After close to 43 years of commitment and dedication to Golf Canada, the organization shared today that Bill Paul will be stepping down from his role as Chief Championship Officer.

Paul, who will continue as an advisor to Golf Canada beyond the end of July, has done a great job during his tenure helping to shape and drive both the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open, with both events well positioned for success. Through his leadership, Golf Canada has brought the focus of a dedicated operational team for each of Canada’s National Open Championships and has helped make both national championships incredibly successful.

His career at Golf Canada includes more than 23 years as Tournament Director of the RBC Canadian Open. He also served as Tournament Director of the Canadian Senior Open Championship as well as the 1992 World Amateur Team Championships and played a significant role in securing an LPGA Tour event (now the CP Women’s Open) for Golf Canada.

As Golf Canada’s Chief Championship Officer since 2015 and a member of Golf Canada’s Executive Team, he was a lead conduit for key relationships including the PGA TOUR and LPGA TOUR as well as directly with players, agents, corporate partners, host clubs, volunteer committees, government officials and other golf industry stakeholders. Prior to joining the organization full-time, Paul spent five years as a summer student prior to becoming a full-time employee working as the Assistant Tournament Director.

STATEMENT FROM BILL PAUL

“It has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of and represent Golf Canada for 43 years and I believe that the organization is well positioned for success going forward. I am extremely proud of the many milestones that our team have accomplished together. I value the deep friendships developed with so many staff, volunteers, players, agents, sponsors, media and industry colleagues across the Canadian and international golf landscape and it is humbling to know that I’ve helped to advance our National Open Championships and the sport golf in Canada”

STATEMENT FROM GOLF CANADA CEO LAURENCE APPLEBAUM

“Bill Paul has played an incredibly meaningful role with Golf Canada and he has represented Golf Canada with the highest measure of integrity and played a major part in so many successes during his tenure. He has had a tremendous effect within our organization, and we are extremely appreciative of his contributions, professionalism, mentorship, and commitment to so many facets of our business.”

“Together with Golf Canada’s staff, volunteers, partners and many golf industry stakeholders, please join us in thanking Bill Paul for his outstanding career contributions to Golf Canada.”

Fifteen years ago, golfers didn’t have to worry about making the Olympics. The sport hadn’t been featured at a Games since 1904 when Canada’s George Lyon won gold.

But since golf returned to the fold for the 2016 Rio Olympics, it’s been a priority for Derek Ingram and the rest of Golf Canada’s high performance team. In fact, Ingram has been preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics since the last Summer Games ended.

“Canadians are super patriotic and they love sport. Our athletes on the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour are no different. They love it. You think they don’t want to be like Sidney Crosby?” Ingram, the head coach of Canada’s men’s team, said on Thursday from Winnipeg. “In that respect, the Olympics have gone from not on the radar at all to probably one of their top four or five events and as time goes along it may become No. 1 or 2.”

Qualifying players for the Olympics – the men’s tournament is July 30-Aug. 2 and the women’s event is Aug. 5-8 – can be tricky but the format will benefit Canada.

A total of 60 players will play in each gender’s 72-hole, stroke-play tournament, with qualification based on world rankings. The top 15 players of each gender can play, with a limit of four golfers per country. The remaining spots will go to the highest-ranked players from countries that do not already have two golfers qualified, with a limit of two per country.

The International Golf Federation also guarantees that at least one golfer from the host nation – in this case, Japan – and each geographical region (Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania) will qualify. The fields will be set based on the world rankings on June 22, 2020 (men) and June 29, 2020 (women).

In practice, that will make for a relatively weak field that Canada’s golfers can take advantage of.

If this week’s rankings were used, the United States men’s golf team would consist of world No. 1 Brooks Koepka, No. 2 Dustin Johnson, fifth-ranked Tiger Woods and sixth-ranked Bryson DeChambeau. No other Americans would be able to play, eliminating 24 of the top 60 players in the world. Similarly, Great Britain would be represented by world No. 3 Rory McIlroy, No. 4 Justin Rose and Paul Casey would squeak in as the 15th-ranked golfer in the world. All other Britons would miss out.

