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.

Al Donald, Cherry Hill Club, Hole #16

I was playing with Mark McBride. I used a pitching wedge and 125 yards.

Alex Lolua, Beverly Golf and Country Club, Hole #7

It was during the final night of Men’s League, so I won closest to, a skin and the hole-in-one jackpot. I was playing with Tony Cupido, Tony and Andrew Mantecon.

Andre Ereaut, Cougar Creek Golf Resort, Hole #3

Best day!

Baron Snow, Grand Falls Golf Club, Hole #12

I played with members Tony Beson and Roger Budgell. It drizzled in the morning, and both Tony and I thought it might have gone in but weren’t sure due to the drizzle on our glasses.

When we approached the green it was nowhere to be seen. I asked Rog to check the hole to see if I needed my putter or not. He said leave the putter but bring his phone. At 66 years old I wondered if I would ever get a hole-in-one, but I did!

Barry Caland, Fort William Golf and Country Club, Hole #11

It was 120 yards with a gap wedge. My witnesses were Don Zatti, John Boorman and Bill Mauro.

Bill Drury, Inverary Golf and Country Club, Hole #8

I am 73 and mostly playing from the red tees these days. Hole #8 at Inverary shows a yardage of 115 yards. There’s a lip at the front so it’s playing a bit longer, plus a wind against on the day. So, I figure total yardage at 128 yards. Using a hybrid, I hit the shot and saw the ball very close and above the hole. It stayed there for a few seconds before it rolled into the hole, helped by the slope and the wind. My playing companions were my wife, Cynthia, and our friend, Al Parkin.

Bill Robinson, Brockville Country Club, Hole #9

I used a wedge on the 9th hole at the Brockville Country Club. I was playing with a friend, Paul Sloan, who is also a member. The distance was 115 yards.

Doug Ward, Thornhill Country Clubm, Hole #5

I was playing with our Wednesday afternoon men’s group. The hole was approximately 150 yards long with a significant uphill rise. I used a TaylorMade 6 iron. I hit the ball fairly clean, and it landed beside the green and got a very good “kick” towards the hole and it went in. A very pleasing feeling.

Eddie Dent, Prince George Golf Club, Hole #12

What a great day!

George Bowditch, Chinook Golf Course, Hole #7

I made my third ever hole-in-one on the par 3, 135-yard 7th hole. My buddy Bob Sanders witnessed it and ironically, he witnessed my first when it was hole #4 on the same tract of land but the direction of the green was reversed. This area of Chinook Golf Course is my favourite and luckiest part of any course I have played.

Jamie Alcock, Mill Run Golf and Country Club, Hole #16

I played with John and Karen Michalicka. It was 139 yards and I used my 9 iron.

John Faubert, Harbourview Golf and Country Club, Hole #2

It was on hole #2, 160 yards hit with a TaylorMade Hybrid #4 fairway metal. My partners that day were Dave Gillam, Steve Leigh and Dominic Cugliari. This was my second hole-in-one since I began golfing.

Kellan Bernard, Scenic City Golf Course, Hole #11

I was playing with Sean MacDonald and Trevor Beadie. It was 123 yards with a 54-degree wedge.

Kieran Shanahan, Glasgow Hills Resort, Hole #7

I was playing with Derek Huestis and Mike Holland, fellow members at Glasgow Hills. The yardage was 127 yards, and I used my 5 wood club. It only took me 62 playing years to accomplish the goal.

Kyle Shaw, Spring Creek Golf Club, Hole #9

Every Wednesday 12 of us play Spring Creek Golf Course. Afterwards we all have a beer and chat about the past and future plans. On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, my dream finally came true! I was having a decent round with two bad holes and was four over going into the 9th and final hole. The pin was playing 157 yards with sunset creeping over the left side tree line, casting shadows on the green. I teed off first using a 7 iron and hit it pure. My buddies in front of us had an opportunity to see the shot but kept walking to their cars. I lost the ball as it was coming down and my buddy James said, “I think that it went in.” as he saw it hit the front of the green and lost it at the flag. My other buddy Dick said, “It sure looked good so I grabbed my range finder and couldn’t see it on the green but thought I had seen a ball at the back of the green just in the first cut. James and Dick then teed off and I was very curious at this point to see if my dream had come true. As we approached the green, I noticed the ball that I thought was mine, wasn’t a ball, my heart started to beat faster. I then looked in the cup and there it was, a 157-yard hole-in-one. I let out several large yells and James and Dick started taking pictures. My buddies in front of us were already on the deck with their beers when they asked why all the yelling as they thought I chipped in for birdie, only to find out they were getting a free beer on me. I went up to the club house and told the lady what happened, and she was just as excited as me. I am now part of the hole-in-one club at Spring Creek, and she gave me an emblem to put with the case I’m planning to purchase to showcase my ball (Taylor Made TP5), scorecard, emblem/pin and picture. As I was waiting for the group behind us to get on the green, I started asking them all what drink they want only for them to realize I had gotten a hole-in-one. I can honestly say I never thought it would happen and now that it has, there truly are no words to describe it and what an amazing feeling.

Larry Davies, Piper’s Heath, Hole #11

I had a hole-in-one at Piper’s Heath on Thursday, September 21, on hole #11. The yardage was 166 and I hit a beautiful 6 iron that landed and then rolled in the hole like a putt. I marshal at Piper’s and was playing with a fellow marshal and two other individuals we had not met previously. This was number eight for me but the first in over five years.

