PGA of Canada and Golf Canada announce 2023 Women in Coaching participants
Eight talented PGA of Canada coaches to receive in-depth career development and bring a stronger gender balance to high-performance coaching in Canadian golf
Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada are excited to announce the names of eight talented coaches who will receive critical education to advance their careers as top golf coaches in the country.
The eight participant coaches from the Women in Coaching program will receive in-depth career development focusing on four main areas: individualized learning plans with monthly one-on-one check-ins, virtual and in-person coaching education and hands-on training experience.
Launched in 2021, the Women in Coaching program aims to strike a stronger gender balance with high-performance coaches that better reflects the Canadian golf community.
“We are thrilled to be supporting female coaches who have a deep desire to develop their skillsets,” said Beth Barz, the Women in Coaching Program’s Coach Developer. “Their continued growth supports all athletes in the player development system who will work with coaches involved in the Women in Coaching program for years to come.”
Application information was posted publicly on Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada’s websites, where applications were accepted this past winter.
“I am proud to be part of the Women in Coaching program and have an opportunity to learn from top educators and other female coaches from across Canada,” said Kat Kennedy, Assistant Golf Coach at Simon Fraser University and one of the eight Women in Coaching participants. “As a current collegiate coach, I prioritize professional development to gain the tools and skills to provide support and guidance to help student-athletes realize their full potential.”
The eight PGA of Canada members were selected based on prior coaching experience and current coaching or volunteer coaching positions. Past competitive playing experience was also considered an asset.
The eight chosen participants for the Women in Coaching program include:
- Shannon Raina – Calgary, Alberta
Earl Grey Golf Club, Apprentice Professional and Junior Development Leader
- Kat Kennedy – Richmond, British Columbia
Simon Fraser University, Men’s and Women’s Assistant Coach - Megan Ratcliffe – Victoria, British Columbia
Bear Mountain Resort, Assistant Golf Professional - Michelle Waters – Vancouver, British Columbia
Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, Apprentice Golf Professional - Winnie Yun – Langley, British Columbia
Lago Golf Academy (Westwood Plateau Golf Club), Junior Instructor - Anne Rogerson – Dorval, Quebec
Golf Le Champêtre, Head Golf Professional - Leila Harman – Surrey, British Columbia
Morgan Creek Golf Course, Saunders Performance Golf Academy Instructor - Nicola Greaves – Calgary, Alberta
Willow Park Golf & Country Club, Associate Professional & Junior Leader
To date, 17 PGA of Canada professionals have received training through the Women in Coaching program. This year’s first in-person session kicks off Monday, February 13th in Phoenix, AZ.
Borthwick, Bissegger and Bigras inducted into PGA of Canada Hall of Fame
The PGA of Canada will induct three long-serving members into its Hall of Fame during Canada Night at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla.
Dick Borthwick, Jack Bissegger and Adrien Bigras were all PGA of Canada members for more than 50 years, growing the sport through most of the 21st century. The three individuals are being inducted posthumously.
“Dick, Jack and Adrien exuberated a deep passion for golf and we are very excited to honour them with well-deserved spots in our Hall of Fame,” said PGA of Canada President Gord Percy. “Each of these three men worked throughout their entire lives to grow the game. The association is revered today because of the efforts of members like Dick, Jack and Adrien.”
The Hall of Fame, launched in January 2014 as part of Canada Night at the PGA Merchandise Show, celebrates PGA of Canada members—both past and present. In total, there are 46 individuals honoured with a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Dick Borthwick
Dick was a PGA of Canada member from 1927 to 1978 and engaged in many philanthropic efforts throughout his career, which included stints at some of the top golf clubs in Ontario, including Oakdale and Hamilton Golf and Country Club. In addition, he was the PGA of Canada’s president from 1960 to 1961.
Beginning in 1971, the Dick Borthwick Memorial Charity Golf Tournament is still conducted annually and just celebrated its 50th anniversary. The event has been so successful that it has raised 3-Million Dollars for local Hamilton charities.
