Think Turkey and Golf Canada Team Up to Support First Tee 

TORONTO – This summer, Think Turkey is proud to be an official partner of Golf Canada and this year’s RBC Canadian Open June 5 to11 at Oakdale Golf & Country Club in Toronto and the CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in Vancouver from August 21 to 27.

The partnership will tee up the first ever Make Birdies Count challenge at both events, calling on players to make ‘turkeys,’ (known as three birdies in a row – or better!) to benefit First Tee – Canada, a national organization focused on introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people, with a donation of up to $15,000.  

“Like a delicious turkey dinner, golf brings people of all ages together.” said Darren Ference, Chair of Turkey Farmers of Canada. “We’re proud to partner with Golf Canada to support First Tee, which introduces youth to a sport that helps build confidence, character and connections to communities.”

“We are very excited to welcome Think Turkey as an Official Partner of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open, and the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Lisa Ferkul, Chief Commercial Officer of Golf Canada. “The Make Birdies Count challenge is a great initiative and we’re looking forward to working alongside their team on this fun competitive story on the course, while making an impact that will benefit First Tee – Canada.”

Graham DeLaet, retired Canadian golfer and broadcaster, has signed on as an ambassador for the Make Birdies Count challenge, promoting it to players, media, the Golf Canada network and fans.  

“A turkey on the golf course or at home is always exciting,” said Graham DeLaet. “First Tee – Canada is a charity that’s close to many players hearts, including mine, and I’m pleased to help raise awareness for the Make Birdies Count challenge and drive some added competition for a great cause.”    

Turkey Player Stats

At the 2022, RBC Canadian Open, pros made 45 turkeys at St. George’s Golf & Country Club, with defending champ Rory McIlroy achieving one. Players in the CPKC Women’s Open in 2022 made 25 turkeys, with Brooke Henderson scoring one and Lydia Ko and Stephanie Kyriacou achieving two turkeys.

Chances for a Turkey at RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club

The back nine of Oakdale golf course presents the greatest opportunity for a turkey with holes 12 (553 yards, par 5), 13 (424 yards, par 4), 14 (172 yards, par 3), 15 (419 yards, par 4), 16 (398 yards, par 4), 17 (432 yards, par 4), and 18 (494 yards, par 5) most likely for players to make three birdies in a row. Defending RBC Open champion, Rory McIlroy, may be on a path to achieve the ultimate turkey – three consecutive wins of the Canadian Open.

“The Canadian turkey industry prides itself on serving our communities through programs that fight food insecurity and support youth,” said Nicolas Paillat, Director, Chicken and Turkey Primary Processing Sectors. “We’re proud that the Make Birdies Count challenge will support and empower youth through the sport of golf to build values and skills which will serve them for life and fuel their game.” Golf Canada and Think Turkey will be sharing a daily ‘turkey tally’ during the RBC Canadian Open and the CPKC Women’s Open. Visit Thinkturkey.ca to learn more. 

Peterborough, Ont. —Isaiah Ibit and Alissa Xu won their respective divisions to claim the NextGen Ontario Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Sunday.

The 54-hole stroke play competition marked the second tournament in the NextGen Championships and featured a starting field of 156 male and female golfers.

Ibit of Orleans, Ont., shot a final round 70 to hold off Anthony Jomphe by three shots to secure the NextGen Ontario Championship and a spot in the Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

After opening the tournament with an even score Friday, Ibit bounced back to enter the final round on Sunday atop the leaderboard by firing a five-under-par 66 on Saturday.

“After a great round yesterday, I really wanted to capitalize and come out with a win today. I started off really nice right off the bat and continued that to the back nine. Things started to go off the rails a little bit, but I was able to bring it back,” said Ibit. I knew that I definitely had the lead but there was someone who was posting some really good numbers, since they’re all good players, I’m really happy I was able to just keep in control of my emotions toward the stretch.”

Alissa Xu led from start to finish, with scores from both the first and second rounds of 70 and closed with two-over-par,  on her way to a two-shot victory and earn the NextGen Ontario Championship. “Its nice to see the results of all my hard work, all the coaching and struggles I went through actually paid off,” said Xu. 

Xu added “there was definitely more pressure toward the end but I’m glad that I was able to figure it out. I tired my best to focus on what was going on in the moment as opposed to what had happened in the past.”

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.

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.

The next stop in NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards will be at Athabasca Golf Club in Athabasca, Alb. for the NextGen Western Championship from June 9-11.

For the full results of the NextGen Ontario 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.

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.

Andy Pritchard, Rocky Crest Golf Club, Hole #5

My playing partners and good buddies, Rob White (Port Carling GC), Brent Kelly (Georgian Bay Club), Dan Brown (Georgian Bay Club) myself from (Georgian Bay Club) were the foursome for the day. The hole measured 135 yards. I used a 9 iron. One bounce and in!

Thanks again. 

Anthony DeMizio, Cherry Hill Club, Hole #16

I was with three friends, Blake, Adam and Jordan. Happened at Cherry Hill Golf Club on hole #16 which measured 138 yards.

My fourth career hole-in-one!

Anthony Dunn, White Sands, Hole #16

Anthony Dunn got his hole-in-one on May 21st while he was with his dad. They were celebrating his dad’s 70th birthday. What a gift that was to witness a son getting his hole-in-one on the first hole.

What a way to start the day of celebrations. They were playing at White Sands in Orleans.

Proud dad and mom!

Janyce (Anthony’s mom)

Barry Louks, Remington Parkview Golf and Country Club, Hole #17

It was on the 17th hole – 110 yards with a 9 iron. I played with Bob Forrester, Peter Littlejohn and Lloyd Ono. At the end of last year, Lloyd Ono had a hole-in-one on the upper course at Remington with the same group of old hockey players.

