Team RBC’s Adam Hadwin provides advice and tips around enjoying time south of the border and managing finances as a Canadian in the U.S.

To learn more about cross-border banking with RBC, visit www.rbc.com/crossborder.

Following years of rigorous product development, the introduction of the new Titleist Tour Speed – a high performance, multilayer golf ball with a proprietary thermoplastic urethane cover – provides golfers with the fastest, best performing golf ball in its category. Proven through extensive testing with amateur players, the breakthrough performance of Tour Speed is further enhanced by the superior quality and consistency of Titleist’s precision manufacturing process.

Available in Canadian golf shops beginning Aug. 7, Tour Speed offers a distinct and compelling performance option in the Titleist golf ball family through its innovative three-piece design, delivering a unique combination of exceptional distance in the long game and precise short game scoring control:

• A new high-speed core formulation combined with Titleist’s fastest ionomer casing layer delivers maximum speed and low long game spin for category-leading distance. Tour Speed is faster and longer than Callaway Chrome Soft, Bridgestone Tour B RX, TaylorMade Tour Response, Srixon Z-STAR and Srixon Q-STAR TOUR.

• Tour Speed’s thermoplastic urethane (TPU) cover is proprietary Titleist golf ball technology specifically formulated by R&D chemists, delivering greenside spin for short game scoring control with soft feel.

• The exceptional distance of Tour Speed is enhanced by a new 346 quadrilateral dipyramid dimple design that provides a penetrating, consistent flight.

“Golfers can trust that when they tee up a Titleist, they are getting superior performance and quality versus the competition,” said Michael Mahoney, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing. “Our golf ball scientists and engineers have gone to extraordinary lengths in the development of Tour Speed – testing numerous core formulations and aerodynamic patterns, while formulating and analyzing hundreds of TPU cover blends – to deliver on that promise. We have made every investment necessary in these new technologies, including a significant expansion of our manufacturing facility and process.”

EXTENSIVE AMATEUR TESTING

In addition to Titleist’s robot testing protocol, the performance of Tour Speed has been validated through rounds of comprehensive amateur testing, including:

• A three-month R&D test market conducted in the United States and Canada for the experimental golf ball EXP•01 – a prototype created during the development process for what has now become Tour Speed; and

• A golf ball performance study of amateur golfers led by Fordie Pitts, Titleist’s R&D golf ball consultant on the PGA Tour. The blind test, conducted at the Manchester Lane Test Facility in Massachusetts, evaluated Tour Speed prototypes versus a wide range of current Titleist and competitive golf ball models.

“Every new Titleist golf ball must exceed our stringent machine and player testing targets in order to advance from the R&D phase,” said Scott Cooper, Titleist Golf Ball R&D’s lead implementation engineer for Tour Speed. “All of the data and golfer feedback we’ve collected has been clear: Tour Speed is consistently the fastest, longest and most preferred golf ball among the competitive urethane-covered products in this category.”

AVAILABILITY

The new Titleist Tour Speed is available in Canada beginning Friday, Aug. 7. MAP $49.99.

You will definitely not see the best golfers in the world with tunes coming from their bags as they are trying to win a PGA or LPGA Tour title, but more and more you will hear music played at your local golf course.

Nearly 90 percent of Canadians own a smartphone, which means almost everyone who is playing golf has the ability to play music on the course these days. While it may not be for everyone, a trend is apparent.

At a great many clubs, golf has embraced its casual side – dress codes are relaxed, new golfers are emerging and places like TopGolf as well as short courses are popping up in the U.S. – and with that, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear notes of The Tragically Hip, Shania Twain, or Justin Bieber (depending on your preference, of course) floating over the sounds of birds chirping.

A recent survey from Golf Digest said 37 percent of respondents between 18-34 bring a portable speaker to the course. Others might prefer to keep their music to themselves and go the earphone route to avoid disrupting others.

what are some of your favourite songs to listen to while golfing?

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) July 2, 2020

“Golf is one of those sports where it takes up a good amount of time, so I have no issue with listening to music, even while playing, but I don’t think it should be 100 percent of the time,” says Golf Canada Men’s National Team Head Coach Derek Ingram.

