Parr’s sights set on title defence ahead of final round of Canadian Junior Boys Championship
BERNARD BRAULT,/ GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada
The rising temperatures today at Rivershore Estates and Golf Links were no problem for Jean-Philippe Parr. During the third round of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, the 18-year-old shot a 4-under-par 68 to extend his stay at the top of the leaderboard.
Parr, who calls St-Célestin Que. home, carded six birdies today, playing in a group with fellow Team Canada National Junior Squad members Cooper Humphreys and James Newton. To spectators observing the round, the group, familiar with playing together, clearly enjoyed the competition this afternoon.
Parr’s bogey on 13 today snapped a streak of 34 holes of bogey-free golf. Yesterday, Parr fired a round of 62 which tied the low Canadian Junior Boys Championship single-scoring record set by Calvin Ross in 2017 and matched by Christopher Vandette in 2019.
“My wedge game and putting has been really solid recently which fits this course perfectly as there are many wedges and a lot of good birdie opportunities,” said Parr
The University of Tennessee commit will look to defend his 2021 title tomorrow with a two-stroke cushion heading into Thursday’s final round. Vandette was the last to do so, going back-to-back in 2018 and 2019.
Sliding into second was Matthew Javier from Toronto, Ont. The 15-year-old recorded his third eagle of the tournament, and second in as many days on the par-5 4th, to better his position on the scoreboard by one from yesterday’s round where he sat T3.
Andre Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) and Ethan Wilson (St. Albert, Alta.) tied for third and look to close the three-stroke gap in tomorrow’s final round.
In the Juvenile Boys Division, Matthew Javier holds the lead at 14 under for the tournament, with Andre Zhu closely trailing by one stroke. In third place is Vancouver, B.C. native Ryan Liang who came in at 9 under.
Tomorrow promises to be an exciting battle of top junior talent with an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, S.C., as well as a spot in 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, on the line.
The final round is set to commence tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. PT, with the awards ceremony following play at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Team Québec secures Inter-Provincial title; Parr leads
Golf Canada
It was another scorching day in Kamloops as the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO brought the heat to Rivershore Estates and Golf Links while wrapping up the second day of play.
The 36-hole inter-provincial competition came to a close as Team Québec, consisting of Jean-Philippe Parr, Felix Bouchard, and James Newton, extended their day one lead to capture the title by six strokes. Hot on their heels was Team Ontario who challenged throughout the afternoon but fell short of closing the gap that Team Québec laid out yesterday.
Team Québec was boosted by an impressive showing from Team Canada National Squad member Jean-Philippe Parr. In the individual competition, the 18-year-old battled lofty temperatures and recorded eight birdies and an eagle to edge a one-stroke lead over teammate James Newton at 12-under after 36 holes. The round also ties the low Canadian Junior Boys Championship single-round scoring record set by Calvin Ross in 2017 and matched by Chris Vandette in 2019.
“I just did everything really solid today,” said JP. “Got off to a hot start and then just kept it in the fairway which gave me good chances to attack the pins, and then just putted really nicely and made some really good birdie putts. Overall just really solid golf overall!”
Heading into round three, Parr looks to stay consistent.
“Heading into tomorrow, just trying to keep the same gameplan and keep making birdies since there are so many birdies out there,” he added. “Also just going to try to be patient and most importantly have some fun.”
James Newton, 11-under for the tournament, is also a member of Team Canada National Junior Squad. The 18-year-old fired a 2-under-par 70 during today’s round and plays out of Royal Ottawa Golf Club in Gatineau, Qué.
Closely following and tying for the third spot on the leaderboard were Cooper Humphreys (Vernon, B.C.) and Matthew Javier (North York, Ont.). Fifteen-year-old Javier also occupies the lead in the 16-and-under Juvenile Division. Andre Zhu sits second and one stroke off the lead.