Barry Loucks

Bob Jones, Glencairn Golf Club, Hole #12

This is my third hole-in-one…still a bunch more to come. It was 177 yards with a 5 iron. I was playing with some great golfers: Swanny, Timmy, and JZ, who are all original members at Glencarin and great hosts.

All the best,

Bobby Jones

Brian Smolik, Inglewood Golf and Curling Club, Hole #15

The yardage was 162 and I hit a nice high 6 iron that landed about a foot from the hole and rolled in. First ace! I was playing with Rob Karch, Garth Caron, Jim Walsh and Calvin Traub.

Carson Foxcroft, Burlington Golf and Country Club, Hole #15

Details:

– Hole #15 at Burlington Golf & Country Club

– 167 yards

– 8 iron

– Back left pin placement

– Accompanied by Randy Ambrosie, Steve Foxcroft (who insisted it was off the back of the green) and JD Foxcroft (who insisted it was in the hole)!

Chris Gittleman, Roseland Golf and Curling Club, Hole #8

It was a tremendous moment. Quite a shock and thrill to watch that ball disappear.

I hit a 5 iron from 176 yards. Wind was slightly into and off the right. The flag was in the front left. The ball pitched once about five feet right of the flag and rolled in. I played with Joe Braidford and Andrew Butler, two guys I met on the first hole that day. The group on the 9th tee waiting to hit also saw it go in. It was a very special moment. It was my first ace and first time under par (35) as I found a way to make a par on nine right after all the commotion and celebration. I really enjoy being a member of Golf Canada for these neat reasons.

Chris Szostak, Surrey Golf Club, Hole #13

It was exciting to say the least!

I’m always trying for the ace, but when it happened, I was shocked that it did. I was playing with my regular “Firefighters Golf Club” (150+ members) in the Lower Mainland of B.C., at Surrey Golf and Country Club. I moved foursomes that day to balance the groups out as they were short one golfer, with my regular group right on our tails.

Two had teed off already and put their balls 15’ and 25’ feet from the pin.

My time to tee off, 148 yards, white flag, middle pin, slight head wind, 8 iron should do the trick! My natural shot shape is a slight butter cut, so the right edge of the bunker on the front left of the green was my target point. Perfect contact, good shot shape, though it was cutting a bit too much, it landed on the green about 18 feet from the pin and took one bounce then into the cup and disappeared!  For a split second it didn’t register that it went in, it happened so fast. The roars from myself, Mike Rudnisky, Mark Burton and Randy Simons were heard several holes away. I was told after “That wasn’t just a PIZZA KP celebration, that had to be a hole-in-one”, by another group on the fifth green.

Thank goodness our Firefighter golf club has hole-in-one insurance, so everyone in the club got a beer! Yes, I still did buy a couple rounds for my playing partners that day. Worth every penny.

Chris

Dave Worlin, Glendale Golf Club, Hole #2

I was playing with three of my buddies who are members: Marco DiCienzo, Connor MacTaggart and Chris Adoranti.I used to be a member as a junior and student, however, I started to work in Toronto so I couldn’t find the time to play enough to justify a membership at the adult rate. The yardage on the Bushnell was 162 downhill and playing downwind. The club I used was an 8 iron.

Thanks again,

Dave

Derek Jones, Beverly Golf and Country Club, Hole #4

It was my second hole-in-one. I was playing with my wife, Irene, and friends, John and Deb. The 4th hole at Beverly GCC was playing 158 and I used a 7 iron. The ball landed on the front of the green and took one hop and went in the hole.

The other members at Beverly were happy for me because they enjoyed free drinks in the clubhouse with the insurance!

Derek Jones

Don DesCotes, The Quarry, Hole #8

My hole-in-one came on Slate # 8 at The Quarry in Edmonton. I play from Deck 3 which indicated 138 yards. It was playing approximately 125 yards into a slight breeze. I used my 9 iron at about 80% of a full swing. I saw the ball bounce twice, roll, and disappear into the hole. I was playing with friends Ken and Lewis.

I am 67 years old and have been golfing for 45+ years. I have had some close calls, but this represents my one and only hole-in-one to date. I have shared it with my Facebook friends already, as this is a bucket list item for me.

Donna Rollier, Salmon Arm Golf Club, Hole #7

I got my hole-in-one on the 7th at the Championship Course at Salmon Arm Golf Club on May 21, 2023. I was playing with my husband Brian, my daughter Julie, and her partner Ross. I teed my ball up as it needed to carry the sand trap and then land close to the front pin. I couldn’t believe it when it landed and rolled into the cup! The hole is 114 yards off the bronze tees, and I used my 3 hybrid (the newest club in my bag). Seven and 21 have always been my lucky numbers!

Garrett Prosofsky, Elmwood Golf and Country Club, Hole #13

The hole was 172 yards. I used my 7 iron. Jeremy Schwartz, Slade Prosofsky and Keegan Percival played with me.

Guy Gaudet, Memramcook, Hole #14

My playing partners were Francis A LeBlanc and Vincent Poirier. Both are members at the club. The yardage was 148 (blue pin). I took an extra club, 7 iron, to make sure it would be deep enough. No one saw it go in due to sun going down (8 pm). When I got to the green there were two balls on the green, neither was mine. Thought it had to of rolled off the back. But with no ball in sight, I decided to take a look in the hole…there it was!

James Cooley, Abercrombie Country Club, Hole #5

Hey,

It was on hole #5 playing about 145-150 yards that morning. I hit my 50-degree wedge. I was playing with Darcy McSorley.

