MONTGOMERY, Texas – An 11-year-old from Texas had a day he’ll never forget on the golf course – and it happened with Tiger Woods watching.

Woods was on hand for the opening Wednesday of The Playgrounds at Bluejack National, which he helped design.

Taylor Crozier stepped up to the first tee and knocked in the inaugural shot on the 81-yard, par 3. The crowd went wild.

Woods posted the YouTube video on his Twitter page. He ran over to the boy and gave him a big bear hug, smiling and laughing.

Woods shouted to the crowd, the “inaugural shot and he holes it!”

Woods has been taking time off from competitive golf as he recovers from back operations.

DORAL, Fla. – Rory McIlroy is shaking up his putting technique by going to a cross-handed grip for the Cadillac Championship, and he plans to stick with it.

McIlroy posted a video on Instagram that showed him putting with the left hand low, and then he confirmed Wednesday in his news conference that it was worth a try. He said he typically practices that way to make sure he keeps the right hand from influencing the putting stroke.

Put some good work in the last few days, ready for the blue monster this week!

A video posted by Rory McIlroy (@rorymcilroy) on Mar 2, 2016 at 3:46am PST

“It’s a drill that I’ve always done,” he said. “And I’ve putted a lot just with my left hand. It’s one of those things where the drill started to feel a little bit better than the real thing, so I’m just going to stick with it.”

The catalyst for change was the Honda Classic, where McIlroy missed the cut with rounds of 72-72.

He said there were a couple of putts in the second round that he knew he was going to miss before he even made contact because his right hand was too active.

“So it was, ‘I need to do something here,'” he said. “I was sort of playing around with a few different grips on the putting green over the weekend. This one felt more natural to me because I’ve done it before and I do it quite a lot when I’m just practicing in drills. I thought, ‘Why not give it a go?'”

McIlroy plays the opening two rounds at Trump National Doral with Jordan Spieth and Jason Day, the two players ahead of him in the world ranking. Spieth also putts with his left hand low, and he is regarded among the best medium-length putters in golf.

McIlroy said he used the cross-handed grip at times during his rookie year on the European Tour in 2008. Since then, he has won 18 times around the world, including four majors. The Masters is just over a month away, the one major McIlroy needs to complete the career Grand Slam.

It sounded as though he would be taking that grip to Augusta National.

“I feel like it’s something I’m going to stick with regardless of what the outcome is tomorrow or this week or next week,” he said. “I really do feel like it helps me put a stroke on it that I want to. It’s a great feeling. I feel like it gives my putting stroke a bit more of a better rhythm, as well, a better flow. Look, if it doesn’t work right from the get-go tomorrow, you’re not going to see me on Friday morning putting conventional again. It’s something I’m going to stick with for a while.”

DORAL, Fla. – Tiger Woods says he is starting to feel better, though he is not sure when he will return to competitive golf.

Woods released a statement Wednesday saying he has been chipping and putting at home in Florida as his recovery from back surgeries progresses. He says he and his son, Charlie, are competing in three-hole chipping contests.

Woods has not played in a tournament since August, and he has not won since August 2013. He says, “I have a lot of work ahead of me.”

Woods will appear later Wednesday at a news conference near Houston to announce the opening of a 10-hole short course designed for families.

For the second straight year, the CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge National Event will be held at Glen Abbey Golf Club—site of the 2016 RBC Canadian Open.

The top-24 qualifiers (12 male, 12 female) from the National Leaderboard will look to be crowned a national champion come Jul. 16—the Saturday prior to RBC Canadian Open tournament week. Competing in putting, chipping, driving and iron play, the boys and girls will vie for the title of their respective age group (9–11; 12–14; 15–18).

The event will be conducted in the same format as the qualifying events held across the country at CN Future Links facilities.

PGA of Canada instructors are encouraged to submit scores by this season’s cut-off date of June 14^th.

Click here to learn more about the CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge.

Click here to view pictures from last year’s National Event.

