the Elmira Golf Club as well.

Sandy Ward, Ariss Valley Golf & Country Club, Hole #7

I was playing in the LPGA Amateur’s Trillium Challenge at Ariss Valley Golf & Country Club on Monday, July 8th. It was a 27 hole tournament with three different formats of play. We were playing the alternate shot format on The Lakes course. I teed off on hole #7, the flag was 132 yards away and I used my 7 iron. The shot looked good and the ball was coming down right at the flag. Myself and the other members of my group heard the sound of the ball hitting the flag pole, but couldn’t see where the ball came to rest. We thought it was in but we were not certain. As we approached the pin we could see the ball was securely lodged in the hole. Amazing! What an experience!

Tracy Saulnier-Terrio, Clare Golf & Country Club, Hole #10

On Tuesday, July 23, I was playing at Clare Golf & Country Club in a ladies event and in the rain. I teed up on hole #10, 133 yards and a par 3. The hole is narrow off the tee, plays slightly up hill and the pin was on the back so I chose driver. The ball landed right of centre, rolled straight up towards the back reaching the bank side when it began to turn left and roll towards the pin and then it went out of sight. I thought to myself , okay it came to rest and hidden by the pin. As I approached the green, putter in hand and no ball in sight, I thought it must of went off the back but it wasn’t rolling that fast. I should be able to see it. I debated whether to look more but then headed to the pin and there it was, my ball laying in the bottom of that cup! It had banked, took a 90 degree turn to roll down about six feet dropping in the backside of the cup. The entire moment was like it was in slow motion. I love golf every day but this round will be memorable.

Leslie Berman, Batteaux Creek Golf Course , Hole #12

I had a hole-in-one on July 16th while playing at Batteaux Creek Golf Course in Nottawa, Ontario.

Lisa Kovacs, McKenzie Meadows Golf Club, Hole #17

My first ever hole-in-one! It was hole #17 at McKenzie Meadows Golf Club in Calgary on Saturday, July 27 at about 11:00 am. It was a white flag, and I was playing the white tees. It was about 116 yards and I used my pitching wedge. It had rained earlier in the round but by the time we reached hole #17 it was calm and the sun was starting to come out. My husband and the two young men we were paired with all teed off before me with not so good drives. I thought to myself, “I need to show these guys how it’s done,” and I did! I teed off not wanting to hit it long because there’s sand at the back of the green, so I used my pitching wedge. It was a nice drive to the green, straight at the pin. It hit about six feet from the hole and rolled in. Everyone was so excited!

Ken Seim, Peterborough Golf and Country Club, Hole #2

After an approximate one hour delay due to thunderstorms, our next hole was #2, playing about 148 yards that day. Our foursome had been reduced to myself and Doug Gibson. There was still light rain and a steady wind. I hit a three quarter 5 iron to keep it under the wind. We watched one bounce, roll and then the ball disappeared. I stood in disbelief as Doug came over and gave me a high ten. First hole-in-one after 40 years of golf.

Hudson Lockwood, Settlers Ghost, Hole #11

Hudson Lockwood, 12 years old and an Oakville Golf Club member. Playing in MJT Tournament. Hole #11 at Settlers Ghost. 118 yards.

Shirley Porter, Uplands Golf Club, Hole #17

I had my first ever hole-in-one on Sunday, June 16 on hole #17 at Uplands Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. I’m 75 years old and have been golfing for over 35 years!

John Rousseau, Cutten Fields, Hole #9

I made a hole-in-one on July 25, 2024, at about 9:30 am on hole #9 at Cutten Fields in Guelph. The hole was playing 140 yards from the blue tee, with a right-to-left wind, and the pin was tucked on the left, behind the left-hand front bunker. I hit an 8 iron at the right edge of the bunker and the wind moved the ball the last couple of yards to the left.

We did not see the ball go in. One of the other guys hit a good shot too. When we got to the green, only one ball was visible, about six feet from the hole. The other fellow looked at it and found it was his ball. I looked at the fringes at the front and back of the green, on my line, but saw nothing. Then I checked the hole and found my ball.

