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
UBC Thunderbirds win sixth straight women’s team championship, Victoria Vikes win first men’s team championship at the University/College Championship
KOMOKA, ON – June 2, 2023 – Team Champions - 2023 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO at FireRock Golf Club.
(Christian Bender/Golf Canada)
Golf Canada
Sonja Tang goes back-to-back in women’s individual championship while Jackson Jacob wins men’s individual championship
Komoka, Ont. – The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds women’s golf team has added to their remarkable success, capturing their sixth consecutive championship and sixteenth title in the 19-year history of the event at the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship presented by BDO at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont.
Following an outstanding final round, the UBC Thunderbirds concluded their strong week on Friday, showcasing their talent with a collective score of 6-under, 870, giving them a commanding 63-shot victory.
“We had a lot of success last week winning the U.S. championship that we play for in the NAIA but this one is equally as special because its Canada. It’s where we’re from and most of our players are from Canada so it’s a really exciting experience for them to go out and play against their friends and travel around the country and see more parts of it, so I think its really exciting,” said UBC Thunderbirds Head Coach Chris MacDonald.
After leading wire-to-wire, Sonja Tang (UBC Thunderbirds) claimed her second consecutive women’s individual championship, finishing at 4-under, 288 for the tournament. Tang shot a 1-over, 74 in the final round. Notably, Tang’s teammates Élizabeth Labbé and Grace Bell also made their mark in the final round, finishing tied for second at 1-over par, 293 for the tournament. Teammate Bo Brown finished tied for sixth at 14-over, 306 for tournament.
“It definitely feels amazing to be winning yet again. Definitely today, I struggled coming back on the back nine, but I think I kept myself calm and patient out there, I think that was how I maintained my nerves a little bit,” said Tang.
“I think we’re just a very special group, we are all pretty close with each other. It’s always fun to travel with these girls and we also played a couple division one tournaments which kept us humble. We practice really hard at home, so I think it’s all just really amazing,” added Tang.
The Victoria Vikes emerged victorious in the men’s team division after a tough battle all week. The Vikes held a one-shot lead heading into the final round and shot 10-under on Friday to finish the tournament at 14-under, 13 shots clear of the Université Laval Rouge et Or. The University of Victoria men’s team was comprised of Robin Conlan, Zachary Ryujin, Liam Mosher, Aiden Craig-Steele and Chase Basanta.
“I was really proud of the guys on the back nine today. They pressed pretty hard, and our game plan today was to play aggressive. We only had a one-shot lead but 17-under is doable here as Fraser Valley did yesterday. The guys deserve it, they work really hard, they were really motivated. It took us ten years to get one since I’ve been coaching so it feels pretty good,” said Victoria Vikes Head Coach Justin Clews.
Clews is happy to add this win to the team banner hanging in the school’s gym. “I definitely look at that banner when we’re in the gym and know that we’re due. Whether it’s the men or women’s team but our men’s team has been pretty strong the last 15 years. It’s a huge accomplishment for our program and I know our university is going to be ecstatic to put that 2023 on the banner.”
After holding the lead for the week, Jackson Jacob was crowned the men’s individual champion, shooting a final round 3-under to finish 17-under, 271 for the tournament.
“You never expect to have a nine-shot lead going into the final round. I would have rather not had that big of a lead because I’ve never been in that position before, so the first nine holes were really challenging to keep my foot on the gas and keep it steady,” said Jacob. “It was a bit of a rough go at the start, but I sorted it out and I’m really proud of being able to shoot under par again today. All things considered that’s probably what I’m most proud of this week is finishing strong.”
With their individual titles, both Tang and Jacob have earned exemptions into their respective Canadian Amateur Championships. The 109th Canadian Women’s Amateur takes place at the Ashburn Golf Club in Halifax from July 31 to August 4 and the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur takes place August 5-10 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont.
For the final standings from the Canadian University/College Championship click here.
UBC Thunderbirds hold lead in women’s division, Victoria Vikes take lead in men’s division after third day of the University/College Championship
KOMOKA, ONT — 1 JUNE 2023 CANADIAN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP AIDEN CRAIG-STEEL AND ÉLIZABETH LABBÉ AT THE CANADIAN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP AT FIREROCK GOLF CLUB (PHOTO: BOB GENTILE/BILL BOSWELL)
Golf Canada
Jackson Jacob fires a 63 to maintain lead in men’s individual division
Komoka, Ont. – As temperatures continue to soar in Komoka so does the action at FireRock Golf Club. Jackson Jacob (Fraser Valley Cascades) recorded two eagles and five birdies on his way to a 9-under, 63 to continue to hold the lead in the individual men’s division after three rounds of the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship presented by BDO on Thursday.
