The 14th edition of the Junior Skills Challenge National Event wrapped up today in Vancouver after 24 of the top Canadian junior golfers showcased their skills in one of Golf Canada’s signature junior events. The event took place at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club which will also play host to the CPKC Women’s Open from August 24-27th.

The National Event culminates a year-long program consisting of over 100 qualifying events across Canada and 2,000 participants. 

In partnership with the PGA of Canada and Cobra-Puma Golf, participants went head-to-head in putting, chipping, and driving competitions:

Putting: each competitor received one putt from each distance of 5, 10, and 20 feet with points awarded for holing the putt and proximity to the hole.

Chipping: each competitor received three shots for chipping with points awarded on distance of the chip from the target.

Driving: each competitor received three drives with points awarded for distance and aim of the drive.  

The winners for each division of the Junior Skills Challenge National Event received a brand-new driver courtesy of Cobra-Puma Golf.

Below are the winners in each of the age groups: 

Boys 8 and under:  

Four participants competed including Albert Cui, Eliott Forest, Clifton McLeod, and Waris Wirring.

McLeod of Calgary, AB captured the title with a score of 165 (55 points from driving, 20 points from chipping, and 90 points from putting).

Girls 8 and under: 

Four participants competed including Sophie Dai, Ophelie Duguay, Eisla Kim, and Brooke Sundquist.

Dai of Calgary, AB dominated in her division, earning first place with a final score of 140 (45 points from driving, 25 points from chipping, and 70 points from putting).

Boys 9 to 11: 

Competing in the division included Patrik Geary, Damian Gonzalez, Carter Sam, and Jagger Shi.  

It was a close competition, but Gonzalez of Oakville, ON pulled away with a final score of 150 (50 points from driving, 20 points from chipping, 70 points from putting).

Girls 9 to 11: 

Four participants competed including Sadie Blazeiko, Jordyn Butler, Chloe Lam, and Avery McGuire.

Blazeiko of Winnipeg, MB took home the title with a score of 175 (60 points from driving, 25 points from chipping, 80 points from putting).

Boys 12 to 14: 

Carson Chapman, Cedrick Hamelin, Siddharth Kaja, and Clayton Michel participated.

Kaja of Mississauga, ON captured the title with a final score of 215, with the most impressive chipping scores of the day (70 points from driving, 55 points from chipping, 90 points from putting).

Girls 12 to 14: 

Aliyah Hull, Tatum Lohnes, Mila Snook, and Hannah Thomas participated.

Hull of Chestermere, AB was a stand-out competitor with an impressive final score of 215, with the best driving score of the day across all age groups in both male and female divisions (100 points from driving, 45 points from chipping, and 70 points from putting).

For more information on the Junior Skills Challenge National Event, click here.

Acton, ON – The PGA of Canada is seeking nominations for two at-large positions on its Board of Directors. A historic moment in the organization’s history, the volunteer positions are open to both members and non-members. This change to the PGA of Canada National Board composition is a cutting-edge governance practice and achieves a key objective in the organization’s strategic plan, to diversify the leadership

The addition of these two at-large members is the result of the PGA of Canada’s Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce Report, as the association strives to create an inclusive and representative Board that reflects the diversity of Canada. The elected individuals, who will serve a three-year term as full voting members on the Board, will be essential in the governance of the organization, ensuring the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan and that the needs of the 3,800 PGA of Canada members across Canada are at the forefront of conversation and decision making. 

Recently, the PGA of Canada’s Board of Directors completed a skills and competency matrix to identify the needs for the two new positions based on the current composition of the Board. Based on the outcomes of this exercise and the need to diversify the perspectives and personnel on the Board to ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion is at the forefront of the governance of the organization, the nominating committee is looking to solicit gender balance and/or traditionally underrepresented groups who have experience, skills and expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Environment, social responsibility, governance
• Nonprofit governance experience
• Risk management
• Legal
• Regulatory (fiscal, governmental, funding, legal regulatory)

Nomination application deadline – September 1, 2023

More information can be found on the nomination form, which can be found here. 

The nominating committee will review all submissions and by September 11, an email will be sent to all Class ‘A’ members with the committee’s recommendation, but Class “A” voting members may vote for any two candidates they choose if an election is necessary. A bio will be provided for each candidate before the September 11-15, 2023 election. 

