Golf Canada will host its 2024 Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 7 utilizing a virtual format as the National Sport Federation looks ahead to the 2024 season.

The Annual Meeting brings together Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers as well as representatives from Canada’s provincial golf associations and other industry stakeholders.

The virtual meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. EST and will include the release of the Association’s 2023 Annual Report & Financial Statements.

During the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada will introduce its 2024 Board of Directors including David McCarthy of Toronto serving a second term as the Association’s 117^th President.

Golf Canada will also celebrate outstanding contributions to the game of golf including a presentation of the 2023 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award and the appointment of a new Honorary Life Governor. Golf Canada will also announce the 2024 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award

To watch a live stream of Golf Canada’s Annual Meeting, click here.

Get ready to tee off in style as PUMA Golf unveils the latest PUMA Golf x Arnold Palmer Collection.

Known for his unparalleled charisma and impeccable fashion sense, The King himself continues to inspire generations of golfers and style mavens alike.

In a celebration of Arnie’s enduring legacy, this collaboration pays homage to The King’s iconic influence on the game and its fashion evolution, blending timeless charm with a dash of contemporary flair.

Designed to turn heads on and off the course, the PUMA Golf x Arnold Palmer Collection features sleek and sophisticated looks that redefine golf fashion. From classic polos to stylish caps and limited-edition footwear, each piece exudes the essence of Arnie’s signature style.

PUMA athlete Rickie Fowler, who shared a special bond with the late Mr. Palmer, will proudly sport the collection at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, honoring The King’s unparalleled legacy with every swing.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Arnold Palmer team to bring the AP Collection to life,” said Chris MacNeill, Team Head of PLM – Golf Apparel & Accessories at PUMA Golf. “Our aim is to capture the essence of Mr. Palmer’s timeless style, blending classic colors and premium materials to create pieces he’d be proud to wear himself.”

The 2024 Spring/Summer PUMA Golf x Arnold Palmer collection features a stunning lineup of six polos, a sleek full-zip jacket, pleated shorts, stylish caps, a chic golf visor, and four limited-edition footwear styles. Each piece bears the iconic umbrella logo, celebrating The King’s lasting legacy and setting the LE shoes apart with their unique flair.

Among the highlights are the PHANTOMCAT NITRO™ version, boasting cutting-edge technology, and the Avant version, crafted from premium waterproof leather and sporting a sophisticated color palette.

Get ready to elevate your golf game and channel your inner Arnie because the Arnold Palmer Collection hits online and retail stores on March 4, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to score these stylish pieces and make a statement on the green!

For more information on the 2024 PUMA GOLF x Arnold Palmer Collection, visit ca.pumagolf.com.

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.

John Esposto, Willowbrook, Hole #3

It was the first time out golfing this year in Florida. My friend Bob and I booked Willowbrook to get our first game in and also to see Alligators sunning themselves on the side of the ponds. Bill H. From Ontario joined us as a third.

After two double bogeys on the first two holes we came to the par 3 hole #3 at 143 yards. Normally I’d use a 7 iron but since it was the first time out I used a 6 iron.
I said to myself keep your head down and follow through the ball, to prevent “premature admiration”! I have this problem often! It felt great off the club and a nice follow through. I seen it land on the green and roll towards the hole. Then I lost sight of it thinking I was long and went over to the back of the green.

When we drove up to the green my ball was nowhere to be found. Bill looks in the hole and there it was my third hole-in-one. I had a hard time concentrating the rest of the game and proceeded to shoot 49/53 for 102! Not bad for the first time out! This was my third hole-in-one with the first one coming in 1985 at Cherokee Golf Course in Hamilton!

Peter Jarvis, Pelican Preserve Golf Club, Hole #7

What a pleasant surprise receiving this note and the attached photo of the hole as we did not go back to photograph it.

I was partnering with a friend who is also a member of my home course Deerhurst Highlands and Pelican Preserve. We also had a father and son two-some who joined us Ken (member) and Steve his son.

It is a short hole – 155 yards on a Florida still rising incline until the green with water in front and the wind was blowing directly towards us. I pulled out a longer yardage club – my 5 wood – teed it up a bit and gave it a good stoke. It went high – seemed to almost stop in the wind and bounced on the curtain of the green just past the sandbox. The green had a slight downward slope away from us and pin was at the back so we couldn’t see where the ball ended up.

My partner remarked that was going to be a just dandy shot and Ken then hit one that landed close to mine and also looked like it had good shape. When we approached the green from different sides we both saw 1 ball close to the hole and both started looking for the other. I got there first to check if it was mine, pointed to Ken it was his and he eyeballed the cup – I went doubtfully towards the flag and lo and behold there she rested.

The rest is history and my back 9 was saved from the 2 doubles and 2 bogies that started it.

Paul Bordignon, Pitt Meadows Golf Club, Hole #7

It was a 7 iron from 158 yards, I was playing with my friends and fellow Pitt Meadows Golf Club members Connor Sam and James. Hit it right at it and it was 2 hops and in and the crowd went wild.

Stu Murphy, Golf Club of Estrella, Hole #7

I was playing with my girlfriend and a father and son from Seattle.

It was 171 yards with lucky number 7 iron.

Frank Enns, Estrella Del Mar, Hole #6

I was playing with Rod Kaasa of Edmonton and Rob Parker of Comox. The 6th hole at Estrella del Mar was playing at 106 yards over water.  It is my 5th hole-in-one on that hole. Ironically, I have now made 5 aces on that hole, from 3 different tee boxes and FIVE different clubs: Gold(9i), Blue(PW), and White(50 degree wedge, 52 degree wedge, and 56 degree wedge). This one was made with my 50 degree wedge. It landed approximately 5’ past the hole and spun back into the cup. It is my 7th ace in my life. I’m 72 years of age.