He says for the athletes he works with, he’s training them to practice and play “under the gun” and they tend not to play tunes during the final round on the PGA Tour, he jokes. But while there may still be discomfort with cranking it up on the course, listening to music while practicing may have some benefits.

“I think it actually accesses part of the brain that allows us to be more creative and more athletic as well,” Ingram says. “There’s no issue with a portion of the practice listening to music and enjoying music, but I would say the right percentage depending on the individual.”

It’s nearly unavoidable to go a week on the PGA or LPGA Tour without having music be part of the tournament in some capacity.

The PGA and LPGA Tour have both introduced music into their tournament schedules over the last couple of seasons. Both tours have introduced team events (with Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes teeing it up in New Orleans while Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp got together in Michigan) and the Canadian duos arrived at the first tee to “walk-up music” not unlike what you see at a baseball game before a hitter steps into the box.

Music has become a key part of many successful PGA Tour events where DJs (not Dustin Johnson, in this case) will play sets or keep music going between groups if appropriate, and concerts have become a staple event during tournament week.

At least year’s RBC Canadian Open the RBCxMusic Concert Series brought Canadian rockers The Glorious Sons and country mega-duo Florida-Georgia Line to Hamilton Golf and Country Club, which helped sell out both days of the event.

RBCxMusic Concert Series at the 2019 RBC Canadian Open featuring Florida Georgia Line and the Glorious Sons

And a couple of years ago while Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Smylie Kaufman, and Rickie Fowler went on their infamous buddies trip to the Caribbean all of their rounds of golf were filled with music (and were without shirts).

If you’ve got a Bluetooth speaker in your cart or dangling from your trolley, just be mindful of those around you.

While many come to the golf course for fun or frivolity, there’s a good portion of courses and golfers who prefer to have Mother Nature play her own music – so understand your golf environment and keep the volume to just what you and your group can hear.

But this summer while celebrating all of Canada’s fabulous layouts, why not experiment with listening to some of country’s finest musical acts?

Bands like The Tragically Hip, The Arkells, and Rush are perfect for the cottage, they’re great for the course, too – and who knows, you might even improve your game thanks to music.

Some Tune Tips

1. Always ask other players if you can play music and what they might want to hear
2. Understand your environment – not every course and golfer feel the same about music during a round
3. Make sure the music is at a manageable volume
4. Consider earphones to enjoy tunes without disrupting others
5. Have fun with it – music makes almost every situation (a BBQ, the beach, a backyard party) better. The golf course should be no different.

TORONTO – The Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM) is pleased to announce and congratulate the recipients of CSCM’s 2020 Awards Program. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, October 5, 2020, at CSCM’s first-ever virtual national conference.

The award recipients are:

President’s Award
Cameron Gray, CCM, St. Charles Country Club, Winnipeg, MB

Club Manager of the Year
Jim Hope, CCM, CCE, Derrick Golf & Winter Club, Edmonton, AB

Club of the Year (Medium)
Cedar Brae Golf Club, Toronto, ON (Martin Piché, CCM, General Manager/COO)

Club of the Year (Large)
Terminal City Club, Vancouver, BC (Peter Jackman, General Manager)

In addition, the following members will be honoured for recently receiving their Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation:

• Dan Campbell, CCM, St. Andrew’s East Golf & Country Club, Stouffville, ON
• Rob Cheevers, CCM, Buffalo Canoe Club, Ridgeway, ON
• Jennifer Cox, CCM, The Glencoe Golf & Country Club, Calgary, AB
• Molly Jagroop, CCM, Oakdale Golf & Country Club Ltd., Toronto, ON
• Steven Pert, CCM, Kanawaki Golf Club, Kahnawake, QC
• Martin Piché, CCM, Cedar Brae Golf Club, Toronto, ON
• Shendal Yalchin, CCM, The Hamilton Club, Hamilton, ON

The following member will be honoured for recently receiving their Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation:

• Paul Morrell, CCM, CCE, Ontario Racquet Club, Mississauga, ON

Moreover, the following member will be recognized for recently achieving Honour Society status:

• Mary Elizabeth Sullivan, CCM, Granite Club, Toronto, ON

The annual awards program honours members who have made a significant contribution to the Society and the profession of club management in Canada, supporting CSCM’s mission to offer quality education and networking opportunities. Annually, members are invited to nominate peers in the industry. All nomination submissions are carefully reviewed by the Awards Committee and recipients are selected based on specific criteria.

