Hampton, N.B. – Warm and sunny weather conditions continued into round two of the 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO making for another excellent day. Team Ontario were victorious in defending their title and have been crowned this year’s winners of the Inter-Provincial Team Championship.

Heading into round two with a four-stroke lead, Team Ontario consisting of Shauna Liu (Maple, Ont.), Aryn Matthews (Little Britain, Ont.) and Joline Truong (Mississauga, Ont.) won by four-strokes with a final score of 10-over par.

Liu contributed to the team efforts with scores of an even-par 72 on Monday and 72 on Tuesday, along with Matthews who shot 83 on Monday and 81 on Tuesday and Truong’s 1-over par 72 on Monday and 77 on Tuesday. The team combined for a total score of 10-over par and a four-stroke triumph over the runner-up, Team British Columbia.

“I love the team aspect of golf, I always have. It’s a big part of our history and a big part of the championship so I think its really neat when the athletes get to come together and play as a team and to do it at an event like this just makes it all that much more meaningful,” said Reggie Millage, coach of the Ontario team.

For the individual component of the competition Michelle P. Ding holds the lead after the second round of the 2023 Canadian Juniors Girls Championship. Ding went into the second round with a score of 1-under and finished the second round with a score of 2-over 73 to maintain the lead.

“I tried to not think any differently today, my mindset was to still make par, par is your best friend on this course as its very challenging,” said Ding. “I feel like I never broke my concentration and kept pushing through.”

In second place, Chelsea Truong is a single stroke behind Ding after shooting an 1-over par 72 score during the second round. Truong has played two very consistent rounds, shooting 72 in both the first and second round of the championship.

Alexa Ouellet (Toronto, ON.), who shot a 2-under 69 which was the low round on Tuesday, Shelby Hardwick (Aurora, ON.), Luna Lu (Burnaby, B.C.), Eileen Park (Red Deer, A.B) and Lui are in a four-way tie for third  after the second round.

The 2023 Canadian Junior Girls champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, if age applicable.

Full results can be found here.

For more information on the 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship 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.

Creemore, Ont. – There is a familiar name atop the leaderboard after round one of the 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur, presented by BDO.

Two-time champion, Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont. shot an opening round of 3-under, 69 to lead both the Women’s Mid-Amateur division and Women’s Mid-Master division at The Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont. on Tuesday.

Kyrinis started her round with four consecutive pars and was 2-under through seven. She headed to No.15 at even par and closed with birdies on 15, 17 and 18, a stretch of holes known as “The Mad Mile” to finish her round with six birdies.

“Putter was solid, made some pretty long ones. Got it around the hole, no three putts. It’s a tough golf course, you got to grind your way around out there and you cannot take one shot off or you could make a big number,” said Kyrinis. “I certainly had some misses, but they were decent misses, made a lot of nice up and downs so it was solid.”

Kyrinis who won the 2019 and 2016 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships has consistently been around the top of the leaderboard every year of the tournament and said getting off to a good start is key in a national championship.

“When you don’t, it makes it really tough to kind of get back in the game, so at least I’ll be in the game but there’s still a lot of golf out there left with two days on this golf course, it’s tough.”

Kyrinis leads the Mid-Amateur division by five shots over Isabella DiLisio of Hatfield, Pa. and Samantha Perrotta of Bordentown, N.J. who both shot 74 and sit at 2-over. In the Mid-Master division, Kyrinis holds an eight-stroke lead over defending champion, Shelly Stouffer who shot a 5-over, 77 on Tuesday.

In the Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Team Championship, Team Quebec sits at 11-over and leads by one-shot over Team Manitoba after the opening round. Team Quebec consists of Natacha Brossard and Suzanne Ricard from Montreal and Marie-Thérèse Torti of Candiac, Que. Defending champions, Team British Columbia sit five shots back at 16-over. Seven provinces with three players per team are competing for the team championship over the first 36-holes of the tournament.

This year’s championship marks the first time that the Women’s Mid-Amateur division is being held as a stand-alone competition. The 54-hole stroke play championship was previously held in conjunction with the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, as well as the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. In addition, the Women’s Mid-Master Championship (players aged 40-and-over as of July 25, 2023) is being contested over three championship rounds this week.

Female golfers (aged 25-and-over as of July 25, 2023), with a handicap index of 12.0 or less are eligible to compete in the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. The individual winner of the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 9-14 at Stonewall (North Course) in Elverson, Pa. In addition, the champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

For the full leaderboard 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.

