Team Canada athletes Maddie Szeryk and Jared du Toit finished first in the women’s and men’s National Order of Merits, respectively, to claim honours as the top amateur athlete in each division and be named Canada’s 2016 Players of the Year. On the Junior Order of Merits, two-time Development Squad athlete A.J. Ewart captured the boys’ title, while Development Squad rookie Mary Parsons took home the honours for the girls.

“We’re pleased to recognize the outstanding accomplishments that these athletes have worked so hard to achieve through this past season,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “The respective Order of Merits are powerful tools that we utilize for tracking player performance in identified tournaments throughout the year, and certainly serve to reflect the talent pool that exists in the country for a number of parties—including athletes, coaches, parents, schools, provincial golf associations and the national governing body.”

Ontario public player and Texas resident Maddie Szeryk won the women’s Order of Merit for a second straight season with 4,088.50 points through 12 events. A Texas A&M junior, Szeryk’s season was highlighted by a win at the Florida State Match-Up, and a Top-15 finish at the Canadian Women’s Amateur. Her efforts also earned her the honours of Canada’s top-ranked athlete on the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR)—currently No. 32. She was part of the Canadian trio that finished ninth at the World Amateur Team Championship in Mexico. Szeryk, 20, was also named to the First Team All-SEC for her 2015-16 campaign. She enters her third year with Team Canada’s Amateur Squad program.

Trailing Szeryk in second and third place were fellow teammates Naomi Ko and Josée Doyon. Ko, a Victoria, B.C., native, captured the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, finished fifth at the Women’s Porter Cup and shared seventh at both the Women’s Porter Cup and Canadian Women’s Amateur. She posted a memorable performance at the World Amateur, finishing inside the Top-10 with a share of sixth. Doyon, a St-Georges-de-Beauce, Que., native, had a season underlined by victories at Quebec Women’s Amateur (her second title) and the Women’s Porter Cup. Doyon also teed it up alongside Ko and Szeryk at the World Amateur.

After finishing runner-up in 2015, du Toit had a banner year highlighted by a captivating performance at the RBC Canadian Open in July, where he played in Sunday’s final group and finished with a share of ninth. The Kimberley, B.C., product added a win at the Glencoe Invitational alongside Top-5 finishes at the Monroe and Porter Cup. Now a senior at Arizona State, du Toit also earned an honorable mention to the Division I All-American team and won the Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA) Player of the Year award. In total, he collected 4,637.92 points through 12 events for nearly an 800 point margin over then Amateur Squad teammate Blair Hamilton (now turned pro).

Hamilton, a Burlington, Ont., native, finished runner-up at the Jones Cup while adding Top-20 performances at the Porter Cup and Monroe Invitational. Not far behind Hamilton was Amateur Squad teammate and reigning Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion, Hugo Bernard. The Mont-St-Hilaire, Que., product was medallist at the NCAA Division II championship in addition to posting six Top-5 NCAA results in just eight events. His efforts earned him the Phil Mickelson award, given to the most outstanding freshman in Division II golf. Bernard will return to the Amateur Squad in 2017 for a second consecutive season.

The Future Links Junior Order of Merits saw British Columbia natives A.J. Ewart and Mary Parsons capture the respective boys and girls titles.

Ewart—who enters his second campaign with the Development Squad—won the boys division with 4,204.17 points over 12 events. The Coquitlam product garnered runner-up honours at both the B.C. Men’s Amateur and Junior championships, alongside a Top-15 result at the Canadian Junior Boys.

Behind Ewart were a pair of newly minted Team Canada rookies for the 2016-17 campaign—Peyton Callens of Langton, Ont., and Chandler McDowell of Springbrook, Alta. Callens managed to record over 4,000 points (4,190) in just eight events, thanks in large part to wins at Future Links Prairie and Ontario Junior Boys championships. McDowell earned the bulk of his total points (3,759.17) at the Alberta Junior Championships, where he finished tied for second in addition to taking home the juvenile title.