Cheers,

James

John Knieder, Summit Golf and Country Club, Hole #2

Hole-in-one occurred on the second hole at Summit Golf and Country Club.

Kyle Harris, Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, Hole #16

I was playing with my buddy Tyler Harrison and my dad Robert Harris. The yardage was 120 and I used a pitching wedge. Thanks for reaching it out.

Len Leveck, Briar Fox Golf Club, Hole #17

Hi guys,

After 55 years of playing golf, I finally scored a hole-in-one on the 17th hole at Briar Fox golf course in Marysville, Ontario. The hole is 185 yards from the whites, and I used my driver to accomplish this feat. What a shock when it went in. I was with my brother-in-law John who scored his first hole-in-one on the same hole using a driver two years ago, an amazing coincidence.

Len Leveck

Liam Waites, Willow Park, Hole #12

On May 22, 2023, I played a round of golf. The front nine was not my best but on hole #12 I hit my best iron shot of the day around six feet short of the pin and it rolled in. I was playing alone but on hole #12 the group of guys ahead of me let me play through and while they were standing on the tee box, I hit the hole-in-one. I believe it was 174 yards out, front left pin and I hit my 6 iron. The group of guys came on to the green to take my picture and witness it was in the hole. After that I carried on with my round.

Kind regards,

Liam Waites 

Linda Sambell, Nichlaus North Golf Club, Hole #2

The hole-in-one was on the second hole on May 12th with Donna Dunlop, Stuart Sambell and Nick Imregi. It was approximately 105 yards. I used an 8 iron and shot directly at the hole.

Kind regards.

Ling Wang, Skagit Golf and Country Club, Hole #14

Thank you so much. I was playing with a family friend from China. We were coming to Skagit area to watch the tulips festival. Our pro from Richmond Country Club helped us book the tee time. The 14th hole is 105 yards, and I used my pitching wedge. The ball landed on green and rolled in the hole. This is my first hole-in-one.

Regards,

Ling Wang

Lisa McLean, Richmond Hill Golf Club, Hole #17

Thank you for your note of congratulations. It was certainly an exciting moment for me. I was playing with the WIG (Women in Golf) league at Richmond Hill with my two buddies Christine Lomax and Nancy Hawkes. It was between 115-120 yards on hole #17 and I hit a perfect 6 iron. I was not certain it was in the hole until I got to the green! What a day to remember! I have been playing for 30+ years so nice bucket list item to check off.

Thanks,

Lisa

Liz Riches, Twenty Valley Golf and Country Club, Hole #16

My second hole-in-one, but the other one was about 30 years ago, so it seemed like my first! I was playing with Kathy, Sue and Tony on May 13th. My favourite 11 wood was the ticket that day. We followed my shot till it disappeared. Very exciting!

Louise LeClair, Brampton Golf Club, Hole #3

Thanks so much for the congratulatory greeting.

I am a relatively new golfer and joined the Brampton Golf Club “Intro to Golf Program” in 2022 and am totally loving it. On Monday, May 15^th my husband convinced me to go out for a quick nine while the kids were at their activities…man, am I ever glad he did!

On the 3^rd hole (94 yards) with my 7 iron, I hit my best shot yet! It was perfectly straight and took a short roll to the pin for a hole-in-one. Celebrations were limited as it was just the two of us, but word got around really quick. I am now looking forward to doing it again.

Lyonel Kawa, Elbow Springs Golf Club, Hole #16

It was one of those classic Calgary spring golf days. Beautiful and calm, heat and humidity, then heavy thunder showers, then wind, then sunny and calm, then lightning and rain again.

I was playing with Gerry and Bev Orr who are also members at Elbow Springs on the Elbow and Mountain nines.

I was playing well for a change and on our 7th hole (historically a nasty hole for most) I scoped the pin at around 184 yards from the blue tee box.

Of course, a big head wind picked up just as I was setting up and I switched from a 6 iron to my 4 hybrid which I teed up higher than normal to ensure I could get there over the sand while not flying the green into the trees.

I hit a nice draw starting out over the center and moving left tracking to the pin. I saw it bounce once and then disappear, as the actual hole was hidden by the bunker. I didn’t see it roll up the back side of the green so I felt it must be decent. With some hesitation I told my buddy that I was going to walk right up to that hole and take a look as if I thought it had a chance. You never want to talk it up too big as it likely would be five feet short!

We approached the green where we could finally see – no ball in sight – and I started getting excited, but afraid that I was setting myself up for a big disappointment. I essentially ran to the hole and when I saw the ball at the bottom of the cup, I gave a big ‘yeah baby’ and multiple fist pumps, everybody nearby started yelling.

Unbelievable! It felt incredible, especially because I wasn’t playing alone.

Marc Dunlop, BraeBen Golf Course, Hole #4

I would love to share my story and be featured. I put the ball three feet past the hole, and it had a little bit of back spin and dropped right in. It was an amazing experience. I used my pitching wedge.

Thanks,

Marc Dunlop

Marc Hebb, Hawk Ridge Golf Club, Hole #3

Thanks so much for reaching out and congratulating me on my hole-in-one! I was playing with my wife Brenda, and it was our first round of the year. There was a bit of a swirling wind when I stepped up to the blue tee deck, it was a middle flag but more towards the back of the green. I hit 8 iron a little bit thin, it was heading for the green a bit left of the flag. It landed on the front left portion of the green and took one big hop forward and right. It was rolling towards the flag, and I said, “this might be good” then it dropped right in! It’s so early in the season that it felt surreal. My wife got a picture of me taking the ball out of the hole and on the tee deck afterwards.

