TORONTO (September 26, 2023) – Golf Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee have announced Canada’s golf team nominated to compete at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.

The Team Canada golf team for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games is:

Athletes

• Selena Costabile (Thornhill, Ont.)
• Myles Creighton (Digby, N.S.)
• Étienne Papineau (St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Que.)
• Alena Sharp (Hamilton, Ont.)

The four athletes qualified for Team Canada based on their standing through their respective World Golf Ranking, with considerations for 2023 performance as well competition schedules on the global golf calendar. Santiago 2023 will mark the Pan American Games debut for all four athletes.

Sharp, a two-time Olympian (Rio 2016 & Tokyo 2020) and long-time LPGA Tour member, recently made her 18^th appearance at the CPKC Women’s Open where she finished tied for 36^th. Sharp won the 2023 ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada and is ranked 12^th on the 2023 Epson Tour points list in a season that features a victory and four other top-10 finishes.

“I am honoured to represent Canada at the Pan Am Games and take great pride in representing my country,” said Sharp. “In recent years I’ve tried to help and mentor younger Canadians coming up through the professional ranks and I’m looking forward to competing in Santiago alongside Selena. We’ve spent time together this year, I know we will have a great time, and we hope to bring a medal home for Canada.” 

Costabile, a member of Golf Canada’s national team, currently sits 65^th on the 2023 Epson Tour points list where she has three top-10 finishes. The 25-year-old turned professional in 2018 and will be competing in a major multi-sport Games for the first time ever.

Creighton, 27, turned professional in 2018 and will go into Chile riding a stellar 2023 season on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica with nine cuts made in 12 events played, including a win, two third-place finishes, and five top-10s overall. A member of Golf Canada’s national team program, Creighton finished second on the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica ranking to earn conditional 2024 Korn Ferry Tour membership. He also made the cut in three of five events played on PGA TOUR Canada, including two top-10 finishes.

Papineau, 27, who turned professional in 2022, is coming off a great season on PGA TOUR Canada that included a victory, five top-10 finishes, and 16 of 21 event cuts made. The National Team member finished fourth on PGA TOUR Canada’s Fortinet Cup standings to earn conditional status on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour. 

Golf joined the Pan American Games program at Toronto 2015. At Lima 2019, Team Canada won its first and only Pan Am Games medal in golf — a bronze – by Austin Connelly, Mary Parsons, Joey Savoie and Brigitte Thibeault in the mixed team event. At Santiago 2023, golf will have individual events only.

Golf Canada’s Manager of High Performance Sport, Emily Phoenix, believes the Canadian squad brings a strong balance of global competitive experience and a collective passion to represent Canada in the multi-sport Pan American Games. 

“Our team is well constructed with athletes who bring strong experiences and are playing well on the global golf stage in what has been one of the most successful seasons in Canadian professional golf history,” said Phoenix. “Selena will lean on Alena’s veteran presence as a two-time Olympian, and both Étienne and Myles have played great on their respective tours this season, especially Myles with a great comfort competing in Latin America. In Santiago, I’m confident that they will be up to the moment in representing Canadian golf.”

Golf will take place November 2-5 (Day 18 to 21) at the Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago, Chile.

“Welcome, Team Canada golfers! In a sea of swings and putts, you’ve brought the perfect balance of precision and patience to the Pan Am Games,” said Christine Girard, Team Canada’s Santiago 2023 Chef de Mission. “Let’s tee off with enthusiasm and enjoy every moment on the green.” 

Team Canada’s golf coaching and support staff for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games are:

Jennifer Greggain (Vancouver, B.C.) – Associate Coach, Team Canada – Women
Matthew Scanzano (Oakville, Ont.) – Golf Canada High Performance Coordinator

*Each of the participating athletes will be supported by a local club caddie.

Prior to being named to Team Canada, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Organisations.

The latest Team Canada Santiago 2023 roster can be found here.

Oakville, Ont. – Golf Canada is proud to announce the six athletes that will represent Team Canada at the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships. The tournament is being held at the National Course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with the men’s competition take place October 18 – 21 and the women’s tournament running October 25 – 28.

Representing Canada on the men’s side competing for the Eisenhower Trophy will be Piercen Hunt, 22, of Hartland, Wis., Ashton McCulloch, 21, of Kingston, Ont., and Brady McKinlay, 22, of Lacombe, Alta. The team will be led by Team Canada Men’s Assistant Coach, Benoit Lemieux.

On the women’s team, competing for the Espirito Santo Trophy will be Lauren Kim, 18, of Surrey, B.C., Monet Chun, 22, of Richmond Hill, Ont., and Katie Cranston, 19, of Oakville, Ont. The team will be led by Team Canada Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach, Salimah Mussani.

“The 2023 editions of Team Canada feature deserving players that have had successful seasons and we are excited to watch them compete in Abu Dhabi and know that they will represent Canada proudly,” said Emily Phoenix, Golf Canada Manager of High Performance. “The World Amateur Team Championships provides our athletes with an incredible opportunity to test their skills against the top amateur golfers from around the world.”

Team Canada has enjoyed past success with both the men’s and women’s teams earning multiple podium finishes. The men’s side has won one gold medal (1986), five silver medals (2014, 2006, 1978, 1964, 1962) and one bronze (1986). The women’s team has won four silver medals in tournament history (2014, 2004, 1978, 1966).

The biennial international amateur competition is conducted by the International Golf Federation, which comprises the national governing bodies of golf in 149 countries. Each team will feature three players and will compete over 72-holes of stroke play. In each round, the two lowest scores will count towards the team’s score for the day.

The 2025 World Amateur Team Championship will be held in Singapore and the top-10 teams from 2023 will earn automatic qualification.

Men’s Team Bios:

Piercen Hunt – 22 years old – Hartland, Wis.

Hunt is in his second year as a Team Canada member and is currently the highest ranked Canadian male player on the World Amateur Golf Rankings. The senior at the University of Illinois, earned two top-5 finishes last season in NCAA tournament play.

Ashton McCulloch – 21 years old – Kingston, Ont.