On the girls’ side, Delta native Mary Parsons was crowned the winner with 5,830 points through 12 events. The 17-year-old’s season was highlighted by wins at Future Links Pacific and B.C. Junior Girls Championships. This upcoming season marks her first with the Team Canada program; she’s also committed to attend Indiana University.

15-year-old Monet Chun recorded runner-up honours with 5,715 points over 12 events. The Richmond Hill, Ont., product won the Future Links Quebec and added Top-5 finishes at the Ontario Women’s Amateur and Junior Girls Championships. She also placed eighth at the Canadian Junior Girls championship. Chun joins Parsons in her first year with the Development Squad in 2016-17.

Third place honours went to Ottawa product Grace St-Germain, who recently entered her freshman season with the Daytona State Falcons. The 18-year-old won the Ontario Women’s Amateur and tallied Top-5 finishes at the Future Links Pacific and Ontario championships as well as the Quebec Women’s Amateur.

The National Men’s and Women’s Orders of Merit recognize and celebrate the season-long achievements of Canada’s amateur golfing talents. The Future Links Junior Boys and Junior Girls Orders of Merit were established to acknowledge and identify Canada’s top junior golfers.

2016 Men’s National Order of Merit – Top-10

1. Jared du Toit – Kimberley, B.C. – 4,637.92
2. Blair Hamilton – Burlington, Ont. – 3,865.71
3. Hugo Bernard – Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que. – 3,521.03
4. Austin James – Bath, Ont. – 3,470
5. Garrett Rank – Elmira, Ont. – 3,007.21
6. Stuart Macdonald – Vancouver – 2,561.54
7. Joey Savoie — Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. – 2,256.66
8. Eric Banks – Truro, N.S. – 1,850.41
9. Matt Williams – Calgary – 1,744.04
10. Brett Hogan – Calgary – 1,669.01

Final standings are available here.

2016 Women’s National Order of Merit – Top-10

1. Maddie Szeryk – London, Ont. | Allen, Tex. – 4,088.50
2. Naomi Ko – Victoria, B.C. – 3,698.60
3. Josée Doyon – St-Georges-de-Beauce, Que. – 3,566.95
4. Jaclyn Lee – Calgary – 3,313.38
5. Michelle Kim – Surrey, B.C. – 2,447.82
6. Grace St-Germain – Ottawa – 2,310.83
7. Vanessa Ha – Allen, Tex. – 1,946.25
8. Katherine Gravel-Coursel – Mirabel, Que. – 1,822.20
9. Valérie Tanguay – St-Hyacinthe, Que. – 1,507.55
10. Jessica Ip – Richmond Hill, Ont. – 1,389.82

Final standing are available here.

2016 Future Links National Junior Boys Order of Merit

1. A.J. Ewart – Coquitlam, B.C. – 4,204.17
2. Peyton Callens – Langton, Ont. – 4,190
3. Chandler McDowell – Springbrook, Alta. – 3,759.17
4. Callum Davison – Duncan, B.C. – 3,540.83
5. Brendan McDougall – Calgary – 2,887.50
6. Sam Meek – Peterborough, Ont. – 2,820
7. Kelvin Lim – Thornhill, Ont. – 2,604.75
8. Max Sekulic – Rycroft, Alta. – 2,568.04
9. Khan Lee – Langley, B.C. – 2,493.33
10. Brandon Lacasse – Châteauguay, Que. – 2,402.50

Final standings are available here.

2016 Future Links National Junior Girls Order of Merit

1. Mary Parsons – Delta, B.C. – 5,853
2. Monet Chun – Richmond Hill, Ont. – 5,715
3. Grace St-Germain – Ottawa – 5,320
4. Céleste Dao – Notre-Dame-de-LÎle-Perrot, Que. – 5,179.50
5. Chloe Currie – Mississauga, Ont. – 3,882.50
6. Hannah Lee – Surrey, B.C. – 3,770.83
7. Kathrine Chan – Richmond, B.C. – 3,573.33
8. Isabella Portokalis – London, Ont. – 3,515
9. Meghan McLean – Port Williams, N.S. – 3,407.50
10. Ellie Szeryk – London, Ont. – 3,268.33

Final standings are available here.

