What golf clubs should know about hosting championships
Jay Snyder
[Victoria, B.C.] – August 24, 2018 – Canadian Men's Mid-Am Championship Victoria Golf Club
Photo Credit: Chad Hipolito
“Where Champions Are Crowned”
Although it’s the marketing tagline for Duncan Meadows Golf Course on Vancouver Island, site of the recent men’s Canadian Amateur Championship, it could be adopted by any of the scores of courses across Canada that play host each year to provincial and national championships.
Ming Hui, owner of Duncan Meadows, says the course hosted its first event, the B.C. Mid-Amateur Championship, in 1999. Since then, the course and its members have welcomed a veritable spectrum of tournaments: provincial junior and amateur championships, Future Links events, the Canadian University/College Championship, the Canadian Women’s Tour, and even an American Junior Golf Association tournament where, says Hui, a young Paula Creamer set the women’s competitive course record before heading off to LPGA Tour stardom.
“The overall experience is fabulous,” Hui says. “Although the members have to give up their course for a few days, it’s a positive experience for everyone. It’s good for our course because it gives us exposure and visibility and it’s good for the game overall.”
At any given time, Golf Canada is in contact with hundreds of courses in order to secure sites over the next three to five years for the 30 or so tournaments they conduct each year, says Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s director of rules, competitions and amateur status.
“Lots of advance notice and excellent communication is key,” he says. “Once a course hosts an event, they realize it is a positive and lasting experience for all concerned. Some courses want to showcase major changes, celebrate a significant anniversary or get more recognition. Others may target a specific championship because they have strong players in that category and it never hurts to have local knowledge.”
Phil Berube, executive director and CEO of Alberta Golf, agrees. “We are very fortunate in that many clubs in Alberta see this as an opportunity to showcase their facility and demonstrate good will for the golf community.” He says the key is a “partnership” between the golf association, the members and staff of the host club, and the players themselves.
Finding the appropriate number and type of facility is a formidable task for Golf Canada and the provincial associations. Although smaller provinces conduct a relative handful of competitions, Ontario runs more than 50 qualifying events and two dozen championships.
“It’s a very compact season and it’s difficult to schedule them all in during Ontario’s short summer,” says Rob Watson, Golf Ontario’s coordinator of next generation and competitions.
Some provincial associations offer nominal remuneration to host clubs and that has made the experience more palatable for some courses, but there’s much more to the equation. While British Columbia, for example, does so, the association “works with host clubs to help them understand the local economic impact of hosting an event as well as revenue opportunities for food and beverage as well as local sponsorship,” according to Kris Jonasson, CEO of British Columbia Golf.
Golf Canada, says Helmer, is working toward a new hosting model that would leave behind a “lasting legacy” commemorating their contribution to the game. That legacy could include donating Golf In Schools kits to local schools or some other support for growing the game locally.
One of the most memorable events during my 30 years at my club was when I volunteered last year for a Future Links tournament that had a Special Olympics component. We have hosted a men’s Ontario Amateur and some other events over the years and, with our centennial coming in 2019, our club is pursuing another significant championship. An unspoken motivation could be that we’ve got a very good golf course that we’re sick of being referred to as a “hidden gem.”
No matter what your motivation, reach out to your provincial association or Golf Canada to see what’s involved in hosting an event.
If for nothing else, do it for golf.
9 Rule changes that most impact the recreational golfer
Golfer Bennett Maki prepares to drop his ball during the 2018 Rules Modernization Shoot at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, FL on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. (Copyright USGA/Chris McEniry)
As you have heard, a historic reworking of the Rules of Golf came into effect on Jan. 1.
To gain a better understanding of how it affects recreational golfers like me, I invited Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s director of Rules, competitions and amateur status, to play nine holes with me at my home club. While the round is fictional—it is minus 8 in Central Ontario and Midland G&CC is snow-covered as I write this—the new Rules are anything but.
