The Centennial Premiere Series Wilcox from FootJoy
For 100 years, FootJoy has been synonymous with golf-specific design and performance innovation. The brand was born from a company-wide naming competition in 1923, where an associate in the Brockton, MA stitching room submitted a name for a new line of shoes the company was developing – FOOTJOY.
The brand continues to lead and innovate in golf wearables and will celebrate 100 years in the making with the Centennial Premiere Series Wilcox. This shoe is FJ’s take on an unmatched legacy of performance innovation and style.
The exclusive footwear design features an iconic red, white and blue colourway, highlighted in spectacular fashion at the 1973 U.S. Open Championship. The shoe is packaged with a 100-Year Medallion that commemorates FJ’s history of innovation and leadership, supercharged for today’s player with the very popular VersaTrax+ outsole, with multiple traction elements that create a system that delivers excellent performance on any surface.
FootJoy will be providing a select number of Tour players with the Centennial Premiere Series Wilcox footwear at the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club, including Justin Thomas, Max Homa, Cameron Young, Adam Scott and many more.
The Centennial Premiere Series Wilcox shoe has been designed to artfully combine vintage vibes with a modern twist. The shoe is crafted with great attention to detail, featuring carefully chosen premium uppers, such as patent leather, that possess a timeless and visually appealing look. Additionally, the eyelets and ornaments are adorned with striking gold finishes, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication, ensuring these shoes are a desirable addition to any golfer’s footwear collection.
Pricing:
Limited Edition Premiere Series Centennial Wilcox: $349.99 CAD
The Centennial Premiere Series Wilcox is available beginning Thursday, June 15, 2023, while supplies last. Learn more at www.footjoy.ca.
Puma golf releases new Maple Leaf collection for 2023
ADDITION OF 20 NEW STYLES;
NOW AVAILABLE IN WOMEN’S OPTIONS;
ALL TOPS FEATURE MATTR OR CLOUDSPUN FABRIC
TORONTO, Canada (June 1, 2023) – Following a successful launch last season, today PUMA Golf is thrilled to release its 2023 Maple Leaf Collection and expand its lineup of special gear designed for Canadian golfers. The fresh collection features 20 new styles of apparel and headwear inspired by Canada’s iconic symbol – the Maple Leaf.
The nation’s classic colours of red and white are infused across the lineup to create several bold designs in multiple colourways. A mix of polos, hats, t-shirts and sweaters are available, including a special MATTR Natural Hoodie. It features an all-over print of maple leaves naturally laying on the golf course and is one of a few pieces in the range to showcase the graphic.
“We initially launched a dedicated, uniquely Canadian collection to serve the millions of passionate golfers in our country, and that objective hasn’t changed,” said Dwayne Boecker, Head of Golf, COBRA PUMA GOLF CANADA. “All the positive feedback we received from our debut styles validated that national pride lives on the golf courses in Canada too.”
Also new for 2023 is the addition of women’s styles into the collection. Multiple dresses and polo options were produced this season for women to celebrate Canada in style and comfort too. The Maple Solid Dress is one of the highlights, with its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, zippered hand pockets and a subtle nod to the maple leaf on chest. A pair of stylish women’s ponytail hats cap off the look with an embroidered maple leaf emblem.
“We worked closely with our Canadian team to tap into the culture and stories the country is known for while also delivering the fashion-forward designs PUMA Golf is known for,” said Chris MacNeill, Team Head, PLM- Golf Apparel & Accessories, PUMA Golf. “We believe we’ve nailed both with this new collection and that it will resonate with all the golfers up north.”
Each piece in the Maple Leaf Collection is produced with PUMA’s signature premium-quality materials, including tech-forward MATTR fabric to address climate and moisture and the ultra- soft, four-way stretch CLOUDSPUN fabric.
PUMA Golf is the Official Apparel and Headwear Partner of Golf Canada’s National Team Program. Athletes and coaches named to Team Canada for the 2024 Olympic Golf Competition in Paris will wear apparel and headwear from PUMA as part of the field-of-play uniform kit.