Please be advised that the National Orders of Merit have been going through a thorough review process the last 10 months by an appointed committee of Golf Canada and provincial golf association staff.  Potential changes have been identified and tested during the 2016 golf season in an internal “beta test” environment.

If approved, these recommended changes may be launched as early as February 2017 and will be retroactive to September 1, 2016.  These changes are being recommended to update, enhance and improve the quality and accuracy of the National Order of Merit ranking system.

Lighthouse has been selected as the firm to lead the CEO search
Chief Sport Officer Jeff Thompson has been appointed as interim CEO effective January 9, 2017.

With the recent announcement that CEO Scott Simmons will be leaving the organization, Golf Canada’s Board of Directors is engaged in the process to search for a new CEO.

Golf Canada wishes to take an inclusive and comprehensive approach with this CEO search. The process will involve garnering input from key stakeholders in the golf industry to design the optimal CEO profile.

Proposals were sought from executive recruitment firms that expressed interest in participating in the search for Golf Canada’s new CEO.

Following a review of eight proposals, and interviews with a short-list, Lighthouse Search was engaged.  Lighthouse Search, a Canadian boutique firm that specializes in the not-for-profit and sport sector, is familiar with Golf Canada, and has conducted searches and placements for several of Canada’s National Sport Federations.

Lighthouse will work with the Golf Canada Board of Directors to seek stakeholder input and conduct stakeholder interviews to develop the CEO Profile. The CEO profile will be posted on Golf Canada’s web-site, and Lighthouse will begin the process of screening potential candidates and developing a short list of qualified applicants to review with the Golf Canada Board of Directors.

It is expected that the announcement of Golf Canada’s new CEO will be made by April 2017, with the start date to be finalized in consultation with the successful candidate.

Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer Jeff Thompson has been appointed as interim CEO, effective January 9, 2017. CEO Scott Simmons will work with Thompson to transition leadership responsibilities through Simmons departure in February.  This will ensure continuity of leadership until the new CEO takes office later in the year.

A member of Golf Canada’s senior management team, Thompson is well versed in the core elements of the Association’s strategic plan and operations. He has served as Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer since 2005; overseeing all areas of sport development including junior, grassroots and high performance golf. In his role as Chief Sport Officer, Thompson already works closely with Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the International Golf Federation, provincial golf associations and the PGA of Canada.

For further information, please contact Golf Canada President Roland Deveau, Q.C., at rdeveau@golfcanada.ca .

Potential candidates can reach Lighthouse at connectwithus@lighthousesearch.ca .

LIGHTHOUSE SEARCH – CONNECTING EXCEPTIONAL

Lighthouse is a boutique executive search firm with national and global reach that was founded with the vision of a modern search firm; one that is agile, responsive and invested in our client’s business. Our firm works with Canadian owned and run businesses along with global fortune 500 companies operating offices in the Canadian market.  We are trusted advisors who provide premium level service to support our high touch client and candidate relationships.   We  ignite excitement in our clients agenda and bring our passion and expertise to recruit exceptional leadership talent for organizations. Connect with us at  lighthousesearch.ca .

GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca .

TORONTO – St. George’s Golf and Country Club will welcome Ian McQueen as its new Golf Course and Property Manager effective January 30, 2017.

McQueen has held the same position at nearby Islington Golf Club since 2012, and comes to St. George’s with more than 17 years of golf course management experience in both public and private club settings.

St. George’s was designed by Stanley Thompson in 1929 and following the ice storm of 2014 the classically designed course underwent an extensive restoration of its greens that saw the conversion of original push-up Poa annua greens to USGA bentgrass greens led by consulting golf course architects, Tom Doak and Ian Andrew.

“Since I started in the golf industry it has been a dream of mine to work at Canada’s top private club. I am honoured and excited for the opportunity to be part of such a historic club”, said McQueen about making the move to St. George’s.