Another side story…this was my second hole-in-one in my lifetime. In 2012, I was in the golf management program in P.E.I. and was playing in October with another classmate at the Brudenell golf course. We started on the back nine, so it was hole #12. It was cool and an uphill shot, so I hit a 4 iron that was right on line. I didn’t see that one go in but when we got up there, I just saw a pitch mark and no ball, sure enough it was in the hole! Then, just last year I took my wife to P.E.I. to show her around and play some golf. We went to play Brudenell so I could show her where I got my hole-in-one. It must have been the energy in the air that day, but doesn’t she go and hole one on their picture hole #10 par three. The flag was in the back left corner behind the bunker, so we didn’t see it go in but got up there and it was in. A couple maintenance guys watched it go in and kept quiet until we got up to the green and they congratulated her. Kind of neat that we had our only hole-in-ones at the same course. I guess she’ll have to get one at Hawk Ridge now.

Matthieu Brassard, Meadowlands Golf Club, Hole #18

Thank you so much for the lovely congratulations! I was over the moon excited to finally hit my first ever ace!

I was golfing with a few friends, some of whom I’ve known for many years (Chris Germain and Clayton Mann).I was playing the white tees, so the distance was approximately 165 yards to the pin. I played with my 8-iron and gave it a nice smooth swing; with a nice soft draw it was lined right up with the flag. I knew that there was a hill before the green and thought I had seen my ball bounce short of the green. Chris disagreed immediately, stating that “dude, I’m pretty sure that went in.”. I dismissed him, not wanting to get ahead of myself. After approaching the green and not seeing my ball anywhere, I assumed I’d shot over, somehow. I decided, however foolishly, to look in the hole, and to my pure and utter elation, there was my ball!

I let out a massive scream of joy and jumped. Finally, after 26 years of golfing, I had hit my first hole-in-one; words can’t describe that feeling. Thank you once again for writing.

Kind regards,

Matthieu Brassard

Mel Hennigar, Silver Brooke Golf Club, Hole #3

It was 162 yards, and I used my 6 hybrid. It was one of those shots that you don’t think you hit very well but it worked out just fine.

I’m 66 years old and a member of the CGTF. This was my second hole-in-one. The other was about 20 years ago. Another lifetime ago it seems. I was in the Canadian military for over 23 years, then worked for a transportation company for approximately 22 years.

I retired two years ago and now spend my winters in Arizona where I golf at least five days a week meeting new people. Summers back in Ontario for the most part where I golf five to six days a week at Silver Brooke Golf Club. It’s a hidden gem that people are discovering.

Michael Meades, Wildwinds Golf Links, Hole #9

This is my third year as a member at Wildwinds. Now that I don’t work, I get over 100 rounds of golf in a year. I’ve been playing golf for over 40 years, but it’s only been in the last two years that I’ve got a hole-in-one. I got my first one last year on our shortest par 3 #15. This one was on #9 playing about 175 to the middle. This day it was playing about 185 (blue pin) in a slight wind. I didn’t hit the ball particularly far. I’m 67 years old with a bilateral knee replacement 14 years ago. On this hole, I used a 4 hybrid and landed on the green then it rolled right in. Only cost me $25 for a round of beers!

Hope you enjoy my story.

Michael Meades

Mike Hogan, Mountain Creek Golf Club, Hole #16

On May 11, 2023, I was golfing at Mountain Creek Golf Club near Arnprior, Ontario on men’s night. I was golfing with Tracy Armstrong, Wes Pugh and Kevin Richard. The 16th hole is 172 yards and I hit a 21 degree hybrid. I love my hybrids. I think the guys were more excited than I was. The foursome on the next tee came over to check it out and congratulate me. I had a hole-in-one on this same hole in 1998.

Thanks for your congratulations and interest. 

Nate Cox, Cabot Cliffs, Hole #9

Good morning,

Thank you very much for the message. The graphic is very nice!

I was playing with two of my cousins and a friend of ours. We were playing from the silver tees, and I think the yardage on the day to the hole was about 105. I hit a 3 hybrid because it was very windy, and I wanted to run something along the ground just to the front of the green. One of the guys in our group actually recorded it on video although you can’t see the ball going in on the video very well. I got a nice flag and hat from Cabot which are both hanging in my apartment. Thanks again for the message and the graphic!

Kind regards,

Nate Cox

Ray Portiss, The Oxford Hills, Hole #3

I made a hole-in-one on May 19, 2023, at The Oxford Hills in Mt. Elgin, Ontario at the third hole (125 yards). This was during the Oxford Hill-Bellies golf league. I used a pitching wedge and did not see the ball go into the cup. This is my second hole-in-one.

Richard Lefebvre, Hylands Golf Course, Hole #3

It was my first hole-in-one. It was on the par 3 North at Hylands golf course. Dean Goodwin was my witness. Unfortunately, it was on an elevated green, so I didn’t see it go in. I walked up to the green and thought it must have rolled off the back till I walked past the pin and saw it sitting in the cup. It was 105 yards, and I used my 6-iron since I am not a long hitter at my age (71).

Steven Martin, Blue Springs Golf Club, Hole #5

Thank you for the note. It was truly a bucket list fulfilling moment. I began golfing at age 13 with my father and have been looking forward to this accomplishment for fifty years.

My foursome was comprised of three of my best friends: Paul, Braedon Morrison and Greg Atkin.

The flag being at the back of the green with a posted 146 yards to the middle I used my 8 iron with a Titleist ball.

