Stouffer completes clean sweep winning Mid-Amateur, Mid-Master and Inter-Provincial Team titles at Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community
Courtenay, B.C. – It was quite the battle during Saturday’s final round between Shelly Stouffer and Catherine Matranga, but in the end, Stouffer pulled ahead to win the 2024 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur, presented by BDO at the Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community (Crown Isle) in Courtenay, B.C.
Stouffer and Matranga were tied at 2-over heading to the 17th at Crown Isle, and that is where Stouffer grabbed the lead with a birdie to move ahead of Matranga, who pared. On 18, Stouffer secured the victory in convincing fashion with another birdie to finish the tournament at even par, two shots clear of Matranga of Fort Worth, Texas.
“Yeah, it’s amazing, really happy about it,” said Stouffer with a smile. “I was just keeping track of it, thinking she’ll make that and then she did and now it’s a two-shot game and I had to make some long putts too, some long par saves that I made which was good. I just go through my routine and do the same thing and you lean on your routine and hope that gets you through it and was able to make a birdie-birdie finish,” said Stouffer following her round on Saturday.
“17 is a double fairway where you can go right or left and in the middle is a bunker and group of trees so I am trying to go right and I hit a terrible tee shot that went left and went over the bunker and bounced into the fairway leaving me 85 yards to the hole, I hit that shot pin high to 12 feet and left of the hole and made birdie,” said Stouffer.
On 18, Stouffer hit her drive right down the middle of the fairway, leaving herself 93 yards to the pin. She put her second shot to within five feet of the hole to close with a birdie and the national championship.
This marks the second Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur title for Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, B.C. who was triumphant in 2022 in Manitoba, prior to the Women’s Mid-Amateur becoming a standalone event last year.
Stouffer finished with rounds of 75-68-73-216 and also claimed the Mid-Master title by nine shots over Taya Battistella of Bellingham, Wash. She was also part of Team British Columbia, who earned the Margaret Todd Trophy as Inter-Provincial Team champions on Friday. Team British Columbia finished with a combined score of 8-over, to beat Alberta by ten shots. In addition to Stouffer, the host province was represented by Jamie Oleksiew of Vancouver, B.C. and Aram Choi of Surrey, B.C.
Stouffer enjoyed the week at Crown Isle, “it was awesome, the course was great and before this year I hadn’t played it in probably 25 years but I knew the tournament was here so I came up and played five times beforehand, so I got to see the golf course a number of times which was great.”
With her victory, Stouffer has earned exemptions into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 7-12 at Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton, Mass., as well as an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
In addition to winning all three trophies at Crown Isle, Stouffer has also won the B.C. Women’s Mid-Master Championship and the B.C. Women’s Senior Championship this season. Saturday was extra special as her son, Brett caddied the final nine holes for her. Following the trophy presentation, Stouffer reflected on her season to date.
“It’s going well so far,” she said with a laugh. “I am liking the way the direction is going. My son is playing golf too and it’s been hard to organize because he was over at Ledgeview this week playing in the B.C. Amateur so that’s why he was here for the last nine holes and finished caddying for me. It’s been a good ride so far and I’m just going to try to keep going.”
For the final standings from the 2024 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, click here.
Shelly Stouffer leads both the Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master
divisions following play on Friday
Courtenay, B.C. – The Margaret Todd Trophy won’t have to travel far, as the host province, Team British Columbia have claimed the team championship beating out Team Alberta at the 2024 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur, presented by BDO at the Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community (Crown Isle) in Courtenay, B.C.
Team British Columbia finished with a combined score of 8-over, to beat Alberta by ten shots in the 36-hole event. The host province was represented by Shelly Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, B.C., Jamie Oleksiew of Vancouver, B.C. and Aram Choi of Surrey, B.C.
On Friday, Stouffer led the charge firing a 4-under 68, while Oleksiew recorded a 7-over 79 to have their scores count toward the team total. The two lowest scores from the three team members are recorded towards the team’s combined score for the day.
“It’s nice to finish on top, it doesn’t feel good to come in second and we came in second both at the Mid-Am and the Senior last year, so I am pretty happy to get back to winning and with a different team. It’s always fun to win the gold for sure,” said Stouffer on her team’s win on Friday.