Dick’s son, Bob, is attending Canada Night to accept the honour.
Jack Bissegger
Jack was a member of the association for 57 years, with over 40 of those years spent at Club de Golf La Vallée du Richelieu. He was also a member of the PGA of Quebec Board of Directors for nine years.
Jack always had time for juniors learning the game, running a summer camp for two months each summer. Despite how busy he was at the club, the Golf Quebec Hall of Fame member maintained quite the golf game, winning more than 75 events in his life.
One of Jack’s sons, Thomas, is attending Canada Night to accept the honour.
Adrien Bigras
Adrien, who is a member of both the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame and the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame, was a PGA of Canada member for 59 years, serving as an Assistant Professional at the Cardinal Golf Club and at Golf Malborough, before he became Head Professional for eleven years at the Rosemère Golf Club. Later on, his dream came true, and he became owner of the Manoir Golf Club.
Adrien was always helpful and ready to attend fundraising events, which could be counted by the hundreds. All through his career, Adrien preserved a certain nobility and prestige that was remarkable.
Over the years, his achievements include six victories at the Spring Open, seven at the Québec Senior Championship, twelve participations in the Canadian Open, and a victory at the 1965 Québec Open. He also participated in the 1962 US Open in Oakmont, PA, for which he had qualified with the lowest score ahead of 2,000 competitors.
One of Adrien’s long-time colleagues, Gilles Gareau, is attending Canada Night to accept the honour.
Craig Gibson wins Head Professional Championship of Canada in playoff
When Sirocco Golf Club Head Professional Craig Gibson stood on the 16th tee on Thursday afternoon, he trailed by four strokes.
That left just three holes to make up those four strokes on his playing partner, Rob Tadey, who entered the day with a one-stroke lead at the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf and supported by G&G Brands.
Oh yah; he also trailed Stephen Cox by four strokes; who was about to tee off on No. 18 at about the same time Gibson was hitting his tee shot on the par 3 16th at Verrado Golf Club just outside of Phoenix.
Peeking at the leaderboard around this time, Gibson knew he needed something special to happen if he was going to stamp his name in PGA of Canada championship history.
The next half hour you almost had to see to believe:
2:34 PM: Gibson nails 30-foot birdie putt on 16 to move to -9, trialing Cox and Tadey by 3.
2:45 PM: Cox hits his second on the par-5 18th short left of the green into the desert, takes an unplayable lie, moving backwards on-line with the pin up a 30-foot, 45-degree grade hill to take a drop in (less dense) desert, ending up with a bogey to finish at -11, one back of Tadey.
2:47 PM: Gibson hits it to an inch on No. 17 to move to -10.
2:55 PM: With a one-stroke lead, Tadey hits his approach shot left, losing his ball in the desert, and makes a double bogey with his provisional to finish at -10.
3:05 PM: Gibson hits a tidy chip to kick-in length for birdie on 18 to finish at -11.
Gibson vs. Cox playoff.
Four playoff holes later, Gibson fought back tears on the 18th green after making his fourth birdie of the day.
The six-footer he made on his 22nd hole of the day wasn’t just for him – not this time – but also for his wife and baby daughter at home, 2,500 km away.
“I can’t wait to take a picture of Georgia [his daughter] and the trophy,” said Gibson, who celebrated Georgia’s first birthday alongside his wife Courtney just weeks before making the trek to Verrado Golf Club. “It’s special. I started to kiss my ball marker with her name on it, so this one, it is awesome.”
Gibson was stellar all week long, firing 66-68-71 to finish on top at the final PGA of Canada national championship of the season.
“This came out of left field, I haven’t played well in 2022,” said Gibson. “To have three rounds like this and to make six birdies in the final seven holes including the playoff, it’s crazy and I didn’t expect this to happen. I’m at a loss for words.”
In addition to the win, which netted him a cool $9,000, Gibson also takes home an additional $500 as the low club professional.
Finishing in a tie for third behind Gibson and Cox was first-round leader John Cochrane and Rob Tadey at 10-under, while Nathan Leonhardt and Sam Kirkness finished in a tie for 5th at 9-under.