Ian started his career with Caves Valley Golf Club in Maryland and further developed his craft holding the Golf Course Superintendent position at The Club at Bond Head and Assistant Superintendent at Magna Golf Club. As Superintendent at St. George’s Golf and Country Club, he will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of managing over 165 acres of land and maintaining the Club’s International Audubon Certification.

St Andrews, Scotland – The merger of the Ladies’ Golf Union (LGU) and The R&A has been finalized and will come into effect January 1, 2017.

The heads of agreement between the two organisations was signed in June leading to the integration of the LGU’s business operations and its members of staff into The R&A group of companies. An agreed governance structure has also been implemented to give LGU Board members representation on relevant R&A Committees.

The R&A will assume responsibility for staging the LGU’s championships and international matches next year. The Ricoh Women’s British Open will continue to be managed by IMG in 2017 under the existing agreement with the LGU.

“The integration of the two organizations puts us in a better, stronger position to realize our collective vision for growing the game of golf around the world,” said Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A. “Our combined resources and staff expertise will help us to achieve our shared aims for the development of golf, including increasing girls’ and women’s participation and encouraging more families to enjoy golf as a recreational activity.”

A message to @LadiesGolfUnion associations about the merger with The R&A. https://t.co/jtx4gWqIFW pic.twitter.com/lD7GI697h1

— The R&A (@RandA) December 19, 2016

adidas Golf Canada has joined forces with the Bring Back the Game initiative, a campaign which places priority on extending a platform for all individuals to experience the true love of golf, regardless of any physical or mental challenges.

Todd Keirstead, champion of Bring Back the Game, works to provide a welcoming environment where individuals can overcome any challenges or obstacles. With the help of adidas Golf, the initiative recently covered the unique stories of four athletes who had the opportunity to play a practice round at the Manulife Classic with Canadian Golf Hall-of-Famer Lorie Kane and LPGA Tour professional Danielle Kang.

Watch their experience below in the video titled “Golf’s Power to Heal.”

Click here to learn more.

Mary Parsons of Delta, B.C., has been nominated for the Sport BC Junior Female Athlete of The Year Award.

Parsons, who had an outstanding 2016 season with four significant victories, will find out on March 8th, 2017 during the awards ceremony dinner being held at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver, whether she will be adding another honour to her name.

Included in her list of accomplishments this past summer were wins in the CN Future Links Pacific Championship, BC Junior Girls Championship, MJT Boston Pizza National Championship and the Kent Ford Motors Bouctouche East Coast Jr. Girls Championship.

She also had 2nd place finishes in the BC Women’s Amateur, BC High School AA Individual Championship (in a mixed gender field) and the MJT Season Opener event in Coquitlam. She was 3rd in the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, the AJGA Under Armour Canadian Championship and the CJGA BC Junior Open.

Parsons also recorded a T4 in the CJGA Western Canadian Junior and was 9th in both the Junior Americas Cup and the CN Future Links Ontario Championship giving her a total of 13 Top 10 finishes in significant events this past season.

Along with recently signing her commitment to the Indiana University Hoosiers Women’s Golf program, Parsons also was named to the Team Canada National Development Squad, a goal she had set for herself from the start of the year.

Parsons was nominated by British Columbia Golf President Patrick Kelly and Kris Jonasson, Executive Director of British Columbia Golf. The 2015 winner was West Vancouver’s Emily Overholt for swimming.

The University of Victoria Vikes Men’s Golf Team (50 points) have been named the best University/College golf team in Canada at the mid-season point of the 2016-17 golf season, as selected by the Golf Coaches Association of Canada.

The Vikes earned all five 1^st place votes based on results from various Conference championships and fall team scoring averages.

The UBC Thunderbirds (41 points) came in second followed closely by the Laval Rouge et Or (40 points).  The Queens Gaels (30 points), and Waterloo Warriors (28) round out the top 5.

The Western Mustangs and New Brunswick Varsity Reds (18 points) tied for sixth place, followed by the Camosun Chargers (16 points), and Niagara College Knights (12 points) who are ranked ninth.  The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades complete the top 10 with 7 points.