This was my second hole-in-one, with witnesses, and third overall. I have been playing for about 55 years, so they have been few and far between. Helps keep things in perspective and makes one appreciate them!

Ryan Jeffries, Miskanaw Golf Course, Hole #8

After 35 years of dedicated golfing, I finally achieved my first hole-in-one on hole #8 at the Miskanaw Golf Course in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Using a pitching wedge, I perfectly executed the 135 yard shot to a front pin placement while golfing with my favourite life and golf partner, Sara Spears. Here’s to hoping the next one doesn’t take as long!

Scott Farrell, Le Géant, Hole #16

I had a hole-in-one at Le Géant in Mont-Tremblant on July 18, 2024. It was on hole #16, using a 7 iron for a 155 yard shot.

Mark Smith, Pine Ridge Golf Club, Hole #17

Got my first hole-in-one on Saturday, July 27 at beautiful Pine Ridge Golf Club. Hit a 9 iron from 140 yards to an uphill green with pin tucked behind left front bunker. Knew it was good but could not see it go in. A calm, sunny beautiful morning made better!

Dale Neubauer, Mount Brenton Golf Course, Hole #16

I had my fourth hole-in-one yesterday after a 20 year wait from my third one. It happened on hole #16 at Mount Brenton Golf Course in Chemainus, B.C. I used an eight iron which I also used for my first two aces. I nice high shot which tracked to the hole and three of us got to see it drop. The feeling was as good as the first time. I hope every golfer gets to experience that same feeling after getting one.

Tom Walsh, Pitcher Pond Golf Course, Hole #7

Had my first hole-in-one on Saturday, June 27th at Pitcher Pond Golf Course. Hole #7, 125 yards from the whites.

Joyce Chau, Talon Country Hill Golf Course, Hole #4

I scored a hole-in-one on my home course at Talon Country Hill Golf Course. It was an inter club match play. On hole #4, the distance was 118 yards and wind was slightly against. I used my 8 iron and the ball travelled exactly the way I anticipated. It landed about eight feet short and roll straight to the hole until it disappeared. All four players witnessed and it was an ecstatic experience. This is my first hole-in-one.

Rick Legge, HeatherGlen Golf Course, Hole #17

It was my fourth full round of golf since having brain surgery on May 23 this spring. Actually the first few games afterwards went pretty well, as I wasn’t trying to kill the ball every swing. Today started pretty poorly as I couldn’t hit anything straight. Got a little better on the back but then I tripled hole #15, a kind of goofy 90 degree dogleg left and bogeyed hole #16 with a ball in the water.

I got to the 17th tee, checked the yardage at 132 and thought I better hit a solid 8 iron. I decided then to pull out my 7 iron (favourite club) and just swing easy. The ball flight was right at it and I yelled, “hit the pin,” even though I lost the ball after it hit the green. I just turned 71 in June so my eyes aren’t what they used to be. Well, I got to the green and checked all around the back as I thought it was probably too much club. And thought, “just go and look.” There it was Taylormade #1 looking right back at me. One of the best days of my life. My wife Lorie went nuts, yelling and cheering. There was some tears for sure.

Howie Kotzer, Richmond Hill Golf Club, Hole #4

I just got my first hole-in-one July 22nd. It was 154 yards during our mens league at Richmond Hill Golf Club. It was also the closest to the pin hole to boot. Using my 7 iron I knew it was a good shot. I just wanted to get on the green. One younger guy with better eyes said, “I think that’s a hole-in-one.” The other younger guy said, “it’s definitely a hole-in-one I was watching the ball and then it disappeared.” I was very excited but didn’t want to celebrate until I confirmed the ball was in the hole. No better feeling than looking in the cup and seeing your ball in the cup for a hole-in-one! A very happy golfer!

Greg Percy, McCall Lake Golf Course, Hole #8

It was 155 yards into the wind on the par 3 hole #8 from the blue tees, I used an old 6 iron ping eye (30 year old club or more), it wasn’t a drop and roll into the cup, it was a bomb hop right in front of the pin. It was my first one. My brother found a Titleist Pro V1 the previous hole and my first Pro V1 shot of the day, I teed it up and it was a gem. 