Hampton, N.B. – Sunny weather conditions made for a great start at Hampton Golf Club as the opening round of the 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship presented by BDO kicked off on Monday. The leaderboard fluctuated throughout the day, but 17-year-old Michelle P. Ding persevered through the heat to sit atop the lead after firing a 1-under 70 after a competitive day.

The Toronto native tallied three birdies in a row on the par-5 sixth hole, par-3 seventh hole and par-4 eighth hole. Ding also fired one birdie on the back, on the par-4 11th, to come back and finish off the round.

“My mindset today was about hitting par, I thought that if I made par, I would do amazing, so I tried to just keep that in mind,” said Ding. “The course was in pretty good shape and my highlights were my up and downs, I barely hit any greens but if I missed them, I made it work. Going forward I plan to just keep hitting par.”

Ding’s best finish at this competition was in last year’s tournament finishing T25 at The Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.

Abbey Baker (Halifax, N.S.), Rebecca Kim (Surrey, B.C.), Joline Truong (Mississauga, Ont.), Shauna Liu (Maple, Ont.), Cadence Ko (Richmond, B.C.), Chelsea Truong (Victoria, B.C.) and Luna Lu (Burnaby, B.C.) are all heading into the second round tied for second place, all a single stroke back of Ding.

Last week’s winner of the NextGen Atlantic Championship Abbey Baker said, “I’ve just been focusing on hitting the fairways and greens and knowing that the birdie putts will come. The course was great today, it wasn’t too windy out there for us, but the greens can be tough if you’re out there in the rough.”

Two other players, Bridget Wilkie (Toronto, Ont.) and YanLing (Elaine) Liu (Vancouver, B.C.) are 2-over, and both are within one shot of the leaders, tied for ninth going into the second round.

Team Ontario, consisting of Truong, Liu and Aryn Matthews (Little Britain, Ont.) lead the inter-provincial team competition at 2-over and are looking to defend their title. The defending champions of last year hold the lead by four strokes, over team British Columbia who sit 6-over after the first round.

“Today started off a little rough but I just tried to hang in there. We had some ups and downs with pars and took the birdies as they came,” said Truong. “The course is in good shape, the balls were rolling well, overall went pretty well.”

The Inter-Provincial Team Championship for the Mary Pyke trophy will wrap up tomorrow at the conclusion of the second round.

The 2023 Canadian Junior Girls champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, if age applicable.

Full results can be found here.

For more information on the 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship 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.

Halifax, N.S. – Adam Blair won the gold medal, and Payne Wood won the bronze in the U16 age category at the North American Indigenous Games played at the Links at Brunello in Halifax.

The 54-hole stroke play competition hosted many different Indigenous golfers from all over North America. They had four categories: U16 Female, U16 Male, U19 Female, and U19 Male.

The Manitoba Gold team member Blair from Winnipeg maintained a strong lead throughout the tournament, shooting 72-69-72, for a total of 213. His teammate Wood, also of Winnipeg started in third place with an opening round of 74, and climbed his way up to second place on the second day shooting 1-under. He shot an even par on the final day to secure the bronze medal, finishing one shot behind the silver medalist.

The games happen every four years across North America. The NAIG’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples by supporting self-determined sports and cultural activities that encourage equal access to participation in the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of the community in which they reside and respect Indigenous distinctiveness.

The games bring together over 756 Indigenous Nations to celebrate, share, and reconnect through sport and culture in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth, and Millbrook First Nation. The games began in the 1970’s and continue to happen every four years with a growing number of athletes.

Defending Champion Shelly Stouffer among five past winners in the field for new stand-alone national competition for Mid-Amateur aged competitors

Creemore, Ont. – The 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO kicks off on Monday, July 24 at the Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont.

Defending champion Shelly Stouffer is among five past champions in the field of 68 golfers competing at Mad River. The Nanoose Bay, B.C. resident is looking to become the first player to claim back-to-back titles since Christina Proteau won four consecutive championships from 2011-14.

Last year, Stouffer shot an even-par 72 in the final round to win by one-stroke over 2015 champion Terrill Samuel, and two clear of six-time champion Proteau at Breezy Bend Country Club in Headingly, Man.

In addition to winning the mid-amateur title, Stouffer also took home the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship and the Mid-Master division titles and was part of Team B.C. winning both inter-provincial team titles. The victories capped a successful summer for Stouffer who also won the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur last August. In doing so, Stouffer became only the second Canadian to win the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship in the same year. She joined elite company as World Golf Hall of Famer Marlene Streit won both titles in 1995.