Lisa Carbonetto, Sirocco Golf Club, Hole #14

I was golfing with my husband, Barry Carbonetto, Sean White and Desmond White. As we approached the par 3, hole #14 my husband just happened to be talking with Sean about a hole-in-one that I got many years ago, at River Spirit Golf Course (which was a total fluke as I had only golfed maybe two or three times in my life). I took out my Callaway 7 Hybrid and hit my ball 122 yards to sink my shot in one! It was quite funny that a hole-in-one had just entered our conversation prior to me hitting the shot. This was my last game of the season as we are heading over to Rome to see the Ryder Cup. What a terrific way to end my season!

Mark Flood, Rocky Crest Golf Club, Hole #17

The yardage was 157 and I hit a 7 iron.

Maureen Schell, Ponoka Community Golf Course, Hole #17

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, I was golfing the Ponoka Golf Course with two friends from the course, Barb and Marj and I got a hole-in-one on the 17th hole!

The distance for this hole is 141 yards with an elevated green. The pin placement for that day was on the left side in the front. I always use my driver on this hole because I don’t often hit the green (in my eyes it’s the toughest par 3 of the 4 that we have)!

Marj was the one who called it! She said, “This is a hole-in-one! It’s in!” I hit the front right of the green and the ball just started to curl left and rolled slowly into the cup! It was surreal! The three of us just hooted and hollered!!

The best part was to have gotten a hole-in-one with two great friends as witnesses!

Michael O’Reilly, Pheasant Run Golf Club, Hole #16

I got the hole-in-one on the 16^th hole. It is actually the 7^th hole on the Midlands 9. I play from the white tees. The yardage was approximately 136 yards, and it was a 7 iron. I was playing in a foursome. My playing partners included Merle Sibbert, John Pagniello and a gentleman who joined us who I did not know. His first name was Loui.

Mike Cornford, Beach Grove Golf Club, Hole #7

I was playing with Paul Rempel, Shawn Babcock and Gregg Rushton. What a special day and one I won’t ever forget. It was hole #7 at Beach Grove Golf Club, the yardage was around 122 and I hit a pitching wedge. Absolutely perfect shot, a few yards past the hole and spun it right back into the cup. One of the best shots I’ve hit this year, and it absolutely proved it. Can’t wait to get out and play again all fall and winter!

Noel Hay, Mount Brenton Golf Course, Hole #7

The distance to the pin was about 125 yards. I used a hybrid pitching wedge. Slight draw, landing close to the pin and rolling in. Unfortunately, I did not see the ball fall in but the other three saw it all. My foursome included Jim Baker, Ray Morris and Germain Belanger.

Norm Oliver, Whistle Bear Golf Club, Hole #8

My hole-in-one was on the 8^th hole at Whistle Bear Golf Club. It was 109 yards with a two club headwind. I used an 8 hybrid.

Paul Horswood, St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Club, Hole #17

It was on the 17th at St. Andrew’s Valley. The pin placement was at the front left, and I believe it was 138 yards from the white tees, which is what our group were playing and usually play. The club was a rather nicely struck 8 iron. I had time to pick up the tee before we all watched in silence as the ball pitched about a foot in front of the pin and rather serenely rolled forward and disappeared into the hole. At which time the silence was broken with a mix of profanity and jubilant celebrations. My foursome was Davey Stone, Peter Saunders, Jeff McCloskey and myself.

Ron Ellis, Blue Devil Golf Club, Hole #16

The yardage was approximately 145. I used a 7 iron as the wind was behind me. I was playing with Michael Zaychkowsky, Rob Hughes and Bill Salter who are all members of Blue Devil Golf Club.

Ronnie Birdgenaw, Pine View Golf Course, Hole #10

It was 97 yards, and I used a 54-degree Titleist Vokey SM9 and a Titleist ProV1x ball.

Scott Mirault, Deep River Golf Club, Hole #4

The scorecard says 155 yards, but with the pin at the back of the green, and tee blocks at the back of the tee, it was playing 165. My 8 iron landed just short of the pin and we (Todd Chaput, Ryan Joyce, and Eric Senohrabek) all witnessed the ball disappear into the cup.

Sing Lee, Bally Haly Country Club, Hole #7

I played with my husband, Dave Blanchard, Fred Steinhauer and ShiKan Yue on a freezing cold day. I used an 8 iron and it rolled in like a putt!

Tibor Bogdan, Chilliwack Golf Club, Hole #17

Yesterday was my dad’s 62nd birthday and I took him golfing at Chilliwack Golf Club in Chilliwack, B.C.

About two months prior, we played golf together at the same course and I made a hole-in-one on the 17th hole.

Yesterday my dad made a hole-in-one on the exact same hole I had one on. He hit a 5 iron from 155 yards. To top it off he called it on the tee box, and it was his birthday!  Pretty incredible!

Luke Bogdan, on behalf of Tibor Bogdan

Tom Fagan, Smuggler’s Glen, Hole #10

This is my second hole-in-one. I was playing with a group of 24 players, who refer to the group as the Monkee Tour. They have been playing together every spring (May) and Fall (September) for over 30 years. 

Saturday was our last round of the trip, and I was playing, Jim Micucci, Tim Oakes and Lindsay Nickels. On the 10th hole at Smugglers Glen, I used an 8 iron. It was nice that we all saw it hit the green and roll straight in.

