If you scroll through a golfer’s smartphone, you’ll undoubtedly find a myriad of golf course images and swing videos. Most golfers enjoy capturing their golf experiences with their smartphone and sharing them with their friends via their favourite social networks – and now the Golf Canada Mobile App can be one of them.

The most recent version of Golf Canada’s Mobile App includes several enhancements that help golfers stay connected off the course, including a new friending system. The new version of the mobile app will also enable golfers to post images and videos to document, log and share great moments from their rounds.

Once you become friends with another Golf Canada Mobile App user, you’ll be able to follow their golfing experiences seeing their scores, photos and videos on your new in-app home screen feed. This home screen feed will also feature relevant news and stories from Canadian Golf. You’ll have the ability to like or comment on updates and also have the option to be notified of their updates via email or app push notifications.

“We recognize that many Canadians journeys with the game of golf are inherently social, this exciting update to the Golf Canada Mobile App, will enable golfers across the country to stay connected with their friends in a new and engaging way,” said Golf Canada Chief Marketing Officer Tim McLaughlin. “Whether it’s photos from a bucket-list course, a new career-low score, or telling your friends you’re headed out on a sunny Friday afternoon for a round, those conversations can all happen right within the Golf Canada Mobile App. We aim to create the largest golf centric social network in Canada.”

Golf Canada’s Mobile App is free for everyone, with an enhanced version available for Golf Canada members.

There are plenty of exciting features that already exist in the app. A major redesign and rebuild in 2020 introduced several enhancements including course GPS, enhanced stats tracking, game modes and Apple Watch compatibility. In 2022, live event features were added for patrons attending Golf Canada’s national golf championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open.

Golf Canada also hopes the new features will encourage more Canadians to get outside, play golf and share their experiences. Research recently conducted by Golf Canada shows that while the No. 1 reason Canadians play golf was for physical activity, No. 2 is for socializing.

Golf Canada first launched its mobile app in 2013 as a member-only app that featured handicapping and scoring as its primary function.

The mobile app is a key component of Golf Canada’s digital marketing strategy designed to draw more people to the sport, improve the in-game experience and increase membership. It has also been developed in consultation with the provincial golf associations across Canada to ensure a grassroots connection.

“You are likely already talking with your golf buddies in a group chat, so Golf Canada wanted to help make it so you can add media and post in a place where everyone is alerted,” added McLaughlin. “This new friend functionality will give golfers even more reason to spend time engaging with what is already the #1 golf app in Canada.”

Golf Canada will continue to work on adding even more exciting updates in 2024. For now, the new update will let golfers from coast-to-coast share their photos, updates and start conversations with all those who love golf just as much as they do.  

The Golf Canada Mobile App is available for download for both IOS and Android operating systems from both the App Store and Google Play at no cost.

Learn more about these new enhancements.

St. Andrews, N.B. – A premier field of top-level golfers aged 25-and-over will gather August 20-24 for the 36th playing of the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Algonquin Golf Resort in St. Andrews, N.B.

The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship is a 72-hole stroke play event, with a 36-hole cut to the low 70 players and ties. In the event of a tie at the end of four rounds, there will be a hole-by-hole playoff. The championship was first contested in 1987 and includes an inter-provincial competition held over the first 36 holes. The Mid-Amateur division will run concurrently with the Mid-Master division for players 40 and older.

Practice rounds are scheduled for Sunday, August 20, before the 72-hole stroke play competition begins on August 21. Play wraps up on August 24, followed by an awards ceremony and champions reception.

The field of 156 amateur golfers will navigate the picturesque seaside course looking to etch their name onto the Presidents Cup. Situated in the charming costal town of St. Andrews, The Algonquin Golf Course is an iconic establishment in New Brunswick and is part of one of Canada’s most enchanting destinations, The Algonquin Resort.

