The RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company returns to the magnificent Cabot Links in 2018.

After a successful campaign in 2017, the scramble’s national final will once again grace the town of Inverness, N.S. from Oct. 11-13, 2018.

“The 2017 RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final at Cabot Links was a huge success with participants from all over Canada enjoying a golf trip-of-a-lifetime,” said PGA of Canada president Steve Wood. “In 2018 we look forward to more golfers from across the country sharing the world-class experience of Cabot Links.”

Taking place Oct. 11-13 at the world-famous Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, N.S., the national final will feature 20 teams—comprised of four amateurs and one PGA of Canada professional—playing in a 54-hole Ambrose-style format.

“We’re thrilled to return to Cabot Links and experience the best of Cape Breton golf for the 2018 RBC PGA Scramble National Final,” said Matt McGlynn, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “Together with the PGA of Canada, we’re providing even more unique and memorable opportunities that support the game of golf and its continued growth in Canada.”

Located in Inverness, N.S., Cabot Links is Canada’s first and only authentic links golf resort. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque town of Inverness, the Cabot Links course represents a dramatic departure from the typical golf excursion.

With six holes playing directly alongside the water and every hole offers an ocean view, Cabot Links is where traditional links-land golf comes to life against the spectacular Nova Scotia landscape.

The Cabot Cliffs course, designed by the decorated team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is the newest addition to Cabot. Exquisitely carved out of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard-worthy panoramas vying for your attention and every hole calling out to the sea, it is links-land golf at its best.

Cabot Cliffs ranked No. 1, while Cabot Links ranked No. 4 on SCOREGolf’s 2016 Best Golf Courses in Canada list. Cabot Cliffs also debuted 19th on the World’s Top 100 Courses list by Golf Digest.

“We are thrilled to be able to host the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company again in 2018 here at Cabot,” said Andrew Alkenbrack, General Manager of Cabot Links. “Our team thoroughly enjoyed the week and the fact that the sponsors and competitors liked it enough to make a return visit is the highest compliment. We are greatly looking forward to welcoming the winning teams from across the country again next year.”

The RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final, however, is as much about the off-course activities as the on course. In addition to the three rounds of golf, participants will be treated to a number of special events, prizes, meals, activations and much more.

As if it were scripted, the 2017 RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final came down to a nerve-inducing putt.

Needing to make a four-foot par putt for the win on the final hole at Cabot Links, team Cordova Bay amateur player Rodney Webber stepped up and made the biggest putt of his life.

“I’m no professional golfer, but standing over that putt I definitely felt like one,” Webber said. “That was definitely the most pressure-packed putt I’ve ever had in my life.”

Webber, along with his Cordova Bay teammates—Phil Kondrak, Eric Smith, Eric Watson and PGA of Canada professional Nate Ollis—finished the three-day national championship at Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs at 46-under-par, mere 0.8 better than the squad from The Landings.

“Honestly, we couldn’t have asked for a better week,” Cordova Bay said. “We can’t thank RBC and The Lincoln Motor Company enough for supporting this amazing event,” they said, adding, “the experience from the very beginning has been world class—from the golf courses to the meals and the lodging—everything has been the best.”

The 2018 edition of RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company will see thousands of golfers from across the country participate in the series of local and regional events next summer.

For more information about the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company, click here.

Murray Tucker Golf Professional of the Year Award winner Andrew Steep headlines an impressive contingent of PGA of Canada National Award recipients.

Steep, along with his fellow national award winners and two new PGA of Canada Hall of Fame inductees, will be honoured at the association’s annual PGA of Canada Night on Thursday, Jan. 25 at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla.

