Joly, Que. – A field of 156 of Canada’s top junior golfers will compete over 54 holes at an immaculate and strategic layout at Club de golf Les Boisés de Joly in Joly, Que. with exemptions into the Canadian Junior Boys and Girls Championships on the line in the NextGen Quebec Championship, July 2-5. 

The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Tuesday, July 2 with championship rounds beginning on Wednesday, July 3. After 36 holes, the field will be reduced to the low 57 Junior Boys and 13 Junior Girls, including ties, for the final round which wraps up on Friday, July 5.  

The starting field will feature 127 Junior Boys and 29 Junior Girls – vying for spots into their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer. 

The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 13-16, at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta. The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will earn exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 22-25, at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver, B.C. 

Established as a beautiful 18-hole public course in the greater Quebec City area, the Club de golf Les Boisés de Joly was built in 2011. With a length of 6,662 yards, the course will deliver a test for NextGen competitors, while presenting views of towering trees, sparkling lakes and rolling hills. With its demanding layout and impeccable conditioning, golfers will encounter strategically placed bunkers, and tricky water features, all set against a stunning backdrop of woodlands and wildlife.   

“The NextGen tournament represents for us the pride of welcoming the young talents of tomorrow and promoting junior golf in the Quebec City area. We have the ideal facilities and golf course to host this type of event. We will do our best to ensure that all participants have a great experience,” said Director and Professional teacher of Club de golf Les Boisés de Joly, Martin Trudel. 

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Quebec Championship, click here. 

About the NextGen Championships 

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

As Ellie Szeryk lined up her final putt to seal the win at the B.C. Women’s Open, she spied longtime friend Brooke Rivers lurking around the green with a bottle of water.

Sure enough, when Szeryk made the putt, the chase was on with Rivers trying to douse her with water.

“I ran as far as I could, but she still got me quite good,” Szeryk said with a laugh. “But it was fun. In golf you usually do that to your really good friends when they win. 

“So it was really sweet that she did that. It’s like an unspoken honour.”

Szeryk beat Rivers by four strokes at Pitt Meadows Golf Club on Sunday in their professional debuts. Both golfers also earned berths at the CPKC Women’s Open, July 25-28 at Calgary’s Earl Grey Golf Club.

“It was just really nice to be able to have followed through on something that I had been thinking about,” said Szeryk. “It’s not always easy to golf. It’s just three rounds and you have no idea what the course is like and how it’s going to play.”

Earning their way into the national women’s championship, rather than relying on a sponsor’s exemption, was a relief to both players.

“I knew that there’d be a good opportunity for that,” said Szeryk, from London, Ont. “It’s been on my mind the last couple of months, like since I signed up. 

“I knew I needed to make sure I had my game right so I could take advantage of it because I knew that they weren’t going to be a lot of sponsored exemptions for this Canadian Open.”

Rivers agreed.

“It does feel really good to earn the exemption spot on my own through good play,” said Rivers, from Brampton, Ont. “It also feels a little more rewarding while being there because you feel like you had done everything in order to put yourself there.”

Rivers added with a laugh: “It’s a little bit easier when booking travel that you don’t have to do it the week before.”

Both Szeryk and Rivers turned pro after the conclusion of the NCAA golf season. They’re both spending time with family and practising before the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada tees off at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont., on July 2.

“I’m really excited to turn pro, and it’s something that I’ve wanted to do my whole life,” said Rivers, who played one season at Wake Forest University. “It’s something I’ve been working toward my whole life. 

“I just felt that I was in a position where I was ready to turn pro and I was ready to start competing.”

Golf Canada announced the early commitments to the 50th playing of the Women’s Open on Monday, with eight of the current top-10 and 83 of the top-100 players on the Race to the CME Globe Standings entered in the national women’s championship.

The 156-player field will be competing at Earl Grey Golf Club for the first time in tournament history. It will be the seventh time that Alberta hosts the Women’s Open and first time since 2016.

LPGA TOUR — Hamilton’s Alena Sharp is in the Dow Championship three days after making Canada’s Olympic golf team for a third time. Maddie Szeryk, Ellie’s older sister, just missed out on beating Sharp to the Olympics by 1.41 points in the women’s world golf rankings. Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., No. 14 in the world, is also in the field at the Midland Country Club in Midland, Mich. They will be joined by Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., and amateur Vanessa Borovilos of Toronto.

EPSON TOUR — Brigitte Thibault of Rosemere, Que., is the top-ranked Canadian playing in the Dream First Bank Charity Classic. She’s 120th on the second-tier Epson Tour’s points list. She’ll be joined at Buffalo Dunes Golf Course in Garden City, Kan., by Vancouver’s Leah John (160th), as well as Selena Costabile of Thornhill, Ont., and Kate Johnston of Ayr, Ont., who are unranked.

PGA TOUR — Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., is the top ranked Canadian at No. 30 on the FedEx Cup standings. He will be in the field at the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club, where he finished tied for second in 2022. Adam Svensson (76th) of Surrey, B.C., Ben Silverman (113th) of Thornhill, Ont., and Roger Sloan (194th) of Merritt, B.C., are also in the field.

KORN FERRY TOUR — Myles Creighton of Digby, N.S., is No. 23 on the Tour’s points list heading into the Memorial Health Championship. Edmonton’s Wil Bateman (33rd), Etienne Papineau (50th) of St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Que., Sudarshan Yellamaraju (100th) of Mississauga, Ont., and Jared du Toit (118th) of Kimberley, B.C., are also in the field at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, Ill.

CHAMPIONS TOUR — Calgary’s Stephen Ames leads the Canadian contingent into the U.S. Senior Open Championship. He’s No. 1 on the Charles Schwab Cup money list with two victories so far this year. Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., is 25th on the list and also in the field at Newport Country Club in Newport, R.I. David Morland IV of Aurora, Ont., is also playing the event.

AMERICAS TOUR — Matthew Anderson of Mississauga, Ont., remains the atop the points list of the third-tier Americas Tour heading into this week’s ATB Classic. He’s one of 18 Canadians playing Northern Bear Golf Club in Strathcona County, Alta.

CALGARY – The CPKC Women’s Open has been given the LPGA Tour’s top award the last two seasons. Being named ‘Tournament of the Year’ is something that encompasses so much – from ticketing to marketing to fan experience and more.

And now Canada’s National Open is back to try to do it all again.

“Golf fans in Calgary are in for a very memorable week at a beautiful golf course where the world’s best will compete for our National Open Championship,” Tournament Director Ryan Paul said. “The CPKC Women’s Open is one of the top three women’s sporting events in Canada and this year is shaping up to be a special one.”

This year’s CPKC Women’s Open marks the 50th playing of the storied event, which last year’s winner Megan Khang says feels like the sixth major on the LPGA Tour.

There are plenty of notable highlights for this year. Firstly – and perhaps most importantly – the tournament has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $2.75 million, the highest number in recent history. Since 2014, the tournament (which is the marquee event for the CPKC Has Heart community investment program) has helped to raise over $19 million for cardiac research, equipment, and care across North America.

The fan experience is set to be the biggest and most impressive, too. Paul says the build-out on site at first-time venue Earl Grey Golf Club will be 95,000 square feet – far and away the most of any event on the LPGA Tour.

The impressive effort from the entire CPKC Women’s Open management team means there is plenty of momentum behind doing things bigger and better. There’s been lots of good recognition for their work – not only is it the two-time Tournament of the Year on the LPGA Tour, but also the back-to-back winner of Best Sponsor Activation and it won Best Charity & Community Engagement in 2022.

The support from Earl Grey, just minutes from downtown Calgary, has also been overwhelmingly positive.

The targeted number of volunteers (which was 1,200 for 2024) was hit all the way back in March – and the event was named ‘Best Volunteer Program’ by the LPGA Tour in 2023. The support of the Calgary community, too, has been incredible. Ticket sales to this point in 2024 up 30 percent as compared to this point a year ago. This is the first time the tournament has returned to Calgary since 2016, with Priddis Golf and Country Club playing host that year along with 1999 and 2009.

