(August 13, 2024) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that The Royal Ottawa Golf Club and Rivermead Golf Club in Gatineau, Québec. will be the host courses for the 120th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, taking place July 25-31, 2025.
“Golf Canada is incredibly proud and excited to have two historic courses host one of our most prestigious amateur events and the oldest amateur event in the country,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director, Amateur Championships and Rules, Golf Canada. “We’re grateful to the membership of The Royal Ottawa Golf Club and Rivermead Golf Club, its volunteers and the city of Gatineau who we know will welcome some of the world’s top amateur golfers and present a true test for those competing. Returning to The Royal Ottawa Golf Club, the host club of the first playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur will be memorable and the support of Rivermead Golf Club will set the stage for an incredible National Championship.”
The Royal Ottawa Golf Club stands as the premier golf club in the National Capital Region, celebrated for its rich heritage and top-tier facilities. The Club features a traditional Championship Golf Course, alongside a challenging nine-hole course ideal for families and avid golfers. Renowned for its world-class practice facilities equipped with TrackMan technology, the Club also takes pride in its active, award-winning competitive Junior program. Additionally, the Club’s reciprocal program grants members access to prestigious clubs in nine countries around the globe. The Royal Ottawa Golf Club last hosted the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship in 2016 where Hugo Bernard of Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Québec. won the national championship.
“The Royal Ottawa Golf Club is honoured to once again partner with Golf Canada to host their 120th Canadian Men’s Amateur. The club’s history of supporting amateur golf events in Canada is storied, dating back to the first ever such competition hosted by the club in 1895,” said Greg Richardson, General Manager, The Royal Ottawa Golf Club. “Our members are excited to welcome the best amateur men’s golfers to see them play our fantastic golf course and compete for an historic tenth such crown here at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club, the most of any club in Canada.”
Established in 1910, Rivermead Golf Club is located in Gatineau, just a few hundred metres from the north shore of the Ottawa River. Initially opened as a 9-hole course, it was expanded to 18 holes in 1915. In 1989, the course was completely renovated by Ken Skodacek working with Ken Venturi to the current outstanding championship layout. In 2023, the Club completed a 5-year course improvement project under the guidance of Jeff Mingay. Rivermead, along with the Royal Ottawa and Ottawa Hunt golf clubs, formed the Ottawa District Golf Association in 1948. These same three clubs have rotated hosting the prestigious Alexander of Tunis tournament since its inception in 1950, with the 75th playing the event held at Rivermead in 2024. Throughout its history, Rivermead has hosted many championships, including the 1920 Canadian Open, the 1925 Ladies’ Canadian Amateur Championship, the CPGA Championship in 1932 and 1959, and the CN Canadian Women’s Tour in 2005 and 2010. Of special pride to Rivermead members is our link to the RBC Canadian Open through the Rivermead Cup. The Rivermead Cup was awarded to the winner of the Canadian Open until 1935. Since 1936, the Rivermead Cup has been awarded to the low Canadian in the RBC Canadian Open.
‘’We are very pleased to be co-host of the 120th edition of the Men’s Canadian Amateur Championship,” said Mathieu Perron, General Manager, Rivermead Golf Club. “Rivermead has a long-standing relationship with competitive golf in Canada and we are eager to receive the best amateur players in the world on our newly renovated course. It will be a great way for us to celebrate our 115th anniversary.’’
Established in 1895, the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship is the third oldest amateur championship in the world. The tournament was first contested as one of the newly formed Royal Canadian Golf Association’s (RCGA), now known as Golf Canada, first orders of business in 1895 at the Ottawa Golf Club.
The national championship originally began as a match play competition but changed to stroke play for the 1969 championship. It remained that way through 1994 when it reverted to match play in honour of the RCGA’s and the championship’s centennial in 1995. The championship once again reverted to stroke play in 2008 and in 2010, the tournament changed to a double field format for the first time ever. Four-time PGA TOUR winner Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. was the last player to win the championship as a match play competition in 2007 at Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.
Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George S. Lyon won the Amateur eight times between 1898 and 1914 and was runner-up two more times. Fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Sandy Somerville made it to the match play final ten times between 1924 and 1938, capturing six championships. Other past champions include Canadian Golf Hall of Famers and four-time winners, Nick Weslock (1957, 1963, 1964, 1966) and Doug Roxburgh (1972, 1974, 1982, 1988). Most recently, two-time PGA TOUR winner and two-time Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion, Mackenzie Hughes (2011, 2012) and 2023 RBC Canadian Open and four-time PGA TOUR winner Nick Taylor (2007).
Last week, Tyler Mawhinney of Fleming Island, Fla. won the 119th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at 15-under, one shot better than defending champion Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. at Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.
Mawhinney’s late charge enough to hold off
defending champion Ashton McCulloch
Saskatoon, Sask. – The final round of the 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO was one to remember on Thursday at Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.
The leaderboard had more twists and turns than a rollercoaster throughout the day with five players holding a piece of the lead at various points and numerous lead changes on the back nine. In the end, the name a top the leaderboard is the one that was there all week as Tyler Mawhinney of Fleming Island, Fla claimed the Earl Grey Cup as the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion.
“Don’t have much to say right now, kinda sinking in but proud I could finish it off after some great golf,” said a visibly emotional Mawhinney.
Mawhinney began the day one ahead of defending champion Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. He began his round with a birdie and followed it up with an eagle to pull three shots ahead. However, a triple bogey on the par 4 third hole saw McCulloch pull ahead by one following a birdie of his own.
Mawhinney pulled level with McCulloch on the fifth hole at 12-under. The two matched birdies on six before Mawhinney took the solo lead with another birdie on the eighth hole. Making a charge in front of the lead group was Garrett Rank of Waterloo, Ont. Rank, an NHL referee during the season, collected three birdies and a par to close the front nine one back of Mawhinney who sat at 14-under.
The back nine continued to provide drama fitting of a national championship as Rank and Mawhinney were joined by Rylan Shim of Centreville, Va. as co-leaders at 13-under through 11 holes. Mawhinney birdied no. 12 to move back to a one-shot lead but bogeyed no. 13, bringing Shim back into the co-lead.
More twists and turns following no.14 as Rank birded to get to 13-under to pull level with Mawhinney and joining them was Declan O’Donovan from New South Wales, Australia following his birdie on 14. The co-lead was short lived as both Rank and O’Donovan bogeyed no. 15, giving the lead back to Mawhinney with three to play.
Rank birdied no. 16 as Mawhinney approached the tee, where a crucial decision was made.
“Decided to hit 3-wood off 16 which was the first time we did that this week and that kept us back and didn’t have to turn it around the corner and you could still make birdie that way. I think I had 205 into the green and hit it middle of the green and two-putt,” said Mawhinney on his birdie to retake the lead by one.
Rank closed with two pars to take the clubhouse lead at 13-under. Mawhinney responded with what he described as “the greatest shot I’ve ever hit in my life” on no. 17 as he stuck it to within one foot from 178 yards out and tapped in for birdie to move to 15-under and a two-shot lead.
“The winds we think switched and it was 178 downhill. I have to change for elevation because I am sea level, and it was about a 72 shot with the wind and a perfect 8-iron and hit it right at the flag and it was the right number,” said Mawhinney.
McCulloch was making the finish even more interesting as he continued to battle and moved to 13-under following another eagle on no. 16, his third consecutive day doing so. McCulloch went on to birdie the 18th to finish at 14-under.
Mawhinney played no. 18 as he had all week with a 3-iron off the tee followed by a pitching wedge into the green and two-putted for the win. Mawhinney shot rounds of 65-69-70-69-273 to claim the national championship.
As he finished speaking with the media, the 16-year-old asked what was next?
“A couple people said I’ll see you at Hazeltine, so I guess that’s what’s next, but we’ll figure it out when we get there,” he responded.
With the win, Mawhinney receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. from August 12-18. He will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship and $1,200 CAD.
McCulloch finished solo second at 14-under and Shim and Braxton Kuntz of Winnipeg, Man. finished tied for third at 12-under. Rank finished the tournament at 13-under which was solo third place but was unfortunately disqualified following his round for signing an incorrect score card.
