Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – July 14, 2023
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 Barr, Gorge Vale Golf Club, Hole #14
On the afternoon of July 10th, 2023, I got a hole-in-one on the 14th hole of Gorge Vale Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. It was my first round as a member there! The hole is a par 3 that was playing 132 yards against the wind. The club I used for my once-in-a-lifetime shot was a 9 iron. It was a moment I’ll never forget and I’m so happy that my girlfriend Kennedy and buddy Sean were there to celebrate the moment with me!
Andrea Feheley, Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Hole #10
I played Chateau Whistler, and the 10th hole was 86 yards with a 54-degree wedge. One bounce and straight into the hole it went. I was awarded a gorgeous flag with details of the shot. I played a great game with nine pars which led to my lowest score of the year so far.
Bill Preston, Ainsdale Golf Course, Hole #17
This was truly a moment that I will remember forever.
Brad Evenson, Waskesiu Golf Course, Hole #2
I was playing with Jim Spriggs and Paul and Cindy Pinder. The yardage was 119 and I used my pitching wedge.
Burl Moody, Penticton Golf and Country Club, Hole #6
I was playing with Andy Clough and Ken Nickel, both fellow members of Penticton Golf and Country Club. The distance to the flag was 126 yards and I hit my pitching wedge. I have ten fingers raised with the ball in my hand as it was my tenth career ace.
Chad Giles, Gage Golf and Curling Club, Hole #14
On May 29th, I was out practicing for an upcoming tournament and was playing alone. There was hardly anyone on the course as I sailed around the front 9 in little time, and not shooting particularly well either. On the back, I was playing a little better and made a birdie with a couple of bogies. As I reached the 13th fairway, I caught up with a group of three, and on the 14th tee, I realized that it was three of my co-workers with whom I’d never played golf with. They had all hit as I was putting out on #13 so I stepped up to the par 3 146-yard 14th hole with a pitching wedge and proceeded to hit a beauty right at the flagstick. It was a one hopper, one of the guys in my group said, “Go in” when it hit, and it did, disappearing into the hole to the disbelief of myself and everyone in the group. We all laughed and exchanged friendly banter as we went down to pluck the ball from the hole. I kept saying to them that I was so thankful that they let me join to have witnessed this as nobody would have believed it otherwise. The funny thing is, I was a 10 handicap at the time and the next hole was a par 5 which I went on to eagle and the next hole was another par 3 that I stuck about three feet and ultimately missed the putt, but for me to almost go -5 through 3 holes was a highlight of my golfing life! I ended up only shooting a 73 that day but I’ll forever remember being thankful I wasn’t alone!
Daniel Beaulieu, Eagles Glenn Golf Course, Hole #6
It was a rainy day where carts were not allowed and I ended up paired with three other walkers: Leah, Gary and Barry. Given the weather and limitations of carts on the golf course, we had the golf course to ourselves! When we got to hole #6, I saw the blue flag tucked in the back around 155 yards from the white tee box. I pulled out my 7 iron (TaylorMade P790), I swung and hit the ball flushed. The ball hit 8 feet above the pin and spun back slowly to the hole. I emptied all the air I had in my lungs and screamed “It went in!” I celebrated with my golf partners and took a photo.Fortunately, there were only four of us and the beer cost was minimal! It was truly a blissful moment that I will cherish forever. I kept my hole-in-one ball and plan to turn it into a trophy someday. The funny thing is that hole #6 is my least favourite hole at Eagles Glenn.
David Larke, Galt Country Club, Hole #16
On July 8, my friend Roy Turunen and I were partnered together in our “Beat the Pro” event at the Galt Country Club. It’s a net best ball event where you and your partner try to outscore the club professionals. We had a fairly strong front nine, but we were struggling somewhat on the back.
The 16th is an intimidating par 3 with a large pond on the left and the Grand River to the right. It was 173 yards to the pin. I put a good stroke on a hybrid 5 iron and as it flew, we both commented on how good it looked. It landed near the front of the green, rolled for about three or four seconds then disappeared. I told Roy that I think it dropped and he told me to “Just hold your horses”. Sure enough, it was nowhere to be seen as we walked up!
David Muth, Castlegar Golf Club, Hole #12
I was golfing with my friends Rob and Jay. The yardage was about 122 from the blue tees, pin in the center of the green. The ball landed 15 feet past the pin and spun all the way back to the hole, we did not see it go in but found out when we got on the green. I hit a 48-degree Vokey SM8 wedge.
Debbie Dyck, Two Eagles Golf Course and Academy, Hole #2
I was golfing with friends Gary and Shannon Abbott, and Ken Koemsted. The yardage was 133 and I used a hybrid 5 wood. Gary worked at Two Eagles Golf Course & Academy for a couple of years and said they used to give golfers a flag for a hole-in-one, so he went to the proshop after our game to inquire and found out they no longer do. He and Shannon bought a ball marker for me instead. They went to retrieve the scorecard from a cart and the starter asked if they were with the person who got a hole-in-one and when they confirmed they were he gave them another ball marker. An anonymous golfer in the area of the hole had purchased one for me as well. We were very impressed with that random act of kindness from another golfer.
Ed Desroches, Flamborough Hills, Hole #2
This occurred at Flamborough Hills golf course on the Lakes #2.
The yardage was 109 and I used a 48° gap wedge. I was playing with Rick Donald and Mike Donald in the Wednesday morning men’s league.
Eric Doull, Cultus Lake Golf Club, Hole #8
I was having a pretty bad round and decided my score was a wash, so I’ll just try to have some good shots and practice. I had barely gotten any sleep the night before and it was 7:30 in the morning. The hole was 102 yards and I hit a normal full swing 56-degree and I thought it was pretty good. It wouldn’t stop rolling until it went in the hole. It did not feel real. I’m pretty sure the people in the next postal code could hear me going crazy. I was alongside my older brother, which made the moment even more special because we’ve always had a rivalry on the course, but I could tell he was really happy for me (and maybe a little jealous).