Vicki Lacasse, Kanata Golf and Country Club, Hole #16

September 18th was a typical golf day for our Monday ladies group. I was fortunate to be teed up with Farida Tavares and Penny Rae-Keyes. Needless to say, I had one of my best rounds of golf shooting a 92. To top it off, I ended up with an ace on the 16th hole.

I was the last person to tee off on this particular hole and we all shared our choice of what clubs we were going to hit. It was decided that I would use my 5 hybrid. This hole has always been a nemesis for me as I don’t always know what club to hit. It was a 110 yard shot to an elevated green. As I hit the ball to the green Farida yelled out, “Your ball hit the pin” and thought, perhaps it may have gone in the hole.

The 16th hole par 3 is an elevated hole which is a difficult hole as it is an elevated green with three sand traps in the front. It ended up being a very exciting day with many of my club members congratulating me for my ace. Fortunately for some of the members they were able to share in the celebration for the next hour with free drinks on the house!

Wayne Butters, Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club, Hole #6

I was playing with Al McLean, Peter Hogg and Jerry Schaubel. I used my 8 iron and the yardage was 120.

Will Smith, Conestoga Golf Course, Hole #2

I got my second hole-in-one at Conestoga Golf Course outside of Waterloo on September 21st. It was hole #2 on the Goose nine, 160 yards and I used my 5 iron. It was our high school class reunion tournament, so I had lots of friends around to share in the excitement. As a bonus it was also the hole, they were using for closest to the pin, so I won a nice bottle of Tequila.

[TORONTO] – On Thursday, September 22, the 2023 Sponsorship Marketing Awards (SMAs) illuminated the Globe & Mail Centre in Toronto, and Golf Canada, along with several of its valued partners, took centre stage, securing numerous accolades at the prestigious annual event hosted by the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada (SMCC).

The SMAs, considered the Canadian sport marketing industry’s most esteemed recognition, span across various sectors, including sports, arts, and culture. Golf Canada was proud to garner recognition in multiple categories honouring 2022 activities, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to working collaboratively with partners to enhance the golf and festival experience at its two signature golf properties—the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open.

The distinguished recognition achieved by Golf Canada and its partners for 2022 activities include:

PROPERTY OF THE YEAR

Gold – Golf Canada (RBC Canadian Open & CPKC Women’s Open)

BEST NEW INITIATIVE

Gold – Hilton on the Green

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Award of Distinction – RBC Canadian Open

SPORTS (over $500K)

Award of Distinction – theScore Bet Skyline Seats

SUSTAINED SUCCESS

Award of Distinction – CPKC Women’s Open

In addition to these outstanding achievements, Golf Canada’s partners earned the following recognitions:

MUSIC

Gold – RBCxMusic

AGENCY OF THE YEAR

Gold – Wasserman

Golf Canada and its partners were proud to secure more awards than any other organization at this year’s event, providing an emphatic testament of success for these outstanding activities throughout 2022.

Of note is the coveted “Property of the Year” award, a reflection of Golf Canada’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of sponsorship marketing.

“These remarkable achievements are a direct result of the unwavering dedication, collaboration, and passion demonstrated by each member of the Golf Canada team and innovative partners,” said Lisa Ferkul, Golf Canada’s Chief Commercial Officer. “These accolades are a testament to a collective commitment to elevate the sponsorship marketing landscape and enhance the festival experience for our partners, fans, and stakeholders.”

Golf Canada extends heartfelt congratulations to every organization involved in these remarkable achievements and looks forward to continuing its journey of excellence and innovation in sponsorship marketing across its signature properties.

Deadline of November 5 for Canadian golf community to submit nominations for Community Leader Award & Future Leader Award to recognize individuals’ impact through golf.

(September 27, 2023) – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that nominations for the 2023 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards are now being accepted through to Sunday, November 5.

The inaugural Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards launched in the summer of 2022 and the Canadian golf community is invited to submit nominations for one of two signature recognitions  – the Community Leader Award as well as the Junior Leader Award.

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award celebrates individuals over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; who have contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or have showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

The recipient of the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of their choice.

To recognize youth who are making an impact in their community, the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award will honour an individual 19 years of age or younger who embodies community leadership; has a history of sportsmanship or demonstrated activities to make the game more inclusive; or an individual who has used golf to create a meaningful impact in their community.

The recipient of the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award will be awarded a $5,000 donation towards their post-secondary education and will also be offered a paid work internship with Golf Canada.

The Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were named to honour the Canadian golf icon for a longstanding commitment to advancing the sport, charitable work and giving back to the game that defined her Hall of Fame career. Kane is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Canada Sports Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada.

“On behalf of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation, we are pleased to begin accepting nominations from the Canadian golf community for the 2023 Lorie Kane Community Spirt Awards,” said Golf Canada President David McCarthy. “Lorie Kane is a Canadian golf icon who has given back so much to numerous communities across Canada through her charitable work and to the continued growth of our sport. We look forward to recognizing similarly committed individuals including youth leaders for their positive impact on the sport in their community.”

In 2022, Fareen Samij of Burlington, Ont. and Bob Beauchemin of Brampton, Ont. were named the inaugural co-recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award.

A 5-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive champion and former golf touring professional, Samij is a respected entrepreneur, speaker, and author who founded the Smashing the Grass Ceiling golf program to engage women and young girls to connect and be inspired on the golf course.

Beauchemin, a PGA of Canada professional and Head Teaching Professional at Oakdale Golf and Country Club, was nominated for his efforts to advance junior golf including First Tee Canada, as well as his mentorship to countless golf industry professionals through the Humber College Professional Golf Management Program.  

