Sonja Tang goes back-to-back in women’s individual championship while Jackson Jacob wins men’s individual championship

Komoka, Ont. –  The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds women’s golf team has added to their remarkable success, capturing their sixth consecutive championship and sixteenth title in the 19-year history of the event at the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship presented by BDO at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont.

Following an outstanding final round, the UBC Thunderbirds concluded their strong week on Friday, showcasing their talent with a collective score of 6-under, 870, giving them a commanding 63-shot victory.

“We had a lot of success last week winning the U.S. championship that we play for in the NAIA but this one is equally as special because its Canada. It’s where we’re from and most of our players are from Canada so it’s a really exciting experience for them to go out and play against their friends and travel around the country and see more parts of it, so I think its really exciting,” said UBC Thunderbirds Head Coach Chris MacDonald.

After leading wire-to-wire, Sonja Tang (UBC Thunderbirds) claimed her second consecutive women’s individual championship, finishing at 4-under, 288 for the tournament. Tang shot a 1-over, 74 in the final round. Notably, Tang’s teammates Élizabeth Labbé and Grace Bell also made their mark in the final round, finishing tied for second at 1-over par, 293 for the tournament. Teammate Bo Brown finished tied for sixth at 14-over, 306 for tournament.

“It definitely feels amazing to be winning yet again. Definitely today, I struggled coming back on the back nine, but I think I kept myself calm and patient out there, I think that was how I maintained my nerves a little bit,” said Tang.

“I think we’re just a very special group, we are all pretty close with each other. It’s always fun to travel with these girls and we also played a couple division one tournaments which kept us humble. We practice really hard at home, so I think it’s all just really amazing,” added Tang.

The Victoria Vikes emerged victorious in the men’s team division after a tough battle all week. The Vikes held a one-shot lead heading into the final round and shot 10-under on Friday to finish the tournament at 14-under, 13 shots clear of the Université Laval Rouge et Or. The University of Victoria men’s team was comprised of Robin Conlan, Zachary Ryujin, Liam Mosher, Aiden Craig-Steele and Chase Basanta.

“I was really proud of the guys on the back nine today. They pressed pretty hard, and our game plan today was to play aggressive. We only had a one-shot lead but 17-under is doable here as Fraser Valley did yesterday. The guys deserve it, they work really hard, they were really motivated. It took us ten years to get one since I’ve been coaching so it feels pretty good,” said Victoria Vikes Head Coach Justin Clews.

Clews is happy to add this win to the team banner hanging in the school’s gym. “I definitely look at that banner when we’re in the gym and know that we’re due. Whether it’s the men or women’s team but our men’s team has been pretty strong the last 15 years. It’s a huge accomplishment for our program and I know our university is going to be ecstatic to put that 2023 on the banner.”

After holding the lead for the week, Jackson Jacob was crowned the men’s individual champion, shooting a final round 3-under to finish 17-under, 271 for the tournament.

“You never expect to have a nine-shot lead going into the final round. I would have rather not had that big of a lead because I’ve never been in that position before, so the first nine holes were really challenging to keep my foot on the gas and keep it steady,” said Jacob. “It was a bit of a rough go at the start, but I sorted it out and I’m really proud of being able to shoot under par again today. All things considered that’s probably what I’m most proud of this week is finishing strong.”

With their individual titles, both Tang and Jacob have earned exemptions into their respective Canadian Amateur Championships. The 109^th Canadian Women’s Amateur takes place at the Ashburn Golf Club in Halifax from July 31 to August 4 and the 118^th Canadian Men’s Amateur takes place August 5-10 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont.

For the final standings from the Canadian University/College Championship click here.

Top-5 Women’s – Individual

Top-5 Men’s – Individual 

Top-5 Women’s – Team

Top-5 Men’s – Team

Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).

Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.

Al Gibson, Highland Country Club, Hole #10

It was on hole #10 which is 165 yards. I used a 5 hybrid, and it was during our men’s league play. Thanks.

Alice Melanson, East Bay Golf Club, Hole #4

It was quite a surprise and a good feeling to make my second hole-in-one in eight months. My first one was on August 1, 2022, on hole #4 at Pine Needle. This second hole-in-one was on hole #14 at East Bay in Florida.  I was golfing with my husband Mike Melanson, my sister-in-law Claire Roy and her husband Garry Roy. It was 128 yards over water, and I used my 5 hybrid (the same club as my first hole-in-one). I really like that club! The ball bounced once and then into the hole it went. 

Anna Caron, Larters at St. Andrews, Hole #12

Thanks for letting me share this great experience which I never thought would happen! It was a very windy day, and I used my 5 wood. I hit my ball up in the air and when it landed on the green it was heading right for the hole. Three of us saw it go in, my cousin Darlene Caron, my friend Maureen Switzer and myself. Wow, what a feeling! Once up on the green, I was still hesitant to look in the hole. I play in a travelling league and on May 23rd we were playing Larter’s at St. Andrews. I hope everyone who loves the game of golf as much as I do will be lucky enough to get a hole-in-one someday.

Brad Sammon, Renfrew Golf Club, Hole #4

I made my hole-in-one at Renfrew Golf Club in Renfrew, Ontario on May 28th, 2023. I was playing with my sons, Carter Sammon and Jackson Sammon. The yardage was playing about 200 to a front hole location. I hit a 4 hybrid that rolled my Bridgestone ball into the cup!Thanks for sharing my story!