Michael Hearse, CCM, Member of the CSCM National Board of Directors and Chair of the Awards Committee remarked, “We thank all those who participated this year. I am delighted to congratulate the award recipients, each of whom are wonderful representatives of the club management industry and the professionalism of the Society.”

Suzanne Godbehere, Chief Executive Officer of CSCM, said, “While our awards ceremony will be held virtually this year – make no mistake – it will be just as triumphant. We will be working to incorporate video highlights and live award presentations to the online event. The format will allow members from across the country to participate.”

For further details regarding the CSCM Awards Program & Application Process, please visit: CSCM Awards Program

Information about CSCM’s first-ever virtual national conference can be found here: Flatout

About The Canadian Society of Club Managers

Established in 1957, CSCM is the national professional society representing the club management profession in Canada. Of our approximately 600 members, over 70% are from golf clubs, and the remainder from a variety of city, recreation, fitness, curling and other types of clubs.

The Society’s members hold position titles that include General Manager, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer as well as Assistant Manager, Clubhouse Manager, Controller and Food and Beverage Manager.

Master Craftsman Bob Vokey’s long-trusted T Grind – an original Vokey grind still in the bags of many tour players including Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas – is now available through WedgeWorks.

Inspired by Vokey’s work with one of the game’s all-time best wedge players, the T Grind was designed for great hands and a vivid short-game imagination. Available in 58º and 60º lofts, it is ideal for a shallow angle of attack in firm conditions, with low bounce and a narrow crescent surface. Compared to Vokey’s L grind, it has a wider back flange which allows for lower measured bounce.

“Wedge play is an art, and the T Grind brings out the best in the artist,” Vokey said.

“The leading edge stays low to the playing surface as the wedge is rotated which allows you to hit a variety of shots from tight lies. This is the wedge that really made Vokey Grinds an important part of our process – and still to this day is a great option.”

T GRIND ON TOUR

Both Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have recently added Vokey T Grind lob wedges to their setups. Spieth first used the T Grind during his college career. At last season’s Players Championship, Spieth asked Vokey PGA Tour Rep Aaron Dill to build him a 60-degree T Grind – and it has stayed in the bag ever since. Justin Thomas tested a series of low-bounce options leading up to the 2019 Presidents Cup, ultimately deciding the T Grind best fit the conditions and his game at Royal Melbourne. He now keeps a 60T in his travel bag and selects either the T Grind or a low-bounce K Grind based on the week, course and conditions.

The T Grind continues to grow in popularity on tour, especially in Europe where players are more often faced with links-style conditions.

Said Will Harvey, Vokey’s European Tour Rep: “I’ve had players say they feel like they can hit any shot with the T – the combination of the forward bounce for low pitch shots and the grind for the soft control shots is something needed with the vast amount of shots required on links or firmer course set ups.”

SM8 TECHNOLOGY

WedgeWorks T Grind wedges are designed with the same advanced technologies that have made Vokey Design SM8 wedges the #1 wedge on tour:

• Reimagined Progressive CG is pushed forward from the face for increased MOI – producing improved distance and trajectory control, better feel and a club face that simply wants to square up at impact for more consistent results. To achieve this in the T Grind and all SM8 lob wedges, Vokey’s team lengthened the hosels and counterbalanced that weight with high-density tungsten low in the toe.

• 100% Inspected Spin Milled Grooves are cut with a level of precision that is unique by finish, producing maximum spin and shot control. Micro-grooves are individually cut in between grooves, which maximize spin on partial shots. A proprietary heat treatment is applied to the impact area to double the durability of the groove without impacting feel – making it the most durable groove in golf.