Other teams to receive votes were the Humber College Hawks, Manitoba Bisons, Alberta Golden Bears, Calgary Dinos, and Concordia Stingers.

Full men’s rankings:

On the women’s side, the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds Women’s Golf Team (50 points) topped the mid-season rankings. The Thunderbirds also earned all five 1st place votes based on results from various Conference championships and 2016 fall team scoring averages.

The Ontario University Association champion Toronto Varsity Blues (41 points) came second, followed closely by the RSEQ champion Laval Rouge et Or (40 points). The Canadian College Athletics Association champion Georgian College Grizzles (35 points), and Victoria Vikes (33 points) round out the top 5.

The Waterloo Warriors (24 points) and Montreal Carabins (21 points) are sixth and seventh place respectively, followed by the Western Mustangs (14 points), and Humber Hawks (9 points) who are ranked ninth. The Fraser Valley Cascades round out the top 10 with six points.

Full women’s rankings:

UXBRIDGE— With the holiday season right around the corner, Golf Ontario is ready to help shoppers find the perfect gift for the golfer on their list. Golf Ontario is proud to announce the 12 Days of Golf fundraising campaign, which officially gets underway December 1st and will run until December 12th.

“This is a great way for golfers to purchase exclusive tee times to the best golf courses in Ontario,” said Golf Ontario Director of Business Development Tracey McElrea.

Devil’s Pulpit, Wildfire Golf Club and Brampton Golf Club are just some of the exciting courses that will be up for grabs.

Wildfire Golf Club

“Our goal is to make this a one-stop shop for people looking for gifts for golf enthusiasts,” McElrea added. “Once a foursome has been purchased, it will be wrapped exquisitely and couriered right to the purchaser’s address so that it is ready in time for the holidays.”

The best part about the campaign is that all of the proceeds will go towards the Golf In Schools Program.

“We are pleased to be putting the proceeds towards the Golf In Schools Program in Ontario,” McElrea explained. “The Golf In Schools Program helps to shape the lives of young people and reinforces values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf, all of which are core values of Golf Ontario.”

When the 12 Days of Golf begins December 1, multiple foursomes will be available for auction each day. The items will only remain live in the auction for one day, so bidders are encouraged to check back each day to see what foursomes are available. Once the first day is complete, a new set of foursomes will be posted. All items will have a minimum bid, depending on the course, and will have a Buy It Now feature, in case there is an item that is a must have.

Golf Ontario and Golf Canada would like to thank the participating courses for supporting this outstanding initiative.

The auction will be accessible through Golf Ontario’s main webpage (gao.ca) and will also be live on Golf Ontario’s eBay page beginning December 1st.

Winter Park, Fla. – Global Golf Post today announced its men’s and women’s amateurs of the year for 2016, as well as its fourth annual All-Amateur teams for men and women.

Three-time British Seniors Amateur champion Chip Lutz was selected as the male Amateur of the Year, while UCLA senior Bronte Law was named the female Amateur of the Year. Lutz is an American, while Law is from England.

“Each fall, The Post labors to find the two players who epitomize the best of the amateur game: a man and woman whose legacy is an inspiration for others,” The Post’s Steve Eubanks wrote for the magazine’s Nov. 28 edition. “Lutz won his third British Seniors Amateur championship in August and followed it up with a low-amateur finish at the U.S. Senior Open … Law became the only player other than Stacy Lewis to win 5 points in one Curtis Cup. She also charged from seven shots back to win the European Ladies’ Amateur and then made the cut in the Ricoh Women’s British Open. Law put an exclamation point on her summer by capturing the deciding point for England in the European Ladies’ Amateur Team Championships, the first victory for England in that event in 23 years.”

In addition, The Post unveiled its fourth All-Amateur selections for men and women in the amateur, mid-amateur, and senior amateur categories. A total of 201 players from 29 countries were recognized for on-course excellence in 2016.

“Amateur golf is a part of the DNA of The Post,” said founder and publisher Jim Nugent. “We take great pride and similar joy in supporting the amateur game, globally.”