McCulloch is currently in his third year with Team Canada and won the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur, earning an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open. The Michigan State Junior also finished T2 in the Ontario Men’s Amateur and earned a 7th place finish at the Glencoe Invitational earlier this summer.

Brady McKinlay – 22 years old – Lacombe, Alta.

McKinlay won four individual collegiate events as a senior at Utah Valley and qualified for the 2023 NCAA Championships as an individual. This summer, McKinlay finished T5 at the Canadian Men’s Amateur and third in the Alberta Men’s Amateur.

Women’s Team Bios:

Lauren Kim – 18 years old – Surrey, B.C.

Kim is in her third year as a member of Team Canada, and just entered her first year at the University of Texas at Austin. Kim won the 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur in Halifax and is the low Canadian on the women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking. This season, Kim qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Women’s Amateur and U.S. Junior Girls championships in addition to competing at the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open. This marks the second year that Kim has been selected for the World Amateur Team.

Monet Chun – 22 years old – Richmond Hill, Ont.

Chun is in her sixth year as a member of Team Canada, and in her senior year at the University of Michigan. This season Chun became the first Canadian to make the cut at the Augusta Women’s National Amateur, earning a top-20 finish. In addition, Chun made the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open and finished T7 at the 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur where she was defending champion.

Katie Cranston – 19 years old – Oakville, Ont.

Cranston, a three-year member of Team Canada is a sophomore at Auburn University. This season, Cranston advanced to the round of 32 at both the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and The R&A Women’s Amateur Championship, along with finishing 9th at the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. This summer, Cranston also competed at her second consecutive CPKC Women’s Open.

Sherbrooke, Que. – Rosie Bee Kim and Chase Jerome have won the NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards at Club de Golf Milby in Sherbrooke, Que.

In the Junior Girls Division, Kim of Edmonton, finished strong with a 2-under 70 on Sunday to secure the wire-to-wire victory and finished nine shots clear of Léonie Tavares of St. Jérôme, Que. (8-over).

Kim fired rounds of 72-73-70-215, finishing at 1-under to win the tournament and secure her spot in the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship. Kim also won the 2022 NextGen Fall Series West Championship last fall. Joining Kim at the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship will be Tavares and Grace Anderson of Burlington, Ont. who placed third at 9-over.

Tavares won the Bantam Girls Division by 25 shots over Kate Guo of Knowlton, Que. following rounds of 77-74-73-224 (8-over).

In the Junior Boys Division, Jerome of Ottawa, edged out Cameron Robitaille of Saint-Hyacinthe, Que. by one-shot to win the championship and book his place in the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship. Jerome grabbed the lead on Saturday and held on, finishing even par for the tournament with rounds of 73-68-75-216. Jerome also won the Bantam Boys Division by nine shots over Oscar Ricketts of Pointe Claire, Que.

Robitaille finished 1-over to finish in second and earned his spot in the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship. Joining Jerome and Robitaille is Nicholas Girard of Boucherville, Que. who finished third at 3-over.

The field of 99 amateur golfers (81 Junior Boys and 18 Junior Girls) competed over 54-holes for three spots each into their respective Canadian Junior Championships next summer.

There will be one final stop on the NextGen schedule for this year with the NextGen Fall Series West Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, taking place from October 5 – 7 at The Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey, B.C.

For the final leaderboards in the NextGen Fall Series East 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 Championship series and 2023 results, click here.

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.

Art Wilkinson, Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club, Hole #16

It was 148 yards and I hit my 7 iron.

Bev Jensen, Surrey Golf Club, Hole #13

It was a white flag, 142 yards. I used my 6 iron and my Titleist ProV1 ball.

Bill Small, The Lakes Golf Club, Hole #8

It was 145 yards with my 7 iron. I played with Simon MacDonald, Glenn Usher and Bill Murphy.

Christine Cheng, Hautes Plaines, Hole #3

Hole #3 is a par 3 with an elevated green so you can’t see the hole from the tees. From the red tees it was 113 yards with a blue flag. I hit a great shot with my 9 iron. We saw my ball hit the front of the green and it took a big bounce. When we got to the green, we couldn’t find my ball, so we looked in the brush and trees behind the green. Since no one was behind us, we looked for about five minutes without success when I finally decided to drop a second ball and take a penalty. At that moment, my husband called our playing partner over to the green because he wanted to “show him something”. I followed and when we looked in the cup, there was my yellow and black chrome soft ball. My husband’s father always told him that if you can’t find the ball, check the cup. My husband has found three holes-in-one that way! We were so excited that after taking photos, our playing partner got to his golf cart and realized he hadn’t even putt his ball which was still on the green! Since it was ladies’ night at the club we finished our round, 50 women celebrated my hole-in-one with a free drink! It was such a memorable and unforgettable experience.

Claire Lawrence, Revelstoke Golf Club, Hole #17

It was my first ever hole-in-one and I was playing with two guys from Alberta who were on a golf tour in B.C.

It was hole #17 at Revelstoke from the green tees, so 92 yards. With water and a sand trap in front of the green I took an 8 iron as you can be long, but you most definitely do not want to be short.

The ball flight was perfect, nice and straight and high over the water. It hit the front of the green and felt like it just steadily rolled until we couldn’t see it anymore.

The guys celebrated louder than I did. I didn’t want to get excited until I saw it was for sure in the hole.

Craig Harkness, Eaglequest Grandview Golf and Country Club, Hole #12

I was with Ken and Faun Doctor and Ron. I used my 9 iron into the wind, the yardage was 129.

Dave Gignac, Thames Valley Golf Course, Hole #8

I played with Jeff Skinner, Neil MacMillan and Joe Speed. The 8^th hole was 152 yards that day and I used an 8 iron for the shot.

Debbie Dyck, Two Eagles Golf Course, Hole #2

I was golfing with friends Gary and Shannon Abbott and Ken Koemsted. The yardage was 133 and I used a hybrid 5 wood. Gary and Shannon bought a ball marker for me. They went to retrieve the scorecard from a cart and the starter asked if they were with the person who got a hole-in-one and when they confirmed they were he gave them another ball marker. An anonymous golfer in the area of the hole had purchased one for me. We were very impressed with that random act of kindness from another golfer.