“Golf Canada is excited to welcome this talented group of Mid-amateur players to The Algonquin Golf Course for the 2023 edition of this great championship,” said Golf Canada’s Tournament Director, Sam Meek. “This year’s field consists of numerous past champions, as well as several of the top mid-amateur golfers in Canada and the United States. The town of St. Andrews and golf fans in the region can look forward to a great week of golf.”

Founded in 1894, The Algonquin boasts a rich and captivating history. Renovated during the 1920s by the renowned Donald Ross and more recently under the attention of Rod Whitman, a prominent figure amongst Canada’s esteemed designers. Each of Whitman’s Canadian designs fall in the top 10 in Canada on SCOREGolf’s Biennial course rankings list.

“The Algonquin Golf Course and its members who are the Algonquin Golf Club are excited to welcome competitors to the Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship. This is a terrific opportunity for us to showcase our excellent course which is described locally as the Pebble Beach of the East,” said Andrew Cook, Host Tournament Chair for the event and Past President of Golf Canada and Golf New Brunswick. “We have over 60 volunteers lined up to assist with the operation of the tournament. We think the competitors will find the course challenging but also fun, and even if the golf game is not perfect, the spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy will more than compensate.”

Charles Fitzsimmons of London, Ont., has won the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship in back-to-back years in 2021 and 2022 and placed third at the 2019 championship. He returns this year looking to defend his title in search of a three-peat.

Other notables in the field are Joseph Deraney of Belden, Miss., champion of the 2018 and 2019 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and Phil Arci of Woodbridge Ont., who finished as the runner-up at the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship that took place at The Pulpit Club last week.

Previous winners of the championship include one of Canada’s top-ranked men’s amateur golfers, Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ont., who won the event three years in a row from 2014-2016; Graham Cooke who won it seven times between 1987 and 2002; and Stu Hamilton who won it on four separate occasions between 1990 and 1994.

In addition to the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur title, the 2023 champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

Additional information about the tournament, including the full field and tee-times is available here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Zhang becomes 11th player in tournament history to win both the Junior and Juvenile Boys Championships

North Bay, Ont. – Alex Zhang shot a final round of 74 to win the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at the North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont. on Thursday.

Zhang took a one-shot lead into the final round and that’s how it would end as he becomes the 11th player in tournament history to win both the Silver Cup (Junior Championship) and the Jack Bailey Trophy (Juvenile Championship), and the first player to win both since Christopher Vandette in 2018.

He joins Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Vandette as those who have won both championships.

“It just feels awesome. I don’t think that it’s sunk in yet. I had a sloppy finish, but I am really happy to still get it done,” said Zhang after signing his scorecard on 18. “It means a lot, I’m very grateful to add my name to a list of great players,” he added.

After mostly favourable conditions during the week, the wind played a factor in Thursday’s final round. Zhang birdied the opening hole and added two more on the front nine to pull further ahead.

“I feel like the front nine it was blowing really hard, but I got off to a really good start so that helped me a lot but the back nine I just hit some bad shots at the end,” said Zhang.

With a large crowd watching, Zhang rolled in a short bogey putt on 18 to secure the national championship, “I just stuck to my game plan and told myself to miss in the right spot and that’s what I did and give myself a good chance at par and if not an easy bogey.”

The 14-year-old from Richmond, B.C. who will be celebrating his 15th birthday on Friday couldn’t think of a better way to spend his birthday, “this would be the best gift ever, I can’t beat it!” said Zhang with a smile. He finished the tournament with rounds of 71-69-72-74.

With the victory, Zhang has earned an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

Zhang will also be awarded a cheque of $1,200. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, competed for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Along with Zhang, the top-10 finishers earned prize money.

Jake Houston of Baie-D’Urfe, Que. and James Lee of Whistler, B.C. both finished at 1-under to earn silver medalist honours in the Junior Championship. Lee also earned solo silver medalist honours in the Juvenile Championship and Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. took home bronze medalist honours finishing at even par.