Charlie MacPhee, Hampton Golf Club , Hole #10

Special week for my best friend Charlie MacPhee. Charlie recorded his first ever hole-in-one on the tedious hole #10 at the beautiful Hampton Golf Club in Hampton, N.B. We zapped 176 yards playing approximately 20 yards downhill, into a howling wind. The ball was struck as good as one could strike it. As soon as the ball made contact with the face of his 8 iron, we knew it was good. However with the sun glaring in our face, we could not see it down. We walk down the hill, anticipating to find the ball in the middle of the green, maybe even a tad short. To our surprise, no ball in sight. Charlie proceeds to browse around the back of the green. It was at this moment when Taylor noticed his pitch mark on the green, and screamed, “check the hole!” There in was, incredible moment. Couldn’t have happened to a better person. Go Charlie go!

Taylor Roberts, on behalf of Charlie MacPhee

Janice Hull, Golden Eagle Golf Course, Hole #14

I just had a hole-in-one at Golden Eagle Golf Course, North Course, in Pitt Meadows, B.C. The ladies of Carnoustie Golf Course were playing team play against Golden Eagle, Tuesday August 6th, 2024! I landed the green on hole #14 and it continued to roll from left to centre and fell into the hole! Hard to believe until I actually got to the green and saw it in the hole! Very exciting and I had three witnesses! I am from Maple Ridge, B.C. I have been a member of the RCGA since July 27, 2001 and a member of Carnoustie Golf Club since 1996!

Paul Allen, Sand Point Golf Course, Hole #11

I hit a 6 iron, the ball stayed on line directly at the hole and it rolled right into the cup. It was a thing of beauty. I was in a foursome and we all enjoyed the shot! We pinged the distance at 148 yards before teeing off. Very exciting, as always, but I’m a bit spoiled as that was my fifth hole-in-one and the second time for this hole #11 in two seasons. Last year’s ace was struck left to right and was a lucky bounce from an embarrassing roll onto the green. This year’s hole-in-one was a more pure stroke, alas, luck again. Sincerely more proud of this one.

The other three hole-in-one’s came as follows, one in Florida and two at a course where I taught physical education as a much younger golfer in Petrolia, Ontario. I’ve been playing golf for a long time but at the age of 82, it’s still a thrill to see the ball disappear into the hole rather than into the woods or plunk into a pond. Keep swinging y’all.

Alan Gray, Black Diamond Golf Club, Hole #4

I was playing with Dave Pyper, Alan Kerr and Liam O’Kane. The yardage was approximately 179, I used a 4 hybrid.

Johnna Cyr, Ranch Golf & Country Club, Hole #3

I was golfing with my husband Mike and a couple we were paired with. It was hole #3 at the Ranch Golf & Country Club. Yardage was 90 and I used my 7 iron.

Martin Croteau, Wintergreen Golf & Country Club, Hole #12

I was playing with a long time friend Chad VanBuuren (also Golf Canada member) and it was a 154 yard shot to a middle flag. I used a pitching wedge, great feeling!

Russ Glowinski, The Pulpit Club, Hole #7

My hole-in-one on July 3 at The Pulpit Club, Paintbrush Course hole #7 , which was playing 163 yards into the wind, club used was a Ping 425 5 rescue and ball used Titleist Pro V1. Played with Brett Bandula, Dustin Clarke and Sam Reznick. This also was on Men’s night. This also was my seventh career hole-in-one.

Reg Finlayson, The Club at North Halton, Hole #9

I had mine on July 4th men’s day at The Club at North Halton with a 9 iron from 115 yards. My partners were Don Curry, Barry Shepherd and Dennis Pippo. It was my 13th and I am 83. I have been playing the game for 75 years and they are always a surprise since it really is a lucky shot. This is the first time the ball landed directly in the hole rather than rolling in as they did before. Amazingly I have been fortunate to witness probably over 25 of them playing with people who holed out. It is always a pleasure seeing their reactions.