Women in Coaching program applications now open for 2023
Together with the PGA of Canada, Golf Canada is excited to announce the continuation of the Women in Coaching program and formally open applications for the 2023 cohort.
The Women in Coaching program is an initiative that launched in 2021 with nine inaugural participants, that strives to deliver a stronger gender balance among high-performance coaches. Each participant receives in-depth career development support focused on four main areas: individualized learning plans, virtual and in-person coaching education, and hands-on training experiences with coaches and top players.
The Golf Canada Foundation continues to be a key financial contributor to the program, including through the new Jocelyne Bourassa Scholarship.
“The Women in Coaching program gives women in our industry an opportunity to network with likeminded, talented, and strong leaders to help increase the female representation in the sport.” said Jennifer Ha, 2022 program participant and assistant coach of Team Canada – NextGen. “This program is led by women who are driven to make coaching in this country more equal and equitable.”
The 2023 Women in Coaching cohort will kick off with an in-person session at a national team training camp in Phoenix, Ariz., where participants will shadow national team coaches and engage in activities including technical skill development and women in sport leadership.
“The Women in Coaching program presents an opportunity for some of Canada’s most-accomplished female leaders as well as up and coming coaching talents to further their career developments together,” said Jennifer Greggain, associate coach of Team Canada – Women. “The strong collection of PGA of Canada members will continue to drive the initiative through knowledge and experience sharing on the way to building a foundation for the future.”
Now in its third year, the Women in Coaching program is led by Greggain, Emily Phoenix (Manager, High Performance Sport, Golf Canada) and new for 2023, Beth Barz joins the team. Barz brings over 20 years of coaching experience from rugby, is a coach developer and advisor with COACH+, and is currently pursuing her PhD at Queens University.
PGA of Canada professionals interested in the National Women in Coaching program can click here to apply and are encouraged to reach out to Emily Phoenix (ephoenix@golfcanada.ca) with any questions.
Applications close on Monday, Dec. 5 at 11:00pm EST.
De Groot, Rutherford, Ward, Ciot and Wong to represent Canada at 2nd PGA Women’s Cup in New Mexico
Teams from Canada, USA, Australia, Great Britain & Ireland, South Africa, and Sweden are set to head to Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico from October 24-29 for the second PGA Women’s Cup, where Canada will look to build on their runner-up finish from the 2019 event in Texas.
Two new players, Caroline Ciot and Katy Rutherford, will join second-time competitors Emma de Groot, Casey Ward and Christine Wong at Twin Warriors Golf Club. Wong was the top player on the Canadian squad in 2019, firing the team’s low score two out of three days in the form of a 70 and 71.
“I am so excited to head to New Mexico with this talented team of Canadian women to represent the PGA of Canada as playing captain,” said Emma de Groot. “The inaugural event in 2019 was such an amazing experience, and after a COVID hiatus we are excited to head to New Mexico and proud to represent the PGA of Canada. This event showcases women in the industry and provides an opportunity for collaboration, networking and competition against likeminded women with a desire to grow the game.”
Each of the five players will play their own ball each day, with the low three scores on each team counting for that round. The low aggregate score following the third round will determine the champion.
The players:
Emma de Groot
Playing Captain
Age: 34-years old
(Modern Golf Teaching Professional)
Member of the 2019 Canadian Women’s PGA Cup Team. Holds the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women’s golf school records for tournament wins (6) and lowest career scoring average (74.5). She has notched 20-career top-5 finishes at the NCAA level. Since turning professional, the Modern Golf Director of Women’s Development has placed in the top-25 at the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship six times.
Katy Rutherford
Age: 23-years old
Silver Springs Golf and Country Club Apprentice Professional
Received an exemption into the 2021 ATB Financial Classic on the PGA TOUR Canada. Finished as the runner-up at the Glencoe Invitational in 2021, won the Calgary Ladies Amateur and finished 42nd in the 2021 Canadian Women’s Amateur in her final summer as an amateur. Was the runner-up to Christine Wong at the 2021 ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada. Most recently, won the PGA of Alberta Women’s Championship by nine strokes last month.