Four past champions will be joining Stouffer at Mad River including, two-time winner (2016, 2019) Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont., 2010 champion Marie-Thérèse Torti of Candiac, Que., 2015 winner and 2022 British Women’s Senior Amateur champion, Terrill Samuel of Etobicoke, Ont. and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and 2008 champion, Mary Ann Hayward of St. Thomas, Ont. A four-time winner of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, Hayward is also a member of both the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame (2006) and the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame (2011).

This year’s championship marks the first time that the women’s mid-amateur division will be held as a stand-alone competition. The 54-hole stroke play championship was previously held in conjunction with the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, as well as the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

“The Mad River Golf Club will be an incredible host for the first ever Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Adam Cinel. “The staff and volunteers at Mad River have been tremendous to work with in the lead up to the tournament and we are excited to make this national championship a special event for the players.”

The Mad River Golf Club is a member owned, Bob Cupp-designed, championship golf club that offers golfers a variety of strategic choices and shot variations. The course features small and unique green complexes that require precision iron play to hit and hold the greens, and a creative short game to overcome the variety of challenges the golfer will face when missing a green.

“The competitors are going to love Mad River, the sheer beauty, challenge and condition of the golf course coupled with the tranquil country environment is a rare combination on one property,” said Gary Ward, General Manager, The Mad River Golf Club. “Mad River feels strongly about supporting and growing this important demographic of golfer, so were thrilled to host the event in its first year as a “stand alone’ tournament. As importantly the Legacy program we’ve initiated will leave a lasting impact on the community. The program entails creating a junior women’s golf development program involving selected participants from some local high schools (Stayner Collegiate, Our Lady of the Bay, Collingwood Collegiate).”

The championship will also feature two additional competitions running concurrently at Mad River. The Women’s Mid-Master Championship (players aged 40-and-over as of July 25, 2023) will be contested over three championship rounds and the Women’s Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Team Championship will take place over the first 36-holes of the tournament. Seven provinces will have 3-player teams represented in the competition.

Female golfers (aged 25-and-over as of July 25, 2023), with a handicap index of 12.0 or less are eligible to compete in the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. The individual winner of the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 9-14 at Stonewall (North Course) in Elverson, Pa. In addition, the champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

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.

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.

Alex Lawrence, Gage Golf and Curling Club, Hole #5

I was playing in a two-man scramble. My teammate hit his wedge long, then I stepped up and thinned mine! The other guys in my group said it’ll be good, watching it go towards the green it hit once and rolled into the hole! My first hole-in-one and I thought I thinned it! What an experience I was stunned! Finally, I have checked it off the bucket list!

Arlene Omelchuk, Eaglepoint Golf Resort, Hole #4

It was July 11, 2023, and it was ladies’ night at Eaglepoint Golf Resort in Kamloops. I was using my TaylorMade 4H hybrid RBZ from 140 yards when my amazing orange ball landed and rolled into the hole. Then the next thing I knew I had my golfing girls jumping up and down hugging me and yelling you got a hole-in-one! The ladies on the putting green from the hole behind us also saw and started yelling too. I could hardly write my score as I was shaking so bad. I feel so grateful that this happened and was able to share it with my three awesome golfing friends.

Belinda Steckler, Mission Golf and Country Club, Hole #12

I was playing with my friends Kathy and Patti. We were playing an early nine holes before our ladies’ night. The hole was measuring about 110 yards, and I used my 9 iron. I thought I saw the ball land just short of the green and bounce up toward the hole, but it was difficult to tell if it went in. I walked up with my putter in case it did bounce by the hole and was pleasantly surprised to find it in the hole!

Brett Olynyk, The Glencoe Golf and Country Club

It was a great moment that I was able to share with my foursome who were a couple of great friends and my sister who has just taken up golf! The couple in the group behind also were able to celebrate with us.

It was a gentle 197-yard draw into the wind with a 4 iron that landed on the front of the green and disappeared into the cup. With the flag creating a shadow, I wasn’t totally sure it was in until I reached the cup. What a great feeling! The Glencoe Golf and Country Club provided a beautiful case for the ball, and a head cover, and of course a drink for all of those in the clubhouse!

Brady Belliveau, Royal Oaks Golf Club, Hole #8

The hole was 150 yards, and I used a 9 iron. I was playing with Anthony Cormier, Jean Mainville and Jeremie Leger.

Bruce Christensen, Fort St. John Links Golf Club, Hole #6

I was golfing with Jim Vanderwark and the yardage was 116. I used my 7 iron by mistake!