ADVANCED PERSONALIZATION AND CUSTOM OPTIONS

Consistent with SM8, the T Grind features a modern, clean look, which also provides a big canvas for customization. Inspired by Aaron Dill (@VokeyWedgeRep), the WedgeWorks custom options are expanded to include:

• Six unique toe engravings;
• Expanded stamping options: 10-character Straight/Freestyle; 15 characters around toe; 5-character staircase style; and
• Custom paint-filled Loft and Grind markings and BV Wings logo.
• Hand Grinds: Raw finishes can be hand ground to exact specs, including both performance grinds and profile adjustments – a true tour van experience.

SM8 wedges can also be custom ordered with an industry-leading selection of shafts, grips, shaft bands and ferrules. For a complete list of options, visit Vokey.com.

LOFTS, FINISHES & AVAILABILITY

The WedgeWorks T Grind will be available for custom order in golf shops and on Vokey.com in both 58° and 60° lofts in Tour Chrome and Raw finishes. RH only. Price ($269) includes custom stamping, custom ferrule and custom shaft band.

Caledon, Ont. – Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas and legendary comedian Gerry Dee prevailed in exciting fashion at The Face-off on Tuesday, winning by a single stroke over TSN’s James Duthie and Jeff O’Neill in the $60,000 charity match at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

Dubas converted a clutch birdie putt on the 17^th hole to take a lead that he and his team would not relinquish, leading to a one-stroke victory over Team Duthie in the 18-hole modified stroke play contest.

A total of $60,000 in donations from TPC Toronto and the Humeniuk Foundation was on the line for a charity of each player’s choice, with Dee leading the way by earning $20,000 for KidSport Ontario and Dubas earning $18,000 for the You Can Play Project. $11,000 went to both The Frontline Fund and the Down Syndrome Association of York Region on behalf of Team Duthie.

“There are a lot of charities that need our support right now, and for us to help out just by playing some golf and having some laughs together was such a treat,” said Dubas. “Our sincere thanks goes to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley and the Humeniuk Foundation for putting together a great event and supporting some great causes in our communities.”

“All four of us had great charities, and that’s the best part of it. We won today, but these great organizations are the real winners and hopefully we can keep doing this and having more fun in the future,” said Dee.

The Face-off saw Team Dubas and Team Duthie compete in a unique 18-hole stroke play format, consisting of six holes of net best ball, six holes of modified alternate shot and six holes of scramble. After falling into a five-shot deficit through 12 holes, Team Dubas clawed their way back thanks to a number of solid drives from Dee and some timely solid shots from Dubas, who found the par-5 13^th green in two leading to a birdie that tied the teams with five holes to go.

Dee’s drive over the water and subsequent approach with a wedge on the risk-reward 17^th hole led to Dubas’ successful eight-foot birdie putt to give Team Dubas their first lead of the day, and when both teams made par on the home hole, the match’s outcome was secured.

As part of the winning team, both members of Team Dubas earned an additional $8,000 for their charities. Dee took closest to the pin honours on the par-3 eighth hole and longest drive on the par-5 13^th, worth an additional $1,000 each, while Duthie’s birdie on the par-4 second hole earned $1,000 as the day’s first birdie and O’Neill’s tee shot on the par-3 15^th earned $1,000 for closest to the hole.

The $60,000 in donations come in addition to the $350,000 in donations already announced by TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley and the Humeniuk Foundation towards COVID-19 relief efforts and community services this spring.

“We couldn’t be happier with the support we received from Kyle, Gerry, James and Jeff today,” said TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk. “Our goal for this event was to create a platform and raise some awareness in addition to some financial support for some outstanding charitable causes. To have the participation and engagement that we did from these gentlemen means an incredible amount to us, and we look forward to many more events like this one in the future.”

ANCASTER, ON – Emerson Mahoney will take over as the next Head Golf Professional at Hamilton Golf & Country Club at the end of the 2020 golf season.

After an exhaustive selection process that included reviewing 53 applications from across North America and interviews with several candidates, Emerson quickly became the unanimous choice of the HGCC selection committee.