Bretten Roissl, Inglewood Golf and Curling Club, Hole #17

It was the 17th at Inglewood Golf and Curling Club in Calgary, Alberta. The first real round in Alberta since moving here, first tournament as well. It was 198 yards, and I used my 6 iron. We couldn’t see the ball it was so bright and didn’t know until we got to the green. However, I had a weird feeling about it. I asked my playing partners if they ever got a hole-in-one on the way up to the green. After checking the cup, they couldn’t believe it!

It was in the YYC Open which is an Alberta golf tour event. What a time to do it! With a customized TaylorMade TP5x.

 

Cross it off the bucket list!

Bruce Rowsell, Kanata Golf and Country Club, Hole #13

I was playing with my wife, Mary Rowsell, and David and Sheila Reeve. The 13^th hole is 143 yards from the white trees but played a little longer with a blue flag. It’s a raised green which has a ridge running across the middle which means that I could not see the hole. I was searching for the ball on the downslope beyond the green when my wife found it in the cup. I used a Titleist 7 wood for the shot.

Bruce Rowsell

Carolyn Gorrill, McKenzie Meadows Golf Club, Hole #7

It was certainly an amazing moment for me to get a hole-in-one at McKenzie Meadows Golf Club. It was on my bucket list and now I can put a checkmark beside that accomplishment. I was playing with my husband Gregg Koenig and a single golfer who joined us by the name of Cody Dean. We were on the 7^th hole, and I was playing my shot from 142 yards. We saw it land on the green but didn’t see it go in the hole. Both Gregg and Cody were on the green before me and as I walked up to the green, I knew something special happened. Both Gregg and Cody turned and looked at me with a huge smile! Funny story about the club I used, I’ve had my 7 wood in my bag for 25 years. I continue to hit it consistently 150-160 yards. After I purchased new clubs two years ago my husband and son said to me “never get rid of that 7 wood” so I didn’t and now I never will. 

Best regards,

Carolyn

Charlene Doucet, Hampton Golf Club, Hole #7

I don’t think I’ll ever forget my hole-in-one. It was really exciting to see the ball drop into the hole from behind after watching it sit there for a few seconds. The club I used was my new Callaway Max OS Lite 8 Iron from a distance of 109 yards. I have a group of girls that golf every Thursday and they were my witnesses. I had been saying to them “okay girls…let’s get a hole-in-one today”. Power of positive thinking. Also, yesterday I shot my best round of 77 (it’s my year). Thanks again for acknowledging my hole-in-one.  

Chris Buffi, Coal Creek Golf Resort, Hole #4

Thank you so much for the email. I was playing with two coworkers, Kyle and Russ. The hole had a middle-left pin, and it was playing 142 yards. I used a 46-degree wedge.

Curtis Whelan, Glendenning Golf Course, Hole #4

In the wind and rain, I hit a 9 iron into the wind that took one hop and rolled straight into the cup. The first hole-in-one of my life and I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited. The worst part is that I was so excited I flubbed my next tee shot about 20 yards off the tee.

Dale LaGrange, Turner Valley Golf Club, Hole #5

I played with Larry Porier, Ron Zastre, and Rick Quine. It was on hole #5, 147 yards and used a 9 iron.

David Barry, Tobiano Golf Course, Hole #12

Wow…what an exciting moment. I’m nearly 60 and I have golfed on and off since my teens. But I have really picked up the game again in the last 10 years. My ace occurred May 21st on the 12th hole at the beautiful Tobiano Golf Course. It was 149 yards and I hit an easy 5 iron. The ball landed six paces in front of the pin, bounced once and then rolled nicely before disappearing into the cup. I’m a 20 handicap…so I don’t know who was more surprised, my partners Mike and Trevor, or I. We had an early tee time, and no one was in the clubhouse when we wrapped up. So, I bought a round for everyone there…Mike, Trevor and myself!

Dennis Finch, Barcovan Golf Club, Hole #11

I was playing with three of my teammates on our Monday men’s league. I scored the ace on #11 which is 120 yards with a 9 iron.

A picture was not taken that day; however, this is a picture taken on the same day, May 22, two years ago when I aced another hole at Barcovan! Lucky date for me!

Dennis Finch

Donna Davis, Garrison Golf Club, Hole #13

I got my hole-in-one on hole #13 at Garrison, in Kingston, Ontario.

Douglas Corrigan, Guelph Lakes Country Club, Hole #2

On May 22^nd, I achieved my first hole-in-one at Guelph Lakes Country Club, Guelph, Ontario.

It was on hole #2 using a gap wedge. 104 yards after a 45-minute frost delay. It was witnessed by Michael Mahony and two late joiners visiting from Calgary.

Eugene Shereshevsky, Lakeview Golf Club, Hole #17

I was playing Lakeview Golf Club with my friends Patrick Booth and Tyler Hall. Lakeview’s 17th hole is a short par three (95 yards) but with a tricky green that slopes from the back to the front.

It was a front pin playing 90 yards that day. I used a lob wedge, hit it right at the pin, the ball landed close, took one hop past the hole and spun back into the hole. We all celebrated; I think the whole course could hear us. I went on to shoot my best round ever of 70.

