Ibit was seven shots back of the leader after second round;
Spencer Shropshire tops Juvenile division;
Team Ontario wins Inter-Provincial Team Championship
Innisfail, Alta. – The saying it’s not over until it’s over certainly applied this week as Isaiah Ibit fired a final round of 6-under 66 to come from two shots back to win the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta on Friday.
“It’s really nice and it’s kind of bittersweet because it’s my last junior tournament as my junior career is over but it’s pretty surreal, it hasn’t really sunk in yet as of right now. I’m just worried about getting to school first,” said Ibit following his round.
His 66 propelled him to a final score of 16-under, five shots clear of Charlie Gillespie of Calgary, Alta, posting rounds of 67-72-67-66-272.
Ibit of Orleans, Ont. entered the day at 10-under, trailing Spencer Shropshire of Ramara, Ont. who held the lead following rounds two and three. On Friday, Shropshire opened with a bogey to pull Ibit to within one. They would both go on to birdie the second and fourth holes, keeping Shropshire ahead by one through six. Ibit grabbed a share of the lead with his third birdie of the day at no. 7 putting both competitors at 13-under.
“I was one back and I knew Spencer was going to be really solid and he wasn’t going to come back to me so I figured I needed to make some good birdies and capitalize and when he ended up missing that short putt for bogey I knew that I had the lead and from there I knew that I couldn’t give it up and just kind of build on it,” added Ibit.
It was on the eighth hole where the Team Canada NextGen member grabbed the solo lead and he did not relinquish it following a double bogey from Shropshire, Ibit went two ahead.
He opened his back nine with four consecutive pars followed by back-to-back birdies on 14 and 15 before adding another for good measure on 18 to finish at 16-under. Through the week Ibit found success on no. 18 going birdie-eagle-eagle-birdie over four rounds.
After Wednesday’s second round and a second consecutive inter-provincial team title, Ibit found himself seven shots back of the lead and responded with a solid round on Thursday.
“After we won the inter-provincial cup title for Ontario, I knew that Thursday would have to be a pretty big moving day especially considering I was seven back, so I knew I had a lot of ground to make up and thankfully I played a really good round that day,” said Ibit of his 5-under 67 on Thursday.
Ibit who joined Golf Canada’s Team Canada NextGen program ahead of this season was complimentary of the staff who have helped him get here.
“Team Canada has been great and really helping me develop as a player both physically, golf wise and mentally it’s been great to work with the coaches and everyone at Golf Canada just really willing to help me get better,” he said.
Ibit’s junior career has now come to a close as he will be heading to Kent State University, where he will compete as a member of the Golden Flashes similar to Canadian PGA TOUR winners, Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes and Taylor Pendrith.
“This summer has gone by really fast. Didn’t seem long ago where I was playing in March as there was still snow on the ground up here, so it’s gone by pretty fast but it’s nice to end off the season with this,” he reflected.
Shropshire finished with a 3-over 75 to finish the tournament at 9-under and win the Juvenile division for players 17-and-under. Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. and Eddie Gu of Aurora, Ont. finished at 7-under to tie for second in the Juvenile division.
On Tuesday, Team Ontario successfully defended their title as the Inter-Provincial Team champions, finishing with a combined score of 10-under to beat Team British Columbia by two. Along with Ibit and Pain, Team Ontario was represented by Gabriel Mainella of Markham, Ont. Team B.C. finished at 8-under and were represented by Austin Krahn of Christina Lake, B.C., Ryan Vest of Vernon, B.C. and Manpreet Lalh of Nanaimo, B.C. Team Alberta rounded out the top three finishing at 5-under.
In addition to his national championship, Ibit has also earned an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
For the final standings at the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
Shropshire holds lead in both the Junior and Juvenile divisions following windy conditions on Thursday
Innisfail, Alta. – Spencer Shropshire battled the wind and the field on Thursday to shoot an even par 72 to sit at 12-under, good for a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.
“The wind was a huge factor, it was essentially a different golf course today,” said Shropshire following his round on Thursday.