On Tuesday, the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship Trophy was awarded to Team Ontario, who won the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship. Ontario finished the team competition at 4-under, winning by three shots. Team Ontario consisted of Isaiah Ellis of Smithville, Ont., Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. and Isaiah Ibit of Ottawa. Team British Columbia finished at 2-under and earned silver medalist honours and Team Alberta earned bronze medalist honours finishing at 6-over.

For the final standings of the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Vancouver, B.C. – Golf Canada in partnership with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) announced today the final field of competitors set to challenge for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open taking place August 22-27 at the Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, B.C.

Defending champion Paula Reto leads a stellar field of competitors that includes nine of the top-10 and 22 of the top-25 players on the Race to CME Globe standings. The field will also include 16 of the LPGA Tour’s in-year winners and all 2023 Major winners including two-time major champion and new world no. 1 Lilia Vu.

Nine of the top-10 players on the Rolex World Ranking will compete in Vancouver including Canadian sensation and CPKC ambassador Brooke Henderson (World no. 10) along with fellow top-10 world-ranked stars Lilia Vu (no. 1), Nelly Korda (no. 2), Jin Young Ko, (no. 3), Celine Boutier (no. 4), Ruoning Yin (no. 5), Lydia Ko (no. 6), Hyo-Joo Kim (no. 7) and Allisen Corpuz (no. 8). Other international fan-favourites set to compete include world no. 11 Minjee Lee, world no. 19 Linn Grant, world no. 15 Nasa Hataoka, world no. 21 Lexi Thompson, and world no. 31 Rose Zhang. 

Henderson, the 25-year-old 13-time LPGA Tour winner will lead a 10-player Canadian contingent including Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont. and Alena Sharp of Hamilton, Ont. along with Team Canada professionals Brigitte Thibault of Rosemere, Que., and Sarah-Eve Rhéaume of Quebec City. The group will be joined by five Team Canada amateurs including 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur champion Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C., Katie Cranston of Oakville, Ont., Lauren Zaretsky of Thornhill, Ont., Brooke Rivers of Brampton, Ont., and Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C.

Vancouver resident and Shaughnessy member Victoria Liu will compete at her home golf club on a tournament exemption.

The field for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open will include 16 in-year winners including all 2023 LPGA Tour Major winners as well as eight past CPKC Women’s Open champions – Paula Reto (2022), Jin Young Ko (2019), Brooke Henderson (2018), Sung Hyun Park (2017), Ariya Jutanugarn (2016), Lydia Ko (2012, 2013 & 2015), So Yeon Ryu (2014) and Cristie Kerr (2006).

Originally scheduled to host the CPKC Women’s Open in 2020 but cancelled due to the global pandemic, the A.V. McCann designed Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club becomes the only golf club in the past 20 years to host both of Canada’s National Women’s and Men’s Open Championships. Shaughnessy is also one of only six Canadian golf clubs to host the CPKC Women’s Open, RBC Canadian Open, Canadian Women’s Amateur and Canadian Men’s Amateur Championships.

“The field is set, and after a three-year delay we are extremely proud to the welcome the world’s best players back to Vancouver and Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club for the 49^th playing of the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Ryan Paul, Tournament Director of the CPKC Women’s Open. “Canadian golf fans and event enthusiasts from across British Columbia are in for a showcase of world class golf and a festival experience as we celebrate the return of the LPGA Tour to the incredible city of Vancouver.”

The remaining four exemptions into the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open will be awarded later this week and the final four qualifier spots will be announced on Monday, August 21 following the Monday Qualifier set for Point Grey Golf & Country Club. 

A full field list of players confirmed to compete in the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open is available online here.

The field of 156 competitors will vie for the $2.5 million USD purse with the champion taking home $375,000.

Tickets for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country are available here – children 12-and-under get FREE admission all week long.