That means the Canadian’s men’s team, based on current rankings, would be Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C. (No. 64) and Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont. (No. 87). Although both are out of the top 60, they would get “pulled up” by all the Americans, Brits, and other players who are ineligible because their country’s allotments are full.

“It’s a softer field and, all of a sudden, our players go into the tournament as the 15th- or 20th-ranked player in the field,” said Ingram. “In four rounds, in golf, they’ve already beaten all those guys that are in front of them. They don’t beat them every day but they’ve beaten them in tournaments and they’ve beaten them in rounds.”

On the women’s side, Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., would represent Canada as the ninth-ranked golfer in the world. Hamilton’s Alena Sharp is the next highest ranked Canadian at 125th but with 44 players from South Korea ineligible to play after that nation’s top four have qualified, she rockets up the qualification charts. That’s before eliminating golfers from other powerhouse countries like the U.S., Thailand, or China.

A challenge that all teams will face is preparing for the Olympic course at Kasumigaseki Country Club., a private course in Saitama, Japan, that most golfers haven’t seen. Ingram and Tristan Mullally, the head coach for Canada’s women’s team, plan on travelling to Japan in the fall to scout it out for their players.

“It’s not down the street, they can’t take a trip down there on a Monday of a PGA TOUR event and play 18 holes and get to know it. It’s a bit of a hike,” said Ingram with a laugh. “We have to be prepared as we can be. That’s doesn’t mean the player and the caddy and their coaches won’t do their due diligence when they get to the event and have lots of time but it’s nice to have a little bit of background information or a lot of background information. It just makes it a little bit easier when they get there.”

It is with great sadness that Golf Canada, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Museum as well as the entire golf community mourns the loss of Margaret (Sutcliffe) Todd, who passed away July 15, 2019 at the age of 101.

Born May 31, 1918 in Montreal, Todd was a pioneer in Canadian women’s golf. A natural at the game, she won three British Columbia Amateur titles, two Canadian Women’s Senior titles and played on a host of teams, including Canada’s first international team to Great Britain. She also won the Victoria Golf Club championship an astonishing 14 times.

But beyond the fairways, Todd gave back to the game three-fold, through administrative work with the Canadian Ladies’ Golf Association (CLGA). She served the CLGA in many capacities, including stints as National Course Rating Director, National Teams Director and National Director of Rules. Her most significant contribution has perhaps been in the realm of enhancing player development opportunities whenever possible. The CLGA amalgamated with Golf Canada (then the Royal Canadian Golf Association) in 2006.

In 2010, Todd donated $100,000 to her alma mater, the University of Victoria, for the creation of the Jack and Margaret Todd Women’s Golf Award, an athletic scholarship awarded annually.

Her contributions to the game earned her induction into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 1973, when she became the first female golfer to earn the honour. She was called to the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 1997 and the BC Golf Hall of Fame in 2001. Additionally, the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Super Senior Women’s Amateur Championship trophy is named in her honor.

Predeceased by her husband of 65 years Jack Todd, Margaret will be missed by her three sons John, Rick and David, as well as her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Statement from Meggan Gardner, Golf Canada’s Director of Heritage Services

“On behalf of the entire golf community, we are saddened by the passing of Margaret Todd. Margaret’s accomplishments on the golf course and her contributions to the game were outstanding and although we are mourning her loss, her tremendous legacy will live on and continue to be celebrated.”

Margaret Todd’s competitive accomplishments across the provincial, national and international golf landscape included:

• 1947-49 B.C. Ladies Amateur
• 1950 and 1953 Canadian Team vs Great Britain
• 1961 Canadian Ladies’ Amateur Semi-Finalist
• 1975-76 B.C. Senior Ladies
• 1976-77 Canadian Ladies’ Senior Champion
• Eight-time member of the B.C. Ladies’ team
• Eight-time member of the B.C. Senior Ladies’ team
• Five-time Commonwealth and World Amateur Delegate

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Todd. Margaret was inducted in 1997 and was also a member of the @BCSportsHall and @BCGolfHouse. Margaret passed at the age of 101. Here she is with Ada Mackenzie and @MarleneStreit pic.twitter.com/ln7WE8YTWA

— Can Golf Hall Fame (@CGHF) July 15, 2019

Southwood Golf & Country Club’s 125th anniversary highlights a list of 52 Golf Canada member clubs across all ten provinces that are celebrating anniversaries in 2019.