 

Jim Sirup, Eagle Falls Golf Course, Hole #9

My 3rd hole-in-one! We were playing at Eagle Falls, Indio, California. Our foursome included my wife Karen and also playing with us, visiting from Kansas City, were Jeff & Sharon Alton. The big moment came at hole number 9. The hole was playing 174 yards, slight uphill to an elevated green. I used a 4 hybrid. The ball landed at the front part of the green, rolled to a back pin location and… disappeared! So, so exciting!

Jenifer Jones, Sandpiper Golf Club, Hole #7

It was my very first hole-in-one ever! I played golf as a junior, but then took a 25 year hiatus to finish my degrees and get established in my career as a physiotherapist owning 3 private clinic now.

I returned to golf in 2020 during Covid as a mental health escape and realized how much I love the game! I started back in lessons, and dedicated a lot of time to my game. I have been the Women’s Club Champion at Sandpiper Golf the last 3 years in a row and log over 150 games/year.

My hole-in-one was on hole #7 at Sandpiper, a par 3. I was playing from the white tees at had 99 yards to the pin. There is a hill off to the right of the green that rolls balls to the left – I landed there and rolled left onto the green and PLOP into the hole! Maybe not the prettiest hole-in-one, but a hole-in-one non-the-less.

Alison Murdoch, Victoria Golf Club, Hole #13

It was at Victoria Golf Club, one of the very few golf clubs open in Canada at this time of year. It was on the 13th hole, playing 117 yards that day with an 8 iron. You can see my friend Berne in this picture; I was also playing with Sunny who was the one who found the ball in the hole. It hit a tree and none of us saw where it went until Sunny took the flag out for Berne to putt. The men in the group behind us waited patiently on the tee while we took a few pictures. I guess they were happy to anticipate the hole-in-one drink they would be enjoying later.

Trish Jordan, Westbrook Village Country Club, Hole #2

I was playing with some American friends who I have met at our amazing golf course community at Westbrook Village in Peoria,  AZ. They were: Jackie Boman, Dawn Prahl and Sharon Bolender. I think they were more excited than I was because they told me they had never seen a hole-in-one before.

I was playing the second hole at the Vistas Golf Course at Westbrook Village in Peoria. I am a snowbird who just retired last year and now have a bit more time to spend in Arizona.

It was a Blue pin. I estimated 125 yards. I choked up on a 7 iron (like Brook Henderson). I hit a pretty good shot but thought it might roll out and go long. But nope. It disappeared and I was like: Wow!

There is a tradition at the club that you donate your hat with the information and they post the hat on the wall of the bar in the clubhouse. So I did that too.

I have had 3 previous hole-in-ones but think this was the first in about 15 years and my first ever in the US. Not to bad for a 61 year old retiree!

Deb Harmidy, Mantarraya Golf Club, Hole #11

I was playing with my good friend Linda Macpherson and another woman who I did not know. There was a strong headwind so I decided to use my 7 wood on the 118 yard hole #11 at Mantarraya golf course in Rio Hato, Panama. The shot felt great off the tee but with the sun in our face, we couldn’t track the ball. What a great feeling to find my ball in the cup!

Tammy Bigelow, Desert Princess, Hole #17

I got my hole-in-one January 27th at Desert Princess in Palm Springs, CA as you already know. After recovering from tri level fusion in my back in 2019 I am so happy to be able to golf and my index is a 22 which I am proud of after such a recovery. My husband Wayne and I were playing with a friend of ours Byron and we were just about finished our round, playing Lagos 8 which is the 17th for my round, an elevated tee box and a turtle back green. I had actually just lost a ball to the water on #16 so I was deflated and I was getting tired. My husband says, “dig deep here honey” we are almost finished and you have a great round going! I grab my 6 iron so I don’t have to swing hard as I know my body is done this round. He says… “carry it 85, land it in the middle and just let it release to the pin which was a right, uphill then downhill lie approximately 118 yards”. So, I am thinking to myself, my 6 iron is too much. I go back to the cart and grab my 7 iron. It flies perfectly, lands nice and soft, I bend over to pick up my tee because I think that was good… hopefully it stays on the green when suddenly, the guys are shouting “go in the hole!” I missed most of it because I just thought they were yelling that as everyone tends to when you have a great shot, but I was happy to see it in the bottom of the cup!

Howie Cunningham, Eagle Quest Golf Course, Hole # 7

I’ve played golf in my earlier years not so often but in the last 2-3 years my son Aaron (24) years has gotten me into golfing seriously. We play at Eagle Quest Golf Course in Coquitlam BC. Canada. 3-4 times a week. Par 3 course, 9 hole.

We’ve got very close to hole-in-one’s but on February 19 , 2023 at 2:20 pm. I made an unbelievable tee off to receive my first hole-in-one. 81 yards on Hole #7. My son and I still can believe it today as we’re so happy.

Kenn Stocks, The Okanagan Golf Club, Hole #4

– July 3, 2023

– Quail course hole #4

– Black Tee’s

– About 210 yards

– 4 rescue club

– First one 

– 3 witnesses

– 18 holes finished the round

– No gimmes, no do overs, no breakfast ball.

 

 

Kyle Lagerstrom, TPC of Scottsdale, Hole #3

We were in Arizona for a golf trip for my cousins stag. This course was gorgeous, nicest course any of us had ever played. My cousin and I were paired together with two guys we met at the course, and the other 3 guys in our group were playing right behind us.