Jacob got off to a hot start with an eagle on the opening hole. He followed up the front nine with three birdies for a 31. “Today, I didn’t do anything super crazy, I hit a lot of greens, hit a lot of fairways, let the putter do the work and add a chip in here and there,” he said with a smile.
Both the Fraser Valley Cascades and Université Laval Rouge et Or are trailing the Victoria Vikes for first place. The Vikes hold a one-shot lead on Laval heading into the final day. The Cascades had a day to remember, firing a combined 17-under, 271 to move into third place in the men’s team division. Jacob and his teammates have been looking forward to this tournament for a while, “it means a lot, this is the last nationals that Aaron (Pauls), our head coach is going to be with us so we’re all just trying to do our best and win it for him,” said Jacob.
Élizabeth Labbé (UBC Thunderbirds) shot a 2-under, 71 on Thursday. She currently sits in third with teammates Sonja Tang leading at 5-under and Grace Bell in second at 1-over to round out the top three in the women’s individual division.
“This course sets up really well, not just for me but for our whole team,” said Labbé. “I just try to stay patient and know that the birdies are coming. It’s nice because there’s five par 5’s, definitely good opportunities. Overall, just staying patient and the birdies will come.”
In the women’s team division, the UBC Thunderbirds will be taking their lead into the final round on Friday after shooting a combined 216 on Thursday and currently sit at 6-under with a 45-shot lead.
“I think we just want to keep doing what were doing, we’ve had a really great season overall. I think just sticking to our game plan, having fun, and we’ll manage,” added Labbé ahead of tomorrow’s final round.
The field has now been cut to the top ten (10) men’s teams and the top six (6) women’s teams. Individuals within ten (10) shots of third place have made the cut, in addition to any players in the top ten (10) men’s teams and top six (6) women’s teams.
Victoria and Laval tied in men’s division, UBC Thunderbirds maintain lead in women’s division after second day of the University/College Championship
KOMOKA, ONT — 31 MAY 2023 CANADIAN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP LIAM MOSHER AND DAVID TWEDDELL AT THE CANADIAN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP AT FIREROCK GOLF CLUB (PHOTO: BOB GENTILE/BILL BOSWELL)
Lauren Christie
Komoka, Ont. – The warm temperatures equalled the performances on the course on Wednesday. The University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds women’s team continue their lead, while the University of Victoria Vikes and Université Laval Rouge et Or (Laval) are tied atop the men’s division after two rounds of the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship presented by BDO.
Despite the warm conditions, Western University’s Lexie McKay shot 2-over, 75, on day two at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont., to hold her spot in second place on home turf. “It’s really nice to be in London and at home, I get to sleep in my own bed which is really nice. I was able to come out here last week and play a few rounds so it feels good to be at home,” said McKay.
Yesterday, McKay shot 1-under, 72, to get off to a comfortable start in the championship, “My goal this week was to try and stay calm and stick to one hole at a time which seemed to work for me yesterday. Then today I seemed to get a bit ahead of myself around the turn. I slowed down and was able to make it back on 18, but it was definitely a grind today out here with the weather,” said McKay.
McKay added, “I plan to not get ahead of myself. Go home, hangout with the team, try not to think about it too much because if I get ahead of myself then things don’t go right. It’s kind of just getting through it as best as you can with the weather, focus on nutrition and do your best.”
McKay and the rest of the field are chasing Sonja Tang (UBC Thunderbirds) who followed up a strong opening round with a 3-under, 70 on Wednesday. Tang currently sits atop the women’s individual leaderboard at 8-under, nine ahead of McKay who sits at 1-over.
The UBC Thunderbirds women’s team continue to lead the team championship, sitting at 3-under after two days and hold a 24-shot lead heading into Thursday.
On the men’s side the University of Victoria Vikes shot a collective score of 283 to sit 3-under for the championship and are tied with Laval going into the third round on Thursday.