The winner will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, S.C., as well as a spot in 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
Round three is set to commence tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. PT
Newton ties course record to lead day one of Canadian Junior Boys Championship
PHOTO: BERNARD BRAULT/ GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada
The Canadian Junior Boys Championship teed off today as 156 competitors headed to the mountain-side course, Rivershore Estates & Golf Links.
During the opening round, James Newton’s clubs were hotter than the weather in Kamloops. The Team Canada National Junior Squad Member – who plays out of Royal Ottawa Golf Club in Gatineau, Qué. – carded an opening round of 63 to tie the course record and lead the 83rd Canadian Junior Boys Championship by three strokes.
“I was hitting it well from tee to green today,” said Newton of the opening round. “I gave myself many birdie opportunities with my wedges, but my putter was on fire. Not only was I making birdie putts but also par saves.”
Newton’s 9-under-par 63 included an impressive seven birdies and an eagle on the 18th that marked the highlight of the 18-year-old’s day. He finished the round without a single blemish on this scorecard.
“My thought process tomorrow is going to be the same as it was today,” he added. “Stay patient and stay positive.”
A four-way tie for second chased Newton throughout the day, each finishing at six-under.
Vernon, B.C. native and Team Canada National Junior Squad member Cooper Humphreys saw a solid, bogey-free round with an eagle on his 13th hole. Humphreys won the Juvenile Boys Division last year during the 2021 Canadian Junior Boys Championship and has recently committed to Oregon State University.
“Today I hit the ball well and did a good job of minimizing my mistakes,” shared Humphreys. “I worked on my putting after and I think I found something that should help in the next few days!”
Antoine Jasmin from Blainville, Qué. found his groove on the last four holes leading to four consecutive birdies out of his total of eight. The 16-year-old plays out of Club de golf le Blainvillier.
Eighteen-year-old Denby Carswell carded seven birdies and one bogey. The Burnaby, B.C. resident graduated from high school in May 2022.
Matthew Javier also made eagle on 18. The 15-year-old hails from North York, Ont. and plays out of Scarboro Golf & Country Club.
In addition to tying for second in the individual competition today, Antoine Jasmin and Matthew Javier also share a piece of the lead in the 16-and-under Juvenile division. Each fired a round of 66 today.
Defending champions Team Québec consisting of Jean-Philippe Parr, Felix Bouchard, and James Newton, jumped out to an early lead in the 36-hole inter-provincial team competition. The trio combined for a score of 11 under par and a five-stroke lead over Team Ontario.
The winner will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, S.C., as well as a spot in 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
Round two is set to commence tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. PT
Rivershore Estates & Golf Links opens doors for Canadian Junior Boys Championship
Golf Canada
Golf Canada’s 2022 championship season continues at Rivershore Estate & Golf Links in Kamloops, B.C. for the 83rd playing of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, from Aug. 7-10.
This national championship, which was first held in 1938 in London, Ont., offers an opportunity for the top junior male golfers from coast-to-coast to compete against the best in their class in a 72-hole stroke play competition. This year, 156 players will clash on the west coast of Canada aiming to add the Silver Cup to their trophy cases.
“Golf Canada is excited to return to British Columbia for the Canadian Junior Boys Championship,” said tournament director Daniel Suppa. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the juniors play at the highest level this week. The calibre of this year’s field is amongst the best we’ve seen in recent history, and I know I will be thoroughly impressed. We’re confident that Rivershore will prove as a testy challenge as these elite juniors look to showcase their talents.”
Designed by Robert Jones Sr., Rivershore Estate & Golf Links is setup uniquely as a links-styled course that is buried in a desert-like setting and protected by the sagebrush hills above. Nestled along the shores of the South Thompson River, this championship course features 95 bunkers that are moderately surrounded by water hazards and other areas that will cause havoc for players of all calibres. The par-72 will play at a maximum of 6,852 yards for the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship.