Fred Yack, King’s Riding Golf Club, Hole #16

I was playing with two old friends Chris Giannou and Ron Bartucci. Chris and Ron were buddies from the old Board of Trade Golf Course. We moved over to King’s Riding when they closed down our beautiful Country Club after 45 glorious years. By the way, I will be celebrating my 85^th birthday on June 8, 2023. I have played this marvelous game for roughly 67 years and hopefully for a number of years to come. The actual date of the hole-in-one was Victoria Day May 22, 2023. The yardage on the hole was 140 yards. I used a Callaway Big Bertha 8 hybrid purchased specifically for that distance. I got rid of my 4 iron, 5 iron and 6 iron and replaced them with a 4 hybrid, 6 hybrid, 7 hybrid and 8 hybrid. I might add I was very surprised that the shot was as good as it was. It was high, straight and was not a degree off line. Another interesting point to my hole-in-one was that the ball used was a TaylorMade ball that had been found by Ron and he gave it to me.

I am not bragging but this is my sixth hole-in-one that I’ve had. Even though it was a great shot we all know there is luck involved in getting that little ball in the hole. Thank you for commemorating my event.

Fred

Gerry Tresierra, Big Horn Golf Course, Hole #17

I got my first hole-in-one after 45 years of golfing. It was gratifying to get this before I get too old to golf and it was special to get it on men’s night! It was 100 yards, slightly uphill with an aiding wind on #17 at Big Horn Golf Course in Kamloops!

Holly Chandler, Chester Golf Club, Hole #2

Thank you very much, it was a lovely day. It was my second hole-in-one and was very exciting. It was on hole two, which is 128 yards. I used a (Calloway Rogue) 4 hybrid. I was playing with Barb Bond, Brian Bond and Gary Graves. It was a lovely day at our beautiful Chester Golf Club.

Have a wonderful day,

Holly Chandler

Irene Ottenhof, Landings Golf Course, Hole #15

It was a lovely day. I was golfing with Astrid Barber and Maija Burton. It was the 15th hole and about 111 yards into a hefty wind.  My club was a Ping 5 hybrid.

Jason Mabley, Innerlip Highlands Golf Course, Hole #2

I was playing with two longtime friends, Derek Adam and Dave Vogel. This was my third hole-in-one, and it was 140 yards with a 9 iron. This was my second hole-in-one with a 9 iron. The other was a 4 hybrid 190 yards. Innerkip is one of our favourite courses.

Thanks again.

Jason Mabley

Joel Reilly, Wildfire Golf Club, Hole #15

Hey! I hit a low flighted 6 iron into the wind about 168 yards.

John Miholics, Chedoke Golf Club, Hole #8

Thanks, much appreciated!

John Usher, Lac La Biche Golf and Country Club, Hole #17

Well, it took 37 years to get another one but a different spin on this one. It was at Lac La Biche Golf & Country Club on the 17^th par 4 hole which is 257 yards. It must have been my new Titleist TSI driver. The hole-in-one was witnessed by Gary Harman and Tony Nowicki. Never would I have thought that my second hole-in-one would be on a par 4. Always a nice feeling.

Kevin Magill, Riverside Golf Club, Hole #14

I was delighted with my effort on May 17th (which also happens to be my son’s birthday!) I’ve been playing golf since I was 13 years old, so it only took me 45 years to achieve this milestone! I played last Wednesday in the Riverside Senior Men’s Wednesday draw, as I do each week (I am also the webmaster for the club). I played with Derek Edwards, Randy Talbot and Ken May (the latter leaving us after the front nine, so he missed my Michael Block emulating shot).

Although a short and supposedly ‘easy’ par 3, a mere 125 yards and a stroke index of 18, the 14th at Riverside in Edmonton has an elevated green, some 20 feet higher than the tee box. With a transverse slope, the hole is quite challenging. It’s fair to say I hardly ever put the ball on the deck, making this effort all the sweeter! I celebrate if I’m within ten feet of the pin on my second shot, let alone my tee shot.

On this occasion, the pin was in the middle of the green and the hole was playing around 135 yards. I took my wedge, teed up my Titleist 2, and hit it flush. My shot tracked straight as an arrow for the pin. My playing partners both congratulated me on my shot, and I figured it would be close, but being an elevated green, I could not see the landing or where it ended up.

Once I got up to the green, I saw a ball about 10 feet from the pin which I assumed to be mine. Upon checking, it was not. I then looked along the fringes of the green thinking my ball must have rolled off and settled in the second cut. My playing partner, Randy, checked the hole and low and behold, there she was – Titleist 2 smiling up at me from the bottom of the cup! No need for the putter. An eagle on that par 3 was nice, but unfortunately didn’t help my overall score, I shot 99 on the day.

Thanks for your interest.

Kevin Magill

Kyle Rossiter, Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club, Hole #13

It was quite a day. It was Victoria Day, and I was playing with my wife, Dena Rossiter, but just behind us were my three regular golf friends, Jason Jenkins, Ziad Sheena and Jeff Alliston. 

The 13th tee box is directly perpendicular (separated by a small pond) from the 12th fairway. So, as I was teeing off my close friends were in the fairway and watched me hit. They couldn’t see it go in, but I was able to turn to them and started yelling that it was in. My wife didn’t know what to do. I asked her to tee off and then we will check the cup. Sure enough it was in.

The hole was 120 yards from the blue tees. I hit a 60-degree wedge and it landed about three feet short right with draw spin (I’m a lefty). I heard the audible “click” and watched it disappear. 

I was so lucky to have some of my friends with me and my wife to enjoy some beers after. Sadly, I dunked that ball into the water on the next hole on the approach. Win some, lose some.

