Canadians Dayton Price & Hayden Underhill were survivors of a horrific car crash in Texas that took nine lives, including seven members of the University of the Southwest golf team they were part of.
Here’s the story of their accident and how the game they love is helping them heal.
Caledon, Ont. – TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley announced a major enhancement project on its parkland-style North course and practice facilities, with work beginning in late 2023. Renowned golf course architect Ian Andrew will lead the renovation, which will see the North enhanced as a venue for high-level championship competition while retaining its signature appeal for golfers of all abilities.
The project will begin in early August, with work scheduled to be completed by the end of the 2023 season in time for a grand opening alongside TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley’s new clubhouses, on-site accommodations and amenities in 2024.
Augmented course features will include renovation of green sites to expand closely- mown runoff areas, as well as strategically re-located bunkers and tee boxes. TPC Toronto’s practice facilities will also be completely renovated, including resurfacing of the driving range and construction of new short game and putting greens.
“For more than 20 years the North course has been known to golfers as a welcoming and wide modern course that players of all skill levels can enjoy. With this renovation, the course will be elevated into a compelling test for high level championship play while retaining its identity as fun, friendly and accessible for all players,” said TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk.
Originally designed by Doug Carrick, the 7,151-yard North course opened in 2001. Momentum to enhance the course to suit high level competition began in 2018, when Osprey Valley became the first Canadian facility to join the PGA TOUR’s TPC Network and launched the Osprey Valley Open, an annual PGA TOUR Canada event. In consultation with the PGA TOUR and TPC Network, a vision was forged to renovate the course as a venue for championship play.
Collaboration with Ian Andrew Golf Design began in 2022, with a focus on course changes to enhance competitive features, providing additional shotmaking options and strategic intrigue to the modern, parkland-style course. Following the completion of changes, the course will measure over 7,500 yards from the championship tees.
“Ian has presented us with a compelling approach to supercharge the course in a way that will test elite competitors and make the North a choice venue for high level competition while retaining the playability and fun factor that golfers have come to know and love,” said Humeniuk.
Andrew, who worked under Doug Carrick on original construction of the North course, including extensive work on design of the course’s green complexes, has an extensive portfolio of golf course design including renovations of St. George’s Golf and Country Club and Oakdale Golf and Country Club in preparation for the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open.
In addition to two original designs at Laval-sur-le-lac in Quebec (with Mike Weir) and Maple Downs in Toronto, the Brantford, Ont., resident has also been called upon for renovations to dozens of classic venues throughout North America designed by distinguished golden age architects such as Stanley Thompson, Seth Raynor, Walter J. Travis, A.W. Tillinghast, Willie Park Jr. and others.
With a focus on transforming the course for the modern competitive game, Andrew said golfers can expect to see course changes that intensify the challenges placed on elite competitors yet keep the fun factor for players of all abilities, such as strategically placed fairway bunkers confronting the longest hitters and runoff areas that offer multiple recovery shot options around the greens.
“This property, and the North course in particular, is a special place for me, having worked with Doug on the original design of this bold and truly fun golf course. With TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley at the forefront of so much excitement in Canadian golf, I’m thrilled to play a part in this project and look forward to continued collaboration with Chris and the Osprey Valley team,” said Andrew.
Following the 2023 August long weekend, renovation will begin and see the North course and practice facilities closed for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Opened in 2001, the parkland-style North (formerly known as Toot) course features wide fairways and dramatic green complexes protected by deep bunkers. The course has hosted several high-level competitive events, including PGA TOUR Canada’s Osprey Valley Open, RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying and U.S. Open Local Qualifying.
(TORONTO, March 27) – Golf Canada, in partnership with title sponsor RBC, are excited to announce Sam Burns and Cameron Young have committed to play the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.
The tournament, which is the 112th playing of Canada’s national open golf championship, will take place June 6 to 11 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto.