We got to hole #3 and I ranged the pin at 122 yards. Usually that would be a pitching wedge for me but the green was a little bit below the tee box so I used my Gap wedge. I struck the ball pretty good and it was heading just a little bit left of the pin. It landed about 10′ left of the pin and a few feet long. I got a nice kick to the right off of the slope of the green and it started rolling towards the pin. We got to watch it roll closer and closer to the pin until it dropped! My cousin and I looked at each other and started cheering and jumping on the tee box with the two other guys we had just met. My cousin is in the picture in the pink hat. (Not his first choice of hat but we made him wear it). I learnt that apparently when you get a hole-in-one you have to pick up the bill at the bar at the 19th hole which made for a great time. All in all made for a trip we will never forget! Couldn’t have picked a better spot to get an ace!

Brett Kury, Superstition Springs Golf Club, Hole #17

It was an awesome moment given that this was my second ace ever (my first was at Ledgeview GCC, home to Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin in May of 2018, hole #17!) and THIS time I got to actually see it roll in! At Superstition Springs GC they’ve switched the nines there, so it actually happened on the 6th hole (old 15th) 173 yards, I hit my 6 iron with a nice high draw, one big bounce then just tracked straight into the hole! A fun day to be sure and It was witnessed by three partners from Minnesota (one who now lives in Mesa, and two just visiting).

Mac Shiells, Arcadian Shores Golf Club, Hole #17

I was playing with my wife. The yardage was 117 and I used a 9 iron. 

Ron Cornell, Indian Wells Golf Resort, Hole #12

It was a 7 iron from 156 yards away on 12th hole Indian wells players course.

Witnessed by Alex Mcphail and one other who was a single that joined us. My 6th hole-in-one but first in the USA.

Andy Constand, Shelburne Golf & Country Club, Hole #18

My name is Andy Constand. I had a hole-in-one on July 24, 2023 on hole #18 at Shelburne Golf & Country Club. 

Nicholas Lum, Marine Drive Golf Club, Hole #16

– Marine Drive Golf Club

– Feb 10, 2024

– Hole 16

– 155 yrds

– Srixon ZX Mkii 7 Iron

– Ball: ProV1

– Played with Philip Mak and Daniel Lum

Multi-year gift will positively impact youth across the maritime provinces through affordable and inclusive access to golf

FEBRUARY 29, 2024 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are proud to announce that the Hewitt Foundation has pledged a major gift of $1.35M CAD that directly benefits First Tee – Atlantic.

The Hewitt Foundation is a private Canadian foundation that was established in 2017 at the time of the sale of Hewitt Equipment Limited and Atlantic Tractors and Equipment. Hewitt Equipment was founded in 1952 by the late Robert Hewitt. Jim Hewitt and the Hewitt family created the Foundation to help bring meaningful and sustainable social, economic, and cultural change by granting, investing, and collaborating with other organizations, partners, and the public.

“We are proud to support organizations that are bettering the lives of Canadians through healthy, active living and education. We understand the values that the game of golf can provide and are aligned with First Tee’s mission to provide environments that foster inner confidence, perseverance, and honesty through sport,” said Hewitt Foundation CEO, Kim Anderson. “The Maritimes are especially important to us. Hewitt Equipment operated in these provinces for 65 years, so it is special to continue that legacy and support the communities that helped make the Hewitt family business successful.”

Golf Canada partnered with First Tee in 2020 to launch First Tee – Canada and provide youth with affordable and inclusive access to golf along with life-enhancing experiences through the game. First Tee – Atlantic launched in 2022 and as of 2024, six chapters are operating First Tee – Canada programming in every province.

First Tee is delivered in three settings, golf courses, schools, and community centres with unique curriculums and training for each. Last year, First Tee – Atlantic delivered programming to nearly 11,500 participants at 54 program locations across all four provinces, with a team of three staff and 20 certified First Tee coaches. Nearly 40 percent of participants identified as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour), and 52 percent identified as female. Through the support of donors like the Hewitt Foundation, 72 percent of programming was provided at no cost to participants.

“The generosity of the Hewitt Foundation has helped accelerate the growth and impact made in communities across the Atlantic,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer, Kevin Blue. “This financial support allows us to onboard program locations, train coaches, provide program equipment kits, and most importantly, provide affordable and accessible introductory golf programming to children. The work we do would not be possible without the support of donors like the Hewitt Foundation.”

Through its deep network of donors, Golf Canada Foundation is a critical partner in supporting the advancement of First Tee – Canada chapters across the country through its fundraising and philanthropic efforts.

“The Hewitt Foundation, alongside many other generous donors, is the reason we have positively impacted over 85,000 youth across Canada,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO, Martin Barnard. “We are committed to the same mission – providing empowering opportunities to children through sport and ensuring golf participation more closely reflects the strengths of Canada’s diversity. Together, we are building game changers.”

The generosity of the Hewitt Foundation adds to a growing number of significant donations that have been secured since First Tee – Canada’s inception in 2020.

To learn more about First Tee – Atlantic, or to donate, visit www.firstteeatlantic.ca/.

50^th playing of Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship returns to Calgary

Golf Canada, in partnership with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is pleased to release the full selection of ticket options for the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open taking place July 23-28 at the historic Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary.

Thirteen-time LPGA Tour winner and CPKC Ambassador Brooke Henderson along with defending champion Megan Khang are among early headliners set to compete with the top players in the Race to CME Globe standings for the first time at Earl Grey. The 2024 event will mark the fourth time that the City of Calgary will play host and seventh time for the province of Alberta.

CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY SELL OUT!