Gary Mawhiney, Delhi Golf and Country Club, Hole #13
I started playing golf when I was 11 and was about to turn 65 when the magic happened. I’ve never had an ace but during my golfing life I have managed three albatrosses and left several on the edge of cup for that elusive holy grail of golf. Finally on that fateful day I came to a par 3 192-yard hole on my home course. I hit a 4 iron into a slight left to right breeze. The ball hit the green and rolled into the hole. The irony in this was I couldn’t see the hole clearly so when my playing partner said he was sure it went in I was doubtful. The day was Friday 13th on the 13th hole. The thing that was the sweetest was my playing partner was my son and it was his third witnessed hole-in-one. He is still trying!
Guy Polillo, Muskoka Bay Club, Hole #11
I played the round with my friends Liam O’Donoghue, Matt Dipaolo and Kyle Harrington. My fiancé Bri had her bachelorette party planned over the weekend, so we opted to take full advantage of it and get out for a round of golf. We decided to make the two and a half hour drive north from Brantford to play Muskoka Bay for the first time and it was well worth it.
We played from the white tees and the yardage on the 11th hole was around 135 yards which is a 9 iron for me. The ball landed a foot or two behind the hole before slowing down, catching a hill behind the pin, and started to roll towards the hole. We couldn’t tell for sure from the tees but luckily enough after a quick run to the green we found my ball exactly where we were hoping it would be.
The group was very excited for me, and it made an already incredible round of golf even better. We definitely hope to return soon!
James Gaby, Silvertip Golf Resort, Hole #6
It was an incredible day. I was playing with my wife, Kari. I was playing from the blue tees, but they looked to be closer to the whites that day. The yardage on my watch said 160 to the pin. I used an 8 iron and my ball landed about 6 feet past the pin and rolled back in for the hole-in-one. I also broke 80 for the second time, which made it extra special.
Jamie Newton, Willow Park Golf and Country Club, Hole #18
I was playing with my dad who has four holes-in-one, and this was my fourth to tie him!
Janet Laus, St. Catherines Golf and Country Club, Hole #7
I was with my husband Shane Davis, and two friends, John McKenzie and his wife Patricia McKenzie. The distance was 110 yards, and I used my 7 hybrid.
Jason Abbott, Sleepy Hollow Golf and Country Club, Hole #8
I was playing with Daniel Nicoletta, Robert Darnowski and Ryan Moore. The yardage was 147 and I used a pitching wedge.
Jason Zabinsky, The Glencoe Golf and Country Club, Hole #9
I was playing with my son Colton Zabinsky. The distance was 173 yards and I hit a 7 iron.
Kevin Dorrius, Revelstoke Golf Club, Hole #3
I admit that I am still really excited about the hole-in-one. It was on the 3rd hole at Revelstoke Golf Club, where I am a member. It was from the white tees, which played 191 yards. It was with a TaylorMade Sim 2 Max D 5 wood. I was playing with my wife, Liane Dorrius, and fellow club members Frank Bafaro and Matt Graham.
Mitch Currie, Mactaquac Golf Course, Hole #16
My brother Rick Currie and I were golfing our home course at Mactaquac Provincial Park. We were on hole #16 and the yardage was 165. I hit a 25-degree Titleist hybrid that landed just short of the green and rolled about 35 feet and disappeared. My brother started jumping up and down and yelling that it went in. I was in disbelief and just stood there in awe. It was the second hole-in-one that my brother had witnessed. I know he was more excited than I was.
Mike Bonyun, Iroquois Golf Club, Hole #7
I scored my first ever hole-in-one at my home course in Iroquois, Ontario. It was the 7th hole, a 158-yard par 3, playing from the blue tees. It was far from a textbook shot, hitting my 7 iron a little flat, but it did the trick! I was playing with my usual partners, Jim, Mike and Bill, two of whom witnessed the ball roll into the cup. The third, Bill, was busy digging in his bag, probably looking for another beer.
Nancy Schafer, Sirocco Golf Club, Hole #12
I feel blessed!
Nathan Relitz, Sylvan Lake Golf and Country Club, Hole #3
I was playing with three buddies on our home course, Sylvan Lake Golf and Country Club. I have been playing with these guys for years. It was hole #3 which was 178 yards. I got to tee off first, so I grabbed my 6 iron and a Srixon Z-star. This hole has an elevated tee box which overlooks some bushes and a creek with bunkers on both sides. I took a few practice swings, lined up and hit the ball. The ball started on the left side with a little fade to it, flew over the left bunker bounced on the middle of the green rolled up and could hear it hit the flag stick and disappear.
I stood there for a few seconds in disbelief before raising both arms then turning around to see my friend’s reactions. First, I looked at Lorne Goodman, he was looking in the bush to find a broken tee or a free golf ball for his shot. Second, I turned my head to see that Sean Groarke was in the golf cart scrolling for the next great song to play. Lastly, I turned to trusty Ron Feenstra and watched him raise both his arms and started cheering that it went in. Thank goodness someone was watching.
Thanks again to my friends for many great rounds over the years and looking forward to many years of golfing alongside them. Whether it’s looking for balls in the bush, listening to the next great tune or cheering on a heck of a shot! I would also like to thank the Sylvan Lake Golf and Country club for treating us so well over the years.
Owen Salmon, Royal Regina Golf Club, Hole #14
I was playing with my parents, and I used my 9 iron.
Paul Cyr, Mill River Golf Club, Hole #17
The yardage was 140 yards, and I used my 7 iron. The conditions were very good with minimal wind. My playing partners were Jim McIntyre, John Arsenault and Philip Hore.
Peter Shield, Riverside Golf Club, Hole #14
What a great feeling!