Leo Burns Scully, Donalda Club, Hole #3

My story actually starts about a week before my round when I found a very fresh looking ProV1x that said “NICE” on the side of the ball while playing a round. I thought that this would be a good ball to get my first hole-in-one with, so I stored it in my bag and only used it on par threes moving forward. I played one or two more rounds after that day but still no hole-in-one with the special ball.

However, over the long weekend I was playing with my partner and two of our friends. On hole #3, (the first par 3) I teed up with my normal golf ball only to realize I had forgotten to get my “NICE” golf ball out for the par 3. I explained what I was doing to my playing partners, and they laughed at me, but I went back to my bag and teed up the “NICE” ball. It was 184 yards, and I hit a lovely 8 iron draw. It landed about eight feet short of the pin, and it rolled in. It was written that I would get my hole-in-one with that ball! We celebrated well!

Linda Wilson, Highwood Golf & Country Club, Hole #6

I recorded my third hole-in-one at my home course in High River, Alberta on May 24th. I was playing in our regular Wednesday ladies’ group with Carol, Arlene and Lee Anne.

I hit a nice 7 iron 100 yards and it landed on the green and rolled toward the hole. It looked like it was going right in, and the ladies all said it dropped, but I didn’t want to get too excited until I saw my pink Bridgestone ball in the bottom of the cup. 

It was very exciting as it had been 22 years since my last one and I wasn’t sure it would ever happen again. 

Luca Dichio, Oakville Executive Golf Course, Hole #11

I was playing with three of my buddies from Etobicoke and wasn’t having the greatest of rounds. I strolled up to the 11th and shot a pitching wedge from the tee (151 yards) and watched it fly straight at the pin. It took one hop and rolled right in. One of the best feelings ever! I didn’t believe it until I saw it in the hole!

Mario Demello, Ashburn Golf Club, Hole #5

It was hole #5 playing 160 yards and I used a 6 iron. I played with Garry Paton, Dwayne Gaudet and Roger Sinclair.

Mark Acheson, Legends on the Niagara, Hole #17

I was with Josh Snoek and Austin Kuiack and we were paired with Anthony Gladue. The pin was at the front, so I had 141 yards slightly into the wind and I used a wedge (47 degree). 

Thanks,

Mark

Maurizio Camilletti, St. Andrews East Golf Club, Hole #14

This was a great and special feeling to experience for the second time in less than a year. The yardage was 157 yards, and I used an 8 iron.

Thank you and best regards!

Maurizio Camilletti

Mitch Davis Mann, Dragons Fire Golf Club, Hole #17

It was a great day for sure! I was playing with my friend Cyril. It was the 17th hole at Dragons Fire Golf Club. A small hole surrounded by water; I believe the yardage was 116 that day. I used my 60° wedge and landed it about a foot past the pin and it spun back and dropped right in the hole.

All the best,

Mitch

Norma Columbus, Banff Springs Golf Course, Hole #8

I had a hole-in-one on #8 of the Stanley Thompson Course at Banff Springs Golf Course during the Alberta Golf Upswing event.

Paul Madgett, Nanton Golf Club, Hole #3

I was golfing with Cameron King as well as the town of Nanton hockey, music and golf legend Felix Endres. The hole was 162 yards and Cameron had just hit his shot to three feet. I then hit it and incredibly it went in. I was using an old Ping G10 28-degree hybrid that once belonged to my dad.

Randy Yee, Delta Golf Club, Hole #13

It’s the second hole-in-one I’ve had, but the first since 1993. I was playing with a group of 12 but Todd, Chad and Jeremy were in my group. It was the 13th hole, 90 yards but playing about 100 into a slight breeze. I used my gap wedge, landed it about 12 inches in front of the hole and the ball rolled in.

Ray Barkwill, Cowichan Golf and Country Club, Hole #13

I hit a hole-in-one at Cowichan Golf and Country Club. On hole #13 I used a gap wedge from 119 yards.

Cheers,

Raymond

Richard Lim, Sleepy Hollow Golf & Country Club, Hole #6

Thank you for the congratulatory note. It was indeed a special moment. I was playing with my wife, Bella, and a Korean couple, Miyung Kim and Mikyung Song, who are very skilled golfers. It was quite surreal to watch the ball hop a couple of times and roll into the hole. The sixth hole at Sleepy Hollow Golf and Country Club plays 170 yards from the white tees. I used a 5 iron on the shot.

Riley MacIsaac, Antigonish Golf and Country Club, Hole #12

Hey there,

I was playing with my brother, Patrik MacIsaac. We always compete against each other as we are really similar golfers. The yardage was 165 yards, and I used a 7 iron.

Thanks!

Rob Brown, Paragon Golf and Country Club, Hole #7

I recorded my hole-in-one at Paragon Golf & Country Club in Kingston, Nova Scotia. It was on hole #7, with a 7 iron, during Men’s League. The distance was 179 yards, playing slightly downhill and down wind.

Scott McCharles, Willow Ridge Golf and Country Club, Hole #5

I got my hole-in-one (the first for me) on April 27th on hole #5 at Willow Ridge. We were playing from the blue tees. The laser said it was 142 yards and I hit an 8 iron. I was playing with my golf buddies Doug King and Ken Pickering. Lunch that day was on me!

Shane Dyck, Pine Ridge Golf Club, Hole #14

It was a 177-yard par 3 with a 6 iron.

I became an adaptive golfer after I was initially paralyzed from below the neck and given a 1% chance to walk again. My whole spine was fused with metal after a 12-hour surgery and doctors said I would be in a power chair for the rest of my life. I am beyond grateful for how the game of golf has helped me throughout my injury, both mentally and physically.