The 16-year-old from Ramara, Ont. got off to a strong start with two birdies on the front nine and a string of pars. After bogeying no. 10, he recorded three straight birdies to stretch his lead to five shots through 13. He ran into some trouble on no. 14 where he carded a double bogey and then responded with three more pars before dropping a stroke on 18 to finish with a 72.
“I played the front really well, just played conservative and birdies came when they came and, on the back, just hit a couple bad shots and a couple bad breaks and just didn’t finish how I wanted but still happy with a two-shot lead going into tomorrow,” said Shropshire.
While he admitted that leading a tournament is something new for him, having now held the lead on consecutive days has certainly helped him feel more comfortable heading into the final round.
There are a trio of golfers behind Shropshire at 10-under, including Team Canada NextGen member, Isaiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont. On Wednesday, Ibit was part of Team Ontario’s Inter-Provincial Team championship win for the second year in a row. After firing an even par round on Wednesday, Ibit responded with a 5-under 67 where he carded five birdies and closed with an eagle on no. 18 for the second straight day to jump up the leaderboard.
Tied for second with Ibit are Dawson Lew of Toronto, Ont. and Matthew Wilson of Nanaimo, B.C., who both shot rounds of 2-under 70 on Thursday.
Some prefer to know what the competitors are doing as you get down the stretch, while others do not. Shropshire embraces playing with those that are in contention, “I think it makes it easier when you play with guys that are in contention, when they’re close to you, it makes you play solidly the whole round.”
He says the game plan he set out for the week won’t change tomorrow regardless of his position on the leaderboard.
“I want to put as many wedges in my hands as possible and I need to be better on the par fives, I haven’t played them well, so I need to be better on the par fives,” he added.
Team Canada NextGen member Matthew Javier of Toronto, Ont. and Charlie Gillespie of Calgary, Alberta round out the top five, both at 7-under. Low round of the day belonged to Manav Bharani of Brampton, Ont. who fired a 6-under 66 to move into a tie for 12th at 2-under.
In addition to being atop the Junior division, Shropshire also leads the Juvenile division by two shots over Lew with a trio of golfers tied for third at 3-under including defending champion, Alex Zhang of Richmond, B.C.
The Junior and Juvenile championship rounds are played concurrently over four rounds. The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
In Friday’s final round, Shropshire will be playing in a group with Ibit and Lew they will tee off at 10:00 a.m. MDT. For Friday’s final round groupings and tee times, please click here.
For the leaderboard following the third round of play at the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
Spencer Shropshire leads both the Junior and Juvenile divisions
at 12-under
Innisfail, Alta. – Team Ontario has successfully defended their title as the Inter-Provincial Team champions at the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.
Team Ontario entered the day with a two-shot lead over Team British Columbia (B.C.) and that is exactly how things would end, as the defending champions finished with a combined 10-under score to win back-to-back team championships.
“It’s just really nice to represent our province and show out strong for Ontario and represent as a team,” said Isaiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont.
Ibit, a member of Team Canada NextGen was the lone returning player to Team Ontario after winning the inter-provincial team title last year in North Bay, Ont.
“It’s really nice to not only win it twice but just be part of this team twice. It’s nice to have a little competition and just have more fun with it. Hopefully both of these guys may even be on the team next year as well, so hopefully they can bring home the triple crown if they can,” said Ibit.
Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. recorded rounds of 3-under 69 and even par 72, while teammate Gabriel Mainella of Markham, Ont. had his scores count both days with a 3-under 69 and 2-under 70. Ibit opened with a 5-under 67 on Tuesday and eagled the no. 18 on Wednesday to shoot an even par 72.
Team B.C. shot a combined 8-under and were represented by Austin Krahn of Christina Lake, B.C., Ryan Vest of Vernon, B.C. and Manpreet Lalh of Nanaimo, B.C. Team Alberta rounds out the top three finishing at 5-under.
Spencer Shropshire of Ramara, Ont. sits alone atop the standings in both the Junior and Juvenile divisions following a second consecutive 6-under 66 to sit at 12-under for the tournament.