This past January, I had the opportunity to attend the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

This is where some of the new products are launched by various companies and where PGA of America professionals purchase clothing, equipment, teaching aids, etc. for their golf shops and academies.

Many Canadian pros attend as well and buy products, although this year with the exchange rate, they certainly bought less than usual.

The first day of the show is a demo day that is held at Orange County National golf club. This humongous 360 degree driving range is the perfect place for companies to showcase their products and have potential buyers try them on the driving range. Golfers can try clubs, shafts, gloves, teaching aids, shoes, GPS systems, ball fitting, and more. Professionals can also attend seminars from some of the leading teachers in the game like David Leadbetter.

I even attended a clinic by Bubba Watson where he hit a few amazing shots, but unfortunately the MC’s lengthy commentary did not leave enough time for Bubba to hit all the shots that everyone wanted to see! When one of the top players in the world gives an exhibition, people want to see him hit balls, not necessarily have a discussion with the company rep! Bubba is such an extraordinary ball striker, it would have been nice to see him hit more!

Bubba’s demeanor and sometimes odd personality remind me somewhat of Moe Norman.
He is a completely natural talent with a non-traditional swing and a demeanor outside the golf course which can sometimes be misunderstood.

My next two days (where it rained) were spent indoors at the Orange County Convention Center.
I had a great time looking at all the products and even had a chance to witness the new shoe fitting from FootJoy with a teaching device called Bodytrack! Did you know that wearing the right shoe can increase your clubhead speed by 3 to 5 km per hour?

I also had a chance to interview a number of golf celebrities for the French TV show Au 19e that will air on RDS this Spring and Summer. I interviewed Justin Thomas and his dad – a great young player who is currently 6^th on the FedEx Cup standings. His dad is a PGA pro and a great example of what parents should do with young talented golfers – let them play golf and have fun!

I interviewed Jim Nantz, the television commentator for The Masters and the Superbowl  He’s a class act! I spoke with Lee Trevino who at 76, recalled his three Canadian Open wins (1971 at Vallée du Richelieu and 1977, 1979 at Glen Abbey) as if they happened last month!

I spoke as well with David Leadbetter and Dave Pelz about their teaching philosophies; to Annika Sorenstam about her future plans and the upcoming Olympics; and to Johnny Miller about the PGA Tour and his dislike of slow play!

Many of the pros that attend the show embrace the opportunity to polish their knowledge about club fitting, pro-shop management, equipment and rules through different workshops and seminars provided by the PGA of America and some show exhibitors.

The PGA of Canada took advantage of the fact that many Canadians from across the Country attended to present its yearly awards at the PGA of Canada Night cocktail and celebration. Serge Savard, the former Montreal Canadians star, received the George Cumming Distinguished Service Award for 2015.

All in all, it was a great week for the North American industry to get together and celebrate the game we all love. The attendance this year seemed on the rise which hopefully bodes well for the upcoming golf season!

After five years at Golf Canada, I am leaving to take on a Head Professional job at Pinegrove Country Club in Québec. I’m looking forward to this great opportunity and I leave Golf Canada and my colleagues at every Provincial Association with the sentiment of satisfaction that the industry is moving in the right direction. I will keep some great memories of my time at Golf Canada!

Great season to all!

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Jason Bohn says he wanted to go back to his room to take a shower before going to the hospital with chest pains and didn’t realize he was having a major heart attack until paramedics at the Honda Classic put him on a stretcher and called for an ambulance.

“So it was kind of a scary moment for me,” Bohn said Monday in an interview with SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. “I didn’t realize what was happening. I just never thought at age 42 I’d be having a heart attack to the degree that I had one.”

Bohn figured the chest pains were from bronchitis and pneumonia. He made the cut on Friday and then sought medical attention, and before long he was in an ambulance on his way to Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center.

He told SiriusXM that his heart is pumping at a weak rate and suffered damage from the heart attack. Doctors told him his left anterior descending artery was 99 percent blocked. That’s known as the “widow maker” because a heart attack can lead to a sudden death.