The championship has served as a significant milestone in several professional and amateur careers. Before playing on the PGA Tour, Abbotsford, B.C., native Nick Taylor captured the 2006 Canadian Junior Boys title. The championship counts Canadian Golf Hall of Fame members Doug Silverberg, George Knudson, Gary Cowan and Doug Roxburgh among its winners.
Headlining this year’s pool of competitors is none other than the defending champion, Jean-Phillippe Parr. In 2021, the 18-year-old made pars on the final eight holes at Club de Golf Vallée du Richlieu in his home province of Québec, to claim the Canadian Junior Boys Championship. The St Célestin, Qué., native carded rounds of 65-73-66-74 for a total score of 10-under par en route to the one-stroke victory.
Parr, a member of Team Canada’s National Junior Squad, returns this year looking to become the ninth back-to-back winner in the tournament’s history, and first since fellow Quebec-native Christopher Vandette accomplished the feat in 2018 and 2019.
Looking to spoil Parr’s attempt at a title defence are 11 of the remaining 12 players on the National Junior Squad, including Cooper Humphreys (Vernon, B.C.), who finished as the runner-up to Parr in last year’s competition. Eric Zhao (North York, Ont.), Ethan Wilson (St Albert, Alta.) and Félix Bouchard (Otterburn Park, Qué.), who won gold for Team Canada alongside Humphreys at the 2022 Toyota Junior Golf World Cup, are also in the field.
Ben MacLean (Niagara Falls, Ont.), James Newton (Ottawa, Ont.) and Owen Kim (Oakville, Ont.), who each secured top-10 finishes in 2021, are also returning to bid for the national title. Gavyn Knight (Parksville, B.C.), Malik Dao (Notre-Dame-de-Île-Perrot, Que.) and Mathieu Lafontaine (Vaudreuil-Dorion, Que.) round out the Team Canada contingent.
Returning this year is the interprovincial team competition. The interprovincial championship, first held in 1959, will be played in conjunction with the first 36 holes of the competition, with three-player teams vying for the team title. In rounds one and two the best two scores of the three golfers from each provincial team count towards the team’s score. The lowest aggregate score over rounds one and two determines the champion.
Team Québec are the reigning champions. Christopher Vandette and Laurent Desmarchais – who are coming off an interprovincial championship win at the 2022 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship – accompanied Logan Boucher at Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club in New Brunswick and bested the Albertans by eight strokes in 2019.
The Juvenile division – a subdivision for boys 16 and under – remains in place this year and will run concurrently with the Junior division through the 72-hole competition. Humphreys was awarded the Jack Bailey Trophy in 2021, winning by a commanding 13 strokes over runner-up Zhao. Since its inception in 1970, only ten players have won both the Junior and Juvenile division titles.
New to this year’s tournament is a purse payout. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship will now compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Amateur golfers may accept prize money up to a maximum of $1,200 CAD, and payouts will be awarded to the top-10 finishers and ties.
Practice rounds are scheduled for August 6th, followed by the official tee off to the championship on August 7th. A champion will be crowned at the conclusion of the final round on August 10th. The field will be reduced to the low 70 players (including ties) at the halfway point of the competition.
The winner will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, S.C., as well as a spot in 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
For more information about the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship click here.
Carrera wins 117th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship title
Vancouver, BC Ñ 04 August 2022
2022 Champion Luis Carrera
117th Canadian MenÕs Amateur Championship at Point Grey Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, BC.
(Photo: Chuck Russell/Golf Canada)
Golf Canada
When Luis Carrera woke up this morning over 4800 kilometres from his hometown in Mexico City, Mexico, the Canadian Men’s Amateur title was an attainable dream he could visualize if he stayed confident. Clearly, the strategy worked. Carrera fired a 66 during the final round at Point Grey Golf and Country Club to claim the title for the117th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.
“I was like, I think I can win this if I play good, but I’ve got to go get it,” said Carrera. “I’ve got to go take the chances that I get, and I’ve got to make some putts, and I knew I had to come and play well.”