The collection will be available beginning today at select retailers and online. Visit ca.pumagolf.com/collections/maple-leaf for more information.
Details of the new products in the collection are below:
MATTR Natural Hoodie ($119.99) – a hoodie that will turn heads on the tee with its all-over print of maple leaves. A perfect performance layer to extend the Canadian season as long as possible.
MATTR Pastimes Polo ($109.99) – designed with an all-over print that highlights some of Canada’s cultural emblems, this performance-ready golf polo features hockey sticks, beavers and maple leaves among others. Available in three colourways.
MATTR Natural Polo ($109.99) – a performance-ready golf polo with a special all-over print of maple leaves as if they were naturally laying on course. Available in three colourways.
CLOUDSPUN Maple Solid Polo ($89.99) – a comfy CLOUDSPUN polo with a clean look highlighted by an embroidered maple leaf on chest. Available in three colourways.
Canada P Cap ($39.99) – back by popular demand, this special-edition P Cap includes a humble nod to the Canadian flag. Available in two colourways.
Maple Printed Snapback Cap ($44.99) – a special-edition, two-tone P Cap to perfectly complement the Natural maple leaf printed tops. Available in three colourways.
W MATTR Maple Polo ($99.99) – a performance-ready golf polo with a special all-over print of maple leaves as if they were naturally laying on course. Available in two colourways.
W Natural Dress ($129.99) – a vibrant red and white golf dress with an all-over print of maple leaves. With zippered hand pockets and lightweight material, it’s a fun and functional style.
W Maple Solid Dress ($109.99) – an easy-to-wear, comfy dress with a hint of Canadian pride. Made with our lightweight and stretchy moisture-wicking material to move with women on or off the course. Available in two colourways.
W Maple Ponytail Cap ($39.99) – a simple and stylish, low-profile cap with our special Maple Leaf emblem. Also features a criss-cross elastic backing that ensures a comfortable fit for any ponytail. Available in two colourways.
About COBRA PUMA GOLF
COBRA PUMA GOLF is a corporate division of PUMA, one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. COBRA PUMA GOLF is an inclusive company, promoting game enjoyment for golfers of all abilities, attitudes and styles. The brands full- range portfolio includes COBRA Golf’s high-performance drivers, fairways, hybrids, wedges, putters and irons, as well as PUMA Golf’s sport lifestyle inspired footwear, apparel and accessories. Fusing performance and style, COBRA PUMA GOLF brings a focus on innovation, technology, compelling design and superior performance with an edge to the global golf marketplace. For more information, visit cobragolf.ca and ca.pumagolf.com.
NGCOA aims to help new adult golfers get started on their golf journey
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.
GJAC Virtual Summit presented by RBC: Women in Coaching
The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) Virtual Summit presented by RBC on Women in Coaching took place March 6, 2023, as part of an ongoing GJAC series intended to help golf journalists across Canada stay connected, as well as to generate discussion and opportunities around important issues in the game.
GJAC Virtual Summits presented by RBC are approximately one hour in length and are recorded for public viewing.
The format consists of a moderated question and answer period, followed by a brief opportunity for questions from attendees. You can watch this one below.
Golf Canada is proud to work alongside GJAC to assist facilitating these Summits.
Panelists for this Summit included:
- Lindsay Knowlton, PGA of Canada teaching professional, founder & President of Iron Lady Golf
- Suzy Whaley, PGA of America teaching professional, first female President of the PGA of America
- Salimah Mussani, PGA of Canada teaching professional, Team Canada Head Women’s Golf Coach
This session was moderated by PGA of Canada member and GJAC Board Member Scott MacLeod.
FootJoy introduces HyperFlex and HyperFlex Carbon golf shoes
FootJoy is the undisputed #1 Shoe in Golf, a brand that has been trusted by players at all levels of the game for 100 years because of a singular dedication to the game of golf and a relentless commitment to performance innovation, style, comfort and quality.