“The early response from the local community has been outstanding and we are looking forward to returning to the City of Calgary in July for the first time since 2016 for the 50th playing of our National Women’s Open Championship,” said CPKC Women’s Open Tournament Director Ryan Paul. “Earl Grey is a beautiful golf course and will provide a great test for the world’s most talented players. Golf fans will be in for a memorable week in Calgary. The CPKC Women’s Open is one of the top three women’s sporting events in Canada, don’t miss out on your chance to see these amazing athletes live.”

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.

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 will once again leave a meaningful legacy in the host community through its CPKC Has Heart Campaign. 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.

 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.

Upgraded ticket experiences including corporate hospitality packages and premium guest hosting are also available.

Click here to sign up for the CPKC Women’s Open newsletter and be among the first notified for future announcements and updates.

Make sure you are part of the action in Calgary!

Visit www.cpkcwomensopen.com/tickets/ to secure your tickets before they sell out!

Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue will be leaving the organization as he has accepted the role of General Secretary and CEO of Canada Soccer.

“We are extremely appreciative of what Kevin has achieved for Golf Canada in advancing the sport and our mission during his tenure as Chief Sport Officer and we wish him incredibly well,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Kevin has been a transformational leader for Golf Canada and made fundamental progress to many of our sport priorities, most notably with the High-Performance program and across junior grassroots initiatives, championships, safe sport, and fundraising. His energy and contributions to Canadian golf have been exceptional and he is well positioned as a dynamic sports executive to be successful in this new chapter leading Canada Soccer.”

Since returning to Canada in January of 2021, Blue was a driving force to Golf Canada’s vision and impact on Canadian golf. He was instrumental in many of the areas of Golf Canada’s strategic priorities and helped drive several initiatives including First Tee – Canada, National Golf League (NGL), She Plays Golf, Junior Golf Facility Awards, and the evolution of Golf Canada’s Amateur Championships. 

A strong proponent of municipal and accessible golf, Blue played a key role in Golf Canada’s attention to diversity, equity, inclusion, and safe sport. He also had a significant impact with the Golf Canada Foundation, helping to recruit, build and collaborate with critical program donors.

Three-time Canadian Women’s Amateur champion will be the 86^th inductee into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame

Meldrum to receive the highest honour in Canadian golf as part of RBC Hall of Fame Day in May during the 2024 RBC Canadian Open

The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame announced today that accomplished amateur and professional player and current PGA of Canada member Lisa Meldrum has been selected for 2024 induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

Meldrum, 41, from Montréal, Que. will be inducted into the player category, and becomes the 86^th honoured member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

“Lisa Meldrum’s competitive playing record dating back to junior, amateur golf, and then into professional ranks was outstanding,” said Ted Fletcher, Chair of the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee. “Winning the 2000 Canadian Junior then three consecutive Women’s Amateur titles from 2001 to 2003 – a feat not accomplished since the legendary Marlene Streit in 1956 – brought Lisa early renown as one of Canada’s top female amateur golfers and that success continued as a young professional. The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Selection Committee unanimously endorsed Lisa’s nomination for induction into The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame!”

Meldrum, a Class A member of the PGA of Canada, got her start in golf as a 10-year-old at The Royal Montreal Golf Club where she now works as its Head Teaching Professional.

“I am extremely honoured to be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and join the esteemed legends of golf in this country,” said Meldrum. “In the pursuit of excellence in the game of golf, to have my achievements recognized, is truly a humbling experience. I am so grateful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and supporters. The future of golf in this country is bright and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the sport through player development and high-performance coaching.”

Meldrum will officially join the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony taking place on Tuesday, May 28 during the RBC Hall of Fame Day as part of the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf & Country Club. To purchase tickets to the event, please click here.

LISA MELDRUM
Lisa Meldrum enjoyed an accomplished junior and amateur career, having won 12 championships between 1997 and 2003.

Her successful competitive run was highlighted by winning the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship three consecutive years in a row from 2001 to 2003. During that time SCOREGolf recognized her as the Best Female Amateur Golfer in Canada all three years. Prior to the Canadian Women’s Amateur three-peat, Meldrum won the 1998 Canadian Juvenile Girls Championship and the 2000 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, later earning SCOREGolf’s Best Female Junior Golfer recognition in 2000.

Provincially, the Montréal native enjoyed great success winning eight provincial championships including the Quebec Junior Girls Championship, three consecutive years from 1997 to 1999, the Quebec Women’s Amateur Championship in 2000 and 2002, as well as three Quebec Match Play Championships (Junior 2000, Amateur 1998 & 2001). She also won honours as ladies club champion (The Royal Montreal Golf Club), Montréal Region Champion and was a member of both the Quebec Junior Team and the Quebec Elite Team.

Meldrum attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in business. A member of the women’s golf team from 2000-2004, Meldrum was named Big 12 Freshman Golfer of the Year for 2000-2001, won three collegiate tournaments, earned All-American honours and 25 top-ten finishes in four seasons with the Sooners.

She turned professional in 2004 and won the 2006 Canadian Tour Championship and was named the Canadian Tour Player of the Year. She competed on the Duramed Futures Tour (now Epson Tour) between 2006 and 2009, went on to compete on the LPGA Tour for two seasons (2010-2011) and later the Symetra Tour (now Epson Tour) from 2012-2015. She has competed in the AIG Women’s Open, LPGA Championship, as well as multiple CPKC Women’s Open’s.

Meldrum works as the Head Teaching Professional at Lisa Meldrum Golf Performance and The Royal Montreal Golf Club. She plays an instrumental role in the club’s adult and junior development programs for golfers of all skill levels and teaches year-round in Montréal. She is a “Class A” member of the PGA of Canada and specializes in teaching and coaching, which she has done since 2016. In addition, Meldrum is TPI certified and a Level 2 ELDOA practitioner.