“Emerson is an exceptional golf professional and a terrific individual, who is committed to leading all aspects of our golf operations and providing an exceptional golf experience for our members,” says HGCC Club President, Joel Ippolito. “We look forward to having Emerson join the management team this fall as we build upon the strong traditions at HGCC and prepare to enter a new era at HGCC.”

Emerson is currently in his 12^th season as the Head Golf Professional at Brampton Golf Club. The club is home to a Robbie Robinson layout and it will celebrate its 100^th anniversary in 2021. Robinson designed the East Course at HGCC.

“I have many fond memories at HGCC, so to return as the club’s next Head Golf Professional is truly an honor. I have been in the golf industry for 30-plus years and it has been my career ambition to be the Head Golf Professional at the most premier golf club in Canada,” says Mahoney, who was born and raised in Hamilton. He is a graduate of Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School.

Emerson started in the golf industry as an assistant professional at Glendale G&CC in Hamilton. After three summers of learning the ropes, he made the switch to HGCC as an associate golf professional under Head Professional, Rob McDannold from March 1996 to January 2003. Emerson then made the move to Winnipeg, where he was the Head Golf Professional at Niakwa Country Club for six seasons before returning to Ontario for the opportunity at Brampton GC.

“I have been away for 18 years, but I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the members and getting to know the newer members,” says Emerson, who lives in Burlington with his wife, Angela and their two sons, Peyton, 17, and Avery, 15. “I’m very excited to be joining the HGCC management team later this year and will embrace the opportunity to elevate the golf experience at the club as we plan for the future.”

Emerson is expected to start at HGCC in October 2020.

Current Head Golf Professional, David Miller, is set to retire at the end of the 2020 golf season. The California native served as an associate professional at HGCC from 1991 to 1995 before moving to Beverly G&CC as the Head Professional from 1996 to 2007. He returned to HGCC as the Head Professional in 2008 and is regarded as one of the very best in the business.

Emerson will be only the 12th person to hold the Head Golf Professional title at HGCC since the club was founded in 1894. Nicol Thompson served as head pro from 1899 to 1901, 1903 and then from 1912 until his retirement in 1945. He was succeeded by Dick Borthwick, who retired in 1974. Ken Steeves held the reins from 1975 until his untimely passing in 1980. Gary Maue took over from 1981 to 1989, and Rob McDannold followed in the role from 1989 until 2007. Five other professionals served as head pro for shorter periods in the early years of the club from 1894 through 1911.

Building upon the momentum generated by the introduction of the Vokey Design SM8 line in January, Titleist launches the WedgeWorks Low Bounce K Grind, a tour-proven, versatile wedge now available in 58- and 60-degree lofts.

The SM8 K grind is among the most popular of all the available Vokey options, especially with amateur golfers who favor its wide, cambered sole, providing maximum forgiveness on greenside shots and out of the bunker.

Like the majority of Vokey Design wedges, the new Low Bounce K grind was born out of Master Craftsman Bob Vokey and longtime Vokey tour representative Aaron Dill’s collaboration with players on the PGA Tour and across the worldwide professional tours. The pool of input runs deep, as Vokey Design models account for more than half of all wedges at a PGA Tour event during any given week. Vokey and Dill take that extensive feedback to consistently deliver new, tour-validated designs.

“Several players preferred the K grind sole but were seeking a lower bounce version,” said Vokey. “As a result, we crafted a sole with 6° of effective bounce, while maintaining the wide camber that makes the K design so effective for a wide variety of players.”

“As soon as we brought it out on tour, it was immediately accepted and in the bags of multiple players as soon as they had a chance to test it.”

Among those choosing the play the Low Bounce K for its combination of performance and aesthetics are Adam Scott, Webb Simpson, Ben An and Bud Cauley, all four of whom gravitated to the 60.06 K grind.

Aaron Dill provides the inside story on how Scott and Simpson decided to put their 60.06 K wedges in the bag:

“Adam Scott was using the original Vokey Design 200 series (260.08) wedge for several years. As far back as 2012, we started testing the new K grind with him after he mentioned he was looking to improve his bunker play. He was seeking more forgiveness in his sand/lob wedge, and – after some blind testing – Adam was blown away by how simple bunker play could be with this grind. We started with a 60.10 K, and as conditions firmed up, Adam mentioned that a little less bounce could be the key. The 60.06 K was born and has been in his bag ever since.”