On Tuesday, Team British Columbia claimed the Willingdon Cup as Inter-Provincial Team champions. Team British Columbia shot a collective 9-under and was represented by Wyatt Brook of Heffley Creek, B.C., James Fahy of Vancouver, B.C. and Team Canada NextGen member Cooper Humphreys of Vernon, B.C. Team Ontario finished second with a collective 5-under, with Team Manitoba rounding out the top three at even par.
For the final leaderboard following the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
Defending champion Ashton McCulloch and Braxton Kuntz both one back following thrilling third round at Riverside Country Club
Saskatoon, Sask. – The final round of the 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO is setting up for quite the finish on Thursday at Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.
Following an exciting battle on the back nine, Tyler Mawhinney of Fleming Island, Fla. maintains his lead by one-shot over defending champion Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. and Braxton Kuntz of Winnipeg, Man.
Mawhinney held the lead for most of the day but temporarily found himself on the outside looking in. Heading to the par 5 16th hole, Kuntz was one behind Mawhinney while McCulloch was two back. Both Canadians would card eagles to jump the leaderboard with Kuntz grabbing the lead at 12-under ahead of Mawhinney and McCulloch at 11-under. It marked the second consecutive day McCulloch earned an eagle on no. 16.
“I hit a cut and it’s a cutters tee ball for sure and luckily both days were down wind so you can take advantage of a par five, but really it was two good second shots,” said McCulloch.
From there he went on to record pars on his final two holes to shoot a 5-under 67 and sit at 11-under for the tournament. McCulloch was handed an additional two strokes to his second round score following a ruling that was changed Wednesday morning, resulting in a double bogey on no. 14. “Keep on going, there’s nothing you can do about it, it was the right ruling, you just take it in stride,” said the defending champion.
Kuntz meanwhile eventually dropped a stroke following bogey on no. 18, the lone blemish on a solid back nine, giving him a 3-under 69 to also sit 11-under for the tournament.
“Couldn’t really get momentum going but played really solid on the back nine, put myself on fairways and on greens and didn’t really put too much stress on myself, so overall I am really happy with how I’ve been hitting it this week and hopefully keep it going tomorrow,” said Kuntz.
The Canadians sat as co-clubhouse leaders as Mawhinney collected four consecutive pars following a bogey on no. 13. Mawhinney narrowly missed holing out on the 18th and was able to tap-in for birdie to regain his lead at 12-under with a 2-under 70.
Mawhinney said it was much of the same for him on Wednesday, keeping patient and allowing the birdies to fall to him, as he now holds the 54-hole lead.
“I’m just going to keep playing how I’ve been playing and just play for tomorrow and not the whole thing and see where I end up,” said a calm Mawhinney following his round.
Many are within striking distance of the lead group, including Rylan Shim of Centreville, Va. and Garrett Rank of Waterloo, Ont. both tied for fourth at 9-under. Mackenzie Bickell of Richmond, B.C. and Declan O’Donovan of New South Wales, Australia are tied for sixth at 8-under.
Play was delayed for three hours on Wednesday due to smoke that caused poor air quality in the area. Eventually the first groups teed off at 11 a.m. CST.
Thursday’s final round at Riverside tees off at 8 a.m. CST, with the lead grouping of Mawhinney, McCulloch and Kuntz teeing off at 10:20 a.m. CST. For final round pairings, please click here.
The 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. from August 12-18. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship. In addition, the winner will receive $1,200 CAD.
For the leaderboard following the third round of the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
Tyler Mawhinney takes solo lead by two following second round
in Saskatoon
Saskatoon, Sask. – The battle for the Willingdon Cup came down to the wire as Team British Columbia pulled away from Team Ontario to claim the Inter-Provincial team title at the 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO in Saskatoon, Sask.
Team British Columbia was led by Wyatt Brook of Heffley Creek, B.C. who shot a 4-under 68 on Tuesday to help push his team to a collective 9-under, four shots clear of Team Ontario.
“The putter made everything, I couldn’t miss it felt like, it was just one of those days and you just ride it out until the end and finished four under, so it was good,” said Wyatt.