During her career, Meldrum also represented Canada at the 2002 World Amateur Team Championship and was victorious at the 2003 Copas de las Americas Championship. Meldrum has also received awards from the Canadian Tour Order of Merit (2006), Jocelyne Bourassa Player of the Year (2009) and was inducted into the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame in the player category in 2023.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN GOLF HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame celebrates the outstanding individuals of Canadian golf from players, both amateur and professional, to the builders, architects and others who have been fundamental to the evolution of the game in this country. Operated by Golf Canada, the Hall of Fame, museum, and library are open to visitors to discover more about the game and the inductees. For more information, please visit heritage.golfcanada.ca/hall-of-fame-members/.

CANADIAN GOLF HALL OF FAME NOMINATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame have been inducted since its inception in 1971. Honoured Members and representatives from the media, the PGA of Canada, as well as the golf industry comprise the ten-member Selection Committee.

The committee is responsible for reviewing all nominations and selecting inductees. To be considered for election to the Hall of Fame, a nominee must have made an extraordinary national or international contribution to the game of golf in Canada. These achievements may include, but are not limited to, golfing accomplishments, illustrious golf-related careers, or other exceptional contributions to the sport. Individuals may not nominate themselves and every nomination submitted to the Selection Committee must be seconded. Inductees to the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame must receive a minimum of eight of 10 votes. Individuals who receive a minimum of three votes will be carried forward; ones who fail to do so will be removed from the nomination process. Additional information regarding the nomination and election process is available here. Nominations must be received no later than July 31 to be eligible for selection the following year.

Jared Du Toit was planning the next phase of his golfing career last summer, casting a wide net by entering qualifying for the Korn Ferry Tour, the DP World Tour, and anything else he could think of. 

But a friend from his days playing at Arizona State University nudged him toward the Asian Tour.

Fast forward to now and Du Toit, from Kimberley, B.C., sits seventh on the Asian Tour’s order of merit after earning a top-10 finish in his first-ever tournament on the men’s golf circuit.

“I was talking to him a little bit in the summer and he just said ‘you’re crazy if you’re not giving Asia a try. The competition is solid, the events are great, and the money is pretty good,'” said Du Toit. “That sparked some interest so I gave it a try, not thinking much of it. 

“But (the DP World Tour and Korn Ferry Tour) didn’t work out so I went to Asia, got status that way. Now we’re here and enjoying it, enjoying it a lot so far.”

The 28-year-old Du Toit tied for seventh at 17 under on Sunday at the IRS Prima Malaysian Open at The Mines Resort & Golf Club, six shots back of winner David Puig of Spain. 

Du Toit was in a position to miss the cut halfway through his second round but rallied to shoot a 64 and see the weekend. He then fired a 62 in the third round to rocket up the leaderboard before a 71 settled him into seventh.

“Going from basically the cutline to three or four inside the number and in the thick of it a little bit I felt like I was on the house money bit and just had a great round three, which got me right into it,” said Du Toit. “Unfortunately, I didn’t play my best on the last round, but all things considered going from the cutline to contention to finishing top 10 was a solid start to the year and I’m excited to get going over here.”

His next target is to earn his way into some of the co-sanctioned events like next week’s New Zealand Open or one of men’s golf’s majors, like the British Open.

“I was pretty close last week being in contention in Malaysia. There was three spots for the Open,” said Du Toit. “It might be a little tougher to do that, don’t think they just give away spots so I definitely lost a bit of an opportunity last week, but I’d love to do that.

“I just still try and play my best, make as many cuts as I can.”

Du Toit has his next chance to do just that this week at the International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf in Muscat, Oman. Toronto’s Richard T. Lee is also in the tournament.

PGA TOUR — Five Canadians are in the field at this week’s Mexico Open at Vidanta Vallarta in Vallarta, Mexico. Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., is the top-ranked member of the Canadian contingent, entering the week at 62nd in the FedEx Cup standings. Mackenzie Hughes (72) of Dundas, Ont., and Ben Silverman (99) of Thornhill, Ont., are also in the field, as are unranked players Stuart Macdonald of Vancouver and Roger Sloan of Merritt, B.C.

OUTSPOKEN HUGHES — Hughes, who is on the PGA Tour’s player advisory council for another year, remains outspoken about the upstart LIV Golf circuit. He spoke to CBS while on the course of last week’s Genesis Invitational about the ongoing rivalry.

“Now we’re in a place where I think fans are just generally a little bit fed up with it, to be honest,” said Hughes. “Those are the people that drive our sport so I’d love to appeal to the masses a lot more.

“Certainly, the way we’re going right now, to me, isn’t quite it.”

DP WORLD TOUR — Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., is the lone Canadian in this week’s Kenya Open at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi. He finished second at the event in 2022.

LPGA TOUR — Brooke Henderson of Smiths Fall, Ont., is the lone Canadian in the field at Honda LPGA Thailand at Siam Country Club’s Old Course in Chonburi. She sits sixth in the Race to CME Globe standings after placing third at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions on Jan. 18 and tying for 16th at the LPGA Drive On Championship.

MEN’S NCAA — Calgary’s Hunter Thomson won his season opener with eight birdies in the final round of the Palmas del Mar Collegiate tournament in Humacao, Puerto Rico. He won the event by two strokes on Feb. 13, helping the University of Michigan to a fourth-place finish. 

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.

Tom White, Falcon Ridge Golf Club, Hole #2

I was playing in the final round of the 11th bi-annual Toronto Gentlemen’s Golf Club Tournament (TGGC).

The TGGC has been held every other year since 2001.

The TGGC is made up of a group of people who have come to know each other
through work in the financial services industry and share a love of golf.