The Canadian golf community is invited to submit individual nominations for the 2023 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards through an online nomination form. The nomination period will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 5.

Click here to nominate an individual for the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award.

Click here to nominate an individual for the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award.

At the conclusion of the nomination period, all Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award submissions will be compiled and evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. 

TORONTO (September 26, 2023) – Golf Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee have announced Canada’s golf team nominated to compete at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.

The Team Canada golf team for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games is:

Athletes

• Selena Costabile (Thornhill, Ont.)
• Myles Creighton (Digby, N.S.)
• Étienne Papineau (St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Que.)
• Alena Sharp (Hamilton, Ont.)

The four athletes qualified for Team Canada based on their standing through their respective World Golf Ranking, with considerations for 2023 performance as well competition schedules on the global golf calendar. Santiago 2023 will mark the Pan American Games debut for all four athletes.

Sharp, a two-time Olympian (Rio 2016 & Tokyo 2020) and long-time LPGA Tour member, recently made her 18^th appearance at the CPKC Women’s Open where she finished tied for 36^th. Sharp won the 2023 ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada and is ranked 12^th on the 2023 Epson Tour points list in a season that features a victory and four other top-10 finishes.

“I am honoured to represent Canada at the Pan Am Games and take great pride in representing my country,” said Sharp. “In recent years I’ve tried to help and mentor younger Canadians coming up through the professional ranks and I’m looking forward to competing in Santiago alongside Selena. We’ve spent time together this year, I know we will have a great time, and we hope to bring a medal home for Canada.” 

Costabile, a member of Golf Canada’s national team, currently sits 65^th on the 2023 Epson Tour points list where she has three top-10 finishes. The 25-year-old turned professional in 2018 and will be competing in a major multi-sport Games for the first time ever.

Creighton, 27, turned professional in 2018 and will go into Chile riding a stellar 2023 season on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica with nine cuts made in 12 events played, including a win, two third-place finishes, and five top-10s overall. A member of Golf Canada’s national team program, Creighton finished second on the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica ranking to earn conditional 2024 Korn Ferry Tour membership. He also made the cut in three of five events played on PGA TOUR Canada, including two top-10 finishes.

Papineau, 27, who turned professional in 2022, is coming off a great season on PGA TOUR Canada that included a victory, five top-10 finishes, and 16 of 21 event cuts made. The National Team member finished fourth on PGA TOUR Canada’s Fortinet Cup standings to earn conditional status on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour. 

Golf joined the Pan American Games program at Toronto 2015. At Lima 2019, Team Canada won its first and only Pan Am Games medal in golf — a bronze – by Austin Connelly, Mary Parsons, Joey Savoie and Brigitte Thibeault in the mixed team event. At Santiago 2023, golf will have individual events only.

Golf Canada’s Manager of High Performance Sport, Emily Phoenix, believes the Canadian squad brings a strong balance of global competitive experience and a collective passion to represent Canada in the multi-sport Pan American Games. 

“Our team is well constructed with athletes who bring strong experiences and are playing well on the global golf stage in what has been one of the most successful seasons in Canadian professional golf history,” said Phoenix. “Selena will lean on Alena’s veteran presence as a two-time Olympian, and both Étienne and Myles have played great on their respective tours this season, especially Myles with a great comfort competing in Latin America. In Santiago, I’m confident that they will be up to the moment in representing Canadian golf.”

Golf will take place November 2-5 (Day 18 to 21) at the Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago, Chile.

“Welcome, Team Canada golfers! In a sea of swings and putts, you’ve brought the perfect balance of precision and patience to the Pan Am Games,” said Christine Girard, Team Canada’s Santiago 2023 Chef de Mission. “Let’s tee off with enthusiasm and enjoy every moment on the green.” 

Team Canada’s golf coaching and support staff for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games are:

Jennifer Greggain (Vancouver, B.C.) – Associate Coach, Team Canada – Women
Matthew Scanzano (Oakville, Ont.) – Golf Canada High Performance Coordinator

*Each of the participating athletes will be supported by a local club caddie.

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

The latest Team Canada Santiago 2023 roster can be found here.

Oakville, Ont. – Golf Canada is proud to announce the six athletes that will represent Team Canada at the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships. The tournament is being held at the National Course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with the men’s competition take place October 18 – 21 and the women’s tournament running October 25 – 28.

Representing Canada on the men’s side competing for the Eisenhower Trophy will be Piercen Hunt, 22, of Hartland, Wis., Ashton McCulloch, 21, of Kingston, Ont., and Brady McKinlay, 22, of Lacombe, Alta. The team will be led by Team Canada Men’s Assistant Coach, Benoit Lemieux.

On the women’s team, competing for the Espirito Santo Trophy will be Lauren Kim, 18, of Surrey, B.C., Monet Chun, 22, of Richmond Hill, Ont., and Katie Cranston, 19, of Oakville, Ont. The team will be led by Team Canada Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach, Salimah Mussani.

“The 2023 editions of Team Canada feature deserving players that have had successful seasons and we are excited to watch them compete in Abu Dhabi and know that they will represent Canada proudly,” said Emily Phoenix, Golf Canada Manager of High Performance. “The World Amateur Team Championships provides our athletes with an incredible opportunity to test their skills against the top amateur golfers from around the world.”

