CPKC Women's Open

SickKids Foundation named official charity partner for 2019 CP Women’s Open

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TORONTO – Canadian Pacific (CP) and Golf Canada today announced that SickKids Foundation has been chosen as the primary charity partner for the 2019 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open.

The 2019 CP Women’s Open will see Canadian sensation and CP ambassador Brooke Henderson defend her national golf title against the top LPGA Tour players in the world from August 19-25 at Magna Golf Club, in Aurora, Ont.

“CP is elated to be working with SickKids Foundation through the 2019 CP Women Open,” said CP’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Keith Creel. “This is a natural partnership as CP is focused on giving back through our community investment program, CP Has Heart, and SickKids Foundation is focused on helping young hearts across Ontario – a province that has been integral to our network for more than 130 years.”

This year, CP will be working with Kyle Hayhoe, a child ambassador for SickKids Foundation. Kyle was cared for at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) for four months after he was diagnosed with a hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy at only seven weeks old and required a heart transplant. Now, when Kyle isn’t attending his regular check-ups with the heart transplant, respiratory and nephrology teams at SickKids, he can be found on the golf course perfecting his swing.

Funds raised through the CP Women’s Open will go towards renovating a Cardiac Operating Suite at SickKids.  In addition, CP is also proud to support our tournament host community this year. CP will make a donation of $250,000 to Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ont. to support paediatric cardiac care.

“We appreciate the generous support of the community and are extremely grateful to our partners CP, Golf Canada and the CP Women’s Open,” said SickKids Foundation CEO, Ted Garrard. “Funds raised through this partnership will help continue to advance cardiac care that will deliver better outcomes for our patients who come from all across Canada, for many years to come.”

In the five years of CP’s title sponsorship of the CP Women’s Open, $8.5 million has been raised to support children’s heart health in Canada. This will mark the third time in six years southern Ontario has hosted the CP Women’s Open resulting in more than $3.3 million dollars invested in London (2014 – $1.3 million) and Ottawa (2016 – $2 million)

“I can’t say enough about the incredible work CP does through the CP Has Heart campaign – they are an absolute terrific partner who are helping to make a meaningful impact in the lives of countless Canadians,” said Golf Canada’s CEO, Laurence Applebaum. “Tournament week will be a fantastic showcase of world-class golf and charitable giving in support of SickKids Foundation.”

In 2018, Brooke Henderson became the first Canadian to win the country’s National Open Championship in 45 years, shooting 65 in the final-round for a four-stroke victory at the CP Women’s Open in Regina, Sask. Jocelyne Bourassa was the last Canadian to win the event, when she was crowned Canadian champion in 1973.

“On behalf of all Canadian golf fans, I’m eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see Canadian golf superstar Brooke Henderson defend her title,” added Applebaum.

This is the first time the Greater Toronto Area will play host to a major LPGA Tour event since 2001, when the event was held at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham. The 2019 CP Women’s Open will run August 19-25, 2019 at Magna Golf Club in Aurora.

Tickets and corporate hosting are available for purchase at www.cpwomensopen.com.

Amateur Team Canada

Canada’s Thibault to play inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur

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AUGUSTA, GA – The field for the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship is taking shape as the tournament announced the first 66 players who accepted invitations into the 72-player field for the April 3-6 event.

Included in the field announcement is Team Canada member Brigitte Thibault. The 20-year-old, who is a native of Rosemère, Que., is currently the highest ranked Canadian (221) on the Women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings. Thibault, a sophomore at Fresno State, will tee it up at 11:12 a.m. ET in Wednesday’s opening round.

Other commitments include three players who earned their exemptions by winning recognized events, 55 qualifiers from the final Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking of 2018 and eight committee picks. The remaining spots will be filled by the tournament committee.

Making the field of 72 seemed like a long shot to Thibault, who needed to be in the 30 highest ranked players not from the United States and not otherwise qualified, based on the final women’s world amateur golf ranking of 2018.

Thibault was therefore surprised when she was leaving the gym on Jan. 17 and got a call from an anonymous number. It was a tournament official offering her a spot at the elite amateur event.

“I was so excited that I wanted to hang up so I could cry,” said Thibault, now ranked 197th. “I didn’t want to cry on the phone and so I was trying to keep calm but I was just super excited.

“When the call ended, the only people I could tell was my family. So I couldn’t tell anyone for five whole days so everyone was asking me ‘why are you so excited?’ but I couldn’t say anything.”

 

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Not every day you get invited to play #augustanational ⛳️ #TeamCanada’s @bri.thib will be among 66 players to tee-it-up in the inaugural @anwagolf from April 3-6 prior to @themasters ?

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Forty of the top 50 women’s amateurs in the world, including five of the top 10, are set to tee it up,

(Starting this year, winners of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur will receive a five-year exemption into the championship.)

The first 36 holes of the 54-hole Augusta National Women’s Amateur will be played at Champions Retreat Golf Club with the top 30 and ties making the cut and competing at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6. Players who qualify for the final round will play in a practice round at Augusta National on April 5.

NBC will broadcast the final round from noon-3 p.m. ET with Golf Channel providing highlights, live reports and news coverage during the event.