Founded in 1894 and on its current site since 2011, Southwood Golf & Country Club is one of the oldest clubs in Canada. As part of the Winnipeg club’s anniversary celebrations, The Players Cup, a Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada event, will be held at the course from Aug. 15-18.

All clubs that are celebrating an anniversary will receive a plaque from Golf Canada. Clubs celebrating their 100th anniversary will receive a commemorative scroll.

In addition to Southwood Golf & Country Club’s 125th, 11 clubs are celebrating their centennial:

• Abercrombie Country Club (New Glasgow, N.S.)
• Westfield Golf & Country Club (Grand Bay – Westfield, N.B.)
• Club de golf Islesmere (Sainte-Dorothée, Que.)
• Glendale Golf & Country Club (Hamilton, Ont.)
• Midland Golf & Country Club (Midland, Ont.)
• Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club (Port Carling, Ont.)
• Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.)
• Windermere Golf & Country Club (Windermere, Ont.)
• Elmwood Golf Club (Swift Current, Sask.)
• Weyburn Golf Club (Weyburn, Sask.)
• Earl Grey Golf Club (Calgary, Alta.)

Earl Grey Golf Club (Calgary, Alta.)

Three clubs are celebrating their 75th anniversary:

• Club de golf Victoriaville (Victoriaville, Que.)
• Neepawa Golf & Country Club (Neepawa, Man.)
• Humboldt Golf Club (Humboldt, Sask.)

Neepawa Golf & Country Club (Neepawa, Man.)

Sixteen clubs are celebrating their 50th anniversary:

• Brudenell Golf Course (Cardigan, PEI)
• Mactaquac Provincial Park Golf Club (Mactaquac, N.B.)
• Club de golf Revermont (Amqui, Que.)
• Horseshoe Resort (Barrie, Ont.)
• MontHill Golf & Country Club (Caledonia, Ont.)
• Petawawa Golf Club (Petawawa, Ont.)
• Pine Valley Golf Club (Brantford, Ont.)
• Tilbury Golf Club (Tilbury, Ont.)
• Rock Creek Golf Club (Shaunavon, Sask.)
• North Battleford Golf & Country Club (North Battleford, Sask.)
• Maple Ridge Golf Couse (Calgary, Alta.)
• Taber Golf Club (Taber, Alta.)
• Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club (Roberts Creek, B.C.)
• Hirsch Creek Golf and Winter Club (Kitimat, B.C.)
• Prince Rupert Golf Club (Prince Rupert, B.C.)
• Musqueam Ladies Golf Club (Vancouver, B.C.)

Brudenell Golf Course (Cardigan, PEI)

Twenty-one clubs are celebrating their 25th anniversary

• Humber River Golf Club (Deer Lake, N.F.)
• Eagle Crest Golf Couse (Centreville, N.S.)
• Club de golf Baie-Comeau (Baie-Comeau, Que.)
• Diamond ‘In the Ruff’ Golf Club (Utterson, Ont.)
• NationView Golf Course (South Mountain, Ont.)
• Pakenham Highlands Golf Couse (Pakenham, Ont.)
• Silver Lakes Golf & Country Club (East Gwillimbury, Ont.)
• The Fox Golf Club (Granton, Ont.)
• Lashburn Town & Country Club (Lashburn, Sask.)
• Mainprize Regional Park Golf Couse (Midale, Sask.)
• Riverview Golf Course (Mannville, Alta.)
• The Legends Golf & Country Club (Sherwood Park, Alta.)
• Big Sky Golf & Country Club (Pemberton, B.C.)
• Golden Eagle Golf Club (Pitt Meadows, B.C.)
• Northview Golf & Country Club (Surrey, B.C.)
• Riverway Golf Couse (Burnaby, B.C.)
• The Redwoods Golf Club (Langley, B.C.)
• Valemount Pines Golf & Country Club (Valemount, B.C.)
• Winchelsea View Golf Course (Lantzville, B.C.)
• Harvest Golf Club (Kelowna, B.C.)
• Chinook Cove Golf Couse (Barriere, B.C.)