As part of this unwavering commitment, FootJoy is introducing the new HyperFlex and HyperFlex Carbon golf shoes. Finely tuned to empower the golfer athlete, HyperFlex delivers hyper power, hyper control and hyper fit for men and women.
- HYPER POWER: The OptiFlex outsole design promotes stability where you need it for the golf swing and flexibility for walking comfort. For those looking for even more stability and comfort, the all-new HyperFlex Carbon shoe features a molded carbon fiber power plate that delivers Tour-level stability and performance. HyperFlex Carbon offers additional underfoot cushioning with an OrthoLite® Impressions FitBed®.
- HYPER CONTROL: The Power Stabilizer outsole harnesses lateral movement through the swing and ensures a secure foundation. The ThermoPlastic saddle strap wraps the foot to provide additional lateral and medial support and control throughout the golf swing.
- HYPER FIT: FJ’s popular StratoFoam cushioning delivers comfort and support tuned specifically for golf. The midsole design provides the perfect blend of cushioning which helps absorb shock while maximizing energy return to reduce foot fatigue.
“The new HyperFlex and HyperFlex Carbon offer Tour-proven enhancements within the athletic silo, delivering unquestioned innovation, comfort, stability and a visual design aesthetic that celebrates performance technology for the golfer athlete,” said Patrick Trubiano, Director of Product Management, FJ Footwear. “This product will excite current HyperFlex wearers and those looking to add more power to their game.”
Several Tour players have already made the switch to incorporate HyperFlex golf shoes in practice and in play at tournaments around the world.
Available at retail starting March 1, 2023.
Learn more at www.footjoy.ca.
(BLOG) Golf Canada heads to the 2023 PGA Show in Orlando
Terry Lenyk
ORLANDO, Fla. – New year, new gear. And everything in-between.
Golf Canada is thrilled to be at the PGA Show this year to showcase some of the biggest brands in golf, speak with some of the biggest names in golf, and give Canadians a look at why 2023 is shaping up to be another amazing year in golf.
From learning more about the new Titleist clubs to figuring out the best new additions to your closet from FootJoy, Puma, and Levelwear to getting the inside scoop on new courses to having one-on-one chats with some of golf’s most impressive figures, be sure to stay tuned to Golf Canada’s social media accounts all week long.
Canadian golf media personality Adam Stanley is set to be your guide throughout the week! If you’re in Orlando you’ll see him hanging at the Hilton Grand Vacations resort or rolling through town in style thanks to both Audi and Avis.
There’s plenty of great things to see and people to speak with this week – and Golf Canada has you covered.
Following along below as we keep you up-to-date on everything you need to know from golf’s biggest forum.
MONDAY, JANUARY 23
Chatting with Cabot’s Ben Cowan-Dewar
Golf Canada host Adam Stanley sat down 1-on-1 with Ben Cowan-Dewar, the co-founder and CEO behind one of Canada’s most internationally known golf brands. Watch their convo below…
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24
We kicked off demo day with a visit to Titleist to learn all about the brand-new gear for 2023.
First up was a deep dive into the new Titleist Vokey SM9 line of wedges with the addition of the low-bounce T Grind. The T Grind is designed mostly for players who are knocking it around in firm conditions. Vokey has also added lightweight steel and graphite shaft options so then players who have those kind of shafts in their irons will have wedges to match.
There are now seven grinds available in the SM9 wedges – the newest line from Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Bob Vokey.
We also learned all about Titleist’s latest line of drivers, the TSR. Those drivers are set to build off the incredible success of the TSi and TS series before it. The TSR line boasts four models that are all set to help increase stability, speed, and distance for golfers in 2023. The face material of the new drivers is ATI-425 titanium, and of note, there are just three customers of that material in the world: NASA, the U.S. government, and… Titleist!