Burns and Young met in the final of the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play, with Burns topping Young for his fifth-career PGA Tour victory. The 26-year-old is now ranked No.10 in the world on the back of his three PGA Tour titles in the last 12 months. Burns, of Shreveport, Louisiana, is ranked No.8 in the FedExCup.
Young, meanwhile, continues his impressive early-career effort on the PGA Tour. His second-place result at the Match Play was his sixth career runner-up finish. Young, from Scarborough, New York, is the reigning PGA Tour Rookie of the Year and is ranked 14th in the world.
Both Burns and Young, who were members of the victorious United States’ President Cup squad, were added to RBC’s impressive roster of ambassadors in November.
The RBC Canadian Open is one of the most highly anticipated events on the PGA Tour, attracting top golfers from around the world. The tournament has a rich history dating back to 1904 and has been won by some of the greatest names in golf, including Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Rory McIlroy – the two-time defending champion.
More player announcements will be made in the weeks leading up to tournament week. Players have until 5 p.m. ET on Friday, June 2 to commit to the event.
For information on tickets, volunteer opportunities and corporate hospitality, visit www.rbccanadianopen.com.
TORONTO, March 23, 2023 — RBC is pleased to announce seven-time Grammy Award-winning Canadian icon Alanis Morissette as the headliner for Saturday night at the 2023 RBCxMusic Concert Series. The headliner for Friday night will be announced soon.
Hosted by RBC and in partnership with Live Nation Canada and Golf Canada, the RBCxMusic Concert Series has seen unforgettable performances from the likes of Maroon 5, Florida Georgia Line, Flo Rida and The Glorious Sons. Performances will take place on the Friday and Saturday evenings of tournament week on site at the iconic Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario, home of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open. Audiences will also enjoy opening acts from First Up with RBCxMusic – a program dedicated to providing emerging Canadian artists with a platform for exposure, funding, education and mentorship opportunities.
Alanis Morissette will close the RBCxMusic Concert Series on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The closing night of the concert series has sold-out every year since it was introduced in 2019.
“It’s always a great feeling to perform back home in Canada,” said Alanis Morissette. “The RBCxMusic Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open is a celebration of live music, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Canadian icon Alanis Morissette as one of our headliners for the RBCxMusic Concert Series at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open,” said Shannon Cole, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “Both music and golf share an incredible power in bringing communities together, and we’re excited to see the continued success of this highly-anticipated event.”
In addition to legendary music performances, spectators can expect the return of other exciting fan-favourite experiences, including The Rink located at the 14th hole, the RBC Avion Visa Sky Lounge (exclusively reserved for Avion Visa cardholders), the RBC Vantage deck, and an enhanced food and beverage area at The Fare Way featuring The Keg.
“The RBCxMusic Concert Series has been a catalyst for growing the RBC Canadian Open into a world class sport and entertainment event. Having an iconic Canadian like Alanis Morissette headline the Saturday night performance will be an outstanding experience for all of our guests,” said Bryan Crawford, Tournament Director, RBC Canadian Open.
Now available on RBCCanadianOpen.com, tickets for Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10 are $110 (plus tax and service charges) and include full day access to the tournament and the RBCxMusic Concert Series. The concert grounds will be located across from the Oakdale Golf and Country Club Clubhouse, and 1st and 10th tee. RBC clients can unlock exclusive tickets and receive a $10 Concert Cash® code redeemable towards a future concert ticket purchase. The event is General Admission / All Ages.
The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) Virtual Summit presented by RBC on Women in Coaching took place March 6, 2023, as part of an ongoing GJAC series intended to help golf journalists across Canada stay connected, as well as to generate discussion and opportunities around important issues in the game.
GJAC Virtual Summits presented by RBC are approximately one hour in length and are recorded for public viewing.
The format consists of a moderated question and answer period, followed by a brief opportunity for questions from attendees. You can watch this one below.
Golf Canada is proud to work alongside GJAC to assist facilitating these Summits.
Panelists for this Summit included:
(Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is thrilled to recognize the winners of its National Facility Awards for Junior Golf from the 2022 season.