Along with firing the low round of the day, Stouffer has found herself back in familiar territory as she now sits atop the leaderboard in both the Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master divisions. Stouffer is currently at 1-under for the tournament and holds a three-shot lead on round one leader Catherine Matranga of Fort Worth, Texas, heading into the final round at Crown Isle.
Stouffer credited her strong round to hitting 16 greens coupled with strong putting on Friday.
“My putting and distance control was really good, so I didn’t really have a lot of stressful pars. I made one key sand save on number six and had to make a 12-footer there and that kept me going because I had just birdied five and was nice to not have a birdie then a bogey right after, so it was awesome to make that putt,” added Stouffer.
Stouffer noted that one of the two holes that she three-putted on Thursday happened to be the 6th after finding a bunker. She went on to double bogey the hole in the opening round but made up for it with par on Friday. The back nine is where Stouffer really took charge, birding three of her final four holes to record a 68.
“I just kept hitting greens and two-putting and getting close to birdies and I thought I’m going to make one here or there. I made a long one on 15 and then about a 15-footer on 16 and then I made a 30-footer on 18, so I rolled in some long ones at the end,” said Stouffer.
Stouffer admitted that she didn’t do any scoreboard watching on Friday, and that the course felt a bit shorter during her round although some pin placements made for some trickier shot making. This is familiar territory for Stouffer, who won the Mid-Amateur, Mid-Master and Inter-Provincial Team Championship in 2022, she will rely on that experience heading into tomorrow’s final round.
“All the experiences you go through definitely help to prepare for any tournament. The more tournament experience you have the better and also being able to know how to win is a definite plus.
“So, I will just do the same thing as I have the past two days. Just keeping in the present and just be calm and hit fairways and greens that’s all I’m going to try to do and make some putts like I did today,” she added following her round on Friday.
In addition, Stouffer also holds a five-shot lead in the Mid-Master division over Taya Battistella of Bellingham, Wash. Battistella also sits alone in third in the Mid- Amateur division.
The tournament began with a field of 64 golfers (aged 25-and-over as of July 11, 2024), with a handicap index of 12.0. The individual winner of the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will receive an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 7-12 at Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton, Mass. In addition, the champion will receive an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
For leaderboard following Friday’s second round at the 2024 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, click here.
Shelly Stouffer leads Mid-Master division and Team British Columbia lead
Inter-Provincial team championship following Thursday
Courtenay, B.C. – Catherine Matranga fired a 1-under 71 on Thursday to take the lead following the opening round of the 2024 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur, presented by BDO at the Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community (Crown Isle) in Courtenay, B.C.
Matranga of Fort Worth, Texas was the only player to shoot under par at Crown Isle on Thursday. She began her round with nine consecutive pars to start, followed by back-to-back birdies to open the back nine. Matranga said her solid round was due to playing simple golf on Thursday.
“I got off to a pretty good start, felt like I was hitting my irons well, drove the ball well and just felt very comfortable out there today.
“Gave myself a lot of good looks for birdie but made easy pars to start off the round and continued that through the back nine and just overall felt really comfortable and kept it simple today,” said Matranga following her round.
Matranga also credited her consistent play and ability to recover well. She highlighted two shots on the front nine which allowed her to save pars after finding trouble. First from the bunker on three and then putting a wedge shot close on the seventh hole.
Matranga holds a three-shot lead in the mid-amateur division over Jamie Oleksiew of Vancouver, B.C. and is ahead by four shots over 2022 champion, Shelly Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, B.C. Matranga said she intends to stick to her game plan on Friday.
“Being committed to each shot. I have a plan and just making sure I am picking good targets and being committed to everything and each decision I make out there and see what happens in the end,” added Matranga.
Stouffer leads the Women’s Mid-Master division by one shot over Taya Battistella of Bellingham, Wash. Stouffer shot a 3-over 75 on Thursday. Tina Papatolis of Issaquah, Wash. And Marie-Thérèse Torti of Candiac, Que. are tied for third at 6-over, three back of Stouffer. The Women’s Mid-Master Championship is contested concurrently with the Mid-Amateur Championship for players aged 40-and-over as of July 11, 2024.