Lori Madill, The Club at North Halton, Hole #13

It was 125 yards and I used my new 7 wood from left to right. Played with Shelley Phipps, Maureen Johnson and Ellen Carter.

Esther Chan, Mylora on Sidaway, Hole #5

Indeed it was my best day of golf. My first hole-in-one having been golfing since 2014. I wouldn’t consider myself a great golfer, but it was a lucky day for me. I was in a foursome with the ladies from Mylora ladies club. It was a beautiful day and I used a fairway wood for 133 yards on hole #5. I hit my ball onto the green and it started to roll slowing towards the hole, and that was it!

Gary Little, Glencairn Golf Club, Hole #12

The hole was about 137 yards, a little breeze behind us and I hit a nine iron. I hit the ball to the right side of the pin, green had a little slope from right to left and the ball hit on the right side and rolled right into the hole. The one fellow I was playing with had never had a hole-in-one and that was the first one he had ever seen which made it special for me and for him.

Rick Thornton, Landings Golf Course, Hole #15

We were on the par 3, hole #15 which on this day measured 126 yards. I struck my Callaway HEX 3 ball with a choked up 3 wood that landed short of the cup and rolled up and what I thought was around the flag. But both of my golfing partners John Whitehill, a fellow member and his friend Mark started congratulating me. A 29 year dream finally answered.

Gord Van Clieaf, Hockley Valley Resort, Hole #12

I am a Member, and currently have a Golf Canada handicap of 3.6. I am a longtime member of Silver Brooke Golf Club in Lisle, Ontario. It’s a lovely little championship length course, with the front nine carved through a forest and subdivision with most of the holes heavily wooded, and a back nine more links style in design. Head Greenskeeper Jeff has our greens as pristine as any you will play. I have the honour of holding the course record from both the Blue and Silver tees at the Course, shooting 65 from each.

Our head golf professional is Billy Longhurst, a wonderful young man and brand new father. Billy’s golf cleats have barely touched the ground since his baby boy Wellington entered the world two weeks ago and what a name this future golf pro will have, Wellington Longhurst. I can hear the BBC commentator reciting it now, during a final round of an Open Championship.

On August 10, 2024, Billy invited friend and co-Silver Brooke member Matt Martin and me to join him for a game at the Hockley Valley Resort in Mono, Ont. It’s a Tom McBroom designed beauty, with incredible elevation changes and magnificent views. There isn’t one sand bunker on the property, nor do any of the holes allow for a run-up opportunity to the green. I had played the course about 25 years ago, but had forgotten how spectacular it was in challenge and design. But then, most days I can’t remember what I had for breakfast.

Because of my advancing age (I’ll be turning 68 in a few weeks) and my having Stage 4 Metastasized Melanoma with Cancer tumours in the bones of both shoulders, I’ve lost about 40 – 50 yards off the tee and now need to play a different game than I was used to playing. But feeling truly blessed every single day that I can still play this wonderful game that I love, knowing that I can lose that at any moment. I’m sure that it was with this in mind that Billy, god bless him, had us playing the gold tees at Hockley Valley (5847 yards) rather than the tips (6358 yards).

My hole-in-one that day is actually a pretty good story. By the time we reached the 12th tee, Billy was having a decent day, launching rockets off the tees and throwing darts into several of the greens. Matt is a good player, but his driver wasn’t cooperating too much for him. The 12th from the gold tees measures 196 yards, but with a slope reading of about 178 yards because of it being significantly downhill. It’s a lovely hole, and one of the signature holes at the course. August 10th was a very windy day in the area. It was a two club wind most of the day, gusting to a three club wind on occasion. On the 12th, it was a true headwind. We had to wait on the tee about seven or eight minutes for the group in front to clear the green, and while we were waiting I asked my pro a rules question that I had been asked earlier in the week by another member that I wasn’t sure of the answer to. I’m usually pretty knowledgeable about the Rules of Golf, but had never been asked this one before. The question was, does a player invoke a penalty if they inadvertently or intentionally walk through or brush their club onto or into a sand trap, even though their ball is not resting in a sand trap? Would it be considered testing the sand, which the player might put to use later in their round if they found themself in a sand trap and now had some knowledge of sand conditions that day at the course?