In that respect, Bohn says he was lucky to be alive.

“My doctors all have told me that had I passed out or gone down on the golf course that they really don’t think they would have had time to get the proper blood thinners in me – and put the stent in that they were able to do – in time,” he said. “I got one hell of a mulligan. That’s all I can say.”

Bohn said he looks forward to returning to competition, though he has no idea when that will be.

He remained hospitalized Monday for more tests and that his blood pressure was still low. He said he looked forward to getting home to the Atlanta area so he could meet with a cardiologist and figure out the best course of recovery.

“It’ll be sooner than later I’ll be back out there chatting away, having my fun, doing what I love to do,” he said. “So I know that this isn’t going to take me down and I’ve got a second chance. Like I said, when you drop that mulligan, that second ball is always better than the first ball. So I look forward to my return and I really feel like I’m going to come out of this a lot stronger than I have.”

Bohn is a two-time winner on the PGA Tour who is No. 15 in the FedEx Cup this year based on a pair of runner-up finishes and a tie for third.

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. – Team Canada Amateur Squad member Hugo Bernard recorded a final-round 75 (+3) on Tuesday at the South/Southeast Regional Preview to finish alone in fourth—his first Top-5 collegiate result.

The 21-year-old freshman from Mont-St-Hilarie, Que., led the Division II Saint Leo Lions with a 2-over par finish (73-70-75) at the Mission Inn Resort & Club’s El Campeón course. Chico State’s Lee Gearhart took home medalist honours at 2-under par, one stroke ahead of co-runner-ups Alistair Docherty (Chico State) and Manuel Torres (Lynn).

Fellow Canadian and Saint Leo teammate Joey Savoie of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., climbed three spots on Tuesday to finish T15.

Collectively, Lynn University won the team title with an 880 (+16), two strokes ahead of Chico State.

Bernard, last year’s Canadian Amateur runner-up, will look to keep things rolling with the Lions from Mar. 13–15 at the Southeastern Intercollegiate.

Click here for full scoring.

The beginning of February presented a once-in-a-lifetime experience for myself and Dan Sabourin – we were two of 91 lucky delegates from around the world to experience this year’s R&A Tournament Administration & Rules Workshop.

Dan Sabourin, from Port Coquitlam, B.C., is a long-time Golf Canada volunteer and the current Rules Education Subcommittee Chair for Golf Canada, while I am a fairly new full-time staff member to the Rules & Competitions department at Golf Canada. Despite being separated by 40 years in age and 4,300 km across the country, we bonded as Canadian golfers and together, we took on the experience of the workshop to the fullest.

Our hosts from the R&A conducted a remarkable event with great instruction and presented their knowledge with ease to suit all delegate levels of Rules and Tournament Administration. The role-playing opportunities – accompanied by full-sized practical areas that touched upon each defined area of the golf course – were first class. The most impressive practical demonstration props were a scale-sized bunker (with a stacked turf face) and a legitimate scaffold for Temporary Immovable Obstruction (TIO) relief. The delegates were tested by The R&A staff on a real life scenario that we may face in the field during a championship.

We took part in many group discussions and covered a number of hot topics that are currently under review for the next Rules code. Learning about clubs and equipment rulings was fun and even more interesting when dissecting specific situations and case studies in small groups! Suspension of play and evacuation plans are often something to be dreaded, but The R&A team made us laugh through it by making it extremely exciting, while still focusing on the key components that make a successful evacuation.

Dan and I were treated with guest appearances from both Frank Nobilo (Golf Analyst, Golf Channel, NBC Universal) and John Paramor (Chief Referee – PGA European Tour). It was great to hear both Frank and John’s takes on the Rules of Golf – both from a past player’s point of view and from a rules perspective. I will certainly take away some key points on how to approach officiating in certain situations.

Dan and I met many of the delegates from all over the world. It was truly educational to hear delegates’ stories from Bermuda, Jordan, England, Australia and Spain. It was so interesting to discover similarities and differences in how we administer golf in our home countries and to learn what levels and programs each association has for Rules Officials.

