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.

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