Liam Mosher (Victoria Vikes) shot a 4-under, 68 to move himself into a three-way tie for second in the individual men’s standings. Mosher teed off on the back nine to start his round and got hot, recording four straight birdies and six in total for an opening score of 30. “Sometimes you get in the zone and I’ve made four-in-a-row before and just really tired to stay out of my own way,” said Mosher.
“I liked that back nine, it set up well, I found that if I could put it in the fairway, I could have a few wedges and finally made putts,” added Mosher.
Jackson Jacob (Fraser Valley Cascades) maintains his place atop the men’s individual standings after recording a 1-under, 71 to move himself to 5-under for the tournament and a one shot lead.
After the third round on Thursday, the field will be cut to the top ten (10) men’s teams and the top six (6) women’s teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within ten (10) shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.
UBC Thunderbirds and Laval Rouge et Or lead team competitions at the Canadian University/College Championship
KOMOKA, ONT — 30 MAY 2023 CANADIAN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP JONATHAN VERMETTE AND SONJA TANG AT THE CANADIAN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP AT FIREROCK GOLF CLUB (PHOTO: BOB GENTILE/BILL BOSWELL)
Mike Masaro
Komoka, Ont. – The drive for six straight team championships for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds women’s team couldn’t have started any better after the opening round of the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship presented by BDO.
The Thunderbirds were powered by Sonja Tang who shot a 5-under, 68, while the team shot a 9-under, 210 and lead by 20 strokes after day one at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont.
Tang’s impressive round featured an eagle on 16 (back nine start) and five birdies, “I think today I was just following my game plan. I was hitting greens and then on longer putts just lagging it up there for a two putt so there were opportunities, and I took advantage of them. Overall, I’m really happy with how I played,” said Tang.
The Thunderbirds are seeking their sixth straight team championship and Tang credits the team’s spirit for their strong start on Tuesday, “We push each other all the time, on the course, off the course, in the gym, and its just really fun playing with these girls and they really push me to be better.”
Université Laval Rouge et Or currently lead the men’s team division after recording a 1-over, 289 collective score and take a one shot lead over the Victoria Vikes into the second round on Wednesday.
Jackson Jacob (Fraser Valley Cascades) and Jonathan Vermette (Laval Rouge et Or) sit tied atop the individual leaderboard in the men’s division after opening with rounds of 4-under, 68.
“Going into this week, I saw all the guys were peaking at the same time with their game. We all knew that we’d be close to the top of the leaderboard after round one and hopefully it’s still going to be the same thing tomorrow and the next couple of days because even though our score is good, we can all play better definitely. It’s going to be fun to watch,” said Vermette.
Jacob, coming off a win at the SWOCC Invitational earlier this month, recorded two eagles during his opening round, “Not very often you make two eagles in a round, that was fun to do. The wind picked up for the last five holes and things got a lot more challenging than they did in the morning, but I kept it together,” said Jacob.
After hitting two consecutive drives out of bounds on the back nine Jacob was able to battle back for bogey on both, “That to me was almost bigger than the two eagles because you can lose a lot of shots there and those are huge momentum savers,” he added.
Another highlight during the morning flight saw Ryan Massicotte, representing Bishops’ Gaiters record a hole-in-one on the par three, 8th hole. Massicotte finished with a 1-over, 73.
After the third round on Thursday, the field will be cut to the top ten (10) men’s teams and the top six (6) women’s teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within ten (10) shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.
UBC Thunderbirds look to defend their titles in both the men’s and women’s divisions at the Canadian University/College Championship
FireRock Golf Club
Lauren Christie
KOMOKA, Ont. – Canada’s best student-athlete golfers will descend on FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont., for the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO from May 29 to June 2. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.
2023 marks the 19th playing of the event, which was established in 2003 by Golf Canada to give the country’s best university and college golfers a chance to compete at a national championship.
The Fanshawe College Falcons will host the event this year for the second time since 2019, at the scenic FireRock Golf Club.
Designed by Thomas McBroom, FireRock features captivating landforms, ragged handmade bunkers, environmentally significant Savannah grasses and the Oxbow River valley, intertwining with existing gravel spoil piles.