The intent and, in my opinion, well achieved, is to make the Rules more understandable and relevant for everyone who enjoys the sport. A new Player’s Edition of the Rules and an app for your smartphone make it easy to play by the new Rules. Visit www.golfcanada.ca/rules
Hole #1 (395-yard downhill par-4)
As usual, I crank my drive into the heavily wooded area on the left of the fairway. Although, again as usual, I am sure I will find it, Helmer reminds me I now have three minutes, not five as under the former Rule, to locate it. Nevertheless, with the unwarranted optimism that has always defined my game, I decline to hit a provisional and we walk down to the bush. No luck after the prescribed three minutes. I start the walk of shame back to the tee to accept the stroke-and-distance penalty. Wait, says Helmer, now there’s an alternative. Your club has decided to institute a Local Rule which allows you to drop a ball in the nearest fairway under penalty of two strokes so you don’t have to hike back to the teeing ground. Ball lost. Time saved. The foursome behind us applauds the new Rules. You guys owe Helmer a beer. So do I.
Hole #2 (178-yard par-3 with water in front and to the left of the green)
Indecisive over club selection (I’ve only been a member here for 30 years), I come up short and my ball dribbles into the hazard, not quite in and possibly playable. Oops, says Helmer, that’s no longer termed a “hazard,” but now called a “penalty area,” pointing out I now can ground my club, make practice swings touching the ground or growing objects and I can remove that pine cone or any other loose impediment near the ball.
Hole #3 (well-bunkered 290-yard uphill par-4)
Instead of taking the 5-iron and laying up to the 100-yard marker, I try to impress Helmer, knocking the driver into one of the four bunkers protecting this (theoretically) drivable par-4. My ball is right up against the lip of the bunker and with my sand game being what it is, I ask Helmer what my options are. With a penalty of one stroke, I can drop the ball inside the bunker or, under the new Rules, drop it outside the bunker, taking a two-shot penalty. Additionally under the new Rules, you can remove loose impediments and touch the sand (provided you’re not testing the condition of the sand). You are still prohibited from touching the sand during a practice swing, or right in front or behind the ball and during your backswing for your stroke.
Hole #4 (389-yard dogleg-right par-4)
One of the toughest tee shots on the course to a kidney-shaped green that slopes severely from back to front and left to right. Uncharacteristically, I mash a drive but then hit a mid-iron to the back left of the green. Did I mention the pin position was front right? As I stand over the putt, I ask Helmer to tend the flagstick. Are you sure, he asks. Under the new Rules, you can leave the flagstick in. I gratefully accept his advice. And, if my putt had come anywhere near the hole, I am sure it would have hit the stick and gone in.
Hole #5 (419-yard uphill par-4)
A nest of bunkers on the right always makes me err to the left where, of course, my ball is somewhere in the deep rough. As we are searching, I step on my ball and move it. No penalty under the new Rules! Just replace it where it was originally or estimate the spot if it’s unknown.
Hole #6 (344-yard dogleg-left par-4)
Finally on a hole in regulation, only to discover that someone has dragged their shoes across my line of putt, making my putt more of a guessing game than Plinko. But, as Helmer points out, the new Rules allow me to tamp down these and other man-made damage to the green. Which I do. And miss the putt anyhow.
Hole #7 (195-yard par-3)
Hook the tee shot into the trees left of the green. My imagined recovery shot, a low-running 4-iron off the back foot to inches, hits the only tree in front of me and ricochets off my bag. No penalty under the new Rules, says Helmer, even if it had hit me.
Hole #8 (401-yard par-4)
My approach shot lands on the cart path to the right of the green. I take the proper relief and then start to drop the ball from shoulder height, as under the old Rules. Wait, says Helmer. The new Rule says you must drop the ball from knee height. Which I do. And then double-hit the ball. No penalty under the new Rules!
Hole #9 (402-yard uphill par-4)
As we wind up our round, I walk over to shake hands with Helmer and accidentally move my ball marker on the green. No problem under the new Rules. Just replace and carry on.
