HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – The Royal Bank of Canada will return as title sponsor for the RBC Heritage in 2017.

RBC has sponsored the championship for the past five years. The agreement was extended for one year as all parties work toward a more long-term deal.

The tournament won’t have to go back to the sponsor-less days after Verizon decided to end its deal after the 2010 event. The tournament went a year without a title sponsor before forging the agreement with RBC and Boeing – who also agreed to a 1-year extension.

John Taft, CEO of RBC’s U.S. wealth management unit, announced the agreement earlier this week at Harbour Town Golf Links.

The tournament starts Thursday with the final round Sunday.

RBC is also title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open.

Don’t let the label “Iron Lady Golf” mislead you.

Lindsay Knowlton is anything but an “Iron Lady”, despite the title of her initiative of the same name (www.ironladygolf.com), aimed at introducing women to golf.

In fact, Knowlton’s entrée to the game was a touch romantic. “As a teenager, I went to the course with my dad and saw a good-looking guy there and thought, ‘Hmm. Maybe if I hang out here enough, he might notice me.’”

While the outcome of that summer crush remains unreported, it led to a lifetime commitment to golf and the eventual upshot for women looking to get into the game is indisputable.

Knowlton, a former Golf Canada team member, attended Ohio State University on a golf scholarship where she captained the team and was named an all-American. Upon graduation, she moved into a sports-related career with TaylorMade adidas Golf, LANG Marketing and Puma.

As is often the case, it was a chance encounter that focused her ambitions.

“I was sitting in a coffee shop with a friend, talking about a concept I had about taking the intimidation factor for women out of golf, when I noticed a gentleman nearby listening intently.”

That gentleman was a senior executive at one of Canada’s largest insurance companies. He gave Knowlton his card and asked her to call him. Shortly thereafter, she was speaking to a group of women executives at his company about how to get into the game.

“I told them they should say ‘yes’ to golf for so many business and social reasons. My objective was to help them overcome the fear and intimidation that so many women have about getting into the game.”

That was five years ago. It was a message well-received. And it was the genesis of Iron Lady Golf.

Knowlton sensed that this was an untapped and, historically, a challenging demographic segment for golf.

“I got such a positive reaction every time I spoke to women at every level, from corporations to high schools to schools of business. My challenge was to overcome that intimidation factor, that fear of the unknown, that women have about golf.

“I guess you could call me a ‘golf therapist.’ My approach is far less about the swing itself than opening the door to an opportunity to build relationships, socially and in business.”

Knowlton’s business now includes clinics, group and private lessons, and retreats.

“I wish I could explain why women seem to have more psychological and sociological barriers than men when it comes to trying golf. I guess we’re just wired differently. It is something we must overcome and my concept is dedicated to that.

“What is most important to me is seeing someone, a total newbie, who is petrified when they walk in the door and then they leave with a smile on their face after one of my sessions and tell me, ‘I can’t wait to golf.’ That makes everything worthwhile.”

For the record, even though that summer crush is long gone, Knowlton still plays golf with her father.

“In what other sport could I do that? That is just one of the reasons you should love this game.”

Golf Canada is fortunate to be represented by a knowledgeable team of individuals who truly believe in the game of golf and everything for which it stands. In addition to the wonderful work being put forth by the Provincial Golf Associations, Golf Canada’s Regional Directors serve to better connect the National Sports Federation with the thousands of golfers across the country – to hear their voices and to tell their stories – in an effort to strengthen Canada as a golfing nation.

When he was 10, Jeff Hutt picked up his first set of golf clubs at the Fredericton Golf Club and hasn’t been able to put them down since. Nothing stops Jeff from playing – after suffering a bad shoulder injury in 2008, he switched from left- to right-handed for the following two summers and became a 7-handicap on both sides of the ball.

In 2002, Jeff took on his first job in the golf industry, learning the importance of member satisfaction and customer service at Fredericton’s Kingswood Golf Course.  After a few summers, he was promoted to the proshop where he gained valuable experience in sales, club repair services, merchandising, and retail management. Four years later, he completed the Holland College Golf Club Management Program and then graduated with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism from the University of New Brunswick.