Shropshire is two shots clear of Team Canada NextGen member, Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. in the battle for the Silver Cup in the Junior division and four shots ahead of Dawson Lew of Toronto, Ont. in the Juvenile Division.
“Progressively getting better every week which is awesome. I’ve noticed more consistency, and my putting has been really good,” said Shropshire reflecting on his season thus far.
The 16-year-old who won at AJGA Junior Championship last month in Michigan has said his putting has been one of the strong points of his game and he credits a hot putter for his strong start over the first two rounds of the national championship.
“I played great again today, putter was nice, made the putts I was supposed to and added a couple bonuses there too. It feels great, never been in this position before so looking forward to tomorrow,” said Shropshire following his second round.
Javier finished with a 3-under 69 on Wednesday to move to 10-under for the tournament. The 17-year-old was rolling along with seven birdies and one bogey through 14 holes on Wednesday before running into some trouble late in his round. Javier recorded a bogey on no. 16 and a double bogey on 17 before closing with a par to finish his round.
There is a three-way tie for third with Matthew Wilson of Nanaimo, B.C., Brett Jones of Calgary, Alta. and Lew all at 8-under. A trio of golfers are tied for sixth at 5-under, with Team Ontario teammates Ibit and Mainella along with Tim Hachey of Osoyoos, B.C.
The Junior and Juvenile championship rounds are played concurrently over four rounds. The 156-player field has been cut to the low 76 players following a cut line of 7-over.
The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
For the leaderboard following the second round of play at the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
Team Ontario leads inter-provincial team championship over
Team B.C. by two
Innisfail, Alta. – Matthew Javier and Austin Krahn find their names atop a stacked leaderboard following the opening round of the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.
After sitting at even par through his opening nine holes, Team Canada NextGen member, Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. got on a roll collecting seven birdies including four consecutive to start his second nine to card a 29, good for a 7-under 65.
“I hit the ball really good all day. On the back putts started dropping. Got off to a good start on hole one, made a ten-footer, two putt birdie on two, threw a dart on three and up and down for birdie on four and just made a lot of putts coming in,” said Javier who took the early clubhouse lead at Innisfail on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old has said that his putting has been the key to his success so far this season, but that hasn’t always been the case. Javier has had a strong season with two provincial tournament wins including the 2024 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship in late June.
Contending at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship is not new for Javier, having been part of Team Ontario’s Inter-Provincial Team Championship winning side and finishing tied for fourth in the Junior division and solo third in the Juvenile division last year in North Bay, Ont. That experience is something he will draw on this week in Innisfail.
“I was in the second last group, so I was right there and when you get into situations like those and you get into them again…just the experience of being in that situation helps you the next time and gives you confidence,” he added.
Tied in the lead for the Silver Cup is Austin Krahn of Christina Lake, B.C. Krahn also began his round on the back nine Tuesday morning and recorded two birdies to start. After making the turn he made three consecutive birdies and eventually closed his round with two more to move to 7-under (65).
“I just hit the ball really well today, every swing felt good, and I felt really confident over every shot. There are a couple tricky holes out here where you have to commit to different lines and every swing, I hit to where I wanted to and there were a couple holes today where I was a little out of play but got it up and down and able to save pars and after that the putter was rolling good today,” said Krahn who finished after Javier.
The 17-year-old has enjoyed a successful season thus far, winning the B.C. Indigenous Championship in June for the second consecutive year along with the B.C. Junior Boys Championship in early July.
Krahn says he plans to stick to his game plan which he created during practice rounds earlier this week.
“Hitting the same clubs off the tee that I plotted out and don’t get too scared over tee shots and commit to the ones you decided you’re going to and just stay patient and try to make some putts. It’s a four-day tournament, there’s still lots of golf left so don’t need to make birdies on every hole out here, just make some pars and wait for the birdies to fall.