Tammy Kondryshyn, Transcona Golf Club, Hole #8

Good day!

My hole-in-one was my very first in thirty years of golf. Approximately 128 yards away, I selected my 9 iron and there was a slight cross wind. I hit the ball and it was not my best strike at it as it was going towards the sand trap.

It hit the edge and started going towards the pin. We were watching it and it looked like it was going towards the back sand trap. We both looked at each other and said, “do you think it went in?”

We start to video as we roll up to the pin and then boom the ball is in the cup! We both screamed and laughed! What a way to end my round at ladies’ night.

Into the club house we went to celebrate, and I bought shots for everyone. As I walk in, the girls behind the bar say congrats! Thank you for listening to my very exciting hole-in-one story.

Terry Rockwood, Eaglequest Grandview Golf & Country Club, Hole #7

My hole-in-one happened on the 150-yard seventh hole at Grandview Golf Course in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. I used a 4 hybrid for the shot from a pushed back tee box to a blue flag. I was playing with Paul Gallivan, who is the nephew of the famed Hockey Night in Canada announcer Danny Gallivan. A few years before, Paul was playing with my buddy Cordell Poirier when he got a hole-in-one on the same hole. As Cordell’s ball was in the air heading toward the flag, Paul was doing a play-by-play of the event. When my ball went in the hole, I turned to Paul and said, “You didn’t do the play-by-play”. We had a laugh and proceeded to the green to retrieve the ball from the hole. Like many long-time golfers, I have been close multiple times, but it took 56 years to finally get a hole-in-one.

Tim Salisbury, Carne Golf Links, Hole #5

Carne Golf Links is in Belmullet, Ireland. It was the first round of our golf trip (six total rounds) in which 20 of us went. It was the fifth hole, a 155-yard par 3. I was playing alongside Bryan Rothery, Chuck Hitchen and Rick Meyers. I hit a pitching wedge and not one of us, including the forecaddie, saw it go in. The forecaddie thought it might have rolled to the back of the green. When we approached the green, we didn’t see it and started to look around. It wasn’t until the other three started playing out the hole that one of the guys’ went to pick out his ball from the cup and discovered it. Amazing start to an unforgettable trip to Ireland.

Willie Bruce, Race Brook Country Club, Hole #12

It occurred on Saturday, May 27 at Race Brook Country Club. It was on hole #12, a 195-yard par 3 and I used a Ping G425 5 hybrid. I was playing a Taylor Made TP5x golf ball. My playing partners were my son, Steve Bruce, and Dave Germain.

Jackson Jacob fires a 63 to maintain lead in men’s individual division

Komoka, Ont. –  As temperatures continue to soar in Komoka so does the action at FireRock Golf Club. Jackson Jacob (Fraser Valley Cascades) recorded two eagles and five birdies on his way to a 9-under, 63 to continue to hold the lead in the individual men’s division after three rounds of the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship presented by BDO on Thursday.

Jacob got off to a hot start with an eagle on the opening hole. He followed up the front nine with three birdies for a 31. “Today, I didn’t do anything super crazy, I hit a lot of greens, hit a lot of fairways, let the putter do the work and add a chip in here and there,” he said with a smile.

Both the Fraser Valley Cascades and Université Laval Rouge et Or are trailing the Victoria Vikes for first place. The Vikes hold a one-shot lead on Laval heading into the final day. The Cascades had a day to remember, firing a combined 17-under, 271 to move into third place in the men’s team division. Jacob and his teammates have been looking forward to this tournament for a while, “it means a lot, this is the last nationals that Aaron (Pauls), our head coach is going to be with us so we’re all just trying to do our best and win it for him,” said Jacob.

Élizabeth Labbé (UBC Thunderbirds) shot a 2-under, 71 on Thursday. She currently sits in third with teammates Sonja Tang leading at 5-under and Grace Bell in second at 1-over to round out the top three in the women’s individual division.

“This course sets up really well, not just for me but for our whole team,” said Labbé. “I just try to stay patient and know that the birdies are coming. It’s nice because there’s five par 5’s, definitely good opportunities. Overall, just staying patient and the birdies will come.”

In the women’s team division, the UBC Thunderbirds will be taking their lead into the final round on Friday after shooting a combined 216 on Thursday and currently sit at 6-under with a 45-shot lead.

“I think we just want to keep doing what were doing, we’ve had a really great season overall. I think just sticking to our game plan, having fun, and we’ll manage,” added Labbé ahead of tomorrow’s final round.

The field has now been cut to the top ten (10) men’s teams and the top six (6) women’s teams. Individuals within ten (10) shots of third place have made the cut, in addition to any players in the top ten (10) men’s teams and top six (6) women’s teams.

Full the full leaderboard click here.

For final round tee times click here.

Top-5 Women’s – Individual

Top-5 Men’s – Individual 

Top-5 Women’s – Team

Top-5 Men’s – Team

ADDITION OF 20 NEW STYLES;
NOW AVAILABLE IN WOMEN’S OPTIONS;
ALL TOPS FEATURE MATTR OR CLOUDSPUN FABRIC

TORONTO, Canada (June 1, 2023) – Following a successful launch last season, today PUMA Golf is thrilled to release its 2023 Maple Leaf Collection and expand its lineup of special gear designed for Canadian golfers. The fresh collection features 20 new styles of apparel and headwear inspired by Canada’s iconic symbol – the Maple Leaf.