CPKC HAS HEART CAMPAIGN TO BENEFIT BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION…

CPKC and Golf Canada are proud to support the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation as the primary charitable beneficiary for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open. Among the charitable engagements tournament week will be the Birdies for Heart hole on no. 16 at Shaughnessy with a $5,000 donation made for every birdie made on the hole during the four rounds of the competition. In addition, CPKC is also proud to support a community beneficiary in Royal Inland Hospital Foundation in support of cardiac care. In nine years of title sponsorship of the CPKC Women’s Open, more than $16 million has been raised to support children’s heart health in the event’s host communities.

CPKC WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT RETURNS TO KICK OFF TOURNAMENT WEEK…

Golf Canada and CPKC will host the sixth annual CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit on Tuesday, August 22 at nearby Marine Drive Golf Club as part of the weeklong excitement of the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open. The CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit will bring together like-minded businesspeople from across the country for a day of networking, empowerment, and philanthropy. The Summit will also raise awareness for the CPKC Women’s Open, with attendees receiving access to the tournament during the week and participating in clinics.

“THE RINK” FAN EXPERIENCE RETURNS…

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that the fan-favourite Rink hole spectator experience will return following a successful debut last year in Ottawa. The energetic hockey-themed hole, complete with fan-pounding rink boards, volunteers dressed as referees and a surrounding hospitality experience will be situated on par-3 17th hole at Shaughnessy.

CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN BROADCAST…

The 2023 CPKC Women’s Open will feature four days of domestic and international television broadcast coverage including Canadian broadcast partner TSN as well as international coverage on GOLF channel.

KIDS 12-AND-UNDER GET IN FREE…

Golf Canada and CPKC are committed to offering a fan friendly, family event with the CPKC Women’s Open. To introduce more juniors to the sport, children aged 12-and-under get FREE admission to the CPKC Women’s Open for the entire week.

GOLF CANADA MOBILE APP EXPERIENCE…

Spectators at Shaughnessy will experience the CPKC Women’s Open like never before by downloading the Golf Canada Mobile App on their iOS or Android device. Essential tournament features include a live map, leaderboard and pairings, tickets, breaking news, and unique events. Golf enthusiasts can also use the Golf Canada Mobile App to enhance their everyday golf experience while playing! Find golf courses, track your game, set up matches, follow friends, access GPS yardages and more. Click here to download.

ABOUT THE CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN 

The stars of the LPGA Tour will challenge for the CPKC Women’s Open from August 22-27, 2023, at the Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, B.C. Through its CPKC Has Heart program, title sponsor CPKC will once again make a substantial donation to the host community of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship by supporting the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. The 2023 CPKC Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by CPKC, BDO, Audi, RBC, theScore, Levelwear, Transitions, Titleist, FootJoy, Journie Rewards, Hilton, Sleeman Clear 2.0, Think Turkey, The Keg, Johnsonville, Cayman Islands, Masi, Celebrity Cruises, STALK&BARREL, Matt & Steve’s, Coca-Cola, Rolex and is supported by Sport Hosting Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada.

For information Click here.

ABOUT CPKC

With its global headquarters in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and México, with unrivaled access to major ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada to the Gulf of México to Lázaro Cárdenas, México. Stretching approximately 20,000 route miles and employing 20,000 railroaders, CPKC provides North American customers unparalleled rail service and network reach to key markets across the continent. CPKC is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpkcr.com to learn more about the rail advantages of CPKC.

Zhang leads both the Junior and Juvenile Boys Championships

North Bay, Ont. – Alex Zhang continued his solid play on Wednesday, shooting an even par, 72 to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at the North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont.

The 14-year-old from Richmond, B.C. sits at 4-under for the tournament and leads both the Junior Championship and Juvenile Championship by one-shot.

“I kind of struggled off the start, I just had lots of pars and wasn’t hitting it too close and wasn’t giving myself many opportunities. I was one over through 13, but I made a few good putts on 14 and 15…two birdies in a row that helped my round a lot,” said the Team Canada NextGen team member.

“I made a good par save on 17 after hitting it in the trees, that kept momentum and 18 I’ve been struggling on it all week and I just hit a bad drive and kind of led to a bogey, but everything was pretty solid today,” he added.