“We are so thrilled to be able to host this National Championship again since hosting in 2019 and partner once again with Fanshawe College & Tourism London. This is a huge event for the City of London, and we are so honoured and privileged to host an event of this caliber,” said Amanda Cookson, Director of Golf Operations at FireRock Golf Club. “FireRock Golf Club since its inception in 2004 designed by Tom McBroom has only matured into the beauty that it is today. Many say that the course is intended specifically for tournament play of this level, and our staff & volunteers are well seasoned and excited to partake in such a prestigious event. The City of London is booming with golf, and we are so ecstatic to be able to showcase it to the elite golfers coming into town for this championship.”
The 20 teams competing in the Men’s division, including three wildcard teams, represent the following conferences (number of teams in brackets):
Canada-West (6)
Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (3)
Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (4)
Ontario University Athletics (7)
The Women’s division is comprised of 12 teams, including two wildcard teams from the following conferences (number of teams in brackets):
Canada-West (4)
Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (1)
Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (2)
Ontario University Athletics (5)
In addition, a limited amount of spots are available to individuals attending a Canadian post-secondary institution not otherwise entered through a team entry. A total of 10 individual players (six men and four women) will compete in the individual competition.
After the third round, the field will be cut to the top ten (10) men’s teams and the top six (6) women’s teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within ten (10) shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.
Golf Canada prides itself on providing an opportunity for university and college players to compete at the highest level of national competition at the end of their seasons.
The 72-hole stroke play event was played last year at Golf-Château Bromont in Bromont, Que., the first University/College championship to play since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University of British Columbia enter this year’s tournament as the defending champions of both the men’s and women’s divisions. The Thunderbirds won the women’s team division for the fifth time in a row, and fifteenth time in the 18-year history of the event last year, while the men’s team earned their seventh banner since the inaugural event in 2003.
Aidan Schumer and Sonja Tang were crowned champions of the men’s and women’s individual events, respectively.
Last year, the Thunderbirds women’s 98 stoke triumph set the record for the largest margin of victory since 2004 and capped off a perfect season of 12 tournament wins. The team of Sonja Tang, Élizabeth Labbé, Shania Remandaban and Grace Bell finished off a wire-to-wire win with a final round 3-over par, 219.
For the men, team captain Ethan De Graaf, Aiden Schumer, Mackenzie Bickell, Russell Howlett and Dylan MacDonald combined for a tournament score of 7-under par, 1145 for an eight-stroke victory over the Université de Laval Rouge et Or (1-over par, 1153). The University of Victoria Vikes rounded out the top three at a total of 8-over par, 1160.
Multiple winners of the event include Christina Spence (2007 & 2008), Kat Kennedy (2016 & 2017) and Evan Holmes (2015 & 2017).
For more information about the 2023 Canadian University/College Championship, including the player list, pairings and leaderboards, click here.
Championship schedule to include ten National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms in addition to Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open
Golf Canada will also conduct qualifiers for several USGA Championships including Local and Regional 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
(March 15, 2023) Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2023 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at venerable golf facilities across Canada.
The 2023 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s two signature National Open Championships — the RBC Canadian Open, June 5-11, at first-time host Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto and the CP Women’s Open to be conducted at Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club Aug. 21-27.
Golf Canada’s 2023 competition calendar also includes ten National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms.
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.
“After a wonderful return to a full championship schedule for 2022, we are pleased to continue that momentum in 2023 and welcome thousands of talented athletes to our national championships,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “Together with our corporate partners, our generous host clubs across the country, and all the volunteers that make 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 some of Canada’s top clubs including the Canadian Men’s Amateur heading to The Pulpit Club’s 36 holes (Pulpit Course and Paintbrush Course) in Caledon, Ont. while the Canadian Women’s Amateur will be played at Ashburn Golf Club (New Course) in Halifax.
New for 2023 include the winners of both the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur receiving an exemption into the respective USGA Championships. This marks the inaugural time this is on offer for the winner of the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur, which will be, for the first time, a stand-alone event.
Each of the National Junior and Amateur Championships will include $8,000 purses with $1,200 of that going to the respective champions. Financial Assistance Grants supported by Gary Cowan Heritage Fund and the Canadian Senior Golf Association will once again be available for Juniors competing in the Canadian Junior Championships 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 CP Women’s Open.
Other notable qualifiers being conducted for USGA Championships on the 2023 schedule include a U.S. Open Local and Final Regional Qualifier and a first-ever 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 the U.S. Amateur Championships.
Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off May 1 with a U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Cherry Hill Club in Ridgeway, Ont. and concludes the week of October 7 with both the NextGen Fall Series West at The Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey, B.C., and the World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms at the Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont.
To view Golf Canada’s 2023 Championship Schedule, including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities, click here.
2023 Championship Season at a Glance…
The 19th playing of the Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO will be held May 29-June 2 at Fire Rock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.
The 109th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO takes place July 31 – Aug. 4 at Ashburn Golf Club in Halifax, N.S. with the champion earning an exemption into the 2023 CP Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. The winner also receives exemptions into the 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and 2024 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championships, if applicable.
The 68th Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO will be contested July 23-27 at Hampton Golf Club in Hampton, N.B. where the winner will earn an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
The 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 7-10 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. The event will be played over the Pulpit and Paintbrush 18-hole layouts. 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 Pulpit. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Open, and if applicable, will earn an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Mid-Amateur, 2023 U.S. Senior Amateur or 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championships.
The 84th playing of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 13-17 at North Bay Golf & Country Club in North Bay, Ont. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be held August 20-24 at Algonquin Golf Resort in St. Andrews, N.B.
The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship presented by BDO will be held July 24-27 at Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont., the first year that the championship will be conducted as a standalone event.
The Canadian Women’s Senior Championship presented by BDO will take place August 29-September 1 at Mill River Golf Resort in O’Leary, P.E.I. The Senior Champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Senior Championship and 2024 U.S. Women’s Senior Open.
Big Sky Golf Club in Pemberton, B.C. will play host to the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship September 4-8, with the champion earning an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.
The third playing of the Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, a national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, will be held September 13-15 at Kamloops Golf and Country Club in Kamloops, B.C.
The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight 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 2023 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. The 2023 NextGen Championship host clubs include: Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club (Roberts Creek, B.C.), Peterborough Golf and Country Club (Peterborough, Ontario), Athabasca Golf Club (Athabasca, Alberta), Evergreen Golf Club (Nipawin, Saskatchewan), Club de Golf Venise (Magog, Quebec), and Avondale Golf Club (Charlottetown, PEI). An additional two Fall Series championships will take place in September and October, where players will compete for exemptions into their respective 2024 national junior championships.
An accomplished field of international competitors will take on Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont. from October 2-7 for the eighth playing of the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms. Look for 25 countries playing as 3-member squads competing for both a team and individual title.
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, Sport Canada, Levelwear, Titleist, FootJoy and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.
UBC sweeps 2022 Canadian University/College Championship
The UBC women's golf team claimed their fifth consecutive national championship, while the men's won their seventh banner in tournament history this week in Bromont, Que.
Golf Canada
Bromont, Que. – The University of British Columbia’s golf team did it again, completing the four-division sweep at the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO and cementing their status as a dynasty in Canadian collegiate golf.
The T-Birds won the women’s team division for the fifth time in a row, and fifteenth time in the 18-year history of the event, while the men’s earned their seventh banner since the inaugural event in 2003. Aidan Schumer and Sonja Tang were crowned champions of the men’s and women’s individual events, respectively.
“We’ve probably been through as many hard times as good times […] It’s just been an incredible year – I’m very proud of them,” said head coach Chris MacDonald. “Everyone at this tournament works hard; they’re willing to put the extra time in [and] I think there’s a certain level of internal chemistry,” he said of the bond between the men’s and women’s teams.
The Thunderbirds women’s 98 stroke triumph sets the record for the largest margin of victory since 2004 and caps off a perfect season of 12 tournament wins is as many events played. The team of Sonja Tang, Élizabeth Labbé, Shania Remandaban and Grace Bell finished off a wire-to-wire win with a final round 3-over par 219.
“We work really hard, everyone here pushes each other on and off the course and it’s just really nice to have one last win in Canada,” said Tang, the 2022 Canadian University/College Women’s Individual Champion.
On the men’s side, team captain Ethan De Graaf, Aiden Schumer, Mackenzie Bickell, Russell Howlett and Dylan MacDonald combined for a tournament score of 7-under par 1145 for an eight-stroke victory over the Université de Laval Rouge et Or (1-over par 1153). The University of Victoria Vikes rounded out the top three at a total of 8-over par 1160.
Despite trailing by four strokes entering the final round, Tang pulled off the comeback, one even she didn’t think was possible.