I was playing with Mike R., Scott F., and Jim S.

The hole was playing 136 yards, so I used an 8 iron!

Sandy Byckowski, Brampton Golf Club, Hole #3

So, it was Halloween day and apparently I came dressed as a golfer that day. Our 3rd hole at Brampton was measuring 88.5 yards. I used a smooth choke 9 iron. It looked good from the start. It landed a bit in front of the pin and disappeared.

My playing partners, Pat Waite and Brenda DeCoste, broke into a run to get to the green to check it out. It is my 13th hole-in-one.

Edward Oulds, Kedron Dells Golf Club, Hole #5

It was a great feeling to finally get my first hole-in-one. I was playing with Pete and Helen who were very nice. I used a 173 yard 7 iron.

Carol Wright, Ladies’ Golf Club Of Toronto, Hole #13

I played with three lovely women from the Ladies Golf Course. We all saw it land and roll into the hole as the 13th hole has a tee box at the top of the hill and you hit into the valley.  The pin was 110 yards and I used my trusty 6 Ping hybrid.

Tony Leblanc, The Toronto Hunt

I was playing as a guest of my brother Michel (Mike) LeBlanc along with his daughter Lake Martin-LeBlanc, as well as his great buddy Ken Mulgrew (ParaGolf Ontario Instructor and President).

An assist goes to Mike and Ken as I followed them off the tee. The pin was 130 yards into a very stiff wind. I took extra club and went with a firm 8 iron after they both came up well short of the green.

The ace was particularly special for two reasons.

First, we didn’t see it go in the hole, as it appeared to land and then disappear after going over the crest of a ridge running across the middle of the green. It was only when we got to the green and saw no ball that I/we got excited.

Secondly, it was my second hole-in-one in over 45 years of golfing. I was playing with Mike on both occasions which is an incredible coincidence (for most of the past 30 years we lived a good distance apart) so it was just awesome to have him there, especially since he paid for the golf!

Adil Mughal, Station Creek Golf Club

I was playing with two of my good friends: Nicholas McNeilly and Faiz Lakhani. We were also grouped with a single whose name was Zack.

We played the white tees, and the hole was exactly 135 yards. Wind was blowing into us around 10 kph. I hit a full 9 iron that had a very straight and high flight. The ball bounced about two feet behind the pin and didn’t hit the green a second time, but instead went straight to the bottom of the cup! It was a joy to watch from the tee as the ball one hopped and disappeared!

Ken Woolford, Cedar Brae

It was approximately 150 yards and I used a 6 iron. My playing partners were fellow Cedar Brae members Jonathan Levitt, Tim Rooney and Barry Downs.

Bob Husband, Gorge Vale Golf Club, Hole #14 & Hole #2

Bob Husband got his first hole-in-one in 50 years of golfing on October 3, 2023 on the 14th hole. He followed it up with a hole-in-one the very next day on October 4, 2023 on the second hole.

Brent Borne, Lookout Point Country Club, Hole #8

It was quite unbelievable to say the least. The yardage was about 130 playing closer to 145 uphill into a small breeze. I used an eight iron. I was playing with three other members who took pictures and enjoyed drinks and such after.

Robert Corn, Granite Ridge Cobalt, Hole #5

Right of the green is a pond. Sand trap guarding the front of the green. Tough and intimidating hole to at least get it on the green. The pin placement on this day was front left which takes a precise shot to get it close. I had to do a reset as I just didn’t feel comfortable. Being a lefty player with a left to right draw. My aiming point was 10 yards left towards the farmer’s field. With my 9 iron I put a crisp shot on it and as I picked my head up to see the flight “please be the right club” I said. The ball was turning right towards the green bouncing on the green just left of the flag, rolled about six feet and it disappeared right into the hole. Finally! I belted out. Relief that I finally got an ace after all my 54 years of playing. Lots of high five’s.

Bob Saye, Algonquin Golf Club, Hole #12

My first ever hole-in-one happened November 2nd on the par 3 12th hole at Algonquin Golf Club in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. It was a little cool but lots of sun so not a bad day at all despite the temperature being close to 6 degrees celsius.

I played with Bob, we’re all members of Algonquin and I played with them throughout the season. The guy in the back with his hand raised is Dan Roe. In the front from left to right are; Bill Peppard, Dale Clarke, and me with the Montreal touque.

I play from the silver tees so it’s normally 132 yards. Because the hole is downhill, on this day it was playing between 115 and 120 yards with a slight breeze behind us. I used an 8 iron hoping to carry the front bunker.

Saw the trajectory of the ball and knew it was on line but none of us saw the ball land. Went to the green. It wasn’t in the front bunker or on the putting surface. I assumed it was over the green so went looking for it. Couldn’t find it so played another ball.

My playing partners had already finished up. They didn’t sink their putts but were close enough to pick up, so no one actually looked in the hole and we hadn’t taken the flag out. One of my playing partners, Dale Clarke, was standing close to the hole and was waiting for me to putt. He happened to look in the hole and said, “There’s a ball in the hole.” Turned out it was mine. If I had putted and had a “gimme” for my next one, we could have walked off the green without ever knowing my tee shot was actually in the hole. A nice surprise to say the least.

I’m not the best golfer so as an added bonus I broke 100 on the round and shot 96. I know, not a big deal for most golfers but it is for me. A good way to end the season.

Peter Cavin, Wailea Golf Club, Hole #10

I was playing with my son Andrew Cavin and two locals Brandon and Brock.

The 10th hole was playing 151 yards and I hit a 7 iron. I couldn’t see the ball once it landed as the green was uphill from the tee box.