Of course, a trip to Scotland included tackling the Old Course at St. Andrews on our last day. We clawed the teeth of the Old Course, battling high winds and rain on the last few holes, but made it out alive! What a treat it was to play golf in February in a climate similar to our winters in Ontario.

Both Dan and I consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been picked to attend The R&A’s wonderful annual workshop. It was a fantastic experience and one that we will never forget. To the entire Canadian golf community, I would suggest that anyone interested should become involved with the Golf Canada family – whether as a volunteer on a committee or at a championship, or as a staff member here at Golf House – you never know what opportunities may lie ahead.

Below is a transcript of Golf Canada’s 113th president, Roland Deveau’s, acceptance speech during the 2016 Annual General Meeting.

It is a great honour to accept the nomination to become the 113th President of Golf Canada. It is a responsibility that I humbly accept, recognizing the significant and unselfish contributions made by our previous leaders and all of the many dedicated volunteers, like you, who work each day across Canada for the betterment of our sport.

In the period since I’ve been asked to lead this great organization, I’ve reflected on the many individuals who have influenced me along the way, including many in this room. I’m very appreciative of their help and encouragement.

I also greatly value the words of wisdom and advice I have received from all our prior Presidents. Their collective experience and insight is something I will continue to draw upon throughout the year.

I want to thank Golf Canada’s Board of Directors for their unwavering support. This group works tirelessly to provide strategic direction to our organization. While the Directors all come from different backgrounds, they work as a cohesive group to address our challenges, and pursue the opportunities for the future.

One person deserves particular mention. Our outgoing President, Paul MacLean. Paul came to Golf Canada in 2010 as someone well-known in the golf industry as the leader of a very successful business. He has unselfishly given of his time and his expertise for the advancement of our sport and of Golf Canada. I know that the Board values his unique perspective and we have very much appreciated his words of wisdom and advice. Paul, thank you very much for your service. Because of you, Golf Canada is in a much better position to meet our future challenges.

Scott Simmons, our CEO, and his dedicated staff, also deserve our thanks. While many of us look forward to the opportunities for our organization, Scott and his staff are dealing with the difficult day-to-day operational challenges of running this national sport federation. The Board and I know it is not an easy task. But they do it professionally and with a level of dedication that makes our organization a “best in class” sport federation respected by its peers in this country and by other stakeholders around the world. For that we thank you.

On a personal note, I want to recognize the support I have received from my family and friends. This obviously extends to the most important person in my life, my wife Jacqueline. She has supported me throughout my involvement in golf, and as some of you know, the many other things I have been involved in over the years. I would not be here if it were not for her. Jackie, I love you very much and I appreciate all the support that you’ve given me.
I also appreciate the kind words of support I have received from all of you – the Governors, Provincial representatives and Committee members. I look forward to working together to fulfill Golf Canada’s mandate.

On that note, I’d like to share with you some of my thoughts on the road ahead for Golf Canada.

I have long recognized and appreciated the many individuals, like you, who support the game of golf with your volunteering efforts. People who give a lot more to the game than you could ever expect in return. Whether you work directly under the Golf Canada umbrella, or simply support golf in your community, your collective effort is something that greatly benefits our sport. We simply could not function without it.

There are also many individuals who earn their livelihood from the game. They are the backbone of the industry given their critical roles on the front lines of the facilities. This includes golf professionals, owners, managers, superintendents, and others. Many of these people represent our NAGA (National Allied Golf Association) partners and are here with us tonight.

The common element between the volunteers and those who earn a livelihood from golf is that we all share a passion for the sport. We all want a better future for the game we love.

We all know what we want for the future of our sport. Golf has been very good to all of us in this room. We enjoy the game, the friendships we’ve made and the excitement of a well-struck shot. We have all indulged in the serenity of an early morning round with dew still on the fairways. And we have all admired the golden landscape of our home course in the setting sun.