George Watson, Cranbrook Golf Club, Hole #17

I am a 76-year-old who has been playing golf since I was 4. I was blessed by parents who brought me into the game when I was very young and encouraged me to play it throughout my life. My Dad was my coach forever, and I was fortunate enough to have won Club Championships at Vernon, Windsor Park (Winnipeg), Ft. Nelson, and Cranbrook. I love the game and feel very fortunate to still be able to play three to four times a week.

On Tuesday, August 29th, I came to the 17th at St. Eugene hitting the ball decently, but not scoring particularly well. My friend, Gerry White, hit a really nice shot that appeared to be a little left of the pin, but about five or six feet away. He told me he left space for my shot.

The 17th was playing 158 yards, with the middle pin set about 30 feet behind the front bunker. I hit a nice high 9 wood that looked pretty good from the time it left my club. I lost sight of it when it landed, but Gerry said, “it’s in!” To be truthful, I thought he was pulling my leg. I got in my cart and headed for the green. Gerry and my other great friend, and next-door neighbor, Pat Koski, headed to the green in the other cart.

When I got to the green, I could not see my ball, but thought it might be over the green, so I grabbed my putter and my wedge, and walked onto the surface. Gerry said, “you won’t be needing either of those.” So, I walked to the hole, looked down, and there it was.

Many thanks to Gerry and Pat who witnessed the shot, and to Cindy, Mike and the St. Eugene Pro Shop staff for all their enthusiastic support and congratulations.

Jane Wallbridge, King Valley Golf Club, Hole #12

Wednesday is Ladies’ Day at King Valley. I was paired with Sandy Cho and Tina Morrison. The game for the day was “Pink Ball” so each team was given a pink ball. Each player had to take their turn playing with the pink ball as we rotated every third hole. Whichever team returned the pink ball to the clubhouse at the end of the game was given a prize. It was my turn to play the pink ball on hole #12, par three 103 yards over water. I took my 9 iron and hit away! It landed and rolled right into the cup. We were watching from the tee box and could not quite believe it was in the hole. But when I got to the green and did not see the pink ball on the green, I looked in the cup and there it was sitting at the bottom! This is my third hole-in-one at King Valley. The first was on hole #16 in 2013, the second on hole #7 in 2021.

Jerry Gildemeester, University Golf Club, Hole #7

September 13, hole #7, University GC.Senior Men’s Midweek. From 121 yards and used a pitching wedge. Played with M. Fryzuk, P.Kaushal, B. McAfee. Fryzuk and I looked at each other and said “did that go in? I think it is in the hole.”

My 3rd hole-in-one.

Jocelyn McInnis, Olds Golf Club, Hole #16

This is my third hole-in-one in three years. This one was different than the first two. It was not exactly the perfect shot, but it had the right line and bounced onto the green then caught the pin dead on and in. It would have been off the green. This is my second on this hole from the silver tees. The par 3 was 125 yards.

John Gray, Burlington Springs Golf, Hole #3

As we approached the third hole at Burlington Springs Golf Club which was playing 146 yards, I hit a six iron and watched as it one hopped into the hole. This was much to the delight of my playing partners Ross Banford, Chuck Alcote and Murray Depape. We then realized how lucky we are to be playing this game.

Karen Biskey, Burlington Golf and Country Club, Hole #6

It was a hot Thursday, September 7, 2023, and I was playing with Leslie, Iva and Judy. Leslie and I were playing the white tees and Judy and Iva were playing the reds. Our group plays ready golf, and I was the first to tee off #6. I tend to jump up to the tee. The yardage that day was 129 and I pulled out my favourite club, my Callaway Maverick 11 wood.

The pin was left of center and my tee shot flew the bunker and landed softly to the left of the pin. We were all watching as the ball rolled toward the hole and I started thinking “this just might go in” and then it disappeared! The four of us erupted for at least five minutes of cheering and jumping up and down.  I then went on to take a 9 on the 7th hole (par 5) so the golf gods kept me humble. I started to calm down by the 8th hole and finished my round with my usual 90.

Kyle Shaw, Spring Creek Golf Club, Hole #9

My first ever hole-in-one at 53 years of age. It was the ninth hole playing 157 yards to the pin and I used my 7 iron. I knew I hit it well but due to sunset and shade areas on green I lost the ball once it hit the green. My buddy James said, “that’s in!” I looked with my finder and thought the ball was at the back of the green. As I got closer, I noticed it wasn’t a ball and my heart rate started to climb. Once I got to the hole and saw my ball in the cup I started to yell. What a great feeling!

Larry Longo, Sleepy Hollow Golf and Country Club, Hole #17

It was September 13th when Larry Longo had a stroke of luck on hole #17 at Sleepy Hollow Golf and Country Club. I was playing with fellow members Tom Worsley and Ken McAndrews. My last hole-in-one was way back in the 1970s, so this was a pleasant surprise. I used a 5 iron for the 185-yard shot. I remember saying, ‘go in,’ as I watched the ball rolling on the green, and to my amazement, it disappeared into the hole.

Mark Griffith, Paradise Golf Course, Hole #17

It happened during a morning round at Paradise Canyon Golf Course in Lethbridge, Alberta. It was on September 12th at 10am on the 17th hole par 3. The yardage was 143 and I took my 8 iron and hit it to around four feet left of the pin and the ball spun right into the hole! It felt amazing.

Mark Stevens, The Hamptons Golf Club, Hole #5

The yardage that day was 151.9 per my rangefinder and I hit a 7 iron. I don’t mean to brag, but this was my fifth hole-in-one. My first two occurred on consecutive days the first playing men’s night and then the next day in a corporate tournament, I won $2,000 for the first one and $10,000 for the second one. It pays to be lucky.

