For my money, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Mike Weir and Lorie Kane being named to the Order of Canada and right alongside Marlene Streit’s induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.  Unique about the honour amid the aforementioned group is Thompson’s resume: the Canadian design legend crafted courses, he didn’t play them.

For this ‘builder’ —whose landmark career favourably compares to Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, Harry Colt, A.W. Tillinghast, C.B. MacDonald, Seth Raynor or even his former partner Robert Trent Jones Sr.  —having the spotlight shine his esteemed body of work is an occasion to celebrate.  It also impacts the sport on multiple levels.

Any time golf crosses over from its often tucked away corner of the sporting mainstream the game wins.  Those moments happen all too infrequently within the riveted confines of a hockey-centric, baseball and basketball infused nation so expect the Toronto native’s posthumous entrance into the national sporting shrine in Calgary to hopefully garner meaningful attention for the game and on Thompson’s illustrious golf architecture career.

What a career it was.  From 1921 up to his untimely passing in 1953 Thompson put his signature on 117 Canadian courses. They traverse the nation from Capilano, Banff and Jasper Park in the west to St. George’s, Westmount, St. Thomas and Cataraqui in Ontario; then they make their way east to Quebec’s Beaconsfield and on to his crowned jewel – in my opinion – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia’s Highlands Links. One mustn’t overlook what Thompson accomplished outside Canadian borders either.  He fashioned 20 courses in the United States and eight more in Central and South America.

For all the polish he put on this golfing nation Thompson was inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 1980.  In 2005 he was named, ‘a person of national historic significance’ by the federal government.

Today, his legacy for this and future generations is being preserved by the Stanley Thompson Society which formed in 1998.  I’m happy to say I’m a proud new member of that society.

What one can also hope for with the grand master’s national sports hall of fame induction is a measure of heightened awareness to trickle-down to the talented, esteemed design group that has followed in his footsteps.

Canadian golf is truly blessed with great architects.  From Thompson understudies Robbie Robinson, Howard Watson, Geoffrey Cornish and Bob Moote the baton was passed to a present day visionary group of Doug Carrick, Tom McBroom, Graham Cooke, Les Furber, Ian Andrew, Daryl Huxum, Rod Whitman and now, by extension, is moving along to the likes of Jeff Mingay, Riley Johns, Gary Browning, Wade Horrocks and even 2003 Masters champion, Mike Weir, the next generation of aspiring Thompson’s.  Wonderful it would be to see all of them recognized more for the work they’ve done.

In Jim Barclay’s book The Toronto Terror, this Cornish excerpt nicely frames the kind of influence Thompson had, not only on his stable of associates, but on the game across Canada and beyond.

“(Thompson) made an exceptional contribution to golf, what with his handsome memorials coast-to-coast, his yearning for beauty that manifests itself even in his most modest creations, his international reputation, his dedication to educating those who worked for him, and his goal of creating an energetic society of golf course architects,” Cornish wrote.

Stanley Thompson changed the paradigm of golf course architecture in this country.  His concept of risk-reward playability continues to be a bedrock principle of modern course architecture. It’s a concept that has made the game more thoughtful, engaging and has helped put our inventory of courses across the country on a pedestal with the best anywhere.

Of his forthcoming induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in Calgary Thompson aficionados everywhere will agree: it merely adds another exclamation point to a storied, celebrated career that has had so many.

Apologies to the few ardent fans of Seven Days in Utopia and The Legend of Bagger Vance but in the past 15 y ears the intersection of golf and pop culture cinema has been paved with cliches as well tread as the Swilcan bridge at St. Andrews and swing thought whisperers so hokey you can bet a screenwriter or two is pining for a mulligan.

HOOK THEM YOUNG

The Squeeze, the latest golf movie to hit theaters and premium cable aims to christen a brand new sub-genre: the golf thriller.  There’s a scene in the trailer where after securing a bet to the contrary, Friday Night Lights’ J.D. McCoy ( Jeremy Sumpter), standing 200-odd yards from the dance floor, smoothly flips his ball into the air with his putter and then with a carefully timed one-handed baseball swing proceeds to wallop it all the way to the green.

“The Squeeze is a wonderful golf movie because it’s so authentic.  It hooks you in the beginning and stays interesting and entertaining right to the end.  I’m looking forward to seeing it again,” chimes in Phil Mickelson in the film’s marketing materials.  An endorsement from Lefty, one of golf’s ultimate insiders and a player known for making friendly wagers with his PGA brethren to make practice rounds a little more interesting, carries a lot more weight than a positive review from a film critic.  Adding to the film’s TOUR cred, Tom Watson is an investor in the movie and Jack Nicklaus is yet another notable giving it two-thumbs up.