This year’s winners are:

Murray Tucker Golf Professional of the Year
Andrew Steep, Southwood Golf & Country Club, Manitoba

Moe Norman Candidate for Membership of the Year
Sean Murray, Bearspaw Country Club, Alberta

Stan Leonard Class “A” Professional of the Year
Sean Thompson, Calgary Golf & Country Club, Alberta

Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year
Mike Matuch, Bearspaw Country Club, Alberta

George Knudson Teacher of the Year
Matthew Robinson, Rideau View Golf & Country Club, Ontario

Tex Noble Professional Development Award
Jason Schneider, Wildwood Golf Course, Saskatchewan

Ben Kern Coach of the Year
Paul Horton, Heritage Pointe Golf Academy, Alberta

Jack McLaughin Junior Leader of the Year
Kevin Haime, Kevin Haime Golf Centre, Ontario

Mike Weir Player of the Year
Pierre-Alexandre Bedard, Club de Golf Cap Rouge, Québec

“This year’s PGA of Canada national award winners are wonderful golf professionals and on behalf of the national board of directors’ and the association’s 3,700 members, I’m proud to congratulate them today on their achievements,” said PGA of Canada president Steve Wood.

Steep, the head golf professional at Southwood Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg is the 42nd recipient of the golf professional of the year award. This award is the highest honour paid to a golf professional and is designed to recognize the contribution to developing and improving the game of golf, education, instruction, playing ability and dedication to the PGA of Canada.

“It’s truly an honour to be recognized as the Murray Tucker Golf Professional of the Year award winner,” Steep said. “I can’t thank the PGA of Canada enough for the honour.”

The 31-year-old is a former winner of the Moe Norman Candidate of the Year Award winner and son of PGA of Canada Life Member James Steep.

Additionally, Sam Young and James (Jim) Collins will be inducted into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame during PGA of Canada Night.

“We will proudly induct two more great PGA of Canada professionals into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame at PGA of Canada Night,” said Warren Crosbie, PGA of Canada Hall of Fame Chair. “I would greatly encourage those interested in learning more about the members of the Hall of Fame, as well as the history of the association to visit the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame website.”

The PGA of Canada Hall of Fame nomination process is available here and members of the association, industry partners and the general public are encouraged to submit the names of individuals they feel are worthy of induction.

PGA of Canada Night takes place in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at the PGA Merchandise Show (Orange County Convention Centre) at 5 p.m. in room W109A.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — John Cochrane has waited a long time for his first professional championship win.

After rounds of 72-69 at the TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs, Fla., the 56-year-old’s wait is over, capturing the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada presented by Titleist & FootJoy.

“Not only is this is my first PGA of Canada national championship win, it’s my first win as a golf professional,” and elated Cochrane said after his final round. “Even though it was a long-time-coming, I really felt like it was my time to win.”

A PGA of Canada member for more than 20-years, Cochrane also played the PGA TOUR Canada – Mackenzie Tour for a number of years in the 1980s and 1990s.

Cochrane’s two-day total of 3-under-par saw him two shots better than Brian Hadley and Jeff Mills. Josh Fleming finished alone in fourth after a final round 67, with first-round leader Scott Allred and Philippe Mongeau rounded out the top five.

Built in 1983, TPC Eagle Trace hosted the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic from 1984-1991 and again in 1996. The layout has some unique characteristics for a Florida golf course, including an island green, three greens surrounded by wooden bulkheads, and it doesn’t have a single palm tree on the property—a rarity in southern Florida. All four par-3s require precise tee shots as water and bunkers protect each green.

“I really like the finishing holes here at TPC Eagle Trace,” Cochrane said. “All week I’ve felt comfortable on the back nine, which helped me stay committed to hitting my shots.”

Cochrane’s final-round back-nine at TPC Eagle Trace featured four birdies, three of which came in succession on holes 14, 15 and 16.

“I felt zero anxiety out there on the back today,” Cochrane said. “I chipped in on No. 11 and also made a bunch of crucial putts as well.”

The Inter-Zone Team Championship, which is comprised of four players per zone (and three scores per team counting), was handed out on Wednesday. Team Ontario (Hadley, Gordon Burns, Billy Walsh and Ken Tarling) captured the title.