These are the quality golf experiences that we treasure…

And I believe it is our common goal at the end of the day to ensure that all golfers who play this great game, as well as new enthusiasts, get to enjoy these same quality golf experiences.

But to achieve this we have to work together. As the National Sport Federation, we have to show leadership for the betterment of the game. We have to work cooperatively with the provinces and our NAGA partners. If one of us benefits, we will all benefit. Our leadership must provide the vision for success, but it is critical that all stakeholders share in developing, and are aligned with, ONE COMMON VISION for our sport.

In 2013, we made great progress with the provinces at our meetings in Charlottetown. We have continued the work this past week….Much still needs to be done and I undertake to work with all of you to ensure we reach our common objective.

I understand both the national and provincial perspectives in addressing the challenges that we face. My involvement in golf began at the club level, proceeded through the local zone and extended through to the provincial level. Having now been involved at the national level, I can see the tremendous benefits of working together.

Scott Simmons mentioned it in his CEO welcome session—COLLABORATION. We must avoid duplication, share resources where possible, and become aligned in our strategies.

It is not an easy task, but the greatest rewards do not come without sacrifice and effort. We owe it to the game to ensure every golfer can enjoy the same quality golf experiences that we’ve had.

And we must all work together with our NAGA partners, because we all share the same ultimate customer – the golfer. This is an important time in our sport. The challenging economic climate requires us to find ways to engage with more golfers. We must look for new ways of connecting with our members and the golfing public.

We must be innovative in the delivery of our programs and services and how we connect with golfers. Whether through an attractive suite of member benefits, core services and programing, or utilizing technology to enhance digital experiences through our website or social media, it is critical that we connect with a greater share of Canada’s 5.7 million golfers. And if all are aligned, we will have a much better chance to succeed.

All of you should be proud of the work you do for Golf Canada. Whether that’s running national championships across our great country, long-term player development, handicapping, rules education, or the development of new digital experiences for our membership, we offer “best in class” programs that are recognized both in Canada and around the world.

This organization is respected among our global peers and we will continue to work with golf’s governing bodies, the R&A and the USGA, to promote this game whenever we can.

But in order to grow and succeed, we must be bold. We must take bold steps to show that Golf Canada is a leader when it comes to turning ideas into reality.

We do have people in Canada that are prepared to show leadership. We admire pioneers like Marlene Streit and Diane Dunlop-Hébert, who recently became members of the R&A.

We took our own progressive steps this week with the announcement that, for the first time, Canada has selected two female representatives, both of whom I am proud to count among my friends, to represent our country as our Rules Chair and as our advisory member on the R&A Amateur Status Committee. This shows leadership. I know that Diane Barabé as our Rules Chair and Jean Stone-Seguin with Amateur Status will be tremendous representatives for our country on the world stage.

AND we will be taking bold steps to promote and encourage diversity within our organization by establishing a Diversity Enhancement Working Group, as most of you have heard about this week. That means reaching out to connect with new Canadians and underrepresented groups. It’s also about growing the Golf in Schools initiative—with 10,000 elementary and 4,500 high schools, the Canadian school physical education system is the single most concentrated opportunity to introduce students of all demographics to the sport.

Another big reason I am excited about my term as President is that 2016 marks the long-awaited return of golf to the Olympic Games. I believe the Olympics represent a quality golf experience that I spoke about earlier tonight. It has the potential to attract new enthusiasts to our sport.

George S. Lyon, a Canadian, was the last golfer to win an Olympic gold medal in 1904 and I’m thrilled to have the magnificent Olympic trophy here this week. While we will always celebrate our history and our heritage, the 2016 Rio Olympic Games has the potential to excite a golfing nation.
As the National Sports Federation, we will be part of the mission team including coaches supporting four athletes competing for Canada in the golf competition.

We have 25 Golf Canada program graduates competing on professional tours around the world. Most, if not all, of our four qualifying Olympic athletes will be graduates of Golf Canada’s player development system. A system that is delivering results.