Porter Smith, Andersons Creek Golf Club, Hole #4
I got the hole-in-one on Sunday during the second round of the club championship at Anderson’s Creek. I was playing with Mike and Magnus, two fellas that are members of the course but who I have never played with before. We got up to the fourth hole a par 3 131 yards downhill. I pulled my 52-degree wedge out of my bag knowing that it was the perfect club after playing this hole many times. The pin was close to the left of the green and we could only see the top half of the flag. As soon as I swung, the ball was tracking towards the flag. No one said a word, but we heard it smash the green with a thud. Our first thoughts were that it could be very close. I was walking and Mike and Magnus were riding in a cart, so they were first to the hole. As I crossed the gully I looked around and didn’t see my ball. Then Mike was giddy and ran over to the flag and yanked the pin out and the ball plopped right out of the hole. I couldn’t believe what just happened. I freaked out, we all freaked out. It was awesome.
Rhea Martin, Kings Links by the Sea, Hole #15
So much fun and a great shot!
Richard Coombs, Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course, Hole #2
I hit an 8 iron on the 142-yard par 3 at Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course. I knew I had smoked it and thought it might have to sit pretty quickly. I saw it bounce over the bunker but assumed it had rolled long. The view of the cup was obstructed by the bunker, so I didn’t see it go in but a player from the group ahead walked back onto the green and yelled at us saying it went in. A huge surprise!
Rita Clarkson, Kinga Links by the Sea, Hole #15
I used a 7 iron into a head wind.
Rob Benton, Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Hole #5
It was a 7:30 am start time, first tee time of the day. I used a 6 iron on hole #5. It was a straight ball flight, one bounce and rolled about six to eight feet. I was playing with a dad and two sons from Washington and a single player up from Vancouver. One of the boys was just a ride a long and not playing but I ended up having four witnesses. It was a beautiful morning I’ll never forget it. I’m a member at Chateau Whistler and play there nearly every day.
Robert Armes, Toronto Hunt Club, Hole #11
It was a magic moment with my friends! I used a gap wedge, and it took a couple of bounces before dropping. This is my fourth hole-in-one. I find it helps when I hit the green!
Ron Van Noort, St. Andrews East Golf Club, Hole #14
I was playing with Bill Hilton, Paul Maynard and David Myers. The distance was 152 yards and I hit a 9 iron. It was the first hole-in-one that I have made.
Shane Gallagher, Victoria Golf Club, Hole #8
It’s actually my second ace on that hole and I didn’t see either of them actually go in. I have an ace at Ardmore Golf Club which was my first and fortunately I got to see that go in! This one was 108 yards into the wind. I went with a big draw on a pitching wedge which happened to land in a good spot. Again, we didn’t know if it was in but more realistically, we figured it was close. We got to the green and there was no ball in sight. We checked the cup, and the celebrations began!
On that day I was playing with one of my longest tenured friends and playing partners, Jason Hawkings. Jason also is a member of Victoria. It was a wild day and not one I’ll soon forget.
Thomas Norris, Glen Arbour Golf Club, Hole #7
It was a good day as I recorded my second ever hole-in-one. It was the seventh hole and was 135 yards. I used my 7 iron, and it took two bounces and dropped in the hole!
Tom Fraser, Yarmouth Golf & Curling Club, Hole #7
What a great feeling and a great hole to get the ace on!
Tyler Jaroszuk, Eagle Point Golf Club, Hole #4
It was 143 yards to the pin, and I hit my 8 iron pure with a nice little fade seeking right at the pin. The ball landed about six inches to the left of the cup and had a single sideways hop into the cup. I could not believe it went in, I tossed my club, and it was chaos on the tee box. I was playing with James, Kevin, and my dad, all of whom had been golfing much longer than I have and could not believe I was the first to get an ace.
NextGen Championship Season continues at Avondale Golf Club
78 of Canada’s top junior golfers to compete over 54 holes at a stunning and challenging layout in P.E.I. with exemptions into the Canadian Junior Boys and Girls Championships on the line.
Golf Canada’s 2023 championship season continues on Monday, July 17 Avondale Golf Club in Charlottetown, P.E.I. with the NextGen Atlantic Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards.
The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Monday, July 17 and championship rounds beginning on Tuesday, July 18. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 57 Junior Boys and top 21 Junior Girls, including ties, for the final round which wraps up on Thursday, July 20.
The starting field will feature 78 male and female competitors – 57 Junior Boys and 21 Junior Girls – vying for a spot into their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer.
The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will 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 eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will earn exemptions into the 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 24-27, at Hampton Golf Course in Hampton, N.B.
The summer NexGen schedule will wrap up at Avondale Golf Course, known to have some of the best designs in the Maritimes. Its challenging bent grass greens, tees and dwarf blue grass fairways make for an exceptional test for the country’s best junior golfers.
“We are thrilled to be able to host the NextGen Atlantic Championship here at Avondale Golf Course as it is a testament to all the hard work that has been put into the course in the last five years. The course is in fantastic shape after hosting the PEI Amateur the last two years and this was the next step for us,” said General Manager of Avondale Golf Course, Connor Lea.
To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Atlantic Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, click here.
About the NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards
The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2023 national championships. Two additional Fall Series events will be hosted to close the season. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. For more information on the NextGen Atlantic Championship, click here.
ABOUT GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 319,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
Road To The Tour presented by Hilton: RBC Canadian Open
This week on Road to the Tour, presented by Hilton, viewers are taken behind the scenes of the RBC Canadian Open, where select Team Canada athletes have the opportunity to get a taste of competition at the highest level.
Rest and Relax like a Pro, start planning your next stay with Hilton today.
Canada’s Hearn aims to seize opportunity and build momentum at Barbasol Championship
A two-event week on the PGA Tour represents a huge opportunity for a golfer like David Hearn.
The 44-year-old from Brantford, Ont., is in the field at the Barbasol Championship, the alternate field tournament for the PGA Tour with the higher ranked players at the Genesis Scottish Open. Hearn, who will be playing in the PGA Tour event of the season, said the Barbasol will give him a chance to play more this year or next.
“That’s what these events are all about, the playing opportunities for the players that aren’t in those premier events,” said Hearn, who joined the PGA Tour in 2005 and currently has a veteran’s card. “The point that I’m at in my career right now, these events are very important to me because these are the events that I get in to.
