Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).

Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nancy Dezotell, Murray Municipal Golf Club, Hole #9

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

Paul Rodgers, Purcell Golf, Hole #3

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

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

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

Allan Woo, Richmond Country Club, Hole #9

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

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

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

Braun Draper, Elmira Golf Club, Hole #3

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

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

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

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

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

Leslie Berman, Batteaux Creek Golf Course , Hole #12

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

Lisa Kovacs, McKenzie Meadows Golf Club, Hole #17

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

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

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

Hudson Lockwood, Settlers Ghost, Hole #11

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

Shirley Porter, Uplands Golf Club, Hole #17

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

John Rousseau, Cutten Fields, Hole #9

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

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

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

Ryan Jeffries, Miskanaw Golf Course, Hole #8

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

Scott Farrell, Le Géant, Hole #16

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

Mark Smith, Pine Ridge Golf Club, Hole #17

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

Dale Neubauer, Mount Brenton Golf Course, Hole #16

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

Tom Walsh, Pitcher Pond Golf Course, Hole #7

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

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

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

Rick Legge, HeatherGlen Golf Course, Hole #17

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

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

Howie Kotzer, Richmond Hill Golf Club, Hole #4

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

Greg Percy, McCall Lake Golf Course, Hole #8

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

Charlie MacPhee, Hampton Golf Club , Hole #10

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

Taylor Roberts, on behalf of Charlie MacPhee

Janice Hull, Golden Eagle Golf Course, Hole #14

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

Paul Allen, Sand Point Golf Course, Hole #11

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

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

Alan Gray, Black Diamond Golf Club, Hole #4

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

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

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

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

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

Russ Glowinski, The Pulpit Club, Hole #7

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

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

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

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

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

Esther Chan, Mylora on Sidaway, Hole #5

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

Gary Little, Glencairn Golf Club, Hole #12

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

Rick Thornton, Landings Golf Course, Hole #15

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

Gord Van Clieaf, Hockley Valley Resort, Hole #12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Logan Dickinson, Elmira Golf Club, Hole #6

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

Zack Cameron, Legacy Ridge Golf Club, Hole #2

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

Sean Kelly, Innisfail Golf Club, Hole #9

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

Andrew Waltho, Greystone Golf Club, Hole #11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Japan’s Mao Saigo had the round of her life on Saturday at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary.

Saigo fired an 11-under 61 — a tournament and course record — to climb the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open leaderboard.

The impressive outing saw her drain nine birdies while holing out from the fairway for eagle on the par 4, 433-yard 10th hole.

“I’m very proud of myself because that was the best round probably since I started playing golf,” said Saigo through an interpreter. “I had 133 yards left and I hit pitching wedge and I was able to make it. I was very happy about it.

“(My) eagle on No. 10, I will probably remember the most.”

Through two rounds of play, Saigo was sitting at 3-over and only made the cut by one stroke.

That all changed in Round 3 as the 22-year-old LPGA rookie turned her tournament fortunes around in a span of about 4 1/2 hours.

“I played on Japanese tour for three years, and from that experience I was able to qualify for LPGA Tour,” Saigo said. “Just because I am rookie I wasn’t going to be intimidated. I just wanted to play my own game, and to be able to shoot this score, I’m very happy about it.

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

Just after Saigo made her par putt on the 18th hole, Round 2 leader Lauren Coughlin was getting set to start her afternoon trip around Earl Grey’s par 72, 6,858-yard layout.

Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., and Hamilton’s Alena Sharp both carded rounds of 3-under 69 on Saturday to inch their way up the leaderboard.

Heading into Sunday’s final round, Henderson is sitting as top Canadian at 2-under.

“Today was a really solid day,” said Henderson, who will represent Canada along with Sharp in the women’s golf competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. “I was really happy to get six birdies on the card — unfortunate to drop three shots to three bogeys, but I feel like I’m right there. I think I’m trending in the right direction, so hopefully we’ll just get off to a fast start (Sunday).”

Henderson received the largest ovation of the day when she drained a lengthy birdie putt on the par 3, 17th green.

“I’ve just felt so much love all week,” said Henderson, whose diehard fans are known as the Brooke Brigade. “It’s really been incredible, 17 was really special. I was really happy to see that putt go in because it was not an easy putt. Everybody was so energetic and just so supportive. It was a lot of fun to hear that loud of a cheer.”

Sharp started her day at 3-over, but was able to make it back to even-par.