Former champions of the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada include Danny King, Adam Chamberlain, Roger Beale, Norm Jarvis, Gar Hamilton, Bob Panasik, Yvan Beauchemin, Graham Gunn, Ken Tarling and Brian Hutton.

In addition to competing for the overall championship trophy, players in the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada earn much-coveted ranking points with hopes of moving up on the PGA of Canada Player Rankings presented by RBC. Players who are ranked inside the top 64 following the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada earn invites into the following year’s PGA Championship of Canada.

Click here for full scoring.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – To say Scott Allred has been seriously close to winning a PGA of Canada national championship in the recent past might be a colossal understatement.

His record over the past six years speaks for itself.

In 2011 he finished runner-up at both the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada and PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada. Two years later he finished third at the PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada. 2014 again saw him finish second at the PGA Club Professional Championship, while in 2015 he finished fourth at the PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada and fifth at the PGA Championship of Canada. Earlier this summer he finished fourth at the PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada.

Now the executive professional at Elbow Springs Golf Club in Alberta leads the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada presented by Titleist & FootJoy heading into tomorrow’s final round.

“When you come so close to winning so many times and you don’t, you begin to wonder if you’re ever going to get the job done,” Allred admitted. “But I’m very pleased to be in the position I’m in right now, so let’s see what happens tomorrow.”

The 56-year-old posted an opening-round 2-under-par 70 Tuesday at TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs, Fla., and leads by a shot over an impressive list of names.

The group at 1-under includes the legendary Gar Hamilton, winner of four PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada titles; Gord Percy and Dan McNeely of the PGA of Canada – Ottawa Valley Zone; Ontario’s Gord Burns and Brian Hadley.

John Cochrane, Scott Dickson, Marc Girouard, and Philippe Mongeau are two-shots back at even-par. Twenty-four players are within five shots of the lead heading into the final round.

Allred, Hamilton and Percy, who were paired together in the first round, will form the championship’s final pairing at TPC Eagle Trace.

“I can’t wait to play with Gar again tomorrow,” Allred said. “He’s just an inspiring man to be around and you can’t help but play well when he’s in your group.”

Allred admitted playing poorly in the practice round but turned it around for the first round.

“I hit it so badly in the practice round, it was embarrassing,” he said. “Thankfully, I got a couple lessons on the range last night and the result is me hitting it better than I have in years.”

Built in 1983, TPC Eagle Trace hosted the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic from 1984-1991 and again in 1996. The layout has some unique characteristics for a Florida golf course, including an island green, three greens surrounded by wooden bulkheads, and it doesn’t have a single palm tree on the property—a rarity in southern Florida. All four par-3s require precise tee shots as water and bunkers protect each green.

The Inter-Zone Team Championship, which is comprised of four players per zone (and three scores per team counting), is also handed out at the end of play Wednesday. Team Ontario—which features Burns, Hadley, Billy Walsh and Ken Tarling—leads at 1-under-par, 12 shots better than Team British Columbia and Team Quebec.

Former champions of the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada include Danny King, Adam Chamberlain, Roger Beale, Norm Jarvis, Gar Hamilton, Bob Panasik, Yvan Beauchemin, Graham Gunn, Ken Tarling and Brian Hutton.

In addition to competing for the overall championship trophy, players in the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada earn much-coveted ranking points with hopes of moving up on the PGA of Canada Player Rankings presented by RBC. Players who are ranked inside the top 64 following the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada earn invites into the following year’s PGA Championship of Canada.

Click here for full scoring.

ACTON, Ont. — The final PGA of Canada national championship of the year lands next week in Florida.

The PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada presented by Titleist & FootJoy takes place Nov. 13-15 at TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs, Fla.

A 36-hole national championship featuring PGA of Canada head professionals, head teaching professionals, executive professionals and general managers, will undoubtedly feature stellar play from an impressive field.