In the Junior Championship, Zhang is a shot ahead of first rounder leader, Aydan Downer of Keswick, Ont. and James Lee of Whistler, B.C. both sitting at 3-under heading into Thursday. Lee is also a shot back in the Juvenile Championship division.

Downer fired a 2-under, 70 on Wednesday, after a challenging second round of 75, “yesterday I was nervous. The first time ever leading an event, first time ever going that low in the first round in a big event like this. The first nine was a little shaky, brought it back the second nine and then waking up this morning I’m like I proved to myself I could do it the first day so it’s just about doing the same things, going through the same steps, breathing, taking your time on shots, and just believing in yourself,” said Downer.

Lee posted back-to-back rounds of 70 following an opening round of 73 to sit tied for second in the Junior Championship and solo second in the Juvenile Championship after round three. A trio of golfers are just behind at 2-under including, Matthew Javier (North York, Ont.), Joshua Ince (Surrey, B.C.) and Isaiah Ellis (Smithville, Ont.). All six players that are under par will tee off in the final two groupings tomorrow. For Thursday’s final round tee times, please click here.

Players 18-and-under are competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup. In addition, players 16-and-under are eligible for the Juvenile Boys Championship and the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only ten golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Christopher Vandette.

The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

For the full leaderboard of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Alex Zhang and Joshua Ince tied for the lead in the Junior Championship

North Bay, Ont. – Team Ontario finished with a combined score of 5-under to win the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship on Tuesday at the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO.

Team Ontario carried a one-shot lead into the final round of the team competition at the North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont. Ontario shot a combined score of 4-under on Tuesday to take the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Trophy by three shots over Team British Columbia.

Team Ontario consists of Isaiah Ellis (Smithville, Ont.), Isaiah Ibit (Ottawa) and Matthew Javier (North York, Ont.). Ibit shot a 69 on Tuesday, while Javier and Ellis both recorded rounds of 71.

“It’s really nice…really great for Ontario to have the clean sweep this year for the junior national championships with the girls and the boys…so it’s nice,” Ibit said with a smile.

Javier was part of Team Ontario last year that came up just short of the team championship, “It means a lot. I was on the team last year and we got closed out by Team Quebec so it’s nice to close it out this year,” he said.

Ellis added “means a lot, I was very grateful to be on the team and it just means a lot.” With his round, he sits in one behind the co-leaders in the Junior Championship division.

There is a two-way tie for the lead in the Junior Boys Championship. Alex Zhang of Richmond, B.C. shot a 3-under, 69 on Tuesday morning to sit at 4-under for the tournament. He was joined atop the leaderboard by Joshua Ince of Surrey, B.C. who also shot a 3-under, 69 during Tuesday’s afternoon wave.

Zhang began his round on the back nine and carded three consecutive birdies on holes 11 through 13 to set the tone for his round, “The putter has been really hot this week. I’ve been making a lot of putts and it’s helped because I haven’t struck the ball my best,” said the Team Canada NextGen Team Member.

Zhang leads the Juvenile Boys Championship by three shots over Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. and James Lee of Whistler, B.C.

Ince collected three birdies on the front and finished with an even score on the back nine, narrowly missing a chance to keep the solo lead after a bogey on 18.

Players 18-and-under are competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup. In addition, players 16-and-under are eligible for the Juvenile Boys Championship and the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only ten golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Christopher Vandette.

The Junior and Juvenile Boys Championships are played concurrently over four rounds. Following Tuesday’s round, the cut is set at 8-over with the top 74 players advancing to the final 36 holes of the national championship.

The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

For the full leaderboard of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here. For Wednesday’s third round tee times, please click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Team Ontario leads Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship by one-shot

North Bay, Ont. – Aydan Downer finds himself atop the leaderboard at 4-under following the opening round of the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO.

Downer, of Keswick, Ont. shot a 68, in a round that was highlighted with an eagle on 17 to take a one-shot lead over a trio of players into Tuesday’s second round at The North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont.