Spencer Shropshire of Ramara, Ont. is currently alone in third following a 6-under 66 on Tuesday. The 16-year-old also leads the Juvenile division by one-shot over Canadian Junior Boys defending champion, Alex Zhang of Richmond, B.C. Zhang became the 11th player in tournament history to win both the Junior and Juvenile divisions last year.
Zhang is in a three-way tie for fourth in the Junior division along with Team Canada NextGen teammate Isiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont. and Nathaniel Yoo of North York, Ont. all at 5-under (67).
Team Ontario leads the battle for the Junior Boys Inter-Provincial Team Championship following the opening round over Team British Columbia by two shots. The defending champions shot a combined 8-under on Tuesday led by Isiah Ibit, the lone returning player from last year’s championship team. Teammates Gabriel Mainella of Markham, Ont. and Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. both recorded rounds of 3-under 69. Team B.C. sits with a combined score of 6-under and was led by Austin Krahn along with teammates Manpreet Lalh of Nanaimo, B.C. (1-over) and Ryan Vest of Vernon, B.C. (3-over). The host province, Team Alberta sits at 2-under to round out of the top three. The two lowest scores of three count towards the team score each day. The team championship will be awarded following Wednesday’s second round.
The Junior and Juvenile championship rounds are played concurrently over four rounds. The 156-player field will be cut to the low 70 players plus ties in the Junior division and a minimum of ten players in the Juvenile division following Wednesday’s second round.
The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
For the leaderboard following the first round of play at the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
156 of Canada’s top junior golfers will compete for the Junior title along with a U17 Juvenile division and an inter-provincial team competition
Innisfail, Alta. – The 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO is set for August 13-16 with a field of 156 junior golfers competing over four rounds at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.
This year’s field competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup, features a talented field of Canadian players, including five 2024 NextGen tournament winners, Charlie Gillespie of Calgary, Alta. (NextGen Western), Ryan Mosher of Saskatoon, Sask. (NextGen Prairie), Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. (NextGen Ontario), Bode Stephen of Kingston, Ont. (NextGen Atlantic) and Matthew Wilson of Nanaimo, B.C. (NextGen Pacific).
In addition, five members of Team Canada NextGen will be competing in Innisfail including, Isaiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont., Matthew Javier of Toronto, Ont., Luke Smith of Toronto, Ont., defending champion Alex Zhang of Richmond, B.C. and Eric Zhao of North York, Ont. Last year at North Bay Golf and Country Club, Zhang won the national championship beating out two others by one shot.
“We have a great field ready to compete for our prestigious Canadian Junior Boys Championship,” said Sam Brown, Tournament Director, Golf Canada. “We’d like to thank the staff and volunteers at Innisfail Golf Club for all the work they’ve put in to prepare the golf course as we welcome some of Canada’s best young talent to Innisfail. The club has great experience hosting a number of provincial championships and we are excited to get play underway.”
Innisfail Golf Club is hosting the Canadian Junior Boys Championship while celebrating its centennial year. Established in 1924, the Bill Robinson designed course features 27 holes with three different 9-hole courses each with a scenic and diverse experience. The tournament will be contested on the Aspen and Spruce nines. Innisfail Golf Club has previously hosted the Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship on three occasions as well as the Alberta Senior Ladies Championship.
“We are so proud to be hosting an event like this with the best young talent in the field from across the nation. The club has been around for 100 years and can be challenging for many. Diligent strategy is required to play well here or may find some of the tough shots out there in a hurry. Subtle, yet distinct…pictures don’t the contours or elevation changes justice,” said Jeff McDowall, Head Professional, Innisfail Golf Club. “We hope those who are playing enjoy the experience at Innisfail Golf Club and all competitors do their best in the pursuit for a national championship title.”
Established in 1938 with the first championship played at London Hunt and Country Club in London, Ont., the Canadian Junior Boys Championship has given Canadians a glimpse into the future glory that many of its champions have gone on to enjoy. Canadian Golf Hall of Famers Doug Silverberg, George Knudson, Gary Cowan, and Doug Roxburgh have all won the Silver Cup before moving on to amateur and professional careers.