Our sport needs heroes! When Canadian golfers compete and win, especially in events like the Olympic Games, their passion inspires the next generation of golfers to take up the game. We have a wonderful opportunity with the Olympics to share the values and benefits of our sport with millions of viewers across Canada, and around the world. It is an opportunity we cannot squander.

Many viewers who will watch the Olympics may be occasional golfers. Others, including young children, may never have played at all! But they will be drawn to these champions because they are Olympic athletes… If these viewers already play golf, we want them inspired to play more often, or to support the game by engaging with Golf Canada.

I encourage all of you to join me in celebrating the Olympic movement! Many of you have played a role in the development of our young athletes. You may have volunteered at a provincial or national competition. You may have been a tournament or rules official, or helped youngsters learn about the game. Be proud that your work has contributed to their development and ability to compete at the highest levels, including the Olympic Games. The Olympic team is your team! It is Canada’s team!

…And I truly believe our Olympic golf athletes have an opportunity to medal in Rio… and to win!

This is an important time for Golf Canada to leverage golf’s return to the Olympic Games. TO RECOGNIZE that success at the Olympics and showcasing our game on the brightest stage could translate to the growth of our grassroots programs. TO WORK with partners such as RBC, Hudson’s Bay Company and BMW who live within the Olympic and Canadian Olympic Committee ecosystem.

Ladies and gentlemen, athletes like Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp, David Hearn, Graham DeLaet, and Adam Hadwin are doing amazing things and will look to defend the title that earned George S. Lyon this majestic Olympic trophy in 1904.

In 2016, we’ll see Golf Canada’s marketing and communications efforts infused with an Olympic theme. That also means inviting other industry stakeholders—owners, managers, pros and facilities—to share in the celebration of the Canadian Olympic golf dream.

We want the Canadian golf community to share in the Olympic celebration.

And in doing so, we hope to inspire Canadians to play more often, or feel inspired to take up the game.

Yes, this is an exciting time for our sport and I look forward to working with everyone in this room to create quality experiences for all golfers in Canada. In closing, I wish to again thank the members of Golf Canada for having entrusted me to serve as the 113th president of this storied association.

Thank you.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., – Effective immediately, fans at PGA TOUR events are permitted to take photographs with their mobile devices throughout tournament week, except in areas of play during official tournament rounds or when requested by players, security, and TOUR officials to refrain from taking a photo. Previously, the policy restricted all photography to Designated Cell Phone Areas during tournament play.

Anything outside of a mobile device, such as cameras and video recorders, are not allowed during official rounds.

Following are the TOUR policy guidelines:

• Devices must be on silent at all times.
• Calls may be placed or answered only in designated “Cell Phone Zones.”
• Devices may not be used to capture audio/video at any time during tournament week.
• During practice and pro-am rounds, photography is permitted in all areas.
• During official competition rounds, photography is prohibited within any areas of competition (i.e. teeing grounds, tee shot landing areas and on/around putting greens) or when requested by tournament staff, security, players, or player representatives. Photography in non-competition areas is permitted.
• Data use (e.g., texting, email, etc.) will be permitted outside of the designated “Cell Phone Zones” all week, but away from play.
• Data use is not permitted when players are in position to compete (i.e., when QUIET PLEASE paddles are raised).
• No video recording is permitted at any time.

“Our mobile device policy has been met with great enthusiasm by fans,” said Andy Pazder, PGA TOUR chief of operations. “We believe the expanded policy will significantly enhance the on-site spectator experience while maintaining a suitable atmosphere for all players on the course.”

In early 2011, the PGA TOUR implemented its Mobile Device Policy which allowed fans for the first time to bring their mobile phones into tournaments. The Honda Classic was the first event for which the mobile device policy was implemented as an enhancement to the overall fan experience. This followed testing at five TOUR events in late 2010 and early 2011 to gauge the potential impact of mobile devices at PGA TOUR events.

The Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, Open Championship, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and Rio 2016 Olympics are not PGA TOUR co-sponsored events and have their own respective policies regarding the use of mobile devices on-site.