While I knew it was a good shot the hole was on a slope that caused me to lose sight of its final few yards and I walked up to the green thinking it was still requiring a putt. I even looked to the back of the green and almost on a lark I walked over and looked into the hole – the hairs on my arm stood up as I looked down into the hole!

Steve

Taylor Jones, Forest City National Golf Club, Hole #17

My hole-in-one was on the 17th hole of my home club, Forest City National. It happened to be on men’s league night on May 18th. I was playing with a fellow member Marco G. The hole is 120 yards, and the pin was in the front right playing around 101 yards. I hit a 56-degree wedge, the ball took one bounce short right of the pin, bounded beyond the hole and spun back to the left and fell into the cup! My apologies to the group on the adjacent 11th fairway for my slightly loud scream!

Thank you for reaching out!

Taylor Jones

Terence Wong, Country Hills Golf Club, Hole #16

I was playing with my lovely partner, Joan Li, and friends, John and Lori Ma on a smoky day at the Talon course of Country Hills GC. At hole #16, it was a red flag and played 132 yards. I used a 9 iron to play a high draw. Because of the smoke, I couldn’t follow my yellow ball until all of a sudden, a yellow ball dropped down in front of the pin and rolled into the hole. What a feeling!

Tim Robb, Port Colborne, Hole #10

Happy to share my third hole-in-one! Golfing with my men’s night group at Port Colborne Country Club. Hole #10 was playing 151 yards that day! 8 iron with two bounces hit the stick and fell! The first text was to my wife Wendy to let her know I caught up to her again with hole-in-one counts! Happy day!

KOMOKA, Ont. – Canada’s best student-athlete golfers will descend on FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont., for the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO from May 29 to June 2. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.

2023 marks the 19^th playing of the event, which was established in 2003 by Golf Canada to give the country’s best university and college golfers a chance to compete at a national championship.

The Fanshawe College Falcons will host the event this year for the second time since 2019, at the scenic FireRock Golf Club.

Designed by Thomas McBroom, FireRock features captivating landforms, ragged handmade bunkers, environmentally significant Savannah grasses and the Oxbow River valley, intertwining with existing gravel spoil piles.

“We are so thrilled to be able to host this National Championship again since hosting in 2019 and partner once again with Fanshawe College & Tourism London. This is a huge event for the City of London, and we are so honoured and privileged to host an event of this caliber,” said Amanda Cookson, Director of Golf Operations at FireRock Golf Club. “FireRock Golf Club since its inception in 2004 designed by Tom McBroom has only matured into the beauty that it is today. Many say that the course is intended specifically for tournament play of this level, and our staff & volunteers are well seasoned and excited to partake in such a prestigious event. The City of London is booming with golf, and we are so ecstatic to be able to showcase it to the elite golfers coming into town for this championship.”

The 20 teams competing in the Men’s division, including three wildcard teams, represent the following conferences (number of teams in brackets):

• Canada-West (6)
• Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (3)
• Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (4)
• Ontario University Athletics (7)

The Women’s division is comprised of 12 teams, including two wildcard teams from the following conferences (number of teams in brackets):

• Canada-West (4)
• Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (1)
• Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (2)
• Ontario University Athletics (5)

In addition, a limited amount of spots are available to individuals attending a Canadian post-secondary institution not otherwise entered through a team entry. A total of 10 individual players (six men and four women) will compete in the individual competition.

After the third round, 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.

Golf Canada prides itself on providing an opportunity for university and college players to compete at the highest level of national competition at the end of their seasons.

The 72-hole stroke play event was played last year at Golf-Château Bromont in Bromont, Que., the first University/College championship to play since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University of British Columbia enter this year’s tournament as the defending champions of both the men’s and women’s divisions. The Thunderbirds won the women’s team division for the fifth time in a row, and fifteenth time in the 18-year history of the event last year, while the men’s team earned their seventh banner since the inaugural event in 2003.

Aidan Schumer and Sonja Tang were crowned champions of the men’s and women’s individual events, respectively.

Last year, the Thunderbirds women’s 98 stoke triumph set the record for the largest margin of victory since 2004 and capped off a perfect season of 12 tournament wins. The team of Sonja Tang, Élizabeth Labbé, Shania Remandaban and Grace Bell finished off a wire-to-wire win with a final round 3-over par, 219.

For the men, team captain Ethan De Graaf, Aiden Schumer, Mackenzie Bickell, Russell Howlett and Dylan MacDonald combined for a tournament score of 7-under par, 1145 for an eight-stroke victory over the Université de Laval Rouge et Or (1-over par, 1153). The University of Victoria Vikes rounded out the top three at a total of 8-over par, 1160.

Multiple winners of the event include Christina Spence (2007 & 2008), Kat Kennedy (2016 & 2017) and Evan Holmes (2015 & 2017).

For more information about the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship, including the player list, pairings and leaderboards, click here.

MEN’S TEAMS

Bishop’s University Gaiters

Fanshawe College Falcons (Host Institution)

Georgian College Grizzlies

Humber College Hawks

Laurentian University Voyageurs

McGill University Redbirds

McMaster University Marauders

Université du Montréal Carabins

Université Laval Rouge et Or

University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat

University of British Columbia Thunderbirds

University of Calgary Dinos

University of Fraser Valley Cascades

University of Guelph Gryphons

University of Manitoba Bisons

University of Toronto Varsity Blues

University of Victoria Vikes

University of Waterloo Warriors

University of Windsor Lancers

Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks

WOMEN’S TEAMS

Humber College Hawks

Université Laval Rouge et Or

University of British Columbia Thunderbirds

University of Fraser Valley Cascades  

University of Montreal Carabins

University of Toronto Varsity Blues

University of Victoria Vikes

University of Waterloo Warriors

University of Western Mustangs

University of Windsor Lancers

Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks

Rose Zhang dominated amateur golf like no other female in the modern game. Now the Stanford star is ready to take on the best.