Peter McMath, Northview Golf and Country Club, Hole #5

My playing partner was Evan French and paired with an out-of-town couple from Arizona (Sunny and Amanda). The scorecard yardage was 167 yards but we lasered it at 152. I used a 9 iron.

Pierre Quinn, Rockland Club de Golf, Hole #3

It was quite a feeling to get a hole-in-one, my first ever after playing golf for over 45 years! I was playing with a friend by the name of Danny Marques. I got my hole-in-one on August 18th, on hole #3 at the Rockland Golf Course. The hole measures 140 yards from the green tees. I used my 7 iron, landed the ball to about 10 feet from the hole and it rolled in. What a feeling!

Rob Ferguson, Barrie Country Club, Hole #7

On Sunday September 17th, I was invited to play with three other members on a great brisk morning. We arrived at our 7th hole which is an uphill par 3. The pin was at the front that day. I took my 9 iron, 142-yard shot. Nice easy swing, hit in front of the flag and in! Amazing day!

Roman Groch, Grand Niagara, Golf Club, Hole #6

This wonderful hole-in-one happened when I was playing the white tee blocks and was about 148 yards, using my 8 iron. It was witnessed by Richard Chehowski and Scott Stacey.

Scott Brauer, Rossmore Country Club, Hole #12

I was playing with fellow members Zac McLennan, Andy Tesch and Jeff Weselake. The yardage from the blue tees was 173 to which my range finder indicated. I chose an 8 iron as my club choice. I struck the ball, and it came off my club face at a high trajectory with a slight draw straight towards the hole. The ball landed on the green, seemingly right at the hole. However, due to the greens elevation the shot was blind for us. We all thought it must be close but weren’t certain until we heard the group ahead of us yell, “it’s in the hole!” I think we were all sort of in shock when we walked up to the green to confirm.

Shauna Adams, Carmoney Golf Club, Hole #11

I was playing with my husband, Wade Bearchell, our friend, Jeff Newby and Ethan Engels, another member at Carnmoney.

I was playing a Callaway ball. The yardage was 118 and I used my 9 wood against the stiff breeze. It hit the bottom of the pin and dropped in for my first hole-in-one.

Sue Sloan, Iroquois Golf Club, Hole #18

It was on hole #18, 138 yard shot with my Taylor Made 3 rescue club. It was as exciting as my other five holes-in-one, I can close my eyes and see every one of them. It was just as exciting to watch my golf partners, Janet Uline, JoAnn Uline and Les Craig and how excited they were. To date this season our club has had seven holes-in-one recorded. We have a very scenic golf course on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, a hidden jewel!It was on hole #18, 138 yard shot with my Taylor Made 3 rescue club. It was as exciting as my other five holes-in-one, I can close my eyes and see every one of them. It was just as exciting to watch my golf partners, Janet Uline, JoAnn Uline and Les Craig and how excited they were. To date this season our club has had seven holes-in-one recorded. We have a very scenic golf course on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, a hidden jewel!

Veronica Martinez, Brantford Golf and Country Club, Hole #3

On Friday, September 15, 2023, I went out to play a round of golf with my golf buddy, Vanh. We were on hole #3 at the Brantford Golf and Country Club. The distance to the pin was 102 yards, downhill drop. So, I picked my weapon of choice, a pitching wedge. I hit my golf ball in line with the flag, saw the ball land on the green and took two bounces then gently rolled in the hole. Wow, what an incredible moment! This is my second ace and Vanh’s first time witnessing a hole-in-one. We were both ecstatic!

It all happened at 2:55pm, Vanh captured video, but after the round we had to go back to the hole to get a hole-in-one pic. By that time, the sun was setting. Cheers!

Wendy Motyer, Michaelbrook Golf, Hole #4

I got holes-in-one on back-to-back days! So happy!

PONTE VEDRE – The PGA TOUR has released its nominees for their 2022-23 PGA TOUR Tournament Awards, with the 2023 RBC Canadian Open picking up four nominations.

In June, Nick Taylor became the first Canadian in 69 years to win his national open, holing a 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole to beat Tommy Fleetwood at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto.

“We are honoured and humbled to be nominated for these prestigious awards by the PGA TOUR,” said Bryan Crawford, RBC Canadian Open tournament director. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, including staff, partners, fans and volunteers, who are committed to delivering excellence in everything we do. This is a moment of pride for us, and we are grateful to be recognized in this way.”

The 2023 RBC Canadian Open picked up nominations in the following four categories:

• Best Marketing Initiative: Criteria include the development and execution of a marketing campaign designed to increase ticket sales and attendance.
• Most Engaged Community: Attendance, volunteer support, year-round community involvement, new community engagement program, media participation, community woven in to the “fabric” of the tournament and charity partners.
• Best Special Event: Development of an actionable plan with clear objectives, creative elements and measurable results which drove attendance, social media attention, local PR, ticket sales, charity donations or media value. Examples: luncheon, special dinner, concert/concert series, 5K run, sales event, celebrity shootout, etc.)
• Sustainability Award: Designed to recognize engagement in sustainability and commitment to reducing the tournament’s environmental impact, which will help protect the game for future generations.

Winners will be announced at the 2023 PGA TOUR Tournament Awards Celebration, which take place Thursday, December 7 in La Quinta, CA. 

Sherbrooke, Que. – The NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards begins this week with a field of 99 amateur golfers set to compete at Club de Golf Milby in Sherbrooke, Que.

The starting field will feature – 81 Junior Boys and 18 Junior Girls competing for three spots each into their respective Canadian Junior Championships next summer.

“The NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards provides a great chance for players to showcase their talents on a national stage throughout the fall months of the season,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director, Sam Meek. “Golf Canada is thrilled to welcome the field to the Club de Golf Milby & look forward to crowning our champions come Sunday.”

Practice rounds are scheduled for Thursday, September 21 before the official 54-hole tournament gets underway on September 22. The tournament will conclude on September 24 with an awards ceremony following play.

“Club de golf Milby cannot wait to host 99 of Canada’s best young golfers later this week as they attempt to conquer the challenging greens and fairways of this popular rural golf course,” said Stephen Currier, Club Chair, Club de Golf Milby. “The course is well-prepared & our members are looking forward to the week! Best of luck to all competitors!”