James Fahy of Vancouver, B.C. enjoyed the team experience and competing for his home province while developing new friendships that can be made while playing at the national championships.
“I think it’s important for a team situation even though golf is very individual, but we’ve seen each other in the clubhouse and our tee times were close together and seeing each other on the range and wishing each other luck, I think that makes a difference,” said Fahy.
Team Canada NextGen member Cooper Humphreys of Vernon, B.C. shot rounds of 66-73 to have also have his scores count both days for Team British Columbia fittingly added on to Fahy’s comments.
“Good vibes on and off the course,” he said as he held the Willingdon Cup with his teammates right beside him.
Team Ontario finished second with a collective 5-under, with Team Manitoba rounding out the top three at even par. The teams battling for the inter-provincial title played their rounds at Riverside Country Club (Riverside) on Tuesday after opening at Saskatoon Golf and Country Club (Saskatoon). The two lowest scores from the teams of three counted towards the team total each day.
In the battle for the Earl Grey Cup, first round co-leader, Tyler Mawhinney of Fleming Island, Fla. has taken the solo lead following a 3-under 69 on Tuesday to move to 10-under. The 16-year-old birdied three of his final four holes to take a two-shot lead into Wednesday’s third round.
Right behind Mawhinney are four golfers at 8-under, including Nathaniel Gray-Lamont of Guelph, Ont. who was co-leader with Mawhinney after round one. Also tied for second are Mackenzie Bickell of Richmond, B.C., Braxton Kuntz of Winnipeg, Man. and defending champion, Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. who posted a second consecutive round of 4-under 68.
Four others are tied for sixth at 7-under including Owen Kim of Oakville, Ont. who fired a 6-under 66 at Saskatoon on Tuesday. Along with Daniel Choi of Westlake, Texas, Sam Easterbrook of Tomworth, England and Baron Szeto of Moraga, Calif.
Rylan Shim is among five golfers tied for ninth at 6-under, after tying for the low round of the day with a 7-under 65 at Saskatoon. Harrison Davis of Fort Payne, Ala. also posted a 65 at Saskatoon on Tuesday and is tied for 14th at 5-under with four others.
Play was delayed 45 minutes on Tuesday due to early morning lightning in the area. The first two rounds of this year’s tournament were contested on both courses with the 264-player field playing each course once. The field has now been reduced to the top 90 players following a cut line of 1-over, a total of 55 players are currently at 1-under or better. Wednesday and Thursday’s rounds will both played at Riverside Country Club.
The 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. from August 12-18. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship. In addition, the winner will receive $1,200 CAD.
For the leaderboard following the second round of the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
Team British Columbia and Team Ontario tied at 6-under in battle for the Willingdon Cup
Saskatoon, Sask. – Tyler Mawhinney and Nathaniel Gray-Lamont lead a crowded leaderboard following opening rounds of 7-under 65 on Monday at the 119th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, co-hosted by Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.
Mawhinney, of Fleming Island, Fla. played Saskatoon Golf and Country Club (Saskatoon) in the morning flight for his opening round and bogeyed the opening hole. He quickly made up for it with a birdie on hole no. 2, followed by seven more birdies in his round to take a one-shot lead into the second round. The 16-year-old said he kept the ball in front of him and made some putts when he needed to on Monday with a slight wind to contend with.
“Just playing smart and knowing where the wind is at and using that to guide the ball closer to the hole. I’m from Florida so I get the beach wind so it’s not unusual and I’ve had some rounds under my belt,” said Mawhinney.
Gray-Lamont of Guelph, Ont. played Riverside Country Club (Riverside) in the afternoon and recorded an eagle and five birdies in a bogey-free round to grab a piece of the lead on Monday evening. Gray-Lamont was able to hit a lot of fairways and greens and says that will be key to keep momentum riding tomorrow.
“I really just have to try to do the same thing with the rough being so long, I just need to keep it in the fairway and have opportunities to make birdies,” he added.
Team Canada NextGen member, Cooper Humphreys also played Saskatoon on Monday and finds himself tied for third with Mackenzie Bickell of Richmond, B.C. who played Riverside following rounds of 6-under 66, to both sit one back of the leaders.