The 22-year-old came out of the gate hot this morning when he made eagle on his first hole. The momentum catapulted him up the leaderboard and his consistent play awarded him a solid, bogey-free round.
“I made some good putts today,” he recalled about his most memorable moments of the tournament. “But I think the eagle on one [would be the most memorable]. That really got me going.”
Carrera might be a long way from home, but the University of Central Florida senior quickly won over the hometown crowd at Point Grey. With a near-tangible excitement, a beaming Carrera hoisted the prestigious Earl Grey Cup to a round of enthusiastic applause and, after a quick lesson, sabered a bottle of champagne to celebrate.
“It feels amazing,” said Carrera of the victory. I’ve worked really hard for events and to finally see the results and to win such a great event, it feels amazing. It’s such an honour and I’m so happy to do it.”
With the win, Carrera becomes only the second Mexican golfer and first since Rafael Alarcon in 1979 to take home the title.
Arriving at the course on Tuesday, the 22-year old found an unexpected piece of home when he ran into Rodrigo Pena, a golf services employee at Point Grey Golf and Country Club and an old friend who shared membership at same club in Mexico City. The surprise clandestine meeting led to Rodrigo serving as Carrera’s caddie for the final round and, well, the rest is history.
Carrera and Mississauga, Ont. native Robbie Latter went wire to wire for the majority of the day, with Latter finishing just two strokes back for the tournament at -8. In third place was Canadian Remi Chartier at 6-under.
When Carrera’s name is etched into the Earl Grey Cup later this year, he’ll join a list of notable Canadian Men’s Amateur Champions including PGA TOUR winner and Olympian Mackenzie Hughes (2011-12), PGA TOUR winner Nick Taylor (2007), Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Moe Norman (1955-56) and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Doug Roxburgh (1972, 1974, 1982, 1988) who was also in the field this week.
Along with the title, Carrera has earned an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship being contested August 15-22 in Paramus, N.J. This was his first time competing in the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.
Team Québec charged ahead to win the inter-provincial competition in a seven-stroke victory over the host squad, Team British Columbia. Laurent Desmarchais, Christopher Vandette, and William Forgues shot a collective 3-under to become the ninth team from Québec to secure the title since the Willingdon Cup became an annual competition in 1927. Reigning champions Team Ontario rounded out the top-3 at 6 over par.
Three Canadians at top of leaderboard following third round at Point Grey
Golf Canada
Despite the threat of rain in the forecast, skies remained dry over Point Grey Golf and Country Club for round three of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO. Canadians Robbie Latter and Eric Zhao lit up the leaderboard today, each shooting a cool 65 in the third round to tie for the top spot.
Latter, who calls Mississauga, Ont. home, carded five birdies and an eagle to ascend 14 spots in the race for the 117th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship title. The Southern Miss sophomore finished T25 at last year’s event and won the Future Links (now NextGen) Québec Championship as a 17-year-old in 2018.
“My ball striking was very good today,” stated Latter. “Having my brother on the bag today definitely helped!”
Though 14-year-old Eric Zhao faced challenges on the 11th hole, the birdies far outweighed the bogeys with an impressive total of nine filling his scorecard. The west coast seems to be treating the National Junior Squad member quite well this season. In May, Zhao was crowned Champion of the Junior Boys Division at the NextGen Pacific Championship in Nanaimo, B.C.
“Today, I focused on staying patient and accepting the shots I hit,” said Zhao. “I only thought about my current shot and never the past or future ones. It did help as I made two bogeys and a double but being aware of my emotions and redirecting my focus allowed me to come back.”
In tomorrow’s final round, Zhao looks to stay consistently calm.
“I want to do something very similar tomorrow. My only expectation is that I learn from this experience playing under heavy pressure,” said a humble Zhao. “I also don’t want to overthink anything and just focus on each shot as I play it, and maybe I’ll go home proud of myself.”