We walked our nine holes in well under two hours thanks in large part to a commitment to “ready golf,” a practice that is emphasized under the new Rules.
To learn more about the new Rules of Golf, visit www.golfcanada.ca/rules. You’ll impress your fellow golfers and save strokes at the same time.
2019 Rules of Golf Webinar
2019 Rules of Golf Webinar
The new rules of golf are officially in play January 1st, 2019 and we want to give all golfers on the Island an opportunity to know about the changes or learn them for the first time. Thanks to our friends at Golf Newfoundland & Labrador we are able to participate in a weekly webinar that will explain the changes.
Who is the Webinar For?
The Webinar is for all golfers interested in learning more about the rules and possibly becoming Level 2 certified.
What Do I Need to Participate?
You should read through the 2019 Rules of Golf before the webinar starts. Copies of the 2019 Rules of Golf are available through the PEI Golf Association at no cost.
How Much Does it Cost to Participate in the Webinar?
There is not cost to participate in the webinar.
When are The Webinars?
The program runs one night per week (Mondays) for 13 weeks and each session will last approximately 2 hours. The intended start date is January 7th 2019.
How Do I Sign Up?
Email Sean Joyce at peiga@peiga.ca to be added to the list and be provide you with more complete details on the program. Arrangements will also be made for you to receive a copy of the 2019 Rules of Golf.
The 2019 Rules of Golf has been designed to speed up play on the course and have also been simplified compared to the previous set of rules. After the webinar schedule is complete and the demand exists, The PEI Golf Association will make arrangements to host a Level 2 certification exam. Level 2 officials are able to officiate at the provincial level and the PEI Golf Association is looking for certified officials for our provincial championships.
For complete details on the 2019 Rules of Golf click HERE.
Eagles Glenn of Cavendish to Host the 2019 Cooke Insurance Amateur
The PEI Golf Association is pleased to announce that Eagles Glenn of Cavendish will be the host of the 2019 Cooke Insurance PEI Amateur Championship July 5th – 7th. The Cooke Insurance PEI Amateur is the Provinces biggest stroke play event that draws players from all over the Maritimes. Andrew Reid of Cole Harbour, NS will be the defending champion.
Eagles Glenn of Cavendish has been a member course for sixteen seasons and will be hosting our provincial championship for the first time. The Graham Cooke design is always one of the top choices for seasonal visitors thanks to its excellent playing conditions. Eagles Glenn isn’t a stranger to hosting big golf events. They have hosted 2 x Future Links Championships and a Canadian Senior Championship.
We are proud to have Cooke Insurance as the title sponsor for the third year in a row.
Registration for the event will open in March.
Now you can replace your lost or damaged golf clubs at no cost
Wrecked golfcart abandoned and flipped on its side lying on the golf course.
No matter how many times we talk about the benefits and amenities included with a Golf Canada Gold-level membership (most recently, here), it doesn’t strike home until, well, it strikes home.
A little while ago, I saw a tweet from a member at a local golf club.
“Somebody stole my putter out of my bag while I was at the range right before my match. My red TaylorMade Spider…,” he lamented, adding a few expletives directed at the thief.
At last check, that putter retails for close to $400. He thought he was out of pocket for a replacement.
The club responded immediately.
“So sorry this happened,” messaged the director of golf. “But glad you are a member of @golfcanada which includes reimbursement for these situations.”
He was unaware of that. And, most likely, so are you.
Golf Canada’s Incident Protection provides up to $2,500 reimbursement for damaged, lost or stolen equipment, among several other advantages you may not be aware of.
Like the fellow mentioned previously, you may think it will never happen to you. But it can. And will.
Like the guy at my club who placed his clubs and bag behind his car and then backed over them.
And if you’re travelling this winter or any time for that matter, your Golf Canada membership protects you.
For example, airlines may or may not reimburse you for accidental or intentional incidents but that’s small consolation.