Sumpter plays a +1.1 handicap in real life nipping the niggling yet accurate complaint about the preponderance of actors in golf movies who appear to have never picked up a club before the cameras started rolling.  Happy Gilmore’s Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) co-stars as Riverboat, a hustler that hooks a rural phenom into the world of high stakes golf gambling.  While a small indie flick and a mere blip on the entertainment radar, compared to the overly sentimental fare that proceeded it, the film is a step in the right direction as far as sparking golf interest in younger generations.

BIG SCREENS TO NIGHT OUT

When it comes to keying into the pulse of the millennials, the fresh “fun required, skills optional,” mantra espoused by burgeoning golf entertainment goliath TopGolf has hit on a winning formula that has vaulted the company to the top of the golf entertainment leaderboard.

Their 70, 000+ square-foot triple-decker, 100 bay driving ranges on steroids look a lot more like Dave & Busters than your garden variety hit’em by the bucket practice facility. With 16 locations up and swinging and nine more under construction, the company is in the midst of a major growth spurt—eight million visitors are expected to tee it up at a TopGolf this year.

TopGolf’s brilliant stroke was RFID tagging Calloway balls to track their flight as they fly toward giant dartboard targets giving golfers instant performance feedback on screens with their name on them bowling style. They’ve transformed what was once typically a solitary, meditative activity into a dynamic social event that has legions of young people lining up for more than an hour to bash balls, have a laugh, and just hang out and enjoy the bar-meets-range entertainment phenomenon.

With roaming onsite pros dispensing pointers and offering short free demos, it’s a highly beginner friendly golf experience.  Even if you’ve never swung a club in your life (50 per cent of customers who walk in the door have never golfed), if you’re at all athletically inclined you’ll still manage to score some points in TopGolf’s various distance and target-based games.

“The screen will show you exactly how far you hit the ball and show you where inside that target you hit the ball and award you points,” explains TopGolf’s Chief Operating Officer Randy Starr.  “For the novice who doesn’t have the appreciation to go ‘wow that was my eight iron, that felt really good I think that was like 145 yards,’ this makes it more fun.

“You’re aiming at something that’s highly visual,” he adds.  “Your name is on the screen, you are competing against your friends and family in a fun non-intimidating environment.”

Set to triple its location count in the next five years, TopGolf has the population centers of the Great White North firmly in its sights; in fact, Toronto is the city they get the most information requests out of any other metropolitan area in North America. Meanwhile they’ve already broken ground on a massive Las Vegas strip location at MGM Grand, which will be four levels with a VIP lounge decked out with water features on the penthouse and there will also be a stage for live music performances.

GAMEIFICATION TREND

For more experienced golfers wishing there were as many stats to pour over about their own games as there are for TOUR Players, GPS-based statistic tracking systems such as Game Golf and Arccos have stepped up to fill that void giving golfers the tools to get a handle on every aspect of their in-round performance.

Both systems work by planting sensors in the butt end of the grip of each club in the bag in the service of compiling reams of statistical data—everything from fairways hit, sand saves, and greens in regulation to drive dispersion charts for quantifiable evidence of how often your slice is getting you in trouble.

The earlier to market Game Golf system requires you to wear a sensor on your belt and tap it with your club before each shot to make sure it registers whereas Arccos runs on auto-pilot.  The Billy Horschel endorsed tracker hooks into an iPhone app to record every club hit.  Both systems give golfers the ability to relive rounds shot-by-shot and paint vivid pictures of how every facet of your game contributes to your final score.

In the Fitbit age, there’s a ravenous appetite for this kind of personalized data.  The insight gained is invaluable to improving a golfer’s game and influencing on-course decision-making.  If you play better, you better believe you’re going to want to play more.

I just started dabbling with Arccos and it’s habit forming.  Aside from the robust array of stats it collects it also completely automates your scorecard scribbling so you never have to pick up that tiny pencil to add up your score.  Other features that’ll really help you get in touch with your golf game once you’ve logged a few rounds are: the ability to track average distance hit with each club and the ability to peruse your personal bests in a trove of categories from longest drive to most one-putts and even pace of play.

RICHMOND HILL, Ont. –  BMW Canada handed over the keys to a new BMW i8 at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open in Oakville, Ont.  Ricky Barnes earned the new vehicle after hitting a hole-in-one during tournament play at Glen Abbey Golf Club.

“What a day out there,” said Barnes. “I haven’t had a hole-in-one in a long time and to win the i8 is unreal. The place was full of energy.”

Barnes’ ace on the 165 yard 4th hole during championship play was his first hole-in-one on the PGA TOUR.

“What a thrill,” said Kevin Marcotte, Drector of Marketing at BMW Group Canada. “For Ricky and the golf fans who witnessed the perfect shot. I know Ricky will have many more joyous moments behind the wheel of the i8.”