Team Canada has enjoyed past success with both the men’s and women’s teams earning multiple podium finishes. The men’s side has won one gold medal (1986), five silver medals (2014, 2006, 1978, 1964, 1962) and one bronze (1986). The women’s team has won four silver medals in tournament history (2014, 2004, 1978, 1966).

The biennial international amateur competition is conducted by the International Golf Federation, which comprises the national governing bodies of golf in 149 countries. Each team will feature three players and will compete over 72-holes of stroke play. In each round, the two lowest scores will count towards the team’s score for the day.

The 2025 World Amateur Team Championship will be held in Singapore and the top-10 teams from 2023 will earn automatic qualification.

Men’s Team Bios:

Piercen Hunt – 22 years old – Hartland, Wis.

Hunt is in his second year as a Team Canada member and is currently the highest ranked Canadian male player on the World Amateur Golf Rankings. The senior at the University of Illinois, earned two top-5 finishes last season in NCAA tournament play.

Ashton McCulloch – 21 years old – Kingston, Ont.

McCulloch is currently in his third year with Team Canada and won the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur, earning an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open. The Michigan State Junior also finished T2 in the Ontario Men’s Amateur and earned a 7th place finish at the Glencoe Invitational earlier this summer.

Brady McKinlay – 22 years old – Lacombe, Alta.

McKinlay won four individual collegiate events as a senior at Utah Valley and qualified for the 2023 NCAA Championships as an individual. This summer, McKinlay finished T5 at the Canadian Men’s Amateur and third in the Alberta Men’s Amateur.

Women’s Team Bios:

Lauren Kim – 18 years old – Surrey, B.C.

Kim is in her third year as a member of Team Canada, and just entered her first year at the University of Texas at Austin. Kim won the 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur in Halifax and is the low Canadian on the women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking. This season, Kim qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Women’s Amateur and U.S. Junior Girls championships in addition to competing at the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open. This marks the second year that Kim has been selected for the World Amateur Team.

Monet Chun – 22 years old – Richmond Hill, Ont.

Chun is in her sixth year as a member of Team Canada, and in her senior year at the University of Michigan. This season Chun became the first Canadian to make the cut at the Augusta Women’s National Amateur, earning a top-20 finish. In addition, Chun made the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open and finished T7 at the 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur where she was defending champion.

Katie Cranston – 19 years old – Oakville, Ont.

Cranston, a three-year member of Team Canada is a sophomore at Auburn University. This season, Cranston advanced to the round of 32 at both the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and The R&A Women’s Amateur Championship, along with finishing 9th at the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. This summer, Cranston also competed at her second consecutive CPKC Women’s Open.

Sherbrooke, Que. – Rosie Bee Kim and Chase Jerome have won the NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards at Club de Golf Milby in Sherbrooke, Que.

In the Junior Girls Division, Kim of Edmonton, finished strong with a 2-under 70 on Sunday to secure the wire-to-wire victory and finished nine shots clear of Léonie Tavares of St. Jérôme, Que. (8-over).

Kim fired rounds of 72-73-70-215, finishing at 1-under to win the tournament and secure her spot in the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship. Kim also won the 2022 NextGen Fall Series West Championship last fall. Joining Kim at the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship will be Tavares and Grace Anderson of Burlington, Ont. who placed third at 9-over.

Tavares won the Bantam Girls Division by 25 shots over Kate Guo of Knowlton, Que. following rounds of 77-74-73-224 (8-over).

In the Junior Boys Division, Jerome of Ottawa, edged out Cameron Robitaille of Saint-Hyacinthe, Que. by one-shot to win the championship and book his place in the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship. Jerome grabbed the lead on Saturday and held on, finishing even par for the tournament with rounds of 73-68-75-216. Jerome also won the Bantam Boys Division by nine shots over Oscar Ricketts of Pointe Claire, Que.

Robitaille finished 1-over to finish in second and earned his spot in the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship. Joining Jerome and Robitaille is Nicholas Girard of Boucherville, Que. who finished third at 3-over.

The field of 99 amateur golfers (81 Junior Boys and 18 Junior Girls) competed over 54-holes for three spots each into their respective Canadian Junior Championships next summer.

There will be one final stop on the NextGen schedule for this year with the NextGen Fall Series West Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, taking place from October 5 – 7 at The Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey, B.C.

For the final leaderboards in the NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, click here.

About the NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards

The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2023 national championships. Two additional Fall Series events will be hosted to close the season. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. For more information on the NextGen Championship series and 2023 results, click here.

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.

Art Wilkinson, Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club, Hole #16

It was 148 yards and I hit my 7 iron.

Bev Jensen, Surrey Golf Club, Hole #13

It was a white flag, 142 yards. I used my 6 iron and my Titleist ProV1 ball.

Bill Small, The Lakes Golf Club, Hole #8

It was 145 yards with my 7 iron. I played with Simon MacDonald, Glenn Usher and Bill Murphy.

Christine Cheng, Hautes Plaines, Hole #3

Hole #3 is a par 3 with an elevated green so you can’t see the hole from the tees. From the red tees it was 113 yards with a blue flag. I hit a great shot with my 9 iron. We saw my ball hit the front of the green and it took a big bounce. When we got to the green, we couldn’t find my ball, so we looked in the brush and trees behind the green. Since no one was behind us, we looked for about five minutes without success when I finally decided to drop a second ball and take a penalty. At that moment, my husband called our playing partner over to the green because he wanted to “show him something”. I followed and when we looked in the cup, there was my yellow and black chrome soft ball. My husband’s father always told him that if you can’t find the ball, check the cup. My husband has found three holes-in-one that way! We were so excited that after taking photos, our playing partner got to his golf cart and realized he hadn’t even putt his ball which was still on the green! Since it was ladies’ night at the club we finished our round, 50 women celebrated my hole-in-one with a free drink! It was such a memorable and unforgettable experience.