Speaking of fans – ‘The Rink,’ the incredibly popular viewing experience, will make its return to the CPKC Women’s Open at the par-3 17th hole at Earl Grey.

Khang, who broke through for her first LPGA Tour title a year ago at Shaughnessy, recalled with a smile a nice moment with the crowds late in her day that is the exact one-of-a-kind interaction attendees get with LPGA Tour athletes.

“I walked off the green on 16 and I looked at the leaderboard and I was like, of course it’s (former world No. 1) Jin Young Ko (making a charge). I was so concerned about Sei Young Kim in my group but of course Jin Young was right there. I’m looking at the guys all around the boards and I’m like, ‘I need me a drink too guys,’” she said with a laugh.

For all the awards and fan opportunities and exciting new things to see and do, there’s no event without players – and the CPKC Women’s Open once again will boast almost all the world’s best.

Early commitments include eight of the top 10 in this year’s Race to CME Globe standings plus 83 of the top 100. There will be nine in-season winners and upwards of 30 Olympians.

The star of the show will of course be Canada’s own Brooke Henderson. Henderson won this championship in 2018 and it’s not lost on her how special, or important, that win has been on her resume.

“It’s a huge highlight of my career being able to win this event back in 2018,” said Henderson. “I’ve always dreamt of winning this event. It’s always played an important role in my life.”

Henderson will once again lead a hearty Canadian contingent at the CPKC Women’s Open which also includes fellow three-time Olympian Alena Sharp. Sharp finished fourth when the CPKC Women’s Open was last in Calgary, her best career LPGA Tour result.

“It’s good vibes only there,” Sharp said.

Ah, yes – good vibes.

If you ask Henderson about what she’s hoping for the most come July, it’s a lot of that exact thing. For the fans, for herself, for the community, and for charity.

“It’s so exciting to be able to be home and compete on home soil and to have the love and support of all the fans and everyone that comes out to watch, it’s pretty incredible,” said Henderson. “It’s kind of hard to put into words how grateful I am to everyone when they come out year after year and as we move across the country the crowds are always still huge and so much fun to be able to play in front of.

“I just hope I can put on a good show and give them something to cheer about.”

And if the current momentum of the CPKC Women’s Open is any indication, winning another set of big-time year-end awards may be something to cheer about, too.

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.

Donna Turner, Coppinwood, Hole #7

It was a very exciting day! It actually happened on May 30th on hole #7 at Coppinwood which was 118 yards. It was into the wind so I used an 8 iron and it dropped right next to the hole and rolled in. I saw it but still couldn’t believe it! I was golfing with my partner Lara Shewchuk. The interesting thing is my friend Carol Cooper had come to Coppinwood as a guest two years ago and got a hole-in-one on the same hole! As I approached the tee on the 30th I said, “that’s the same pin placement as when Coop got her hole-in-one.” There you have it!

Brady Lush, Seaview Golf & Country Club, Hole #14

It was the par 3, 14th hole at Seaview Golf and Country Club. Me and a group of good friends were out for an afternoon/evening round. The hole was around 160 yards downhill playing about 140 yards. I hit an 8 iron.

Grant Holcomb, Rattlesnake Point, Hole #5

I was playing with Jamie King and Rahul Mehta from ClubLink and got the hole-in-one on the fifth hole on the Copperhead course, at Rattlesnake Point GC. The yardage was 175 and I hit a 5 iron. 

Clark Davis, St. Andrew’s East, Hole #4

I was playing with fellow members Glen Taylor, Wayne Fillmore and Mike Davis. The hole was 142 yards, playing about 130 yards. I hit a full 50 degree gap wedge, spun back and trickled in.

Christine Farrell, Rivendell Golf Club, Hole #14

Hole #14, Rivendell Golf Club, par 3, 141 yards and used a 3 wood.

Mel Maitlitz, Club Golf Les Legendre’s, Hole #3

On the morning of Saturday, June 15th, 2024. Par 3, hole #3 and 169 yards. The others in his foursome visually witnessed his hole-in-one and attested his score card.

Ritchie McFadyen, Maple Ridge Golf Club, Hole #6

What a feeling to finally achieve my first hole-in-one. I played with my good friend Sandy Lorrain who has had bragging rights for her own hole-in-one on June 7, 2021. I scored it on June 8, 2024. Now were even!

Maple Ridge Golf Course in Calgary. Hole #6 was playing 167 yards downhill into a stiff breeze and I used a 7 iron. A slight cut, two hops and it rolled out of sight.

Sid Green, Avon Valley, Hole #5

Avon Valley. Hole #5. 127 yards and used a 9 iron. Playing with Mike Goss and Paul Marriott. 

James Ross, 14 Wing Greenwood, Hole #8

I was playing that day with my father, Paul Ross, and his good friend, Al Slack. It was a 158 yard par 3, back blue flag. I hit an 8 iron.

Benson Lily, Picton, Hole #14

It was certainly exciting to get my first hole-in-one at the age of 76. My playing partners were Picton Golf Club members, Bob Fujiki, Jean Theoret and Brian Lackey. The hole was #14, a par 3 and playing 163 yards into the wind. I used a Taylor Made R-7 rescue 4 and crushed the ball high into the wind. It appeared to be headed for the flag but I thought that I had hit it long so I approached with a wedge and putter. There was no ball just off the back of the green so I sheepishly walked back to the hole and looked in. Voila! There was my ball. 

Brian Prentice, Peterborough Golf & Country Club, Hole #12

The distance was 175 yards and I used 7 wood. The other three members of our usual Wednesday foursome, Ivan McCully, Davy Boyle and Bill Rogers shared in my lucky accomplishment.

Noah Simon, Whitecourt, Hole #4

It was an 8 iron from 165 yards out and windy conditions. The pin location was tucked in the back behind a bunker. I shot it in front of the hole then spun it back in. 

Mark Smith, Club at North Halton, Hole #17

I was playing with Phil Jones, Andrew Smith and Ian Mcgucken, all from North Halton. It was 132 yards long and I used a 9 iron. Its uphill so we kind of saw it go in, but were not 100% positive, that’s why my putter is in my hand.

Karen Lavoie, Stewart Creek Golf Club, Hole #12

I was playing in an Alberta Golf Upswing event at Stewart Creek on Thursday, May 30^th. In my group were friends Akemi Rodgers, Marcia Wong and Joan Hopgood. The yardage on my watch was 162. I chose a fairway wood because of the cool, overcast conditions. The tee shot was headed a little right of the hole, I was yelling for it to kick left which it did and we all saw it go into the hole. This is my second hole-in-one and Akemi has seen both of them! 

David Barker, Mississippi Golf Club, Hole #16

My hole-in-one was made on a 155 yard par 3 which I hit with my 7 iron. I was playing with my favourite golf buddies Ron and Al.

Chad Smith, Fort McMurray, Hole #6

It was a pretty surreal feeling. I was playing golf with my girlfriend, Charyle Eddy that day. Fresh off making a birdie on the last hole, I stepped onto the tee box on hole #6, Black Bear at the Fort McMurray Golf Club. The hole was playing 143 yards with a blue pin (back pin placement). The air was heavy so I decided to hit a 9 iron. After I hit the shot, I watched the ball take dead aim at the flag stick. The pin was tucked behind the bunker and I could only see the top half of the flag stick. I told Charyle that it would close to the hole. Charyle hit her tee shot and then we headed for the green. As we approached the green, I did not see my ball and assumed it was over the back of the green and laying down in the rough. I started to walk towards the hole and Charyle asked me to wait so that she could record it if it had gone in the hole. She started recording and I walked towards the hole and sure enough there it was laying in the bottom of the cup for an ace! I was super excited for the hole-in-one! Can’t wait for the next one to happen. 

 

Jill Howard, Uplands Golf Club, Hole #4

I had a hole-in-one on hole #4, 148 yards, using a driver with my partners Susan Morriss and Rita Seigo on Sunday, June 16.