Winchelsea View Golf Course (Lantzville, B.C.)

Toronto, Ontario– Golf Canada and Audi Canada announced today a multi-year integrated partnership that will see the luxury automotive brand become the exclusive Premier Automotive Partner for Canada’s National Open Championships—the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open—as well as the Official Automotive Partner of Golf Canada’s National Team Program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Audi Canada as a fully integrated Premier Partner with Golf Canada’s National Open Championships and Team Canada,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Audi is an iconic brand, synonymous for driving excellence and premium craftsmanship. Our robust partnership touches virtually every level of Canadian golf and we look forward to integrating their progressive brand across Golf Canada’s signature properties as well as our community of member clubs and golfers.”

Through the multi-year partnership, Audi will work alongside Golf Canada to drive excellence in Canadian golf. As the Premier Automotive Partner for the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open, Audi will deliver a premium vehicle experience at Canada’s National Men’s and Women’s Open Championships. Audi owners will also be treated to an elevated event experience when they visit the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open, while fans onsite can enter to win hospitality upgrades and exclusive Audi Driving Experiences.

“Audi has been successfully involved in golf globally for more than two decades,” said Giorgio Delucchi, President of Audi Canada. “Technology, design and sportiness are values that characterize every Audi and which also contribute to the special fascination found in golf.”

Audi Canada’s multi-platform investment in Canadian golf will also benefit the athletes, coaches and sport science team that comprise Golf Canada’s National Team Program including the Team Canada Junior, Amateur and Young Pro Squads. Audi Canada’s partnership will also deliver an enhanced experience across Golf Canada’s digital network of web, social and golfer engagement platforms. The partnership will create a deepened community connection between Golf Canada Member Clubs and the Audi Canada dealer network across Canada.

We are happy to announce that we will be driving excellence in Canada by becoming an official partner of @GolfCanada. Keep an eye out for us at the @RBCCanadianOpen and the @cpwomensopen. pic.twitter.com/NQ6jm4gCMm

— Audi Canada (@AudiCanada) May 29, 2019

As the National Sport Federation, Golf Canada operates the RBC Canadian Open, June 3-9 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, as well as the CP Women’s Open which takes place August 19-25 at the Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ont.

Giorgio Delucchi, President of Audi Canada speaks during the press conference. (Photo by Christian Bender / Golf Canada)

OTTAWA – On the second annual National Golf Day, the Canadian golf industry, represented by We Are Golf, is launching a national campaign to encourage Canadians to get involved in the sport. Industry leaders are meeting with Parliamentarians throughout the day, while golf stakeholders are working to spread the word in municipalities nationwide.

“Golf is a sport that brings so many benefits to Canadians – not just through the health aspect, but as a significant economic driver,” said Kathryn Wood, Chair of We Are Golf and COO of Canadian Golf Superintendents Association “Golf in Canada sees $14.3 billion in annual economic impact, and supports over 300,000 jobs – nearly 40% of which are summer students.”

“Our counterparts in the USA are undertaking a similar initiative in Washington, with the goal to broaden participation in the sport across the continent,” added Laurence Applebaum, CEO of Golf Canada, “On National Golf Day, we’re encouraging all Canadians to get involved by playing a round of golf, enjoying family time at the local course, introducing a new player to the game, adopting a school in their community through Golf in Schools, taking a lesson, or making a purchase at their local pro shop.”

#Golf‘s economic impact in Canada ????#WeAreCanadianGolf pic.twitter.com/tWpfhdTCUz

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) May 1, 2019

We Are Golf launched the inaugural National Golf Day in 2018 with advocacy meetings in Ottawa, a public junior golf activity on the Parliament Hill lawn, and various golf activities at clubs across Canada. The continuation of National Golf Day in Canada in 2019 will again incorporate meetings by We Are Golf stakeholders with MPs, Senators, and government officials.