The elected candidates will be responsible for attending one in-person meeting each year, as well as one virtual meeting each quarter. Depending on circumstances, there may be other virtual meetings called throughout the year, and the opportunity to join various committees may arise.  

The strength of the PGA of Canada comes from the expertise of those trusted with seats at the decision-making table. As a board member, the elected candidates will be trusted to use their knowledge and passion to help lead important discussions and make decisions that will drive the industry forward for both colleagues and future generations.

NOMINATION FORM

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.

Bo Bennett, Blomidon Golf and Country Club, Hole #3

Great day!

Brett Allan, Olds Golf Club, Hole #16

I was playing in a club run match play event against James MacDonald. Jay Rosehill was also playing with us. It was a 132-yard shot and I used a 50-degree gap wedge. This is my second hole-in-one.

Brian King, Whitevale Golf Club, Hole #4

It was hole #4 and approximately 145 yards over water. I hit five feet over the pin and spun back. First hole-in-one ever. I used a 7 iron. I used a Callaway Crome soft ball. Playing partners were Whitevale members Bob Nebel, Steven Rodriguez and Jim Glover. I was in a friendly quota points game and got eight points for that hole. Took a triple on the next hole.

Calven Wang, Ledgeview Golf and Country Club, Hole #17

My first ace at Ledgeview Golf Course on hole #17 at 131 yards. The course was in tournament conditions as we sponsored the PGA of Canada Seniors Championships and got to play the course after the last group teed off. I didn’t see the ball go in, but the group in front of us gave us the live play-by-play of the ball landing and spinning back into the hole. Surreal to get congratulated by former PGA Tour and current Champion Tour players and was given the 17th hole flag with autographs.

Carlyle Humeston, Cowichan Golf and Country Club, Hole #6

I was playing with a few other members, and we teed off from the gold tees on hole #6 which is a par 3 and was 150 yards from the pin. I was using a Cobra 8 iron and a Titleist Pro V1.

Craig MacLeod, Petitcodiac Valley Golf and Country Club, Hole #4

My playing partners were JP Drapeau, Mike Gaudet and Rob Hancock. The hole was about 185 yards, and I used a 5 iron. It’s a blind green and you can only see the top of the flag from the tee box. I thought that I had left the ball short. There were two balls at the front of the green when we walked up, and I assumed one was mine. Mike walked around green looking for a ball. Finally, he said, “better look in the cup” and there it was. I thought it was his and was shocked to learn it was mine.

Darryl McGillivray, Sleepy Hollow Golf and Country Club, Hole #15

I was playing Sleepy Hollow Golf & Country Club with my son Jake. On hole #15 from 130 yards to the center of the green pin. I hit a pitching wedge; we saw it bounce twice but didn’t see it go in because of the slight ridge on the green. We drove up to the green and I said, “Where’s my ball, there’s no way it was long.” We ran out onto the green and it was in the cup!

David Thistle, Seymour Golf & Country Club , Hole #11

Great day! It was 173 yards.

Debbie Young, Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, Hole #6

I was playing with two of my fellow members, one a Canadian and the other an American. It was 128 yards, with wind into us and I used a 6 hybrid.

Ella Hillier, Loyalist Country Club, Hole #8

It was 85 yards, and I did not see it go in. My two friends started jumping up and down with joy!

Ian Emberley, Twenty Valley Golf and Country Club, Hole #7

I was playing with Maria Peplowski and Sandy Burrows. I used a 6 hybrid. The distance was 157 yards.

Jackie Menard, Derrick Golf and Winter Club, Hole #2

It was 147 yards and I used a 3 wood. I was playing with Carla Duncan and Heather Tansem.

Kathy Binns, Sunnydale Golf Society, Hole #4

I hit my hole-in-one on hole #4. The yardage is 115 on the score card and the pin was at the back. I hit my 8 iron and it was a beautiful shot that bounced at the front of the green and rolled into the hole. It was witnessed by the spotter for the hole as it was the ‘closest to the pin’ hole. I was playing with Pat Peden (Sunnydale member) as well as Jenny Steele and Nancy Riva both from the Comox Course.

Kerry Diotte, Highlands Golf Club, Hole #16

I got my hole-in-one on Saturday August 12, 2023, on hole #16 at Highlands Golf Club in Edmonton using a 4-hybrid from 182 yards. I was playing with my wife Clare Denman (with me in photo) and our friends Darrell and Jacquie Holowaychuk.