The nation’s classic colours of red and white are infused across the lineup to create several bold designs in multiple colourways. A mix of polos, hats, t-shirts and sweaters are available, including a special MATTR Natural Hoodie. It features an all-over print of maple leaves naturally laying on the golf course and is one of a few pieces in the range to showcase the graphic.

“We initially launched a dedicated, uniquely Canadian collection to serve the millions of passionate golfers in our country, and that objective hasn’t changed,” said Dwayne Boecker, Head of Golf, COBRA PUMA GOLF CANADA. “All the positive feedback we received from our debut styles validated that national pride lives on the golf courses in Canada too.”

Also new for 2023 is the addition of women’s styles into the collection. Multiple dresses and polo options were produced this season for women to celebrate Canada in style and comfort too. The Maple Solid Dress is one of the highlights, with its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, zippered hand pockets and a subtle nod to the maple leaf on chest. A pair of stylish women’s ponytail hats cap off the look with an embroidered maple leaf emblem.

“We worked closely with our Canadian team to tap into the culture and stories the country is known for while also delivering the fashion-forward designs PUMA Golf is known for,” said Chris MacNeill, Team Head, PLM- Golf Apparel & Accessories, PUMA Golf. “We believe we’ve nailed both with this new collection and that it will resonate with all the golfers up north.”

Each piece in the Maple Leaf Collection is produced with PUMA’s signature premium-quality materials, including tech-forward MATTR fabric to address climate and moisture and the ultra- soft, four-way stretch CLOUDSPUN fabric.

PUMA Golf is the Official Apparel and Headwear Partner of Golf Canada’s National Team Program. Athletes and coaches named to Team Canada for the 2024 Olympic Golf Competition in Paris will wear apparel and headwear from PUMA as part of the field-of-play uniform kit.

The collection will be available beginning today at select retailers and online. Visit ca.pumagolf.com/collections/maple-leaf for more information.

Details of the new products in the collection are below:

MATTR Natural Hoodie ($119.99) – a hoodie that will turn heads on the tee with its all-over print of maple leaves. A perfect performance layer to extend the Canadian season as long as possible.

MATTR Pastimes Polo ($109.99) – designed with an all-over print that highlights some of Canada’s cultural emblems, this performance-ready golf polo features hockey sticks, beavers and maple leaves among others. Available in three colourways.

MATTR Natural Polo ($109.99) – a performance-ready golf polo with a special all-over print of maple leaves as if they were naturally laying on course. Available in three colourways.

CLOUDSPUN Maple Solid Polo ($89.99) – a comfy CLOUDSPUN polo with a clean look highlighted by an embroidered maple leaf on chest. Available in three colourways.

Canada P Cap ($39.99) – back by popular demand, this special-edition P Cap includes a humble nod to the Canadian flag. Available in two colourways.

Maple Printed Snapback Cap ($44.99) – a special-edition, two-tone P Cap to perfectly complement the Natural maple leaf printed tops. Available in three colourways.

W MATTR Maple Polo ($99.99) – a performance-ready golf polo with a special all-over print of maple leaves as if they were naturally laying on course. Available in two colourways.

W Natural Dress ($129.99) – a vibrant red and white golf dress with an all-over print of maple leaves. With zippered hand pockets and lightweight material, it’s a fun and functional style.

W Maple Solid Dress ($109.99) – an easy-to-wear, comfy dress with a hint of Canadian pride. Made with our lightweight and stretchy moisture-wicking material to move with women on or off the course. Available in two colourways.

W Maple Ponytail Cap ($39.99) – a simple and stylish, low-profile cap with our special Maple Leaf emblem. Also features a criss-cross elastic backing that ensures a comfortable fit for any ponytail. Available in two colourways.

About COBRA PUMA GOLF

COBRA PUMA GOLF is a corporate division of PUMA, one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. COBRA PUMA GOLF is an inclusive company, promoting game enjoyment for golfers of all abilities, attitudes and styles. The brands full- range portfolio includes COBRA Golf’s high-performance drivers, fairways, hybrids, wedges, putters and irons, as well as PUMA Golf’s sport lifestyle inspired footwear, apparel and accessories. Fusing performance and style, COBRA PUMA GOLF brings a focus on innovation, technology, compelling design and superior performance with an edge to the global golf marketplace. For more information, visit cobragolf.ca and ca.pumagolf.com.

Komoka, Ont. –  The warm temperatures equalled the performances on the course on Wednesday. The University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds women’s team continue their lead, while the University of Victoria Vikes and Université Laval Rouge et Or (Laval) are tied atop the men’s division after two rounds of the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship presented by BDO.

Despite the warm conditions, Western University’s Lexie McKay shot 2-over, 75, on day two at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont., to hold her spot in second place on home turf. “It’s really nice to be in London and at home, I get to sleep in my own bed which is really nice. I was able to come out here last week and play a few rounds so it feels good to be at home,” said McKay.

Yesterday, McKay shot 1-under, 72, to get off to a comfortable start in the championship, “My goal this week was to try and stay calm and stick to one hole at a time which seemed to work for me yesterday. Then today I seemed to get a bit ahead of myself around the turn. I slowed down and was able to make it back on 18, but it was definitely a grind today out here with the weather,” said McKay.

McKay added, “I plan to not get ahead of myself. Go home, hangout with the team, try not to think about it too much because if I get ahead of myself then things don’t go right. It’s kind of just getting through it as best as you can with the weather, focus on nutrition and do your best.”