“We are looking forward to building upon the success of our 2018 National Golf Day and government advocacy efforts in Ottawa, and hope to continue to bring the positive value of the game of golf to the forefront,” said We Are Golf chair, Kathryn Wood.

Golf’s new World Handicap System, which is designed to bring the game of golf under a single set of Rules for handicapping and provide a more consistent measure of players’ ability between different regions of the world, remains on track for implementation from 2020.

Education has begun with events being held in Singapore, South Africa, Great Britain and Ireland, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Continental Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and the USA.

A secure resource portal, accessible via www.whs.com, has also been launched to provide national associations with a library of different materials that they can use to help support their own education efforts.

Coinciding with this release, the USGA and The R&A will be launching a social media video campaign to remind golfers of the eight key features of the new Rules, and to reveal more details.  These features include:

• A minimum number of scores to establish a Handicap Index and maximum Handicap Index of 54.0
• Basis of calculation of Handicap Index
• Acceptability of scores for handicap purposes
• Course Rating and Slope Rating
• Calculation of a Playing Handicap
• Maximum hole score for handicap purposes
• Adjustments for abnormal playing conditions
• Frequency of updates of Handicap Index

Significant progress has been made in preparation for the roll out of the new system, which includes building a library of education materials, finalizing the new Rules of Handicapping, release of the technical specifications and the continuation of testing. Many national associations around the world are busy ensuring that their golf courses are rated in accordance with the Course Rating System and working to update local software platforms so that they are ready to apply the new Rules of Handicapping.  While many countries will be ready to transition early in 2020, given both the magnitude of the change for some jurisdictions and varying seasonality throughout the world, it is anticipated that others will need more time.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “There are many ways in which it is important for golf to modernise and become more appealing for people thinking of taking up the sport and handicapping is clearly one of them. The World Handicap System is a major new initiative for the sport which will establish a clearer and more consistent handicapping process for golfers throughout the world.

“We are working closely with national associations, as we do across our governance, championships and development work, to ensure they are fully prepared for the introduction of the new system as soon as possible after it becomes available for implementation.”

Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA, said, “We hope every golfer will see the benefit of obtaining a handicap – not only to play equitably with anyone no matter where they play, but also as a tool to measure their success.  In making it easier for golfers to obtain and maintain a handicap, we hope golf will be more welcoming and less intimidating throughout the world.”

Laurence Applebaum, CEO of Golf Canada said, “We are pleased to align with golf’s global governing bodies in the development and 2020 implementation of the new World Handicap System. “Over the coming months, we will work with national and provincial partners as well as golf clubs across Canada to educate golfers and ensure a smooth transition to this new system.”

Since its conception, the development of the WHS has focused on three key goals: to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index; to enable golfers of differing abilities, genders and nationalities to transport their Handicap Index to any course around the world and compete on a fair basis; and to indicate with sufficient accuracy the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving on any course around the world, playing under normal conditions.

The system has been devised following extensive consultation with the six existing handicapping authorities: Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the USGA. The Japan Golf Association and Golf Canada have also been closely involved in developing the new system.

Widespread support for WHS was expressed in an international survey of 52,000 golfers with 76% in favour of the new system and a further 22% saying they were willing to consider its benefits. Focus groups were also held in different regions of the world to elicit detailed feedback on the features of the new system, which have contributed to the finalised Rules of Handicapping.

The World Handicap System will unite the golf world under one single set of handicapping rules and will be governed by the USGA and The R&A, with support from the existing six handicap authorities.

As an extension of their support of the Rules of Golf worldwide, Rolex has made a commitment to support The R&A’s and the USGA’s efforts to implement the World Handicap System.

The Canadian golf industry represented by We Are Golf (formerly the National Allied Golf Association) has officially announced that May 1, 2019 has been tabbed as National Golf Day in Canada.

The date aligns with the We Are Golf initiative spearheaded out of the United States—also set for May 1, 2019—and will bring further attention to the game of golf and its significant community impact within not only Canada, but across North America.