Casey Ward
Age: 32-years old
(Credit Valley Golf and Country Club Professional)
Member of the 2019 Canadian Women’s PGA Cup Team. Prior to turning professional, won the 2015 Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur, firing 3-under par over the three-day event. Was named the 2021 PGA of Ontario Teacher of the Year as the Head Teaching Professional at Credit Valley Golf Club and was also nominated for Canadian Teacher of the Year.
Caroline Ciot
Age: 31-years old
(Golf Chateau Bromont Apprentice Professional)
Held status on the Symetra Tour in 2019, playing in two events. Finished as the low PGA of Canada professional at the 2022 ORORO PGA Women’s Championship in Bromont, Quebec and finished fourth at the event in 2021. Also won the professional division of the 2022 Glencoe Invitational earlier this summer in Calgary, Alberta.
Christine Wong
Age: 30-years old
(University Golf Club Apprentice Professional)
Member of the 2019 Canadian Women’s PGA Cup Team. Alumnae of the Golf Canada National Women’s Amateur Squad (2011-2013) and National Junior Squad (2010), and represented San Diego State University from 2009-2013, winning four individual titles. In addition, Wong is a two-time BC Women’s Amateur Champion and was the second-lowest amateur at the U.S. Women’s Open held at Oakmont Country Club in 2010. Most recently, Wong claimed the PGA of B.C.’s Women’s Championship in 2020 and claimed the 2021 ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada.
The first round is set to begin on October 27. More information and scoring can be found here.
Titleist & FootJoy renew partnership with PGA of Canada
The PGA of Canada announced it has renewed its partnership with Titleist & FootJoy, who will continue on as presenting sponsor of the PGA Training Academy.
The exclusive sponsorship will help the PGA of Canada continue to innovate within the PGA Training Academy – the association’s dynamic world-class education system designed to increase the value, integrity and employability of PGA of Canada professionals
“We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Titleist and FootJoy as they remain presenting sponsor of the PGA Training Academy,” PGA of Canada CEO, Kevin Thistle. “PGA of Canada members have raved about the innovation and usability of the PGA Training Academy ever since its launch, and it could not have been accomplished without the help of our partners at Titleist & Footjoy, who have played an integral role in the support of the PGA of Canada and its members for decades.”
As part of the partnership, PGA of Canada Zone education seminars will have the opportunity to secure keynote speakers and sponsored content that will be funded out of the national sponsorship on a rotational basis. The PGA of Canada will also provide marketing support for Titleist University and FootJoy University.
“PGA of Canada professionals play an important role in the leadership of the game in Canada, and we are beyond excited to continue supporting their education and professional growth. It has been incredible to see how many professionals have taken advantage of the PGA Training Academy in their development and we are committed to continue supporting the 3,700 PGA of Canada members from coast-to-coast for years to come,” said Acushnet Canada President Ted Manning.
Titleist & FootJoy are also the founding partner of the PGA of Canada Retirement Advantage Program, which gives members an opportunity to increase their RRSP contributions through various offers.
To view the PGA of Canada Training Academy presented by Titleist & FootJoy, click here.
EDGA 359 Pilot Project to enhance coach training for all abilities athletes
(September 1, 2022) – Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada are committed to providing opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the physical, psychological, and social benefits golf can offer.
As part of this commitment, the national golf organizations have launched the EDGA 359 Pilot Project, presented by Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada, partnering with EDGA (formerly the European Disabled Golf Association) on coach training designed to demystify adaptive golf and give coaches the confidence needed to launch and develop programs for golfers with disabilities across Canada.
“Through this coach training, we are eager to increase support for golfers of all abilities and make our sport inclusive of more Canadians,” said Laura Wilson, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Safe Sport for Golf Canada.
Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada have invited Mark Taylor, PGA Fellow Professional, Head of Development/Coach Education, and Instruction for EDGA to educate coaches in Canada who will be involved in the future recruitment and support of golfers with disabilities. PGA of Canada Technical Director Glenn Cundari will co-facilitate the sessions.