Humphreys has enjoyed a successful season having defended his British Columbia Amateur Championship successfully last month at Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford, B.C. He credited his short game for his solid round on Monday, specifically his wedge play early in the round.
“Picking good targets going into greens, lately I’ve been getting too aggressive trying to go at pins and today I just tried to stay patient and hit to middle greens and it worked out well,” said Humphreys following his round Monday.
The stacked leaderboard includes four golfers tied for third at 5-under including Garrett Rank of Waterloo, Ont. (Riverside), Sam Easterbrook of Tomworth, England (Saskatoon), Maguire Lines of Victoria, B.C. (Saskatoon) and Maxim McKenzie of Chilliwack, B.C. (Saskatoon).
Defending champion, Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. is tied for ninth with four others at 4-under 68. In total 52 players recorded under par rounds on Monday.
In the battle for the Willingdon Cup, Team Ontario and Team British Columbia are tied with a combined score of 6-under. Michael Weber of Burlington, Ont. shot a 4-under 68 while Justin Matthews of Little Britain, Ont. shot 2-under 70 for their scores to count on day one. Team Ontario is also represented by Team Canada NextGen member, Matthew Javier of North York, Ontario. In addition to Humphreys, Team British Columbia consists of Wyatt Brook of Heffley Creek, B.C. who shot an even par 72 and James Fahy of Vancouver, B.C. Team Prince Edward Island sit third at three shots back with the host province, Team Saskatchewan at 2-under.
The first two rounds of this year’s tournament are being contested on both courses with the 264-player field playing each course once. Following the opening 36-holes of the championship, the field will be reduced to the low 70 players plus ties. Wednesday and Thursday’s rounds will both played at Riverside Country Club.
The 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. from August 12-18. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship. In addition, the winner will receive $1,200 CAD.
For the leaderboard following the opening round of the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
Field of 264 will compete in the prestigious tournament; all ten provinces represented and one territory; Inter-Provincial Team Championship to be contested over first 36 holes
Saskatoon, Sask. – The 119th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO is set to be contested August 5-8 with a field of 264 amateur golfers competing over four rounds at both the Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.
This year’s field features a number of top amateur golfers from around the world including, Max Kennedy of Dublin, Ireland, currently ranked no. 28 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). Joining Kennedy are Wang Ngai Shen of Hong Kong, China (no. 155 WAGR), Mateo Fuenmayor of Colombia (no. 264 WAGR) as well as defending champion, Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. McCulloch (no. 135 WAGR) has enjoyed a successful season at Michigan State and competed at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open and qualified for the 2024 U.S. Open.
The following 2024 Provincial Men’s Amateur Champions will also be competing in the field: Brett Jones (Alberta), Team Canada NextGen member Cooper Humphreys (British Columbia), Braxton Kuntz (Manitoba), Team Canada NextGen member Matthew Javier (Ontario), Ryan Lamswood (Newfoundland and Labrador), Alexander Mercier (Quebec) and from the host province, Kye Fisher (Saskatchewan).
Along with Humphreys, Javier and McCulloch there will be an additional nine Team Canada members competing in Saskatoon including, Laurent Desmarchais (Bromont, Que.), Isaiah Ibit (Orleans, Ont.), Alex Long (Toronto, Ont.), Ben MacLean (Niagara Falls, Ont.), Jean-Philippe Parr (St-Célestin, Que.), Luke Smith (Toronto, Ont.), Hunter Thomson (Calgary, Alta.), Ethan Wilson (St. Albert, Alta.) and Eric Zhao (North York, Ont.).
“We are excited to get the 119th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship underway next week at two beautiful golf courses here in Saskatoon,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Adam Cinel. “The staff and volunteers at both Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club been working tirelessly to ensure those competing will enjoy the test both courses present. We look forward to hosting a full field of 264 players as they compete for our prestigious national championship.”
Golfers from all 10 provinces and one territory are represented in the field along with 11 additional countries: Australia, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, England, France, Hong Kong, China, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, United States and Wales.
