Acura extends partnership with Golf Canada to drive Future Links junior golf program
Oakville, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada and Acura have announced a three-year extension and expansion of their partnership in which Acura will become the Presenting Sponsor and Official Vehicle of Future Links – Canada’s national junior golf program.
Future Links, driven by Acura, is a joint grassroots initiative of Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada and the provincial golf associations which offers a full suite of junior golf programs for boys and girls ages 6 to 18—from beginners to those with more experience or greater playing ability.
For Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer and interim CEO Jeff Thompson, Acura’s enhanced support of Canada’s national junior golf program will help to deliver quality golf experiences to youth from coast to coast.
“Acura has been a tremendous partner since aligning their respected brand with Canada’s national junior golf program in 2014 and we are thrilled with their deepened commitment to Future Links, driven by Acura,” said Thompson. “With world-class junior golf curriculum that is internationally revered by golf federations around the world, we are proud that Acura will continue to drive the program’s success moving forward.”
Future Links, driven by Acura includes a comprehensive suite of junior golf activities for children of all ages and skill level. The program has been restructured under three core areas of focus—in-school programming, facility programming and community outreach.
Elements under the Future Links junior golf umbrella include Learn to Play, Junior League, Girl’s Club, Mobile Clinics, Junior Skills Competition, and Community Golf Coach, along with six regional Future Links Junior Championships.
Beginning in 2017, Golf Canada has also integrated the popular Golf in Schools program under the Future Links suite of junior golf activities. With more than 400,000 children currently learning golf at nearly 3,400 schools (elementary, intermediate and high schools) as part of the Canadian Physical Education curriculum, Future Links, driven by Acura is supporting quality junior golf experiences from in-schools to on-course at clubs across Canada.
“Acura is committed to supporting various youth initiatives across Canada and we are delighted to expand our commitment to Golf Canada and their respected programs, as this partnership is a natural alignment of the two brands,” said Dave Gardner, Senior Vice President of Operations, Acura, a division of Honda Canada Inc. “With luxury comfort, dynamic performance and a versatile passenger and cargo cabin, the Acura MDX luxury SUV will help drive the future success of the Mobile Clinics across Canada.”
As the official vehicle of Canada’s national junior golf program, Acura will also provide each of the 10 provincial golf associations with the current model year MDX vehicle—decaled in Future Links, driven by Acura branding—to deliver Mobile Clinics across Canada.
Each fully equipped vehicle will be staffed with a PGA of Canada professional travelling to locations across each province to teach juniors golf introductory lessons. Future Links, driven by Acura Mobile Clinics will bring golf to children at almost any location including parks, recreation centres, schools and golf facilities.
Under the leadership of PGA of Canada golf professionals, Future Links driven by Acura programs help young golfers develop the technical skills, appropriate attitude and self-confidence to succeed on the golf course, while instilling positive life lessons to succeed off the course.
“This is an exciting extension and expansion for the Future Links brand,” said PGA of Canada CEO Gary Bernard. “Since the program’s inception in 1996 the PGA of Canada and Golf Canada have seen more than 1-million kids go through Future Links and I feel this terrific initiative will only enhance the world-class junior golf program.”
In 2016, 85,000 junior golfers participated in one or more elements of Future Links, including 60,000 juniors who took part in more than 750 Future Links Mobile Clinics across the country.
Acura’s enhanced support for Future Links returns the junior golf program to solid footing after long-time partner Canadian National Railway (CN) stepped away following 11 years of sponsorship.
“Thanks to Acura, Canadian junior golf is well positioned for success moving forward for 2017 and beyond,” added Thompson. “Future Links has had the good fortune of strong supporting partners since its inception and that will surely continue going forward with Acura’s shared vision to support junior golf activities across Canada.”
Future Links, driven by Acura junior golf programming is fully aligned with the Canadian Golf Long-Term Player Development Guide. Developed by Golf Canada in partnership with the PGA of Canada, LTPD provides an age- and stage-based blueprint for golfer development rooted on research, statistics and expert insight.
Since launching in 1996, Canada’s national junior golf program has introduced golf to more than 1.3 million children, providing junior golfers across Canada with affordable and accessible golf activities in their community. More information is available at golfcanada.ca/futurelinks
Golf Canada announces 2017 championship schedule
Golf Canada is pleased to announce its competition schedule including host clubs and dates for the 2017 championship season.
A total of 25 professional and amateur championships, as well as qualifying events into Canada’s two National Open Championships—the RBC Canadian Open and the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open—will be conducted in 2017.