The EDGA curriculum is a three-step curriculum that identifies a participation pathway for golfers with disabilities. The training will provide coaches with the knowledge and skills to support golfers at each stage of the pathway from Sample – Participant – Compete. The first two stages of training will be piloted to provide coaches (PGA of Canada professionals, Physical Therapists, trainers, etc.) in Canada with the training, confidence and resources needed to develop and expand programs for golfers with disabilities.
The PGA of Canada is committed to supporting a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive sporting and workplace experience in Canadian golf. The launch of this inclusive coaching context is one of our priorities to the 88 recommendations we have committed to as an organization from our EDI task force report – said PGA of Canada Chief Innovation Officer Matt Allen.
EDGA has been providing training and resources to sport federations for more that 20 years.
Through the EDGA 359 project, two coach training clinics will be piloted this year—one in Nova Scotia at Glen Arbour Golf Course, just outside of Halifax and one in Ontario at Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre in Brampton. Once the pilot workshops are completed this fall, Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada will look to roll out EDGA workshops nationally beginning in 2023.
EDGA 359 – Pilot Workshops:
Nova Scotia Clinic:
Glen Arbour Golf Course
September 9-10
Ontario Clinic:
Lionhead Golf Course
September 13-14
The training will take place at a similar time as the 2nd annual Canadian All Abilities Championship, which is being contested this year September 13-14 at Essex Golf & Country Club in Lasalle, Ont. The EDGA 359 Pilot Project is legacy component to the event with up to 50 new coaches trained to support golfers with disabilities.
The EDGA 359 pilot clinics will be supported respectively by the Nova Scotia Golf Association and Golf Ontario.
Gord Percy named 49th President of the PGA of Canada
An introduction from his daughter, Paige Percy
Today, Gord Percy was named the 49th president of the PGA of Canada at the association’s Annual General Meeting. The PGA of Canada, first established in 1911 is the second oldest and third largest professional golf association in the world.
Percy is an esteemed community member, golf professional, and golf industry leader. I would also say he is the best father in the world. He once said in an article about his career that his primary motivation is his children, so it feels only fitting that his daughter is the one to introduce him as the new President of the PGA of Canada.
I was lucky enough to work for my dad for many years at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club as a back shop and pro shop employee (since then, my dad has moved to become the Head Professional and General Manager at Smiths Falls Golf Club).
One of my favourite parts of working for him was our drives to and from work. Sometimes during those drives, we would listen to the news or music, but more often than not we would talk about golf – not just about how he was playing, but about growing the game, changes in the industry, and memories over his lifetime. These conversations brought up industry challenges, dreams of what golf could be in the future, and a lot of nostalgia.
My favourite stories my dad tells are often about his adventures and experiences as a young golfer in his hometown of Verona, Ontario. He was first introduced to golf, not at a course, but at home, by his babysitter while his parents were at work. He transitioned from playing golf around the house to Rivendell Golf Course (although he certainly still plays a lot of golf around the house, even today).
He still holds the course record of an 11-under par, 60 at Rivendell!
Growing up, I often heard stories about him giving golf lessons to senior members, setting course records, and making shots he sometimes still considers his best.
Although an injury changed his career trajectory, he still aspired to work in the golf industry and ended up getting a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from Queens University and a Professional Golf Management Graduate Certificate from Humber College.
His ability to change direction, persevere and still follow his passions are the same qualities he has instilled in my brother and me. He has always emphasized the importance of pursuing education, whether formal or informal, which the PGA of Canada has further supported through their Ian Webb scholarship program for members’ spouses, children, and grandchildren.
At home and at work, supporting education and professional development is a top priority for my dad.
“I think the big things for me are finding ways to get pros into jobs where they can have successful careers and can stay with it,” he says. “You used to hear stories about pros working a ton, not making a lot of money, and not having that work-life balance. I think we’re moving in the right direction but there is still some work to do. The education, continuing being innovative with it, and getting more people interested and using that platform – that is all very important to me.”