Travis Teevens, Greensmere Golf & Country Club, Hole #12

I was playing with my buddies Jesse, Taylor and Matt. We were on the 12th hole of Greensmere Golf and Country Club’s Premiere Course. It was a front pin at 150 yards playing about 130 straight downhill. Shot a pitching wedge and asked right away if it was short. It landed on the fringe then rolled up and in. We were all a little shocked and surprised!

Nathalie Pearsall, Beaconsfield Golf Club, Hole #8

I was playing with my mom (Sue), dad (Doug) and my friend (Phil) whom I met through the game of golf over 15 years ago. I went out on Tuesday, June 4^th to play nine holes and have dinner, the classic nine and dine and ended up with more than I bargained for. Coming to the end of the round on hole #8, I pulled out my 7 iron and aimed for the front right-hand side of the green. The ball landed on the front right and rolled as it curved towards the hole and ultimately disappeared, I was in shock. I started running to the hole with my push cart bouncing along as I almost tripped on my own feet. My friend Phil filmed me and as we got to the hole, I peaked in to see my ball staring back at me. It was a moment full of excitement and I really couldn’t believe it. I’ve been golfing since I was 12 years old and I am now 29. As much as I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve often found it more and more challenging to make time for the game. Late last year I moved to an area that is closer to the course and I’ve made it my mission to schedule in as much golf as possible. The next day, following my hole-in-one, my dad sent me a text saying, “I thought you had given up on golf but golf hasn’t given up on you!” It was a great start to the season and once again, golf has found its way to suck me back in. I look forward to the 2024 season and many more to come. 

Mike Porter, The Dunes at Kamloops, Hole #13

The club I hit was an 8 iron from 164 yards. I was playing with my good friends Matt, Art and Terry.

 

Tyler Heimpel, Rebel Creek Golf Club, Hole #7

I was playing with two of my best friends Kevin Trussler and Chris Bruyn. Rebel Creek hole #7 was playing 153 yards into the wind to a front pin location off the gold tees. The plan was to hit a good 9 iron about 160 yards. It had eyes right of the club face. It hit the green and released about ten feet, right in the hole! The boys went nuts! It was my sixth career ace, third at Rebel Creek. My dad passed away in January of 2022, so to do on Father’s Day, this is my favourite one!

Edward Murphy, Sundre Golf Club, Hole #17

We played the blue tees at Sundre, #17 was 105 yards. I used a 54-degree wedge. My friends Lee Raine and Tracy Beamer were playing with me.

James Mosakos, St. George’s Golf & Country Club, Hole #8

My hole-in-one happened on Sunday June 2, 2024. I was playing with my wife and our two sons (aged 12 and 16). Hole #8 was playing 122 yards (red tees) and I hit 9 iron. This was my second hole-in-one at St. George’s which I got in July 2003 while playing with my father, uncle and best friend. So happy to get this one with my boys there to watch. We got to the play the entire 18 holes thanks to the time of year and I ended up shooting 76 which is very good for me. So exciting all around!

Tony Wilson, Aberdeen Glen Golf Club, Hole #14

I was playing with Tim Dorish and Kyzer Troy Auger who are both members. The hole was playing 137 yards that day. This picture was taken by Tim just a couple of minutes after I made the shot. We had a favourable wind that day on that particular hole and I was not sure if I should hit my pitching wedge or my nine iron. I chose the nine iron and hit it super clean as soon as the ball left the club I said, “oh be the club, be the club, be the club?” All three of us saw it the whole way. The ball landed about 13 inches in front of the hole took one more small bounce and then in. I started playing golf 42 years ago and this is my first hole-in-one.

David Montoya, Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club, Hole #17

It was 136 yards and blustery conditions. Hit with a 7 iron. Playing partners were Mr. Ken Evans Esq. and Dr. Chris Carruthers. It was the par 3 on hole #8 North at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club, my 17th hole that day.

Nicko Lucas, South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club, Hole #8

I was playing with three members of South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club, Ryan Anderson, Lane Robinson and Steve Clairmont. We played the blue tees which was measuring 159 yards. I hit a 9-iron.

Mark McDonough, Norfolk Golf & Country Club, Hole #2

The Norfolk Golf Club Pro Shop employee took my photo after I finished my 9 hole round in the men’s league called “Carter’s.” I used a pitching wedge from 140 yards on hole #2. The green is elevated so I did not see my ball go in the hole. My playing partner, Brian Taylor, confirmed the hole-in-one. The ball carried over the front right green side bunker and landed on the right side and kicked left. That is all we saw from the tee. When we got to the green, we did not see any ball on the surface of the green. My friend, Brian, said the ball is in the hole. I did not believe him and thought my ball went over the green on the left. Sure enough, the ball was in the hole.

Nancy Chen, Hautes Plaines, Hole #7

This was the sixth hole-in-one in my life so far. On Wednesday, June 12, 2024 which was ladies night, I played with another three Chinese ladies, they were Xiaoyin Qiu, Ruixue Huang and Jenny Yan. On hole #7, the flag was on the front, the distance was 107 yards, a bit uphill, between the tee box and the green, there was a big ravine and the wind was on our face. I used the 9 iron club, it was very solid and straight. We saw the ball jump once and disappear. We couldn’t see the ball go in, because it’s uphill, but the direction was good. Jenny shouted, “maybe a hole-in-one.” Ruixue went to green first, she wanted to confirm if it’s a hole-in-one. She waved her hand and told me it’s in.

Last year, July 8, 2023 was my fifth hole-in-one at Hautes Plaines. That day, we played our second round match play. Ruixue Huang and I vs. Manon Lamache and Carole Vachon. We won one hole on hole #16. Last two holes they still had a chance to win. Hole #17, 78 yards, on this green, the right side was higher than the left side. The flag was on the front. I used the 54 degree club, aimed a little bit right of the flag and hit it solid. We all saw the ball landed on the right of the flag and rolled into the hole. We won our match solidly.

My first hole-in-one was on June 18, 2016, at Meadows Country Club East Course hole #7. My second hole-in-one was on July 28th, 2019. It was the intersectional qualifier tournament second round at Hautes Plaines hole #13. My third hole-in-one was on September 8, 2022 at Cloverdale Links Golf Course hole #8. My fourth hole-in-one was on March 2023, I played on a simulator at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club.

Michael Vettese, Cedar Brae Golf Club, Hole #11

It was my first one. I was playing with Jared Geboers and Jonathan Lee. I hit an 8 iron from 150 yards to a front pin at the 11th hole at Cedar Brae.

Bruce Douglas, Gleneagles Golf Course, Hole #5

Hole #5 at Gleneagles is a 115 yard par 3. We were at the hole around nine in the morning on a beautiful sunny day here in West Vancouver, B.C. The green was in the shadows so it was difficult to see the balls land on the green. I hit my gap wedge and it felt and looked great in the air. Tracking straight for the pin. When we walked up to the green there was only one ball on the green. My playing partner said, “maybe your ball is in the hole?” For a moment I thought maybe I hit it so well it somehow went over the green? It was in the hole! I just about broke down and cried right then.

Gerry Aho, Dalewood Golf Club, Hole #13

This was special for a few reasons. This was my second hole-in-one. The first one was at Trafalgar Golf Club designed by Robbie Robinson at the 13th hole. This one was at Dalewood also designed by Robbie Robinson and it was also on hole #13. A very amazing coincidence as both were over water. It was 110 yards and I used my 8 iron. I belong to a seniors group and I was playing with my usual Friday seniors group consisting of Bob Marr, Bill Willoughby and Ken Ling.

Shannon Chattington, Clare Golf & Country Club, Hole #4

Hole #4 at Clare Golf & Country Club from the red tees is 98 yards downhill and over water. I used a 7 iron and two of three friends witnessed it going in the hole.

Ray Eldred, Stone Tree Golf & Fitness Club, Hole #16

I shot my hole-in-one on hole #16 at Stonetree Golf Course on June 5th. The hole was approximately 120 yards and I used a pitching wedge. I was accompanied by Mel Playter, Bill Thompson and Brian Walley.

Kyle Yetman, Galt Country Club, Hole #14

169 yards into the wind and 6 iron was the club.