Claire Lawrence, Revelstoke Golf Club, Hole #17

It was my first ever hole-in-one and I was playing with two guys from Alberta who were on a golf tour in B.C.

It was hole #17 at Revelstoke from the green tees, so 92 yards. With water and a sand trap in front of the green I took an 8 iron as you can be long, but you most definitely do not want to be short.

The ball flight was perfect, nice and straight and high over the water. It hit the front of the green and felt like it just steadily rolled until we couldn’t see it anymore.

The guys celebrated louder than I did. I didn’t want to get excited until I saw it was for sure in the hole.

Craig Harkness, Eaglequest Grandview Golf and Country Club, Hole #12

I was with Ken and Faun Doctor and Ron. I used my 9 iron into the wind, the yardage was 129.

Dave Gignac, Thames Valley Golf Course, Hole #8

I played with Jeff Skinner, Neil MacMillan and Joe Speed. The 8^th hole was 152 yards that day and I used an 8 iron for the shot.

Debbie Dyck, Two Eagles Golf Course, Hole #2

I was golfing with friends Gary and Shannon Abbott and Ken Koemsted. The yardage was 133 and I used a hybrid 5 wood. Gary and Shannon bought a ball marker for me. They went to retrieve the scorecard from a cart and the starter asked if they were with the person who got a hole-in-one and when they confirmed they were he gave them another ball marker. An anonymous golfer in the area of the hole had purchased one for me. We were very impressed with that random act of kindness from another golfer.

George Watson, Cranbrook Golf Club, Hole #17

I am a 76-year-old who has been playing golf since I was 4. I was blessed by parents who brought me into the game when I was very young and encouraged me to play it throughout my life. My Dad was my coach forever, and I was fortunate enough to have won Club Championships at Vernon, Windsor Park (Winnipeg), Ft. Nelson, and Cranbrook. I love the game and feel very fortunate to still be able to play three to four times a week.

On Tuesday, August 29th, I came to the 17th at St. Eugene hitting the ball decently, but not scoring particularly well. My friend, Gerry White, hit a really nice shot that appeared to be a little left of the pin, but about five or six feet away. He told me he left space for my shot.

The 17th was playing 158 yards, with the middle pin set about 30 feet behind the front bunker. I hit a nice high 9 wood that looked pretty good from the time it left my club. I lost sight of it when it landed, but Gerry said, “it’s in!” To be truthful, I thought he was pulling my leg. I got in my cart and headed for the green. Gerry and my other great friend, and next-door neighbor, Pat Koski, headed to the green in the other cart.

When I got to the green, I could not see my ball, but thought it might be over the green, so I grabbed my putter and my wedge, and walked onto the surface. Gerry said, “you won’t be needing either of those.” So, I walked to the hole, looked down, and there it was.

Many thanks to Gerry and Pat who witnessed the shot, and to Cindy, Mike and the St. Eugene Pro Shop staff for all their enthusiastic support and congratulations.

Jane Wallbridge, King Valley Golf Club, Hole #12

Wednesday is Ladies’ Day at King Valley. I was paired with Sandy Cho and Tina Morrison. The game for the day was “Pink Ball” so each team was given a pink ball. Each player had to take their turn playing with the pink ball as we rotated every third hole. Whichever team returned the pink ball to the clubhouse at the end of the game was given a prize. It was my turn to play the pink ball on hole #12, par three 103 yards over water. I took my 9 iron and hit away! It landed and rolled right into the cup. We were watching from the tee box and could not quite believe it was in the hole. But when I got to the green and did not see the pink ball on the green, I looked in the cup and there it was sitting at the bottom! This is my third hole-in-one at King Valley. The first was on hole #16 in 2013, the second on hole #7 in 2021.

Jerry Gildemeester, University Golf Club, Hole #7

September 13, hole #7, University GC.Senior Men’s Midweek. From 121 yards and used a pitching wedge. Played with M. Fryzuk, P.Kaushal, B. McAfee. Fryzuk and I looked at each other and said “did that go in? I think it is in the hole.”

My 3rd hole-in-one.

Jocelyn McInnis, Olds Golf Club, Hole #16

This is my third hole-in-one in three years. This one was different than the first two. It was not exactly the perfect shot, but it had the right line and bounced onto the green then caught the pin dead on and in. It would have been off the green. This is my second on this hole from the silver tees. The par 3 was 125 yards.

John Gray, Burlington Springs Golf, Hole #3

As we approached the third hole at Burlington Springs Golf Club which was playing 146 yards, I hit a six iron and watched as it one hopped into the hole. This was much to the delight of my playing partners Ross Banford, Chuck Alcote and Murray Depape. We then realized how lucky we are to be playing this game.

Karen Biskey, Burlington Golf and Country Club, Hole #6

It was a hot Thursday, September 7, 2023, and I was playing with Leslie, Iva and Judy. Leslie and I were playing the white tees and Judy and Iva were playing the reds. Our group plays ready golf, and I was the first to tee off #6. I tend to jump up to the tee. The yardage that day was 129 and I pulled out my favourite club, my Callaway Maverick 11 wood.