Revered as the world’s most-progressive sports car, the BMW i8 is an icon of innovation. It combines the efficiency of an all-electric motor and the power of a TwinPower Turbo engine to deliver a truly exhilarating driving experience.

Barnes, 34, now residing in Phoenix, AZ is a California native and former All-American at the University of Arizona. Barnes turned pro in 2003 and has enjoyed great success on the PGA Tour, including a standout performance at the 2009 US Open at Bethpage Black where he finished tied for second.

“It’s a partnership we’re very proud of,” said Marcotte. “To showcase our brand alongside the best players in the world is very fitting.”

Terry Marcotte, Ricky Barnes (Golf Canada/ Bernard Brault)

There is absolutely no doubt that RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin has a sense of humour. (For an up-close and personal view of McLaughlin, click here.)

But when he says, “This is not your parents’ RBC Canadian Open,” he is most definitely not kidding.

Just as golf in general is figuring out how to reach a younger audience, the RBC Canadian Open has tried to hit all the hot buttons when it takes place next week at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

The key buzzwords when speaking to McLaughlin about the Open include “family, innovation, engagement, interaction.” In summary, he says this year’s championship will be “a festival, a party, a celebration.”

“Bill Paul [previously the RBC Canadian Open’s Tournament Director for 22 years and now Golf Canada’s Chief Championships Officer] was at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and was impressed with the fan-friendly atmosphere,” says McLaughlin. “When he came back, we worked to create a similar atmosphere. We are proud that our Open is already considered among the PGA TOUR’s most fan-friendly events but we knew we could do much more to enhance that, to make it a must-see event for families and golf fans of all ages.”

The result of that determination is impressive.

As it hosts its record 27^th RBC Canadian Open, Glen Abbey remains among the best spectator golf courses in the world. Justifiably, this year’s field will feature some of the most exciting professionals in the world, including Bubba Watson, Jason Day, Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk, Graeme McDowell and Brandt Snedeker, who won the 2013 RBC Canadian Open when last played at Glen Abbey. A Canadian contingent of 15 is headlined by Graham DeLaet, Mike Weir, David Hearn and Adam Hadwin.

And now, thanks to some remarkable innovations, the experience outside the ropes will equal that reputation.

While the competition gets serious when the first tee shot of the championship is hit on the morning of Thursday, July 23, much more festivity precedes that.

On Saturday, July 18, the top-performing juniors from the nationwide CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge will compete in the national championship. The next day, they will play in a Ryder Cup-style event on the tournament course. On the Monday of tournament week, they will have a chance to caddie in the Golf Canada Foundation Pro-Am and, on Wednesday, they can walk with a pro inside the ropes. (All kids under the age of 17 receive free admission to the RBC Canadian Open all week long.)

“Recognizing some of the best junior golfers in Canada is a great start to Open week,” says McLaughlin. “Then some players start arriving and the excitement builds from there.”

Giant HDTV screens make it easy for spectators to follow the TV broadcast. Fans in the Molson Canadian 67 19^th Hole can almost reach out and touch players. Getting spectators as close as possible to their golf icons is just one indication of the new innovations.Boston Pizza has come on board to provide food services as well as one of three food trucks on the premises.

“We want to entertain everyone who comes out,” says McLaughlin. “We also want to underline the historic importance of the Open and Glen Abbey. As well, we want them to know that Glen Abbey is the home of Golf Canada and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum.”

To emphasize that, the Canadian Golf Museum and Hall of Fame is hosting a beer garden, speaker series and phone-charging stations.

“We hope there is something for everyone at this year’s RBC Canadian Open. We’ve tried to accomplish that,” says McLaughlin. “And if we haven’t, we want to hear about it. Our goal is to make the RBC Canadian Open the best and most entertaining tournament on the PGA Tour.”

For a complete list of all the exciting activities at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open, click here.

To order tickets, click here.

Athletes representing Team Canada in golf at the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games will be outfitted by Hudson’s Bay and FootJoy. The tournament looks for Team Canada have been released for the practice rounds beginning July 14 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont., and the competition dates from July 16-19. The outfits include clothing by Golf Canada’s exclusive headwear and apparel licensee, Hudson’s Bay, and custom Canada-themed footwear provided by FootJoy. Both the Canadian men’s and women’s teams will sport red shirts on the final day of competition.

Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Tournament Looks for Team Canada men

Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Tournament Looks for Team Canada women

When Graham DeLaet arrived in St. Andrews for The Open Championship on Sunday his most valuable possessions – his golf clubs – failed to find its way. Finally, he was able to take a breather when his clubs arrived Tuesday, but something wasn’t as expected. The Canadian tweeted out the following picture of his bag covered in protein powder:

You just can’t make this stuff up. pic.twitter.com/CWyEQXIPcK

— Graham DeLaet (@GrahamDeLaet) July 14, 2015

It was quite deceiving when he first received his clubs from the airline, he thought he could get right to work, but some tender loving care was needed first.