Shot looked good but as we drove up to the green, we couldn’t see my ball and I thought I must have hit it long. I walked towards the back of the green to look for the ball in the rough. My son decided to walk to the cup and he started yelling. He found the ball in the hole. Still was such a great feeling even though I didn’t see it go in. It was my first hole-in-one after 40 something years of golf.

Mark Merlau, Otter Creek Golf Club, Hole #12

I was playing with my friend, Steve Locky when I recorded the second hole-in-one of my career. Anyone who plays this par 3 knows how much of a brute it can be! It is almost impossible to stop the ball on the green and everything tends to roll off the back. Needless to say, I haven’t had much luck on this hole before.

The hole was playing 169 yards into a slight headwind, so I decided to choke up and hit my 18 degree hybrid. The shot came off the club perfectly and headed straight towards the pin. Although I didn’t see the ball go into the hole, it was still a surreal feeling to find it in there! What a great way to end the season!

 

 

Sandy Marsellus, White Bear, Hole #11

I hit a beautiful 6 iron on the par 3 165 yard 11th hole. The course was White Bear in Saskatchewan.

Richard Edwards, Silver Creek Golf Course -North/West, Hole #4

I was playing with my wife Irene and we were on the 4th hole of the North course from the white tees and is 141 yards. It is funny because as I walked onto the tee box Irene and I were joking with each other and I said “Ok. Hole-in-one hole”. I played a 9 iron which is my 150 yard club and it fitted well as there was a breeze coming straight into us. I got a clean strike, and it was on a great line. I started doing the head bob looking at the ball and at the pin then back to the ball and so on. It landed, took a bounce, a roll and disappeared.

My brain took a moment trying to understand where the ball had gone before I realized, and my wife started yelling, “oh my goodness, you called it!” I got to the green and the pitch mark was about four feet from the hole. One of the green keepers came running out and told me to go buy a lottery ticket (I did and that failed).

In true form my wife tried to show me how easy a hole-in-one is and on the same round at the 12th hole (the West #3) she hit the pin and finished a few feet away! I may have muttered words to the effect of, “Couldn’t let me have the day to myself.”

A once in a lifetime thing no doubt but having the right person there with me made it better.

Kathleen Houghton, Oyster Reef

I played with my husband, Sid Dickinson, and Rick and Cheryl Field, all from Ontario.

I used a seven iron for 123 yards.

Jeff Macks, Markham Green Golf Club, Hole #3

The big news here is that it was my first ever hole-in-one. I have played golf since my late teens and am now 72. I had almost given up hope that it would ever happen but it goes to show you are never too old and it’s not too late for magic to happen.

As far as the actual shot it was not a pretty or amazing shot, I’m sorry to say, which you’ll see below. I am a 15 handicap so not a bad golfer but the closest I’ve ever come before was maybe two or three feet. On that day I was playing with a good friend and got paired with two other guys. Hole #3 at Markham was about 125 yards to the pin from the whites for that round. You hit over some long grass and a small stream to a very small, back to front tilted, fast green. We hate that green! If you are not below the hole, you have no chance to stop a downhill putt even from a few feet away.

I hit the ball slightly off the heel with my 8 iron, it went left, hit the side of the fringe with a lot of spin and proceeded across the green, hit the flag and in. If not for the pin it would have ended up 20 feet away off the green due to the slope. Pure skill – NOT Pure Lluck – YES! But I will take it.

Dawn-Marie Hunter Sharp, Superstition Springs Golf Club

I was playing with my family David Hunter, Susan and Andy Bilinski. The yardage was 117, I usually use my 8 iron for that distance but the green has a super high elevation so I clubbed up two clubs to my six.

Marlene Proc, The Vancouver Golf Club, Hole #3

On the 11th month, of the 11th day, of the 11th hour, just as the horn blew from the clubhouse to begin the Saturday shotgun, I took out my 8 iron and hit my first shot of the day on hole #3 at Vancouver Golf Club. I was blinded by the sun trying to break through and did not see the shot.

My playing partner, Marnie, commented that it looked right on line with the pin. We heard it hit the pin hard and saw something recoiling back towards the front puddle of standing water that was on the green. It was a 112 yard shot with a front red pin. Not that I measured that day.

Upon walking down towards the green, we commented on the position of what we thought was the ball, but what we spotted was actually a leaf with the ball nowhere in site. As I walked up to the flag, with putter in hand, there was the ball sitting peacefully at the bottom of the cup. What a way to start the round and to connect to Remembrance Day!

The rest of the game was pretty solid and ended with a score of 79. Now, if I could
only score so well during the golf season!

This event marks my third hole-in-one although my first at the Vancouver Golf Club.

Colleen Kaspersion, Pine Ridge Golf Club, Hole #16

My first hole-in-one. Great way to end the season. It was our last day before Pine Ridge closed. I was with my friends Colette, Allayne and Anne. Par 3. White flag, tucked in the gully. 116 yards. 9 iron.

Richard Bennett, Avon Valley Golf & Country Club

I was playing with friends Mark, Brandon and Dudley and used a 7 iron from 136. Don’t judge, it’s severely uphill and was into heavy wind! I’ve been playing for over 20 years and it’s the first I’ve even seen.

Daniel Bruce, Poppy Estate Golf Club, Hole #5

Have had the pleasure of joining a great group of guys. It’s the “Norm’s” group. Norm Trudel and Norm Seifried are the coordinators of our club. We have sometimes, up to 24 guys playing. This day we had 12, and in our group there was Billy, Norm T, Todd and me.