“I’m looking forward to a good week, see what I can do. A lot of young players are here trying to do the same thing.”
Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., is the highest ranked Canadian at the Barbasol, sitting 111th on the FedEx Cup standings. Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont., is 209th. Hearn is unranked and Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., is also unranked on the PGA Tour but is 43rd on the European-based DP World Tour where he plays most of the season.
Hearn, who represented Canada at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has 23 top 10 finishes over his 327 career PGA Tour appearances, said he has seen alternate events like the Barbasol, the Puerto Rico Open and Corales Puntacana Championship launch superstars.
“When I was playing my best golf or the guys that are in the prime of their career at the top, these aren’t events that are on the radar but these events are very important for the PGA Tour,” said Hearn from Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, Ky., “I remember Jordan Spieth playing really well in Puerto Rico and Will Zalatoris in Dominican Republic and Tony Finau got his first win in Puerto Rico.
“These opposite field events are very important for players who are trying to break through to get to the next level.”
For Hearn, it’s an opportunity to return to previous heights.
“I’m just looking forward to getting out there and hopefully getting into a good rhythm and seeing what I can do over the course of four rounds,” said Hearn, who has been the first alternate at several events this season. “Hopefully try to build some momentum to start playing better golf week in and week out.
“This is an opportunity to hopefully break some rust off and find a good rhythm in my game and, and try to get playing better rounds and get into more events on the PGA Tour.”
There are three Canadians in the field at the Scottish Open, which serves as a tune-up event for the British Open, the final major of the men’s golf season.
Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., No. 10 on the FedEx Cup standings, will lead the Canadian contingent at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick. Corey Conners (31st) of Listowel, Ont., and Mackenzie Hughes (42nd) of Dundas, Ont., will also be in the field.
Taylor and Conners will also be in next week’s British Open.
KORN FERRY TOUR – Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., is ranked third in the second-tier tour’s points list heading into The Ascendant Blue. Edmonton’s Wil Bateman (49th), Roger Sloan (100th) of Merritt, B.C., and amateur Brady McKinlay of Lacombe, Alta., will join Silverman in the field at TPC Colorado in Berthoud.
CHAMPIONS TOUR – Calgary’s Stephen Ames is fourth in the Schwab Cup rankings and will tee it up in the Kaulig Companies Championship this week at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. He’ll be joined by Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., who is 33rd in the standings.
PGA TOUR CANADA – Johnny Travale of Stoney Creek, Ont., has officially turned professional, entering the Quebec Open at Golf Chateau-Bromont in Bromont, Que. He was the top-ranked Canadian male in the world amateur golf ranking at No. 146th until this week’s PGA Tour Canada event. Etienne Papineau of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., is still No. 1 on the third-tier tour’s rankings.
LPGA TOUR – World No. 14 Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., tees it up for the Dana Open at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio, on Thursday. Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., ranked No. 73, is also in the field.
EPSON TOUR – Hamilton’s Alena Sharp sits eighth on the Epson Tour’s money list after playing in just five events on the second-tier circuit. She’ll play in the inaugural Hartford HealthCare Women’s Championship that starts Friday. Selena Costabile of Thornhill, Ont., and Quebec City’s Sarah-Eve Rheaume are also entries at Great River Golf Club in Milford, Conn.
CPKC extends sponsorship of CPKC Women’s Open
World No. 1 Jin Young Ko, Rising Star Rose Zhang & Canadian Sensation Brooke Henderson Headline Early Commitments to 2023 CPKC Women’s Open
Vancouver, B.C. (July 10, 2023) – Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Golf Canada and the LPGA Tour today announced a new agreement for CPKC to extend its title sponsorship of the CPKC Women’s Open for up to four more years.
Since becoming title sponsor of the CPKC Women’s Open in November of 2013, CPKC has worked closely with Golf Canada to enhance Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship including the overall experience for players and fans. CPKC has also established a meaningful charitable legacy through CPKC Has Heart, which has helped raise more than $17.3M for heart health initiatives in the event’s host communities.
“We are excited to extend our partnership with Golf Canada as title sponsor of the CPKC Women’s Open and proud of the significant contributions this event has made to heart health in communities across Canada,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and Chief Executive Officer. “The success of this tournament and the community benefits it brings have only grown in the last 10 years. We look forward to continuing that success in the years to come.”
In addition to being title sponsor of the CPKC Women’s Open, CPKC is extending its role as a premier partner of Golf Canada’s National Team Program (Team Canada) which supports Canadian emerging golf talents in their path to the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour. CPKC also proudly supports 13-time LPGA Tour winner Brooke Henderson along with Canadian golf legend Lorie Kane as CPKC Ambassadors. CPKC will also continue its support of the CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit as part of its multi-faceted support for Canadian women’s golf.
As part of CPKC’s title sponsorship extension, the prize purse for the CPKC Women’s Open will increase to $2.5M US, beginning with the 2023 event, August 22-27 at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver.
“CPKC has made an incredible impact in supporting Canadian golf excellence and leaving a meaningful legacy in our host communities, and we are extremely honoured for their continued partnership.” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “CPKC is a major supporter of women’s golf globally, and under the leadership of Keith Creel, their commitment to delivering a world-class experience for players, caddies, fans and charitable beneficiaries, has bolstered the status of Canada’s National Women’s Open to one of the premier events on the LPGA Tour.”
The new agreement keeps CPKC as the title sponsor for the 2025 and 2026 tournaments. The agreement contains an option to maintain the title sponsorship in 2027 and 2028. Additional terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
Early Field Commitments for 2023 CPKC Women’s Open….
Golf Canada and CPKC have also announced that many of the world’s top players have committed to compete in the 49th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship later this summer at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club.
The list of early commitments features 9 of the current top-10 players on the 2023 Race to the CME Globe Standings, 9 of the current top-10 on the Rolex Rankings and 20 of the top-25 on the 2023 LPGA Tour Money List. Leading the field is Jin Young Ko, currently ranked no. 1 in the world and no. 3 on the current Race to the CME Globe Standings. The 2019 CPKC Women’s Open champion has won twice this season including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Cognizant Founders Cup.