It was while we were discussing this question that I all of a sudden realized that the hybrid 3 I had in my hand wouldn’t be sufficient to reach the green due to the severity of the headwind. Just as the group in front cleared the green, I said to the boys, “this isn’t enough club,” and went back to my bag for my 3 wood. I was fortunate enough to hit several quality shots that day, but the 3 wood from the 12th tee was pure. It covered the flag the entire way, and while it was in the air I thought to myself, “good job Gordie.” Which is much better than the, “what a bum” thought I get more and more often these days.

Even with wearing glasses, my failing eyesight didn’t allow me to see the ball land, but Matt immediately said “I think that’s in, I’m pretty sure that went in.” Billy said, “I think so too.” I was less committal, saying that I had hit it good and it was probably close. After Matt and Billy hit, with Billy putting it pin high about ten feet away, we raced our carts to the green. I hate cart golf and walk always at Silver Brooke because it’s good for my health even though it usually exhausts me, but Hockley Valley is not walkable. When we reached the green, we could see only one ball that we knew was Billy’s. I can truthfully say that I’ve never seen Billy move as fast as he did when he left his cart and literally ran down the hill until he got to the green, walked over to the flag, looked inside, and raised his arms and shouted in celebration. I was sincerely thankful for the joy that Matt and Billy displayed, I’ll remember it all of my life. Without me asking, Billy, the consummate professional, took my picture and drove back to the tee to take a photo of the hole and the hole signage. He really is something, and the best pro Silver Brooke could ever wish for. For me, I was certainly very happy about the hole-in-one. It was my third, but the last one was about 35 years ago. Truthfully, I was more focused on the fact that the eagle had brought me back to even par for the round, and I’m happy to say that I finished the round one under. And beat my pro, which is a very rare feat.

I detest slow play, and we always play ready golf at Siver Brooke. But on this one occasion only, I’m so glad for the wait we had on the 12th tee. If not for the wait, and me having an epiphany about proper club selection, I’d have hit my hybrid 3, been 20 yards short of the green, and you’d never have heard from me.

Sheila May, The Glencoe Golf & Country Club, Hole #3

It was a very exciting third hole-in-one! I used an 8 iron as it was over two sand traps and the distance was 80 yards. It hit the flagstick on the fly and dropped straight in. I was playing with Barb and Robin Landes, friends for many years. I am a high handicapper and my mother who turned 93 on this day, made it extra special! When I phoned her for her birthday wishes, she replied, “I hope you get a hole-in-one today.” How crazy that it came true. I just finished volunteering at the CPKC Tournament and thoroughly enjoyed selling the 50/50 tickets to support the First Tee program! I would have taken it up much earlier in life, had it been available for me. I have only had the $10 city of Calgary lessons in my early 20’s.

Phillip Tsiaras, Mill Run Golf & Country Club, Hole #14

First round of the Mill Run Club Championships. I was playing with Matt Whitehead and Tyson Bruce. We were on hole #14 of the round, on Grist #5. The hole was playing 188 yards into the wind. The club that I used was a 6 iron. I hit baby cut and the pin was tucked front right so I didn’t see it go in. When I walked up to the green I thought I went long but sure enough it was right in the hole!

Logan Dickinson, Elmira Golf Club, Hole #6

Last Friday was the last day of my school placement at a physiotherapy clinic in Elmira, as I am currently a physical therapy student. I was golfing with my two clinical instructors and another student from the clinic after work as a celebration of the end of the placement term. It was on #6 at the Elmira golf club, a par 3 where my finder was reading 176 yards. I hit my 6 iron and the ball came down on the approach cut dead centre in front of the green and rolled on. The ball took a left at the hole and looked like it had gone just long and eclipsed behind the pin. We didn’t know it had gone in until we got up to the green and the ball was nowhere to be found! I have attached the picture of myself with the ball on the green below.

Zack Cameron, Legacy Ridge Golf Club, Hole #2

155 yards into the wind with a 9 iron and hit a little draw. Playing with my dad. First hole-in-one.