After hitting a few balls at Titleist we headed over to Cobra-Puma, the national partner of Golf Canada’s Junior Skills Challenge, to have a couple of great chats with LPGA Tour superstar Lexi Thompson and golfer-turned-media personality (and new mom!) Blair O’Neal. O’Neal, who just had a baby eight weeks ago, talked to us all about getting juniors more into golf, and how excited she is to see more women pick up the game these days. Thompson, meanwhile, shared that her fellow LPGA Tour golfers feel as if the CP Women’s Open should be a major championship. She loves seeing all the young girls dressed like her outside the ropes in Canada and spoke so very highly about our women’s national championship. Thompson, an 11-time winner on the LPGA Tour, is hopeful for a huge year in 2023!
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25
First up on Wednesday – our first day on the PGA Show floor – we visited Levelwear to learn all about its new line for 2023. From fabrics to function, the fresh gear worn by some of the best golfers in the world (including Adam Hadwin, Corey Conners, and Taylor Pendrith on the PGA Tour – plus its newest signee, Aaron Cockerill on the DP World Tour) is set to look great in anyone’s closet. The latest colour drop from Levelwear is called ‘Bordeaux’ – a rich purple that will most certainly get you noticed.
Whether its polos, sweaters, pants, or more – there’s something for everyone from Levelwear in 2023!
Not only that, but Levelwear is going to have a great presence once again at the CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open with the return of the Levelwear Caddie Lounge and plenty of great merchandise offerings in Toronto and Vancouver.
Brooke Henderson was on site at the PGA Show Wednesday and we were lucky enough to chat with her all about her big win Sunday at the LPGA Tour’s season opener, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Henderson, who finished at 16 under at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club, topped Maja Stark and Charley Hull by four shots.
She won for the 13th time on the LPGA Tour and the third time wire-to-wire in her career.
“Honestly, it was a dream start,” Henderson told us. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Just to go out and get the lead right on Thursday and then carry it on through throughout the weekend and hoist the trophy on Sunday afternoon is always an amazing feeling. But having it be the first tournament of the year, it made it a little extra special.”
We got to check out some amazing new gear from PUMA Golf, the official apparel partner for Team Canada.
And we capped off opening day on on the show floor learning how accurate golf simulators have become, chatting with Foresight Sports Canada.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26
FootJoy has brought the fire once again in 2023 with some great shoes, gloves, and outerwear.
This is the 100th anniversary for FootJoy making, well, footwear, and it shows no signs of slowing down with its newly updated Premiere series, FJ Flex, and HyperFlex.
It’s the 42nd year for gloves for FootJoy, and its made plenty of improvements to its best-selling StaSoft glove (the No.1 on Tour!).
Finally, its outerwear continues to help Canadians make every day playable, highlighted in 2023 by the DryJoy Select jacket.
After banging a few TSR drivers and nipping a few of the new SM9 wedges on Demo Day, we hit the show floor with Titleist to learn more about some of its other gear for 2023. Somehow, someway, they’ve improved upon the No.1 ball in golf as the Pro V1 and Pro V1x has a new core that’s set to help golfers hit it further and straighter. Titleist’s new Scotty Cameron putters take the most well-known name in putting and improved again on the feel and tighten the alignment to help you make more putts.
After a couple of years away, Canada Night – a very special annual evening put on by the PGA of Canada – returned with a buzz. The room was packed with Canadians eager to connect and celebrate some very deserving winners of the organization’s national awards from the previous 12 months. A great evening – and a wonderful way to wrap up the 2023 PGA Show.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27
After a few years of pandemic-impacted PGA Show experiences, Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum was thrilled to feel the buzz and energy from plenty of Canadians in Orlando. With more golf being played by more Canadians than ever before, there’s no denying there is some real excitement for golf for all. We chatted with Applebaum about that very thing, how excited he was for 2023, the CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open, plus the momentum behind the launch of The First Tee in Canada
And that’s it! After tens of thousands of steps over four days, we loved giving Canadian golfers an inside look at the biggest brands in the game, some of the biggest names in the game, and hopefully some things that got you pumped for a wonderful 2023 golf season.