Thirteen-time LPGA Tour winner and the winningest golfer in Canadian history Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., will join Ko in leading a field of early commitments including: Lydia Ko, Minjee Lee, Jennifer Kupcho, In Gee Chun, Danielle Kang, Lexi Thompson, Nelly Korda, Megan Khang, Sei Young Kim, Linn Grant, Stacy Lewis, and Paula Creamer.
Defending champion Paula Reto (2022) is among eight past CPKC Women’s Open champions competing for Canada’s National Open Championship including: Jin Young Ko (2019), Brooke Henderson (2018), Sung Hyun Park (2017), Ariya Jutanugarn (2016), Britney Lincicome (2011), Cristie Kerr (2006) and three-time winner Lydia Ko (2015, 2013, 2012) who will be chasing a record fourth CPKC Women’s Open title.
Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club will welcome 14 LPGA Tour in-year winners, including 2023 Major winners: Lilia Vu (The Chevron Championship), Ruoning Yin (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship), Allisen Corpuz (U.S. Women’s Open). Other in-year winners include Brooke Henderson, Grace Kim Jin Young Ko, Celine Boutier, Hannah Green, Pajaree Anannarukarn, Rose Zhang, Ashleigh Buhai, Patty Tavanatanakit, Ariya Jutanugarn, Moriya Jutanugarn.
Rising star Rose Zhang, who won in her first professional start at the Mizuho Americas Open last month, will draw one of the largest crowds on course. Zhang turned pro in May after a successful collegiate career and was the no. 1 ranked amateur in the world for a record 141 weeks. Since turning professional, Rose has finished in the Top 10 of all three events she has played including the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship & US Women’s Open.
Henderson, a CPKC Ambassador who made history at the Wascana Country Club in Regina in 2018 becoming the first Canadian since the late Jocelyne Bourassa 45 years earlier to win Canada’s National Women’s Open, will be joined by fellow Canadians Maude-Aimee Leblanc, Maddie Szeryk, Alena Sharp, Sarah-Eve Rheaume, Selena Costabile and Victoria Liu (Shaughnessy member and Glencoe Invitational winner), as well as a collection of talented Canadian athletes expected to receive tournament exemptions in the coming weeks to compete in Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.
The 156-player field will be competing at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club for the first time in tournament history. This marks the first time the province of British Columbia has hosted the CPKC Women’s Open since 2015. Shaughnessy also becomes the only Canadian golf club to host both the Women’s and Men’s National Open Championships in the last twenty years.
The 2023 edition of the CPKC Women’s Open will be a celebrated return of the LPGA Tour to British Columbia after Shaughnessy way originally tapped to host the 2020 (then 2021) events cancelled due to the pandemic. The Vancouver golf community is ready for the return with a full roster of 1,200 volunteers confirmed for the event, strong advance ticket sales and one of the largest corporate build footprints in event history with a record number of public viewing and hospitality built on nine holes.
“Together with our friends at CPKC, we are very excited to treat golf fans to the much-anticipated return of the CPKC Women’s Open to Vancouver,” said Tournament Director Ryan Paul. “Golf fans in this community have gotten behind our National Open Championship and major professional golf in a significant way and with a strengthening field, engaging fan activities and digital enhancements to the tournament experience, we can’t wait to host a can’t miss summer celebration.”
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 features include a live map, mobile ordering, 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 against friends, access GPS yardages and more. Click here to download.
ABOUT THE CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN
The stars of the LPGA Tour will challenge for the CPKC Women’s Open from August 22-27, 2023, at the Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, B.C. Through its CPKC Has Heart program, title sponsor CPKC will once again make a substantial donation to the host community of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship by supporting the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. The 2023 CPKC Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by CPKC, BDO, Audi, RBC, theScore, Levelwear, Transitions, Titleist, FootJoy, Journie Rewards, Hilton, Sleeman Clear 2.0, Think Turkey, The Keg, Johnsonville, Cayman Islands, Masi, Celebrity Cruises, STALK&BARREL, Matt & Steve’s, Coca-Cola, Rolex and is supported by Sport Hosting Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada.
For information visit www.cpkcwomensopen.com.
ABOUT CPKC
With its global headquarters in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and México, with unrivaled access to major ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada to the Gulf of México to Lázaro Cárdenas, México. Stretching approximately 20,000 route miles and employing 20,000 railroaders, CPKC provides North American customers unparalleled rail service and network reach to key markets across the continent. CPKC is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpkcr.com to learn more about the rail advantages of CPKC.
ABOUT GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 319,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – July 7, 2023
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.
Anthony Wald, Pickering Glen Golf Club, Hole #2
It was hole #2 at Pickering Glen, 162 yards but playing closer to 155 with the slope. I pulled out my 9 iron, which takes me 150-155 yards. The flag was at the front left and protected by the bunker. I aimed towards the center of the green. I hit the shot really well and it landed about two feet from the hole, one bounce past the hole and spun back into the cup! I played with a few gentlemen I had just met at the course, Eddie, Ludwig and Steve.
Barry Stacey, Grande Meadows Golf Club, Hole #3
I have waited almost 30 years to have a hole-in-one at my course. I was playing with friends Joe Drake, Calvin Brenton and Todd Robbins. It happened on the par 3 third hole which was 131 yards, and I used my 8 iron. It landed about five yards from the pin, made one hop and rolled into the hole.
Beth Leroux, Bouctouche Golf Club, Hole #4
After golfing for 35 years, today I made my first hole-in-one at Bouctouche Golf Club. My playing partners were as excited as me! I am a summer resident in Bouctouche and started my golf at this course at age 45 and am now in my 80th year!
Bharat Ramji, National Pines Golf Club, Hole #4
It was a great day.
Bill Hepburn, Beach Grove Golf and Country Club, Hole #12
I was hitting from the white tees and the yardage was 175. I used a rescue club and I played with Mike Cooper, Brad Hotham and Roger Demers.