“Really happy,” said Sharp of her round that included four birdies on the front nine and just one bogey on the 10th hole. “Obviously shooting under par on this golf course, I think it’s a good score. I saw there was 11-under so that’s just amazing golf.”

About 15 minutes after Saigo drained a short birdie putt on the 17th green, Sharp walked up to the tee box on the hockey-themed feature hole, which is dubbed The Rink.

Like she had done the past two years of her national women’s championship, Sharp was planning to impress the fans by wearing an NHL jersey.

“I was going to (wear) it today but someone forgot to bring it,” said Sharp, who received a warm reception from the fans a year ago at Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club when she donned a Canucks sweater. “I don’t want to get booed. I will definitely be wearing a Flames jersey (Sunday).”

Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., shot 71 and is tied with Sharp through three rounds at even par.

Ellie Szeryk, of London, Ont., remained at 4-over after shooting 72, while Savannah Grewal, of Mississauga, Ont., fell back to 5-over following her round of 74.

Levelwear, CPKC and Golf Canada have announced that 100 per cent of net proceeds from the CPKC Women’s Open Merchandise tent at Earl Grey Golf Club over the weekend will be donated to the Red Cross Alberta Wildfire Relief to help those impacted by the wildfires across the province.

This will also extend to all Levelwear merchandise purchased online at levelwear.com. The online campaign will be effective from July 27 -31.

In addition, 2,000 pieces of brand new Levelwear apparel will be donated in various sizes in Men’s, Women’s and Youth.

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CALGARY, Alberta — Lauren Coughlin held onto the lead Friday in the CPKC Women’s Open, while Canadian star Brooke Henderson was derailed by closing bogeys at windy and smokey Earl Grey Golf Club.

Coughlin followed her opening 4-under 68 on Thursday in chilly and windy conditions with a 70 on Friday to get to 6 under, a stroke ahead of Hannah Green and Haeran Ryu. The temperature made it into the 70s after barely climbing into the 60s on Thursday.

“I think I handled it really well overall,” Coughlin said. “It was just really difficult to judge how far the ball was going to go with the wind and the crosswind and how firm the greens got. And they had some tough pins, especially considering the direction of the wind.”

Playing through a smokey haze from wildfires, Henderson bogeyed the final four holes in her afternoon round for a 73 that left her seven strokes back at 1 over. She won the 2018 tournament.

“Most of the day I was 3 under, so feeling pretty great,” Henderson said. “To walk away 1 over, that’s not the best feeling. But all you can do is move forward and try to learn from some of the things you did out there.”

Coughlin is coming off a fourth-place finish two weeks ago in France in the major Evian Champions. The 31-year-old former University of Virginia player is winless on the LPGA Tour.

On Friday, she had three front-none birdies and dropped a stroke on the par-4 11th. In two rounds, she’s 7 under on the first nine holes and 1 over on the second nine.

“I putted extremely well,” Coughlin said. “Two-putted really well all day. Took advantage of the front nine, which you have to, and then kind of hold on on the back nine.”

Green matched Coughlin with a 70. The Australian is a two-time winner this year, taking the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore in February and the JM Eagle LA Championship in April.

“It was tough again out there,” Green said. “There was some pretty strong wind gusts, especially our last few holes, so committing to the shot you were envisioning was kind of difficult.”

Ryu bogeyed the 18th for 69.

“The weather is really bad,” Ryu said. “Is a little bit cold and so windy.”

The 23-year-old South Korean player won the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship last year for her first LPGA Tour title. She was second last week in Ohio in the Dana Open.

Three-time champion Lydia Ko had a 71 to join second-ranked Lilia Vu (70) and Jennifer Kupcho (72) at 3 under. Ko won as an amateur in 2012 at age 15, successfully defended her title as an amateur in 2013 and won as a professional in 2015.

“It’s not easy — and I think the scores are showing,” Ko said. “Anything kind of under par the past couple days is a really solid round. I’m pretty happy with the way I started this week.”

Kupcho topped the leaderboard at 8 under after birdieing five of the first eight holes in her morning round, then was 5 over the rest of the way. She had a double bogey on the par-4 16th, four bogeys and a birdie on her final nine holes.

“I’m pretty upset,” Kupcho said. “I think in hindsight I still hit 15 greens. Like I was hitting the ball really good. Three-putted 10 and 11 and four-putted 16. I didn’t play bad. Just had a couple shaky putts down the stretch — and that’s going to happen.”