TSN acquires media rights to PGA TOUR LIVE; launches TSN+
Beginning with the 2023 SONY OPEN in Hawaii, TSN has announced the acquisition of rights to PGA TOUR LIVE, featuring exclusive coverage from PGA TOUR events throughout the season.
The acquisition of PGA TOUR LIVE supports the launch of TSN+, a new direct-to-consumer streaming product available on TSN.ca and the TSN app.
PGA TOUR LIVE features more than 4,300 hours of exclusive PGA TOUR coverage, including the TOUR’s Hawaii events in January all the way through the FEDEXCUP PLAYOFFS and into the fall. It includes four full days of coverage and four simultaneous live feeds each day from PGA TOUR events. Coverage includes Featured Groups, Featured Holes, and the new Marquee Group, showcasing every shot from each player in one select group. PGA Tour Live was previously available as part of PGA TOUR’s paid subscription service GolfTV.
In addition to PGA TOUR LIVE, TSN+ includes coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES; new world-exclusive augmented NFL feeds for every playoff game and the Super Bowl; and the re-launch of the XFL, beginning Feb. 18.
TSN+ is available now for a limited-time free preview and is ready to stream exclusively on mobile devices, tablets, and is available on connected TVs, including Android TV, Apple TV, Xbox One, Roku TV, LG Smart TV, Samsung SmartTV, and Amazon Fire TV Stick. Direct-to-consumer pricing and subscription options will be announced in the coming weeks.
TSN+ provides Canadians access to marquee live games and events that are incremental to the premium sports content delivered across TSN’s leading platforms.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON TSN+
Breaking: TSN has acquired the rights to PGA Tour LIVE and will broadcast it on all-new streaming product TSN+ You can watch the SONY Open right now!!! TSN will stream every PGA Tour event, start to finish. Four days of coverage and four simultaneous live feeds. Free trial is on
— Bob Weeks (@BobWeeksTSN) January 12, 2023
Canadian professional golf tours announce strategic merger
Montreal – Two professional golf tours in Canada have announced a strategic merger. The East Coast Pro Tour (ECPT), based in Montreal and the Great Lakes Tour (GLT), based in Hamilton have agreed upon terms to merge schedules and events under one umbrella effective immediately.
The new tournament schedule will offer professional golfers and elite amateurs a full set of events across Ontario, Quebec and even the USA and feature one season long point list. Additionally, each event in 2023 will feature a minimum purse amount of $25,000 and an average first prize of $7,500.
The merger will ultimately see all events on both tours in Ontario and Quebec fall under the ECPT brand. The GLT and ECPT will share resources.
Massimo Roch and Luca Greco will remain in Tour Director roles as President and Vice-President of the ECPT and will be based in Montreal. Whereas, Jim Kenesky of the GLT will assume the role as a Tournament Director in Ontario strategically overseeing the operations in key markets of Ontario along with other duties being carried out to assist in tour and tournament operations. Colin Murray, also of the GLT, will be stepping away to focus on his professional senior golf career.
‘’The strategic partnership was formed with one goal in mind; design a national platform for Canadians to access the next level in professional golf.’’ States Massimo Roch. ‘’We both agreed that the unification of both entities under a single banner is the best thing we could’ve done for the players. We’re confident Jim’s previous experience and extensive wealth of knowledge will allow us to collectively reshape professional golf in the north and provide our players with greater playing opportunities.’’
The Great Lakes Tour was established in 2001 and tour alumni inclide David Hearn, David Morland IV, Brad Fritsch, Matt McQuillan, Michael Gligic and Taylor Pendrith.
The ECPT was established in 2019.
The tentative 2023 ECPT schedule will be available in early January. It will feature six events in Ontario, five events in Quebec and one event in Connecticut. Players will gain points at events throughout the season toward the GolfIn Cup Standings where the leader at the end of the season will earn an all expense paid trip and entry fee into the DP World Tour Q-School. Max Gilbert of Saint-Georges, Que., won the inaugural GolfIn Cup in 2021 and Ty Celone of Long Sault, Ont. is the reigning GolfIn Cup Champion.