In the Inter-Provincial Team Championship, Team British Columbia sits atop the leaderboard after shooting a combined 5-over to lead by seven shots over Team Ontario and Team Alberta who are both 12-over. Team British Columbia consists of Stouffer and Oleksiew along with Aram Choi of Surrey, B.C. The two lowest scores from the three team members count towards the team’s combined score for the day. The inter-provincial competition is contested over the first 36-holes of the tournament.
The field consisting of 64 golfers (aged 25-and-over as of July 11, 2024), with a handicap index of 12.0 or less began play on Thursday. The individual winner of the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will receive an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 7-12 at Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton, Mass. In addition, the champion will receive an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
For leaderboard following Thursday’s opening round at the 2024 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, click here.
Four past champions are in the field that will compete for the
national championship
Courtenay, B.C. – The 2024 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO is set for July 11-13 at Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community (Crown Isle) in Courtenay, B.C.
The field of 65 golfers will feature four past champions set to compete over 54-holes, beginning with practice rounds on Wednesday, July 10 followed by three rounds of tournament play.
Among the previous winners set to compete in Courtenay are 2022 champion Shelly Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, B.C., 2010 champion Marie-Thérèse Torti of Candiac, Que., Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and 2008 champion Mary Ann Hayward of St. Thomas, Ont. and six-time champion Christina Spence Proteau of Port Alberni, B.C. (2009, 2011-14, 2021). Defending champion and three-time winner, Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont. will not be in the field as she will be competing in The R&A Women’s Senior Amateur, July 9 -12 at the Saunton Golf Club in North Devon, England.
Last year’s championship marked the first time that the women’s mid-amateur division was held as a stand-alone competition. Kyrinis won both the mid-amateur and mid-master divisions, finishing the tournament at 6-over, ten shots clear of Dawn Woodard of Greer, S.C. in both divisions. Stouffer finished in a tie for third with three other competitors.
In the inter-provincial team championship, Team Quebec, consisting of Natacha Brossard and Suzanne Ricard of Montreal, Que. along with Marie-Thérèse Torti, edged out the then defending champions, Team British Columbia by three shots.
“We have a great field with a mix of past national champions, American competitors, and some very experienced and skilled players ready to take on Crown Isle this week,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Daniel Suppa. “The staff and volunteers at Crown Isle have been exceptional to work with in the lead up to the tournament. We are all looking forward to a very competitive tournament at a beautiful golf course.”
Crown Isle is a residential golf community located in the heart of Comox Valley in Courtenay. The championship course was designed by Graham Cooke & Associates and opened in 1992. The course offers a memorable test for golfers featuring 12 lakes, lush fairways and views of the Beaufort Mountain range and Comox glacier. The greens team at Crown Isle plants over 10,000 annuals each year and has successfully reduced water usage while still being able to maintain the course and surrounding areas to pristine conditions.
“Our Golf Operations Team and our outstanding volunteer committee have been working hard to get everything ready for the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships this week. We are so excited to host this great event, and to work closely with the Golf Canada team to execute a phenomenal championship,” said Jamie Moran, Director of Golf, Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community. “Crown Isle will serve as a great test of golf for all the players, and we know they will all enjoy our beautiful course and facilities. We can’t wait for the players and staff to experience everything Crown Isle has to offer, and we wish all the players well this week.”
In addition, the championship will also feature two additional competitions running concurrently at Crown Isle. The Women’s Mid-Master Championship (players aged 40-and-over as of July 11, 2024) will be contested over three championship rounds and the Women’s Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Team Championship will take place over the first 36-holes of the tournament. Six provinces will be represented with three-player teams competing for the Margaret Todd Trophy.
Female golfers (aged 25-and-over as of July 11, 2024), with a handicap index of 12.0 or less are eligible to compete in the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. The individual winner of the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will receive an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 7-12 at Brae Burn Country Club in West Newton, Mass. In addition, the champion will receive an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
For the full field and tee times for the 2024 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, 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
Creemore, Ont. – Judith Kyrinis took the lead on Tuesday and never looked back on her way to winning the 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO on Thursday at The Mad River Golf Club.
Kyrinis finished the tournament at 6-over with rounds of 69, 73 and 80 for a three-day total of 222, ten shots clear in the Mid-Amateur division. The win gives Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont. her third Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master Championships, having previously won both in 2019 and 2016.