Zhang announced Friday she is turning pro, ending an amateur career in which the 20-year-old sophomore set the Stanford record with 12 wins — one more than Tiger Woods — in only 20 tournaments.

She won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, followed that with her second straight NCAA titles and was No. 1 in the amateur world ranking for 141 weeks, another record.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rose Zhang (@rosezhang)

She will have no shortage of opportunities — the remaining four majors, including the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s British Open — have given her special exemptions.

The Women’s Open is at Pebble Beach, the most iconic of U.S. Open venues, for the first time. While no longer an amateur, Zhang is the first player to get a special invitation to the U.S. Women’s Open without having LPGA status since Michelle Wie West.

“This is a big moment for our sport, and I’m very appreciative of the USGA for the opportunity to be part of it,” Zhang said.

Even rarer is getting an invitation to the Women’s British.

“Rose Zhang is an incredibly talented golfer who has already written her name into the history books as an amateur golfer,” said Martin Slumbers, the CEO of the R&A. “It is very rare that we grant a special exemption for the AIG Women’s Open but we believe that Rose’s exceptional achievements to date warrant her inclusion in the field at Walton Heath.”

Zhang will make her debut next week in the Mizuho Americas Open, a new tournament hosted by Michelle Wie West at Liberty National in New Jersey.

“Rose is one of the greatest amateur golfers in the history of the sport – male or female – and we are thrilled to welcome her into our field,” said Jerry Rizzieri, the president and CEO of Mizuho Securities USA.

It was an example of the hype that Zhang brings with her to the professional game. But then, she has been facing expectations ever since she won the U.S. Women’s Amateur and the U.S. Girls Junior. She was the eighth player to win both, but the first to win the Women’s Amateur (at age 17) before the Junior.

Along with the two NCAA titles — Stanford won the team title last year — the final piece of an incomparable career was the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, already among the elite amateur events because it is held at the home of the Masters.

She also will player the Kroger Queen City Championship in Cincinnati, an event run by Excel Sports, the management agency with whom she signed.

Zhang grew up in Irvine, California, and spent two years at Stanford. Her 12 career titles — the last won was the NCAA — broke the record previously held by Tiger Woods, Patrick Rodgers and Maverick McNealy. She tied the Pac-12 record set by Lorena Ochoa at Arizona.

Zhang first reached No. 1 in the women’s amateur ranking in September 2020. She broke Lydia Ko’s record of 130 consecutive weeks at No. 1, and overall record (141 weeks) that was set by Leona Maguire.

Along with the two Opens, the KPMG Women’s PGA at Baltusrol and the Amundi Evian Championship in France, Zhang has accepted invitations to play the Dana Open near Toledo, Ohio, and the CPKC Women’s Open. She could qualify for other LPGA events by finishing in the top 10.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CPKC Women's Open (@cpkcwomensopen)

While turning pro, Zhang said she would finish her degree at Stanford.

(May 25, 2023) – A trio of PGA TOUR stars and fan-favourites will compete at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto as 11-time PGA TOUR winner Justin Rose, world no. 18 Tyrrell Hatton and 3-time PGA TOUR winner Cameron Champ have joined the field for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.

Rose, who will make his fifth start in the RBC Canadian Open, is currently ranked No. 22 on the FedEx Cup and no. 29 in the world. A European stalwart with the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour, Rose is a former US Open winner, past FedEx Cup champion, and gold medalist at the 2016 Olympics. He has four PGA TOUR top-10s this season including a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, T6 at The Players and T9 at the PGA Championship.

Fellow Englishman Hatton, who will make his second start in Canada, is a past winner on the PGA TOUR who sits no. 19 on the FedEx Cup and no. 18 in the world. The two-time Ryder Cup member and DP World Tour standout has five top-10s this season including a T6 at the WM Phoenix Open, T4 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, solo second at The Players Championship, T3 at the Wells Fargo Championship, and T5 at the Byron Nelson Championship.  

One of the longest hitters on the PGA TOUR, Champ makes his third start in the RBC Canadian Open. A three-time winner on the PGA TOUR, Champ has a pair of top-10s on the season including solo eight at the Zozo Championship and T8 at the Mexico Open.  

Rose, Hatton, and Champ join a growing field headlined by two-time defending champion and world no. 3 Rory McIlroy who will be looking to become the first player to win three consecutive RBC Canadian Open titles. Others previously committed include reigning US Open and RBC Heritage champion Matthew Fitzpatrick (world no. 9) along with fellow European stars Tommy Fleetwood (world no. 23) and Shane Lowry (world no. 26).  

The group will compete alongside Team RBC ambassadors Sam Burns (world no. 14), Cameron Young (world no. 16), Sahith Theegala (world no. 27), seven-time PGA TOUR winner Webb Simpson, and nine-time PGA TOUR winner Matt Kuchar.

A full Canadian contingent will also challenge for the national championship led by PGA TOUR winners Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont. (world no. 28), Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. (world no. 58), Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. (world no. 62), Nick Taylor of Abbottsford, B.C. (world no. 66), and Adam Hadwin of Abbottsford, B.C. (world no. 71) as well as fellow PGA TOUR members Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. and Michael Gligic of Burlington, 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 pop 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.

It’s human nature to be attracted to the best-of people.

Quickly proven but no-less surprising, a Class ‘A’ Specialization from the PGA of Canada can help enhance profile, service offering, and in turn, help drive more revenue and awareness to a club’s facility.