Jeff began working for Golf New Brunswick in 2010 in support of junior development and the provincial marketing program.  Within three years, he transitioned into marketing and administration for the Provincial Golf Association.

Armed with 15 years of practical experience and in-depth knowledge of the golf industry, Jeff Hutt joined Golf Canada in 2016 as Regional Director for the Maritimes.

Guy Bernier entered the golf industry in 1981 as a sales representative for Spalding-Top Flite Canada. The Montreal native’s journey with the game led him to Callaway Golf in the role of territory manager for 13 years where he serviced Quebec and the Ottawa Valley. At the end of 2008, Guy answered the call of retirement, but realized after two months that he could not stay away.

The lure of golf drew Guy back to the game and he opened a sales agency, working with golf’s biggest brands. Guy went on to spend time exploring other interests in life, but whichever direction he pursued, he always found himself drawn back to the sport he loved.

2016 provided Guy with an exciting opportunity to give back to golf and once again work in the sport which has given him so much. Through the support of a loving wife, two proud sons and his status as a newly-minted grandfather, Bernier considers himself to once again be the happiest “Guy” in the golf business. With an inspiring passion for the game and a deep familiarity with the region, Guy Bernier joined Golf Canada as its Regional Director for Quebec and the Ottawa Valley.

Christine Dengel is a PGA of Canada golf professional who has accrued more than 30 years of experience in almost every facet of the golf industry.

Prior to joining Golf Canada, Christine was a Territory Sales Manager for Callaway Golf Canada for 19 years. During her time with Callaway, she managed the Greater Toronto Area and Southwestern Ontario territory from 1992-2005 and has managed the Southern Ontario territory since 2006.

Throughout her journey with the game, the Chatham-Kent, Ont., resident has developed an unwavering passion for golf and a steadfast commitment to its development and promotion. Since 2011, Christine has served as Golf Canada’s Regional Director, Membership, Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

Blair Armitage’s love for the game has seen him travel across the nation, having served as General Manager of Dalewood Golf Club in Port Hope, Ont., before taking the post of General Manager at Quilchena Golf & Country Club in Richmond, B.C.

The Vancouver resident is a past President of the Canadian Society of Club Managers, Pacific Branch and a former Director of the British Columbia Golf Marketing Alliance. These experiences have not only broadened his understanding of the intricacies of the sport, but also deepened his appreciation for the game he loves.

Blair began his tenure with Golf Canada as its Regional Director of Membership for Western Canada in 2009.

Golf Canada’s quartet of Regional Directors serves as ambassadors for the National Sports Federation at the club and regional levels. They support Golf Canada programming and liaise with the Provincial Golf Associations with the goal of building a golf community that reaches coast to coast. Region-specific questions and comments can be directed to each Regional Director at:

• Blair Armitage – Western Canada – barmitage@golfcanada.ca
• Guy Bernier – Quebec and Ottawa Valley – gbernier@golfcanada.ca
• Christine Dengel – Ontario and Atlantic Canada – cdengel@golfcanada.ca
• Jeffrey Hutt – Maritimes – jhutt@golfcanada.ca

TORONTO – Canada’s Summer Olympic and Paralympic athletes will be in classic form as they suit up for Rio, sporting traditional styles steeped in the country’s colours and showcasing iconic national symbols.

The latest designs from official outfitter Hudson’s Bay Co. were unveiled live Tuesday night in a dedicated stream on Team Canada’s Facebook page.

In a move that’s being billed as a first, viewers were able to get a glimpse at the uniforms Canada’s athletes will wear at the opening and closing ceremonies months before the Games actually get underway.

Canadian twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten who helm the label Dsquared2 were enlisted to design the opening ceremony outfit. The ensemble is a formal take on athleticwear, incorporating a red, white and black palette.