“It’s awesome. To have it as a stand-alone, the inaugural, it’s very special…to win any national championship three times it’s humbling. I am very proud of that,” said Kyrinis after signing her scorecard following play on Thursday.
As difficult as it is to win any tournament, leading from start to finish is a special feat. For Kyrinis the golf course would not allow her to let up all week, “you just can’t take a shot off right, so it was my motivation right there and try to do the best I can every shot. Little bit of a struggle out there today but probably was for everybody, tough conditions.”
The players were thrown a little bit of everything weather wise this week at Mad River. Pleasant conditions for the opening round were forgotten with heat playing a factor during play on Wednesday. Thursday began with light showers before the skies turned blue but brought a challenging wind for players to contend with.
“Absolutely, all those conditions factored for sure. The heat when you’re going up the back, that’s hard, luckily, I walk a lot so I’m good with that, but the wind’s today, it was really hard pulling clubs and trusting them, and I just got off to a bit of a nervous start. Even with that lead, it’s still nervous,” Kyrinis said with a laugh.
Kyrinis sits second all-time in tournament history with three championships trailing only Christina Proteau of Port Alberni, B.C. who has won the Mid-Amateur title six times. In addition, Kyrinis will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 9-14 at Stonewall (North Course) in Elverson, Pa. and an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
In both the Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master divisions, Dawn Woodard of Greer, S.C. received silver medalist honours, finishing the tournament at 16-over. There was a four-way tie for third place with Augusta James (Marysville, Ont.), defending champion Shelly Stouffer (Nanoose Bay, B.C.), Julie Streng (Greensboro, N.C.) and Samantha Perrotta (Bordentown, N.J.) all finishing at 18-over in the Mid-Amateur division. Stouffer and Streng also finished tied for bronze medalist honours in the Mid-Master division.
On Wednesday the Margaret Todd Trophy was awarded to Team Quebec, who won the Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Team Championship. Quebec finished the team competition at 25-over to hold off the defending champions, Team British Columbia by three strokes with Team Ontario finishing third. Team Quebec consists of Natacha Brossard and Suzanne Ricard from Montreal and Marie-Thérèse Torti of Candiac, Que.
For the full results of the 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship 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.
Kyrinis maintains lead in both the Women’s Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master divisions
Creemore, Ont. – The Margaret Todd Trophy is headed to La Belle Province. Team Quebec was crowned as the Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Team champions on Wednesday at the 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.
Quebec finished the team competition at 25-over to hold off the defending champions, Team British Columbia by three strokes. Team Quebec consists of Natacha Brossard and Suzanne Ricard from Montreal and Marie-Thérèse Torti of Candiac, Que.
For Torti winning the first team championship in the first year as a stand-alone tournament was special and their team spirit helped them this week, “we encourage each other, we’ve played our mid-am long ago together, I’ve played with Natacha and Suzanne and we’re really good representatives of Quebec. I’m happy we’re here, it’s a tough course and I’m glad we prevailed,” she said.
Ricard and Torti’s scores counted in the second round, with Ricard shooting a 3-over, 75 and Torti an 11-over, 83. The two lowest scores from the team are counted towards the team score for the day.
Ricard credited her putting for a solid round on Wednesday, “I was not tentative, but I was not aggressive either on the putting side, so I was just trying to be on the greens in regulation and get away with two putts and if the putt falls that’s great and if not, I don’t want to be left with a six-footer,” said Ricard.
“For my first Canadian Championship playing with Marie-Thérèse and Suzanne was a blessing, it was amazing. My first experience and we won it, proud to be from Quebec, proud to be Canadian as well,” added a jubilant Brossard.
Soaring temperatures made for tougher conditions during Wednesday’s second round at The Mad River Golf Club.
In the Women’s Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master divisions, two-time champion, Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont. holds the lead heading into Thursday’s final round. Kyrinis shot a 1-over, 73 on Wednesday to now sit a 2-under for the tournament and hold a 11-shot lead in the Mid-Amateur division and a 12-shot lead in the Mid-Master division.