Cliff Hodder, Listowel Golf and Country Club, Hole #14

I was playing with my son Cole, and two friends Brady Werth and Rick Snider. The hole was a front pin on #14 sitting just beyond the pond. I hit a very high gap wedge exactly 138 yards directly into the hole, didn’t touch a blade of grass. It was a great moment, especially considering my son was with us! I’ve seen hole-in-ones twice before, but this was my first!

Dale Triol, Malone West Course, Hole #13

The yardage was 132 yards over water. I used an Adams 6 hybrid. A group of 12 guys were on our annual golf trip to Malone, N.Y. The weather was ideal, and the tee shot landed left of the pin approximately 15 feet and followed the break on the green into the hole. We were able to see the ball go into the hole from the tee deck.

David Grant, Lookout Point Country Club, Hole #2

This was my second hole-in-one and a proud moment. I was playing with fellow Lookout members Bob Anderson, Peter Glaub and Don Robert. The second hole at Lookout Point that day was playing approximately 150 yards into a slight headwind. I used my Titleist 6 iron and ProV1x for the shot. After the ball was in the air, I heard one of my playing partners say that the shot looked good. When it landed, I saw it go towards the hole but stated I think it went long. On arrival at the green I saw the ball in the hole. A little celebration and then onto the next.

Don Roper, Links at Crowbush Cove, Hole #17

It was my first hole-in-one. It was a short par 3 which was only 90 yards to an elevated green. I used my pitching wedge. My partners were my wife, Judy Roper, and Lynn and Bill Cabel.

Donna Longo, Summit Golf and Country Club, Hole #17

I got my third hole-in-one at the Summit Golf and Country Club of which I’ve been a member since 2020. I was with my three good friends, Rosanne Longo, Carmela D’Avino and Colette Griffin. It was a back pin reading about 120 yards, I used my 6 hybrid. We saw it land and then disappeared so I assumed it was in the back bunker or in the rough. When I got to the green, I looked in the bunker. I then went straight to the hole. It was so much fun being able to share with my friends!

Evan Grierson, Carman Golf and Curling Club, Hole #8

I was playing with Darci Wood, Eric Klassen and Shelby Orchard. It was hole #8 which was 147 yards with a pitching wedge.

Fraser Allen, Grey Silo Golf Course, Hole #8

I hit a 6 iron from 170 yards and I saw it take a bounce right at the pin. Then we couldn’t see the ball as it was blocked by the hill and bunker that it was tucked behind. We heard all the spectators say, “Go in!” then they all started cheering and our group went crazy!

Garry Fotheringham, Shuswap Lake Golf Course, Hole #7

It was a red pin located behind the sand trap about 110 yards from the tees. I used a King Cobra 9 iron to make the shot which landed nicely on the green and rolled into the hole. My playing partners were my good friends Ecky Pilz, Bill Colley and Dave Kinley. It was also witnessed by a young couple from Armstrong, B.C., who were on their way to the 18th hole. Shuswap Lake Golf Course presented me with a nice keepsake mug and a $100 chip to honour the occasion.

Garth Doll, Earl Grey Golf Club, Hole #15

As luck would have it, I got my second ace in two weeks yesterday. I was playing at Heritage Pointe in Calgary, and on the 5th hole of the Heritage 9, I sunk a pitching wedge from 146 yards. It landed five feet left of the pin, it hopped once and spun back into the cup for the third ace of my lifetime! I was playing with my friend Luke Milan.

Geoff McGowan, Kanata Golf and Country Club, Hole #13

I was playing with Jason Brum, our head professional, Tim Bonnar, our superintendent, and Don Ferrar. It was a 6 iron, 150 yards on #13 at Kanata. I managed to keep it together and finish with a tie for my personal best at Kanata with a 76 as well.

Graham McIsaac, Capilano Golf and Country Club, Hole #11

1988 on the fourth hole at Capilano. It was from the silver tees and was 125 yards. I used a 9 iron and the shot landed on the front and rolled in!

Greg Szabo, Cottonwood Golf and Country Club, Hole #17

A very exciting moment in my golf life!

Jack Logan, Olympic View Golf Club, Hole #16

I was playing hole #16 at Olympic View Golf Club. It was a Callaway ball and 106 yards.

Jake Jeffries, Bayview Golf and Country Club, Hole #8

My first ace occurred on the 145-yard 8th hole during the Bayview Golf & Country Club member/guest tournament. I hit a gap wedge to a blind pin placement and luckily there was a group on the first green who were able to witness it.

Janet Bremner, Rasberry Ridge Golf Course, Hole #3

I got my first ace 20 years ago on this course. It was a great feeling, I used my pitching wedge, and the distance was 105 yards. I played with Susan Curll, Gina Boswell and Linda.