It’s clear that growing the game of golf has always been a passion for my dad. This is particularly evident when he runs junior golf camps or gives junior lessons. During these camps I got to watch so many young people become passionate about golf through his teaching. His ability to inspire and teach is a talent he’s had since the beginning of his career.
I’m so proud that to him growing the game isn’t just about getting more people to play. Rather, it is about making sure that as the game of golf grows in an inclusive way. Whether it is attending events for military veterans golfing, working with organizations to provide youth memberships, or prioritizing growing the game for women, he works to make sure golf grows inclusively.
He was instrumental in having Brooke and Brittney Henderson both join the PGA of Canada and is proud he was part of naming our Female Player of the Year award after Brooke. Having known the family since his early days of being a professional he is proud to have fit Brittney for her first set of Ping Clubs that would later become Brooke’s. Brooke went on to use an old 46 inch extra stiff driver with his name imprinted on it that she had much amateur success with. He jokes its his fault she chokes up on her clubs.
The PGA of Canada has also taken this up through their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, which he was involved with and personally invested in. This extends his commitment to making sure that golf takes care of its professionals. He says priority for him going into his presidency is ensuring golf professionals across Canada have access to support, such as through the Members Assistance Program, the mentorship program, and the Benevolent Fund.
“Another thing that really is important to me; I’d like to find a way to help our members more – in sync with the Benevolent Fund – whether it is getting them more benefits from being a golf professional, or more value added so that we can help everybody out,” he says.
Over the last several years, it’s been so exciting to watch my dad take on his board leadership roles, first with the PGA of Ottawa, and most recently with the PGA of Canada. I’ve seen him work with people across the country and globally, making sure the golf industry is not only innovative, but fun. I most recently witnessed this during the 2021 RBC PGA Scramble, which brought professional and amateur golfers from across Canada together in Cape Breton. The event highlighted how golf experiences can change people’s lives and bring people together, something my dad truly appreciates and emphasizes in his work.
The 2021 season marked his 25th season as a PGA professional. During his career he has won numerous tournaments and has received accolades such as Ottawa Zone Teacher of the Year, Assistant of the Year, and Golf Professional of the Year. Although he has amassed many trophies and awards over the years, he always says he’s most proud of being a father. Likewise, as he becomes President of the PGA of Canada, I am still most proud along with my brother Ethan that he is our father.
Percy succeeds Teejay Alderdice as President, while Scott Kolb becomes Vice-President of the Association. In addition, Tiffany Gordon becomes the first female Secretary of the Association.
The full list of Directors of the Association includes:
For 3 years
Alberta – Mrs. Tiffany Gordon
Ontario – Mr. Simon Bevan
Québec – Mr. Rémi Bouchard
For 2 Years
Northern Ontario – Mr. Travis Spiess
Manitoba – Mr. Adam Boge
Ottawa – Mr. Gordon Percy
For 1 Year
British Columbia – Mr. Scott Kolb
Saskatchewan – Mr. Jeff Chambers
Atlantic – Mr. Gordon Smith
PGA of Canada to conduct tournaments in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, New Brunswick and Arizona
(ACTON – ON) – The PGA of Canada is pleased to announce the national championship schedule for the 2022 season. While the 2021 season saw all events condensed into the final few months of the summer due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are excited to return to spreading our events throughout the summer and fall months this season.
The 2022 schedule is highlighted by the 100th playing of the BetRegal PGA Championship of Canada. With a list of champions that includes greats of the game like Arnold Palmer, Moe Norman and Lee Trevino, the 100th edition of the event is going to be a special celebration for the association and history of the tournament.
The 72-hole event will lead off our tournament season, June 20-24 at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario. The defending champion is Riley Fleming, who teaches out of Lynx Ridge Golf Club.
From there, we will quickly move east to Bromont, Quebec, for the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada. Chateau Bromont will host the top professional and amateur women in the country June 28-July 1 for the 54-hole event. This is the first year that the PGA of Canada will run the event alongside our friends at Golf Quebec. Christine Wong, who teaches out of University Golf Club, is the defending champion.