The first two rounds of this year’s tournament will be contested on both courses with the field playing each course once. Following the opening 36-holes of the championship, the field will be reduced to the top 70 players plus ties. Wednesday and Thursday’s rounds will both played at Riverside Country Club with an awards ceremony following Thursday’s final round.
“We are thrilled and honoured to co-host this prestigious national golf championship along with Riverside Country Club. It has been a great partnership as we work together with Golf Canada to make this a memorable experience for the players, spectators and volunteers,” said Warren Proctor, Host Club Committee Chair, Saskatoon Golf and Country Club. “We have had an unbelievable positive response from our membership in support of hosting this championship. I must also recognize our Club management, including course superintendent Terry McNeilly who, along with his staff have been working tirelessly to get our golf course in wonderful condition to be challenging and a fair test for the players.”
Prior to the start of the tournament, there will be a final qualifier on Friday at Riverside Country Club where a field of 46 players will be competing for the final nine spots in the tournament.
“Riverside Country Club has a long history of hosting prestigious golf events, and we look forward to welcoming some of the top tier national and international players for the 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship,” said Robert Klombies, Executive Director, Riverside Country Club. “It is heartening to see the level of excitement and engagement that our members and golf community exhibit to ensure players enjoy an incredible experience both at Riverside and within the City of Saskatoon.”
Established in 1895, the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship is the third oldest amateur championship in the world. The tournament was first contested as one of the newly formed Royal Canadian Golf Association’s (RCGA), now known as Golf Canada, first orders of business in 1895 at the Ottawa Golf Club.
The national championship originally began as a match play competition but changed to stroke play for the 1969 championship. It remained that way through 1994 when it reverted to match play in honour of the RCGA’s and the championship’s centennial in 1995. The championship once again reverted to stroke play in 2008 and in 2010, the tournament changed to a double field format for the first time ever.
Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George S. Lyon won the Amateur eight times between 1898 and 1914 and was runner-up two more times. Fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Sandy Somerville made it to the match play final ten times between 1924 and 1938, capturing six championships. Other past champions include Canadian Golf Hall of Famers and four-time winners, Nick Weslock (1957, 1963, 1964, 1966) and Doug Roxburgh (1972, 1974, 1982, 1988). Most recently, two-time PGA TOUR winner and two-time Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion, Mackenzie Hughes (2011, 2012) and 2023 RBC Canadian Open and four-time PGA TOUR winner Nick Taylor (2007). The last time the Canadian Men’s Amateur was held in the city of Saskatoon was in 2007 at Riverside Country Club, when Taylor won.
Nick Taylor is the only Canadian male golfer to have won the Canadian Junior Boys (2006), Canadian Men’s Amateur (2007) and RBC Canadian Open (2023) titles. Brooke Henderson is the only Canadian female golfer to win the national championship trifecta, having won the Canadian Junior Girls (2012), Canadian Women’s Amateur (2013) and the CPKC Women’s Open (2018).
The national championship will also feature an Inter-Provincial Team Championship that will take place over the first 36-holes of the tournament. Team Ontario will be defending their title as 10 provinces and one territory will be vying to etch their names into the Willingdon Cup.
The 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. from August 12-18. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship. In addition, the winner will receive $1,200 CAD.
For the full player field competing in the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur 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
This week on Road to the Tour, presented by Hilton, we focus on the Canadian Men’s Amateur event. This is an important event on the calendar for all amateur players in Canada, and something they prepare all summer for.
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Caledon, Ont. – Ashton McCulloch shot a final round of 70 to win the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship by five shots at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont.
McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. was the only player in the field to shoot under par all four days of the tournament, posting rounds of 69-68-70-70 to finish at 7-under and win the national championship.
“It feels amazing, a lot of hard work has gone into this over many years of golf, I have so many people to thank, that are such big role models in my life and that have propelled me to this point,” said McCulloch after walking off the 18th green of The Pulpit. “I can’t thank enough people and Golf Canada for running this event, it was a lot of fun and I’m happy to play well this week.”