“We are proud to announce our 2017 championship schedule and anxiously await the spirited competition shared by nearly 3,000 athletes at many of Canada’s premier golf facilities,” said Golf Canada interim CEO and Chief Sport Officer Jeff Thompson. “As the governing body, it is our privilege to conduct these great competitions in partnership with our host venues, sponsors, and thousands of dedicated volunteers from coast to coast. These championships provide high levels of competition and development opportunities while also offering the chance for competitors to stamp their names in Canada’s storied golf history.”
Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by RBC, CP, Sport Canada, Titleist and FootJoy.
The complete 2017 championship schedule as well as registration information can be found here.
Championship notes:
Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off with the Future Links Pacific Championship, May 12-14, at Chilliwack Golf Club in Chilliwack, B.C. The event is the first in a series of six regional junior competitions in association with Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program.
The 15th playing of the Canadian University/College Championship will be hosted by Georgian College from May 29 to June 1 at Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club in Barrie, Ont. The championship will be the first of eight national amateur competitions contested in 2017.
Beginning in late July, Ontario will host a number of competitions including the 104th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship (Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ont.).
Eastern Ontario will be the hub of Canadian junior golf activity in 2017 as the 79th Canadian Junior Boys Championship (Cataraqui Golf & Country Club in Kingston, Ont.) and the 63rd Canadian Junior Girls Championship (Camelot Golf & Country Club in Cumberland, Ont.) will be contested in the region between July 31 – August 4.
The 2017 edition of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship returns to the Greater Toronto Area for its 113th playing. The Toronto Golf Club—a five-time host of the Canadian Open and the third oldest golf club in North America—will host the world’s third oldest amateur championship from August 7-10 alongside co-host Islington Golf Club.
A two-stage qualifying procedure for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open will feature a trio of regional qualifying competitions in British Columbia (Bear Mountain Golf Resort in Victoria on May 9), Ontario (Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton on May 15), and Quebec (Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu in Sainte-Julie on June 5). The final qualifying event will be held at Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont., on July 24.
On Saturday, July 22, as a kick-off event to the 2017 RBC Canadian Open, Glen Abbey will also open its fairways to junior competitors from across Canada for the ninth annual Future Links Junior Skills Challenge National Event.
For the 29th time in the 108-year history of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship, Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., will play host to the RBC Canadian Open from July 24-30. In 2016, Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas was crowned champion, finishing one stroke ahead of John Rahm, Dustin Johnson and Martin Laird. The Canadian storyline of the week was the memorable performance of Kimberley, B.C. product and Team Canada member Jared du Toit, who entered the final round with a share of second alongside U.S. Open champion Dustin Johnson.
Late August will see the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur and Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur & Senior Championships hosted at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask., and Humber Valley Golf Club in Little Rapids, N.L., respectively.
To coincide with the “Canada 150” celebrations, Golf Canada is proud to bring a number of golf championships to the Ottawa region in 2017. The 2017 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open will return to the nation’s capital and Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club from August 21-27. Ariya Jutanugarn captured last year’s Canadian Pacific Women’s Open by four strokes, securing her fifth LPGA victory of the 2016 season. The tournament’s Monday Qualifier will take place at Camelot Golf & Country Club in Cumberland, Ont., on August 21.
Other events coming to the Ottawa region in 2017 include the Canadian Junior Girls Championship (Camelot Golf & Country Club in Cumberland, Ont.) as well as the fourth annual World Junior Girls Championship, which brings together teams from 15 countries September 24-29 at The Marshes Golf Club.
Golf Canada’s final national championship of the 2017 season, the 55th Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, will be hosted at The Kanawaki Golf Club in Kahnawake (Montreal), Que., from September 10-14.
The Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru National Event will be held at Brantford Golf & Country Club on September 26. The one-day event is a celebration of the success of all Golf Fore the Cure events held nationwide during the 2017 season. To date, the program’s fundraising efforts have totaled more than $5.9 million for breast cancer research.
As the National Sports Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships as part of its mandate to promote the sport and aid in the development of the nation’s world-class talent. The organization is also a proud participant in the Canada Summer Games, to be held this year in Winnipeg from July 28 – August 13.
Team Canada’s Naomi Ko wins first NCAA event
RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico – Team Canada’s Naomi Ko had a day to remember on Tuesday, hoisting her first collegiate trophy after a playoff victory at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic.
Ko, a sophomore at N.C. State, closed the 54-hole event at the Rio Mar Country Club with a score of 1-under par (74-71-70) to enter a five-way tie for first. The Victoria, B.C., product went on to capture medallist honours by way of a scorecard playoff.