For the first time, in 2021, the Seniors’ Championship of Canada was held in conjunction with the BetRegal PGA Championship of Canada due to the condensed schedule. We are pleased that the top senior players aged 50 and up in Canada will have a standalone event this year. Supported by the event’s new presenting sponsor GOLFTEC, the 54-hole PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada is set for August 23-26 at Connaught Golf Club in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Last year’s event was won by tournament player Dennis Hendershott.
The first of those two events is our final championship hosted on Canadian soil this year, as the 54-hole PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf is slated for September 11-14 at The Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. The 2021 event was won by Vespra Hills Golf Club Apprentice Professional Branson Ferrier.
Finally, the top head professionals, head teaching pros, executive professionals, and general managers from across Canada will look forward to December sunshine as the Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf with support from G&G Brands will be played at Verrado Golf Club – VICTORY COURSE in Buckeye, Arizona, December 5-8. The defending champion is Nick Kenney, Head Teaching Professional at The National Golf Club.
Verrado Golf Club previously hosted the Head Professional Championship of Canada in 2015, when Danny King won by two strokes over James Skrypec. Participants this year are in for a new experience, as the 2015 event was held at the Founders Course at Verrado Golf Club, while this year’s event will be played on the VICTORY COURSE.
Please note that as of 2019, the Board of Directors approved guidelines allowing female members to participate in the PGA, Seniors’, Assistants’ and Head Professional Championships from a yardage of 86-88% shorter than the other competitors.
“We are heading into this year’s national championships with a lot of momentum after successfully crowning champions at all of our events in 2021,” said PGA of Canada president Teejay Alderdice. “We are so thankful to all of the venues that have stepped up this year to host events. We have an incredible group of courses across Canada and the US that will allow us to find five more worthy champions.”
Registration for the championships will open in the coming weeks.
Golf Canada becomes Official Handicap Partner of RBC PGA Scramble
The PGA of Canada announced today that the RBC PGA Scramble has added Golf Canada as the Official Handicap Partner of the program, welcoming the national governing body’s involvement throughout the local and regional qualifying stages and leading into the National Championship at Cabot Cape Breton.
The partnership position will see Golf Canada play an enhanced role in competitor handicap verification—an important consideration towards the fairness and integrity of the RBC PGA Scramble—as the national program continues to add more qualifiers throughout Canada.
“Adding Golf Canada as the official Handicap Partner is absolutely massive for the RBC PGA Scramble and further establishes it as the premier amateur team event in the country,” said PGA of Canada CEO Kevin Thistle. “The reputation Golf Canada has is second-to-none, and there is no other entity more qualified to ensure the integrity of the program and its participants.”
New this year, the Handicap Index that a player competes with at a local qualifier will act as the ceiling as that player advances through the following stages of the RBC Scramble. Handicap Indexes that decrease between qualifying stages will be used at their current status.
While other team handicap rules for the RBC PGA Scramble remain consistent with past years, Golf Canada’s involvement will help verify each player’s scoring records prior to the respective local, regional, or national competition.
While Golf Canada has previously supported the PGA of Canada in this capacity, the two organizations will streamline the handicap verification process and ensure the competition continues to be fair for all teams.
“A fair and equitable competition makes for a fun golf experience and we are very excited to take a larger position in supporting the growth of the RBC Scramble,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue. “The RBC PGA Scramble has become a must-play grassroots competition for golfers across the country and we are thrilled to support our partners at the PGA of Canada and RBC in this terrific program.”
The PGA of Canada and Golf Canada have a long history of collaboration, working together to advance the sport through a number of programs and initiatives including Safe Sport, high performance and grassroots golf, player development, coaching, and the launch of First Tee – Canada.
Registration for local RBC PGA Scramble qualifiers across the country is now open. For a full list of RBC Scramble qualifiers and to register your team, click here. PGA of Canada golf professionals interested in hosting a local qualifier can click here for more information.