Sean Kelly, Innisfail Golf Club, Hole #9

I had about 178 yards into the wind. I chose to hit a 6 iron. I was playing with a co-worker which I asked him to go out and play a practice round for the Canadian Junior. I hit the ball with my natural cut that I’ve been working on at and it was tracking the entire way. We chuckled as we thought that it had a chance of going in. When we got up to the hole I didn’t see any white balls on the green which had my heart racing. As I peeked down into the hole I saw my ball at the bottom!

Andrew Waltho, Greystone Golf Club, Hole #11

I was playing with my partner Mariska Peries, who birdied the hole for a combined three. It was the red pin tucked behind the front left bunker playing 127 yards. I used my pitching wedge that one hopped into the cup. We both saw it go in and were in shock and disbelief. Making it very impressive that she was able to step up afterwards and knock one to about four feet. It was the first ace I’ve ever made playing golf for over 25 years. I had never even witnessed one actually happen either. Very exciting.

Big crowds and memorable performances during the CPKC Women’s Open helped Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) raise a record $4.3 million for heart health in Alberta, with $3.8 million to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and $507,000 to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation.  

Lauren Coughlin finished the week 13 under par to take home her first LPGA Tour victory and the US$390,000 winner’s share of the US$2.6 million purse, one of the largest for a non-major on the LPGA Tour.  

“It was wonderful to have the CPKC Women’s Open back in Calgary, home to CPKC’s global headquarters and over 2,000 of our railroaders, many of whom contributed to the incredible success of this week’s tournament,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. “Congratulations to Lauren Coughlin on winning the CPKC Women’s Open and her first LPGA tour victory. Calgarians cheered on Lauren and all the world-class golfers while helping make a big difference for kids who are fighting to live the full, healthy lives they deserve. 

“Together, this year we raised an incredible record amount to support children’s heart health,” Creel added. “CPKC is honored to continue making a lasting difference in communities across Canada through CPKC Has Heart, our community investment program supporting heart health initiatives.” 

Since 2014, CPKC has helped raise more than $22 million for children’s heart health as the title sponsor of the CPKC Women’s Open. This year’s total donation, the biggest in the CPKC title sponsorship’s history, is the result of several fundraising efforts of the CPKC Has Heart campaign. Through CPKC Birdies for Heart, CPKC contributed for each birdie made by Earl Grey Golf Club members prior to the tournament and $5,000 for each birdie made by LPGA players on the 14th hole during championship tournament play at Earl Grey. CPKC also matched donations made during Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation campaign online in February, which is Heart Month. 

“We are so grateful for our longstanding partnership with CPKC,” said Saifa Koonar, President and CEO of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Over the last several months and culminating with this week’s tournament, CPKC has been helping inspire our community to support pediatric heart health and generously matching donations. We are in awe of the amount that’s been raised, which will fuel ground-breaking research to support early detection of heart defects in babies and give them the best possible outcomes in life.” 

Red Deer Regional Health Foundation was the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open community partner.  

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support from CPKC and the participants of the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Manon Therriault, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation. “We thoroughly enjoyed working with the various teams that made this happen and were overjoyed to be chosen as a community partner. We were thrilled to engage our community, our donors, and our hospital staff in this initiative.” 

“The funds raised will make a significant impact on cardiac care in the Alberta Central Zone, ensuring that our community has access to the best possible heart health services,” added Therriault. “Our hospital is currently undergoing an expansion, and community partnerships like this are the reason why our expanded hospital will have the enhanced care that our community members deserve. This partnership exemplifies the power of coming together to create meaningful change and improve lives.” 

“The impact that the CPKC Women’s Open has on the communities that it touches through CPKC Has Heart is immense,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer, Golf Canada. “The legacy and lasting benefit to pediatric heart health saves lives and improves patient care in meaningful ways. In 2024 CPKC Has Heart once again set a new standard strengthening its position as one of the leading philanthropic initiatives in Canada.”

Lauren Coughlin won the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open on Sunday, claiming her first LPGA Tour title.

The American golfer birdied two of her final four holes at Earl Grey Golf Club for a final round of 1-under 71 to finish the four-day tournament at 13 under.