The field at TPC Eagle Trace includes:

• Past PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada winners Gar Hamilton, Matt Peavoy, Ken Tarling and Ian Doig
• Past PGA Championship of Canada winners Dave Levesque and Eric Laporte
• Past PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada winners Phil Jonas, Marc Girouard and Billy Walsh
• PGA of Canada Player Rankings presented by RBC highly-touted Scott Allred, Alf Callowhill, Brian Hadley, David Zibrik, Lindsay Bernakevitch, Ron Kenesky and Gordon Burns.

For the full field and first round tee times, click here.

“The PGA of Canada is very excited about heading back to the great state of Florida and TPC Eagle Trace for this year’s PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada presented by Titleist & FootJoy,” said PGA of Canada president Steve Wood. “ClubLink is the largest employer of PGA professionals in Canada, so it’s fitting we host one of our flagship national championships at one of their facilities.”

Built in 1983, TPC Eagle Trace hosted the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic from 1984-1991 and again in 1996. The layout has some unique characteristics for a Florida golf course, including an island green, three greens surrounded by wooden bulkheads, and it doesn’t have a single palm tree on the property—a rarity in southern Florida. All four par-3s require precise tee shots as water and bunkers protect each green.

Due to the unforeseen circumstances of this year’s hurricane season in southern Florida, the original PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada host venue—The Woodlands Golf and Country Club—was not suitable for hosting a national professional championship. In order to maintain the original travel dates of all competitors, while providing a championship-worthy course at TPC Eagle Trace, the championship has also been shortened to 36-holes.

In addition to competing for the overall championship trophy, players in the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada earn much-coveted ranking points with hopes of moving up on the PGA of Canada Player Rankings presented by RBC. Players who are ranked inside the top 64 following the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada earn invites into the following year’s PGA Championship of Canada.

The Inter-Zone Team Championship, which is comprised of four players per zone (and three scores per team counting), is also handed out after 36-holes.

Former champions of the PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada include Danny King, Adam Chamberlain, Roger Beale, Norm Jarvis, Gar Hamilton, Bob Panasik, Yvan Beauchemin, Graham Gunn, Ken Tarling and Brian Hutton.

As if it were scripted, the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final came down to a nerve-inducing putt.

Needing to make a four-foot par putt for the win on the final hole at Cabot Links, team Cordova Bay amateur player Rodney Webber stepped up and made the biggest putt of his life.

“I’m no professional golfer, but standing over that putt I definitely felt like one,” Webber said. “That was definitely the most pressure-packed putt I’ve ever had in my life.”

Webber, along with his Cordova Bay teammates—Phil Kondrak, Eric Smith, Eric Watson and PGA of Canada professional Nate Ollis—finished the three-day national championship at Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs at 46-under-par, mere 0.8 better than the squad from The Landings.

Click here for the full leaderboard.

The RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company saw thousands of golfers from across the country participate in the series of events this summer. The 22 teams participating at Cabot Links—which were comprised of four amateurs and a PGA of Canada professional—made it through local and regional qualifying events, before teeing it up this week in the national championship final.

“Honestly, we couldn’t have asked for a better week,” Cordova Bay said. “We can’t thank RBC and The Lincoln Motor Company enough for supporting this amazing event,” they said, adding, “the experience from the very beginning has been world class—from the golf courses to the meals and the lodging—everything has been the best.”

Located in Inverness, N.S., Cabot Links is Canada’s first and only authentic links golf resort. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque town of Inverness, the Cabot Links course represents a dramatic departure from the typical golf excursion. With six holes playing directly alongside the water and every hole offers an ocean view, Cabot Links is where traditional links-land golf comes to life against the spectacular Nova Scotia landscape.

The Cabot Cliffs course, designed by the decorated team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is the newest addition to Cabot. Exquisitely carved out of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard-worthy panoramas vying for your attention and every hole calling out to the sea, it is links-land golf at its best.