Travis Burrill, Carlisle Golf Club, Hole #4

It was on the fourth hole on the North course at Carlisle Golf Club, 150 yards. I hit a 5 iron. I did see it land on the green and kick towards the hole but none of us saw it go in the hole due to a knoll in front of the green. We got to the green, couldn’t find the ball, but looked in the hole and there it was. My first hole-in-one.

DuPreez Smith, Loomis Trail Golf Club, Hole #5

I was playing with my old roommate from UBC, Charlie Gunn, and a single who joined us on the tee box of hole #5. He asked if he could join us due to the multiple four-balls ahead of him. His name was Ray, a high school golfer and a member at Loomis Trail Golf Club. He asked if we were “any good at golf,” to which we replied, “No, we’re still figuring this game out.” I then proceeded to tee up my ball and make a hole-in-one! Ray was shocked and exclaimed, “Looks like you figured it out!” 

The yardage was 176 yards, with the pin situated on the back left part of the green. I chose a smooth 7-iron and committed to that. I aimed for the middle-left part of the green and drew the ball back towards the pin. The ball took one hop, checked, and trickled into the hole!

I was in disbelief at first, then overjoyed! Charlie and Ray were both really excited, and we all could not believe what had just happened. The weather was perfect, with clear skies and a slight breeze, making the moment even more memorable.

TORONTO (June 24, 2024) – Golf Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee have announced Team Canada women’s golf athletes nominated to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The two athletes are:

Brooke Henderson (Smiths Falls, Ont.)
Alena Sharp (Hamilton, Ont.)

The two athletes qualified for Team Canada based on their standing on the Official World Golf Rankings at the close of the Olympic qualification period following the completion of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on Sunday, June 23, 2024.  At the close of the Paris 2024 women’s qualification period, Henderson sits 14th on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking and Sharp is 292nd.

The two-year Olympic qualification period for women’s golf saw the athletes earn their spot on Team Canada through their respective results on the LPGA Tour and other women’s global golf competitions. Paris 2024 will mark the third Olympic appearance for both Henderson and Sharp, who competed together at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.  

Henderson was Canada’s top golfer in the sport’s return to the Olympic Games after 112 years, finishing in a tie for seventh at Rio 2016. She then finished tied for 29th at Tokyo 2020. A 13-time winner on the LPGA Tour, including two major titles, Henderson is Canada’s winningest professional golfer of all time. She currently sits fifth on the LPGA Tour’s Race to the CME Globe Rankings, with five top-10 finishes in 14 LPGA Tour starts in 2024. A graduate of Golf Canada’s national team program, Henderson is the only Canadian female athlete to win Canada’s national Junior (2012), Amateur (2013) and National Open Championships (2018 CPKC Women’s Open). 

“Any time you can go and represent your country it’s a very proud moment,” said Henderson. “To be able to wear the Maple Leaf and go to Paris is really exciting for me.”

Sharp, a long-time LPGA Tour member, is no stranger to international competition. She earned a bronze medal for Team Canada at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in Chile. The 43-year old has 16 career top-10 finishes and has made the cut in three of four events played this year on the LPGA Tour. Sharp made 14 cuts in 14 starts on the Epson Tour in 2023 with five top-10 results, including a win at the Champions Fore Change Invitational. She also won the ORORO PGA of Canada Women’s Championship in 2023.

“Reaching the Olympics for a third time was a huge goal of mine coming into this year and I am extremely proud to have achieved it,” said Sharp. “Representing Canada is the highest honour I’ve had in my career.”

Henderson and Sharp will look to become the first Canadian women to win an Olympic golf medal. Canada’s best Olympic finish in women’s golf was Henderson’s tie for seventh at Rio 2016.

Golf Canada’s Director of High Performance Emily Phoenix believes the Olympic and international experience of the athletes will be an asset to the women’s team in Paris.

“Both Brooke and Alena are heading into their third Olympic golf competition and that experience and familiarity is sure to prove beneficial for the athletes,” said Phoenix, who will serve as the Stollery Family Olympic Women’s Team Lead in Paris. “Brooke is a fierce competitor who has proven capable of bringing her best performances to the biggest stage while Alena heads to Paris with a great momentum in returning to the form on the LPGA Tour and earning a bronze medal for Canada at last year’s Pan Am Games golf competition.”

The women’s golf tournament at Paris 2024 will take place August 7 – 10 (Days 12 – 15) at Le Golf National.

“Congratulations to the two Canadian golfers selected to represent Canada in Paris. They will be competing in their third Olympic Games, and their remarkable skills will be crucial assets on the prestigious Golf National course,” said Bruny Surin, Team Canada’s Paris 2024 Chef de Mission. “They are ready to chip away obstacles and represent our country with pride and excellence. Swing strong and play with all your heart!”

Team Canada’s women’s golf team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games also includes the following caddies and support staff:

Caddies & Support Staff
Emily Phoenix (Calgary, Alta.) – Stollery Family Olympic Women’s Team Lead
Brittany Henderson (Smiths Falls, Ont.) – Caddie for Brooke Henderson
Sarah Bowman (Somerset, Penn., USA) – Caddie for Alena Sharp

Nick Taylor and Corey Conners were the two male golfers announced to the Paris 2024 Canadian Olympic Team last week.

Prior to being named to Team Canada, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Organizations.

The latest Team Canada Paris 2024 roster can be found here.

Canadian superstar Brooke Henderson, Lydia Ko, Rose Zhang, Lilia Vu and defending champion Megan Khan headline early commitments to
2024 CPKC Women’s Open

Calgary, Alta. (June 24, 2024) – Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Golf Canada and the LPGA Tour today announced the early commitments scheduled to compete in the historic 50th playing of the CPKC Women’s Open, July 23-28 at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta.

“We are thrilled to have this world-class tournament, with the world’s best golfers, back in Calgary, the home of CPKC’s global headquarters,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and Chief Executive Officer. “This year, our goal is to raise over $2.75 million to support the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the important work being done to help the youngest hearts across Alberta.”

Since 2014, this tournament, which is the marquee event of the CPKC Has Heart community investment program, has helped raise over $19 million to support cardiac research, equipment and care across North America.

The list of early commitments features eight of the current top-10 and 83 of the top-100 players on the 2024 Race to the CME Globe Standings.

Thirteen-time LPGA Tour winner and the winningest golfer in Canadian history Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont. will lead a field that includes three-time CPKC Women’s Open champion Lydia Ko, Minjee Lee, Jennifer Kupcho, In Gee Chun, Danielle Kang, Sei Young Kim, Linn Grant and Maja Stark. Lexi Thompson will also be competing in her final CPKC Women’s Open after announcing she will be retiring from competitive golf at the end of the 2024 season.

Defending champion Megan Khang is among eight past CPKC Women’s Open champions competing for Canada’s National Open Championship including Paula Reto (2022), Jin Young Ko (2019), Brooke Henderson (2018), Ariya Jutanugarn (2016), Britney Lincicome (2011), Cristie Kerr (2006) and three-time winner Lydia Ko (2015, 2013, 2012) who will be chasing a record fourth CPKC Women’s Open title.

Earl Grey Golf Club will welcome nine LPGA Tour in-year winners including 2024 U.S. Women’s Open champion, Yuka Saso. Joining Saso are, Lydia Ko (Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions), Patty Tavatanakit (Honda LPGA Thailand), Hannah Green (HSBC Women’s World Championship and JM Eagle LA Championship), Baily Tardy (Blue Bay LPGA), Rose Zhang (Cognizant Founders Cup), Linnea Strom (ShopRite LPGA Classic), Lilia Vu (Meijer LPGA Classic) and Amy Yang (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship).

Henderson, a CPKC Ambassador who made history at the Wascana Country Club in Regina in 2018 becoming the first Canadian since the late Jocelyne Bourassa, 45 years earlier to win Canada’s National Women’s Open, will be joined by fellow Canadians, Maude-Aimee Leblanc, Maddie Szeryk, Savannah Grewal and Alena Sharp. In addition, Team Canada athletes Lauren Kim and Anna Huang earned exemptions through the Peloton Glencoe Invitational and Ellie Szeryk and Brooke Rivers through the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open, both as part of the She Plays Golf Championship Series, earlier this month.