Blake Wimperis, Mississippi Golf Club, Hole #5
On July 3, 2023, I scored a hole-in-one playing a 9 iron from the white tee area on the 104 yard fifth hole at Mississippi Golf Club. I played with Dave Evans, Garry Patterson and Tom Demarco. The shot was well struck, straight at the flagstick. It landed about six feet short of the hole and apparently went straight in. I say apparently since I have cataracts and did not see the ball go in the hole. I am 73 years old and have been playing since I was 13. This was my first hole-in-one.
Brian Clarke, Hartlen Point Forces Golf Club, Hole #6
I was playing golf on June 26, 2023, and it was a foggy morning. Our golf course is on the Atlantic Ocean pretty well surrounded by water. It’s called Hartlen Point Golf Club and we have one par 3 on the front nine and three on the back. It is hole #6 which is the par three. I took out my 8 iron. It’s 159 yards to the middle of the green but we couldn’t see the green because it was too foggy. Sometimes when there’s fog you don’t swing as hard, but I hit my 8 iron really nice. It looked like it was going to the middle of the green. My playing partners said it probably was going to the left of the green so as we walked towards the green, I started looking on the left-hand side of the green and we couldn’t find the ball so we started heading back towards the hole. One of my playing partners said your ball is in the hole and I was very excited. That was my second on this course on the 13th hole which is roughly about 185 yards. It is a very special thing. My playing partners, Larry, Graham and Mike, were very happy for me.
Colin King, Deer Valley Golf Course, Hole #11
The hole was 163 yards, uphill into the wind. I hit a perfect 5 iron that drew in from the left towards the back centre pin. It landed about six feet short and rolled in for my first ever ace. I was playing with my regular foursome of Mike Ryan, Greg Ing and Mark Harrison on Senior Men’s Day at Deer Valley.
Darren Oehlerking, Saskatoon Golf and Country Club, Hole #12
I recently made my first hole-in-one on Thursday, July 6, 2023. It was on hole #12 at the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club.
David Bruns, Windermere, Hole #5
What an experience!
David DeGagne, Sunnydale Golf Society, Hole #10
The hole-in-one was my first and it occurred on the 10th hole of Sunnydale in Courtenay, B.C. It was witnessed by Robin Ross, Rick Cote and Bill Wilson, all members of Sunnydale. The club was my 52° wedge.
Dawn Bernard, Flamborough Hills Golf Club, Hole #8
On Tuesday June 27th, I made a hole-in-one on hole #8 of the Hills course. It was 153 yards off the tee, and I used a three wood. Although this is my sixth, hole-in-one, it was still a thrill. My playing partners were Marnie Florio and Bud Hollings. Naturally we spent time at the 19th hole celebrating!
Denis Bernardin, Quarry Oaks Golf Course, Hole #15
It was on the 15th hole at Quarry Oaks Golf Course. The distance from the white tees was 172 yards and playing into the wind. I was playing a Srixon golf ball and used a 4 wood. From the tee, the ball went straight towards the flag landing on the green and rolled towards the pin and it suddenly disappeared. So exciting! I was playing with my friend, Chan Kwon Seok, who took a picture after I took the ball from the hole. What a thrill!
Dennis Mchale, Royal Ashburn Golf Club, Hole #7
I was golfing with my wife, Laurel, and our friends, Pauline and Les, at Royal Ashburn Golf Club in Whitby. The 7th hole was 119 yards from the white tees. The green is elevated so you cannot see the hole from the tee box. I hit a draw and it looked really good. When we got the carts up to the green my ball was not there. My buddy Les got to the hole first to check it out and confirm that miracles do happen. My ball was in the hole!
Jasmeet Sandhu, King’s Riding Golf Club, Hole #5
It was an amazing feeling!
Jean Poisson, McCleery Public Golf Course, Hole #16
I played a round at Guildford Country Club in Surrey, B.C. today and had another hole-in-one, on the par 3 16th hole! So that’s two holes-in-one in consecutive rounds! I should buy a lottery ticket!
Jesse Durward, Greyhawk Golf Club, Hole #12
I was playing with my parents and girlfriend and couldn’t have asked for a better group! It was 164 yards over water. The shot was on a low trajectory, landed a foot on the front of the green and rolled up, curved to the right, and I saw it drop! I thought it may have gone past the pin to the rough and had my mother go check to see. When it wasn’t behind the green, we all went to the hole to make sure it was in. I always tell my girlfriend “It’s not so much what you do, but who you do it with that makes it special.” It was great to have them all there.
Jonathan Barbosa. Canadian Golf and Country Club, Hole #3
Hole #3 was playing 174 yards and I used my 7 iron. It took place during our men’s night! It was my first, but hopefully not last hole-in-one.
Judy Young, Cordova Bay Golf Course, Hole #4
It was very exciting. It is my first hole-in-one. It was 110 yards, and I used my 5 hybrid. I knew the green sloped left to right, so I aimed on the left side of the green. We were able to watch it land on the green and roll left to right into the cup. We all screamed and hugged. The men on the next tee box started clapping and I waved and took a bow.
Lise Mathieu, Osoyoos Golf Club, Hole #7
I was at my home course with two friends with whom I play every Monday. The yardage was approximately 135 yards and there was a side breeze. This was my very first hole-in-one and it was my first game played with my brand-new set of Ping irons.
Marci Perreault, Rideau View Country Club, Hole #6
I used a 7 wood (26 degree) playing from the red tees. It was a back pin at 145 yards.
Murray Cornelius and John Wallace, Beacon Hall Golf Club, Hole #11
Murray Cornelius, Don Horban, John Wallace, and my father, Stephen Boehmer, were playing a round, and on the 11th, Murray hit a beautiful shot off the tee. In the air, my dad said it could be good. It landed and then rolled a few feet into the hole. Murray didn’t believe it, my father climbed the hill and looked with his range finder. He couldn’t see the ball. Meanwhile, John hit. My father had just told Murray that the place to miss was right. They got up to the hole, and Murray was first to the flag. He immediately blurted out that there were two balls in the hole and that the second one had the name “John Wallace” on it. Two hole-in-ones on the same hole, one right after the other. They all went wild. Chances are one in 72,000,000, and it is believed to be the first time this has ever happened at Beacon Hall.
