UXBRIDGE, Ont— The Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) has announced the 12-players and four coaches who will comprise Team Ontario for 2014. The team, which began its selection process in late September, is currently in the training portion of their program as they prepare for the start of the season in May with the Junior Spring Classic.

The GAO made changes to the program this year by creating just one provincial U19 team as opposed to the combined U19 and U17 teams in the past. Now, the best golfers in Ontario will be on the provincial team, while three regional feeder teams have been set up for an additional 36 players.

“It is a big shift for us from last year having 20 players on one team to having a provincial team and regional teams,” explained GAO Manager of Sport Performance Mary Ann Hayward. “We have selected the best players in the province that all have a realistic chance to move on to the national team,”

This year’s squad will see seven returning players join five new faces. On the girls side are: Monet Chun, 13, returnee, from Richmond Hill and The Summit Golf & Country Club, coached by Don Lee; Alyssa Getty, 17, rookie, from Leamington and Kingsville Golf & Country Club, coached by Sean Foley; Annika Haynes, 17, returnee, from Oakville and Credit Valley Golf & Country Club, coached by Ann Carroll; and Grace St-Germain, 15, returnee, from Orleans and Hylands Golf Club.

The boys side includes: Jason Chung, 15, rookie, from Thornhill and Pheasant Run Golf Club, coached by Charlie Woo; Sam McNulty, 17, returnee, from Port Perry and Granite Golf Club; Tyler Nagano, 15, rookie, from Toronto and Station Creek Golf Club, coached by Jon Roy and Jeff Overholt; Trevor Ranton, 17, rookie, from Waterloo and Whistle Bear Golf Club, coached by Mike Skimson and Dave Smallwood; Max Sear, 17, rookie, from Markham and York Downs Golf & Country Club, coached by Ian Crebbin; Brendan Seys, 16, returnee, from Port Lambton and Maple City Golf & Country Club, coached by John Dengel; Connor Watt, 17, returnee, from Mississauga and Piper’s Heath Golf Club; and Chad Watts-Denyes, 17, returnee, from Hamilton and Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club.

Joining the players are four coaches. Reggie Millage, was named the GAO’s Head Provincial Coach in November and has been working with the team since the fall. Millage is a Class ‘A’ PGA of Canada professional who continues to play competitively. Joining Millage are Mental Skills Coach Judy Goss, Strength and Conditioning Coach Jordan Foley and Athletic Therapist Andrew Hoermann.

“This is a very talented young group of players,” added Hayward. “We are trying to keep the momentum going from last year where we put two boys on the National Team. Hopefully we’ll place more players on the team for 2015.”

The players themselves already have many accolades to their name. Chun finished 11^th at the Ontario Junior Girls’ Championship in 2012 as an 11-year-old and was second at the event in 2013. St-Germain won the 2013 Ontario Juvenile Girls’ Championship and 2013 Ontario Junior Girls’ Match Play. McNulty was the 2013 Ontario Juvenile Boys’ champion and also won the Canadian Junior Golf Association Mizuno National Golf Championship. Ranton was the International Junior Masters champion and Sear captured the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) title.

The team has already attended one training camp in Arizona and will travel back there in February for their second. Ten of the team members will play in Can-Am matches in Myrtle Beach during March Break before they all attend a final spring camp in Ontario.

U.S. Kids Golf recently named PGA of Canada member Doug Lawrie as one of the Top 50 Kids Teachers for 2013.

The PGA of Canada’s 2012 Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year Award winner was the only Canadian to be named to the list.

“The fact I’m the only Canadian on this list, which includes some of the top junior leaders in the United States, recognizes the hard work of PGA of Canada professionals like myself continue to do to grow the game,” Lawrie said.

“The work the PGA of Canada has done for junior development has only inspired me to continue to be the best coach and instructor for those I am fortunate enough to work with,” he said, adding, “I hope this internationally recognized award inspires other PGA of Canada professionals to grow this wonderful game as passionately as I have.”

Since 2004, U.S. Kids Golf has honored golf’s best teachers with the Top 50 Kids Teacher Award. Applicants complete an online survey and winners are chosen based on their contributions to junior golf, such as: time devoted to teaching young golfers; innovation, creativity and fun in their programs; communication; parental involvement; and overall effort to grow the game. Award recipients include teachers who work at public, private, resort and municipal courses.

“The award was created to help parents find the best coaching for their kids,” said Dan Van Horn, President and CEO of U.S. Kids Golf. “The mission of U.S. Kids Golf is to make the game fun for kids, and the Top 50 Kids Teacher Award is an important part of encouraging golf professionals who are key in supporting us and achieving this mission.”