Cabot Cliffs ranked No. 1, while Cabot Links ranked No. 4 on SCOREGolf’s 2016 Best Golf Courses in Canada list. Cabot Cliffs also debuted 19th on the World’s Top 100 Courses list by Golf Digest.

The RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final has turned out to be a golf trip of a lifetime for participants and will thanks to the incredible golfing experiences, festival of special events, prizing, meals, activations and much more.

Those not playing in the RBC PGA Scramble of Canada presented by the Lincoln Motor Company National Final can still take part in all the action throughout the week at Cabot Links through social media. Watch on Facebook Live with multiple live streams—which include player interviews, behind-the-scene looks, drone flyovers, opening and closing ceremonies, and more. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram as well for great social content.

Players couldn’t have dreamt up a more idyllic day than the one they were treated to Friday for the second round of the RBC PGA Scramble presented by the Lincoln Motor Company National Final.

Brilliant sun, warm sea breezes and classic Cape Breton hospitality enhanced the already incredible Cabot Cliffs experience.

“I’ve had a picture of the 16th hole as the background on my phone since the day we qualified and now that I’m here I can’t even believe it,” said Constantinos Anastassakis of the Ridge at Manitou team.

Not only did the squad from the Ridge at Manitou enjoy the scenery and experience of playing Canada’s No. 1-ranked golf course, they also enjoyed playing well in a national championship. The four amateurs and their PGA of Canada professional sit alone in third at 31.1-under-par.

Heading into tomorrow’s final round at Cabot Links, team Blue Springs is second at 31.6-under-par, with Cordova Bay leading the way at -33.2.

Click here for the full leaderboard.

Taking place Oct. 12-14 at the world-famous Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, N.S., this once-in-a-lifetime national final features 22 teams—comprised of four amateurs and one PGA of Canada professional—playing in a 54-hole Ambrose-style format.

Located in Inverness, N.S., Cabot Links is Canada’s first and only authentic links golf resort. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque town of Inverness, the Cabot Links course represents a dramatic departure from the typical golf excursion. With six holes playing directly alongside the water and every hole offers an ocean view, Cabot Links is where traditional links-land golf comes to life against the spectacular Nova Scotia landscape.

The Cabot Cliffs course, designed by the decorated team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is the newest addition to Cabot. Exquisitely carved out of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard-worthy panoramas vying for your attention and every hole calling out to the sea, it is links-land golf at its best.

Cabot Cliffs ranked No. 1, while Cabot Links ranked No. 4 on SCOREGolf’s 2016 Best Golf Courses in Canada list. Cabot Cliffs also debuted 19th on the World’s Top 100 Courses list by Golf Digest.

The RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final has turned out to be a golf trip of a lifetime for participants and will thanks to the incredible golfing experiences, festival of special events, prizing, meals, activations and much more.

“We’re maybe not the best golfers, but it’s simply incredible to be here this week and have these experiences,” said the team from La Vallee du Richelieu. “We’ve had so much fun, we’ve had great caddies and hopefully one day we’ll be lucky enough to come back again.”

Those not playing in the RBC PGA Scramble of Canada presented by the Lincoln Motor Company National Final can still take part in all the action throughout the week at Cabot Links through social media. Watch on Facebook Live with multiple live streams—which include player interviews, behind-the-scene looks, drone flyovers, opening and closing ceremonies, and more. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram as well for great social content.

The RBC PGA Scramble presented by the Lincoln Motor Company saw thousands of golfers from across the country participate in the series of events this summer. The 22 teams participating at Cabot Links made it through local and regional qualifying events.

Not even cold gusty sea winds could stop teams from enjoying the awe-inspiring Cabot Links experience for the first round of the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company.

Twenty-two teams—comprised of four amateurs and one PGA of Canada professional—battled consistent cold, northerly 50 km/h winds on Thursday in Inverness, N.S.