The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf were developed to recognize the critical role that golf facilities play in the development of young golfers across Canada. These awards honour the courses and academies that made an especially extraordinary impact on the advancement of junior golf in their communities during the 2022 season.
“We are proud to honour this collection of outstanding golf courses and academies for their extraordinary impact on junior golf,” said Kevin Blue, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. “Advancing golf participation and developing Canada’s next generation of world-class athletes are both important parts of Golf Canada’s mission. These priorities are critical for the long-term health of our sport and require commitment from many industry stakeholders, including the courses where our sport is practiced and played. We are grateful for all facilities across Canada who support junior golf and are eager to celebrate the inaugural class of award winners.”
The winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf will be officially recognized as part of Golf Canada’s 2023 Annual General Meeting being held virtually on March 2 at 1:00pm EST.
The 2022 winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are:
Awarded to the facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs that help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.
This family owned-and-operated course operated programs to support junior golfers of every age group and at every level, including summer golf camps, golf-hockey camps, golf in schools, USGA/LPGA girls golf, and a junior league.
Sawmill Golf Club reserved tee times exclusively for junior golfers during the summer and organized family fun nights to encourage entire families to play golf together. The club also hosted numerous junior golf fundraisers. Its exceptional commitment to junior golf set a powerful example for other facilities.
Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.
Academie de Golf Fred Colgan (AGFC) supported a number of provincial competitors, national competitors, and Team Canada – NextGen players in 2022 including JP Parr, the repeat champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship. AGFC continued its close integration with the provincial development system in Québec and assembled an in-depth staff of coaches to provide comprehensive support for its competitive players.
Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.
Led by an extraordinary role model and junior golf leader in Wayne Allen, Blomidon offered a multitude of programs in 2022 for junior golfers ranging in age from 5 to 18 – including a girls club that features weekly instruction from women coaches. In addition to reserving tee times each day for juniors, Blomidon also executed a unique “close the course for a day” event that catered to junior golfers and their families.
Awarded to a facility that gives back to youth golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.
The Royal Regina Golf Club made a public pledge to increase its support for junior grassroots and competitive opportunities. It followed through on its commitment by stepping up to successfully host the Saskatchewan Junior Golf Championship. Its membership provided robust volunteer and financial support and created a memorable experience for contestants.
Awarded to the facility that hosted the largest number of Youth on Course rounds in the calendar year.
Shaganappi Point, a municipal course in Calgary, led the country by hosting a total of 1,832 Youth on Course rounds in 2022. Youth on Course golfers paid $5 for their green fees – a price that was made possible by over $13,000 in green fee subsidies.
Awarded to a First Tee Canada program location that demonstrates excellent enrollment in First Tee programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.
Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire hosted 66 youth participants for in-depth and fun First Tee sessions during the inaugural season of First Tee – Québec in 2022. Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire also facilitated two field trips from local schools who were operating First Tee in their physical education classes.
Nomination and Selection process
From September 1 until October 31 of 2022, all individual members and facility members of Golf Canada were able to nominate facilities for each award category.
All nominations were reviewed and feedback about nominees was provided by members of the Golf Industry Advisory Council, Sport Committee, and Amateur Championships Committee. Final award selections were made by Golf Canada staff.
Nominations for the 2023 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are expected to open in September.
(Golf Canada) – A trio of accomplished contributors and volunteers will be acknowledged for their tremendous efforts in and around the game as the 2023 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.
Long-time Golf Canada volunteers Catherine (Kay) Thompson of St. John’s, N.L. and Nick Marrone of Toronto, Ont. along with golf journalist and historian Joe McLean of Ottawa, Ont. will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf.
“Golf Canada is thrilled to recognize the long-time contributions of Nick Marrone and Kay Thompson, along with the written and historical work of Joe, and honour them as our 2023 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “The effort put forth by this year’s honourees have been incredibly impactful to golf in their communities as well as at the provincial and national level. They’ve all left an indelible mark on golf in Canada and with great respect we honour each of them for their passion for this great game.”
Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually since 1993 to recognize individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Canadian golf either nationally or within their community.
The announcement of the 2023 Distinguished Service Award honourees coincides with Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually on Thursday, March 2 at 1:00pm EST.
The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated in person at locations to be determined.
Nick Marrone (Volunteer)
Nick Marrone of Toronto, Ont., is a past member of the Golf Canada Board of Directors. His contributions to Golf Canada date back to the early 1990s when he was the sponsorship and marketing lead at Bell Canada when the company sponsored the Canadian Open. Marrone joined the Canadian Olympic Committee as its head of marketing in 2000 where he worked with National Sport Federations on their marketing campaigns. It was this experience that prompted Golf Canada to recruit Marrone to join its Governor’s Council in 2010 and later the Sport Committee. Marrone was also an experienced committee member, serving on or chairing numerous including Sport (2011-15), Communications (2013-17), Professional Championships (2013-17), Membership (2012-13), and HR (2014-15).
Marrone also supported Golf Ontario on several committees and was a three-year member of the Board of Directors with Golf Canada. He continues to serve Golf Canada today as a member of the Governor’s Council and Nominating Committee.
Catherine (Kay) Thompson (Volunteer)
Kay Thompson of St. John’s, N.L. has served on several Golf Canada committees and has been a nationally certified rules official and referee since 2003. Over two decades, Thompson has worked approximately 30 Golf Canada events – mostly in Atlantic Canada – as a rules official, rules chair, tournament chair, and starter/scorer. Although Thompson did not start playing golf until she was nearly 50, she immediately got involved with club and provincial boards along with learning the Rules of Golf. Thompson is a founding member of a pair of tournaments, formerly a co-author of a weekly golf rules column, and was the rules chair or referee for numerous championships in her home province. Thompson is a multi-year recipient of the Golf Newfoundland-Labrador Official of the Year and in 2017 was named the Golf NL Volunteer of the Year.
Joe McLean (Media)
Joe McLean, of Ottawa, Ont., was a near 30-year contributor to Flagstick Golf Magazine, supporting the coverage and storytelling of golf in the Ottawa Valley. He retired in 2022. McLean, 74, first began working with the Ottawa Valley Golf Association in 1983 and has been its historian and archivist since 2000. After spending 31 years as a public health inspector (he retired in 2001), McLean has given back to golf in Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley in an unparalleled way. It took a top-secret effort – since McLean is the committee’s co-chair – but the Ottawa Valley Golf Hall of Fame named him as an inductee in 2022.
With more than five decades of commitment to golf in New Brunswick, Astle will be recognized during Golf Canada’s 2023 Annual General Meeting
(Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Judy Astle of New Brunswick has been named the 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year.
“Golf Canada could not operate its tournaments, events, or initiatives without volunteers, and we are very proud to recognize Judy Astle for her deep and continued contribution to golf,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “Judy has supported golf in New Brunswick in countless ways, all with a big smile on her face, and she has continued to have an impact on the advancement of the sport in New Brunswick and beyond.”
The Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award is named in recognition of Toronto native Bruce Mitchell who, in 2017-18, was the first Canadian to serve as captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A). Born in Victoria and raised in Edmonton, the former President of the Toronto Golf Club and R&A member since 1988 was just the ninth internationally-appointed captain of the R&A, one of the most prestigious volunteer positions in the world of golf. Duties as captain included representing the R&A as a global ambassador and aiding in the R&A’s effort to develop golf around the world.
Now in its 17th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community.
JUDY ASTLE
Judy Astle has dedicated countless hours, days, and weeks of her time to serve a variety of positions within the Province of New Brunswick over the past 50 years.
She has been a volunteer rules official, board member with the New Brunswick Golf Association (and formerly the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association), the director of junior development, and most recently, the president of Golf New Brunswick.