The 2013 Top 50 Kids Teachers and Master Kids Teachers will be recognized Thursday, Jan. 23, at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla

Golf Canada is deeply saddened by the passing of PGA of Canada teaching professional Rick Sovereign.

After a long spirited battle against cancer, Sovereign passed away at the age of 52 on Friday January 3rd, 2014.

Rick was a loving husband to his best friend, Barb. Proud father to two – Kristen and Kelly. Son of the late Len and Joan Sovereign. He is fondly loved by his brother Mike (Lori) and sister Julie (Ian).

He will be greatly missed by his many family and friends whom he has inspired. Rick lived a full life pursuing a dream with an unbreakable spirit.

Friends and relatives will be received at Glen Oaks Reception Centre 3164 Ninth Line (403/Dundas), Oakville (905-257-8822) on Tuesday, January 7th from 5pm- 9pm. Memorial service will be held at Glen Oaks on Wednesday, January 8th at 1:00 pm.

Donations can be made to Prostate Cancer Canada.

Visitation:

Will take place Tuesday January 7th, 2014 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Glen Oaks Memorial Chapel and Reception Centre
3164 Ninth Line
Oakville, Ont.
L6H 7A8

Funeral

Glen Oaks Memorial Chapel and Reception Centre
Wed, 8 Jan 2014 1:00 PM

The funeral will be followed by a time of reception at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Glen Abey Golf Club
1333 Dorval DriveOakville, Ont.
L6M 4X7

ClubLink has announced it has acquired TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs, Florida for (US)$3.4 million. It now owns a total of 12 18-hole equivalent championship and two 18-hole equivalent academy courses in the state of Florida.

In the Fort Lauderdale area, in addition to TPC Eagle Trace, ClubLink owns the 54-hole Palm Aire Country Club, the 36-hole Woodlands Country Club and Heron Bay Golf Club. ClubLink made its initial foray into Florida in 2010, when it acquired five 18-hole equivalent championship courses and two 18-hole equivalent academy courses in Sun City Center, south of Tampa.

In total, ClubLink now owns or operates 53.5 18-hole championship and six 18-hole equivalent academy courses in Florida, Ontario and Quebec.

“The acquisition of this prestigious golf club demonstrates our commitment to providing our more than 20,000 members in Florida, Ontario and Quebec the opportunity to truly experience ‘One Membership, More Golf,’” said ClubLink President and CEO Rai Sahi. “Since our founding in 1993, that has been our unique business model and one that continues to be very successful.”

Opened in 1983 as the first member club in the PGA TOUR’s Tournament Players Club network, TPC Eagle Trace is an Arthur Hills design. Home to the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic for nine years, TPC Eagle Trace is the centrepiece of a luxury gated community of approximately 900 homes.

CORAL GABLES, Florida – Team Canada’s Brooke Henderson saved her best round for last at the Junior Orange Bowl, firing a final round 4-under 67 in Coral Gables, Fla., on Monday to take home individual honours.

The Smiths Falls, Ont., native’s final round on the Biltmore Hotel course was highlighted by six birdies and a closing 2-under 34 back nine. Her 4-under 280 total (68-72-73-67) left her five strokes ahead of Megan Khang of the USA who finished at 1-over for the championship after a 3-under 68 final round.

“It’s an awesome feeling,” Henderson said about her win to media in Florida. “I came here with this in mind and I’m really pleased. Today I was finally able to get my putting working, compared to the first three days. I felt very comfortable on the greens all day.”

The victory marks the 16-year-old’s fifth title of 2013 after she captured the South American Amateur, CN Future Links Pacific Championship, Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and Spirit International medalist honours earlier in the year.

In the junior boys division, Team Canada Development Squad member Tony Gil of Vaughan, Ont., finished in 26th place at 12-over par. Italy’s Renato Paratore took home individual honours at 9-under 275.

For complete scoring from the Junior Orange Bowl click here 

ST. CATHARINES, Ontario – Former Golf Canada governor and Golf Association of Ontario past-president Harry J. Daniel passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday December 24 at the age of 82.

Daniel, who was actively involved with Golf Canada – formerly the Royal Canadian Golf Association – between 2007 and 2010, served as president of the Golf Association of Ontario in 2006 after a number of years as an active volunteer and board member. He was also a past president of the St Catharines Golf and Country Club.  He will be missed by the golf community in Ontario and across Canada.