Janis Byrne, Bally Haly Country Club, Hole #2

I played with Sharon Gregory, Janet Ash, Jeannie French and Madeline O’Keefe. The yardage was 93 yards to the flag and I used a 9 iron. I hit it past the hole and it rolled in off the slope. Sharon had a hole-in-one on #2 at Bally Haly South the week before and I played with her then too.

Jean-Guy Faubert, Pheasant Run Golf Club, Hole #8

My father-in-law, Randall Drake and I were out on July 10th, at Pheasant Run, north of Toronto. The track we started on was Highland and we would later finish on Midland. It was a bright warm morning, and we weren’t paired up with anyone that day.  Gave us some quality time to catch up and enjoy this wonderful course. 

The first few holes were slow off the get go. My drives were off, but my short and putting saved them for a close to par start to my day. My father-in-law gave me the honors to hit first on the 8th tee box, and I lined up the shot, which was over some water. I decided to use my 7 iron.

I struck the ball, with a solid hit, really good compression, and the ball lands at the edge of the front of the green. As I was watching, the ball took a light curve towards the pin, and then, I lost it. Having only golfed at this particular track twice, I wasn’t sure if the ball had fallen off the green behind the pin, and then, behind me, the groundskeeper let’s out a huge “Wow, that’s a hole-in-one.” Still unsure, my father-in-law hits his ball, and we get in the cart, and head on over to the green. I couldn’t see my ball, but there was no other possible reason why, other than it being hidden in the cup. I walked to the pin, and I let out a huge scream. The groundskeeper was applauding on his tractor, and my father-in-law was so excited, as he had never seen one. What a feeling.

Jill Snell, Fernie Golf and Country Club, Hole #11

I was playing with my partner, Greg Kosinski, from the green tees. The shot was to a front pin giving it a distance of about 45 yards.  This is the hardest shot on the course given it is over a mound onto a downhill sloped green. I used a half swing with my gap wedge. This is my first hole-in-one ever and it was nice to get it on my home course.

Jo Chow, Delta Golf Course, Hole #17

I was playing on a Tuesday for our Ladies Club at Delta with Donna, Leslie and Cheri. It was playing 125 yards that day over water, so I figured a 7 iron. Cheri said she thought it went in and I said it went by the hole. We get up there and there it is in the hole. It only took 44 years for this moment to happen. The members of our Ladies Club were very congratulatory, and they all had a free drink on the Ladies Club.

Jo-Ann Richardson, Saint-Raphaël (Club de golf), Hole #3

On July 11th, 2023, I was playing a round of golf at Saint Raphaël with my husband, Mike Baumel, and friends Anne Wilson and Donald Reid.

On hole #3, the pin was positioned in the middle of the green. There are sand traps at the front of the green and the back, and a lip at the front preventing you from seeing the hole. It was about 115 yards, and I used an 8 iron. The ball landed just after the sand trap and while it was dead straight at the flag, we couldn’t see if it had come up short or had rolled in. I was thrilled to see that it had, indeed, rolled in the hole!

Joe Guagliano Jr, Hamilton Golf and Country Club, Hole #7

I was playing with Gino Ingraudo, Anthony Rizzuto and Brian Hoyle. After a good start to my round, I came to #7 one-over par. I dialed in the yardage at 149 yards and was the first to play. I chose a pitching wedge for my shot. When I struck it, I knew immediately it was good, the ball was right at it. Hugs and high-fives were shared all around.

This is my second hole-in-one at Hamilton, my first one was July 15, 2008, almost fifteen years to the day! This one was really special as all four of us saw it go in, very memorable! Something I won’t forget.

Jordan Thiel, Galt Country Club, Hole #8

I love the game of golf and find it to be both rewarding and challenging at the same time. I go into each game trying to make it better than the previous.

On July 13th was my second hole-in-one in two years and I couldn’t believe it.  It was a very exciting for myself, and the guys I played with couldn’t have shown more gratitude. Vinny Luka, Chris Hohol and my dad, Marc Thiel, are always a great group of guys to play with and make the game that much more enjoyable. The yardage was 195 and I used a 5 iron with a little draw. It took one bounce and a couple yards of roll; it dropped in the hole!

Justin Neufeld, Aberdeen Glen Golf Club, Hole #8

This is my third one in my life. My round started off well and I stumbled a bit in the middle, then started hitting some pretty good shots coming in. The hole was 169 yards, with the pin in the front right, and tucked behind a bunker. I hit the exact shot I envisioned, a cut starting at the center of the green, cutting towards the right. It was struck so well that I exclaimed out loud “that’s perfect” followed by “go in the hole.” The ball landed, bounced twice and disappeared. I could hear the ball contact the pin. We were the first group to play that pin location that day, and I hit the first shot of the group. The greenskeepers had just finished setting the pin on that hole and were still waiting behind the green for us to finish the hole. I was using a Pro V1 that I had found and had been playing for a few holes after having lost my original ball earlier in the round. I still have the ball; it is my current provisional.