Team Canada member Maddie Szeryk was on her way to her first tournament of the year at Texas A&M when her clubs came down the airport carousel. The heads of her driver, 3-wood and 5-wood were snapped off.
Golf and travel writer Ted McIntyre has a similar story. “As a frequent traveler, I am a master club packer but had the head fall off my driver when I opened my travel case. Can’t imagine how far they must have fallen upside down for that to occur.”
There are myriad examples. Prior to the Ryder Cup, Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen lost not one but two sets of clubs in 10 days. This summer, Graeme McDowell’s clubs disappeared during a flight and he was forced to withdraw from final qualifying for the Open Championship. Another PGA TOUR pro’s clubs went missing thanks to the airline and were discovered for sale at a used sporting goods store.
Do you play a course with adjacent homes? Do you occasionally miss a tee shot? (Rhetorical question.) If you break a window, you’re covered up to $1,000 for the damage you caused.
Golf carts are convenient but as motorized vehicles, they come with risks. If you have an incident while driving one, a Gold-level membership covers you for damages up to $2,500.
As a Gold-level member, you also receive a set of identification labels to affix to your clubs in the event that you misplace one. Anyone finding it can report it through an online notification system. You will receive an email immediately and be reunited with your club.
Along with providing an official Handicap Factor, these are the main benefits of your Golf Canada membership.
To learn more about Golf Canada membership, click here.
Think it can’t happen to you?
Most likely, these folks didn’t either but when it did, they were relieved to find that their Golf Canada Gold-level membership was there to protect them.
So far this year, according to stats provided by Golf Canada, there were 189 claims for which almost $115,000 was paid out in restitution. Of those claims, 119 were for clubs and other equipment, 39 for window damage and the remainder for various other deductible incidents.
Some examples from claimants:
“Driving cart and strap that holds bag onto cart broke and bag fell off. My driver was in two pieces.”
“Cart containing wallet, car keys, cell phone and golf equipment rolled into lake. Range finder and box of balls lost.”
“The remote-control caddie went into a pond. Retrieved right away but has not worked since.”
“Hit a drive and the ball hit a cart path and went through a residential window.”
“Push cart with clubs rolled down a steep slope and ended upside down in a water hazard.”
2018 PEI Golf Association Award Winners
2018 PEI Golf Association Players of The Year
The PEI Golf Association held its Annual General Meeting last weekend and recognized the following Players of the Year. Congratulations to the following players:
Men’s Amateur Player of The Year | Mackenzie Clow | Rustico Resort
Men’s Mid Amateur Player of the Year | Tim Yorke | Green Gables
Men’s Senior Player of the Year | Scott Purdy | Belvedere
Men’s Super Senior Player of the Year | Steve Ball | Anderson’s Creek
Women’s Player of the Year | Sherry White | Belvedere
Male Junior Player of The Year | Tyler Hashmi | Belvedere
Female Junior Player of the Year | Grace Yeo | Anderson’s Creek
Sherry White
Scott Purdy
Grace Yeo
Junior Golf Recognition
The PEI Golf Association also recognized Adrian Mallett, Evan Stewart and Michael Favier for their commitment to the PEI Provincial Team. Adrian, Evan and Michael participated in a combined eleven (11) Future Links Championships and five (5) Canadian Junior Championships with a number of regional events mixed into the schedule as well. We want to wish them the best in their adult amateur careers as their junior careers come to end.
Volunteer Recognition
Lastly, we want to thank Brenda McIlwaine for all of her hard work over the last ten (10) years as a volunteer of the PEI Golf Association. Brenda has been actively involved in numerous programs and activities that would include:
President of The Association
Member of the Provincial Council
Active participant on the Course Rating Team
Founder of the “Girls Camp” program
Numerous committees for the rules of golf and competition
Coordinator of the Excel Accounting Senior Women’s Golf Tour
It goes without saying that Brenda has dedicated much of her time to the PEI Golf Association and has been instrumental in growing the game on the Island
Thank you for everything you’ve done Brenda!