Daniel was the loving husband of the late Dorothy Anne (2012), and beloved father of Scott and Janet, Glen and Michele, Blair and Meri Elen and Heather and Andrew Mitchell. Much loved Grandpa of Michael, Jason, Ryan, Alexa, Ava, Brooke and Jack. Dear brother of Bob and Sylvia Daniel. Harry practiced civil litigation in St. Catharines from 1960 to his retirement. He was bestowed the Queen’s Council and was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers as well as being called to the New York State Bar.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ont., and Nicholas Ross of Dundas, Ont., finished T7 and T9 respectively at the 83^rd Dixie Amateur Championship at Heron Bay Golf Club in Coral Springs, Fla.

Rank, a member of Team Canada’s National Amateur team, fired four consecutive rounds in the red (69-71-71-70—281) on his way to a tie for seventh at 7-under par. Ross, 18, finished one stroke behind Rank at 6-under (70-74-69-69—282) boosted by his strong final rounds to close out the tournament.

Curtis Thompson, a native of the host city, Coral Springs, Fla., defeated Jack Maguire with a birdie on the second extra hole of a sudden death playoff. They were deadlocked at 15-under par heading into the playoff before Thompson pulled away to earn his second title at the Dixie Amateur, he also won it back in 2011.

The story was very similar on the women’s side with Shannon Aubert of Reunion, Fla., defeating Simin Feng of Windermere, Fla. in a one-hole playoff. They were tied at 8-under par heading into extra play.

For the men’s leaderboard click here

For the women’s leaderboard click here

Other Canadians in the field at the Dixie Amateur

Men:

Alexis Gemme-Piacente, Montreal, Que. – T36
Nicholas Powell, Toronto, Ont. – 77^th
Paolo Addona, Montreal, Que. – T78
Jordan Bakhsh, New Market, Ont. – MC
Mario Vachon, Ste-Claire, Que. – MC
Carl Pelletier, Pont-Rouge, Que.— MC
Claude Pelletier, Donnacona, Que. – MC
Tyler Pope-Ferguson, Amherstbury, Ont. – MC

Women:

Jenna Hague, Burlington, Ont. – T35
Claire Hernandez, Palgrave, Ont. – MC
Kate Alty, Edmonton, Alta. – MC

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., and Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., have been recognized as Canada’s top male and female amateur golfers as Golf Canada announced the final standings on the 2013 National Order of Merit, presented by Under Armour.

On the men’s side, Conners, a member of Team Canada’s National Squad, is one of Canada’s top ranked amateur golfers at No. 41 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Conners’ breakout season was highlighted by a second place finish at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and semi-final appearance at the U.S. Amateur Championship. As a junior at Kent State University, he also notched a slew of top-10 finishes in NCAA action. In addition, the Listowel, Ont., native made an appearance at the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open and posted a third place finish at the prestigious Monroe Invitational.

Rounding out the next three spots on the Men’s Order of Merit were Team Canada National Squad member’s Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ont., Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., while Charlie Hughes of Langley, B.C., finished the 2013 season in fifth place.

On the women’s side, Henderson, 16, sits as the No. 9 ranked female amateur in the world. In 2013, the Team Canada member captured three titles, including the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, the South American Amateur Championship and the CN Future Links Pacific Championship. On the professional stage, the Smiths Falls, Ont., native recorded two top-3 finishes on the CN Canadian Women’s Tour, a T35 finish at the LPGA’s Manulife Financial Classic and made an appearance at the CN Canadian Women’s Open. In addition, at only 15 years of age, Henderson finished T59 at the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open – an LPGA major and premier world event.

Rounding out the top-five in the women’s national rankings were the city of Québec’s Anne-Catherine Tanguay, Soobin Kim of Coquitlam, B.C., and Team Canada’s Augusta James of Bath, Ont., alongside her teammate Brittany Marchand of Orangeville, Ont.

In the junior divisions, Kevin Kwon, 18, of Maple Ridge, B.C., and Henderson finished atop the CN Future Links Junior Boys and Junior Girls National Order of Merit respectively, to earn the distinction as Canada’s top junior golfers in 2013.

In 2013, Kwon captured the Canadian Junior Boys Championship by five strokes and won the season-opening CN Future Links Pacific event. Kwon also captured two gold medals at the Canada Summer Games – winning individually and also as a member of Team BC. His season was also highlighted by a T13 finish at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and a fourth place finish at the B.C. Men’s Amateur Championship.

Hugo Bernard of Mont-St-Hilaire, Qué., finished in second on the CN Future Links Order of Merit, while Étienne Papineau of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., finished in third. Ontario native’s Joseph Kremer of Toronto and Tony Gil of Vaughan, Ont., rounded out the top-5.