“Naomi is very dedicated to her game and the results continue to prove that,” said Tristan Mullally, Team Canada Women’s Head Coach. “She’s already accomplished so much in her amateur career and this win is another great sign of her development and commitment.”
The reigning Canadian Junior Girls’ champion and Order of Merit winner also paced the N.C. State Wolfpack to their first team victory of the season with an aggregate score of 877 (+13).
Click here for full scoring.
First @NCAA win for @naomiko_golf (koko) , the ball is rolling #oneofmany congrats @PackWGolf on the team W https://t.co/1CkzGsimm4
— Tristan Mullally (@tmullallygolf) February 14, 2017
Team Canada’s Szeryk collects runner-up finish at Florida State Match-Up
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Amateur Squad member Maddie Szeryk posted a final-round 70 (-2) on Sunday to share a three-way tie of second place at the Florida State Match-Up.
Szeryk’s performance was underlined by an opening-round, seven-birdie effort en route to carding a tournament-low 66 (-6). The Texas A&M junior went on to finish the event at 8-under par to lead the Aggies to a third place team result. Individually, the reigning Canadian Order of Merit winner came up three strokes short in her bid to defend the Seminole Invitational title; she took home the honours in 2016. Morgane Metraux of host Florida State went on to earn the title this year.
Thanks in part to Szeryk’s play, the Aggies were also able to break a 54-hole record by carding a new team-low 14-under par at the Don Veller Seminole Golf Course. Szeryk, a London, Ont., resident, also collected her 12th top-5 NCAA finish in the process.
Szeryk and the Aggies will tee-it-up next at The Dixon from Feb. 27-28 in the Woodlands, Tex.
Click here for full scoring.
@mszeryk with another T2 finish @ncaa FSU event today, what could have been will be very soon. Playing beautifully #W‘scoming @TheGolfCanada
— Tristan Mullally (@tmullallygolf) February 12, 2017
WayPoint Golf signs on as official registration software of Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru
Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru is pleased to announce WayPoint Golf as the official tournament registration software for the program for 2017.
WayPoint Golf’s core focus will be to provide its dynamic platform to all Golf Fore the Cure participants, with goals of simplifying the registration process in the most efficient way possible—freeing up time for further planning and fundraising efforts.
“We are incredibly excited about being partners with Golf Canada and the Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru program. The funds that have been raised through these national tournaments is truly inspiring, and we’re excited to work together with all of the people involved for this common goal.” said Joe Velacich, CEO and Founder, WayPoint Golf.
As a Pink Partner of Golf Fore the Cure, WayPoint Golf provides a software platform that seamlessly connects tournaments to players, courses and sponsors.
“We are very excited to be able to offer the use WayPoint Golf software through the Golf Fore the Cure platform. We believe this will be a great addition to the support that is provided to over 145 sites running the program on an annual basis,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer and interim CEO. “Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru, owes a great deal of its success to the support and engagement of partners like Waypoint, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow the program with them for many years to come.”
Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru continues to make strides in providing a seamless process for running events, offered at no cost to participants or host clubs. Upon registration, program coordinators receive a complimentary event kit including prizing and fundraising materials
For more information and to register your club please contact gftc@golfcanada.ca or visit the website.
About WayPoint Golf™
At WayPoint, we’re a golf lifestyle brand that’s providing a fresh new way of delivering golf tournament marketing and player registrations. The WayPoint platform empowers tournament organizers by reducing the time required to coordinate and manage golf tournaments. The result, is increased engagement, with less administrative burden for the organizer. By combining an amazing team with software that seamlessly connects tournaments to golfers, courses and sponsors, we create more successful events, while promoting the game of golf.
ABOUT GOLF FORE THE CURE PRESENTED BY SUBARU
Committed to growing women’s participation in golf, the Golf Fore the Cure program has welcomed more than 110,000 participants over 13 seasons. During that same period, over 5.9 million dollars has been raised for the Canadian Cancer Society and Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation at over 1900 events run by volunteers. Golf Fore the Cure is conducted by Golf Canada and proudly sponsored by Subaru, adidas Golf and WayPoint Golf. To learn more about Golf Fore the Cure, please visit www.golfcanada.ca/golfforethecure.
Weekly Top-10 Rankings powered by RBC
MEN’S TOP-10
Adam Hadwin’s solid play of late has propelled him to the top of the Canadian golf rankings. The Abbotsford, B.C. native ended Mackenzie Hughes’ nine week reign as the No. 1 ranked pro in Canada. Hadwin finished tied for 49th at the PGA’s Farmers Insurance Open, which was good for 1.30 world ranking points – his fifth consecutive points paying finish on the PGA Tour. Hadwin has picked up 79 places in the world rankings since the start of the year.