Kyrinis had another strong finish with birdies on holes 14 and 18 but said the weather definitely played a factor today, “yeah, you know swirly winds out there, you’re walking up to you your ball and the wind’s into you and you pull a club then it turns around and its behind you and these greens are really hard right, so you really have to have the right club going in and be confident with it. It was a tough golf course out there for sure.”
For the second straight day, Kyrinis finished her round with a birdie on 18 after dropping a long putt from the back of the green, “missed a way shorter one on 17, very makable so you know sometimes it all just evens out when you make a long one,” Kyrinis said with a chuckle.
Those in attendance were treated to an appearance by Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and member of the Order of Canada, Sandra Post who visited The Mad River Golf Club during second round action.
Post is excited that the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is now its own stand-alone event, “it’s a great beginning and a great golf course and I know you’re going to have a great champion.
“What a great kickoff, this is like history to me. I am witnessing history and that’s what I feel about this tournament. It will only go on and be bigger and better in the future,” added Post.
The individual winner of the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 9-14 at Stonewall (North Course) in Elverson, Pa. In addition, the champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
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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.
Defending Champion Shelly Stouffer among five past winners in the field for new stand-alone national competition for Mid-Amateur aged competitors
Creemore, Ont. – The 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO kicks off on Monday, July 24 at the Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont.
Defending champion Shelly Stouffer is among five past champions in the field of 68 golfers competing at Mad River. The Nanoose Bay, B.C. resident is looking to become the first player to claim back-to-back titles since Christina Proteau won four consecutive championships from 2011-14.
Last year, Stouffer shot an even-par 72 in the final round to win by one-stroke over 2015 champion Terrill Samuel, and two clear of six-time champion Proteau at Breezy Bend Country Club in Headingly, Man.
In addition to winning the mid-amateur title, Stouffer also took home the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship and the Mid-Master division titles and was part of Team B.C. winning both inter-provincial team titles. The victories capped a successful summer for Stouffer who also won the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur last August. In doing so, Stouffer became only the second Canadian to win the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship in the same year. She joined elite company as World Golf Hall of Famer Marlene Streit won both titles in 1995.
Four past champions will be joining Stouffer at Mad River including, two-time winner (2016, 2019) Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont., 2010 champion Marie-Thérèse Torti of Candiac, Que., 2015 winner and 2022 British Women’s Senior Amateur champion, Terrill Samuel of Etobicoke, Ont. and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and 2008 champion, Mary Ann Hayward of St. Thomas, Ont. A four-time winner of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, Hayward is also a member of both the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame (2006) and the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame (2011).
This year’s championship marks the first time that the women’s mid-amateur division will be held as a stand-alone competition. The 54-hole stroke play championship was previously held in conjunction with the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, as well as the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
“The Mad River Golf Club will be an incredible host for the first ever Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Adam Cinel. “The staff and volunteers at Mad River have been tremendous to work with in the lead up to the tournament and we are excited to make this national championship a special event for the players.”
The Mad River Golf Club is a member owned, Bob Cupp-designed, championship golf club that offers golfers a variety of strategic choices and shot variations. The course features small and unique green complexes that require precision iron play to hit and hold the greens, and a creative short game to overcome the variety of challenges the golfer will face when missing a green.
“The competitors are going to love Mad River, the sheer beauty, challenge and condition of the golf course coupled with the tranquil country environment is a rare combination on one property,” said Gary Ward, General Manager, The Mad River Golf Club. “Mad River feels strongly about supporting and growing this important demographic of golfer, so were thrilled to host the event in its first year as a “stand alone’ tournament. As importantly the Legacy program we’ve initiated will leave a lasting impact on the community. The program entails creating a junior women’s golf development program involving selected participants from some local high schools (Stayner Collegiate, Our Lady of the Bay, Collingwood Collegiate).”
The championship will also feature two additional competitions running concurrently at Mad River. The Women’s Mid-Master Championship (players aged 40-and-over as of July 25, 2023) will be contested over three championship rounds and the Women’s Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Team Championship will take place over the first 36-holes of the tournament. Seven provinces will have 3-player teams represented in the competition.
Female golfers (aged 25-and-over as of July 25, 2023), with a handicap index of 12.0 or less are eligible to compete in the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. The individual winner of the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, taking place from September 9-14 at Stonewall (North Course) in Elverson, Pa. In addition, the champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
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.