Justin Schultz, Kelowna Golf and Country Club, Hole #17

It was hole #17. The shot was 152 yards, playing about 146 with slope. The pin was placed dead centre of the green. I flushed it off the tee, started about eight yards left of the hole with a tiny butter cut on it. The ball landed about five feet left of the pin and had some side spin on it and rolled in like a putt. We could see the entire thing. The boys went crazy. I was playing with Craig Eisenhut, Cody Franson and Brock Raddatz.

Ken Kachur, Willows Golf & Country Club – Lakes-Bridges, Hole #4

I got a hole-in-one at Willows playing with Colin Bowerman and Bob Morrison. I used an 8 iron and it was 125 yards.

Laura Kim, Carnmoney Golf Club, Hole #4

I was playing with my husband Harry Kim and Carnmoney members Chris and Sheph McIntyre. I played from the silver tees, 90-yard distance and used my pitching wedge. While I have golfed sporadically throughout my life, my husband and I joined Carnmoney in 2021. Since joining Carnmoney, I have played in the Ladies program and have benefited tremendously from Ladies Clinics led by Tiff Gordon.

Les Channell, Beverly Golf and Country Club, Hole #12

It was a mixed match on hole #12. I was 153 yards out and I hit a 7 wood. I am 72 years old, and my wife Liz and I are avid golfers and supporters of Golf Canada.

Magda Salib, Weston Golf and Country Club, Hole #8

I used my 7 wood, and the hole was 114 yards. I played with Christine Johnson and Teresa Karolidis.

Marc Donnelly, La Champêtre, Hole #4

This is my fifth hole-in-one. It was on the fourth hole at Le Champêtre and used an 8 iron. The hole was about 148 yards.

Marco Rulez, Turtle Creek Golf Club

Great day!

Mary McNeill, Hampton Golf Club, Hole #4

I was playing with Gary, my husband and Gerry Connolly. I used a 7 iron to hit it 110 yards. I have been golfing for 12 years and go out twice a week.

Matthew Di Vona, The National Golf Club of Canada, Hole #5

I made my ace on July 12, 2023, at The National Golf Club of Canada. It was hole #5 from the black tees, which was playing 183 yards into the wind. The pin was at the back right. I hit a perfect 6 iron with a soft fade that landed eight feet short of the hole, bounced twice, and trickled in.

Patrick Leonard, Georgetown Golf Club, Hole #6

I was playing with Ian Patterson, Steven McShane and Covy Mareemootoo. The hole was 149 yards. I used a 7 iron and was playing with a Pro V1X golf ball. This is in fact my third hole-in-one at Georgetown as I have also previously aced the 8th and the 12th hole. Now I set my sights on the two remaining par 3’s, the 14th and the 16th.

Peter Shield, Riverside Golf Club, Hole #14

I was playing in the men’s league at Riverside Golf Club in Edmonton. My playing partners were David Halbauer, Kevin Bouchard and Norman Modeste. It was 130 yards and I hit a perfect pitching wedge that never left the flag. Unfortunately, as a raised green, we didn’t see it go in. When we got up the green, we were missing a ball and looked over the back; it was not there. We could see a pitch mark six feet short of the hole. Norman was the first to see it in the hole and then the cheering started.

I have kept the ball and have a picture of the scorecard. This is my second hole-in-one, but social media and camera phones make things easier.

Rick Button, Tower Ranch Golf and Country Club, Hole #12

I was playing with Vic Margetts and Marty Bray. Vic is a part of my regular foursome, the other two (Neil and Mick) were away that day. Also present was Liam Kightley-Kauser who works in the pro shop at Tower and just happened to be there putting slope adjusted yardages on the yardage board. The distance was 141 yards and I hit 9 iron. It was my third hole-in-one at Tower Ranch but my first on the 12th hole.

Sid Green, Avon Valley Golf Course, Hole #5

I played Avon Valley with Allan Rendell and Paul Marriott. I had a hole-in-one on #5. It was playing 130 yards and I used a 9 iron. 

Terry Bell, GlenDenning Golf Course, Hole #15

It was a front pin location from 144 yards. There was a strong headwind, so I clubbed up to a 6 iron. It glided through the air and landed perfectly on the side of the hole and dropped in.