McKay and the rest of the field are chasing Sonja Tang (UBC Thunderbirds) who followed up a strong opening round with a 3-under, 70 on Wednesday. Tang currently sits atop the women’s individual leaderboard at 8-under, nine ahead of McKay who sits at 1-over.

The UBC Thunderbirds women’s team continue to lead the team championship, sitting at 3-under after two days and hold a 24-shot lead heading into Thursday.

On the men’s side the University of Victoria Vikes shot a collective score of 283 to sit 3-under for the championship and are tied with Laval going into the third round on Thursday.

Liam Mosher (Victoria Vikes) shot a 4-under, 68 to move himself into a three-way tie for second in the individual men’s standings. Mosher teed off on the back nine to start his round and got hot, recording four straight birdies and six in total for an opening score of 30. “Sometimes you get in the zone and I’ve made four-in-a-row before and just really tired to stay out of my own way,” said Mosher.

“I liked that back nine, it set up well, I found that if I could put it in the fairway, I could have a few wedges and finally made putts,” added Mosher.

Jackson Jacob (Fraser Valley Cascades) maintains his place atop the men’s individual standings after recording a 1-under, 71 to move himself to 5-under for the tournament and a one shot lead.

After the third round on Thursday, the field will be cut to the top ten (10) men’s teams and the top six (6) women’s teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within ten (10) shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.

Full the full leaderboard click here.

For third round tee times click here.

Top-5 Women’s – Individual

Top-5 Men’s – Individual 

Top-5 Women’s – Team

Top-5 Men’s – Team

Fans will be able to play a hole at Oakdale Golf and Country Club when it hosts the RBC Canadian Open next week.

The unique spectator experience is possible because the club in Toronto’s northwest corner has 27 holes on its property, but the PGA Tour event needs just 18 of them.

“It’s going to be a legit 150-yard plus par-3, that you get to play like a real hole,” said Aubrey Levy, senior vice-president of marketing and content for theScore, which is sponsoring the hole through its betting service. “It’s not just come up and take a swing at a simulator or range. You play an entire hole.”

Stations will be set up around Oakdale during the Canadian Open where fans can sign up for a time slot at the so-called Hole Zero. Golf carts will pick them up at the station and take them to the extra hole.

“We’re going to have coaching on site for you, we’re going to have a caddy, we’re going to kit you out with a locker room,” said Levy. “The hope is to make you feel like a pro for a 20-minute block, whether you play like a pro or not.”

This is the first time that fans will be able to play at a PGA Tour event, albeit on an extra 19th hole, according to theScore Bet.

At last year’s Canadian Open theScore Bet sponsored Skyline seats, a dining table that was raised 100 feet into the air by a crane, allowing for a view of St. George’s Golf and Country Club and Toronto’s downtown core.

Levy said that the goal with Hole Zero was to create almost an opposite experience to the Skyline seats.

“We thought ‘OK, if (Skyline) was well received, creating a unique vantage point, then what can we do to bring them even closer to the action?”’ said Levy. “That led to the thought of actually taking them on the course and giving them the opportunity to play a hole during an actual event, like the Canadian Open.”

The RBC Canadian Open starts June 8 and stretches to June 11. The week includes concerts by the Black Eyed Peas and Alanis Morissette on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Do you know someone interested in golf but aren’t sure how to get them started? We can help!

Welcome to Golf is a new initiative organized by the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada that aims to help new adult golfers get started on their golf journey. We believe that the key to an enjoyable first golf experience is ensuring that the golf course is a welcoming, positive, comfortable environment for everyone!

Starting May 22, golf courses across Canada are hosting open house events where new golfers will be introduced to:

• Where/how to check in upon arrival at the course
• The features and function of a Clubhouse/Golf Shop
• How to use the practice area prior to playing
• How to know when it’s time to start playing
• What to be aware of during your round… and more importantly what you DON’T have to worry about!
• Where to start and finish each hole
• Where to enjoy some great food and a cold drink after your round!

The Open House events may vary slightly from course to course but will all have a common theme: creating a welcoming, positive, comfortable environment for all new golfers in attendance.

Visit www.welcometogolf.ca for further program details and to find a participating course near you.

Komoka, Ont. – The drive for six straight team championships for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds women’s team couldn’t have started any better after the opening round of the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship presented by BDO.

The Thunderbirds were powered by Sonja Tang who shot a 5-under, 68, while the team shot a 9-under, 210 and lead by 20 strokes after day one at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont.

Tang’s impressive round featured an eagle on 16 (back nine start) and five birdies, “I think today I was just following my game plan. I was hitting greens and then on longer putts just lagging it up there for a two putt so there were opportunities, and I took advantage of them. Overall, I’m really happy with how I played,” said Tang.

The Thunderbirds are seeking their sixth straight team championship and Tang credits the team’s spirit for their strong start on Tuesday, “We push each other all the time, on the course, off the course, in the gym, and its just really fun playing with these girls and they really push me to be better.”

Université Laval Rouge et Or currently lead the men’s team division after recording a 1-over, 289 collective score and take a one shot lead over the Victoria Vikes into the second round on Wednesday.

Jackson Jacob (Fraser Valley Cascades) and Jonathan Vermette (Laval Rouge et Or) sit tied atop the individual leaderboard in the men’s division after opening with rounds of 4-under, 68.

“Going into this week, I saw all the guys were peaking at the same time with their game. We all knew that we’d be close to the top of the leaderboard after round one and hopefully it’s still going to be the same thing tomorrow and the next couple of days because even though our score is good, we can all play better definitely. It’s going to be fun to watch,” said Vermette.