Rob Hewitt, Goose Hummock Golf Resort, Hole #3
What a fantastic experience!
Rob Traynor, The Oaks of St George, Hole #17
We were the first group out on Canada Day and the 17th hole was 112 yards. I used my sand wedge from 112 yards and it bounced in. I was with Tauseef Malik.
Sandra McLeod, Essex Golf and Country Club, Hole #17
We were playing in the first annual women’s member tournament. My playing partner and I were playing with two other women. It was my first hole which was #17, my first swing of the day! I used my 3 wood, as I am not a long hitter and wanted to get on the green. We watched the ball head straight to green, roll towards the pin and disappear. Because of the shadows in the morning sun, we weren’t sure if it rolled in. We got up to the green and saw the ball in the hole. We all started screaming and hugging each other! I think they could hear us around the course. We called the Pro Shop to let them know and one of the Pros came out and met us on the next hole. It wasn’t long before the news circulated around the course. It was the closest to the pin hole, so I won that!
Shelley Tait, Glendale Golf Club, Hole #4
On June 28th, I was playing at our home course, Glendale Golf Club, with my Wednesday group, Judy Frisina and Janice Seifried. We were on the 4th hole, which is an elevated tee. Judy said, “Okay Shelley, I expect perfection”, to which I responded, “Expect to be disappointed.”
It was a red flag, 99 yards, and I used my 8 iron. It was one of those smokey days, so I couldn’t see the ball in the air until it was low enough to have trees behind it. The ball hit the green, you can see the ball mark, and I thought that maybe the ball disappeared. We all screamed, but then I wondered if we were reacting too early. Luckily, the screaming was not in vain. It was super exciting, and fortunately I was with experienced hole-in-one players who took a photo and advised me to keep the ball. The rest of the round was an exercise in remaining focused. Such a surreal golfing moment!
Thomas Norris, Glen Arbour Golf Course, Hole #7
I recorded my second hole-in-one at Glen Arbour Golf Course in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia. Hole #7 was playing 135 yards and I used a 7 Iron. It took two bounces and jumped in.
Tim Rosenau, Cabot Cliffs, Hole #12
What an amazing feeling to be rewarded with my first hole-in-one on what the folks at Cabot say is the toughest hole-in-one in Canada. Hole #12 was 168 yards. The flag was front right which meant it was protected by the sand in front. When I hit the shot, I thought that it would be short, due to the high winds. But it dropped perfectly and rolled into the hole. My wife Bev and friends Gerard and Janet Biegel saw it the whole way. What makes this even more special is this trip was a donated trip by Cabot to the Logan Boulet Charity golf tournament in Lethbridge, Alberta. My friend for 50 years, his son was friends and played hockey with Logan Boulet just a couple years before the Humboldt Broncos accident. I’m giving credit to Logan for that shot considering how many lives he has helped in his passing because of organ donation.
Tom Hagan, Flamborough Hills Golf Club, Hole #2
It was our second 18 that day in pouring rain. The plan was to play maybe six holes then go in and have some beers and food. That changed on the second hole. From 113 yards it was a back pin in rain, and I hit a pitching wedge. The ball landed behind the hole and rolled back in for the ace. I finished the round and shot 67. Three years earlier, on the same hole #2 on the Lakes course I had another ace!
Road to the Tour presented by Hilton: Media Day
With the support of Team Canada’s newest partner, Hilton, we are excited to share a glimpse into the life of some of Canada’s top amateur golfers through a new series, Road to the Tour, Presented by Hilton.
Tune in each week for a new video to discover how Team Canada athletes work towards their ultimate goal, making it to the professional tours.
This week: we take you inside an annual event, Team Canada Media Day. Every spring Golf Canada tees up its upcoming season on this special day to introduce Team Canada to the country.
Stay tuned next week’s Road to the Tour, presented by Hilton where we check out Team Canada and Hilton at the historic 2023 RBC Canadian Open.
Rest and Relax like a Pro, start planning your next stay with Hilton today.
Dao and Tavares victorious at NextGen Quebec Championship fueled by JOURNIE Rewards
Magog, Que —Henry Dao and Léonie Tavares won their respective divisions to claim the NextGen Quebec Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards at the Club de golf Venise in Magog, Que.
The 54-hole stroke play competition marked the fifth tournament in the NextGen Championships and featured a starting field of 140 male and female golfers.
Dao from Laprairie, Que., shot a final round 73 to finish atop of the leaderboard after maintaining the lead throughout the tournament to secure the NextGen Quebec Championship and a spot in the Canadian Junior Boys Championship.
“First off, I always drive well so that really helped me. I always had inside foot wedges to attack the pin and I did that well and sunk my putts. I needed to putt well and that’s been my weakness, but it has been better this week which really helped me.” Said Dao.
After opening the tournament with 4-under, 68, Dao maintained his lead shooting a 5-under, 67 on Wednesday and finished the tournament at 8-under to secure his win. “This is really a confidence booster, I’ve kind of been in the slumps and not playing my best but I’ve been working with my new coach and it’s been working really well. This is a really good result for me and my family who encourage me,” Dao added.
Tavares from St-Jerome, Que., finished round three shooting a 4-under 68 to hold off Carlee Meilleur to secure her win by one stroke.
Tavares opened the final round tied for fourth and made her way back up the leaderboard to make a come back to earn the NextGen Quebec Championship. “This means a lot to me because I worked a lot for this tournament. This weekend was really tough for me because I worked a lot of hours and I wanted to have a great tournament and play under par and it worked and I’m very happy,” Tavares said.
Tavares added “I’m going to work on my short game so my putting can be more precise and my irons are going to be better. I practiced this morning and it was great, so was my third round.”