The 5th hole at Poppy Estates is a tough one. From the whites it usually plays around 190 yards and 205 from the blues. November 11th it was playing 183 yards (red flag) from the whites. Until that day I had never been on #5 in regulation. There is a small water hazard about 15 yards before the green and water to the left and right. It’s a tough hole. We usually play from the blues but it was cold and wet, so we decided to play from the whites. I used a 5 iron and aimed to the right a bit because I can sometimes pull my 5 iron. I pured it, with a bit of my usual pull, and it landed pass the pin (two yards) and to the right. I had thought it landed and rolled forward and hid behind the pin. Billy said it went in but I didn’t believe him. The remaining guys hit their shots and we proceeded to the green. As we got closer it was clear it wasn’t hiding behind the pin, but I didn’t get my hopes up. Billy got out his phone to record my reaction. As I got up to the hole, I slowly approached from the opposite side of where it would have entered. At first, I didn’t see it and then boom, it hit me, there is was. My Callaway 4 Hex Tour with my happy face marking looking straight up at me.

It was euphoric. Huge hugs and high five’s, lots of screaming and cheering. At the end of the round, we stopped for a bite and a drink. We had a few to many shots on the course so we didn’t get into it at the clubhouse. Billy presented a trophy #1 that he had made and brings to every round just in case someone gets an ace.
It was a great day and look forward to many with this great group.

Ryder St. Laurent, Starfire at Scottsdale Country Club, Hole #9

I was in Arizona for the MJT Nationals which was held at the Wigwam golf and country club. After the tournament, my family and I stayed a couple extra days in Scottsdale. My dad and I decided to play our last round at the Starfire golf club. On the last hole of the day #9 which plays 230 yards. Back pin playing almost 240 yards I hit driver and it curled in for a hole-in-one. I was super excited to end the year with a hole-in-one. Thanks.

Lee McGuire, Highland Pacific Golf

Callaway Warbird ball. Taylor made 8 iron. 3/4 swing. 130 yard Pacific second hole over water. Attessed by Andy Wells and Brad Main.

Joyce Ireson, Elmira Golf Course, Hole #6

I have aced the 6th hole at Elmira Golf Course in Ontario twice in the last four years. The first time was Aug. 21, 2020, and the second was June 20th, 2022. I did not see the first one go in, but I did see the second. One member of my regular playing group witnessed both. Not bad seeing as I am 88 years old.

Dexter John, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Hole #14

I was playing a round at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. It was a shotgun start 730 am. We started on hole #12. Did not have a lot of warm up so the first hole was not particularly great. We come upon hole 14 an par 3 168 yard protected by water in the front faces our group. One of the men teed off first and hit a perfect shot landing on the green. I tee my ball up and just take a deep breath as I just wanted for the ball to not go into the water. I pulled out my 6 iron to guarantee distance and hit a high lofting shot I landed squarely on the green and start to roll in the direction of the flag. I had already started to kick up my tee and return my club when I hear the group screaming that the ball is going to go in the home. When I look up the ball is gone, and they are telling me it went in. Of course the screaming and hollering commenced but it did not sink in until I saw the ball in the hole. I was ecstatic and overwhelmed with joy. Could not wipe the smile off my face all day. The club gave me a certificate and now my name is on the wall with all the other individuals that have played there and got a hole-in-one.

Derek McGee, Sandpiper Golf Club

I was with three of my buddies! Nathan Eeg, Ty Emmerson and Colby Bolster.

The hole was a 170 yard par 3 and I used my p790 7 iron!

Ray Portiss, The Oxford Hills, Hole #3

I had a hole-in-one on Friday June 16, 2023 at The Oxford Hills golf course in MT ELGIN Ontario. This is my second hole-in-one.

The third hole is 135 yards and I used my wedge. Did not see the ball go into the hole. On the fourth tee box four players saw it go into the hole and started jumping up and down.

Pina Luomala, Las Barrancas

It was quite exciting! I was playing with Barb Dery and Nancy Bickell. It was an 80 yard par 3 and I used my pitching wedge.

Andre Martel, Bandon Resort, Breezy Point Resort, Kingswood Golf Club

I had three in 2023. The first at Bandon Preserve in March during trip to Bandon Resort in Oregon. My second at Breezy Point Resort (Traditional course, hole #11) in Minnesota in May. The third occured at Kingswood Golf Club on hole #5 in LaSalle, MB in July.

Vivian Mohoruk, Pentincton Golf & Country Club, Hole #6

Our club has paintings of each of the par three’s and when a member gets a hole-in-one, they have the option of receiving a personalized print of the painting. As this was the second time, I was lucky on Hole #6, I had the date of my first one included. I was golfing with Mo Bildfell and Caroline Palmer. 

Chris Woodland, Saskatoon Golf & Country Club, Hole #15

I was playing with a friend, Kevin Kowbel. It was in the 15th hole which was playing roughly 128 yards that day and I hit a pitching wedge that I watched bounce once and then land in the hole.

Lynne Maillet, The Hamptons Golf Club, Hole #9

I had my first hole-in-one on August 21, 2023 while playing with Denise Hay, Sharon Jamison and Carol Freeman. I hit my magical shot on hole #9 at the Hamptons Golf Course from 89 yards and my 6 hybrid (Ping). I was playing a Golf Alberta ProV1 #4.

Lawrence Yang, Alta Vista Golf & Country Club, Hole #13

My return for the Christmas season to visit my parents became even more memorable when I scored my first ever hole-in-one since I started playing 17 years ago on hole #13 of the Alta Vista Golf & Country Club in Cebu last Thursday, January 4. I used a Mizuno MP-5 6-iron and a Titleist Pro-V1 ball in scoring the ace from 127 yards with my high school buddies Jimmy Chua, Sherwin Lim and Rex Carampatana watching.

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