The 156-player field will be competing at Earl Grey Golf Club for the first time in tournament history. This marks the seventh time the province of Alberta will host the CPKC Women’s Open and first since 2016.

The Calgary golf community is ready for the return to the city with a full roster of over 1,300 volunteers confirmed for the event, strong advanced ticket sales and one of the largest corporate build footprints in event history with a record number of public viewing and hospitality locations built on over half of the golf course.

“We are less than a month away and are very excited to be back in Calgary and the province of Alberta for the 50th playing of the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Ryan Paul, CPKC Women’s Open Tournament Director. “Golf fans in Calgary are in for a very memorable week at a beautiful golf course where the world’s best will compete for our National Open Championship. The CPKC Women’s Open is one of the top three women’s sporting events in Canada and this year is shaping up to be a special one.”

One of Canada’s premier annual sporting events, the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open returns to Calgary riding momentum from being named the LPGA Tour’s Tournament of the Year back-to-back years in 2022 and 2023. The 2023 tournament also won additional awards for Best Sponsorship Activation and Best Volunteer Appreciation at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver. Golf Canada and CPKC also received Gold Driver Awards for Best Sponsor Activation in 2019, 2022 and 2023 as well as Best Community and Charity Engagement in 2017, 2019 and 2022.

CPKC HAS HEART CAMPAIGN TO BENEFIT ALBERTA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
CPKC will once again leave a meaningful legacy in the host community through its CPKC Has Heart program. The official charitable partner of the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open is Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. Last year, CPKC raised nearly $3.5 million for children’s heart health with donations of $2.9 million to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and $580,000 to the Royal Inland Hospital (PIH) Foundation.

ABOUT ALBERTA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation inspires our community to invest in excellence in child health, research, and family centred care. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation provides funding for innovative programs, state-of-the-art equipment, advanced medical training and internationally recognized pediatric research. The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation is a founding partner of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, as well as the primary funder. Donations can be made at cpkcwomensopen.com with all funds raised matched by CPKC. For more information, please visit childrenshospital.ab.ca.

CPKC WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT RETURNS TO KICK OFF TOURNAMENT WEEK
Golf Canada and CPKC will host the seventh annual CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit on Tuesday, July 23 as part of the weeklong excitement of the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open. The CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit is headlined this year by Raven Jemison, President of the Kansas City Current, Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Commissioner of the LPGA and will be hosted by Lindsay Hamilton of TSN. The day will bring together like-minded businesspeople from across the country for a day of networking, empowerment, and philanthropy. For more information, click here.

“THE RINK” FAN EXPERIENCE RETURNS
Fans of all ages will once again be able to experience the week-long celebration of golf highlighted by The Rink on the 17th hole at Earl Grey, and a variety of food and patio experiences at The Fare Way featuring the Keg.

CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN BROADCAST
The 2024 CPKC Women’s Open will feature four days of domestic and international television broadcast coverage including Canadian broadcast partner TSN as well as international coverage on GOLF channel.

KIDS 12-AND-UNDER GET IN FREE
As part of the championship’s commitment to junior golf, admission all week is free for youth aged 12-and-under. General admission tickets provide access to the golf course and enjoy fan activations throughout the property and experience the thrill of major professional golf.

MOBILE APP EXPERIENCE
Experience the CPKC Women’s Open like never before by downloading the Golf Canada Mobile App on your iOS or Android device. Essential features include a live map, leaderboard & pairings, tickets, breaking news, and special events. Plus, use the Golf Canada Mobile App to enhance your experience while playing! Find golf courses, track your game, set up matches against friends, access GPS yardages and more. Click here to download.

ABOUT THE CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN 
The stars of the LPGA Tour will challenge for the CPKC Women’s Open from July 23-28, 2024, at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta. Through its CPKC Has Heart program, title sponsor CPKC will once again make a substantial donation to the host community of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship by supporting the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. The 2024 CPKC Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by CPKC, BDO, Audi, RBC, theScore, Levelwear, Titleist, FootJoy, Hilton, Sleeman Clear 2.0, Think Turkey, The Keg, Johnsonville, Cayman Islands, Masi, Celebrity Cruises, STALK&BARREL, Matt & Steve’s, Pepsi, Connect Hearing, Waste Management, Rolex and is supported by Calgary Tourism. For information visit www.cpkcwomensopen.com/.

ABOUT CPKC
With its global headquarters in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and México, with unrivaled access to major ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada to the Gulf of México to Lázaro Cárdenas, México. Stretching approximately 20,000 route miles and employing 20,000 railroaders, CPKC provides North American customers unparalleled rail service and network reach to key markets across the continent. CPKC is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpkcr.com to learn more about the rail advantages of CPKC.

ABOUT GOLF CANADA 
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 340,100 golfers and 1,505 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

Szeryk and Rivers join Team Canada teammates, Lauren Kim and Anna Huang in earning exemptions through She Plays Golf Championship Series

Pitt Meadows B.C. – Team Canada athletes Ellie Szeryk and Brooke Rivers earned exemptions into the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open after finishing atop the leaderboard at the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open at Pitt Meadows Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, B.C. as part of the She Plays Golf Championship Series.

Szeryk of London, Ont. held the lead in all three rounds, initially sharing the lead with Virginie Ding of Hong Kong following Thursday’s opening round at 4-under. Szeryk followed that with a 6-under 66 on Friday to take the solo lead into Saturday. She finished the tournament at 6-under (68-66-76) to win the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open.

The win at Pitt Meadows is Szeryk’s second title in the past nine months, having won the individual championship at the Jim West Challenge in San Marcos, Texas last October.

With the win Szeryk has earned an exemption into the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta., July 23-28. It will mark the third start in tournament history for the 22-year-old having previously played in 2018 and 2023.

Rivers, of Brampton, Ont. finished the tournament at 2-under (72-69-73) to finish in second and also earn an exemption to compete at Earl Grey. The 19-year-old will be making her second consecutive start at the CPKC Women’s Open after competing last year at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.

The GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open saw a field of 51 golfers (amateur and professional) with five members of the Team Canada program competing in Pitt Meadows. The tournament was the second of three as part of the She Plays Golf Championship Series.

Team Canada athletes Lauren Kim (a) and Anna Huang (a) finished first and second respectively at the Peloton Glencoe Invitational in Calgary, Alta. last weekend, which was the first tournament in the She Plays Golf Championship Series. The ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada from July 2-5 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. is the final stop in the three-tournament series for this season.

She Plays Golf is a citywide celebration of women’s golf anchored in each host market by a $60,000 CAD professional golf championship contested over 54-holes for a field of 60 professionals and elite amateurs. The tournaments are played with a cut after 36-holes and each championship sees players compete for WAGR points and two qualifying spots into the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open. The She Plays Golf Championship Series marks the rebirth of a professional women’s golf tour in Canada.

Players earn points for their finishes in the She Plays Golf Championship Series towards a series-long standings. The golfer with the most points following the final championship will also earn qualification into the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open, if not otherwise qualified and will be supported by Golf Canada’s Q School bursary program if they enter LPGA Q School in the fall.

She Plays Golf Festivals feature inclusive programming for women and girls, addressing gaps in the participation pathway and introducing new women and girls to the game in a safe, fun, and judgment-free environment. Festival activities take place at golf courses across the host city during the same week as the She Plays Golf Championship Series event with activities including introductory “Try Golf” events for women and girls new to golf, professional development for women in coaching, networking socials for women in business and leadership, and more.

For the final standings from the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open, please click here.

For more information on She Plays Golf Festivals and Championship Series and to register, please click here.

It’s been three years since Hamilton’s Alena Sharp played in a major and she feels like her game has evolved to better suit the best-on-best women’s golf tournament.

The 43-year-old Sharp joins Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., and Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on Thursday. Sharp last competed in a major in 2021, playing in the Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship that year.