In the Junior Boys division, the top eight 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.
| 1 | Henry Dao (Laprairie, Que.) |
| T2 | Nicholas Girard (Boucherville, Que.) |
| T2 | Thomas Lemay (Trois-Rivieres, Que.) |
| T4 | Chase Jerome (Ottawa, Que.) |
| T4 | Lucas Cardozo (Blainvillier, Que.) |
| T6 | Carter O’Brien (Spencerville Ont.) |
| T6 | Thomas Grenier (Theftford Mines, Que.) |
| T6 | Nicholas Colton (Bathust, NB.) |
The top eight 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.
| 1 | Léonie Tavares(St-Jerome, Que.) |
| 2 | Carlee Meilleur (Lansdowne, Ont.) |
| 3 | Keira Hou (Richmond Hill, Ont.) |
| 4 | Anne-Sophie Bourgaukt (Gatineau, Que.) |
| T5 | Justine Emond (St-Jerome, Que.) |
| T5 | Mackenzie Cloutier (Mirabel, Que.) |
| 7 | Clara Ding (White Rock, BC) |
| 8 | Sadie Wu (Toronto, Ont.) |
The next stop in NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards will be at the Avondale Golf Club in Charlottetown, P.E.I., for the NextGen Atlantic Championship from July 17-20. For the full results of the NextGen Quebec Championship click here.
About the NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards
The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2023 national championships. Two additional Fall Series events will be hosted to close the season. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.
Top ranked Canadian amateur Monet Chun one of four Canucks at U.S. Women’s Open
Monet Chun knows she’s good. This week, she’ll get to see just how good.
The product of Richmond Hill, Ont., is one of four Canadians who will tee off at the U.S. Women’s Open, the third major of the women’s golf season. World No. 11 Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., is the top-ranked Canadian in the field, with Chun, Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C., and Celeste Dao from Notre-Dame-de-l’Ile-Perrot, Que., all amateurs.
“It’s just an amazing opportunity, really,” said Chun after finishing practice at storied Pebble Beach Golf Links, which hosts the event this year. “I get a chance to see where I’m at.
“Obviously, I would love to turn pro but that won’t be until after I graduate school. So just a good test.”
All three Canadian amateurs are on the golf teams of NCAA schools. Chun plays for Michigan, Kim attends the University of Texas and Dao is at Georgia.
Chun qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open as the runner-up to last year’s U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. Kim earned her berth at a qualifier at Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam, B.C., on May 15, and Dao did likewise at the Duxbury Yacht club in Duxbury, Mass., on June 7.
“I think we’re all pretty excited about it and really good opportunities for all three of us,” said Chun. “I think we just want to play the best we can out here.
“I think it shows that we’re heading in the right direction, that what we’re doing is helping a lot.”
Chun is currently ranked 95th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking, having won the Lady Buckeye Invitational this year and the 2022 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. That makes her the highest-ranked Canadian on the women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings. Kim is 121st overall and Dao is 1,081st.
Chun said she just wants to focus on her game at the U.S. Open instead of setting any kind of targets for the week.
“I think once I get caught up in score, it’s just going to be a lot in my head,” she said. “So right now, I’m just playing to the best of my abilities and see where my game is at this point and try to make a goal set on that.”
Henderson qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open as the reigning Evian Championship winner, but also would have made it to Pebble Beach based on four other qualifications.
She tied for 15th at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on June 25, six shots back of China’s Ruoning Yin. The Women’s PGA Championship was the second major of the season and the most recent event on the LPGA Tour’s calendar.
PGA TOUR _ RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., is No. 10 on the FedEx Cup standings heading into this week’s John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. Adam Hadwin (35th), who is also from Abbotsford, joins him in the field with Adam Svensson (37th) of Surrey, B.C., and Michael Gligic (207th) of Burlington, Ont.
DP WORLD TOUR _ Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., is in the field at Made in Himmerland at HimmerLand, Farso, Denmark. The only Canadian on the European-based DP World Tour, Cockerill is ranked 40th on the Race to Dubai standings.
Golf Canada welcomes BDO as first-ever elite level sponsor
BDO’s multi-year enhanced commitment to Canadian golf will impact Golf Canada’s entire operation with touchpoints in professional and amateur championships, sport programming, volunteerism, and philanthropy
Building off a successful first year as the Official Business and Professional Services sponsor of Golf Canada, BDO Canada LLP (BDO) is leaning into golf in an incredibly meaningful way, agreeing to a new multi-year enhanced commitment as Golf Canada’s first-ever Elite-Level Sponsor.
Through their Elite sponsorship, BDO will continue to serve as presenting sponsor of Golf Canada’s National Amateur Championships. With their enhanced commitment to the sport, BDO will extend their impact across Golf Canada’s entire operation with touchpoints in sport programming, professional championships, volunteerism, and philanthropy. The extent of BDO’s Elite sponsorship will include:
- Title sponsorship of Golf Canada’s volunteer program at both National Open Championships (RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open) as well as Canada’s National Amateur Championships
- Expanded hospitality investment at the National Open Championships
- Canada’s first ever international Trustee-level investment into the First Tee – Canada program
- Naming rights of the newly established National Golf League (commencing at the NGL Regional Playoffs in the fall of 2023)
For BDO, enhancing their involvement with the National Sport Organization to engage with Canada’s considerable golf audience reflects a firm-wide commitment through sport to give back to communities served across the country.
“We are thrilled to announce our expanded relationship with Golf Canada, a remarkable connection that embodies our shared dedication to community, progress, and growth. As the proud, and first-ever, Elite Level Sponsor, we join forces with esteemed Canadian brands, collectively dedicated to elevating the sport of golf to new horizons. This event heralds an exciting chapter, where the love for golf thrives and new possibilities unfold,” said Bruno Suppa, CEO of BDO Canada LLP.
In commenting on the new agreement, Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum remarked, “BDO has shown the ability to help transform businesses across Canada to help them achieve new heights. We could not be more excited that through this elevated sponsorship, BDO will power Golf Canada to achieve greater success, enhance our sport and volunteer programming, and create a community impact for youth through their involvement with First Tee – Canada.”