She has impacted the lives of thousands of people in New Brunswick and beyond as a teacher, coach, mentor, organizer, and official and executive member. Judy has also been a full-time paramedic since 1995 and while she’s juggled her teaching, coaching, family, and volunteer commitments she continues to balance all that with her Ambulance New Brunswick shifts. On top of that, she’s also a rules official for all provincial tournaments and Golf Canada and PGA of Canada national events.
Beyond Judy’s efforts at local, provincial, and national levels, plus her responsibilities as association president, paramedic, mother, and grandmother, Judy has a perfect attendance record at Golf NB events for over six years where she’s served as either a rules chair or official.
The Astle, N.B. resident helped guide Golf NB as its president through the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and shut-down of almost all events and activities plus the re-introduction of programs as golf was deemed a safe thing to participate in. During the final stages of her extended term as President of Golf NB, Judy launched ‘Golf Fore Everyone’ – the mantra behind the association’s new strategic plan for the next three years, along with a new brand identity. Beyond golf, Judy’s community contributions include a 37-year teaching career as well as nearly 25 years as a paramedic. A recipient of both the Order of New Brunswick and the Queen’s Platinum Jubiliee, Judy (along with her late husband) is most proud of their four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
FootJoy is the undisputed #1 Shoe in Golf, a brand that has been trusted by players at all levels of the game for 100 years because of a singular dedication to the game of golf and a relentless commitment to performance innovation, style, comfort and quality.
As part of this unwavering commitment, FootJoy is introducing the new HyperFlex and HyperFlex Carbon golf shoes. Finely tuned to empower the golfer athlete, HyperFlex delivers hyper power, hyper control and hyper fit for men and women.
“The new HyperFlex and HyperFlex Carbon offer Tour-proven enhancements within the athletic silo, delivering unquestioned innovation, comfort, stability and a visual design aesthetic that celebrates performance technology for the golfer athlete,” said Patrick Trubiano, Director of Product Management, FJ Footwear. “This product will excite current HyperFlex wearers and those looking to add more power to their game.”
Several Tour players have already made the switch to incorporate HyperFlex golf shoes in practice and in play at tournaments around the world.
Available at retail starting March 1, 2023.
Learn more at www.footjoy.ca.
The updated version of the Rules of Golf came into effect January 1st and to complement the rollout, golf’s governing bodies have published two important publications to communicate the updates.
These two publications cover the rules of golf and provide helpful insights for those involved in the game.
The Rules of Golf is the primary publication for officials and the main resource for players, golf club committees and referees. It covers the rules and includes updates and amendments from the 2019 edition.
The second publication, The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf 2023, provides context and sample scenarios for the rules, as well as clarifications and procedures for committees to follow. The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf essentially acts as a guidebook. Committees and officials will find information on the Rules, its clarifications, and any appropriate supporting procedures. It will act as a vital resource document intended as a supplementary publication for golf administrators, referees, officials and players.
“The 2023 Rules have a focus on making the rules easier to understand and more accessible with an emphasis on inclusion and sustainability,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada’s Director of Amateur Championships and Rules. “The use of gender-neutral terms and the inclusion of Rule 25: Modifications for Players with Disabilities shows the games efforts on welcoming golfers of all abilities and demographics. Equally, there has been a reduction in the number of publications printed, encouraging casual golfers to utilize the Rules of Golf online or through the R&A app.”
Where to purchase them?
Golf Canada is the authorized distributor for The Rules of Golf Publications in Canada.
You will be able to access digital copies of both publications here.
The Rules of Golf and The Official Guide to Golf can also be purchased online using the links below;
Click here to buy the Rules of Golf
Click here to buy the Official Guide
Golf Canada provides both publications in English and French.
Note; The printed publications of the Rules of Golf and Official Guide are intended for golf administrators, referees and officials and rules enthusiasts.
In an effort to be more sustainable, please consider accessing the Rules of Golf for free through digital channels either on golfcanada.ca/rules, by visiting randa.org or usga.org/rules. Full updates to the official Rules of Golf digital applications are available now.