For Downer, staying patient was key to getting off to a good start, “I knew coming into it, my game was really good, really solid, so keep hitting good shots, hitting fairways, hitting greens, I knew some putts were going to drop and they did,” said Downer following his round on Monday evening.

He added that having fun and playing well during his practice rounds helped with his confidence today. Downer holds the lead over Jerry Li, Grady Chuback, and Nathaniel Yoo who all shot opening rounds of 3-under, 69.

Li, of Vancouver got off to a hot start with three straight birdies and an eagle on the front nine. He got into some trouble on 17 and his approach shot on 18 landed in a green side bunker but he was able to make bogey on the closing hole, which played among the toughest for the field on Monday.

“I hit a lot of greens, made a lot of putts on the front nine, up until 17 before I slipped. I was hitting everything pretty good. I just tried to limit the damage, it was pretty good today,” said Li following his morning round.

Chuback, of Headingley, Man. opened with a bogey on the first hole but pulled back into red figures with four birdies to close his round.

“Today I just tried to protect par and minimize the chances of making a bogey. Overall, my tee shots, approach, and putting all worked well together which helped me make birdies, or simple pars. The bogey on one definitely didn’t feel so great, but I knew that there was so much more golf left that it didn’t really matter, so I just kept going,” said Chuback.

Yoo, of North York, Ont. grabbed a share of second finishing with back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18 during the afternoon flight. Yoo carded seven birdies during his round and said he plans to keep up the aggressive play on Tuesday.

Li and Yoo find themselves as co-leaders in the Juvenile Boys Championship.

Team Ontario leads the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship competition by one shot over Team Manitoba. Team Ontario shot an opening round of 1-under and consists of Isaiah Ellis (Smithville, Ont.), Isaiah Ibit (Ottawa) and Matthew Javier (North York, Ont.). The two best individual scores from each team of three count towards the team score for the day. The Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship is contested over the first two days of the tournament with ten provinces competing for the Junior Inter-Provincial Championship Trophy.

Players 18-and-under are competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup. In addition, players 16-and-under are eligible for the Juvenile Boys Championship and the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only ten golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Christopher Vandette.

The Junior and Juvenile championship divisions are played concurrently over four rounds, with the top 70 players plus ties in the Junior division and a minimum of ten players in the Juvenile division advancing to the final 36 holes of the national championship.

The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

For the full leaderboard of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here. For Tuesday’s second round tee times, please click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Team Canada athletes will join international amateurs and professionals among the list of 11 exempt players to challenge for the 49^th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship

Vancouver (August 14, 2023) – Golf Canada, in partnership with the title sponsor CPKC, announced today the names of 11 players that have earned tournament exemptions into the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open, August 22-27, at the Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver.

Alena Sharp of Hamilton, Ont. headlines the list of seven Canadians who have earned exemptions into the 2023 championship. The two-time Olympian and long-time LPGA Tour member will make her 18^th appearance at the National Open Championship where she posted a career-best 4th place finish in 2016. Sharp, who earned the exemption for winning the 2023 PGA of Canada Women’s Championship, is ranked 13^th on the 2023 Epson Tour points list in a season that features a victory at the Champions Fore Change Invitational and two other top-10 finishes.

Also accepting invitations are Team Canada professionals — Brigitte Thibault of Rosemere, Que., and Sarah-Eve Rhéaume of Quebec City — who will be making their fourth, and second respective starts in Canada’s National Open Championship. Thibault is currently the top-ranked Canadian on the Women’s All-Pro Tour while Rhéaume is competing in her rookie year on the Epson Tour.  

The group will be joined by four Team Canada amateurs, led by 17-year Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C., who will compete in her first CPKC Women’s Open after earning an exemption through the 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. Also accepting exemptions are fellow Team Canada athletes Katie Cranston, 19, of Oakville, Ont., and 19-year-old Lauren Zaretsky of Thornhill, Ont., making their second CPKC Women’s Open start along with 18-year-old Brooke Rivers of Brampton, Ont., who will make her first-ever start in the event.