“I’ve definitely changed quite a bit,” said Sharp. “I used to hit a draw and now I’m hitting a fade, so I think that helps a little bit in majors because usually things are firm, so it might not run out as much on the green. 

“You need to keep evolving and I feel like my game has, so I’m ready for the challenge for the week.”

Sharp tied for 25th at the Women’s PGA Championship in June 2021 and tied for 70th a month later at the Evian Championship. Although a regular on the LPGA Tour in 2022, she didn’t qualify for any of the five majors in women’s golf. 

She held dual membership with the top women’s circuit and the second-tier Epson Tour in 2023, playing in four LPGA events that year.

Sharp qualified for this year’s Women’s PGA Championship based on her 146th ranking on this season’s CME Globe points list.

“We’re playing amazing golf courses and the PGA of America does a great job in elevating the event,” said Sharp, who noted she was glad to see the tournament return to Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Wash., outside of Seattle. “The purse has gone up so much since we started, it’s gone up like 300 per cent.

“Everything about the tournament is top notch.”

Henderson was also glad to return to Salahee, where she won the Women’s PGA Championship in 2016, the first major title of her career and her second win on the LPGA Tour.

“It definitely changed my life back in 2016,” said Henderson. “I received a lot more attention from the fans and the media, and just what I believed I could do moving forward I think changed. 

“Felt like anything was possible after this victory. I really gained a lot from playing and winning here in 2016.”

The women’s world golf rankings will be finalized for Olympics qualifications on Monday, following the conclusion of the Women’s PGA Championship. As the world No. 13 player, Henderson is a lock to represent Canada at the Paris Games in August. 

“Any time you can go and represent your country it’s a very proud moment,” said Henderson, who played for Canada at the 2016 Rio Games and again in Tokyo in 2021, both times with Sharp. “To be able to wear the Maple Leaf and go to Paris is really exciting for me.”

Despite mainly playing in the Epson Tour over the past two years, Sharp is the front-runner to be Henderson’s teammate for a third consecutive Olympics.

“It’s been on my mind,” said Sharp. “I’ve been watching (the rankings) obviously, and I was eager to get back out on the LPGA Tour because you don’t get a lot of points playing on Epson.

“The last two tournaments I was able to make the cut and then just didn’t play well on the weekend but I’ve learned from those two experiences and hope to apply it this week.”

EPSON TOUR — Brigitte Thibault of Rosemere, Que., leads a group of five Canadians into the Island Resort Championship on Friday. She’s No. 111 in the Race for the Card standings. Maddie Szeryk (140th) of London, Ont., as well as unranked players Selena Costabile of Thornhill, Ont., Vancouver’s Leah John and Kate Johnston of Ayr, Ont., are also playing at Sweetgrass Golf Club in Harris, Mich.

RIVERS GOES PRO — Collegiate star Brooke Rivers of Brampton, Ont., has turned professional. The Wake Forest University freshman will play the B.C. Open at Pitt Meadows Golf Club on Thursday. She will also play in the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont., on July 2.

PGA TOUR — Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., is still the top-ranked Canadian heading into the Travelers Championship on Thursday although the rankings are very close. He’s 30th, Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., is 31st, Corey Conners of Listowel, is 33rd and Nick Taylor of Abbotsford is 37th. All four are in the field at TPC Highlands in Cromwell, Conn. Mackenzie Hughes (46th) of Dundas, Ont., and Adam Svensson (88th) of Surrey, B.C., will also tee it up.

KORN FERRY TOUR — Edmonton’s Wil Bateman is the highest ranked Canadian playing in this week’s Compliance Solutions Championship. Bateman is 30th on the second-tier tour’s points list. He’ll be joined at Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club in Norman, Okla., by Etienne Papineau (48th) of St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Que., Sudarshan Yellmaraju (96th) of Mississauga, Ont., and Jared du Toit (117th) of Kimberley, B.C.

CHAMPIONS TOUR — Calgary’s Stephen Ames leads the Schwab Cup points list heading into DICK’S Open En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, N.Y. Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., is 35th on the points list heading into Friday’s first round.

PGA TOUR AMERICAS — The North American swing of the Americas Tour begins on Thursday with The Beachlands Victoria Open at Uplands Golf Club in Victoria. Matthew Anderson of Mississauga and Vancouver’s Stuart Macdonald are Nos. 1 and 4 on the Fortinet Cup standings coming out of the break between the Latin American and North American legs of the third-tier circuit.

A panel of judges has examined over 100 stories, photos, videos and podcasts to identify the finest content created by members of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) in 2023. The judges identified the cream of the crop in eight categories: Column, Profile, Feature, Travel, DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), Photography (Action), Photography (Landscape) and Multimedia.
 
There were some notable highlights from this year’s award, including multiple stories focussing on the ways in which golf is impacting a wide variety of communities and on the meaning of the game and the relationships it produces. There were numerous multiple winners this year, including Bernard Brault, Jason Logan, Curtis Gillespie, Rick Young and the Preferred Lie. ScoreGolf, Golf Canada and The Preferred Lie were among the outlets winning in multiple categories.
 
The full list of GJAC 2024 Media Awards winners is below:
                                                                                                           
Column
First Place: Jason Logan, “Watching Tiger Woods Play Golf Will Never Get Old,” ScoreGolf.com.
Second place: Jason Logan, “The Little Things About Golf,” ScoreGolf Magazine.
Third place: Rick Young, “The Heartbreak – and Unanswered Questions – Around a Golf Course’s Closure,” ScoreGolf.com.
 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
First Place: ModGolf Podcast, “Amy Bockerstette, I Got This,” ModGolf.
Second place: Curtis Gillespie, “In his dream job, Tahlon Sweenie is embracing his Indigenous heritage,” ScoreGolf Magazine.
Third place: Brad Ziemer, “Stroke Survivor Brad Thomas Returns to the Game He Loves,” The Scorecard.
 
Features
First Place: Rick Drennan, “The Enemy Within,” Pro Shop Magazine
Second place: Scot Morison, “Golf Friends are the Best Friends,” ScoreGolf Magazine.
Third place: Jason Logan, “72 Feet to History,” ScoreGolf Magazine.
 
Profiles
First Place: Rick Young, “Mad Scientist,” ScoreGolf Magazine.
Second place: Adam Segal, “The Putting Guru,” ScoreGolf Magazine.
Third place: Curtis Gillespie, “In his dream job, Tahlon Sweenie is embracing his Indigenous heritage,” ScoreGolf Magazine.
 
Photo – Landscape
First Place: Bernard Brault, “On Top of Alcatraz,” Golf Canada.  
Second place: Bernard Brault, “Sunset in the Desert,” Golf Canada.
Third place: Jeff Curlew, “Cabot bagpiper, Cabot Links,” PGA Canada.
 
Photo – Action and People
First Place: Bernard Brault, Champagne Tackle, Golf Canada.
Second place: Bernard Brault, Winning putt, Golf Canada.
Third place: Bernard Brault, Hold on little boy, Golf Canada.
 
Travel
First Place: Curtis Gillespie, “Blown Away,” ScoreGolf Magazine .
Second place: Wes Gilbertson, “A Special Trip,” ScoreGolf.com.
Third place: Jeff Brooke, “San Diego,” Globe and Mail.
 
Multimedia
First Place: Preferred Lie, “Waterton, Season 4, Episode 2,” The Preferred Lie.
Second place: Rob Leth, “7 iron for a Hockey Stick,” PGA Tour Americas.
Third place: Preferred Lie, “Jasper Park Lodge,” The Preferred Lie.
                                                                                   
**
 
Prizes
GJAC would like to thank TaylorMade and Golf Town for the ongoing support of this awards program. It is greatly appreciated by every GJAC member. First place winners in each category will receive a TaylorMade Qi10 driver. Second place winners will receive a TaylorMade Spider Tour putter. Third place winners will receive a $100 gift card from Golf Town. Thank you again to our great sponsors!  
 