Rounding out the top three is St-Célestin, Que. native Jean-Philippe Parr. The 18-year-old shot his lowest round of the tournament at 67 to sit one stroke off the lead. Parr is also a member of Team Canada’s National Junior Squad.
Tomorrow promises to be an exciting battle of top amateur talent with an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship on the line. Not only will the winner etch their name into the historic Earl Grey Cup, but also into Canadian golf history – the competition being the oldest amateur championship in the country.
The awards ceremony will take place at approximately 3:00 p.m. PT at Point Grey Golf and Country Club.
Team Québec secures inter-provincial title; Turner takes lead
Golf Canada
Team Québec charged ahead to win the inter-provincial competition in a seven-stroke victory over the host squad, Team British Columbia. Laurent Desmarchais, Christopher Vandette, and William Forgues shot a collective 3 under to become the ninth team from Québec to secure the title since the Willingdon Cup became an annual competition in 1927. Reigning champions Team Ontario rounded out the top-3 at 6 over par.
In the individual competition, American Elijah Turner rose nine spots on the leaderboard to lead the pack during Tuesday’s second round at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO. The 23-year-old from Highland, Utah limited himself to two bogeys at Seymour Golf and Country Club, carding four birdies and an eagle on his final hole, the 9th hole, to set himself up well at the halfway point of the tournament.
“My caddie is a local member at Seymour and he was great at helping me manage around the course,” said Turner of his round today at Seymour Golf and Country Club. “It was important for me to hit fairways and stay out of trouble as much as possible. I had a nice run with 3 birdies in a row that were set up with good drives off the tee. I think I’m a good driver of the ball and that strength certainly helped me today. Seymour’s greens were very demanding today with tough pin placements. It took a lot of patience out there today on those greens. Both courses are just excellent,” he added.
Following closely, 22-year-old, Michael Haranhan Smith shot a 66 today finishing one shot back at -5. Haranhan Smith is one of a trio of Australians competing this week, with all three advancing to the third round.
“I think this course is definitely the one to score on, the back 9 can be tricky but you can definitely get it going on the front,” said Haranhan Smith of this round at Point Grey Golf and Country Club. “I’m a relatively good iron player which suits this golf course and the greens are pretty large but you need to be in the right section to give yourself a chance at holing some putts.”
Five Canadians sit inside the top-10 in a tie for eighth place including Jean-Philippe Parr (St-Célestin, Que.), Alex Zhang (Richmond, B.C.), Eric Zhao (North York, Ont.), Keith Ng (Richmond, B.C.), and Kai Iguchi (Banff, Alta.),
The winner of the championship will earn an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship being contested August 15-22 in Paramus, N.J.
The third round commences tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. PT at Point Grey Golf and Country Club.
Photo Bernard Brault, Golf Canada
Toronto, Quebec:
Sunday June 12th, 2022
RBC CANADIAN OPEN
St-George’s GCC
Final Round
Tony Finau
Rory McIlroy
Justin Thomas
Golf Canada
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA – The PGA TOUR today announced its 2022-23 FedExCup Season schedule of 47 tournaments, featuring 44 Regular Season events and three FedExCup Playoffs events, culminating with the crowning of the 2023 FedExCup champion at the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, August 21-27.
As announced on June 22, qualification criteria for the FedExCup Playoffs have been revised starting in 2023, with just 70 players earning a start in the first Playoffs event, the FedEx St. Jude Championship, followed by 50 players advancing to the BMW Championship, with the TOUR Championship field remaining at 30 players.
Next season’s schedule includes record prize money and eight invitationals spread throughout with players competing for elevated purses ranging from $15 to $25 million. The bonus pools totaling $145 million include $75 million for the FedExCup, $20 million for the Comcast Business TOUR TOP 10 and $50 million for the Player Impact Program.