The introduction of Specializations continues to enhance a commitment to members, employers, and hiring managers to ensure that PGA of Canada pros are trained to the best of their ability based on their role and desired personal and professional growth. You don’t have to look too far to find the best of the best.

“Clubs and facilities want the best teachers, coaches and the best operations people to help the golf community,” says Nelson Inacio, the career development manager at the PGA of Canada. “Pros with Specialization add an extra layer of expertise, making them that much better and that much more connected to the golfing community they serve.

“They bring (facilities) stronger, world-class operations from end-to-end, and at the end of the day, that translates to more profitability for these clubs.”

There are four umbrellas for Specializations – Golf Operations, Management & Leadership, Teaching, and Coaching. With a tighter hiring marketplace, candidates that are looking to differentiate themselves would do well to acquire these badges of distinction, according to Inacio.

Potential candidates can acquire more than one Specialization and, with PGA of Canada pros believing in themselves and broadening their personal value proposition, an employer can reap the benefit of that expertise and what it brings to them and their club or facility at the end of the day. With a Class ‘A’ professional that has one or more Specializations, there is now an added layer of professionalism to their craft.

“As with any professional, subject-matter experts are highly acclaimed – whether it be Golf Operations or Teaching/Coaching or Management Leadership – earning that badge of distinction, not only have they achieved something academically, but they have a real-world understanding of what it takes to be a stellar professional and support those niches,” says Inacio.

There are plenty of professionals who have accelerated their efforts through the PGA of Canada thanks to Specializations, including Ann Carroll – a 32-year member of the PGA who is a teaching specialist. Carroll has a junior girls’ golf academy, is the head coach at the Ann Carroll Golf Academy, and works with over 100 clients at Toronto’s Lambton Golf Club.

She’s been able to see a direct correlation from her in-demand teachings to club revenue. Carroll says she sells upwards of 20 sets of clubs per year to students – money that goes directly to the pro shop. There’s also been people who have joined the club after spending so much time there with a family member taking lessons from Carroll.

“With my experience […] I found people will travel very far – two or three hours in the car – spend a couple hours with me and tee it up on the course, have some drinks after, maybe buy some things at the golf course. People just want to use the whole facility,” says Carroll. “The trickle-down effect is incredible.”

Another PGA of Canada National Award Winner, Doug Lawrie, says “influence” is a key thing that comes out of seeing a PGA of Canada pro with a Specialization at a club. The person members or the public sees first and foremost is likely that teaching professional on the driving range, because they are out there for nine or ten hours per day, “helping people love the game.”

That person is an authoritative figure – in the best of ways.

“We influence buying, memberships, spending, it’s something that is a major value because if people are trying to improve their game, I’m going to recommend they get fit and improve their equipment,” says Lawrie. “The other cool part is if you get people taking up memberships, you get a bigger membership and more dollar value. Parents will invest more in their kids because they want them to prosper and learn and be the best at the sport that they love. So, it spreads out like cracks on the ice, and it really does ripple.

“You get a bigger buy in, people hear about it and they see the bags with the crest on it and people ask, ‘where is that?’”

It doesn’t take long to bare witness to how a specialized pro can help drive success at a club. Look at Dean Manz and his effort at Red Deer Golf and Country Club. Manz, a Class ‘A’ Member since 2007 and who has a

Specialization in Golf Operations, helped drive pro shop revenue at his Alberta club by 200 percent over a three-year span.

As a long-time PGA of Canada pro himself, Manz says getting to know his members is key. Building a relationship with them means a good chance to earn their business.

He encouraged the club to invest in another PGA of Canada pro on his team who had a specialized skill set, laser-like on promoting and growing the game. He couldn’t recommend hiring a PGA of Canada pro more.

“It’s the only way to go,” Manz says, “if you are looking to take your club to the next level.”

Bromont, QC – Despite rainy weather conditions, Dom Lalonde from Chateauguay, Que. shot a 5-under, 67 to top the list of golfers that have advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on June 4 at Coppinwood Golf Club.

Lalonde carded five birdies in a bogey free round on Wednesday at Golf Château Bromont in Bromont, Que. Max Gilbert from St-Georges, Que. shot a 3-under round of 69 and recorded five birdies including three straight from holes six through eight.

The top 15% of the field have advanced to the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier, direct exemptions are given when the starting field consists of 120 or more golfers.

RBC Canadian Open Quebec Regional Qualifier Results:

There is one RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier remaining on the schedule. The final qualifier is scheduled for Monday, May 29 at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club in Calgary.

For the full leaderboard click here.

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

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

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

156 of Canada’s top junior golfers to compete over 54 holes on the Trent Canal, with exemptions into the Canadian Junior Boys and Girls Championships on the line.

Golf Canada’s 2023 championship season continues Friday, May 26, at Peterborough Golf and Country Club in Peterborough, Ontario. With the NextGen Ontario Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards.

The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Thursday, May 25, and championship rounds beginning on Friday, May 26. After the second round on Saturday, the field will be reduced to the low 49 Junior Boys and top 22 Junior Girls, including ties, for the final round which wraps up on Sunday, May 28.         

The starting field will feature 156 male and female competitors – 108 Junior Boys and 48 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 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.

Golf Canada is proud to return to the stunning Peterborough Golf and Country Club after successfully hosting several prestigious amateur competitions, including the 2015 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship. Peterborough consulted legendary Canadian course architect Stanley Thompson to design what is now their 18-hole layout in 1929. With its diverse mixture of mature trees and spectacular views on the Trent Canal it offers a walkable player-friendly layout, proving to challenge the country’s best golfers.