Playing in her 103rd career LPGA tournament since her rookie season in 2018, Coughlin tapped in a short par putt on the par 4, 18th hole to record her first victory.

Due to her clutch performance, the 31-year-old from Charlottesville, Va., won US$390,000 to boost her earnings this season to $1,542,352.

A day after firing a tournament and course record score of 11-under 61, Japan’s Mao Saigo had a round of 69 to finish alone in second place at 11 under.

Haeran Ryu, who played in the final group with Coughlin, had a disappointing round of 3-over 75 to finish in a tie at 10 under with Jenny Shin. Both Ryu and Shin are from South Korea.

A pair of sub-par rounds on Saturday and Sunday helped move Brooke Henderson up the leaderboard at the Canadian Open.

Henderson, of Smiths Falls, Ont., followed up the 69 she shot on Saturday with a final round of 4-under 68 to finish in a four-way tie for eighth place at 6 under.

“It was a lot of fun today climbing up the leaderboard a little bit, making some birdies,” said Henderson, who had five birdies and just one bogey during her final round. “You always want a little bit more, but I’m really happy with how today went.”

Following her first two rounds of 72 and 73, Henderson was happy to bounce back with a better performance on the weekend.

“If I had cleaned up the first two rounds a little bit, I feel like I could have been right in the mix, which is a great feeling to take away,” Henderson said. “It’s awesome to finish Sunday with a minus-4 round because you feel like you did climb up the leaderboard a little bit. 

“You feel you have lots of positives and confidence to take forward which is a good thing for me going into Paris in ten days or so.”

Henderson will represent Canada in the women’s golf competition at the Paris Olympics.

Like Henderson, Hamilton’s Alena Sharp carded a 68 in the final round to improve upon the 69 she shot 24 hours earlier.

Sharp sunk a lengthy putt for birdie on the par 4, 18th hole to move her up into a tie for 14th place at 4 under.

“To get the result and play well and shoot 4-under today and make that putt on the last hole, I mean, pretty amazing way to finish the tournament,” said Sharp, who was amazed that her 47-foot putt on 18 made it into the hole. 

“It was a double breaker. I just wanted to get it to the hole. When it went in, I was like, ‘Oh, my God,’ so that was pretty cool.”

Sharp’s performance in Calgary is the best showing she’s had at the Canadian Open since she finished in a tie for fourth place in 2016 at nearby Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club.

The 43-year-old will also compete for Canada in Paris.

“This is the best way to go to the Olympics, I think for Brooke and I, being in Canada and having so much support here,” Sharp said. “I’m going to stay here for a few days and fly out Thursday and get there Friday and do a little bit of Team Canada watching and watch the guys (Nick Taylor and Corey Connors) play on Sunday and then get to work.”

Playing in the group in front of Sharp, Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., had a nice round 69 to end up in a tie for 19th place at 3 under.

“It’s always great to play here in front of the home crowd,” said Leblanc, who finished in a tie for 14th place in 2016 at Priddis Greens. “I think every single hole, I hear people cheer for me. This is not something I get to hear every week so it’s nice to have that here. It makes the event a lot more special, so that’s why it’s my favourite event of the year each year.”

Ellie Szeryk, of London, Ont., carded a 3-over 75 to end up in a tie for 59th place at 7 over.

Savannah Grewal, of Mississauga, Ont., had a disappointing round of 78 to finish the four-day tournament at 11 over.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2024.

Golf Canada and Matt & Steve’s are thrilled to announce a three-year extension of their partnership, ensuring Matt & Steve’s continues as the Official Caesar Partner of Golf Canada, the CPKC Women’s Open and the RBC Canadian Open through 2027.

Building on the successful collaboration that began in 2022, Matt & Steve’s will continue to offer a selection of their popular ready-to-drink Caesars, Extreme Beans, and pickled garnish products at Golf Canada’s premier events. Spectators will also continue to enjoy the vibrant and popular Matt & Steve’s Caesar Deck as part of the Fare Way food and beverage experience.