Judges
GJAC wishes to offer its thanks to the judges for their effort and insight. This year’s judges were Harvey Freedenberg, Bob Condon, Meggan Gardner, Terry Lenyk, Mike Johnny, Norm MacDonald, Cathy Condon, Tim O’Connor, Lorne Rubenstein, Steve Keating, Bob Weeks, Murray Fraser, Scot Morison and Sandra Thompson.
 
**
 
The annual GJAC golf day event will be held on June 25 and the winners will be briefly recognized at that event. The full list of winners will also be posted on the GJAC website at www.gjac.ca.

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.

Sarah Thompson, Whitevale Golf Club, Hole #12

I was playing with my dad, hole #12 at Whitevale G.C., 120 yards downhill, over water with a front pin guarded by bunkers. I hit a pitching wedge that landed just short of the pin and rolled straight in. My dad asked me, “Where’s the ball?” and I replied, “I believe it’s in the hole!”

Shailine Lai, Bond Head Golf Club, Hole #3

I was playing with my dad for the practice round of the Champion of the Champions at The Club At Bond Head. Hole #3 was playing 135 yards with my 8 iron. My dad had been on the phone with my mom as I was teeing off my shot. As the ball flew onto the green with a slight fade, it landed in front of the pin and rolled into the cup! “It’s in the hole, the ball is in the hole!” my dad shouted, still on the phone with my mom! I was still in shock at what had just happened, with utter happiness. My dad kept shouting “woo hoo!” and “yes” that other players from the other tees could hear him. As we walked onto the green, I picked up my ball from the hole and started to celebrate!

Gary Peterson, Jagare Ridge Golf Club, Hole #13

On Sunday morning I got my sixth career hole-in-0ne while playing with friends Ken Shewchuk and Leslie Copeland. It was Jagare Ridge’s 13th hole a 148 yard hole, with a big right to left sloping green that hit the green and the correct spot and rolled about 25 feet into hole. I used a 7 iron and Titleist ProV ball. I was smoking one of my favourite cigars and we enjoyed a celebratory “birdie juice” after finishing the hole. Very exciting.

Beverly Suits, Salmon Arm Golf Club, Hole #7

I took lessons from Clay Stothers of the Okanagan Golf & Country Club for two years. He teaches the UBCO Heat team and the Academy boys. When we went for our nine hole playing lesson, I had two easy birdies, to which I asked him if that was good? He replied, “you have no idea how much natural talent you have.”

I took up golf around 50 when I moved to the 18th hole of the Quail. I was an international badminton champion (National title at 16 at Vancouver Lawn and Tennis). After so many competitive years in badminton, I didn’t really want to compete in golf. I enjoyed the two or four person team events in golf (I did play one zones, after a lot of encouragement shooting an 78). Won the IronWoman team of four (me being the weakest), shooting 72 from the black! Gallaghers Pro-Am and many more. It seems racquet sports and hockey transfer well to golf?

Barry Leavitt, Dominion Golf & Country Club, Hole #7

I was playing with my long time golf friend Mike W. along with his partner Karen M. and Mike’s brother Dave. We’ve played this track every Saturday morning for a quick nine holes before the rest of our families role out of bed for many years and May 18 was no different. I had honours stepping onto the 7th tee and scoped the pin at 167 yards. I pulled 6 iron and flushed my shot straight at the pin. Uncharacteristically, it never wavered from the line and with the elevated green we thought it was close but not sure how close. As I approached the green I couldn’t see my ball so reasonably, I pulled out my pitching wedge and putter to climb up to the green thinking I probably rolled off the back or something. A quick scan of the green area didn’t reveal my ball so I boldly walked to the cup for a peek and there it sat smiling back at me. High fives all around and I happily held the flag as the rest of the group finished up. With all the excitement don’t ask me how I did on the next hole!

Kim Furlotte, Water Valley Golf Course, Hole #13

I made a hole-in-one on hole #13 of the Water Valley Golf Course on June 12th. It was par 3 at 116 yards, using an 8 iron.

Chris Mack, National Pines Golf Club, Hole #15

I finally made my first hole-in-one at age 58. I was playing with some buddies at the Pines of Georgina in Pefferlaw. The back was going much better than the front when we made it to the 161 yard hole #18. I hit a 5 iron and we thought we were watching it roll off the back. We got up there and broke out in cheers when we saw my ball in the cup. The group behind us knew immediately what had happened. We took pictures and celebrated with a couple of beers afterwards. The staff made a big deal of it. Everyone at the clubhouse was just as excited as I was. It was awesome to have some long time golfing buddies witness it. I’m going to go out and try again the next day.

Daren Bulat, Country Hills Golf Club, Hole #8

I was playing with Kirby Lindal, Mark Malone and Matt Hanak. The yardage was 124 and I used a gap wedge.

Rob Dietz, Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, Hole #5

On June 16, at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, I got my fourth hole-in-one on Sidewinder hole #5. It was playing 165 yards to a back pin and I used a 6 iron. I knew it was a good shot when it came off the club. It took a bounce and made its way to the hole and then it disappeared. My wife Gail was there to witness. She has a lot of catching up to do since she only has one hole-in-one.

Kobe Menzies, Kamloops, Hole #6

I was playing with Carver Millard and Greg Ross from the Zone 2 Tour and had my dad out following me around that day. We got up to the sixth tee box and were chatting about a hole-in-one and I jokingly asked if Carver would pull the pin as I was getting a hole-in-one. I hit a 5 wood from 172 yards and after I hit it, I knew it would be close. Then it rolled up to the hole and disappeared! It was exciting to have my dad there to see it!

David Beyers, Chedoke Golf Club, Hole #10

I was playing with my friend Liam Crowder and the hole was 153 downhill. I hit a pitching wedge.

Nick Magyar, Pointe West Golf Club, Hole #17

I was playing with my normal weekend group, Mike Vrionis, Leslie Rahie and Buck Marchand. It was a 135 yard shot and I hit a 52 degree wedge. This was a great early birthday present for myself, and we celebrated appropriately on the patio after our round!

Romeo Persaud, Cherry Downs, Hole #4

I was playing with Jim Cain and Vince Wong. The fourth hole yardage played at 161 yards, as per my Nikon Coolshot Pro ll. I used my 7 iron (TM P790) and hit a low cut into the front of the green and rolled right up and in. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to actually see the ball go in, due to the pin placement, which left me on pins and needles upon my approach.

Stephen Godden, Cardinal Lakes Golf Club, Hole #2

Hole-in-one happened on May 21st at Cardinal Lakes Golf Club.

Haley Schneider, Desert Blume Golf Club, Hole #2

It was a surreal moment for sure! I was playing with my ladies league team that night. It was 132 yards uphill to a blind green. And I used a 7 iron. I didn’t even see it drop in the hole, we drove up to the green and I grabbed my putter. Walked on the green and thought I had rolled off the side, my friend jokingly said, “check the hole” so I walked over, looked down and there it was!

Ian Kingham, Greyhawk Golf Club, Hole #8

On May 22, 2024, I was playing the Predator Course at Greyhawk with three golfing buddies (Ron Allenby, Jean Boisvert and Mike Kelly). We were all playing from the white tees (5923 yards). The weather was great, not too hot or cold. I was using a Callaway Chrome Soft golf ball. I was even par after the first seven holes. The eighth hole was playing 163 yards from the whites to a white pin slightly right of center. I hit a 7 iron to just below and left of the hole and we all watched it roll up and disappear. I was somewhat skeptical that it had in fact gone in the hole but sure enough when we got to the green it was in the hole. I called it in and after the round everyone got a free drink as is the custom at Greyhawk. I was quite happy with the experience including my total score of 73 for the round. This was the second best score I’d ever had, eclipsed only by my previous round of 72. Of course, as is common with amateur golfers I haven’t come close to that since, averaging between 78 and 83 but hopefully the good golf will return soon. I am 60 years old, not a long ball hitter, but not overly short either and was having a week where it was going straight shot after shot. My irons are PXG 0311XP’s. I was very happy to have had those two games, including the hole-in-one, to have had my buddies there to witness and celebrate with me and it’s an experience I’ll never forget, but hope to repeat.