Visit www.eastcoastprotour.com for the tour’s 2023 schedule and membership options.
Top moments in Canadian golf for 2022
If you happened to miss the big-time moments and stories that unfolded in Canadian golf this year, not to worry! We’ve got nine collected right here – plus a handful of honourable mentions, too.
Whether it was major-winning putts, huge tournament returns, or significant announcements, Canadian golf had them all in 2022.
What was your favourite? What did we miss? Let us know!
And here’s hoping 2023 produces plenty more.
A slippery final-hole birdie was needed, but Brooke Henderson bent down just as it caught the lip and trundled in – and the Canadian became a major champion again.
Henderson won the Amundi Evian Championship to become the first Canadian (male or female) to win more than one major. Her win at the Evian was her second of the season as she inched ever closer to putting a bow on a fabulous LPGA Tour season.
Thanks to Henderson’s two wins, she ended up third in the LPGA’s Player of the Year standings and will head into 2023 ranked sixth in the world.
After two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a palpable buzz as the RBC Canadian Open returned to the PGA TOUR schedule for 2022.
St. George’s Golf and Country Club was an excellent host, and Rory McIlroy defended his title from 2019 – in thrilling fashion.
McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Tony Finau were grouped together in Sunday’s finale and oh-my-goodness did they ever deliver. McIlroy and Thomas fired matching 5-under 29s on their opening nine holes before McIlroy pulled away to win by two. He closed with an 8-under 62.
While McIlroy, Thomas, and Finau were battling back-and-forth, Justin Rose had made three eagles of his own and shot a 10-under 60 to finish at 14 under and tied for fourth. Not to mention(!) on the very same Sunday Brooke Henderson was winning the ShopRite LPGA Classic on the LPGA Tour.
Phew.
What a week. What a tournament. We’re sure Oakdale Golf and Country Club will deliver, too.
Some of the biggest names in women’s golf ended up firmly in the mix Sunday at the CP Women’s Open (with world No. 2 Nelly Korda finishing tied for second while world No.1 Lydia Ko would finish tied for fourth) but it was Paula Reto who was the eventual winner of the CP Women’s Open. At 19 under she captured her maiden LPGA Tour title by one shot.
The tournament made its return to the LPGA Tour after two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic (like the RBC Canadian Open on the men’s side) and from start-to-finish it was a special week – so special, in fact, the LPGA Tour rewarded it with plenty of hardware at its year-end awards.
The CP Women’s Open, contested at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, ended up winning a trio of awards at the LPGA Tour’s 2022 Partner Awards including the coveted Tournament of the Year title.
It also won the Best Community and Charity Engagement award for its work with the CP Has Heart community investment program, which raised $2.5 million in support of the CHEO Foundation and $510,000 for Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation – the largest charitable campaign in the history of the CP Women’s Open.
Finally, the tournament also won Best Sponsor Activation for its Hilton on the Green experience – a first-of-its-kind opportunity for Canadian golf fans to stay in a unique, 1-bedroom pop-up hotel room on the 8th hole at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club. Hilton on the Green included a personal concierge, golf cart, gourmet meals including breakfast in bed, exclusive view of the action, as well as world-class service and hospitality from Hilton.
And in case you forgot, 12-year-old(!) Lucy Lin also Monday Qualified for the event after getting through a 3-for-1 playoff, becoming the youngest person in tournament history to tee it up in Canada’s National Women’s Open.
While there was much to celebrate for the Canadians on the PGA Tour through the early part of 2022, once we got into the fall season things really picked up.
On October 2 it was Mackenzie Hughes who won for the second time on the PGA Tour, defeating Sepp Straka with a birdie on the second playoff hole at the Sanderson Farms Championship.