“I still can’t believe it; I was back by four, I didn’t really think I had a chance but I just kept my head down and played,” she said. “I think I played pretty decent today.”
Decent is an understatement to Tang’s performance. After a one hour and 50-minute weather delay interrupted her final round, the Vancouver B.C., native headed back onto the course and withstood the howling wind conditions enroute to a final round 1-under par 71, to win by three strokes over her teammate Labbé. Remandaban and Bell rounded out the all-UBC top four.
Schumer held a one stroke lead entering the final round but dropped into a tie for the lead with Jacob Armstrong – one of the three second place finishers, along with Samuel Breton Gagnon and Alexis Leray – midway through his round. The Columbus, Ohio, native stepped on the gas late in his round to escape the pack and earn the title of 2022 Canadian University/College Men’s Individual Champion.
“I did have an idea [of the leaderboard] somewhat. I don’t think it was the worse thing in world. I knew the guys were struggling a little bit on the back nine, so I really felt a push to do something for not just myself, but for the guys,” he said. “I had those two birdies on five and six, that really just got me going and I put myself in a good place to comfortably come down the stretch and take it.”
For the 19-year-old, the win is no drop in the bucket.
“I am very privileged to be in this spot and I really have to enjoy it no matter what,” said Schumer. “I had to keep it in perspective, and I just focused on what I’ve been practicing my whole life.”
Schumer, who last won a tournament three years ago at the Ohio High School State Championship, says this was the biggest win in his young career as a golfer, but was quick to note that it was more than just a personal achievement.
“It’s hard to process right now, it still hasn’t fully sunken in [but] this is for the guys, this is for UBC,” he said.
Schumer’s tournament score of 277 matched the second lowest 72-hole score in tournament history, matching Lee French (2007), Scott Secord (2014) and Daniel Campbell (2018) who previously accomplished the feat.
Click here for more information including the leaderboard, final round pairings and course information.
T-Birds seek clean sweep as final round looms at Canadian University/College Championship
UBC Thunderbirds, Élizabeth Labbé (left) and Aidan Schumer (right), lead the individual divisions entering the final round at Golf Château Bromont in Bromont, Que.
Golf Canada
Bromont, Que. – It was a rainy morning, but the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds continued to shine in the third round of the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO at Golf Château Bromont.
On Saturday afternoon, the Thunderbirds will attempt the four-division sweep, looking to become only the second group in the history of the event to do so, and first since 2016. As it stands, UBC leads in the men’s and women’s team divisions, while Thunderbirds Élizabeth Labbé and Aidan Schumer sit atop the individual standings.
The T-Birds women’s team built on their notable lead in round three, which now stands at 77 strokes, just nine shy of breaking the record for the largest margin of victory in any of the team divisions at the event since 2004. That year, the Thunderbirds won by 135 shots.
The men in blue and gold stayed steady in round three shooting a combined 4-under 284, but it was the team in red and gold from Université Laval who made the biggest splash on moving day, combining for a 9-under 279.
Alexis Leray, who has flown under the radar all week, piloted his Laval team with a 4-under 68, and re-entered the conversation in the men’s individual competition. The 2021 RSEQ Champions will, however, need to make up at least six more shots on the T-Birds in the final round for any hope of a national championship.
Schumer, who finished birdie-birdie on holes No. 17 and 18 to take the outright lead, holds a one-shot advantage over Leray and Samuel Breton Gagnon (Champlain St-Lawrence) ahead of the final round.
“It’s just like with running; if you run more, you’re going to get faster. You’re to get better at anything you train, including your mind,” said Schumer on visualizing winning a national championship. “I definitely enjoy being in this position and regardless of the outcome, it’s been a really good week with the guys. Hopefully I can put together one more good round.”
Labbé stretched her lead to four strokes in the women’s individual competition with an even-par 72. Round three was a rollercoaster ride for the Lévis, Que., native, who made three bogeys out of the gate, but negated the slow start with five birdies coming in.
“I’ve been having a little more trouble settling into my last two rounds, so I’ve just been trying to be patient,” said Labbé. “Obviously the pins today were a little bit trickier and a little bit harder to reach, so I just stayed patient and I knew it would balance out.”
The Thunderbird, who has lead wire-to-wire thus far, says she feels more and more comfortable playing with the lead and for now, is simply focusing on what she can control: her own game.