Kevin Koetke, Uplands Golf Club, Hole #11

I used an 8 iron from 152 into the wind on a rope. One hop and in. I was playing with Dave Brown, Randy Price and Barry Hornsberger.

Kirk Gamley, Capilano Golf and Country Club, Hole #11

I hit an 8 iron from 159 yards and played a little downhill. What was amazing for me is I was playing with my two sons Luke and Ben who are very avid golfers and play on the MJT Tour regularly as well as another junior member from our club. Dad was a hero for a few moments as I think the boys were even more excited than me.

Kyle Hoeght, Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club, Hole #2

I used my Titleist wedge, and it was 127 yards. I was playing with my regular Friday group.

Logan Bunn, Mountain Woods Golf Club, Hole #9

I was golfing with two older gentlemen. had 120 yards to a white middle pin with a little wind left to right. I pulled out my 50-degree wedge when I made the hole-in-one.

Madeleine Carter, Heron Side at Cardinal Lakes, Hole #16

It was a very windy day, and I was playing with my friend Linda Duliban. I had been telling my friends since the season opened that I was going to get a hole-in-one this year as it had been three years since my last one. Lo and behold we are playing Heron side at Cardinal Lakes in Welland, Ontario. There was very strong wind that day, and I played a five hybrid as the hole was playing about 120 into the wind. She was excited as she was sure it had gone in, and I thought it went off the back. As we got to the flag, it was in!

Marc Mammoletti, Wooden Sticks Golf Club, Hole #2

In the first round of a three-day golf trip with 24 guys, I made a hole-in-one at Wooden Sticks in Uxbridge on the second hole which is a par 4.

The hole measured 284 from the yardage tile of the white tees and using my driver, I hit a drive that took off on a direct line with the flagstick which was on the left side of the green. The ball just cleared the top of the bunker and my group never saw it again. We drove up and saw no ball on the green or at the back rough. I cautiously walked to the hole and didn’t see it at first but took another step closer and it was tucked on the near side at the bottom of the cup. It was witnessed by Greg Lewis, Neil Slater and Rob Park.

It was my first hole-in-one and probably on one of the more unlikely holes at the course.

Mark McRae, Hole #10, Lakeview Golf Course

Best day of my life!

Mark Johnson, The Okanagan Golf Club, Hole #11

I was playing with Darcy Sigfuson in our annual Men’s club match play tournament. I was three down after 10. Hole #11 is 165 yards slightly down hill and it was playing down wind. My opponent had just hit it over the green, so I choked down on a 9 iron and swung easy. I just wanted to make sure it was on the green and below the hole for an easy birdie putt. I hit it pure landing about five yards on, ball rolled out and dropped.

This flipped the match for me as I won the 12th with a birdie, won the 13th and 14th giving me a one up lead in the match which I was able to hang onto closing it out on hole #18.

Marty Floris, Omineca Golf Club, Hole #2

The second hole is 195 yards so I used a 6 iron. My golfing group consisted of myself, Brian Naka, Ernie Thiessen and Steve Silver.

Mason Moorhead, Whitevale Golf Club, Hole #12

It was 163 yards, I hit a 7 iron and I was playing with a kid named Dylan who’s a member at Whitevale.

Matthew McClure, The Pulpit Club, Hole #16

This was my third hole-in-one, after a wait of 17 years between the others. It was #16 at The Paintbrush, measuring 182 yards that day. Looking forward to chasing number four!

Michael Elliot, Equinelle Golf Club, Hole #3

It was the third hole at Equinelle Golf Club, my home course, on the first day of our Club Championship. I used a 6 iron for the blue pin approximately 170 yards into a slight breeze. My fellow golfers were Justin Calow and Steven Eardley.

Mike Perry, Glacier Greens Golf Club, Hole #7

I’ve been golfing since my teen years, and now in my sixties, and this is my first ace ever but hopefully not the last. I was playing at Glacier Greens Golf Course with friends Ken McDonald and Frank Nadon. I hit my Ping I500 6 iron to a 180 yard downwind blue flag pin. One bounced in front of the green and rolled up the green and into the cup on the back of the green. The funny thing is because it was an early morning round, and the sun was in our face, green in the shadows, we did not see it actually go in the cup. Ken said he thought it went in, but I was not sure. I looked at the green with my range finder from the tee box but did not see the ball and actually thought it may have rolled off the back of the green. We walked up to the green and I looked at the fringe and slope behind the green but did not see it. I finally looked in the cup and there it was.