Alongside Henderson’s amateur honours, she also captured the CN Future Links National Junior Girls Order of Merit. Maddie Szeryk of Allen, Texas, finished second in the standings after her 14-stroke victory over Henderson at the Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship. Team Canada Development Squad members, Valérie Tanguay of St-Hyacinthe, Que., Taylor Kim of Surrey, B.C. and Jaclyn Lee of Calgary rounded out the top-5.

The following are the Top 10 on the Men’s and Women’s 2013 National Orders of Merit presented by Under Armour:

Men’s Amateur – Top 10

1. Corey Conners (Listowel, Ont.) 5,935.00
2. Taylor Pendrith (Richmond Hill, Ont.) 4,912.50
3. Garrett Rank (Elmira, Ont.) 2,930.38
4. Adam Svensson (Surrey, B.C.) 2,295.80
5. Charlie Hughes (Langley, B.C.) 2,173.02
6. Chris Hemmerich (Kitchener, Ont.) 2,054.42
7. Riley Fleming (Airdrie, AB) 1,902.25
8. Kevin Carrigan (Victoria, B.C.) 1,850.00
9. Stephane Dubois (Victoria, B.C.) 1,850.00
10. Kevin Kwon (Maple Ridge, B.C.) 1,355.47

 Women’s Amateur – Top 10

1. Brooke Henderson (Smiths Falls, Ont.) 6,069.38
2. Anne-Catherine Tanguay (Québec, Que.) 4,257.25
3. Soobin Kim (Coquitlam, B.C.) 3,892.50
4. Augusta James (Bath, Ont.) 3,290.83
5. Brittany Marchand (Orangeville, Ont.) 3,196.44
6. Jennifer Ha (Calgary, Ont.) 2,699.44
7. Vivian Tsui (Markham, Ont.) 1,754.82
8. Taylor Kim (Surrey, B.C.) 1,619.32
9. Robyn Doig (Seaforth, Ont.) 1,539.87
10. Josée Doyon (Beauceville, Que.) 1,533.64

The National Men’s and Women’s Order of Merit presented by Under Armour recognize season-long achievements and were established to identify Canada’s top amateur golfers.

The following are the Top-10 on the CN Future Links Junior Boys and Junior Girls 2013 National Orders of Merit:

Junior Boys – Top 10

1. Kevin Kwon (Maple Ridge, B.C.) 3,185.00
2. Hugo Bernard (Mont-St-Hilaire, Que.) 3,022.50
3. Étienne Papineau (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.) 2,967.50
4. Joseph Kremer (Toronto, Ont.) 2,963.75
5. Tony Gil (Vaughan, Ont.) 2,927.50
6. Nicholas Ross (Dundas, Ont.) 2,908.00
7. Austin James (Bath, Ont.) 2,702.17
8. Matt Williams (Calgary, AB) 2,538.33
9. Josh Whalen (Napanee, Ont.) 2,360.50
10. Matthew Scobie (Ajax, Ont.) & Zach Anderson (Nanaimo, B.C.) 2,265.00

Junior Girls – Top 10

1. Brooke Henderson (Smiths Falls, Ont.)  8,035.83
2. Maddie Szeryk (Allen, Texas) 4,013.00
3. Valérie Tanguay (St-Hyacinthe, Que.) 3,998.00
4. Taylor Kim (Surrey, B.C.) 3,485.29
5. Jaclyn Lee (Calgary, AB) 3,372.50
6. Sabrine Garrison (Calgary, AB) 3,155.83
7. Michelle Kim (Surrey, B.C.) 3,103.33
8. Naomi Ko (Victoria, B.C.) 2,981.66
9. Alix Kong (West Vancouver, B.C.) 2,815.00
10. Annie Lacombe (Laval, Que.) 2,730.00

The CN Future Links Junior Boys and Girls National Order of Merit recognizes season-long achievements, and were established to identify Canada’s top junior golfers. For complete Order of Merit standings click here.

CORAL SPRINGS, FL – Men and women from across the globe are set to tee-off in the opening rounds of the Dixie Amateur this week in southern Florida.

The women’s championship runs December 17-20 at Heron Bay Golf Club in Coral Springs, Fla. Three Canadians are entered into the field including, Jenna Hague of Burlington, Ont., Claire Hernandez of Palgrave, Ont., and Kate Alty of Edmonton, Alta. The women’s championship will include a cut after 54 holes. Past champions of this prestigious title include LPGA stars Lexi Thompson (2007) and Vicky Hurst (2006).

Scoring and pairings for the Women’s Dixie Amateur can be found here.