The pin was left of center and my tee shot flew the bunker and landed softly to the left of the pin. We were all watching as the ball rolled toward the hole and I started thinking “this just might go in” and then it disappeared! The four of us erupted for at least five minutes of cheering and jumping up and down.  I then went on to take a 9 on the 7th hole (par 5) so the golf gods kept me humble. I started to calm down by the 8th hole and finished my round with my usual 90.

Kyle Shaw, Spring Creek Golf Club, Hole #9

My first ever hole-in-one at 53 years of age. It was the ninth hole playing 157 yards to the pin and I used my 7 iron. I knew I hit it well but due to sunset and shade areas on green I lost the ball once it hit the green. My buddy James said, “that’s in!” I looked with my finder and thought the ball was at the back of the green. As I got closer, I noticed it wasn’t a ball and my heart rate started to climb. Once I got to the hole and saw my ball in the cup I started to yell. What a great feeling!

Larry Longo, Sleepy Hollow Golf and Country Club, Hole #17

It was September 13th when Larry Longo had a stroke of luck on hole #17 at Sleepy Hollow Golf and Country Club. I was playing with fellow members Tom Worsley and Ken McAndrews. My last hole-in-one was way back in the 1970s, so this was a pleasant surprise. I used a 5 iron for the 185-yard shot. I remember saying, ‘go in,’ as I watched the ball rolling on the green, and to my amazement, it disappeared into the hole.

Mark Griffith, Paradise Golf Course, Hole #17

It happened during a morning round at Paradise Canyon Golf Course in Lethbridge, Alberta. It was on September 12th at 10am on the 17th hole par 3. The yardage was 143 and I took my 8 iron and hit it to around four feet left of the pin and the ball spun right into the hole! It felt amazing.

Mark Stevens, The Hamptons Golf Club, Hole #5

The yardage that day was 151.9 per my rangefinder and I hit a 7 iron. I don’t mean to brag, but this was my fifth hole-in-one. My first two occurred on consecutive days the first playing men’s night and then the next day in a corporate tournament, I won $2,000 for the first one and $10,000 for the second one. It pays to be lucky.

Peter McMath, Northview Golf and Country Club, Hole #5

My playing partner was Evan French and paired with an out-of-town couple from Arizona (Sunny and Amanda). The scorecard yardage was 167 yards but we lasered it at 152. I used a 9 iron.

Pierre Quinn, Rockland Club de Golf, Hole #3

It was quite a feeling to get a hole-in-one, my first ever after playing golf for over 45 years! I was playing with a friend by the name of Danny Marques. I got my hole-in-one on August 18th, on hole #3 at the Rockland Golf Course. The hole measures 140 yards from the green tees. I used my 7 iron, landed the ball to about 10 feet from the hole and it rolled in. What a feeling!

Rob Ferguson, Barrie Country Club, Hole #7

On Sunday September 17th, I was invited to play with three other members on a great brisk morning. We arrived at our 7th hole which is an uphill par 3. The pin was at the front that day. I took my 9 iron, 142-yard shot. Nice easy swing, hit in front of the flag and in! Amazing day!

Roman Groch, Grand Niagara, Golf Club, Hole #6

This wonderful hole-in-one happened when I was playing the white tee blocks and was about 148 yards, using my 8 iron. It was witnessed by Richard Chehowski and Scott Stacey.

Scott Brauer, Rossmore Country Club, Hole #12

I was playing with fellow members Zac McLennan, Andy Tesch and Jeff Weselake. The yardage from the blue tees was 173 to which my range finder indicated. I chose an 8 iron as my club choice. I struck the ball, and it came off my club face at a high trajectory with a slight draw straight towards the hole. The ball landed on the green, seemingly right at the hole. However, due to the greens elevation the shot was blind for us. We all thought it must be close but weren’t certain until we heard the group ahead of us yell, “it’s in the hole!” I think we were all sort of in shock when we walked up to the green to confirm.

Shauna Adams, Carmoney Golf Club, Hole #11

I was playing with my husband, Wade Bearchell, our friend, Jeff Newby and Ethan Engels, another member at Carnmoney.

I was playing a Callaway ball. The yardage was 118 and I used my 9 wood against the stiff breeze. It hit the bottom of the pin and dropped in for my first hole-in-one.

Sue Sloan, Iroquois Golf Club, Hole #18

It was on hole #18, 138 yard shot with my Taylor Made 3 rescue club. It was as exciting as my other five holes-in-one, I can close my eyes and see every one of them. It was just as exciting to watch my golf partners, Janet Uline, JoAnn Uline and Les Craig and how excited they were. To date this season our club has had seven holes-in-one recorded. We have a very scenic golf course on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, a hidden jewel!It was on hole #18, 138 yard shot with my Taylor Made 3 rescue club. It was as exciting as my other five holes-in-one, I can close my eyes and see every one of them. It was just as exciting to watch my golf partners, Janet Uline, JoAnn Uline and Les Craig and how excited they were. To date this season our club has had seven holes-in-one recorded. We have a very scenic golf course on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, a hidden jewel!

Veronica Martinez, Brantford Golf and Country Club, Hole #3

On Friday, September 15, 2023, I went out to play a round of golf with my golf buddy, Vanh. We were on hole #3 at the Brantford Golf and Country Club. The distance to the pin was 102 yards, downhill drop. So, I picked my weapon of choice, a pitching wedge. I hit my golf ball in line with the flag, saw the ball land on the green and took two bounces then gently rolled in the hole. Wow, what an incredible moment! This is my second ace and Vanh’s first time witnessing a hole-in-one. We were both ecstatic!