Pleasant conditions to start the day quickly changed as rain rolled in shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Thursday and remained heavy at times through just past 1:30 p.m. giving players four days of different conditions to contend with during the tournament.
McCulloch and Caleb VanArragon were battling when things turned on the 11th hole as McCulloch birdied while VanArragon triple bogeyed to give McCulloch a four-shot lead and he didn’t look back, adding two more birdies and four consecutive pars to close out his final round.
“I mean I’m really proud of myself, I got off to a slow start yesterday like I said and just willed the ball in the hole a couple times on the back. Today, I kept on saying to my best friend on the bag, the gas pedal is on the right…gotta keep on going and they’ll fall and I just kept hitting good shots and got lucky enough they went close enough that I could make them.”
By winning the Canadian Men’s Amateur, McCulloch has earned a spot into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont.
“I’ve missed Monday qualifying by one both times, so it’s cool to get in another way this year I’m really excited about that,” added McCulloch with a big smile. He also earns an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. from August 14-20.
McCulloch will also be awarded a cheque of $1,200. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, competed for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Along with McCulloch, the top-10 finishers earned prize money.
Phil Arci of Woodbridge, Ont. and Pulpit Club member earned silver medalist honours, finishing the tournament at 2-under. Jordan Gilkison of Washington Township, Ohio and VanArragon of Blaine, Minn. finished tied for bronze medalist honours at 1-under.
On Tuesday the Willingdon Cup was awarded to Team Ontario, who won the Inter-Provincial Team Championship. Ontario finished the team competition at 3-under to edge, the defending champions Team Quebec by one shot. Team Ontario consists of Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont., Cameron Pero of Bloomfield, Ont. and Garrett Rank from Elmira, Ont.
For the final standings of the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur 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.
Caledon, Ont. – The term “Moving Day” certainly lived up to its definition on Wednesday at The Pulpit Club as Ashton McCulloch finished strong to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. was two-over through 13 holes on Wednesday but finished with three straight birdies on holes 14 through 16 to sit at 6-under for the tournament and hold a one-shot lead over Collin Hodgkinson and Caleb VanArragon.
“It’s exactly why you don’t quit in a round. I really struggled with the putter early, I missed a couple putts that I felt I should have had…I couldn’t get anything going. It all started when I lipped out from forty feet on 10. I was like no, they’re going to start dropping and then I made back-to-back ten footers on 15 and 16 and that really propelled me to a strong finish today,” said McCulloch.
McCulloch has played well all week posting rounds of 69-68-70 and was part of Team Ontario’s Inter-Provincial team championship win on Tuesday. For McCulloch it comes down to trusting himself and his game, “I’ve played well all week, when I haven’t had my best stuff, I’ve found a way to grind through for a couple holes and find something that works. It’s going to be fun tomorrow.”
Behind him are Hodgkinson of Beaverton, Ore. and VanArragon of Blaine, Minn. both players sit at 5-under. Hodgkinson caught fire with four straight birdies from 11 to 14 but ended with a double bogey on the 18th to shoot 67 and sit in a tie for second.
“I was playing really well…six-under and hit one poor tee shot on 18 and it cost me two shots. Other than that, just hitting the ball really well and putting really well,” said Hodgkinson.
VanArragon was one-over through 11 holes on Wednesday but finished with three birdies and an eagle in his final seven holes to finish with a 68 and sit tied with Hodgkinson.
“I was able to hit a good wedge to within about two feet on 12 and then 13, I had a good number in the fairway, the wind was into the face which was good, it helped me stopped the ball on the green, hit a good seven iron to about six feet and made the putt from then on I felt I had a lot of momentum going,” said VanArragon.
The packed leaderboard includes three players at -4 heading into Thursday’s final round at The Pulpit. John Wild of Glen Ellyn, Ill., Xavier Marcoux of Concord, Mass., and round two leader Jordan Gilkison of Washington Township, Ohio all sit two back of McCulloch.
The final round at The Pulpit will tee off at 8:00 a.m. with the leaders teeing off at 10:01 a.m. For final round pairings, please click here.
The 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion receives an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. from August 14-20.
For the leaderboard of the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur 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.