Vancouver resident and Shaughnessy member Victoria Liu has also accepted an exemption to compete at her home golf club.

Rounding out the list of current exemptions are a trio of international talents including 2023 British Women’s Amateur champion Chiara Horder of Germany, American rising star amateur Gianna Clemente and Australian Gabriella Ruffels who currently sits no. 1 on the 2023 Epson Tour money list.

“Together with CPKC we are very proud to welcome this exceptional group of Canadian and international athletes to Vancouver for the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Tournament Director Ryan Paul. “Extending playing opportunities through tournament exemptions is an important component of the CPKC Women’s Open and we are very pleased that these talented amateur and professional players can join us at Shaughnessy for the 49th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship.”

The final five tournament exemptions into the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open have yet to be announced. Additionally, four playing spots will also be awarded through the Final Qualifier on Monday, August 21 at nearby Point Grey Golf & Country Club in Vancouver.

The group will join two Canadian LPGA Tour players at Shaughnessy including 13-time LPGA Tour winner Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., and Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont.

A stellar field for the 49^th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship will also include defending champion Paula Reto and world no. 1 Lilia Vu, along with global stars Nelly Korda, Minjee Lee, Jennifer Kupcho, In Gee Chun, Danielle Kang, Lexi Thompson, Jin Young Ko, Megan Khang, Sei Young Kim, Stacy Lewis, and Paula Creamer. Other fan favourites include 20-year-old sensation Rose Zhang and Lydia Ko who will be looking for her record fourth CPKC Women’s Open title.

The final field for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open will be released on Tuesday, August 15 after 5:00pm ET.

Tickets for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country are available here – children 12-and-under get FREE admission all week long.

CPKC HAS HEART CAMPAIGN TO BENEFIT BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION…

CPKC and Golf Canada are proud to support the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation as the primary charitable beneficiary for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open. Among the charitable engagements tournament week will be the Birdies for Heart hole on no. 16 at Shaughnessy with a $5,000 donation made for every birdie made on the hole during the four rounds of the competition. In addition, CPKC is also proud to support a community beneficiary in Royal Inland Hospital Foundation in support of cardiac care. In nine years of title sponsorship of the CPKC Women’s Open, more than $16 million has been raised to support children’s heart health in the event’s host communities.

CPKC WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT RETURNS TO KICK OFF TOURNAMENT WEEK…

Golf Canada and CPKC will host the sixth annual CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit on Tuesday, August 22 at nearby Marine Drive Golf Club as part of the weeklong excitement of the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open. The CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit will bring together like-minded businesspeople from across the country for a day of networking, empowerment, and philanthropy. The Summit will also raise awareness for the CPKC Women’s Open, with attendees receiving access to the tournament during the week and participating in clinics.

“THE RINK” FAN EXPERIENCE RETURNS…

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that the fan-favourite Rink hole spectator experience will return following a successful debut last year in Ottawa. The energetic hockey-themed hole, complete with fan-pounding rink boards, volunteers dressed as referees and a surrounding hospitality experience will be situated on par-3 17th hole at Shaughnessy.

CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN BROADCAST…

The 2023 CPKC Women’s Open will feature four days of domestic and international television broadcast coverage including Canadian broadcast partner TSN as well as international coverage on GOLF channel.

KIDS 12-AND-UNDER GET IN FREE…

Golf Canada and CPKC are committed to offering a fan friendly, family event with the CPKC Women’s Open. To introduce more juniors to the sport, children aged 12-and-under get FREE admission to the CPKC Women’s Open for the entire week.

GOLF CANADA MOBILE APP EXPERIENCE…

Spectators at Shaughnessy will experience the CPKC Women’s Open like never before by downloading the Golf Canada Mobile App on their iOS or Android device. Essential tournament features include a live map, leaderboard and pairings, tickets, breaking news, and unique events. Golf enthusiasts can also use the Golf Canada Mobile App to enhance their everyday golf experience while playing! Find golf courses, track your game, set up matches, follow friends, access GPS yardages and more. Click here to download.