Orion Comeau, Clare Golf and Country Club, Hole #4

I hit a 48-degree wedge from 134 yards which landed right of the pin bounced a couple feet and spun back right into the cup.

Patrick Horncastle, West Hills Golf Course, Hole #5

This was my second hole-in-one, but still as exciting as the first.  It happened on Wednesday August 9th, 2023, hole #5 at West Hills Golf Course. It was playing 110 yards, I hit my 56-degree about four feet past and let it spin back into the hole. It looked good the *hole* way. It was witnessed by Carter Belyea, Karl Kolada and Serge Boucher.

Penny Mastronardi, Whistle Bear Golf Club, Hole #8

On Sunday, August 6, 2023, I was golfing at my home club, Whistle Bear Golf Club, with my husband Gino Mastronardi, and good friends; Tina Cain Holland and Andrew Camman, who are also members. Hole #8 is a par 3 which has a pond on the left side and part of the front. It is also protected by bunkers in the front and back. The pin location on this day was front middle right, but it was also playing into quite a wind. This is quite typical at our golf course. Playing from the forward red tees, the distance today was 87 yards. I know that the carry onto the green is 70 yards. I fly my ball quite high with my irons, so based on the information I had, wind, flag, carry, I selected my 8 iron. We could only see the shot and the line. We could not see the finish into the hole. My playing companions were quite sure that it went into the hole. It was confirmed once my friend Tina ran up and looked into the hole. It was a fun experience and great to share with my husband and great friends. The only hard part was finishing the round before celebrating with more friends on the patio after. It was a good day!

Rachelle Fiola, Grand Pines Golf Course, Hole #7

I was playing as a twosome with my husband James Hoddinott. It was a slow afternoon, so fellow golfers Ken and Peggy Maeren had caught up to us, waiting on the back tees for us to play. I hit my Srixon bright pink ball with my Cobra 5 wood from the red tees, 124 yards away. The ball had a great loft, landed with two bounces and disappeared into the hole. It was a white flag. Both Jim and I were excited to get to the green. As we weren’t totally sure it went in, when we drove up, my pink ball was nowhere to be seen. I got out of the cart without bringing my putter. Jim got to the hole first and confirmed it was in. I screamed with excitement, and then, almost simultaneously, the Maeren’s screamed and yelled too. What a great moment!

Reg Clarkson, Granite Pointe, Hole #17

It was a beautiful afternoon, and the 17th was playing 141 yards. I hit a solid 9 iron that landed about three feet past and it backed right in! That was my foruth hole-in-one. I was playing with Al Grant, Peter Muirhead and Monty Fredrickson.

Renee Raphael, Braestone Club, Hole #12

This was actually my fourth hole-in-one but just as exciting as the others. My last one was at Vespra Hills on June 4, 2011. Both holes-in-one were with my Callaway Divine Nine. At Braestone, I was playing with Barb Coutanche, Helen MacRae and Ann McGee. The hole was playing 113 yards.

Rick Hall, Pakenham Highlands Golf Course, Hole #4

After only 30 years of trying my hand at this sport I finally drained my first ace at Pakenham Highlands Golf Course on Tuesday, August 8th. A wonderful course with three separate 9-hole tracks just outside of Ottawa, Ontario. We were playing from the gold tees. I used a 7 iron to land it short left and run it to the back. I didn’t have the pleasure of seeing it drop because of the contour of the green. The pin was at the back and when the ball disappeared, I thought it had rolled off into the rough behind the green. While I was still looking, one of the other players announced that there was a ball in the hole, and sure enough it was mine. What a hoot!

My playing partners that day were Ken Brown, John Callendar and Roger Lebeau (my usual Tuesday group). In addition, we got to share the excitement with a quick playing twosome that we waved through. It didn’t occur to me that I should save that ball and I proceeded to put it into the pond on the next hole.

Robert Hunter, Credit Valley Golf and Country Club, Hole #4

An amazing experience. It was 137 yards and I used an 8 iron. My playing partners were Richard Charlton, Grant Fleming and Randy Smith.