The opening ceremony look includes a red jacket fashioned from the blend of a windbreaker and tailored blazer, featuring flap pockets, rubberized buttons and a zip pocket on the chest. The back of the jacket has tails with an elastic drawstring and a 3D print of the word “Canada” and the Maple Leaf.

A white jersey T-shirt with tailored sleeves and tails, and a tapered woollen track pant complete the ensemble, which will be accessorized with a classic Dsquared2 trucker hat.

The opening ceremony outfit will also be accompanied by a limited-edition line of T-shirts. The capsule collection includes illustrations of iconic Canadian creatures, including a bear, squirrel and beaver teamed with the Maple Leaf.

Canadian medallists will be sporting a classic track jacket on the podium with the a bold “Canada” wordmark in a colour-blocked band across the chest.

The Canadian kit also features a full complement of sporty hoodies and T-shirts.

“It’s got a very strong and modern and iconic feel, but also has stayed very, very Canadian – and that’s my favourite part about it,” said canoeist Ben Russell.

The apparel and accessories line is priced from $15 to $150. Select items will be available to shop online this week, while the official replica wear will be available at all Hudson’s Bay stores beginning May 4.

The Rio Olympics will take place Aug. 5-21. The Paralympics will be held Sept. 7-18.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL LINE

Golf returns to the Olympic Games for the first time since 1904 in Rio. Players on both the men’s and women’s side of the game will be fighting for one of 60 spots in their respective fields.

Players will compete for their country in a 72-hole individual stroke play competition. In the event of a tie for first, second or third place, a play-off or multiple playoffs shall be conducted to determine the gold, silver and bronze medal.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has restricted the International Golf Federation (IGF) to an Olympic field of 60 players. The Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings will be used to determine the Olympics golf rankings. The top 15 world-ranked players will be eligible for the Olympics, with a limit of four players from a given country. Beyond the top 15, players will be eligible based on the world rankings, with a maximum of two eligible players from each country that does not already have two or more players among the top 15. The qualification period ends July 11, 2016.

The Canadian Olympic golf uniform will be unveiled May 11th at Lambton Golf and Country Club in Toronto.

STOUFVILLE, Ont. – Granite Golf Club is embracing cycling—on and off the course.

This season, Granite Golf Club which is located just north-east of Toronto, will be among the first private golf clubs in Canada to offer Golf Bikes as a means of allowing golfers to play a quick round while providing valuable exercise.

“Granite Golf Club prides itself on looking forward, while still embracing the traditions of the game,” says General Manager
Murray Blair. “We feel the Golf Bike is a great fit for a club with an active, engaged, and energetic membership. The opportunity to
put your clubs in the back, jump on a bike and cycle for a quick morning or evening round really elevates the experience.”

The Golf Bike was conceived 15 years ago by avid cyclist Todd May as a means of combining his passions of biking and playing
golf. A prototype was first demonstrated in 2010 and the concept was presented at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando
three years ago. The bike has made significant inroads since its commercial introduction.

“With The Golf Bike, I have combined the benefits of [cycling and golf], bringing the elements of fun, fitness and speed of play
to the greatest game ever played,” May says. “This new spin on an old tradition will provide the avid golfer with the ability to play
at the speed of a cart while getting paid back with fun and fitness.”

Members will be able to use the Golf Bike by simply transferring their clubs to the attached bags, and heading out on the course.

Golf Bikes cuts the average time of a round to around three hours, an important element when lifestyle demands often limit the
amount of time players can allocate for the game they love.

Granite Golf Club is also starting a cycling club this spring, open to members of the golf club, as well as the historic
Granite Club in Toronto. Members will take to the picturesque roads that surround the club, an area that is already very popular
with Toronto-area cyclists wanting to escape the city and explore the countryside on two wheels. There is even on site bike
storage for members who do not want the hassle of transporting their bike back home following their ride.

“ With flexible membership offerings and a relaxed, refined familyoriented culture, Granite Golf Club is really expanding the notion of
what people consider a member club,” says Blair. “This is what the modern club member wants—unique and interesting experiences they
can participate in with friends and family. And that’s exactly what Granite provides.”