Jacob, coming off a win at the SWOCC Invitational earlier this month, recorded two eagles during his opening round, “Not very often you make two eagles in a round, that was fun to do. The wind picked up for the last five holes and things got a lot more challenging than they did in the morning, but I kept it together,” said Jacob.

After hitting two consecutive drives out of bounds on the back nine Jacob was able to battle back for bogey on both, “That to me was almost bigger than the two eagles because you can lose a lot of shots there and those are huge momentum savers,” he added.

Another highlight during the morning flight saw Ryan Massicotte, representing Bishops’ Gaiters record a hole-in-one on the par three, 8^th hole. Massicotte finished with a 1-over, 73.

After the third round on Thursday, the field will be cut to the top ten (10) men’s teams and the top six (6) women’s teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within ten (10) shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.

Full the full leaderboard click here.

For second round tee times click here.

Top-5 Women’s – Individual

Top-5 Men’s – Individual 

Top-5 Women’s – Team

Top-5 Men’s – Team

Johnny Travale, Myles Creighton, Stuart McDonald, David Hearn, Roger Sloan, and Wil Bateman join previously announced exemption recipients, trio of Regional Qualifying medalists and seven Canadian PGA TOUR members as part of 19-player Canadian contingent for the 112^th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship at Oakdale Golf & Country Club

(May 30, 2023)  Golf Canada and RBC have confirmed the names of 12 Canadians who have accepted exemptions into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, June 6-11 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ont.

Leading the way is a trio of Team Canada athletes who will each be making their second start in Canada’s National Open. Johnny Travale of Stoney Creek, Ont., a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida has been a member of the Team Canada program for four years. Myles Creighton of Digby, N.S. receives an exemption as the low Canadian player on the current PGA TOUR Latinoamérica season points list, currently sitting 16^th overall. Stuart Macdonald of Vancouver, B.C. also receives an exemption for his strong play on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, finishing top-20 in each of his five starts this season including a solo third at this past week’s Colombia Classic.

PGA TOUR veteran David Hearn of Brantford, Ont. has accepted an exemption to compete in the National Open Championship for the 19^th time while Roger Sloan of Calgary, Alta. (Korn Ferry Tour) will compete in his seventh RBC Canadian Open. Also accepting an exemption is Edmonton, Alta. native Wil Bateman (PGA TOUR Canada) who will make his first ever start in the RBC Canadian Open.

The group joins previously announced Canadian exemptions for Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont. (Korn Ferry Tour) and Aaron Cockerill of Winnipeg, Man. (DP World Tour).

Canadian golf icon and President’s Cup International Team Captain Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont. will be competing in his 31st RBC Canadian Open, one back of fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George Cumming who had a record 32 starts in Canada’s National Open Championship.

Three other Canadians earned exemptions through RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying including Taylor Durham of North Vancouver, B.C. (BC Regional Qualifier at Ledgeview Golf Club), Daniel Kim of Toronto, Ont. (Ontario Regional Qualifying #1 at Oshawa Golf & Curling Club), and Sebastian Szirmak of Toronto, Ont. (Ontario Regional Qualifying #2 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley).

A 19-player Canadian contingent will challenge for the national championship led by PGA TOUR winners Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont. (world no. 29), Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. (world no. 61), Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. (world no. 66), Nick Taylor of Abbottsford, B.C. (world no. 69), and Adam Hadwin of Abbottsford, B.C. (world no. 74) as well as fellow PGA TOUR members Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. and Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont.

“We are pleased to extend these additional tournament exemptions and welcome our roster of 19 deserving Canadians competing in the 112th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Bryan Crawford. “The passion and commitment that these talented athletes have shown in representing Canada on the global golf stage is an inspiration to golf fans across the country and we are proud to welcome them to the field for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.”

Four additional exemptions will be available during the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on Sunday, June 4 at Coppinwood Golf Club in Goodwood, Ont.

In addition to world class golf, fans at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open will be treated to the two-night RBCxMusic Concert Series onsite at Oakdale Golf and Country with Grammy Award-winning group, the Black Eyed Peas performing on Friday, June 9 and Canadian Grammy Award-winning icon Alanis Morissette performing on Saturday, June 10.

Tickets for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open are available here. Children aged 12-and-under get free admission with a ticketed adult.

Athabasca, Alb – Eric Locke from Cochrane, Alb. shot a 5-under, 66 to top the list of golfers that have advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on June 4 at Coppinwood Golf Club in Goodwood, Ont.

Locke carded four birdies and an eagle on Monday at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club in Athabasca, Alb. Richard Dou (a) of Calgary shot a 4-under, 67, while fellow amateurs Aneesh Kaura and Tommy McKenzie, both of Calgary shot rounds of 3-under, 68.

The top 15% of the field have advanced to the final RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier this Sunday. Direct exemptions into the RBC Canadian Open are given when the starting field consists of 120 or more golfers.

RBC Canadian Open Alberta Regional Qualifier Results:

A series of five regional qualifiers took place across the country, with three providing direct exemptions into this year’s RBC Canadian Open, set for June 6-11 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto.

For the full leaderboard click here.

Results from the B.C. Regional Qualifier can be found here.

Results from the first Ontario Regional Qualifier can be found here.

Results from the second Ontario Regional Qualifier can be found here.

Results from the Quebec Regional Qualifier can be found here.