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Matt & Steve’s, bringing their unique and flavorful products to enhance the fan experience at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open,” said Craig Sharp, Sr. Director, Partnerships, Golf Canada. “Matt & Steve’s has been an integral part of our championships, and we look forward to continuing to build a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for our spectators with their innovative offerings.”

The extension of this partnership underscores the commitment of both Golf Canada and Matt & Steve’s to deliver exceptional experiences for golf fans and to celebrate the sport across the country. With this renewed collaboration, fans can look forward to more exciting activations and delicious offerings at Canada’s most prestigious golf events.

“Building on the incredible success of the last three years, we are thrilled to extend our partnership with Golf Canada. We look forward to continuing to bring the Matt & Steve’s Caesar Deck experience to golf fans across Canada. See you on the Caesar Deck in 2025!” said Steve McVicker, Co-Founder/CBO of Matt & Steve’s.

Matt & Steve’s are operating their infamous Caesar Deck at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open in Calgary, Alta. where the iconic Caesar was invented, July 25 – 28.

CALGARY, Alberta — Mao Saigo emerged from the wildfire-fed smoky haze Saturday at Earl Grey Golf Club with the lowest round in CPKC Women’s Open history. Five hours later, Haeran Ryu and Lauren Coughlin found themselves well clear of the rest of the field.

Taking advantage of calmer conditions after two windy days, Saigo shot an 11-under 61 to jump from a tie for 46th to a tie for third — five strokes behind Ryu and four back of Coughlin on the tree-lined course with thick rough and small greens.

“I’m very proud of myself because that was the best round probably since I started playing golf,” Saigo said through a translator. “The wind wasn’t blowing much, so I was trying to make birdies on par 5s and try to keep my strengths with my iron shots.”

The 22-year-old Japanese player — an LPGA Tour rookie after winning six times on the JLPGA — holed out from 133 yards for eagle with a pitching wedge on the par-4 10th.

“I was able to feel the energy from the fans and that helped me play well,” Saigo said.

She broke the tournament record of 62 set by Song Hee-Kim in 2009 at nearby Priddis Greens and matched by Mo Martin in 2018 at Wascana in Regina, Saskatchewan, and Paula Reto and Lindy Duncan in 2022 at Ottawa Hunt.

“I never set target score and I always try to hit the best shot each time,” Saigo said. “So, today I kept the same attitude, and that add up to today’s score.”

Ryu shot a 64 to get to 13-under 203, making a 20-foot eagle putt on the par-4 14th.

The 23-year-old South Korean player birdied the first four holes and five of the first six. She added a birdie on No. 10, bogeyed the par-4 12th and rebounded with a birdie on 13.

“She (Saigo) has a crazy day,” Ryu said. “But I started five holes and 5 under, so I’m crazy, too, I think. It’s funny today.”

Second last week in Ohio in the Dana Open, Ryu won the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship last year for her first LPGA Tour title.

“Last year is just last year. Last week is just last week,” Ryu said. “I just think about now and future.”

Coughlin, the leader after each of the first two rounds, shot 66. Winless on the LPGA Tour, the 31-year-old former University of Virginia player is coming off a fourth-place finish two weeks ago in France in the major Evian Champions.

“Hung in there for sure,” Coughlin said. “She (Ryu) was making everything there to start, so I was just trying to stay in my own bubble and not get too into what she was doing.”

Rose Zhang shot 66 to join Saigo at 8 under. Jennifer Kupcho was 7 under after a a 68, and second-ranked Lilia Vu (69) and Hannah Green (71) were 6 under.

“I felt like today was sort of an easier day because less wind and some moved up tees,” Vu said. “But I didn’t drive the ball well.”

Three-time champion Lydia Ko was 3 under after a 72. She won as an amateur in 2012 at age 15, successfully defended her title as an amateur in 2013 and won as a professional in 2015.

Canadian star Brooke Henderson, the 2018 winner, was tied for 18th at 2 under after a 69. On Friday, she bogeyed the final four holes in a 73.

“This is still a tough golf course,” Henderson said. “Even though the wind was down, you still have to pick your way around and there are better misses than other misses.”