“The 60.06 K made its way into Webb’s bag early 2018 after he played a round with a fellow competitor. It is not uncommon on tour for a player to see what somebody else is having success with and then ask to give it a try – especially with wedges. Webb said to me when ordering his 60.06 K that it gave him what he wanted, and more importantly, what he needed. The ground hugging look and the forgiveness in the bunker was what he needed to free up his wedge action and build further confidence.

The WedgeWorks Low Bounce K incorporates all the technology that sets Vokey Design SM8 wedges apart, including:

• Progressive CG pushed forward off the face for increased MOI, improved consistency and softer, more solid feel.
• Spin Milled grooves cut with a level of precision that is unique by finish, producing maximum spin.

Customization: Consistent with SM8, the Low Bounce K features a modern, clean look, which also provides a canvas for customization. Inspired by Dill (@VokeyWedgeRep), the WedgeWorks custom options are expanded to include:

• Six unique toe engravings.
• Expanded stamping options: 10-character Straight/Freestyle; 15 characters around toe; 5-character staircase style.
• Custom paint-filled Loft and Grind markings and BV Wings logo.

Availability and Pricing: The WedgeWorks Low Bounce K (58.06 and 60.06) models will be available immediately in both right hand and left hand for custom order in golf shops. Finishes include the new Tour Chrome and Raw and the Stock Shaft/Grip is the True Temper Dynamic Gold S200/Tour Velvet 360 White.

Pricing: The $269 CAD price point includes options for custom stamping, custom ferrule and custom shaft band. Additional customizations are also available a la carte and are listed on Vokey.com.

The PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando is one of the most vibrant opportunities for golf industry members to connect in the New Year.

This year’s edition was no different.

Thousands of attendees packed the floor of the Orange County Convention Center – they say there are 10 miles worth of walkable area on the convention floor – and pushed through a windy and cold (by Orlando standards) demo day at Orange County National Golf Center’s 400-yard-in-diameter driving range.

The PGA of Canada put on a spectacular evening, as it does every year, to honour many deserving award winners from the year-that-was in Canadian golf, including a special award in 2020 to the president of Golf Canada, Charlie Beaulieu.

That wasn’t the only Canadian connection at this year’s show, as you’ll see when you read on.

The PGA Show is a unique event, and Golf Canada wants to give you an inside look at the goings on from Florida.

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Par tee at the #PGAShow ⛳️??⁣ ⁣ More on our favourite innovations for 2020 at the link in bio ?⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #golf #golfclubs #pgashow2020 #golfstagram

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Here are the nine things we’re still thinking about from the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show.

1. CELEBRATING CANADA

The PGA Show draws attendees and exhibitors from all around the world, but it was great to see some strong Canadian connections in 2020.

Dormie Workshop – founded by some brothers in Nova Scotia – has quickly become the authoritative name in leather goods. Dormie’s headcovers are world class (you can buy yours from Golf Canada’s website) and this year brothers Jeff and Todd Bishop announced they would be expanding Dormie’s line to include golf bags, luggage, glove covers and more. Dormie has also entered into a partnership called “The Collective” with two other hip golf companies, Foray (clothing) and Asher (gloves).

While Dormie is expanding its assets line, 2UNDR remains committed to supporting the assets of the male golfers out there.

The British Columbia-based underwear company has continued its relationship with star Rickie Fowler and its line of performance undergarments have continued to be well received by many on the PGA TOUR as well as on the course and off.

2. LEGENDS LAUNCH NEW GEAR

Once you’ve reached legend status in golf you just need one name. Tiger, Jack, Arnie, Rory, Annika… you know exactly who they are.

The same goes for Scotty (Cameron) and (Bob) Vokey.

Vokey, a Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, was on-hand this year to launch the new Vokey SM8 wedges, while Cameron happily showed off his new line called Special Select.

The Special Select line blends timeless design with modern craftsmanship, while the SM8’s have seen innovation in three key areas – distance & trajectory control, spin, and grinds.