“We’ve heard from our fans and the overwhelming sentiment was that they wanted more consequences for both the FedExCup Regular Season and the Playoffs, and to further strengthen events that traditionally feature top players competing head-to-head,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “We feel strongly we’ve accomplished all of these objectives and more, creating a cadence of compelling drama for every tournament throughout the season. Each week has its own identity and purpose, and we’re set up for an exciting 2022-23 campaign as we transition into a calendar season in 2024 that will include a number of new and innovative competitive aspects in the fall.”
The 70 players who qualify for the first Playoffs event will be fully exempt for the following season as the TOUR transitions to a calendar-year season beginning in 2024 with the core portion of the FedExCup contested from January to August. Following the core FedExCup season, official PGA TOUR events will be conducted in the fall, where all players with status for the 2022-23 FedExCup Season will be eligible to compete. Those outside of the top-70 will compete for FedExCup points in a compelling, consequential final stretch to secure status for 2024.
Following the fall events, the TOUR will introduce a series of international events that include the top-50 players from the final FedExCup Points list, the top performers in the fall and additional eligibility as part of a limited-field, no-cut format. Further details on the fall events and the global series are expected to be announced later this year.
Highlights for the 2022-23 PGA TOUR Season:
After a successful debut as a co-sanctioned event, the Genesis Scottish Open (July 10-16) will be featured on both the PGA TOUR and the DP World Tour schedule ahead of The Open Championship (July 17-23) at Royal Liverpool. Additionally, the PGA TOUR’s Barbasol Championship (July 10-16) and Barracuda Championship (July 17-23) will offer access to DP World Tour members for the second straight year.
The 2022-23 season will once again kick off with the Fortinet Championship (September 12-18) in Napa, California, one of nine official FedExCup events to be played across the fall.
Following the Fortinet Championship will be the 14th playing of the Presidents Cup (September 19-25) at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. The three Global partners of the Presidents Cup are Citi, Cognizant and Rolex.
Announced earlier this summer, THE CJ CUP has relocated from Korea to Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina, and has been renamed THE CJ CUP in South Carolina (October 17-23).
Also, with the cancellation of the WGC-HSBC Champions, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship (October 24-30) has a standalone date with full FedExCup points awarded.
Additional 2022 dates include the Sanderson Farms Championship (September 26-October 2), Shriners Children’s Open (October 3-9), ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP (October 10-16) in Japan, World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba (October 31-November 6), Cadence Bank Houston Open (November 7-13) and The RSM Classic (November 14-20) to conclude the fall calendar.
After the Sentry Tournament of Champions (January 2-8) and the Sony Open in Hawaii (January 9-15) – celebrating its 25th year with Sony as title sponsor – launch the 2023 calendar year, the TOUR heads to California for The American Express (January 16-22) with its pro-am format in La Quinta.
With a crowded weekend sports calendar, the Farmers Insurance Open (January 23-29) in San Diego will feature a Saturday finish (January 28) for the second consecutive year.
The TOUR then heads up the coast to the Monterey Peninsula for the celebrity-laden AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (January 30-February 5) followed by the WM Phoenix Open (February 6-12) at TPC Scottsdale. The WM Phoenix Open will be played the same week as the NFL’s Super Bowl, which will also be contested in the Phoenix area.
The Florida Swing includes five events, with four events in Florida and the Puerto Rico Open (February 27-March 5) which is played alongside the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. The Honda Classic (February 20-26), THE PLAYERS Championship (March 6-12) and the Valspar Championship (March 13-19) round out the Florida events.
Now in its second season as an official event on the PGA TOUR schedule, the Mexico Open at Vidanta (April 24-30) is preceded by the two-player team format of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans (April 17-23) and followed by the Wells Fargo Championship (May 1-7), which returns to North Carolina and Quail Hollow Club.