Lexi Thompson was in the group with Henderson tied for 26th at 1 over after a 73 The American plans to play a limited schedule after this season.

BLAINE, Minn. — Taylor Pendrith shot a 7-under 64 on Friday to take a two-stroke lead over Matt NeSmith into the weekend in the 3M Open.

Playing in windier afternoon conditions, Pendrith made a 30-foot birdie putt on the par-4 16th and tapped in for another birdie on the par-5 18th. He had a 12-under 130 total at the TPC Twin Cities, playing the first 36 holes without a bogey.

The 33-year-old Canadian won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in May in Texas for his first PGA Tour title. He tied for fifth last week in the Barracuda Championship in California.

NeSmith had a 64 in the morning before wind gusts topping 20 mph hit the course in the afternoon and early evening.

Seeking his first PGA Tour victory, NeSmith lost in a playoff two weeks ago at the ISCO Championship in Kentucky, his lone top-10 finish in 20 prior starts this season. He has missed 11 cuts.

First-round leader Jacob Bridgeman had a 70 to drop three strokes back at 9 under with Andrew Putnam (66). Doug Ghim (64), Lanto Griffin (66), Alex Smalley (65) and Jhonattan Vegas (66) were 8 under.

The event is the second-to-last tournament before the FedEx Cup playoffs begin, with some players near the 70-player cutoff failing to advance to the weekend. Nick Dunlap (64th in the standings), Luke List (71st) and defending champion Lee Hodges (73rd) missed the cut.

Australian Hannah Green has high hopes that a Canadian connection can help her win one of her favourite golf tournaments.

Sitting at 5-under par through two rounds of play at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open, Green commended her Canadian caddie Nate Blasko, of Kingston, Ont., for helping her take on the challenging conditions at Earl Grey Golf Club.

“He’s from the other side of the country, but (it would) be pretty cool for us to both win here,” said Green, who had five birdies and three bogeys during her round of 2-under 70 on Friday. “It was tough again out there. There was some pretty strong wind gusts, especially our last few holes, so committing to the shot you were envisioning was kind of difficult. I’m kind of glad that I’m finished for Friday and I can go relax now.”

After finishing fifth in the LPGA’s Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year standings in 2018, Green was looking to hire a new caddie.

That’s when Blasko entered the picture, she said.

“We both met when I was playing on the Symetra Tour, now Epson Tour,” explained Green, who was in the clubhouse sitting third behind Nelly Korda and Ayaka Furue in the LPGA’s season-long Race to the CME Globe points competition.

“I was looking for a caddie in the off-season and he was looking for a player.”

The partnership paid almost immediate dividends, as she made 19 of 23 cuts in 2019 and surpassed the $1 million mark in earnings while winning her first major title at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, then adding a victory at the Cambia Portland Classic.

“Our first event was together in Australia and then later that year we won KPMG together,” Green said. “Been together ever since.”

With Blasko on her bag at last year’s CPKC Women’s Open at Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, Green finished in a tie for fourth place to earn a payday of $117,507.

“I always really enjoy coming to Canada,” said Green, who will represent Australia in the women’s golf competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. “I played well last year in Vancouver, so hopefully I can do a few better and get my hands on that big trophy.”

When she finished her round, Green didn’t even know that she was tied for first place with Round 1 leader Lauren Coughlin, who had just birdied her first hole after teeing off in the afternoon wave of golfers.

That doesn’t mean she doesn’t like peeking at the leaderboard while out on the course.

“I’m definitely a leaderboard watcher,” said Green, who noticed that Jennifer Kupcho was ahead of her at one point before the American golfer struggled on her back nine and finished at 3-under after reaching 8-under at one point.

“The last time I probably saw a leaderboard, I would have been at 5-under and she was at 7. I just assumed she continued to play well.”

Also on Friday morning, Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., shot a round of 2-over 74. Her total score of 1-over has put her in position to play on the weekend for the final two rounds, a feat she hasn’t accomplished since finishing in a tie for 14th place in 2016 at her national championship at nearby Priddis Golf and Country Club.

“It’s our only tournament in Canada for the whole season, so I love being out here,” said Leblanc, who started her round with her lone birdie of the day on the Par 5, 550-yard opening hole. “It was a good start. I gave myself a lot of opportunities at the beginning and wasn’t able to make putts. Overall, I hit the ball pretty well. It’s just tough conditions out there.

“The greens are starting to get firmer and faster, so if you’re not in the fairway, it’s almost impossible for the ball to stay on the green.”