For more information on Granite Golf Club, visit www.granitegolfclub.ca.

CARLSBAD, Calif. – COBRA PUMA GOLF has announced a long-term partnership with Bryson DeChambeau the 22-year-old phenom who last year became only the fifth golfer ever to win the NCAA Men’s Individual Championship and the U.S. Amateur in the same calendar year.

DeChambeau, who is playing his first pro tournament this week at the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head Island, S.C., will be wearing PUMA Golf apparel, accessories and footwear during all his on-course play, incorporating his signature Hogan Driver Cap and Red, White & Blue ensemble on Sundays, a nod to his alma mater – Southern Methodist University. Additionally, he will fill his COBRA staff bag with COBRA Golf equipment during tournament play.

“Bryson has this unique combination of talent, ingenuity and personality that makes him such a dynamic golfer and a great fit for the COBRA PUMA GOLF brands. He shares in our mission of Game Enjoyment and our desire to grow the game and make it more fun and inclusive for golfers of all levels,” said Robert Philion, President & CEO of COBRA PUMA Golf. “Right away we noticed his progressive approach to the game, which is rooted in science and art, along with his passion and dedication. We can’t be more thrilled to have him as part of our COBRA PUMA GOLF family.”

“I believe that I found the perfect partner in COBRA PUMA GOLF,” said DeChambeau. “The COBRA and PUMA brands complement my style, attitude and desire to be innovative, while allowing me to continue to be myself, and think outside the box. I’m really thrilled to be part of this cutting-edge and creative company.”

What’s currently in DeChambeau’s bag:

• Driver: Cobra King F6+ Pro 7^o | Oban Kiyoshi Tour Limited 70X | 45 in” | weight removed
• 3 wood: Cobra King F6 14.2^o | Oban Kiyoshi Tour Limited 70X | 43 in” | 61.5 ^o
• Utility: KING Utility Iron 18.5 ^o D | Project X HZRDUS Black Hybrid 6.5 105x
• Irons: Edel Prototype (3-P) | KBS Tour C-Taper Lite 115X |37.5 in”, 73 o | Lofts: 25 (3), 30 (5), 34 (6), 38 (7), 42 (8), 46 (P)
• Wedges: Cobra King V Grind 50°, 55° and 60° | 37.5 in” 73 o

For more information about COBRA PUMA GOLF’s athletes, brand ambassadors and product, please visit www.cobragolf.ca.

As the sweating glass bottle of cool Coco-Cola that Matthew Yustin had hidden behind his principal’s seat in the school cafeteria started to wobble, the Canadian had no idea how much trouble he was going to get into. Nor did he know that “The Real Thing” would change his life forever.

The 14-year-old, Grade 8 student from Toronto had been attending Singapore American School for a couple of years, while his dad was working in Hong Kong. On this day, the clever practical joker nonchalantly crept behind the wooden picnic bench where Principal Fogie was sitting with the rest of the faculty and placed the bottle precariously on the edge. With 200 children eating lunch and a slab of hard concrete as the floor, the stage was set. As Principal Fogie stood up to leave, the bottle came toppling down, exploding with a crashing spray that dampened many a teacher and students.

“It really was quite funny. All the kids burst out laughing and clapped their hands and I ran up the hill and laughed my ass of,” says Yustin, who was recently named the PGA of Ontario Golf Professional of the Year for 2015. Needless to say, Principal Fogie was seriously pissed, and Matthew was suspended, for the first and only time in his life.

To this point in his life, Yustin hadn’t played any golf, didn’t really understand the game, preferring motocross. As a form of punishment, his mother forced Matthew to attend the Singapore Open to keep the teen out of her hair for a few days.

“It was March 16^th when I went to the Friday round. I fell in love with the game at that very instant, then followed him for two more days on the weekend,” says Yustin who is now 58 and has three of his own children, Alexandra, 24, Matthew Jr., 18 and Gracie, 16 with his wife Andrea.