The only other player having a better start to the year, rankings wise, is Corey Conners. The Team Canada Young Pro squad member posted his second straight top-10 result on the Web.com Tour, finishing tied for 7th at the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic. The result was worth 2.38 world ranking points and vaulted him 58 places in the rankings. Coupled with his tie for 5th a couple of weeks ago, the No. 7 ranked Canadian has gained 126 spots in the world rankings since the start of the year.
Other notable results: No. 2 Mackenzie Hughes, No. 4 Graham DeLaet and No. 5 Nick Taylor all finished tied for 54th at PGA Farmers Insurance Open; No. 6 Brad Fritsch finished tied for 67th at PGA Farmers Insurance Open; No. 8 Roger Sloan and No. 9 Adam Svensson both missed the cut at Web.com Tour event in the Bahamas; No. 10 Richard T. Lee finished tied for 34th at Asian Tour/Japanese Tour event in Myanmar.
Click here for Men’s Official World Golf Rankings.
WOMEN’S TOP-10
Brooke Henderson lost a spot in the world rankings, falling to No. 9 behind South Korean So Yeon Ryu. Henderson, who was as high as 7th after shooting a second round 64, finished in a tie for 21st in the season opening LPGA event in the Bahamas.
Maude-Aimee Leblanc was the biggest mover inside the Top-10, picking up five spots after finishing in a tie for 24th at the LPGA event in the Bahamas. After rounds of 72-71, the Quebec golfer posted a pair of sub-70 rounds to finish out the weekend, going 68-69.
Two changes in the Top-10 as Augusta James takes over No. 4 ranking in Canada by climbing one place while Brittany Marchand moves up to No. 8.
Outside Top-10, Jennifer Ha made her LPGA rookie debut, missing the cut at the event in the Bahamas. The Golf Canada Young Pro squad member did manage to climb three places in the world rankings and moved up to No. 14 in Canada.
Other Notable Results: No. 2 Alena Sharp finished tied for 47th at Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic; No. 5 Anne-Catherine Tanguay missed the cut at Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic;
Click here for full Women’s Rolex World Rankings.
MEN’S AMATEUR TOP-10
Stuart Macdonald made the biggest gain among the Top-10 following his tie for fifth at the Avondale Amateur in Australia. The result saw the Vancouver golfer climb 41 places in the world rankings, moving him up to No. 8 in Canada. The Team Canada Amateur Squad member was coming off a round of 16 result at the Australian Amateur and will look to continue his strong play at the upcoming New South Wales Amateur.
Positive gains all around for the rest of the Top-10 as the collegiate golf season gets set to resume this month.
Hugo Bernard climbed three places to reach No. 99 in the world, giving Canada three amateur players now ranked inside the top 100 in the world.
Biggest move: Henry Lee gained 282 spots in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 29th at the Arizona Intercollegiate, helping the University of Washington to a third place finish at the event.
Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.
WOMEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10
There were no significant changes in the women’s rankings over the past seven days.
Biggest Move: Four golfers tied for this honour the past week as Kim Carrington, Emily Romkey, Daria Leidenius and Alexandra LeBlanc all gained 10 places in the world rankings.
Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.
Canadian golf mourns the loss of Betty Stanhope-Cole
It is with great sadness that Golf Canada, Alberta Golf, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and the entire golf community mourns the peaceful passing of Betty Stanhope-Cole who passed away on January 27, 2017 at the age of 79, after a brief battle with cancer.
Born on September 21, 1937 in Calgary, she is survived by her son Rob and daughter Jackie (Hiebert), along with four grandchildren (Brian, Tyler, Talia and Tanner).
Stanhope-Cole saw success at every level of her amateur golf career. As a junior, she won the Alberta Junior Girls championship from 1955-1957 and the Canadian Junior Girls Championship in 1956. She would later win the Alberta Ladies’ Amateur Championship a record 17 times between 1957 and 1984.
Stanhope-Cole also competed on 29 interprovincial teams (25 for Alberta, two for Ontario and two for Saskatchewan) in addition to winning the Saskatchewan Ladies’ Championship in 1966. Her career was capped off by winning the 1957 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, a win she noted as being her biggest golfing achievement.
Internationally, she represented Canada a total five times, three at the World Amateur Team Championship (1964, 1974, 1976) and twice at the Commonwealth Team Championship (1963, 1971).
Her impact on the game was also felt at the administrative level, as National Director of Rules and Handicap from 1980 to 1983 with the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association. She also spent 10 years working with the Alberta Golf Association (now Alberta Golf) serving as Player Development Director, Rules Director, Zone Chair and as a member of the association’s Tournament Committee.