On the men’s side, nine Canadians will contend for the amateur title December 19-22, 2013. The competition will be played over 72 holes at the Woodlands Golf Club in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Heron Bay Golf Club in Coral Springs, Fla.

Headlining the list of the Canadians entered in the field is Team Canada’s Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ont., the 2013 U.S. Mid-Amateur stroke-play medalist and Nicholas Ross of Dundas, Ont., who finished tied for the eighth at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

The men’s championship will be cut to the low 72 players and ties after 36 holes, with the final two rounds being contested at Heron Bay Golf Club. Past winners of the Men’s Dixie Amateur include, Brandt Snedeker (2003), Peter Uihlein (2010 & 2009), David Lingmerth (2007), and Hal Sutton (1979 & 1978).

Scoring and pairings for the Men’s Dixie Amateur can be found here.

Curtis Thompson and Isabelle Lendl are both set to defend their titles from the 2012 championship this week in Florida.

Canadians in the field at the Dixie Amateur

Men:
Garrett Rank, Elmira, Ont.
Nicholas Ross, Dundas, Ont.
Paolo Addona, Montreal, Que.
Jordan Bakhsh, New Market, Ont.
Alexis Gemme-Piacente, Montreal, Que.
Mario Vachon, Ste-Claire, Que.
Carl Pelletier, Pont-Rouge, Que.
Claude Pelletier, Donnacona, Que.
Tyler Pope-Ferguson, Amherstbury, Ont.
Nicholas Powell, Toronto, Ont.

Women:
Jenna Hague, Burlington, Ont.
Claire Hernandez, Palgrave, Ont.
Kate Alty, Edmonton, Alta.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – The Golf Canada Foundation’s Trustee program offers individuals, organizations and golf clubs the opportunity to partner with the Foundation and leave a legacy in the Canadian golf community.

Launched this year, the Trustee program enables golf enthusiasts who are passionate about Canadian golf to donate as an Individual Trustee, a Major Gift Trustee or a Corporate Trustee.

Trustees can contribute to any of the five programs supported by the Golf Canada Foundation – Women’s Golf (Junior girls programs and the Golf Canada Women’s Fund), Junior Golf (Golf in Schools and CN Future Links), High Performance (Team Canada and Amateur Championships), Heritage (Canadian Golf Hall of Fame & Museum) and Collegiate Golf (Scholarships, grants and the Canadian University/College Championship).

The Foundation is excited to announce its first three trustees – the Canadian Seniors’ Golf Association (CSGA), Andrew Cook and Anne Jewett and the Choquette family. Each Trustee is uniquely helping to support the game across the country through substantial contributions to grassroots programming and scholarship funds.

Canadian Seniors’ Golf Association

As a longstanding partner of the Foundation, the Canadian Seniors’ Golf Association (CSGA) will continue their Scholarship fund that assists four young Canadian men and women annually with scholarships in the amounts of $3,000 and $5,000. In addition, the CSGA has initiated an annual donation campaign, contributing more to the Golf Canada Foundation in 2013 than ever before. This increase in funds will allow the CSGA to support a number of grassroots programs under the Foundation as a trustee. The CSGA’s contribution is a vital component of the Golf Canada Foundation’s focus to support and promote programs that increase participation in golf by engaging players of all ages and abilities across the country.

Cook Family Golf Grant

As Trustees, Andrew Cook and Anne Jewett’s funds will be placed in a Collegiate Grant Matching Fund. Grants awarded to golf programs at Canadian colleges and universities will be matched up to $25,000 by the Cook Family Golf Grant. The Golf Canada Foundation is actively encouraging more supporters to contribute and help grow the matching fund, furthering the development of Canadian collegiate golf programs and allowing Canadian student/athletes to combine the pursuit of a high quality education with playing golf at a reasonable cost.

The Choquette Family Foundation

The Foundation is pleased to welcome the Choquette Family Foundation as a Trustee. The private foundation’s purpose is to fund scholarship programs for individuals pursuing post-secondary education. Four scholarships of $5,000 will be awarded annually to student golfers, who not only excel on the academic level but also best exemplify the ideals of global fellowship. The Choquette Family’s primary focus is to help students become better global citizens by enhancing both the student’s own experiences, as well as the lives and cultures that they touch. In addition, the Choquette Family Foundation Scholarship will donate to $1,250 to each of the selected student’s university golf programs.

To find out how to leave a legacy by becoming a Trustee, click here.

For more information on how to access grants and scholarships please contact Spencer Snell by email at ssnell@golfcanada.ca or via phone 1-800-263-0009 Ext. 265.