“It was nice playing Cabot Links in the conditions it was probably designed to be played in,” said PGA of Canada professional Chris Barber from The Landings Golf Course in Kingston, Ont. “It was howling winds, cold and there was sea spray hitting you the whole way around—the place is great.”

Located in Inverness, N.S., Cabot Links is Canada’s first and only authentic links golf resort. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque town of Inverness, the Cabot Links course represents a dramatic departure from the typical golf excursion. With six holes playing directly alongside the water and every hole offers an ocean view, Cabot Links is where traditional links-land golf comes to life against the spectacular Nova Scotia landscape.

Barber’s team thru the first round sits alone in third at 12.3-under-par. The squad from The Ridge at Manitou leads the 54-hole national championship at 14.2-under-par, with the Cooke Municipal team in second at 13.5-under-par.

“The experience so far this week has been world-class,” The Ridge at Manitou team said. “Without the involvement of RBC and The Lincoln Motor Company, this is more than likely be a destination we’d probably never have a chance getting to play.”

For the full leaderboard click here.

The national championship continues Friday at Cabot Cliffs, with the final round taking place Saturday back at Cabot Links.

The Cabot Cliffs course, designed by the decorated team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is the newest addition to Cabot. Exquisitely carved out of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard-worthy panoramas vying for your attention and every hole calling out to the sea, it is links-land golf at its best.

Cabot Cliffs ranked No. 1, while Cabot Links ranked No. 4 on SCOREGolf’s 2016 Best Golf Courses in Canada list. Cabot Cliffs also debuted 19th on the World’s Top 100 Courses list by Golf Digest.

Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member and golf media personality Bob Weeks is on site this week to handle emcee duties at the opening ceremonies. Weeks will also moderate a special Q&A with Jared Du Toit on the opening night and act as the honorary starter during the second round at Cabot Cliffs.

In addition to the opening ceremonies, participants in the national final will be treated to two RBC dinners at the Panorama restaurant, as well as two receptions by The Lincoln Motor Company and a closing ceremonies event.

Those not playing in the RBC PGA Scramble of Canada presented by the Lincoln Motor Company National Final can still take part in all the action throughout the week at Cabot Links through social media. Watch on Facebook Live with multiple live streams—which include player interviews, behind-the-scene looks, drone flyovers, opening and closing ceremonies, and more. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram as well for great social content.

The RBC PGA Scramble presented by the Lincoln Motor Company saw thousands of golfers from across the country participate in the series of events this summer. The 22 teams participating at Cabot Links made it through local and regional qualifying events.

For more information about the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company, visit the website by clicking here.

Following an extensive search of accomplished business and marketing leaders, the PGA of Canada has selected one of its own to lead the association to a new level of sustainable growth and success, its President announced Tuesday.

“Considering the large number of highly accomplished business leaders who entered this competition, I am excited to announce that our Board of Directors has selected Kevin Thistle to lead the PGA of Canada into an exciting new era of success,” Steve Wood, President of the Board of Directors of the PGA of Canada announced Tuesday.

Mr. Thistle, former President of Golf Operations for the Windmill Group in Calgary, has held leadership positions at some of Canada’s most recognized golf clubs including Angus Glen.

“I want to emphasize that while he was, until Wednesday of last week, an active member of our Board of Directors, he was chosen because of his track record in business, his demonstrated leadership skills, his proven marketing acumen and his ideas about sustaining growth and profitability in our business through innovation,“ Mr. Wood said.

“Kevin is extremely well-known and respected in our business across Canada, not only because of his extensive professional accomplishments but because of his ethics, his energy, his ideas and his ability to work with others to achieve common goals. The number of high calibre leaders who expressed interest in this challenge should have made a difficult choice. In the end, Kevin’s knowledge of our industry and experience as a marketing innovator made him a clear and unanimous choice of our Board,” Mr. Wood said.