Both the SM8 line of wedges and the Special Select putters are Tour-proven, look amazing, and are perfect for your bags in 2020.

3. OUTFITTING OUR STARS

Canadian golf had a banner year in 2019 and as we look ahead to 2020, our stars will not only be playing well, but looking good too.

During the PGA Show Levelwear announced it had re-signed some of Canada’s biggest stars in golf including Corey Conners, Michael Gligic, and Taylor Pendrith. The company, based just north of Toronto, had re-signed Adam Hadwin – Canada’s top-ranked male golfer – last year, and its new gear for men and women was on display in Orlando.

It’s likely that Conners and Hadwin will be representing Canada at the Olympics later this summer, and adidas had in its booth the uniforms that Team USA and Team Canada would be wearing on the golf course in Tokyo – with some solid red-and-white accents (of course).

4. GOLF GETS… GREENER

While 2020 will mark the third year Canada has legalized cannabis, it’s not nationally legal across the United States. However, 2020 was a big year at the PGA Show for vendors who produce a variety of CBD products aimed at calming the mind and body of golfers, as many states are starting to legalize it.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a product derived from cannabis but doesn’t cause a ‘high’ like another cannabinoid, THC. Instead, CBD oil – when mixed in chewing gum or edibles has the potential to relax its chewer. When combined with other oils or muscle creams, it provides a new kind of soothing feeling.

While not for everybody, the lines at each of the CBD booths showed that people were at least interested in trying something different.

And, since both CBD and THC are fully legal across Canada, it won’t be the only time interest in the products will be sparked.

5. ON-COURSE FUN

You’re supposed to have fun playing golf. While there were plenty of products at the PGA Show that promoted this, there were two that really stood out.

The first were pushcarts from Walker Trolleys. Brad Payne, who used to work as a designer for Apple, designed the cart. It made its debut at the PGA Show, and it’s a combination of sleek and practical, with whitewall tires, a polished aluminum frame, and a leather handle – plus a customizable canvas storage system. Look for them at some premium golf facilities across North America this summer.

Many golfers – while they’re walking or riding – like to listen to music on the course these days. But Bushnell has invented a new product for 2020 that combines the world of tunes with the world of tight approaches. The Bushnell Wingman is a Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a GPS yardage device. So while you’re rocking out to Rush or The Tragically Hip this summer, you’ll only be interrupted by a voice telling you how far it is to the front, middle, or back of the green you’re staring down.

6. DOING OUR PART FOR THE PLANET

A big trend not just in golf but also in the worlds of retail, technology, and more, is encouraging companies and the general public to be more environmentally friendly.

At the PGA Show this year, for the first time, there were shirts and shoes made out of recycled plastic water bottles. That’s just one example of clothing companies making a concerted effort to try to be more environmentally conscious.

Canadian shaft maker ACCRA also announced at the PGA Show it would be launching a new shaft called the Eco-Satin (a version of its i-Series shaft). Eco-Satin uses fewer chemicals on the finish and nearly 40 litres less water than normal.

7. GOLF GOES DIGITAL

One of the largest – and most impressive – booths on the PGA Show floor in 2020 was that of Foresight. Foresight has made golf launch monitors and HD simulators for nearly a decade. The San Diego-based company now has more than 10,000 of their products in retailers, courses, homes, and driving ranges across North America.

In 2020 it was focused on launching the GCHawk, which is actually an overhead-mounted launch monitor (versus setting the machine on the ground). The GCHawk captures data from every club in the bag, and no matter if you’re a lefty or righty, you don’t need to set yourself up any differently.

It’s hard to beat the Foresight digital experience, and seeing it in action at the PGA Show was truly impressive.

8. SHOES FROM THE SHOW

There is only one part of a golfer’s gear that is used on every single shot plus every single step during a round – his or her shoes.

This year at the PGA Show we saw copious kicks, from modern to classic. If they were tech-first or comfort-first, all the shoes we saw were designed for golfers in mind and to make every swing and every step even more comfortable.