Rod Hooktwith, Maple City Country Club, Hole #3

It was 155 yards, 7 iron at Maple City. I’ve been a member there since 2007 and been golfing for 57 years. It was my first ever hole-in-one, witnessed by Richard Gilbert and Lorne Phillipow, both members at MCCC. I used a Vice Pro golf ball.

Russell Johnson, Fox Hollow Golf Course, Hole #11

I was golfing with my partner Leslie Lawson and our Saturday morning crew, Denis and Dave Ramlal. We just walked over to the 11th tee box to check the distance. The red flag and range finder measured 140 yards. I thought my 9 iron should be the club. I took my time, one practice swing. Well, I let one rip. One bounce then second on green with a short roll into the hole. Then I was surrounded by loud cheers from my golf friends.  What a great feeling and I’m now looking forward to ace sometime in the near future.

Ruth Reeves, Mylora on Sidaway, Hole #16

I was playing with three ladies in my Thursday Ladies golf group, on the first day of our club championship. When I came to hole #16, (approximately 100 yards with an elevated sloping green), I used my trusty 30-degree hybrid and the rest is history. Even though this is not my first hole-in-one, it’s still super exciting, especially at the tender age of 82!

Ryne Hepditch, Harmon Seaside Links, Hole #17

I was playing with three other members at my course. Hole #17 is 180 yards and I hit an 8 iron. There was a strong wind at my back that evening.

It was actually a one day 36-hole Ryder cup style tournament that I was playing in, ‘Over 50 vs. Under 50’, where players over 50 played against players under 50.

Scott Messenger, Cranberry Golf Course, Hole #13

It certainly was a lot of fun getting it! My wife is a member at Cranberry, and we were playing with another couple who are friends and neighbors. The 13th hole showed 113 yards on my watch, and I used a pitching wedge. The hole has a large waste bunker in front of it and I knew it was tracking well but didn’t see it actually bounce in the hole. My friend walked to the front bunker to see if it was there and I looked in the hole, and there it was! In my father’s lifetime, he had three, so I have some catching up to do!

Sharon Hines, Lora Bay Golf Club, Hole #8

This was my first hole-in-one. It definitely was a moment to remember as we watched my ball hit the green and roll into the hole. I played from the forward tees on hole #8 at Lora Bay. I used my Titleist driver and hit a TaylorMade ball. The yardage was 123. I was playing with a group of women that I regularly play with on Fridays. We call ourselves the “Friday Foxes”. Our shouts of joy could be heard by the group ahead of us halfway down the 9th fairway. The staff at Lora Bay were also excited to congratulate me. At the end of the round, we celebrated achieving this bucket list event with my golf friends in our backyard. I love what playing golf has given me, the friendships and laughter, overcoming the challenges and enjoying my successes.

Steve Walter, Whistle Bear Golf Club, Hole #17

It was 129 yards from the blue tees. I hit a pitching wedge and all of our group loved it in the air. I saw it go in and turned around and said, “Did that go in?” Everybody thought it did, but nobody would commit to saying it because of the shadows. I had to wait for everybody to hit. When we got up there, I walked faster than I ever have in my life and sure enough, it was in the hole!

I was playing with a good friend, Matt Godbout who is a member as well as Joe Romeo and Kevin Lu. Whistle Bear treated me great and was a perfect place to get my first ace.

Tamara Chamberlain, Eagle Creek Golf Course, Hole #8

My hole-in-one was on hole #8 at Eagle Creek on a perfect day for golf. I was playing with friends Cathy and Kathleen. I had just lost a match against Kathleen but got the ace for an amazing consolation prize!

It was a front pin, and I used my 8 iron to hit the 120-yard shot. I landed the ball short on the green and we watched as it took two short hops to land in the cup. I had to grab my range finder to make sure the ball wasn’t hiding just behind the pin – it wasn’t! It was my third ace and second on #8.

Thomson McDowell, Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club, Hole #1

I was golfing at Meadowbrook Golf & Country Club in Gormley, Ontario on Sunday, June 18^th, 2023; a special day in our family for lots of reasons. Not only was it my husband, Todd’s birthday, but it was also Father’s Day. Our group consisted of my husband and I, our three kids, Thomson (11), Eira (9) and Brooks (7), as well as my dad Rob. This was our 11^th annual Father’s Day golfing outing, as we established the first ever event back in 2012. Each year, we have modified the outing and the number of holes we manage to play to suit the group, which has included up to four generations in a few years of doing it.