Club de Golf Milby is located just outside Sherbrooke in the Eastern Townships and offers golfers an interesting challenge in a beautiful setting featuring wooded areas, rivers and hills. Designed by Howard Watson, the club opened in 1964 and is known for its large undulating greens and is considered to be among the top semi-private golf courses in the province of Quebec. The club has hosted several prestigious tournaments in prior years including, the Canada Games in 2013 and the Quebec Open in 1992 and 1993, along with several university and high school tournaments.

The NextGen Fall Series East Championship is one of Golf Canada’s eight regional junior championships presented in partnership with JOURNIE Rewards. Andreas Diogenous of Cambridge, Ont. and Kelly Zhao of Richmond Hill, Ont. won their respective divisions in the 2022 NextGen Fall Series East Championship.

Following this week’s tournament, there will be one final stop on the NextGen Series schedule for this year with the NextGen Fall Series West Championship, taking place from October 5 – 7 at The Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey, B.C.

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Fall Series East 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 Championship series and 2023 results, click here.

Golf Canada is now accepting nominations for its 2023 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf.

This award program was created with the intention of celebrating and recognizing facilities making outstanding contributions to junior golf in their communities. Our hope is that these awards will shine a spotlight on the extraordinary support of junior golf by these facilities and set a positive example for others to follow.

Please consider nominating your facility based on the six categories below:

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

Awarded to a facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs to help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.

2022 Winner: Sawmill Golf Club

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.

2022 Winner: Académie de Golf Fred Colgan

Grassroots Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.

2022 Winner: Blomidon Golf and Country Club

Tournament Host of the Year

Awarded to a facility that gives back to junior golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.

2022 Winner: Royal Regina Golf Club

First Tee – Canada Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a First Tee – Canada Program Location that demonstrates excellent enrolment in First Tee – Canada programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.

2022 Winner: Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire

Youth on Course Program Location of the Year

Awarded to the facility that provides the largest number of Youth on Course green fee subsidies to junior golfers in the calendar year. 

2022 Winner: Shaganappi Point Golf Course

National Facility Awards for Junior Golf

Nominations are set to close Monday, October 16th 2023 and we will announce the 2023 Awards Winners at the Golf Canada Annual General Meeting in early 2024.

If you have any questions in regard to the awards or nomination process, please feel free to email NFAJG@golfcanada.ca.

Tess Trojan and Patrick Griffin win the Women’s and Men’s Net Stableford Championships

Kamloops, B.C. – Natasha Stasiuk and Chris Willis earned wire-to-wire victories at the third playing of the Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO at the Kamloops Golf and Country Club in Kamloops, B.C on Friday.

In the Women’s Gross Stroke Play Championship, Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. earned her third straight national championship, finishing at 28-over following rounds of 85 and 87 to win by 16 strokes ahead of runner-up Tess Trojan of St. Catharines, Ont. (95-93 – 188). Emma Bittorf of Strathmore, Alta. finished third (95-101 – 196). Stasiuk has enjoyed quite the season as she also won the Ontario Adaptive Championship in July for a fifth time.

“Pretty amazing that I can do it three times now and nice to have more competition. It was great to have another girl, even though I love playing with Tess, but it was nice to have more people,” said Stasiuk after her round on Friday.

Another three-time champion was crowned in the Women’s Net Stableford competition as Trojan edged out Bittorf in a close battle. Trojan earned 34 points on Friday to finish with 67 stableford points, to win by two over Bittorf (65 points), Stasiuk finished third with 57 points.

In the Men’s Gross Stroke Play Championship, a playoff was required and Chris Willis of Aurora, Ont. beat Dustin Boydell of Chilliwack, B.C. on the first playoff hole with a 15-foot putt for eagle to win the national championship.

“It’s really special. When I was young I didn’t compete as hard as I would have liked because of my disabilities, kind of kept me from playing high level hockey or soccer or golf and it was only really in my late 20’s and early 30’s that my brother and I started to play tournament golf together and we played in a couple Canadian amateurs, Canadian mid-ams and Ontario’s and he encouraged me to do the disability golf. I signed up for the Ontario’s and just three days before the Ontario’s my father passed away and my family was away at that time, but they all convinced me to continue and play and I did well. I had a special round the first round and I met Kurtis [Barkley] and sort of discovered this whole disability golf world. Since then, I’ve played in the British Open and the U.S. Adaptive and just watching how all the competitors take it so seriously and really enjoy fighting and competing and the high quality of play, especially amongst the top players it’s quite remarkable. So, I feel very proud and honoured to win a national championship and to do it against such great competition,” said Willis following the playoff win.

Willis and Boydell battled back-and-forth throughout Friday’s final round and both men birdied 18 to send the championship to a playoff. Willis finished the tournament at 2-over (68-78 – 146) as did Boydell (69-77 – 146). Willis matches Stasiuk as he also won the 2023 Ontario Adaptive Championship in July. Craig Dowling of Vancouver finished third at 4-over (76-72 – 148), Keifer Jones of Calgary, finished 5-over (75-74 – 149) for fourth and Jesse Florkowski of Medicine Hat, Alta. finished 6-over (78-72 – 150) to round out the top-five.

In the Men’s Net Stableford competition, a new winner has been crowned as Patrick Griffin of Leduc, Alta. earned 41 points on Friday to finish with a combined 83 stableford points. Griffin finished eight points clear of Rod Reimer of Thorndale, Ont. (75 points). Walter Vanderrijst of Victoria, B.C. (74 points), Craig Dowling of Vancouver (73 points) along with Josh Hunke of Wilmot, Ont. (70 points), and Kevin Delaney of Windsor, Ont. (70 points) round out the top-five.

A field of 43 players, regardless of disability classification, competed over 36-holes in four different divisions in the national championship: Women’s Gross Stroke Play; Women’s Net Stableford; Men’s Gross Stroke Play; and Men’s Net Stableford.