ABOUT THE CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN 

The stars of the LPGA Tour will challenge for the CPKC Women’s Open from August 22-27, 2023, at the Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, B.C. Through its CPKC Has Heart program, title sponsor CPKC will once again make a substantial donation to the host community of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship by supporting the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. The 2023 CPKC Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by CPKC, BDO, Audi, RBC, theScore, Levelwear, Transitions, Titleist, FootJoy, Journie Rewards, Hilton, Sleeman Clear 2.0, Think Turkey, The Keg, Johnsonville, Cayman Islands, Masi, Celebrity Cruises, STALK&BARREL, Matt & Steve’s, Coca-Cola, Rolex and is supported by Sport Hosting Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada.

For information visit www.cpkcwomensopen.com.

ABOUT CPKC

With its global headquarters in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and México, with unrivaled access to major ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada to the Gulf of México to Lázaro Cárdenas, México. Stretching approximately 20,000 route miles and employing 20,000 railroaders, CPKC provides North American customers unparalleled rail service and network reach to key markets across the continent. CPKC is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpkcr.com to learn more about the rail advantages of CPKC.

Stephen Ames continued the best year of his PGA TOUR Champions career on Sunday with a victory at the Boeing Classic at the Club at Snoqualmie Ridge just outside Seattle.

Nursing a one-shot lead over defending Boeing champ Miguel Angel Jimenez and defending Schwab Cup champion Steven Alker entering the final round, the 59-year-old Ames fired a bogey-free, 9-under 63 to win by seven strokes and record his fourth victory of 2023. Only Steve Stricker has more (five).

Ames chipped in for eagle on the par-5 first hole to push his advantage to two, and it never got closer the rest of the way. He also eagled 18 to finish at 19 under and tie the tournament scoring record. Ames played his last five holes in 6 under to shoot 30 on the back nine.

It stood in stark contrast to a year ago, when Ames led the Boeing heading to the back nine only to shoot 3 over coming in and be overtaken by Jimenez to finish in a tie for third. The Canadian played quickly and confidently on Sunday, and he rolled in seemingly every putt he looked at.

“Even up to 14 it was still a ballgame because it was only two shots still in it,” Ames said. “I mean, when Steven missed the birdie putt on 14 and I made mine, then it went to three again. Like I said, it was still a ballgame, still had to play golf coming in.

“A lot of players always get themselves ahead of the game and you’ve got to stay in the present, which I kept telling myself.”

Alker and Jimenez simply couldn’t keep up with Ames on this day. Both went out in even par, digging their hole to four strokes. Jimenez wound up in second after a 3-under 69. Alker shot 1-under 71 to tie for third with K.J. Choi, who shot 65.

But it was another Sunday that was all about Ames. It was the fourth time in 2023 he entered the final round with a lead, and the fourth time he closed successfully. It was a bit of a home game as well: Ames’ Vancouver home is about a short, two-hour drive from Snoqualmie. He rolled in a 20-footer on the par-3 17th, the hardest hole on the course, for birdie and followed with an eagle on the par-5 18th after hitting driver, long iron to 3 feet.

“I kept pushing myself as the closing holes were coming in just to keep in front, keep pedaling, keep pushing the pedal, and I did,” Ames said. “The way I ended up finishing, I didn’t expect that that, but it came out on top, which is nice.”

Alker could only tip his cap.

“He didn’t miss a shot,” Alker said. “He made the putts he needed to. I think all his wins have been, I don’t know, five-shot wins this year at least, so it’s pretty impressive.”

Ames got his big year started in February at the Trophy Hassan II in Morocco with a five-shot victory. He won the Mitsubishi Electric Classic outside Atlanta in May by four, and he claimed the Principal Charity Classic in June by a shot.