We are Golf is comprised of all the national golf associations within Canada—Golf Canada, the Canadian Society of Club Managers, the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association, the PGA of Canada and the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada.

Planning for National Golf Day is underway with several activities to build upon the success of the inaugural 2018 event which included government advocacy and discussion with MPs in Ottawa, a public junior golf activity on the Parliament Hill lawn and various golf activities at clubs across Canada. The continuation of National Golf Day in Canada in 2019 will again incorporate meetings by We Are Golf stakeholders with MPs and government officials.

“We are looking forward to building upon the success of our 2018 National Golf Day and government advocacy efforts in Ottawa and continue to bring the positive value of the game of golf to the forefront,” said We Are Golf chair, Kathryn Wood. “National Golf Day will be a tremendous catalyst for golf enthusiasts to rally and celebrate what the sport of golf means to them and their community.”

Each member association representing We Are Golf is also encouraging their respective memberships, partners and stakeholders to participate in National Golf Day in their own way to celebrate the significant economic, health, recreational, charitable and tourism benefits that golf drives in communities from coast to coast.

We Are Golf is calling on the entire golf community as well as partner associations and golfers to engage in National Golf Day as a can’t miss event on the Canadian golf calendar.

Golf enthusiasts across Canada are encouraged to get involved in National Golf Day by playing a round of golf, visiting a course or practice facility, enjoying family time at the course, introducing a new player to the game, adopting a school in their community through Golf in Schools, hosting a school golf field trip, taking a lesson, or making a purchase at their local pro shop.

Please visit http://wearegolf.ca/ to learn more, and to access a social media toolkit to promote the day and get involved!

Golf in Canada – A Snapshot:

In Canada, more than five million golfers play close to 60 million rounds annually at nearly 2,300 golf facilities from coast to coast—the most participated sport in this country.

Golf is a significant economic driver generating more than $14.3 billion in economic impact and employing more than 300,000 jobs, nearly 40% of which are summer students. Direct revenues generated by golf courses and their facilities ($5.0 billion) rivals the revenues generated by all other participation sports and recreation facilities combined ($4.8 billion). Golf courses also steward essential greenspace in the community in addition to hosting more than 37,000 charity events that raise more than $533 million annually to support important causes.

The health benefits of moderate-intensity physical activity, burning 850 to 1,500 calories as well as muscle endurance, blood circulation, flexibility and mental health along with respiratory, metabolic and cardiovascular improvements can’t be discounted. Golf as a safe and inclusive family sport is good for our children, instilling etiquette and values such as integrity, honest, fair play and the spirit of camaraderie.

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Jeff Hutt of Fredericton, NB has been appointed as Golf Canada’s full-time Regional Director in Atlantic Canada.

Jeff, who was previously splitting his time between Golf Canada and his position as Director of Marketing with Golf New Brunswick, will now focus his time to better serve member clubs and support the execution of Golf Canada’s non-affiliated player strategy Atlantic Canada.

Jeff’s depth of industry insight, past experiences and established network of club contacts across the region will help strengthen the collaborative relationship between Golf Canada and the Atlantic Provincial Golf Associations while delivering enhanced service to our member clubs.

“I am really excited to be joining Golf Canada in a full-time capacity. “As I expand my role, my focus is to work with our provincial associations to better support our partner facilities in the implementation of our programs and services. I also look forward to helping grow an enhanced member experience for both non-affiliated players and members of partner facilities.”

Born in Halifax, N.S., Jeff moved to Fredericton, N.B. where he grew up in a golfing family. He was a member at Fredericton Golf Club where he participated in the junior program. As a teenager, he worked as a summer student at Kingswood Golf Course and went on to Holland College in P.E.I. where he enrolled in their Golf Club Management Program. After graduation, he returned to the University of New Brunswick to earn a degree in Hospitality and Tourism.