The third playing of the national championship featured competitors from Canada and the United States with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments. First conducted in 2021 at Humber Valley Golf Course in Toronto, Ont., the competition supports Golf Canada’s commitment to create a more inclusive and respectful sport environment across the Canadian golf community.

For the final leaderboard following the 2023 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

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.

Aaron Campbell, Countryview Golf Club, Hole #16

My playing partners were Shawn Arbing, Mike MacNeill and Alex MacFayden. The hole yardage was 120, and my club was a pitching wedge. The ball played was a Srixon Z-Star XV, Club was a Srixon ZX-5 pitching wedge.

The event was day one of the Countryview Golf Course Club Championship. I went on to win the second division flight in a one-hole playoff.

Art Lappalainen, Penticton Golf and Country Club, Hole #16

I was playing with my regular golf buddies, Glen Brennan, Eric Johnson and Rod Zornes. Rod was the first to hit on the 16th hole which was playing about 164 yards. We couldn’t see the ball, but we thought it was really close to the hole. The other two guys hit but didn’t hit the green. Then I hit, I thought it was a pretty good 6 iron but I thought I was a little long, but we couldn’t see it from the tee box.

When we got close to the hole, we noticed there was only one ball on the green just past the hole. I said to Rod, “Are you going to check in the hole” because I thought it was his ball that went in. When he looks in the hole he said, “That’s not my ball because I wasn’t playing a Callaway.” I looked in the hole and I realize it’s my ball with my blue marks on it.

Bev Born, Southside Golf Course, Hole #15

I was playing with our fun Friday afternoon group, the Swingers. My foursome consisted of Arlane Balichowski, Joan Chittick, Mikki Dandonneau and myself. Our hole #15 at Southside is 88 yards, and I used my new 9 iron hybrid. I am very fortunate for this to be my third hole-in-one (the second time at Southside).

Bob Fox, Carstairs Golf Club, Hole #12

I finally joined the “club” at age 69. I was playing with my wife, and two friends.   hit a pure shot into a breeze, right at the flag. It carried the bunker and went in the hole.

Brad McIlroy, Kawartha Golf Club, Hole #12

It was a father son outing. Once a year my dad and I invite a longtime friend from public school and his dad. My buddy wasn’t having a great day, and on the 12^th hole I said to him, “Okay this is a short hole, if you’re going to turn your day around or get a hole-in-one out here, this is the hole to do it on!” We had 111 yards uphill over a bunker, down wind. I hit a high draw with a 54-degree wedge that looked to land just right of the hole. Because it was over a bunker we couldn’t see where the ball finished. When we approached the green, we didn’t see my ball on the green, and it turns out it was one of those rare occasions where you look for your ball in the hole and there it was!

Brandon Bird, Coppinwood, Hole #11

The hole-in-one was made from 193 yards with my 4 hybrid. I was playing with my wife, Janis Bird, father, Brian Bird, and friend, Andrew Rowland.

Cam Kissick, Land O Lakes Golf Course, Hole #11

Great day!

Charles Greene, Greyhawk Golf Club, Hole #12

I was playing with my wife, Susan Quinn, and a friend, David Pfeiffer. It was a blue flag, 166 yards into a breeze. I took an extra club, using a 5 iron. It hit the side of the green on the left which slopes to the right and tracked into the hole. My last and only other hole in one was on the 17^th of August 2008 on the 15^th hole.

Cohen Bitzer, Penticton Golf and Country Club, Hole #10

I was golfing with Jackson Coates, Matt Jones and Matt McDermont, all members of Penticton Golf and Country Club.

I made the hole-in-one on hole #10, with a middle-left pin placement 163 yards away. I was shooting into the wind, so I decided to use my 7 iron.

Darold Kurytnik, Fairwinds Golf Course, Hole #14

The golf game was one of our regular men’s section games played each Wednesday. I was playing with fellow members Brad Reimer, Bill Stuart and Gerry Adams. We were playing the 14th hole, which is a par 3 and 198 yards long. I used a 4 hybrid for the shot. When Bill Stuart hit teeing off first, the rest of us were standing around with nobody rushing to hit next. I said I’m not looking forward to this shot either, but I’ll hit. I struck one of my best hits that day and the ball was going straight for the pin, we are all watching and none of us saw the ball go in the hole as the pin was in a shadow. However, my 17-year-old grandson Samuel was in the group behind us, and he was on the 13th green with a good view of the 14th green. He came running over to congratulate me. That made the experience more enjoyable.

Darren Sopkow, Red Deer Golf and Country Club, Hole #2

Our group for the day was eight individuals and we were doing our final year end battle it out amongst the golf group for who’s the best. We have a fun golf group that passes around a club head cover for who’s the best for the year. The winner gets to keep the club head cover for the following year until it’s up for grabs again. Unfortunately, I never won the club head cover, but I did get a hole-in-one. We’ve been talking about how cool it would be for someone to get a hole-in-one in our informal year end event. 

The wind was quite gusty. Our #2 hole is an uphill par 3 with three tiers to the green and a couple of bunkers on the left side and trees to the side. You want to hit the correct tier or miss short of the green altogether and rely on your chipping skills to get up and down because any putt from the wrong tier can often result in a three putt bogey.

It was a middle tier, back right-side pin location playing 192 yards. I hit a high spin fade shot so I opted for my 4 iron and hit what was a perfect shot. It was fading from left to right, I knew it looked good and that it would zip across the green from left to right. Our foursome got a little excited by the look of the shot and as it was zipping across the green my thoughts said if that ball passes the pin and disappears, it’s got to be a hole-in-one. It disappeared and we got really excited but needed to rush up there to check and see. Sure enough, it was in the hole.

Our other foursome behind us and people on the 18^th tee and third tee all heard the commotion and it was all very exciting for those who were a part of it.

Dave McCafferty, West Hills Golf Club, Hole #5

I had a hole-in-one on June 17^th at the West Hills Golf Club in Fredericton on hole #5. Measured that day at 102 yards and used a 52-degree wedge.