As for scoreboard watching tomorrow, there won’t be any for Labbé – “I’m just going to do my thing and hope for the best,” she said.
Sonja Tang is four back of her teammate entering the final, while Shania Remandaban and Grace Bell round out the all-UBC top four in the women’s individual division.
A heavy rainfall early Friday morning delayed the start of the third round. With all hands on deck, the grounds crew took the necessary actions and the course was deemed playable at 9:30 a.m.
“Patrice Fredette and his team did an outstanding job of providing playing conditions worthy of a Canadian Championship,” said Martin Ducharme, general manager of Golf Château Bromont. Unfortunately, Mother Nature didn’t contribute to the start of the third round, but the grounds crew did the necessary work, and I would say a miracle to get the course back in shape.”
As a result of the morning delay, the gas tank on daylight ran dry and forced a stoppage to round three at 8:31 p.m. due to darkness. Play resumed at 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning and wrapped up at 8:15 a.m.
A quick turnaround is in the works as the final round is scheduled to tee off at 10:00 a.m.
Click here for more information including the leaderboard, final round pairings and course information.
T-Birds extend lead, Vikes climb leaderboard in second round at Canadian University/College Championship
Samuel Breton Gagnon (left) and Élizabeth Labbé (right) in action at the Canadian University/College Championship at Golf Château Bromont in Bromont, Que., on June 2, 2022.
Golf Canada
Bromont, Que. – The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds improved their leads in the men’s and women’s divisions in the second round at the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO.
“We brought four really good women here and there are five left at home that also could have won this event […] so [as a team] we are not here without those girls,” said Shania Remandaban on UBC’s depth on the women’s side.
On the backs of Sonja Tang’s 5-under 67 and Remandaban’s 3-under 69, UBC strengthened their grip on the women’s team division and head into the third round with a 55-stroke lead.
The men’s team also cemented their lead atop their division with a trio of 1-under par performances from Aidan Schumer, Ethan DeGraaf and Dylan MacDonald, and an even par showing for Mackenzie Bickell.
“I think resilience is number one; our coach is always trying to get us to play smart and keep grinding,” says Aidan Schumer on the strength of UBC’s men’s golf team.
The University of Victoria Vikes men’s team carded the low round of the day, shooting a collective 9-under in the team competition to jump six spots on the leaderboard into second place. Each of the five players were under par on the day: Zachary Ryujin (-4), John Morrow (-3), Aidan Craig Steele (-1), Marlon Neto-Bradley (-1) and Robin Canlan (-1).
Despite a stellar effort to etch his way back into the competition, Morrow says the best is yet to come from him and knows he’ll have to go low over the next two days to be in contention for the individual title.
“I was able to keep it respectable yesterday, but I still don’t feel like I am controlling the golf ball very well,” said Morrow. “I’m going to have to play solid, hit a lot of greens and make some putts.”
Samuel Breton Gagnon and Élizabeth Labbé continued to pace the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively.
Breton Gagnon recorded a 5-under 67 for the second time in as many rounds and holds a four-stroke lead halfway through the competition. The 18-year-old’s 10-under is the lowest 36-hole score in the event since Scott Secord’s 11-under in 2014.
Labbé’s 1-over par 73 brought her to 3-under on the tournament – two strokes ahead of Tang in second place. Grace Bell and Remandaban, also Thunderbirds, hold the third and fourth place spots, respectively.
The highlight of the day came from Remandaban at the 133-yard, par-3 11th hole. The 2019 runner-up fired her tee shot at a blind front-right hole location and knew it was good, but didn’t know how good. She would find out soon enough just how good it was.
“I didn’t see it go in, but my playing partners’ parents said, ‘Nice shot!’ and I said, ‘Thanks!’ then they said, ‘No, it’s a really nice shot – it’s in!’” she laughed. “I didn’t know at all, so it was a nice surprise picking it up.”
Thomas DeMarco (University of Windsor) recorded six birdies on the day and sits in a tie for second place with UBC’s Schumer. Alexis Leray (Université Laval) is alone in fourth at 5-under after a 69 in round two.
After the third round, the field will be cut to the low ten (10) Male teams and the low six (6) Female teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within 10 shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.
Click here for more information including the leaderboard, third round pairings and course information.