It all happened at 2:55pm, Vanh captured video, but after the round we had to go back to the hole to get a hole-in-one pic. By that time, the sun was setting. Cheers!

Wendy Motyer, Michaelbrook Golf, Hole #4

I got holes-in-one on back-to-back days! So happy!

PONTE VEDRE – The PGA TOUR has released its nominees for their 2022-23 PGA TOUR Tournament Awards, with the 2023 RBC Canadian Open picking up four nominations.

In June, Nick Taylor became the first Canadian in 69 years to win his national open, holing a 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole to beat Tommy Fleetwood at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto.

“We are honoured and humbled to be nominated for these prestigious awards by the PGA TOUR,” said Bryan Crawford, RBC Canadian Open tournament director. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, including staff, partners, fans and volunteers, who are committed to delivering excellence in everything we do. This is a moment of pride for us, and we are grateful to be recognized in this way.”

The 2023 RBC Canadian Open picked up nominations in the following four categories:

• Best Marketing Initiative: Criteria include the development and execution of a marketing campaign designed to increase ticket sales and attendance.
• Most Engaged Community: Attendance, volunteer support, year-round community involvement, new community engagement program, media participation, community woven in to the “fabric” of the tournament and charity partners.
• Best Special Event: Development of an actionable plan with clear objectives, creative elements and measurable results which drove attendance, social media attention, local PR, ticket sales, charity donations or media value. Examples: luncheon, special dinner, concert/concert series, 5K run, sales event, celebrity shootout, etc.)
• Sustainability Award: Designed to recognize engagement in sustainability and commitment to reducing the tournament’s environmental impact, which will help protect the game for future generations.

Winners will be announced at the 2023 PGA TOUR Tournament Awards Celebration, which take place Thursday, December 7 in La Quinta, CA. 

Sherbrooke, Que. – The NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards begins this week with a field of 99 amateur golfers set to compete at Club de Golf Milby in Sherbrooke, Que.

The starting field will feature – 81 Junior Boys and 18 Junior Girls competing for three spots each into their respective Canadian Junior Championships next summer.

“The NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards provides a great chance for players to showcase their talents on a national stage throughout the fall months of the season,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director, Sam Meek. “Golf Canada is thrilled to welcome the field to the Club de Golf Milby & look forward to crowning our champions come Sunday.”

Practice rounds are scheduled for Thursday, September 21 before the official 54-hole tournament gets underway on September 22. The tournament will conclude on September 24 with an awards ceremony following play.

“Club de golf Milby cannot wait to host 99 of Canada’s best young golfers later this week as they attempt to conquer the challenging greens and fairways of this popular rural golf course,” said Stephen Currier, Club Chair, Club de Golf Milby. “The course is well-prepared & our members are looking forward to the week! Best of luck to all competitors!”

Club de Golf Milby is located just outside Sherbrooke in the Eastern Townships and offers golfers an interesting challenge in a beautiful setting featuring wooded areas, rivers and hills. Designed by Howard Watson, the club opened in 1964 and is known for its large undulating greens and is considered to be among the top semi-private golf courses in the province of Quebec. The club has hosted several prestigious tournaments in prior years including, the Canada Games in 2013 and the Quebec Open in 1992 and 1993, along with several university and high school tournaments.

The NextGen Fall Series East Championship is one of Golf Canada’s eight regional junior championships presented in partnership with JOURNIE Rewards. Andreas Diogenous of Cambridge, Ont. and Kelly Zhao of Richmond Hill, Ont. won their respective divisions in the 2022 NextGen Fall Series East Championship.

Following this week’s tournament, there will be one final stop on the NextGen Series schedule for this year with the NextGen Fall Series West Championship, taking place from October 5 – 7 at The Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey, B.C.

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, click here.

About the NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards
The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2023 national championships. Two additional Fall Series events will be hosted to close the season. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. For more information on the NextGen Championship series and 2023 results, click here.

Golf Canada is now accepting nominations for its 2023 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf.

This award program was created with the intention of celebrating and recognizing facilities making outstanding contributions to junior golf in their communities. Our hope is that these awards will shine a spotlight on the extraordinary support of junior golf by these facilities and set a positive example for others to follow.

Please consider nominating your facility based on the six categories below:

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

Awarded to a facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs to help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.

2022 Winner: Sawmill Golf Club

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.

2022 Winner: Académie de Golf Fred Colgan

Grassroots Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.

2022 Winner: Blomidon Golf and Country Club

Tournament Host of the Year

Awarded to a facility that gives back to junior golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.

2022 Winner: Royal Regina Golf Club

First Tee – Canada Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a First Tee – Canada Program Location that demonstrates excellent enrolment in First Tee – Canada programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.

2022 Winner: Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire

Youth on Course Program Location of the Year

Awarded to the facility that provides the largest number of Youth on Course green fee subsidies to junior golfers in the calendar year. 

2022 Winner: Shaganappi Point Golf Course

National Facility Awards for Junior Golf

Nominations are set to close Monday, October 16th 2023 and we will announce the 2023 Awards Winners at the Golf Canada Annual General Meeting in early 2024.

If you have any questions in regard to the awards or nomination process, please feel free to email NFAJG@golfcanada.ca.