54 hours later…my babies have arrived! Time to get to work! pic.twitter.com/qSnmimQgZz — Graham DeLaet (@GrahamDeLaet) July 14, 2015

Luckily DeLaet was able to practice and tune up his game thanks to Titleist.

Big thanks to @TitleistonTour for hooking me up with a set of hooks this morning so I could play a practice round. pic.twitter.com/xL4QJf06Cj

— Graham DeLaet (@GrahamDeLaet) July 13, 2015

And for good measure, at least the pro golfer was able to have some fun with the unfortunate situation.

Carry it in that bag every week of the year, but it was a protein powder explosion, not this…. pic.twitter.com/T6NzboPIYn — Graham DeLaet (@GrahamDeLaet) July 14, 2015

FootJoy, the #1 Shoe in Golf, has introduced a progressive new golf shoe for women, called emPOWER™. This shoe was designed with bold athletic styling to provide a comfortable, eye-catching, lightweight spikeless footwear option that performs.

EmPOWER has a distinctive look that begins with a BreathEasy™ sports mesh upper. This color-splashed upper delivers premium breathability, keeping the foot cool throughout the day, while still providing 2-year waterproof protection.

From a performance perspective, MaxGrip™ traction pods are integrated into the outsole and provide additional traction.

emPower was created specifically to deliver comfortable performance. Developed on the women’s Power Last, emPower offers a rounded, athletic toe character, generous fit across the forefoot with a slightly narrow heel. A new, soft underfoot foam provides EveryStep™ comfort and a massaging footbed ensures comfort throughout the round.

Features and Benefits

• BreathEasy sports mesh uppers for cool comfort throughout the round
• MaxGrip traction pods ensure a slip free round
• A soft foam outsole for EveryStep comfort
• The massaging footbed provides an invigorating gentle massage throughout the day
• 2 year limited waterproof warranty

Available in Canada will be three laced styles plus one model featuring the Boa Closure System:

Stocked in Canada:
Lime Green + Light Blue
Gray + Pink
Black + Charcoal
Navy + Plum (Boa)

For more information, please visit www.FootJoy.ca.

TORONTO – TSN announced today that acclaimed golf and curling journalist Bob Weeks has signed an agreement to work with the network on a permanent full-time basis.

Starting today, Weeks will contribute regularly as a senior reporter and analyst for TSN’s slate of championship golf and curling events, which includes all four of golf’s Majors as well curling’s Season of Champions events.

“I’ve worked with TSN for many years and I’m very excited to have the opportunity to join the network on a full-time basis,” said Weeks. “I’m looking forward to expanding my role in producing great content for Canadian sports fans.”

“Bob has been a regular face on the network for years now and we’re thrilled to add Canada’s preeminent golf and curling journalist to our team year-round,” said Ken Volden, Vice-President and Executive Producer, Studio Production and News and Information, TSN. “Bob’s passion and enthusiasm will be a great permanent addition as we expand our coverage of the biggest events in golf and curling.”

Weeks, who most recently oversaw print, TV, and radio properties as Vice President, Content and Editorial Director of SCOREGolf, has worked with TSN since 2000. Though Weeks will no longer serve in his dual roles at SCOREGolf, he will maintain a relationship with the brand moving forward, as he will continue to host SCOREGolf TV this year and contribute a column to SCOREGolf Magazine.

“SCOREGolf has been a part of my life for 28 years and while I’m sad to leave, I’m happy our relationship will continue on several fronts,” added Weeks.

“We wish Bob nothing but the very best into the future and thank him for the great contribution he has made to the SCOREGolf brand and to the entire CCMC family,” said SCOREGolf president Kim Locke.

Weeks is an accomplished curling journalist, having won three Scotty Harper Awards for the best curling story in Canada, and is an honorary life member of the Ontario Curling Association. Weeks’ recognition for his contributions to the golf community include his 2014 inductions to both the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame and the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame, as well as the 2013 Dick Grimm Award for a significant lifetime contribution to Canadian golf.

In addition to  changing his Twitter handle, Bob also took to the social network for a brief and understated comment, writing…

A day of change.

— Bob Weeks (@BobWeeksTSN) June 29, 2015

It doesn’t matter how it looks, it just has to get the job done, right? Check out the top 10 all-time unique swings, and find out which swing is the most unorthodox on the PGA TOUR.

Through the years the United States Open Championship has been won by many great champions. Check out the 10 best players who never hoisted a U.S. Open trophy according to the folks at the PGA Tour.