Vince Kennedy, Huron Oaks, Hole #17

I celebrated my first ace at Huron Oaks. I used a 7 iron and hit it 145 yards.

Will Belanger, Greyhawk Golf Club, Hole #13

On hole #13 at Greyhawk Predator, the hole was playing 155 yards from the black tees. I hit a 9 iron with the wind in my back and it landed six feet away from the pin and slowly rolled in. I was also playing with Andrew Milloy and two members from Greyhawk that I didn’t know at the time.

This week on Road to the Tour, presented by Hilton, viewers will have the opportunity to learn more about Katie Cranston and Nicole Gal, Team Canada’s best friends on the path to pro golf.

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

Hampton, N.B. – Top junior golfers from across North America will come together at Hampton Golf Club in Hampton N.B. from July 23-27 to compete in the 68th playing of the Canadian Junior Girls Championship presented by BDO.

The impressive field is led by eight members of the Team Canada NextGen squad—Alissa Xu (Richmond Hill, Ont.), Michelle Xing (Richmond Hill Ont.), Yeji Kwon (Port Coquitlam, B.C.), Luna Lu (Burnaby, B.C.), Anna Huang (Coto De Cazo, CA), Carlee Meilleur (Lansdowne, Ont.), Lindsay McGrath (Oakville, Ont.) and Martina Yu (Coquitlam, B.C.).

Yeji Kwon comes in as the defending champion, having won last year’s championship by eleven strokes. After an opening round 75, the British Columbian carded rounds of 67, 65 and 70 for a total score of 11-under par 277, enroute to the national title. Kwon was also crowned champion of the Juvenile Girls division for girls 16 and younger.

In total, 37 of Canada’s top golfers from the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) are included in the 130-player field along with 2 international competitors.

“The 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship will be a memorable event for all players, staff and volunteers involved,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Dan Hyatt. “Hampton Golf Club has stepped up in a major way, committing over 100 volunteers to the championship and has done an amazing job engaging the local community and embracing this National Championship. The golf course will be in excellent shape and will be a great test to all of the players.”

A practice round will be conducted Sunday, July 23 prior to the championship’s opening round on Monday, July 24. Following the first two rounds of play, the field will be reduced to the low 70 players and ties with the top ten juvenile and ties included in the final two rounds.

A tie breaker, if necessary, will be decided by a hole-by-hole playoff immediately following the conclusion of play.

Located in the town of Hampton, The Hampton Golf Club is known as one of the most scenic and popular 18-hole golf courses in all southern New Brunswick. Suitable for golfers of all levels, the course overlooks Darlings Lake with the hills of Kings Country offering a striking view.

“Hampton is extremely excited to be able to showcase our fantastic course to the country, Hampton is very proud of the product we offer, thanks to our Superintendent Andy Magee’s hard work and dedication, said Head Golf Professional at Hampton Golf Club, Jon Garron. “Hampton is truly a member’s course and they all come together to showcase the club when hosting major events as shown by over 100 volunteers. We cannot wait to see some tremendous play from all the competitors and wish them the best as they compete for a National Championship.”

The Championship was first contested in 1955 and operated by the former Canadian Ladies Association (CLGA) until the amalgamation of CLGA and Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) in 2005.

The Canadian Junior Girls Championship has a long list of distinguished past champion names on the Brokenshire Trophy, including Canadian Golf Hall of Famers Sandra Post (1964-66), Betty Stanhope (1956), Judy Darling (1957), Gail Harvey Moore (1958-1960) and Gayle Borthwick (1961) along with current LPGA Tour players Brooke Henderson (2012), Maddie Szeryk (2013) and Alena Sharp (1999). Stollery Family Team Canada Women’s Head Coach Salimah Mussani (1996) is also a past Canadian Junior Champion.

An inter-provincial team competition will take place over the first two rounds. Each day, the lowest two of three individual 18-hole scores will count towards the team total. The lowest aggregate score over rounds one and two determines the inter-provincial team champions, who will claim the Mary Pyke Trophy.

The Ontario trio of Shauna Liu (Maple, Ont.), Joline Truong (Mississauga, Ont.) and Aryn Matthews (Little Britain, Ont.) will look to defend the province’s team title.

The new purse payout that was introduced in 2022 will continue at this year’s championship. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship will compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Amateur golfers may accept prize money up to a maximum of $1,200 CAD, and payouts will be awarded to the top-10 finishers and ties.

The 2023 Canadian Junior Girls champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and 2024 U.S Girls’ Junior Championship, if eligible.