2023 RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor won the Junior in 2006, the only Canadian male golfer to win the trifecta of national championships comprised of the Canadian Junior Boys, Canadian Men’s Amateur, and Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. Brooke Henderson who is the lone female Canadian golfer to win the Canadian Junior Girls, Canadian Women’s Amateur, and the CPKC Women’s Open.
In addition to the 18-and-under Junior Championship, the 17-and-under Juvenile Championship was added in 1970, with the winner receiving the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only 11 golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger, Christopher Vandette and Alex Zhang.
There will be a final qualifier held on Friday, August 9 at Innisfail Golf Club where 45 golfers will be competing for the final four spots into the national championship. Following the qualifier, practice rounds will take place on Saturday, August 10. The Junior and Juvenile championship rounds are played concurrently over four rounds, with the low 70 players plus ties in the Junior division and a minimum of ten players in the Juvenile division advancing to the final 36 holes. The Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship will be played over the first 36 holes, where teams will compete for the Junior Inter-Provincial Championship Trophy. Last year, Team Ontario finished three shots clear of Team British Columbia to win the championship.
The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
For the full player field competing in the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
Championship schedule to include 11 National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, six NextGen Championships, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship in addition to Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open
Golf Canada will also conduct qualifiers for several USGA Championships including Local and Final Qualifying for the U.S. Open as well as the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Men’s and Women’s Amateurs and U.S. Junior Girls and Boys Championships
She Plays Golf Championship Series with stops in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto marks the rebirth of a professional women’s golf tour in Canada.
Golf Canada is pleased to announce its full 2024 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at golf facilities across Canada.
The 2024 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s two signature National Open Championships — the RBC Canadian Open, returning to the historic Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. May 28 – June 2, and the 50th playing of the CPKC Women’s Open to be held at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, July 23-28.
Golf Canada’s 2024 competition calendar also includes 11 National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, six NextGen Championships, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship. Three new previously announced championships for the 2024 season include the BDO National Golf League Finals, the Canadian U15 Championship, and the Canadian Collegiate Invitational.
As the National Sport Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships to support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.
“We are pleased to announce the full championship schedule for 2024 and the addition of three new tournaments this year. We look forward to welcoming talented amateur athletes from across Canada and around the globe to compete for our national championships,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “I want to thank our corporate partners, our generous host clubs across the country, and all the volunteers that are vital to making these championships possible. We are looking forward to another great season of championship golf.”
Each of Golf Canada’s championships are set to be contested at Canada’s top clubs including the 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur, hosted by Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club, both in Saskatoon, Sask., while the 110th Canadian Women’s Amateur will be played at the Royal Colwood Golf Club in Victoria, B.C.
The Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program supported by Gary Cowan Heritage Fund and the Canadian Senior Golf Association will once again be available for Juniors competing in the NextGen Championships and all National Junior Championships (Juniors and U15) who meet eligibility requirements which can be found here.
Golf Canada will also conduct several professional and amateur championship qualifiers including five regional qualifiers into the RBC Canadian Open as well as final qualifiers for both the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open.
Other notable qualifiers being conducted for USGA Championships on the 2024 schedule include a U.S. Open Local and Final Qualifier, a U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier in addition to qualifiers for the U.S. Junior Amateur and Girls’ Junior Championships, the U.S. Women’s Amateur, and local qualifier for the U.S. Amateur Championship.
New to the schedule in 2024 is the She Plays Golf Championship Series, a three-event circuit in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto that marks the rebirth of a professional women’s golf tour in Canada. She Plays Golf is a citywide celebration of women’s golf anchored in each host market by a $60,000 CAD professional golf championship contested over 54-holes for a field of 60 professionals and elite amateurs. The enhanced championships comprising the She Plays Golf Championships Series include the Peloton Glencoe Invitational (June 13-15 at the Forest Course at Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary), the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open (June 19-22 at Pitt Meadows Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, B.C.), and the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada (July 2-5 at a venue to be announced in the Greater Toronto Area). For 2024, the top two finishers in each event from the She Plays Golf Championship Series will qualify for the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary. In addition, the overall points leader at the conclusion of the She Plays Golf Championship Series will earn a spot in the CPKC Women’s Open, if not already qualified.
Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off April 15 with a U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier at The Vancouver Golf Club and concludes with the World Junior Girls Golf Championship at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. from September 30 – October 5, where Team Canada will look to defend its championship.
To view Golf Canada’s 2024 Championship Schedule, including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities visit, golfcanada.ca/competitions-calendar/.
2024 Amateur Championship Season at a Glance…
The inaugural BDO National Golf League Finals will be held at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. on May 25 ahead of tournament week of the RBC Canadian Open. Fifty-two two-player teams will compete over 18-holes in a four-ball net stableford format to crown the first ever BDO National Golf League Champions.
The Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO, will be held June 2-6 at Idylwylde Golf and Country Club in Sudbury, Ont. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent. The winning men’s team will qualify for the 2024 Canadian Collegiate Invitational.
The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be held July 10-13 at Crown Isle Golf Resort in Courtenay, B.C. The 2023 event marked the first-time the tournament was held as a standalone event for female amateurs aged 25-and-over.
The Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested July 21-25 at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver where the winner will earn an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2025 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
The 110th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, takes place July 29 – August 2 at Royal Colwood Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. with the champion earning an exemption into the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.
The 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested in Saskatoon, Sask., August 3-8 and hosted by the Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club. A maximum field of 264 players will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes, with the final two rounds contested at Riverside Country Club. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship.
The Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested August 12-16 at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be held August 19-23 at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club in Manotick, Ont.
The Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, will take place August 26-29 at The Club at North Halton in Georgetown, Ont. The Senior Champion will receive an exemption into the 2025 U.S. Women’s Senior Championship and 2025 U.S. Women’s Senior Open.
The newest national championship addition to the schedule, the Canadian U15 Championship will be played at Elmira Golf Club in Elmira, Ont. from August 27-30. The boys and girls individual champions will earn exemptions into their respective 2024 Team Canada NextGen Selection Camp as well as their 2025 Canadian Junior Championship, presented by BDO. The top five finishers in each division will earn spots into two 2025 NextGen Championships.
The Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, a national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, will be held September 9-12 at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brighton, Ont. The championship will expand to 54-holes in 2024 with previous tournaments being contested over 36-holes.
The Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, will be hosted by Saugeen Golf Club in Port Elgin, Ont. from September 11-15, with the champion earning an exemption into the 2025 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.
The Canadian Collegiate Invitational will debut at Öviinbyrd Golf Club in MacTier, Ont. from September 15-17. The tournament was announced last November and will be co-hosted by Kent State University and Penn State University. The intercollegiate tournament will feature nine NCAA Division I men’s teams along with the winning men’s team from the 2024 Canadian University/College Championship. The champion receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open.
The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.
The 2024 NextGen Championship host clubs include: Summerland Golf and Country Club (Summerland, B.C.), FireRock Golf Club (Komoka, Ont.), Leduc Golf Club (Leduc, Alta.), Whitewater Golf Club (Thunder Bay, Ont.), Club de golf Les Boisés de Joly (Joly, Que.) and The Wilds Resort (Holyrood, Nfld.).
The 2024 championship season concludes with the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, taking place at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. from September 30 to October 5. Team Canada looks to defend the team championship amongst a field of the world’s best junior golfers. Teams compete as 3-member squads while also contesting for an individual title.
Registration for Golf Canada’s competitions will open on the following dates:
- NextGen Championships: Wednesday, February 21 at 12:00pm EST
- RBC Canadian Open Qualifying: Wednesday, February 28 at 12:00pm EST
- National Amateur Championships: Wednesday, March 6 at 12:00pm EST
Number of grants available have increased as part of commitment to provide affordable access for junior golfers
Golf Canada is pleased to announce that the Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program will expand the number of grants available for the 2024 season. The expansion of the program will reduce the financial burden of participating in championships across Canada for more eligible players and their families.