“I followed Dean May, a cool California dude with long, blond haired and had a blast each and every day. I had our chauffeur take me to get my hair cut just like Dean’s, bought some polyester pants to match his look and started taking lessons on the Monday from Norman Von Nida, a very famous Australian PGA touring pro and coach who taught David Graham to play. It was love at first sight, the real thing for me and it hasn’t diminished one bit.”

Five years later, the Yustin’s returned to Canada and Matthew, who was a scratch golfer at that time, started playing golf at St. George’s Golf & Country Club where his father was a member. He spent four years taking Soviet Studies at the University of Toronto, but in reality he had golf on his brain 24/7 and he would sit in class doodling and drawing golf holes  . . .  It’s still on his mind as much today and one of the reasons, even after 30 years in the business, that he’s at the top of his game as one of the top golf professionals in the country.

It was almost lights out for Yustin in 1985 as the 26-year-old drove home from an assistant’s golf tournament at The National Golf Club of Canada.

“I woke up in the driver’s seat screaming in pain, I was trapped and the priest was giving me my last rights,” says Yustin who suffered a broken leg, broken femur, broken pelvis, broken hip, broken knee, broken nose, a half-dozen broke ribs and loss of bunch of teeth as a result of the carelessness of a drunken driver. “I listen to the news today, 30 years later and so little has changed, it’s disgusting.” After two years of rehab, he learned to walk again, but he lives with the pain and memories every day.

As far as a golf career goes in the Greater Toronto Area, it’s would be difficult to come up with a better list of employers than Yustin’s. He first worked as an assistant at Oakdale Golf & Country Club for five years and Mississaugua Golf & Country Club for three years – then as a head professional at The Mandarin Golf & Country Club for a decade and Lambton Golf & Country Club where he has been since 2004.

“Gar Hamilton has been my role model and mentor in this business. In my eyes he is the epitome of what it takes to be a club professional. After I worked for him at Mississaugua I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life, be a head professional at a private club with ivy on the clubhouse in the GTA,” says Yustin, who also gives kudos to the likes of Neil Verwey from St. George’s Golf & Country Club, Phil Hardy from Beacon Hall for steering him in the right direction and PGA of Canada Master Professional Bruce McCarrol.

In the fall of 1992, Yustin was playing golf with Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dave Stieb at Mississaugua when he received a call from a friend at Lambton with connections at Mandarin. They were interviewing that night for a new head professional and Yustin had one moment to decide if he wanted to drop everything and head downtown for an interview or finish the game. Yustin left Stieb on the 16^th, printed out his resume in the golf shop and headed to Toronto.

“I walked into the job interview and started speaking Chinese, that I had learned while being in Singapore, and the job was mine,” says Yustin who cracked open “The Real Thing” to celebrate.

At Lambton, Yustin and his team, which includes PGA of Canada professionals Chris Vasey, Darryl Pan and Steve Manock, who transferred from The Mandarin when Yustin came on board, have continued to provide a level of service that the club had not previously experienced. His wife, Andrea does all the merchandising and all their children worked in the shop at one time or another.

“When I was hired I made a promise to provide members with a gold level standard of service similar to what guests of the Ritz Carlton Hotel experience and we try to improve on that daily,” says Yustin who has filled the golf shop with antiques to give it a personal touch. “We provide a level of service that goes beyond the expectations of our members and their guests, that is all I ask of my staff,” he says, noting that can mean long days at the club, but as another Coca-Cola slogan says goes, “You can’t beat the feeling.”

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru is pleased to announce a one-year agreement with adidas Canada, who have signed on as the exclusive apparel partner of the program.

Committed to growing women’s participation, Golf Fore the Cure boasts over 100,000 participants throughout 12 seasons. During that period, the program has raised over $5.4 million dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society and Québec Breast Cancer Foundation in support of breast cancer research.

“Golf Fore the Cure has a long track record of growing participation in the sport and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Lesley Hawkins, Brand Director of adidas Golf. “We are excited to enter into this partnership and are honoured to be the exclusive apparel partner for a program centred around such a great cause.”