Amongst the 178 players worldwide selected for the awards, nine Canadians were recognized at the amateur, mid-amateur and senior amateur levels.

Here is a list of the Canadians and their respective categories:

Men’s Amateur:

• Jared du Toit – Kimberly, B.C. (Honourable Mention)
• Hugo Bernard – Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que., (Honourable Mention)

Men’s Mid-Amateur:

• Garrett Rank – Elmira, Ont. (First-Team)
• Kevin Carrigan – Victoria, B.C. (Honourable Mention)

Women’s Mid-Amateur:

• Christina Proteau – Port Alberni, B.C. (Second Team)
• Shelly Stouffer – Nanoose Bay, B.C. (Second Team)

Men’s Senior:

• David Schultz – Calgary (Honourable Mention)

Women’s Senior:

• Judith Kurinis – Thornhill, Ont., (First-Team)
• Helene Chartrand – Pincourt, Qué. (Honourable Mention)

To see the entire award winners list, click here.

Click below to listen to the media teleconference.

(Oakville, Ont.) – Golf Canada announced today that after 10 years at the helm, CEO Scott Simmons has made the decision to depart the organization in early February 2017.

Originally hired to lead Canada’s National Sport Federation for golf in the summer of 2007, Simmons will continue to lead the organization during the transition period and assist Golf Canada’s Board of Directors in the search for a successor as CEO.

“This was a very personal decision, and a difficult one,” said Simmons, who had previously worked as the association’s Director of Sales, Marketing and Communications from 1992 to 2000. “It has been an honour to represent and lead Golf Canada for the past 10 years but I felt the time was right to seek out new challenges.”

“Together with our staff, volunteers and many partners, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished to advance game of golf in this country and am excited for what comes next—both for me personally and for this storied organization,” added Simmons.

In making the announcement, Roland Deveau, President of the Golf Canada Board of Directors, noted that Simmons has led the organization through significant changes since returning in 2007.

“Scott has moved Golf Canada to a new level of professionalism, and for that we thank him sincerely. While we will miss his contributions, the Board respects and understands his decision to leave,” said Mr. Deveau.

During his tenure as CEO, Simmons successfully transitioned the organization from a golf association and governing body to the National Sport Federation (NSF) for golf in Canada. That transition included a corporate rebrand in 2010 from the Royal Canadian Golf Association to Golf Canada. He also worked with the association’s executive committee on a revised governance structure that streamlined volunteer leadership from 35 individuals to an 11-member Board of Directors.

Simmons helped to secure and renew title sponsorships of the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open through 2023 and 2018 respectively. The organization’s commitment to sport development in partnership with the PGA of Canada and the provincial golf associations included increased investment in Future Links, Canada’s national junior golf program, as well as the introduction of the Golf in Schools program in 2009.

Golf Canada’s commitment to Long-Term Player Development and high performance has also included an increased investment in the national amateur golf team program as well as support for a young pro program under the Team Canada umbrella. Simmons also helped to reposition fundraising activities through the Golf Canada Foundation, which brings together corporate and philanthropic champions in support of Canadian golf.

“Rebranding to Golf Canada, strengthening our relationship with member clubs and connecting with a greater share of Canadian golf enthusiasts have been core to our strategic plan under Scott’s direction,” added Deveau. “Golf Canada has grown our junior and sport development programs into world-class models now emulated by other countries and Scott has been instrumental in the association working collaboratively with provincial, national and international partners.”

A search for Simmons’ successor as Golf Canada CEO will begin immediately.

After 10 years working to support the game of golf in Canada I shared the news today that I will be stepping down as CEO of Golf Canada..1/2

— Scott Simmons (@golfcanadaguy) November 23, 2016

It has been an honour and privilege to lead Golf Canada! Many thanks to all the staff and volunteers I’ve had the pleasure to work with!

— Scott Simmons (@golfcanadaguy) November 23, 2016

Thank you to @golfcanadaguy for 10 years of loyal service to @TheGolfCanada Good luck with the next phase of your career!! #golfcanadagolf

— Roland Deveau (@rolliecangolf) November 23, 2016