“Thanks to the work of Gary Bernard, our former Chief Executive Officer, we are in a strong position, with the means to identify and pursue exciting new directions. The transition process towards those new directions will require vision, leadership and strong people skills.  We are confident Kevin has those skills. “

“To me, this is a dream come true,” Mr. Thistle said. “I have been part of the PGA of Canada throughout my career. I have been active in both Ontario and Alberta zones of the PGA of Canada and I have close friends across the country.  Our members value the PGA of Canada and the brand credibility it offers. I think they realize change is inevitable. I look forward to working closely with our Board and our members across Canada to help our association and its members enjoy a robust and exciting future.”

Founded in 1911 the Professional Golfers Association of Canada is the oldest professional golf association in North America and the second oldest PGA in the world. The PGA of Canada is a non-profit association comprising 3,700 golf professionals across the country and has evolved to become one of the most innovative and respected in the world.

Read Thistle’s full biography at the PGA of Canada’s website.

Golfers from across the country will be treated to a legendary golf trip next week at Cabot Links for the National Final of the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company.

Taking place Oct. 12-14 at the world-famous Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, N.S., this once-in-a-lifetime national final features 22 teams—comprised of four amateurs and one PGA of Canada professional—playing in a 54-hole Ambrose-style format.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be heading to Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs for the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final,” said PGA of Canada President Steve Wood. “It’s widely known the golf at both Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs is world-class, however, the entire Cabot Links resort experience—lodging, dining, east coast charm—is also a second-to-none experience.”

Located in Inverness, N.S., Cabot Links is Canada’s first and only authentic links golf resort. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque town of Inverness, the Cabot Links course represents a dramatic departure from the typical golf excursion. With six holes playing directly alongside the water and every hole offers an ocean view, Cabot Links is where traditional links-land golf comes to life against the spectacular Nova Scotia landscape.

The Cabot Cliffs course, designed by the decorated team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is the newest addition to Cabot. Exquisitely carved out of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard-worthy panoramas vying for your attention and every hole calling out to the sea, it is links-land golf at its best.

“There’s no place more fitting for the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company to finish than the distinguished Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs,” said Matt McGlynn, Vice President of Brand Marketing for RBC. “With the special guests attending, top-notch east coast hospitality being provided and two first-rate golf courses on hand, the national final promises to be the perfect finale.”

Cabot Cliffs ranked No. 1, while Cabot Links ranked No. 4 on SCOREGolf’s 2016 Best Golf Courses in Canada list. Cabot Cliffs also debuted 19th on the World’s Top 100 Courses list by Golf Digest.

“We here at Cabot are thrilled to host the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final,” said Cabot Links’ General Manager Andrew Alkenbrack. “We plan on putting on a fantastic show for the winning amateurs and their PGA professionals from around the country.”

The RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final promises to be a golf trip of a lifetime and will include a festival of special events, prizing, meals, activations and much more.

Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member and golf media personality Bob Weeks will be on site during championship week to handle emcee duties at the opening ceremonies. Weeks will also moderate a special Q&A on the opening night and act as the honorary starter during the second round at Cabot Cliffs.

In addition to the opening ceremonies, participants in the national final will be treated to two RBC dinners at the Panorama restaurant, as well as two receptions by The Lincoln Motor Company and a closing ceremonies event.

Those not playing in the RBC PGA Scramble of Canada presented by the Lincoln Motor Company National Final can still take part in all the action throughout the week at Cabot Links through social media. Watch on Facebook Live with multiple live streams—which include player interviews, behind-the-scene looks, drone flyovers, opening and closing ceremonies, and more. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram as well for great social content.

The RBC PGA Scramble presented by the Lincoln Motor Company saw thousands of golfers from across the country participate in the series of events this summer. The 22 teams participating at Cabot Links made it through local and regional qualifying events.

For more information about the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company, visit the website by clicking here.

The Angus Glen team of amateurs Patrick O’Leary, Dan Mesley, Mike Asselin, David Fotheringham and PGA of Canada professional Terry Kim won by a mere 0.2 shots last year over the team from Lookout Point to capture the inaugural edition in 2016.