This year it was particularly memorable. Tight for time following a hockey tournament but determined to continue our tradition, we teed off on the Meadowbrook par-3 course. On the very first hole of the day, an 83-yard par 3, six of us shot, leaving only my son Thomson to make his attempt. He teed up his Seattle Kraken logo ball and took a full swing with his 9 iron. We all watched as it landed on the green about 10 feet from the pin, then proceeded to roll decisively towards (and eventually into) the cup. We were all very excited to witness a big event on a very special day for our family.

Thomson’s first ace (aged 11 years and 15 days old) on his 11^th annual Father’s Day golf extravaganza.

Liz McDowell, on behalf of Thomson McDowell

Tim Steen, Hautes Plaines, Hole #13

I am a member of “The Old Crocs,” a group of mature ClubLink members from Kanata, Eagle Creek and Greyhawk who play Wednesdays at ClubLink courses in the National Capital and Montreal areas. Last Wednesday at Hautes Plaines, I was playing with Matt MacDonald and David Simpson. We had the yardage at about 140 and I hit a 9 iron.

William Petropoulos, Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club, Hole #16

I was playing in my Wednesday night “Boykie” group (South African for friendship) on August 9^th, 2023, at Meadowbrook Golf Club in Gormley, Ontario. It was hole #16 with a middle-left pin placement. The hole was playing 191 yards from the blue tee box, and I flushed a 5 iron into the left side of the green. The ball landed softly, rode the slope to the right and tracked directly into the hole. It was a surreal moment for sure as this was my first hole-in-one. After 50 years of playing golf, I thought for sure, my best days were behind me. My playing partners that day were Allen Leroy and Dave Reed. Drinks were enjoyed by many that evening on the clubhouse patio.

Zak Patel, Glendale Golf Club, Hole #9

I used a 7 iron. It was 140 yards into wind. I played with Roy Ferron, Stephen Ng and Tariq Patel. I didn’t see it as the sun was in my eyes and my eyesight is not that good.

This week on Road to the Tour, presented by Hilton, we focus on the Canadian Men’s Amateur event. This is an important event on the calendar for all amateur players in Canada, and something they prepare all summer for.

Rest and Relax like a Pro, start planning your next stay with Hilton today.

Stephen Ames has never felt better physically or mentally, and his ball striking might be the best it’s ever been.

In other words, it’s the perfect time to return to Calgary.

Ames won last week’s Boeing Open for his fourth victory on the Champions Tour this season, putting him third in the Schwab Cup standings. He’ll be in the field on Thursday when his hometown hosts the Shaw Charity Classic.

“Oh, the confidence is there, there’s no doubt about that,” said Ames. “The fact that I know where I’m at and how to fix things instantly when I’m on the course, how to feel a little bit more relaxed playing golf and enjoying it, yeah. I’m in that zone

“Right now (my confidence), it’s helpful and it’s … probably helping me the most with my play right now.”

Ames also won the Trophy Hassan II on Feb. 11, the Mitsubishi Electric Classic on May 7 and the Principal Charity Classic on June 4 this season. But his seven-stroke victory on Sunday was perhaps the most impressive.

He said that the best way to keep that momentum rolling in Calgary aside from making sure he didn’t have too many celebratory drinks after winning the Boeing Open is to keep things simple.

“It’s always the process, trying to keep that as simple as you can and not worry about the result, which is what we’ve been doing very well this year,” said Ames. “At the end of the day you want to be as simple as you can be mentally, have simple thoughts, no thoughts, whatever you want it to be.

“Make it as simple as possible and then the rest of it just happens.”

There are three other Canadians in the field at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club.

Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., is the second-highest ranked Canadian on the Champions Tour at 38th in the standings. Alan McLean (No. 123) of London, Ont., and David Morland IV (No. 194) who’s originally from Aurora, Ont., will also play at the Shaw Charity Classic.

Ames has historically done well in Calgary but never won there. It’s his hope that his evolved mental approach will help him finally emerge victorious in his hometown.

“We tend to beat ourselves up a little bit too much as players,” he said. “You’ve got to take the day as it strides along or the week as it strides along.

“You’ve got to have your ups and then your downs and dealing with the downs is obviously very important. I think I’ve learned to do a good job of that over the years.”

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.