Initiated in 2022, the Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program supports junior golfers and their families with need-based financial aid to help offset expenses associated with traveling and competing in national golf championships and NextGen championships. The program is funded by Golf Canada in partnership with the Canadian Seniors’ Golf Association and the Gary Cowan Heritage Fund.
The amount of funds and number of grants available to the Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program have increased in two years – growth that is reflective of a broader commitment to provide more affordable access to competitions for junior golfers.
“We are excited to announce that the Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program has increased for 2024 which allows us to accommodate more junior golfers and help to bring down their costs,” said Kevin Blue, chief sport officer, Golf Canada. “We’d like to thank our generous donors who care about junior golf affordability for their continued support with this program.”
The full breakdown of the maximum number of grants that will be awarded along with the criteria in which eligible participants can seek financial assistance can be found at golfcanada.ca/financial-assistance-program/.
The Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program will be available to eligible participants and their families for the following competitions:
- All six NextGen Championships
- Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO
- Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO
- Canadian U15 Championship, presented by BDO
Applications will be reviewed and accepted beginning thirty (30) days prior to the respective championship. An approval letter will be sent to the participant that has submitted a successful application outlining next steps before the championship begins. Accepted applicants must compete in their respective championship to receive the approved funds through the Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program.
Zhang becomes 11th player in tournament history to win both the Junior and Juvenile Boys Championships
North Bay, Ont. – Alex Zhang shot a final round of 74 to win the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at the North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont. on Thursday.
Zhang took a one-shot lead into the final round and that’s how it would end as he becomes the 11th player in tournament history to win both the Silver Cup (Junior Championship) and the Jack Bailey Trophy (Juvenile Championship), and the first player to win both since Christopher Vandette in 2018.
He joins Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Vandette as those who have won both championships.
“It just feels awesome. I don’t think that it’s sunk in yet. I had a sloppy finish, but I am really happy to still get it done,” said Zhang after signing his scorecard on 18. “It means a lot, I’m very grateful to add my name to a list of great players,” he added.
After mostly favourable conditions during the week, the wind played a factor in Thursday’s final round. Zhang birdied the opening hole and added two more on the front nine to pull further ahead.
“I feel like the front nine it was blowing really hard, but I got off to a really good start so that helped me a lot but the back nine I just hit some bad shots at the end,” said Zhang.
With a large crowd watching, Zhang rolled in a short bogey putt on 18 to secure the national championship, “I just stuck to my game plan and told myself to miss in the right spot and that’s what I did and give myself a good chance at par and if not an easy bogey.”
The 14-year-old from Richmond, B.C. who will be celebrating his 15th birthday on Friday couldn’t think of a better way to spend his birthday, “this would be the best gift ever, I can’t beat it!” said Zhang with a smile. He finished the tournament with rounds of 71-69-72-74.
With the victory, Zhang has earned an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
Zhang will also be awarded a cheque of $1,200. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, competed for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Along with Zhang, the top-10 finishers earned prize money.
Jake Houston of Baie-D’Urfe, Que. and James Lee of Whistler, B.C. both finished at 1-under to earn silver medalist honours in the Junior Championship. Lee also earned solo silver medalist honours in the Juvenile Championship and Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. took home bronze medalist honours finishing at even par.
On Tuesday, the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship Trophy was awarded to Team Ontario, who won the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship. Ontario finished the team competition at 4-under, winning by three shots. Team Ontario consisted of Isaiah Ellis of Smithville, Ont., Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. and Isaiah Ibit of Ottawa. Team British Columbia finished at 2-under and earned silver medalist honours and Team Alberta earned bronze medalist honours finishing at 6-over.
For the final standings of the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.
Zhang leads both the Junior and Juvenile Boys Championships
North Bay, Ont. – Alex Zhang continued his solid play on Wednesday, shooting an even par, 72 to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at the North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont.
The 14-year-old from Richmond, B.C. sits at 4-under for the tournament and leads both the Junior Championship and Juvenile Championship by one-shot.