Seven weeks later it was Adam Svensson’s turn. Svensson won The RSM Classic by two shots for his maiden Tour title. More impressively he opened the week with a 3-over 73 before pressing the gas and shooting rounds of 64-62-64 to win by two shots over Callum Tarren.
With the announcement that the Presidents Cup would be returning to Royal Montreal in 2024, there truly could have been just one person to be at the helm of the International squad – Mike Weir.
Weir, who went 3-1 as a captain’s pick when the matches were previously at Royal Montreal in 2007 including an inspired defeat of Tiger Woods in Sunday singles, was indeed named the leader of the international team in a two-day event in both Montreal and Toronto.
The news was made official on Nov. 30 at the Bell Centre.
And so begins the two-year journey to the matches for Weir, who has long said despite it being contested in Montreal, it is “Canada’s Presidents Cup.”
July saw Golf Canada announce a major partnership with TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley to see the National Sport Federation relocate its base of operations to the fabulous 54-hole facility in Caledon, Ont.
Golf Canada’s national headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum will relocate, while the new Canadian golf campus on TPC Toronto’s grounds will also feature the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada.
Phase one of the project – set to include the corporate headquarters, Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, and a 30,000 square foot community putting green – will break ground next year with expected completion by 2025.
Richmond Hill, Ont.’s Monet Chun had as complete a college campaign as anyone in Canadian golf in recent memory and in 2023 she’ll enter her junior season at the University of Michigan with lots of momentum as she looks to wrap up her college career with a bang.
In April Chun, a Golf Canada National Team member, helped the Wolverines to its first Big Ten Championship – winning by four shots. She also won the Big Ten Tournament as an individual by four shots, leading the field with 16 birdies for the week. She set the school’s Big Ten 54-hole scoring record by five. That win was one of three team titles for the University of Michigan in 2022.
Chun captured the Canadian Women’s Amateur in July thanks to a third-round 66 before having a magical run to the finals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur a month later.
Chun, who was the first Canadian to make the final of the U.S. Women’s Amateur since Brooke Henderson in 2014, fell short in the final but did earn a spot in the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach thanks to her runner-up result.
One was a lock, and one came in at the last minute – but both were very deserving.
Canadians Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith – childhood friends, college teammates, and long-time Golf Canada National Team members – became the first Red-and-White pair to find themselves on the Presidents Cup team in the competition’s history when it teed off at Quail Hallow in September.
Both Conners and Pendrith (who had an excellent rookie campaign on the PGA Tour despite missing four months due to a rib injury) had a good experience with the International team – despite the squad’s loss to the heavily-favoured American side – and are more motivated than ever to make the International Team in 2024 when it returns to Canada and will be under Mike Weir’s leadership.
What a summer it was for Nanoose Bay, B.C.-native Shelly Stouffer, highlighted by a fabulous week in Alaska when she won the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur.
Stouffer, who also won the Canadian Women’s Senior and Canadian Women’s Mid-Am title in September (her second-straight Canadian Seniors title), became just the fourth Canadian in history to win the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur.
The 52-year-old defeated Australian Sue Wooster 4-and-3 to win the title – an honour she shared with her 15-year-old son, Brett, as her caddie.
Stouffer was buoyed into the final after receiving a text message from Marlene Streit the night prior to her title-winning tilt.
“She said, ‘You’ve got this, good job, keep it going,’” said Stouffer.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
- FIRST TEE CANADA CONTINUES TO GROW
- Thanks to the Golf Canada Foundation and a generous network of donors, the growth of First Tee Canada has welcomed 23,000 youth across four provincial chapters that includes 112 locations at golf courses, schools, and community centres. Two more provincial chapters and additional program locations are planned for 2023 with a goal to create an accessible, inclusive, and empowering sport environment and make a positive impact on thousands of youth nationwide.