Dylan Wescome, Island Brae (Club de golf), Hole #6

It was an exciting hole for sure! It was about 140 yards, and I used a 7 iron.

Ed Bond, Assinibone Golf Club, Hole #4

Pretty exciting to get my first!

Here’s a couple of pictures and some information:

– August 18th, 2023

– Dale Esopenko memorial Pro-Am
4th hole

– Assiniboine Golf Club

– Winnipeg, Manitoba

– 134 yards

– 9 iron

Gaige Weseen, Olds Golf Club, Hole #13

I was playing with three other members in Olds: Mike Dezall, Mark Schultz and James MacDonald. Hole #13 was 152 yards and I hit a 9 iron. It was a tricky day, there were 35 km winds blowing left to right very slightly helping.

Garfield Moore, Picton Golf and Country Club, Hole #18

The hole-in-one was at the Picton Golf and Country Club on the 18th hole. I used my 6 hybrid and the yardage would have been approximately 160 yards. This is my third ace.

Gary Stephen, Penticton Golf and Country Club, Hole #16

Making a hole-in-one is always a fun experience. This is my fourth time, the other three were at Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Kelowna, B.C.

The 16th hole at the Penticton club is 150 yards and I used a 6 iron. I was playing with my good friend Chris Stodola along with Lawrence and Ken. We celebrated with a shot of “birdie juice”.

Gordon Penny, Berwick Heights Golf Course, Hole #5

I shot a hole-in-one on September 2, 2023 at the Berwick Heights Golf Course in Nova Scotia on hole #5. It was 146 yards with a 5 iron. I was playing with members Troy and Kathy Ferguson.

Jack Vicq, The Glencoe Golf and Country Club, Hole #14

I was playing in our junior club championships and it was 135 yards.

Jane Lavoie, Sunset Ranch Golf Club, Hole #8

It was during the Club Championship.

Jason McGonigal, Earl Grey Golf Club, Hole #7

I was playing with Al-Karim Moloo and Hussein Bhanji. If I recall correctly, the yardage was lasered at 152 and I hit a 9 iron. I was told we had the loudest hole-in-one in Earl Grey history with our celebration.

As an aside, my first-born daughter started kindergarten the day after my ace, my wife had her academic research published in a scientific journal that same day and we welcome our second daughter exactly one week after the hole-in-one, so it was a very memorable week!

Jen Stocks, The Club at North Halton, Hole #9

I was playing with my three golf friends Alanna, Whitney and Vanessa on our regular ‘Women’s Day’ Tuesday. It was on hole #9, a par 3, and 88 yards. I used my pitching wedge and had a lovely lofty shot over the pond to land about a foot above the pin which then rolled right in. The balcony at our clubhouse was packed as it was around 5:45pm and lots of people had finished their rounds so were able to see it happen. I didn’t really believe it, but the balcony of members and guests cheered and yelled my name. It was pretty great.

Jill Barrigan, Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club, Hole #5

I was playing with my husband, Cory Letourneau, and Diane Banman and Al Stafford. I hit my 7 iron, and it was about 105 yards.

Joe Ardito, Brampton Golf Club, Hole #3

It was an amazing September 4th Labour Day Monday. I was playing with Phil Menary, Mike Menary and Jon Tyner. Got the ace on the third hole at the Brampton Golf Club. A 132-yard 9 iron to a slightly elevated green. What a great day!

Joseph MacMullin, North Bellingham Golf Course, Hole #14

I was in a tournament held by the TGA Tour. As you’ve seen it was at North Bellingham Golf Club just south of the border.

We were playing from the blue tees. I was playing in my foursome with Freddy Fredrickson, Chris Wareing and Azi Mohammed. Hole #14 was 121 yards. I used a pitching wedge, and it landed about 15 feet short of the hole and rolled in the left side of the cup. At that point I dropped my club and fell on the ground, covering my face, screaming, “I did it!” I think I can safely say that was the most magical and surreal moment of my life.

Justin Miller, Cattail Crossing Golf and Winter Club, Hole #6

I was playing with my brother Ben, his friend Luke and my friend Jack. It was a tryout for a highschool golf team. I was using a 7 iron there was a little bit of a back wind and it hit the green and rolled right in.

Lyne Beauregard, Rosemère (club Link), Hole #6

The distance was 116 yards with an 8 iron.

Mark Way, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, Hole #4

It was quite exciting, especially after coming very close a few times this year. I was playing with Gavin Mistry, also a preferred member at TPC Toronto. The yardage was 160 and I used my 7 iron.

Michael Evans, Cedar Brae Golf Club, Hole #11

The yardage was 185 yards, I used a 7 iron.

I was playing with Collin Charles, and Curtis Mascall, Mr. Charles’ guest.

Mike Legg, Prince George Golf and Curling Club, Hole #14

The hole was 131 yards and I hit a 9 iron. My playing partners that day were Gary Long, Jason Mckague, Blair Scott and Tyler Hapke.

Mike Malek, Hollinger Golf Club, Hole #8

On Monday, September 4th, I was playing golf with my daughter, Heather Seguin, and two of her friends at the Hollinger Golf Club, my home club. On the 158-yard par 3, 8th hole, which was playing shorter I hit my high lofted (33 degree) hybrid onto the front of the green. Luckily the ball had eyes, and rolled right into the hole, for my first ever hole-in-one. I love golf!

Noah Mugenyi, Dentonia Golf Course, Hole #18

I luckily got three holes-in-one at Dentonia Golf Course for the month of August 2023. Occurred on holes #12 (August 3), #10 (August 23) and #18 (August 24).

Also, I can proudly confirm that in just four years of playing and getting into this intriguing and wonderful game; I have registered six holes-in-one.

Percy Clark, Chapples Municipal Golf Club, Hole #8

I was playing with Tony, Paul and Rob who I met at the first tee that day after being paired with them! It was 145 yards to the pin and hit one of the best 9 irons I’ve ever hit. We didn’t see it go in, but Paul was sure it was. Sure enough, he made a beeline for the pin and announced it for the group. As exciting of an achievement as it was, it wasn’t the most exciting of the weekend. The next day, I won the 5th annual “Skatman Invitational”, a yearly tournament played by a group of buddies.