There are five official FedExCup events in Texas throughout the 2022-23 PGA TOUR Season: the Cadence Bank Houston Open (November 7-13), played for the third consecutive year at Memorial Park Golf Course; the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play (March 20-26) in Austin played concurrently with the Corales Puntacana Championship in the Dominican Republic; the Valero Texas Open (March 27-April 2) in San Antonio prior to the Masters Tournament; and the AT&T Byron Nelson (May 8-14) and the Charles Schwab Challenge (May 22-28) to bookend the PGA Championship (May 15-21), which will be played at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, one of two events held in the northeast alongside the Travelers Championship (June 19-25) in Cromwell, Connecticut.
Notable date changes include the Rocket Mortgage Classic (June 26-July 2) which moves from late July to late June, and the 3M Open (July 24-30) which will slide one week later in the calendar as the penultimate event in the FedExCup Regular Season. The TOUR’s long-running Midwest event, the John Deere Classic (July 3-9), will once again precede the Genesis Scottish Open (July 10-16).
The 17th edition of the FedExCup Playoffs features three events, all carried by network partner CBS in 2023.FedEx St. Jude Championship (August 7-13) at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, with a 70-player field.
BMW Championship (August 14-20) at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois, with a 50-player field.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship and the BMW Championship feature significant increases in prize money, from $15 million to $20 million
Supported by Proud Partners Accenture, Coca-Cola and Southern Company, the TOUR Championship (August 21-27) at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta will feature the top-30 players in the FedExCup standings.
With only 70 players earning a spot in the first FedExCup Playoffs event, the Wyndham Championship (July 31-August 6) will take on an even more significant role in determining who qualifies for the Playoffs. The Wyndham Championship will also be the final event in the Comcast Business TOUR TOP 10, where the top-10 performers earn bonus money for performance in the Regular Season.
In addition to the two Playoffs events, six invitationals will see significant increases in purse sizes in 2023:
Kicking off the 2023 portion of the season, the Sentry Tournament of Champions (January 2-8) will have a purse of $15 million, up from $8.2 million in 2022. The winners-only event will lead off 2024 when the TOUR transitions into a calendar season.
Three player-hosted invitationals, The Genesis Invitational (February 13-19) hosted by Tiger Woods, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard (February 27-March 5) and the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday (May 29-June 4) hosted by Jack Nicklaus will see purses increase from $12 million to $20 million.
With support from Proud Partners Grant Thornton, Morgan Stanley and Optum, the TOUR’s flagship event, THE PLAYERS Championship (March 6-12), includes a PGA TOUR-record purse of $25 million, up from $20 million in 2022.
The World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play (March 20-26) will once again feature 64 of the world’s top players competing for $20 million up from $12 million.
Gutschewski leads by two at Canadian Men’s Amateur
Golf Canada
Point Grey Golf and Country Club and Seymour Golf and Country Club played host to 250 golfers this holiday Monday as play commenced for the 117th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.
Elkhorn, Neb. native Luke Gutschewski had a hot start, making eight birdies to shoot a 65 for the day. Heading into his second season playing for Iowa State’s golf team, Gutschewski played a near bogey-free round, getting into the groove and making birdie on five consecutive holes in the middle of his round at Point Grey Golf & Country Club.
“I really just played solid all day, nothing too flashy,” said Gutschewski. “I did a good job of keeping it in play off the tee, left myself in good places when I missed greens, and then putted pretty nicely too.”
Despite the early lead, the 19-year-old isn’t getting too far ahead of himself. “It’s really a long week and we have a long way to go,” added Gutschewski. “If I can keep on doing what I’m doing and not get too wrapped up in the individual result of each shot then we can add up the scores at the end of the week and see what happens.”
Following closely, Banff, Alta. native Kai Iguchi sits just two strokes behind at -4. The 21-year-old recently finished fifth in the Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship and is competing in his first Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
In addition to Iguchi, nine other Canadians ended round one inside the top-10 including Marc Sweeney (Saskatoon, Sask.), Christopher Vandette (Beaconsfield, Qué.), Jean-Philippe Parr (St-Célestin, Qué.), Jace Minni (Delta, B.C.), Nasheel Kassam (Vancouver, B.C.), Robbie Latter (Mississauga, Ont.), Tony Li (Vancouver, B.C.), Tyler Hull (Toronto, Ont.), Ryan McMillan (Winnipeg, Man.).