As a Pink Partner of Golf Fore the Cure, adidas Canada will provide uniforms for each site coordinator and National Event participant, a $100 online gift card to the leading fundraiser at each event, full outfits for the top-three fundraising teams and a cash investment towards the program.

“adidas has a lengthy history of supporting recreational sport and we are thrilled to align the brand with Golf Fore the Cure,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “The iconic adidas mark represents a fantastic opportunity to engage more women in our sport and we look forward to a very successful partnership.”

There is no cost to you or your club to participate! Click here to register for Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru.

In a time when some question the future of our sport, golfers in the Brantford area have been very passionate recently in defence of one of the city’s municipal golf facilities that was on the verge of closure. Council has just voted to keep the course open after the rallying cry of area residents.  Now…what is next for Arrowdale Golf Club?

Enter Director of Operations, Jeff Moore – a PGA of Canada Professional with a long history of successful junior programs. Jeff has a new focus and a new vision for Arrowdale – as the perfect place to begin learning and enjoying the game.  Jeff believes that “if you take care of the kids, the parents are not going to be too far behind.” It’s important to look at the present…and the future.

I have long said that golf has been good to my family and I would not trade our memories made on the golf course over the years for anything.  I believe that the strength of our future as a sport lies in being a fun family activity. Our great game is time well-spent together outdoors with great conversation – whether it be close to home or a destination around the world – where all generations can and should be included.

Jeff Moore recently spoke with the Brant News about building this family dynamic, starting with the juniors at Arrowdale this season and the progression that can follow. It’s an interesting article and you can read it here.

Christine Dengel is a PGA of Canada golf professional with more than 30 years of experience in multiple facets of the golf industry, and a lifelong passion for and commitment to the game of golf.Prior to joining Golf Canada, she was a Territory Sales Manager for Callaway Golf Canada for 18 years. During her time with Callaway, Dengel managed the GTA and Southwestern Ontario territory from 1992-2005 and has managed the Southern Ontario territory since 2006.

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Danny Willett in a green jacket was hard to believe considering he wasn’t even sure he could play the Masters two weeks ago.

Jordan Spieth was even more stunned.

Nine holes away from history, the defending Masters champion threw it all away in a collapse around Amen Corner that was shocking even by Augusta National standards. He played the opening three holes of the back nine in 6 over par, including a quadruple bogey at the 12th.

Willet, five shots behind with six holes left to play, birdied three of his last six holes to polish off a round that might not get its due because of Spieth’s meltdown. He closed with a 5-under 67, with no bogeys on his card, to match the best score of the weekend.

The 28-year-old Englishman wasn’t even planning to play. His wife was due with their first child on this very day. Their son, Zachariah James, was born on March 30, clearing Willett to a most unlikely path to becoming a major champion.

Willett won in his second Masters, ending Europe’s 17-year drought at Augusta National, and he became the first player from England to win the green jacket since Nick Faldo in 1996.

How fitting. Faldo also shot 67 that day in a final round remembered more for Greg Norman throwing away a six-shot lead.

Spieth, trying to become the first player in history to win wire-to-wire in a major in successive years, ran off four straight birdies to end the front nine and build a five-shot lead.

And then it all fell apart.

A bogey from the bunker on No. 10. A tee shot into the trees on No. 11 that led to another bogey. Willett made birdie on the 14th to get within one shot. Spieth only needed to get past the dangerous par-3 12th hole to settle himself, especially with two par 5s in front of him.

Instead, his tee shot bounced off the slope and into the water. From the drop zone, his wedge was fat and Spieth turned his head. He didn’t even look as it plopped into the water again. He made a quadruple-bogey 7.

On the 10th tee, Spieth was five shots ahead. On the 13th tee, he was three shots behind.

Spieth still had a chance when he birdied both par 5s to get within two shots with three to play. But he missed an 8-foot birdie putt on the 16th, and his bogey from the bunker ended all hope. He closed with a 73 and tied for second with Lee Westwood (69).