Peter Flemming, Fox Hollow Golf Club, Hole #3

My partners were Alan LeBlanc, Barrie Clarke and Joe Devison. It was 129 yards with a 7 iron.

Randal Braden, Aberdeen Glen Golf Club, Hole #6

The yardage that day was 146 yards, and I used a hybrid club. I didn’t actually see it go in the hole. I was playing Men’s Day with my regular group, Dan Aviss, Jason Proctor and Shane Sucholotosky.

Richard Grimes, Guelph Country Club, Hole #7

It happened on August 29^th at the Guelph Country Club. I was playing with Paul Walton, our club pro, and two other members. Our 7th hole was 146 yards that day, so my 6 iron was a good choice!

Robert Macphail, Berwick Heights Golf Course, Hole #16

I started golfing in 2019 after my retirement. This was our weekly men’s day at Berwick Heights Golf Club. I was playing with my normal foursome, Tom Goode, Stephen Sangster, John Yuille. The 16th hole is around 160 yards, and I used my 6 iron with a slight breeze from behind. We saw the ball land on the green rolled towards the pin and disappeared, quite a feeling.

Ron Streatch, Craigowan Golf Club, Hole #3

I was playing with Mark Alparan, Nick Weszner and Matt Gibbons. The yardage was 155 into a slight breeze. My 8 iron landed just beyond and to the right of the pin and spun into the hole.

Sheila Kennedy, Lingan Golf and Country Club, Hole #6

I was playing with three other Lingan members Jayne Burke, Peggy Sheppard Forward and Abbie Boudreau. It was hole #6 and 120 yards, and I used my 8 iron. It was an awesome day shared with great friends!

This was my second hole-in-one in the past six months, but my first at my home club at Lingan, which I was very excited about.

Steve Redden, Granite Springs Golf Course, Hole #13

I was playing with Mike Hutton and Fred Hill. The yardage was 143 yards, and I used an 8 iron.

Steve Whitford, University Golf Club, Hole #16

I used a 6 iron from 175 yards. I played with my lifelong friends.

Stuart Burnie, Muskoka Bay Club, Hole #2

My hole-in-one was on hole #2 at Muskoka Bay. The pin was a blue flag, back left location, approximately 157 yards. I hit an 8 iron and it went in on the fly. My playing partners are Gary Maracle, Mike Thomson and Roy Micks.

TJ Keslick, Woodlington Lakes Legacy Course, Hole #8

It was the 8th hole, playing 142 yards. While the ball was in the air one of my buddies called it, “that’s going in!” It hit about four feet in front of the hole, bounced once, rolled a little and disappeared into the cup! I was still in disbelief until I got up there and saw the ball at the bottom of the cup!

Todd Chevalier, Galt Country Club, Hole #11

It was on Men’s League Day. I was playing with Kory Mortimer, Taylor Moffitt and Geoff Genzle.

Todd Fraser, Banff Springs Golf Club, Hole #8

My partners were two Banff residents and an 85-year-old father. It was 130 yards, and I used a pitching wedge.

Vito Bommarito, Beverly Golf and Country Club, Hole #7

I played with three good friends, Mark Maguire, Jon Jurus and Jason Daleo. It was 156 yards downwind. I used my Cobra LTD 9 iron.

Emma Bittorf and Patrick Griffin lead in the Women’s and Men’s Net Stableford Championships

Kamloops, B.C. – Two-time defending champion Natasha Stasiuk and Chris Willis find themselves atop their respective leaderboards after the opening round of the 2023 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO at the Kamloops Golf and Country Club in Kamloops, B.C.

A field of 43 players, regardless of disability classification, are competing over 36-holes in four different divisions in the national championship: Women’s Gross Stroke Play; Women’s Net Stableford; Men’s Gross Stroke Play; and Men’s Net Stableford.

In the Women’s Gross Stroke Play Championship, Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. is in search of her third straight national championship after shooting a 13-over 85 to take a ten-shot lead into the final round on Friday. Stasiuk also won the Ontario Adaptive Championship for a fifth time in July. Tess Trojan of St. Catharines, Ont. and Emma Bittorf of Strathmore, Alta. are both tied for second after shooting rounds of 23-over 95 on Thursday.

Bittorf leads the Women’s Net Stableford competition after earning a total of 37 stableford points in the opening round and takes a four-point lead into Friday over two-time defending stableford champion Tess Trojan (33).

In the Men’s Gross Stroke Play Championship, Willis of Aurora, Ont. shot a 4-under 68 and leads by one shot over Dustin Boydell (3-under 69) of Chilliwack, B.C. Willis was the runner-up at the 2022 Canadian All Abilities Championship and is currently ranked no. 20 in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD). He also won the 2023 Ontario Adaptive Championship in July. Russell Aide of Stirling, Ont. is alone in third following a 2-over 74 on Thursday. Kevin Delaney of Windsor, Ont. and Kiefer Jones of Calgary are tied for fourth at 3-over.

In the Men’s Net Stableford competition Patrick Griffin of Leduc, Alta. leads after earning 42 points stableford points on Thursday. Defending champion Delaney is three points back at 39 stableford points. Dustin Boydell (37 points), Thomas Martineau of Kingston, Ont. (36 points), and Chris Willis (36 points) round out the top-five.

The stableford scoring format of the Canadian All Abilities Championship awards set points based off a golfer’s net score for the hole. The points are awarded as follows: Albatross (5 points), Eagle (4 points), Birdie (3 points), Par (2 points), Bogey (1 point), Double Bogey or higher (0 points). The golfers with the highest total of accumulated points over 36-holes will win their respective divisions.

The third playing of the national championship features competitors from Canada and the United States with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments. First conducted in 2021 at Humber Valley Golf Course in Toronto, Ont., the competition supports Golf Canada’s commitment to create a more inclusive and respectful sport environment across the Canadian golf community.

For the full leaderboard following the opening round of the 2023 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.