- CANADA GOLDEN IN JAPAN AT TOYOTA JUNIOR GOLF WORLD CUP
The Canadian Junior Boys team – made up of Félix Bouchard (Otterburn Park, Que.), Ethan Wilson (St. Albert, Alta.), Cooper Humphreys (Vernon, B.C.) and Eric Zhao (North York, Ont.) – captured the 2022 Toyota Junior Golf World Cup with a two-stroke victory over Japan in the seven-team competition. Canada’s team victory at the World Cup is its first in the 28-year history of the event. Rob McMillan (1994) and Corey Conners (2009) have previously been crowned individual champions of the tournament representing the Maple Leaf.
- PGA TOUR CANADA’S TOP GOLFER IS A CANADIAN
- After two wins this season, including one in his hometown of Edmonton and the other at the season finale, Wil Bateman became the first Canadian to top the PGA Tour Canada’s Order of Merit since Mackenzie Hughes in 2013
- TERRILL SAMUEL WINS R&A WOMEN’S SENIOR
- Not to be outdone by Canadian pal Shelly Stouffer noted earlier, Terrill Samuel of Etobicoke, Ont. completed a Canadian trifecta of National Senior Women’s Amateur championships in 2022 as the Weston Golf Club member became only the third Canadian winner of the R&A Women’s Senior Amateur Championship joining Alison Murdoch in 2007 and Diane Williams in 1994.
- DAYTON AND HAYDEN’S RECOVERY CONTINUES
- Ontarians Dayton Price and Hayden Underhill were the only two to survive a fatal bus crash that killed nine – including six members of their college’s golf team and a coach – in March. After months of recovery, both Price and Underhill have physically turned corners and are playing golf again (including at a competitive level), enjoyed time at the RBC Canadian Open, and are laser-like on a return to the game – whatever form that may take.
- AARON COCKERILL HAS A NICE YEAR ON DP WORLD TOUR
- Canada’s lone professional golfer from Manitoba had a solid campaign on the DP World Tour and kicked off the 2023 season (and ended his 2022 year) with a T4 result in South Africa.
- SCORES, SCORES & MORE SCORES
- The surge in golf interest through the pandemic may be starting to level off as the world returns to normal, but the record-levels of engagement with the sport continues to be massive, as evidenced by a record 9.8M scores posted by Golf Canada members in 2022.
- MADDIE SZERYK RE-EARNS LPGA TOUR STATUS
- What a grind! Maddie Szeryk, who had an up-and-down rookie season on the LPGA Tour, re-earned LPGA Tour status via the eight-round Q-Series after she finished tied for 17th
Brian Youell to be honoured by Canadian Golf Superintendents Association
Mississauga, ON – The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) announced Brian Youell of Uplands Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. as its John B. Steel Distinguished Service Award recipient for 2022.
The CGSA John B. Steel Award commemorates the CGSA’s first President, who was also the first superintendent to be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. This award is presented annually to an individual, chosen by the CGSA Board of Directors, who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the profession of Golf Course Superintendent. The recipient is presented with an original soap stone carving designed and carved by Bill Fach, retired Master Superintendent, and a past CGSA President.
“Brian Youell is one of the most devoted and respected colleagues in the turf industry and a mentor to many,” said Pierre Vezeau, CGSA President. “He has overcome many challenges over the years and continues to give back to the industry and his community. He is a dedicated husband and father to two daughters. His successful career and leadership in the industry is truly inspirational. Congratulations on this well-deserved award Brian.”
Youell has been a CGSA member since 1993 and has held the association’s Master Superintendent (MS) designation since 2002. He is in his 42nd year at Uplands Golf Course which was established in 1922 and celebrated their centenary on December 1st, 2022. His career in the industry spans almost 45 years.
He was the CGSA Environmental Achievement Award winner in 2017, the 2016 CGSA Gordon Witteveen winner and the CGSA Superintendent of the Year Award winner in 2012.
“What an honour to win such a prestigious award,” added Youell. “I’ve had an amazing 42 years with Uplands Golf Club, and I’ve been very fortunate to host 20 PGA Tour Canada events. I’m so happy to have chosen this career path and networked with amazing people.”