Stanhope-Cole’s successful amateur career was recognized with her induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum in 1991, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in 1980, Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame in 1993, and the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame in 2005.
A celebration of life will be held at Highlands Golf Club on February 13, 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alberta Kidney Foundation.
Statement from Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Sandra Post:
“Betty came from a tremendous era for female golfers. Even though she was born out west, she played across the country and won championships in Saskatchewan and Ontario. She had a great long game and represented Canada well.”
Photos of Betty Stanhope-Cole are available for download here.
Weekly Top-10 Rankings powered by CP
MEN’S TOP-10
After finishing off with a win in his final tournament of 2016, Mackenzie Hughes begins the new year at the top of the Canadian rankings. Hughes starts 2017 by climbing four spots in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 25th at the PGA’s SBS Tournament of Champions. The result was worth 2.60 world ranking points and moves the Team Canada Young Pro Squad member to within striking distance of breaking into the Top 100 in the world.
Click here for Men’s Official World Golf Rankings.
WOMEN’S TOP-10
No significant changes among the women’s world rankings as Brooke Henderson starts the year at the No. 8 ranked golfer in the world after climbing to as high as No. 2 this past year, best ever for a Canadian player, male or female. Henderson is scheduled to kick off the year an LPGA tour event the last week of January in the Bahamas before heading off to Australia.
Click here for full Women’s Rolex World Rankings.
MEN’S AMATEUR TOP-10
Jared du Toit starts off 2017 as the top ranked Canadian amatuer, sitting at No. 26 in the world. The Arizona State senior has held the No. 1 ranking for the last 43 consecutive weeks.
After a 32 place gain over the Christmas break, No. 3 Hugo Bernard slips back four spots in the world rankings. Bernard’s gain was due to his victory at the Orlando Amateur over the Christmas break. The second-year Golf Canada National Team Squad member and reigning Canadian Amateur champion outlasted Ben Griffin through two playoff holes for the victory.
Chris Crisologo moves up one spot, to No. 6 in Canada after Joey Savoie slipped 33 places in the world rankings. Savoie getting an early start on 2017 competition, finishing in a tie for 61st at the New Year’s Invitational in Florida.
Ki Taek Lee takes over the No. 9 spot after climbing five places in the world rankings.
Biggest move: Eric Macrow gained 189 spots after finishing in a tie for 84th at the New Year’s Invitational. The junior from Kingston, Ont. has a pair of top-20 results in four tournaments with Detroit Mercy University this season.
Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.
WOMEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10
Positive gains for the most part to start the new year. Maddie Szeryk starts 2017 as the No. 1 ranked female amateur in Canada, having held top spot for a full calendar year.
Sophie Liu made the biggest leap, moving up three places in the Top-10 with a 73 place gain in the world rankings. The Vancouver golfer took part in two prestigious events over the Christmas break, finishing in a tie for 61st at the Dixie Women’s Amateur and a tie for 20th at the Harder Hall Women’s Invitational.
Liu also made the biggest move of the week among all Canadian amateurs with a world ranking.
Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.
Drive, Chip & Putt Championship announces 2018 qualifying schedule
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Today the USGA, Masters Tournament and the PGA of America officially launched the 2018 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship by announcing the local qualifying schedule for the program’s fifth year. The schedule includes dates and locations for participants to play in local qualifiers across the country with the opportunity to advance and earn an invitation to next year’s National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club.
Click here to read the full article.
Click here for the qualifying schedule is available here.
Team Canada’s Bernard hangs on to win Orlando Amateur in playoff
ORLANDO, Fla. – Hugo Bernard, a second-year Amateur Squad member with Team Canada, carded a final round 74 (+2) to outlast Ben Griffin in the second playoff hole on Friday to capture the Orlando Amateur at the Orange County National Golf Club.
The Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que., product carded a tournament-low 66 (-6) on Wednesday to jump out to an early lead over the field. Bernard struggled to maintain his advantage during his final round, recording a five-over stretch through his first nine holes to set him back of the lead behind with Griffin of Chapel Hill, N.C.
The 22-year-old reigning Canadian Amateur champion battled back on his final nine with three birdies to force the playoff with Griffin, where he went on to win in the second extra hole.
Canadian Jean-Michel Paré of Victoriaville, Que. was the only other countryman to make the men’s cut at Orange County. On the women’s side, Noemie Paré—also of Victoriaville—was the lone Canuck to make the cut; she finished alone in 17th. Jessica Porvasnik, a senior at Ohio State, took home the hardware with an even score of 216 (68-73-75)—good for a three-stroke victory.
Click here for full scoring.