Global consensus for golf in the race to tackle physical inactivity
LONDON, England – A global consensus amongst leaders in public health, public policy and sport backs golf in the race to tackle physical inactivity and the prevention of a range of non-communicable disease (NCD) including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer of the breast and colon.
Evidence linking golf and health, commissioned by the World Golf Foundation and supported by The R&A, was presented this week in London at the 7th Congress of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH). The biennial scientific meeting is widely regarded as the world’s flagship physical activity and public health event attended by more than 1,000 delegates from 60 countries.
Recognition that playing golf has significant physical health and wellness benefits and can provide moderate intensity physical activity to persons of all ages, comes just months after the World Health Organization (WHO) published its Global Action Plan for Physical Activity. The Global Action Plan targets one in four adults, and four out of five adolescents (11-17 years) who are insufficiently active, and charts how countries can reduce physical inactivity in adults and adolescents by 15% by 2030.
The scientific consensus for golf is evidenced in research led by the University of Edinburgh and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Findings reveal that playing golf is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits, and further collaborative efforts to improve access for the sport are needed.
New studies are underway to discover if playing golf improves strength and balance, contributing to a key public health goal of fall prevention in healthy aging and into conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Marking the close of the ISPAH Congress, public health practitioners, policymakers and golf industry leaders were hosted at a satellite event in the Palace of Westminster by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf.
The @GolfAndHealth Project will study the varied health and well-being benefits of #golf, considering any risks, with results to be published in international peer-reviewed journals.
Steve Brine, Minister for Public Health and Primary Care, said, “Physical activity of any type comes with a range of physical, social and mental benefits. For some, golf can be a great way to stay active and there’s growing evidence about ways the sport can help those living with long term conditions such as Parkinson’s and dementia. And for those who haven’t discovered their favourite sport yet it’s never too late to get inspired, connect with people and improve your wellbeing.”
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “Golf is working hard to encourage more people into the sport, who will realize its many health benefits. With 60 million golfers spanning six continents, golf has found common purpose in working with public health practitioners and policymakers to optimise the health benefits of playing the sport.
“We recognize the importance of the World Health Organization Global Action Plan for Physical Activity and we will work with our affiliates and partners around the world to help improve health and well-being through golf”.
Professor Fiona Bull, WHO Programme Manager, Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, said, “Non-communicable disease is responsible for nearly three quarters of all premature deaths globally, including 15 million deaths per year in people aged 30 to 70 years.
“The new World Health Organization global action plan and the implementation toolkit ‘ACTIVE’ aims to help all countries improve the environments and the opportunities for all people to be more active. Golf is a popular sport for men and women and it is great to see golf’s global leadership recognizing health priorities and identifying ways golf can be more accessible to more people.
“I took up golf in my 30s but thought it was a very technical, expensive and elitist sport. Thankfully a 6 week ‘come and try course’ showed me how easy it was to enjoy golf as a beginner and how active playing 9 holes can be. I am looking forward to seeing how golf can attract many more girls and women to enjoy the sport and be more active and healthy”.
Annika Sorenstam, Major Champion and a global ambassador for golf and health, said, “As the recent international consensus statement highlighted, golf is great for the health of people of all ages – it benefits those playing the sport and even tournament spectators.
“Given the health benefits, we must work together to make golf more accessible if we are to achieve our sport’s full potential.”
A further Golf and Health Scientific Meeting will be held on Thursday 18 October 2018 at Mytime Active, High Elms Golf Course, Bromley, UK – a club promoting healthy lifestyles. Researchers from Asia, Australia, Europe and the USA will discuss their respective projects and the future direction of research on golf and health.
Team NB wins the 2018 Atlantic Championship
The 2018 Atlantic Golf Championships wrapped up today at the Glen Arbour Golf Club. Competitors from across Atlantic Canada were treated to near perfect course and weather conditions for the entire weekend.