Over his 19-year career, Jeff has developed a strong skill set and industry network across the golf industry in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada.  He spent 10 years at Kingswood Resort in various roles before joining Golf New Brunswick as Manager of Marketing and Junior Programs. Over the next nine years, he held various roles with Golf N.B. including his most recent position as Director of Marketing. In 2015, Jeff added to his responsibilities and worked with Golf Canada on a part-time basis as the Regional Director for Atlantic Canada.

Jeff remains an avid golfer carrying a 5.8 handicap factor and enjoys playing the game both left and right handed.

Jeff Hutt
Regional Director, Atlantic Canada
E – jhutt@golfcanada.ca
P – 1.506.260.6599

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – On the 18th green at TPC Sawgrass, Laurence Applebaum was laughing and chatting with whomever was around.

Usually standing on that intimidating tee – with water up the left-hand side and a thin fairway – you’re not happy at all. But Golf Canada’s CEO caught Canadians Nick Taylor and Corey Conners coming through in the final hole of their practice round, and how could he not be happy?

Taylor and Conners were wearing shorts. Applebaum was clad in a grey monotone ensemble, the pop of colour reserved for the red in the Golf Canada logo on his shirt. It was like a scene you might stumble upon at any golf club in the country when a trio of friends got together at the end of a round – it just so happened that two of the three are some of the best golfers in the world.

“They’re true professionals on the PGA Tour,” said Applebaum on the veranda of the iconic clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass. “It seems like the vibe amongst those guys is that every week there is a different guy who is finding his groove. Roger Sloan, for example, had a couple great weeks, and to have Adam Hadwin leading that class… it’s so good to have those guys on the Tour and they’ve been great ambassadors for golf in Canada.”

The Canadians in the field this week at The Players Championship – Adam Hadwin rounds out the Canadian contingent – are only a small part of global group Applebaum has connected with already.

As the CEO of Golf Canada, he’s been thrilled to continue to drive the momentum of the organization forward – ‘momentum’ he said, is probably the one word to sum-up the last 12 months or so.

Applebaum, with his second Annual Meeting as CEO in the rearview – where Golf Canada announced its three-year strategic plan – was happy to mix business with pleasure this week in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Martin Slumbers, the chief executive of the R&A, Jay Monahan, the commissioner of the PGA Tour, Canadian golf hall of famer Mike Weir, and Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada president Jeff Monday are just some of crew Applebaum has talked with. He’s enjoyed sharing the good-news story behind this year’s RBC Canadian Open.

“The new date. The new purse. The extension of the RBC sponsorship. The recent news that we’ll have three direct qualifiers from the RBC Canadian Open into the British Open is going to be wonderful,” he said. “We have such a great snowball effect of what’s going on.”

The commissioner, Applebaum said, was instrumental with the new date and helping to bring three partners – RBC, Golf Canada, and the PGA Tour – together to make the upcoming RBC Canadian Open a special one.

He said although the PGA Tour is a big professional sports organization, it’s also a really intimate family.

“They’ve wrapped their arms around Canada,” he said.

With The Players becoming the signature event of the PGA Tour, it’s become a spectacle with the global golf community invited. There are things the organizing team will bring from The Players to the RBC Canadian Open this year.

“When you spend any time here, you realize it’s a little beach town outside Jacksonville, Florida, and it’s become a mecca for golf fans. Golfers, sports fans, people looking for fun things to do – like family entertainment – and they’ve brought food, music, a real spectacle in the middle of March which is really nice,” said Applebaum.

“We’ve learned a lot from what they’ve done. We’ve really got to build our own identity for the RBC Canadian Open and it’s going to be the start of summer when our new event is, which is really exciting.”

Not only is there exciting news around the RBC Canadian Open, but Canadian golf as a whole, said Applebaum.

There are eight Canadians with PGA Tour status this year – nine if you count Graham DeLaet, who is on a major medical exemption and 10 if you count Weir, as a past major champion – which is the most ever.

He also points to the success of Team RBC members Dustin Johnson (as world no.1) and new Team RBC member Webb Simpson (as defending champion at The Players) as something else that’s been a positive through late 2018 and early 2019.

“We want to keep that momentum going,” he said – with a smile, of course.