 

Ryan Chin, Mill Run, Hole #8

It was during the club’s Ryder Cup tournament and I was paired with Mike Brand, Jeff Benedetto and Ryan Fox. The hole #8 at Grist and approximately 167 yards to the hole. The club I used during the shot was a Srixon Z-forged 6 iron.

Kirby Peters, Toronto Hunt, Hole #6

Hole #6 at the Toronto Hunt. Coincidentally it was the second ace that day at the Hunt. Kyle Nichols scored one on our third hole. I was playing with my wife Jennifer Peters and Scott and Mary Tomenson. The hole was playing 122 yards. I hit an 9 iron. I’m a lucky guy. I now have a career four aces.

Bob Plamondon, Royal Ottawa Golf Club, Hole #8

It was hole #8, about 210 yards, uphill, with a driver. It is my third hole-in-one and my second on that hole.

Kevin Hunt, Timberwolf Golf Club, Hole #13

I was playing with Rob Godin, Steve Boyd and Richard Daypak. It was a little wind from the west, and I was hitting into the breeze. The hole was 115 yards and I hit my 50-degree gap wedge. It was heading straight on course all the way. Ball landed two yards from the hole and rolled so slow into the hole. We weren’t positive it went in, but I was pretty sure. If the hole was feet further, I don’t think it would have made it.

 

Joe Lewis, Rebel Creek Golf Club, Hole #17

A beautiful Wednesday afternoon was capped off with my third hole-in-one during a Rebel Creek two man net team match. A tight match with my partner Steve Johannes against Club Pro Robert Hannah and Rebel Creek employee Liam Schweitzer. The scene of the crime was hole #17, blue tees 135 yards into a right to left hurting wind, probably playing 145 yards directly into the setting sun. Easy 9 iron all day. When I hit the shot I knew it was good, as I was just trying to hit the green for our team net match as our competitors were stroking. I lost the ball halfway to the hole due to the sun being directly into my face. As I started walking back to the cart we heard our playing partner Liam yell, “I think it went in!” Turns out Liam was the only one with young eyes who saw the ball the entire way spin off the backstop right into the cup! As it would play out that would be the only hole I won for our team all day and funny enough I was almost sawed off by Rob with a near birdie miss while stroking, thankfully Rob is a nice guy and let me have my moment. Just another day trying to put the thing in the thing!

Sean Silang, Royal Ontario Golf Club, Hole #8

I was playing with my friend Jack Karosas. The yardage was 152 and I used a 9 iron.

Kevin Delahunt, Abercrombie Country Club, Hole #8

It was such a thrill (it was my first hole-in-one). I was playing with Callahan Murphy, Kyle Cruickshanks and Mark Gagnier. I hit an 8 iron and it was playing 170yds that day. Big swooping draw that landed on the right side of the green and rolled all the way to the left side, dropping into the cup. 

Kyle Wood, Country Hills Golf Club, Hole #12

I was playing with Andrew Coppold, Curtis McConnell and Jay Barnett. I hit a 9 iron from 157 yards.

Greig Malcom, Whispering Pines, Hole #5

119 yards using a 9 iron into a big wind.

Cooper Anderson, Fort William Country Club, Hole #2

It was a 9 iron from 161 yards. My second hole-in-one, both on the same hole.

Paul Stimpson, Rossmere Country Club, Hole #3

It was at Rossmere Country Club, white flag, hole #3 and 170 yards. I was playing with Kent Simmons, Ed Byard and Mark Manzer.

Bryden Dilley, Idylwylde, Hole #4

I was 151 yards from pin, into the wind and used my 7 iron. I was playing with Lana from Calgary and Mackenzie from Windsor.

Vic Juzenas, Settlers Ghost Golf Club, Hole #16

I was playing with Linas Balaisis (on my right) and John Butkus (on my left). It was hole #16 at Settlers Ghost in Barrie, Ontario. Club used was a pitching wedge. Yardage that day was 128 according to range finder.

Markus Boguslavsky, Redwood Meadows Golf & Country Club, Hole #15

I was playing with three great buddies: Logan Drackett, Jack Moroney and Connor Blake. 154 yards with a pitching wedge. Hit it pure and it essentially dunked and went right in. Caught the front lip and splashed.

Elsie Castor, Lynx Ridge Golf Club, Hole #17

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 seemed like a normal golf day until hole #17 at Lynx Ridge Golf Club. The flag was blue and from the forward (red) tee it was approximately 128 yards. The path to the flag was not an easy one as you had to go over water and a sand bunker so I used my 7 wood to give myself the best chance. I was golfing with my husband and two others, all members of the club. What made it more special was the club head teaching professional Kaleb Gorbahn happened to be at the hole and watched everything from the ball flight to landing on the green to rolling in the hole. A very exciting day that I will not forget.

A.J. Mink, Parry Sound, Hole #2

It was a 114 yards and hit a 54 degree wedge and it one hopped and it disappeared. Andrew, Connor and Daniel are all members of the course. The pin was kind of tucked and I was not 100 percent if it went in as the pin was kind of tucked but, both my playing partners were very confident. I think I was in such shock that it went in that I did not even know how to react. It was a really cool feeling though.

Mark Payne, Brampton Golf Club, Hole #13

Brampton Golf Club, June 7^th, windy overcast day, bands of rain bringing downpours sideways, our group was half soaked but powered on. Double bogeyed the 12^th hole while eating a Tuna sandwich. Then it happened. 13th hole, playing 140 yards, with an accessible pin placement front left. Hit a 9 iron dead straight and on line, landed on the green a few yards short, rolled, struck the right side of the pin and dropped! Golfing with my dad, brother and brother-in-law. Still can’t believe it. Shout out to whoever made that sandwich.

Patrick Duggan, St. George’s Golf & Country Club, Hole #6, Hole #3 and Hole #6

Beauty day, calm, no wind, Saturday evening round. Hole #6, 125 yards with a pitching wedge. It never left the flag; dunked straight in! As a former university basketball player and now coach of my daughter’s Etobicoke Thunder U16 basketball team I liked seeing it go straight in the cup, “swish!” I went nuts and my son James (15, competing on CJGA now) ran 20 yards full tilt jumping in the air for a big hug.

It was awesome, we were pumped. It was a great father son moment that we will never forget. To add to it, on the tee my son James said to me before we teed off, “Dad, yesterday I almost had a hole-in-one on this hole – hit it to two feet!” I replied, “buddy that’s amazing” and then turned to the other player in our group (Nathan Whale) and said, “have you ever had a hole-in-one?” He replied, “nope.” I said, “well then boys, why not today then.” I then stepped up to tee off and boom, it goes in! Nathan yells, “oh my god!” He just manifested it into reality!

After i had my first ever hole in one earlier in June, I did it again, well, and again, in the same round on Thursday night! It was crazy. 

St George’s Golf club, Hole #3, 180 yards with a 7-iron. Only 40 minutes later I did it again,  Hole #6, 110 yards with a 50 degree wedge.

We all couldn’t believe it. Course was full that evening and we all had a great laugh with the groups in front and behind us. It was unreal and a round I’ll never forget.

That makes three in June. The first one was with my son close to Fathers Day weekend. It was a special moment. The other two were during a round with a great friend. Our plan was to do 9 and dine and have dinner with our wives after, however, once I had two aces in the front we had to keep playing! Met up as couples later that evening once off the course to celebrate. So fun.

Figured I’d share as I’m being told odds of two hole-in-one’s in a single round are 67 million to one. Not sure what they are for three in a month!

Reef Caulder, Inglewood, Hole #17

I was playing the 17^th hole at Inglewood Golf and Curling Club with Ken Kajita and Paul Macleoud on a gusty evening. Hole was 190 yards into the wind with a 5-iron and Ken was the first to say, “I think that went in!”

Randy Franks, Brookfield Golf Club, Hole #1

I thought this moment would never come, but today was the day! Golfing with Scot Foster at Brookfield in Cambridge was the setting. My first swing of the day on hole #1 red. Shot was flush and we did not see the result. It was quite a surprise when we found my ball in the cup.