Originally contested at the Bell Bay Golf Club in 2014, this years’ championship marked the fifth year of the Atlantic Golf Championships where teams from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador compete for both the “Atlantic Cup”, and individual competitions. Players are competing for eight (8) exemptions for 2019 Canadian Championships. Exemptions include men’s and women’s Canadian Amateur, Mid-Master, Senior and Super Senior.
Team New Brunswick has successfully defended title after winning their first in 2017. The team with won with a total of 20 points. There was a tie second place in the team competition as Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia finished with 15 points. Newfoundland & Labrador finished in fourth position with 4 points.
Left to right NSGA Vice President, Molly MacDermaid, Golf Canada Regional Director Jeff Hutt
Bathurst native and member of the Gowan Brae Golf Club, Molly MacDermaid won the Women’s Amateur division with two-round total of 164
Left to right Michael Furlong, NSGA Vice President, Golf Canada Regional Director Jeff Hutt
Michael Furlong from St. John’s NL has won the Amateur Men’s division after carding a two-round total of 151 and finished two-strokes ahead of fellow teammate Brad Slaney.
There was tie for first in the Men’s Mid-Master division between Stu Musgrave (NB) and Paul Coulson (NS). The each finished with a two-day total of 149.
Allison Chisholm from the Riverside Golf Club in Rothesay, NB finished her wire to wire win in the Women’s Mid-Master division. Finishing five-stroke behind was Paulette Driscoll from the Ashburn Golf Club.
Ernie Sheaves from Baddeck won the Men’s Senior title after firing a 75-81 and finished one stroke ahead of Gary Melanson from Woodstock, NB.
Saint John native Pam Cossey from the Rockwood Golf Club won the Senior Women’s title over Sherry White from Stratford, PE. Cossey carded 81-82 and won by one stroke.
Peter Stirling from the Ashburn Golf Club won the Men’s Super Senior with two round total of 158 (76-82).
Myrna Millar from the Mill River Golf Club captured the Women’s Super Senior title after firing a two-day total of 178.
For more information and full results on the 2018 Atlantic Championship, please CLICK HERE.
Canadian Junior Boys Championship heads to Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club
MEDICINE HAT, Alta. – Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club will welcome the nation’s premier young golfers for the 2018 Canadian Junior Boy Championship. The 80th playing of the tournament will take place between July 30-Aug. 2 and will consist of 156 junior golfers, including all five members of Team Canada’s Development Squad.
Founded in 1913, Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club is a par-72 championship golf course located on the cliffs of the South Saskatchewan River.
“Our tremendous staff has worked very hard and the course is in fantastic shape. The community of Medicine Hat is extremely excited to host an event of this calibre,” said Cam Jacques, General Manager at Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club. “We look forward to hosting this strong field through what is sure to be a great week of golf.”
The Canadian Junior Boys Championship has served as a significant milestone in a number of professional and amateur careers. Before playing on the PGA TOUR, Abbotsford, B.C., native Nick Taylor captured the 2006 Canadian Junior Boys title. Other champions include Canadian Golf Hall of Fame members Doug Silverberg, George Knudson, Gary Cowan and Doug Roxburgh.
“Golf Canada is pleased to head to Medicine Hat to hold our annual Canadian Junior Boys Championship,” said Tournament Director Adam Cinel. “We have received a very warm welcome here and truly appreciate the support and commitment of the staff, volunteers and community. Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club will be a great platform to showcase the talents of Canada’s best junior golfers.”
In 2017, Calvin Ross became the first New Brunswick golfer to win the Canadian Junior Boys Championship after the Fredericton native set an amateur course-record 62 during the third round, eventually securing a seven-stroke victory. Team Canada’s Christopher Vandette won the under-16 Juvenile title.
In order to be eligible to participate in the championship, all entrants must be under 19 years of age as of August 1st, 2018. This year’s field will consist of the defending Canadian Juvenile Junior Champion, Team Canada Development Squad members, the current Junior Club Champion, the top six finishers in all Future Links, driven by Acura regional championships and those players earning a spot through their respective provincial championship.