Tomorrow will mark the final day of play at Seymour Golf and Country Club after which the field will be cut to the low 70 players (including ties). The final 36 holes are scheduled to take place at Point Grey Golf and Country Club.
The winner of the championship will earn an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship being contested August 15-22 in Paramus, N.J.
After the halfway point of the Inter-Provincial competition Team Quebec, consisting of Christopher Vandette, Laurent Desmarchais, and William Forgues, leads by three strokes over Team British Columbia. Nine provinces and two territories will continue to battle for the Willingdon trophy tomorrow with Team Ontario looking to rally to defend their 2019 title.
Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship set to tee off in Vancouver
Jeff Vogan/ Golf Canada
Golf Canada
The 117th installment of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, tees off this week with 252 amateur golfers taking the stage in Vancouver.
The championship, which was first held in 1895, is the oldest amateur championship in the country. The inaugural tournament, held at Ottawa Golf Club in Gatineau, Qué., marked one of the first orders of business for the Royal Canadian Golf Association – now known commonly as Golf Canada.
One of nine national championships conducted by Golf Canada for the 2022 season, the Canadian Men’s Amateur will consist of 72 holes of stroke play taking place at two elite courses, Seymour Golf and Country Club, and Point Grey Golf and Country Club, with the latter celebrating its centennial anniversary. The field will be cut to the low 70 players (including ties) following 36 holes.
Practice rounds are scheduled for July 30th – 31st before the tournament officially kicks off on August 1st. Rounds will be played simultaneously at both properties for the first two rounds, with the final round and awards ceremony taking place at Point Grey G&CC.
“Golf Canada is proud to host this historic championship and bring together a field of top competitors from all over the globe,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “Point Grey Golf and Country Club and Seymour Golf and Country Club are in excellent shape and will provide for an exciting competition as our competitors vie for the Earl Grey Cup.”
International talent will once again flock to the championship after COVID-19 complications restricted travel and thus, international inclusion. Among a field of strong international competitors are Connor Fewkes (Australia), Ching-Hung Su (Chinese Taipei), Jose Islas (Mexico), Tyler Wood (New Zealand), and Jackson Lake (U.S.A.).
As for the Canadian contingent, Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad member and Coquitlam, B.C. native A.J. Ewart will be counting on the home-province advantage to go all the way after finishing just two strokes shy of 2021 champion Max Sekulic last year. Other notable National Amateur Squad members in the field include Laurent Desmarchais (Longueuil, Qué.) and Chris Vandette (Beaconsfield, Qué.). Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and Vancouver, B.C. native Doug Roxburgh will be the only champion returning to the field having claimed titles in 1972, 1974, 1982, and 1988.
The winner of the championship will earn an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship being contested August 15-22 in Paramus, N.J.
New to this year’s tournament is a purse payout. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship will now compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Amateur golfers may accept prize money up to a maximum of $1,200 CAD, and payouts will be awarded to the top-10 finishers and ties.
Among the notable Canadian champions are Canadian Golf Hall of Fame honoured members Moe Norman (Kitchener, Ont.), Nick Weslock (Winnipeg, Man.), Gary Cowan (Kitchener, Ont.) and Doug Roxburgh (Vancouver, B.C.). PGA TOUR champions Nick Taylor (Abbotsford, B.C.) and Mackenzie Hughes (Dundas, Ont.) have also hoisted the coveted Earl Grey Cup.
The 36-hole inter-provincial competition for the Willingdon Cup will also return this year after a two-year hiatus. Team Ontario are the reigning champions and are set to defend their 2019 title.
More information about the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship can be found here.