A couple of shoes that really stood out were from FootJoy. The company literally has ‘foot’ in the name – so you know every year you’ll see some solid options. New for 2020 is the Tour X, a shoe inspired by FJ’s vast network of Tour players. You’ll also see an expansion of its FJ Flex line (including another custom design coming for the RBC Canadian Open…) including the Coastal and LE1 – perfect for on-course or off.

Also jumping out at us for 2020 given their fresh design concepts were the Ignite PWRADAPT CAGED shoe from Puma – with a focus on locked-in stability and comfort – and adidas’ new CODECHAOS line, which features several spikeless models with style inspired by running shoes.

9. IT’S A GLOBAL GAME

One thing for certain whenever thousands of golfers and golf industry professionals get together – it’s clear the game has gone global.

Many of the companies above have headquarters in the U.S., with key offices across Canada, Europe, and into Asia. You could sit at a table with people from five different countries, and three or four different languages could be spoken. The PGA of America put on plenty of informative discussions during the show that tapped into global knowledge, while representatives from the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, European Tour, Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada, and the USGA – amongst many others – were all mixing it up during the week.

The USGA, in particular, had a special new announcement for 2020. Just weeks prior to the show it, along with the R&A and Golf Canada, brought forth the World Handicap System (WHS), and it was a hot topic at the PGA Show. Industry professionals learned more about how they can best work with their members and public players this year and moving forward. The WHS provides all golfers a consistent measure of playing ability (more here).

Just like many new and innovated pieces of technology at the PGA Show, the World Handicap System is built to make golf more fun.

The next generation of Titleist AVX ­is engineered for greater ball speed, longer distance and increased short-game spin – advancing the multi-component golf ball technology that has produced breakthrough results for golfers who prioritize distance and extremely soft feel.

First introduced in the spring of 2018 following a comprehensive four-month test market, AVX was developed as a performance alternative to sit alongside Titleist’s industry-leading Pro V1 and Pro V1x models – offering the lowest flight, lowest spin and softest feel of the three premium performance offerings.

From core to cover, every piece of the new Titleist AVX golf ball has been reengineered to deliver improved total performance from tee to green

The engine of 2020 AVX – a larger, reformulated low compression core – works in combination with a redesigned high flex casing layer to deliver greater ball speed and low long game spin for more distance.

A new, thinner cast urethane cover – specifically formulated for AVX by Titleist Golf Ball R&D chemists – delivers increased spin and control for improved greenside performance.

The increased core size also produces an even softer-feeling AVX.

New AVX, offered in both white and high optic yellow, is now available in golf shops worldwide.

“In our ongoing discussions with golfers, we are constantly meeting players who tell us, ‘AVX is the ball I’d been waiting for,’ ” said Frederick Waddell, Senior Product Manager, Titleist Golf Balls. “At the same time, we’ve been able to lean on those golfers to better understand how they experience AVX and what we can do to help them shoot lower scores. The improvements to AVX are a direct result of their insights and the inventiveness of our R&D team to take this design to the next level – and we expect golfers to see better numbers across the board. The new AVX is faster and longer, it performs better around green, and delivers even more of the incredibly soft feel that golfers love about this product.”

Every AVX is made by Titleist associates in the company’s state-of-the-art Ball Plant 3 manufacturing facility to the highest performance and quality specifications in the industry, ensuring the most consistent performance ball to ball, and dozen to dozen.

2020 AVX PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY

AVX delivers unmatched performance in a low compression, multi-layered construction through proprietary core, cover and aerodynamic technologies:

• New, Larger Core Formulation generates high speed and low long game spin to drive more distance with exceptionally soft feel.
• Redesigned High Flex Casing Layer promotes higher ball speed and lower spin on long shots for enhanced distance.
• New, Thinner Cast Urethane Elastomer Cover System has been specifically formulated by Titleist R&D to provide greater ball speed and increased greenside spin and control.
• Unique Catenary Aerodynamic Dimple Design delivers a piercing, low trajectory while providing a consistent ball flight on all shots.

AVAILABILITY

The new Titleist AVX is available in Canadian golf shops beginning Jan. 23 starting at $64.99.