“I kind of struggled off the start, I just had lots of pars and wasn’t hitting it too close and wasn’t giving myself many opportunities. I was one over through 13, but I made a few good putts on 14 and 15…two birdies in a row that helped my round a lot,” said the Team Canada NextGen team member.
“I made a good par save on 17 after hitting it in the trees, that kept momentum and 18 I’ve been struggling on it all week and I just hit a bad drive and kind of led to a bogey, but everything was pretty solid today,” he added.
In the Junior Championship, Zhang is a shot ahead of first rounder leader, Aydan Downer of Keswick, Ont. and James Lee of Whistler, B.C. both sitting at 3-under heading into Thursday. Lee is also a shot back in the Juvenile Championship division.
Downer fired a 2-under, 70 on Wednesday, after a challenging second round of 75, “yesterday I was nervous. The first time ever leading an event, first time ever going that low in the first round in a big event like this. The first nine was a little shaky, brought it back the second nine and then waking up this morning I’m like I proved to myself I could do it the first day so it’s just about doing the same things, going through the same steps, breathing, taking your time on shots, and just believing in yourself,” said Downer.
Lee posted back-to-back rounds of 70 following an opening round of 73 to sit tied for second in the Junior Championship and solo second in the Juvenile Championship after round three. A trio of golfers are just behind at 2-under including, Matthew Javier (North York, Ont.), Joshua Ince (Surrey, B.C.) and Isaiah Ellis (Smithville, Ont.). All six players that are under par will tee off in the final two groupings tomorrow. For Thursday’s final round tee times, please click here.
Players 18-and-under are competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup. In addition, players 16-and-under are eligible for the Juvenile Boys Championship and the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only ten golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Christopher Vandette.
The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
For the full leaderboard of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.
Alex Zhang and Joshua Ince tied for the lead in the Junior Championship
North Bay, Ont. – Team Ontario finished with a combined score of 5-under to win the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship on Tuesday at the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO.
Team Ontario carried a one-shot lead into the final round of the team competition at the North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont. Ontario shot a combined score of 4-under on Tuesday to take the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Trophy by three shots over Team British Columbia.
Team Ontario consists of Isaiah Ellis (Smithville, Ont.), Isaiah Ibit (Ottawa) and Matthew Javier (North York, Ont.). Ibit shot a 69 on Tuesday, while Javier and Ellis both recorded rounds of 71.
“It’s really nice…really great for Ontario to have the clean sweep this year for the junior national championships with the girls and the boys…so it’s nice,” Ibit said with a smile.
Javier was part of Team Ontario last year that came up just short of the team championship, “It means a lot. I was on the team last year and we got closed out by Team Quebec so it’s nice to close it out this year,” he said.
Ellis added “means a lot, I was very grateful to be on the team and it just means a lot.” With his round, he sits in one behind the co-leaders in the Junior Championship division.
There is a two-way tie for the lead in the Junior Boys Championship. Alex Zhang of Richmond, B.C. shot a 3-under, 69 on Tuesday morning to sit at 4-under for the tournament. He was joined atop the leaderboard by Joshua Ince of Surrey, B.C. who also shot a 3-under, 69 during Tuesday’s afternoon wave.
Zhang began his round on the back nine and carded three consecutive birdies on holes 11 through 13 to set the tone for his round, “The putter has been really hot this week. I’ve been making a lot of putts and it’s helped because I haven’t struck the ball my best,” said the Team Canada NextGen Team Member.
Zhang leads the Juvenile Boys Championship by three shots over Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. and James Lee of Whistler, B.C.
Ince collected three birdies on the front and finished with an even score on the back nine, narrowly missing a chance to keep the solo lead after a bogey on 18.
Players 18-and-under are competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup. In addition, players 16-and-under are eligible for the Juvenile Boys Championship and the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only ten golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Christopher Vandette.
The Junior and Juvenile Boys Championships are played concurrently over four rounds. Following Tuesday’s round, the cut is set at 8-over with the top 74 players advancing to the final 36 holes of the national championship.
The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
For the full leaderboard of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here. For Wednesday’s third round tee times, please click here.
GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.