“As Peterborough Golf and Country Club enters its 126^th year, we are extremely excited to welcome the next generation of Canadian Golf talent. We have had the continuous support of all the staff and membership who recognize how important the Golf Canada Next Generation Tournament is to Peterborough Golf and Country Club,” said Kurtis Sweeting, Sports Director and Head Professional, Peterborough Golf and Country Club. “PGCC has been pursuing excellence over numerous years to provide its membership with the highest quality golf and facilities as one of the only private clubs in the area. Adorned with nature, one can recognize the heritage that Peterborough Golf and Country Club stands on. This Next Generation tournament speaks to intertwining the past, present and future of Peterborough Golf and Country Club as we look forward to welcoming all participants. The spirit of golf truly lives at Peterborough Golf and Country Club.”

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Ontario 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 Pacific 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.

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – Brooks Koepka had a 4-under 66 – the low round at Oak Hill for the second straight day – and leads the 2023 PGA Championship by one shot over Viktor Hovland and Canada’s Corey Conners heading into the final round.

But Koepka won’t have it easy.

Conners played Oak Hill like a U.S. Open – that’s what this PGA Championship feels like – by opening with two birdies and 13 pars that kept him in front for so much of the wet, gruelling day. And then one swing changed everything.

He was in a bunker right of the 16th fairway when he hit the ball so thin that it disappeared into the lip of the soggy turf. It was plugged deep in the sod, and Conners had to drop it in gnarly rough on top of a mound framing the bunker. He did well to advance that toward the green into more thick grass and took double bogey.

Conners, in control for so long, had to settle for a 70.

Hovland overcame mistakes early with three birdies in a five-hole stretch around the turn. But then the Norwegian failed to take advantage of the scoring stretch – Nos. 13, 14 and 15 – and took bogey from the bunker on the 18th hole for a 70.

He will be in the final group of a major for the second time. Hovland was tied with Rory McIlroy at St. Andrews last summer and closed with a 74.

Missing from all this activity was Scottie Scheffler, the No. 2 player in the world, who started with two straight bogeys and didn’t make a birdie _ his only one of the round – until the 14th hole. He shot a 73, but is still very much in the mix.

So is Bryson DeChambeau, who played with Koepka and took double bogey on the sixth hole for the second straight day. He ground out a 70 and was three shots behind.

McIlroy was about like the weather – promising and then bleak – during a wild round that ended with a par save for a 69. He was among only seven players under still under par, but still five shots behind the four-time major champion Koepka.

Oak Hill in pleasant weather has been a brute. Rain came down at the start of play and never really let up except for a brief burst of sunshine and shadows, and then the showers returned. Fairways were framed by umbrellas. The rough was thick and wet. McIlroy was among players who wore their caps backward to keep rain from dripping off the bill.

Fellow Canadians Adam Svensson and Taylor Pendrith are sitting tied for 20th at +3, 9-shots back of leader Koepka.

Conners following his round

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, it was a really solid day. I managed my game well in the difficult conditions, and yeah, happy with the round. It was a fun battle out there and very difficult.

Q. On 16, it went from a flawless round to a bizarre situation. Did you know right away the ball was buried, or did you think it maybe skipped off, or what do you think in the moment?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, I didn’t make great contact there. I saw everybody looking up in the air. I did that as well. I thought it maybe skipped up. But you know, didn’t see anything land and was pretty certain it was embedded there. The ball was below my feet and didn’t quite adjust for that. Wish I could have that one back.

Q. Was there anything you did or talked over with Danny afterwards to try to clear your head going to the next hole?

COREY CONNERS: We had a laugh about it, really. It was an unfortunate situation and a poor shot. Didn’t really affect the last few holes. Just tried to give myself a couple looks on 17 and 18.

Q. Are you happier with your score or maybe how you mentally handled everything today, including the weather?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, equally both, I would say. I managed my calmness and freedom out there pretty well despite the challenges through the weather. I’m happy with how I handled myself, and also pretty happy with the score.

Q. You’re only one shot back heading into the last round of a major championship. Just in terms of your approach to tomorrow, how are you feeling going into the final round?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, I played solid the last few days, so just trying to do more of the same and have some fun out there and play with freedom.

Q. Looking back on it, what happened at 16, do you find that as a pretty significant break that it actually did embed, versus what could have happened?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, if it wasn’t embedded, it was a pretty steep bank. I don’t think it would have stayed on there, but yeah, was able to get a free drop, and yeah, maybe got a break.

Q. Were you comfortable with how it worked out, where you would have to drop, so forth and so on?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, if I could have dropped it on the side closest to the fairway, I might have had a better stance there, but it was pretty clear once we took a look that it was going to be closer to the hole and had to drop no closer to the hole. I put myself in a difficult spot there, but you know, just got to follow the rules.

Q. What was your approach to the 6th hole, and how do you think you did on the front nine? Did you do as well as you hoped to do?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, I got off to a great start. Was really steady on the front nine. The sixth hole had a 5-iron and was basically trying to mid the middle of the green. Just pulled it a little bit but got it on the green which is a big plus.

Q. If someone had said to you at the start of this week, you are one shot back going into the final round of a major, what would your response have been?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, sounds pretty sweet to me.

Q. What would winning a major mean to you and Canadian sport?

COREY CONNERS: Yeah, watching Mike Weir win the Masters in 2003 was huge, and it would mean a lot to me and I’m sure a lot to people across Canada. I will be playing hard tomorrow, but I’m trying to have some fun out there.

Q. How much has he inspired your career?

COREY CONNERS: Incredibly. He was 11 years old when he won the Masters, just getting into competitive golf. I think he really definitely inspired me to want to make it as a pro.