NOTABLES Christopher Vandette of Beaconsfield, Que. The 16-year-old Team Canada Development Squad member finished third at the event last year, the highest of any returning player. Vandette, who was ranked No.1 on the 2017 Future Links, driven by Acura Order of Merit, is coming into the tournament with two top-ten finishes, including a solo second at the 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Pacific Championship.
Cam Kellett of London, Ont. The 18-year-old, who will be competing in his first ever Canadian Junior Boys Championship, is currently ranked No.1 on the Future Links, driven by Acura Order of Merit. Kellett finished in the top-10 in six of the seven events he has competed in this year so far, including a win at Golf Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship and second place finishes at Future Links, driven by Acura Ontario Championship and Golf Ontario Investors Group Junior Spring Classic.
Matthew Anderson of Mississauga, Ont. The 18-year-old member of Team Ontario is currently ranked No.3 on the Future Links, driven by Acura Order of Merit and is coming into the tournament with a win at Golf Ontario Investors Group Junior Spring Classic and four top-ten finishes.
Ethan Choi of Pincher Creek, Alta. The 16-year-old is currently ranked No.4 on the Future Links, driven by Acura Order of Merit and finished T5 at this event last year. Choi has four top-five finishes in 2018 so far, including a win at PGA of Alberta Junior Masters.
Nolan Thoroughgood of Victoria, B.C. The 17-year-old rookie member of the Team Canada Development Squad finished in fourth at the event last year T3 at the Future Links, driven by Acura Pacific Championship at Bear Mountain Resort – Valley Course in May and has finished in the top-ten in nine out of the 10 tournaments he competed in during 2017.
FAST FACTS
The first championship was held in 1938, which was won by James Hogan.
Current Canadian Golf Hall of Famers who won the championship include: Doug Silverberg, George Knudson, Gary Cowan and Doug Roxburgh.
In 1970, the 16-and-under Juvenile Championship was added to the Championship, which runs concurrently with the competition, with the winner receiving the Jack Bailey Trophy.
Nine golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles: Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton and Charles-Eric Belanger.
There is a Junior Inter-Provincial Team championship that is held in conjunction with the first 36 holes of the tournament, which has been held since 1959.
The Junior champion earns an exemption into the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
2017 Junior Champion: Calvin Ross.
2017 Juvenile Champion: Christopher Vandette.
2017 Inter-Provincial champion: Alberta
Current PGA TOUR player Nick Taylor captured the title in 2006.
London, Ont., product Mitch Sutton was the last player to win the event in back-to-back years in 2008 and 2009.
More information on the event including tee times can be found here.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Established in 1913.
Course was redesigned during 1984-1986
The 9th & 10th holes were just recently redesigned and rebuilt during the fall of 2017. These two greens will open for play in May of 2018.
Hosted the Alberta Ladies Amateur, Alberta Men’s Amateur and 2016 CN Future Links Western Championship
Assistant Professional Jesse Florkowski is the reigning 3-time One Arm World Champion Golfer
Course tournament record: 65 by Kelly Risling in 2016
The PEI Golf Association had the PEI Junior Championship at Eagles Glenn (round 1) and Belvedere (round 2) July 10th & 11th. After 36 holes, Sam McNeil (left) of Green Gables Golf Club shot rounds of 70 & 76 to win the PEI Provincial Junior Championship over Evan Stewart (68 & 81) of Belfast Highland Greens. McNeil is being presented the championship trophy by 2017 champion Zack Willis.
Grace Yeo of Anderson’s Creek won the Girls Division over Sophia Campos of Oceanview Resort.
Michael Taylor of Eagles Glenn won the Pee Wee Division over Noah MacKinnon (Belvedere) and Davis Younker (Fox Meadow).
Matt Cole of Belvedere won the Bantam Division over Patrick Ginnitty (Rustico) and Peter McDougall (Mill River).
Full PEI Junior Championship Results can be found HERE.