Golf Canada recognizes the financial resources required to play in a national championship. Accordingly, Golf Canada is pleased to provide needs-based financial assistance grants to help reduce the cost of competing in both the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and Canadian Junior Boys presented by BDO again this year. These available funds would not be possible without the support and generous donation of the Gary Cowan Heritage Fund and the Canadian Seniors Golf Association.

For more information on Golf Canada’s Financial Assistance Grant Program click here.

For more information on the 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship 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.

Charlottetown, P.E.I. — Dougie Basadur and Abbey Baker won their respective divisions to claim the NextGen Atlantic Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards today at Avondale Golf Club in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

The 54-hole stroke play competition marked the last tournament in the NextGen Championship series and featured a starting field of 76 male and female golfers. There was a total of 55 boys and 21 girls competing.

Going into the final round, Basadur was in third place chasing Justin Repovs who held the lead after the opening two rounds. Basadur of Fonthill, ON., shot a 1-over 73 on Thursday’s final round to finish the tournament at 1-under and secure the NextGen Atlantic Championship and a spot in the Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

“This win means a lot, coming to Prince Edward Island to get the job done was a lot of fun. I made a double bogey on a par 5 and I didn’t get frustrated or get down on myself, I just thought about how the only shot I can control is the next one which kept me calm,” said Basadur.

Abbey Baker, of Halifax, NS., shot an even par 72 during the final round on Thursday to win the Junior Girls division by two shots over Bridget Yu of Richmond Hill, ON. Yu held the lead over Baker heading into the third round after shooting a 2-under 70 on Wednesday. Baker, who maintained second place through the first two rounds, finished the tournament at 4-over to secure first place in the NextGen Atlantic Championship.

“This win means a lot to me, it’s very special to win my last Atlantic of my junior career,” said Baker. “Today was definitely stressful as I had to overcome four shorts with my putting not being the best, but I was able to overcome it in the fairways and hit the greens.”

In the Junior Boys division, the top six players earn exemptions into the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 14-17, at North Bay Golf and Country Club Ltd. in North Bay, Ont.

The top six players in the Junior Girls division have earned exemptions into the 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 24-27, at Hampton Golf Course in Hampton, N.B.

About the NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards

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

When Jasmine Ly walked into the clubhouse at Midland Country Club she was left speechless seeing so many of the golfers she admires, including fellow Canadian Brooke Henderson.

“I was stunned for a bit,” said Ly on Wednesday from Midland, Mich. “It was really quick. I didn’t really get a chance to talk to her, I was kind of stunned silent.”

Ly, an amateur from Windsor, Ont., who plays for Northern Illinois University, will be playing at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational this week, the first LPGA Tour event of her career. She and partner Kimberly Dinh of the United States were tied for 30th after combining for a 1-over 71 round.

The Canadian said she was eager to learn from some of the LPGA Tour players.

“Mainly I’m learning to stay focused on what I need to do,” said Ly after her round. “It’s completely different than a junior event or NCAA event. It’s just bigger, there’s more people around, more things going on.”

“The main thing I’ve learned in the last three days is to stay focused on the stuff I need to get done myself.”

Hamilton’s Alena Sharp and partner Sarah Kemp of New Zealand were tied for 18th at 1-under 69.

Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., and American partner Annabelle Pancake were tied with Ly and Dinh at 30th. Henderson and partner Lexi Thompson of the U.S., as well as Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., and American partner Lauren Hartlage were tied in a group at 46th at 3-over 73.

EPSON TOUR – Selena Costabile of Thornhill, Ont., and Quebec City’s Sarah-Eve Rheaume will tee off Friday at the Twin Bridges Championship in Guilderland, N.Y. Costabile is 45th on the second-tier tour’s money list and Rheaume is 143rd heading into play at Pinehaven Country Club.

PGA TOUR – Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., and Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., are the only Canadians in the field at this year’s British Open, the final major of the men’s golf season. Conners qualified to play at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, Merseyside, England by being within the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings. Taylor made it as one of the top five players not already exempt who was within the top 20 of the FedEx Cup points list through the Travelers Championship, which finished June 25.

KORN FERRY TOUR – Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., is the top-ranked Canadian on the Epson Tour, sitting third heading into this week’s Price Cutter Charity Championship at Highland Springs Country Club in Springfield, Mo. Edmonton’s Wil Bateman is also in the field and sits 50th on the points list.

PGA TOUR CANADA – Etienne Papineau of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., is the top-ranked Canadian on the PGA Tour Canada, sitting second in the points list of the third-tier tour. He’ll be in the field at this week’s Commissionaires Ottawa Open at Eagle Creek in Dunrobin, Ont.