The magnitude of the event is not lost on Thibault.

“It still feels surreal,” said Thibault. “It was always a dream of mine, but it was not possible because I’m a woman. That’s why this dream was not unrealistic, but not possible, because the rules of the course was that it was men’s only.

“The fact that they took the first step in including women on this huge platform, when it’s been on everyone’s bucket list, I thought it was great.”

Tickets to the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur are sold out following an online ticket application process. No tickets will be available at the gates.

Click here for more info on the event, including a look at all the players currently in the field.

RBC Canadian Open

Rory McIlroy to make first-ever start in 2019 RBC Canadian Open

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Rory McIlroy ( Mike Ehrmann/ Getty Images))

OAKVILLE, ON (Golf Canada) – Today, RBC and Golf Canada announced that world ranked No. 4 – Rory McIlroy – will compete in the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, June 3-9 at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

Fresh off an impressive victory at the 2019 PLAYERS Championship, McIlroy joins an already strong field of players, including world No. 1 and Team RBC Ambassador Dustin Johnson, alongside team members Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker.

“I‘m really excited to play in my first  RBC Canadian Open,” said McIlroy. “There continues to be a lot of momentum around this historic tournament, with a new date, new location and now a new concert series. I’ve had the opportunity to see the passion that Canada has for our sport and I look forward to seeing the energy of Canadian golf fans first hand. I’m also looking forward to squaring off with DJ, Adam and the rest of Team RBC for Canada’s National Open Championship.”

The 29-year old international superstar from Northern Ireland currently holds the No. 1 spot on the 2019 FedEx Cup Ranking. His results also include:

  • Four-time Major Champion (US Open 2011, PGA Championship 2012, 2014, and The Open Championship 2014)
  • Two-time WGC Champion (2014, 2015) and 2019 The PLAYERS Champion
  • 15-time PGA TOUR Winner including 2016 FedEx Cup Champion, 24 worldwide wins overall
  • Five appearances (four Team Europe wins) in the biennial Ryder Cup
  • Two-time PGA TOUR Player of the Year (2012 and 2014)
  • Three-time Race to Dubai Champion (2012, 2014 and 2015)
  • Held world #1 in Official World Golf Ranking for 95 weeks over his career

“Rory is one of the game’s most accomplished and iconic young stars – his win at THE PLAYERS Championship this past weekend was incredible,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “We are so pleased that he has added the 2019 RBC Canadian Open to his schedule and are looking forward to giving him a warm welcome to Canada for his first-ever start at the tournament. I’m sure that Canadian golf fans, young and old, will show him our enthusiasm for this great sport.”


Tickets for the RBC Canadian Open are available HERE.


McIlroy’s commitment to play in his first RBC Canadian Open builds on an earlier announcement this week introducing a two-night RBCxMusic Concert Series at the tournament. The concerts will feature Grammy nominated and internationally acclaimed duo Florida Georgia Line on Friday, June 7, and JUNO award-winning homegrown rock band The Glorious Sons on Saturday, June 8.

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Welcome to the RBC Canadian Open, @rorymcilroy – see you in JUNE! ?? #SummersOpen #RBCCO

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“We have seen incredible momentum for the 2019 RBC Canadian Open with the move to our new June date,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “The exciting news that Rory McIlroy will be joining the field at Canada’s National Open Championship will be really special for golf fans at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club. Together with RBC, our goal has always been to continually elevate this tournament, for players and golf fans alike. Having Rory join other big names like Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson and Jim Furyk will no doubt make this a ground-breaking year at our Open.”

In the coming weeks, additional players, including Canadians and tournament exemptions, will be announced. PGA TOUR players have until Friday, May 31 to commit to the field of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open.

More information about the 2019 RBC Canadian Open including tickets, corporate hospitality and volunteer information is available at www.rbccanadianopen.com.

RBC Canadian Open

Florida Georgia Line and The Glorious Sons set to headline new RBCxMusic concert series at 2019 RBC Canadian Open

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HAMILTON, March 19, 2019 — RBCxMusic, in partnership with Golf Canada, is pleased to announce a new concert series, featuring Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed duo, Florida Georgia Line (FGL), and JUNO award winners and homegrown rock band, The Glorious Sons, taking place at the 2019 RBC Canadian Open.

The concert series will be held on the iconic grounds of the Hamilton Golf and Country Club on June 7 and 8, 2019, and will offer an enhanced experience for golf fans, music lovers and players alike.

Global entertainers Florida Georgia Line are well known for their innovative artistry and chart-topping songs – including their 16th #1 hit “Simple” and breakout 11X-PLATINUM smash “Cruise.” Their fourth studio album CAN’T SAY I AIN’T COUNTRY (BMLG Records) recently arrived, racking up over 473,000 album consumption globally to date, and debuting at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The project features current chart-rising single “Talk You Out of It.” The pair will launch their North American 2019 CAN’T SAY I AIN’T COUNTRY TOUR this summer. Canadians will have the opportunity to see FGL live in concert at the RBC Canadian Open on June 7, 2019 – their only Canadian stop this year.

“We’ve always had an epic time performing in Canada,” says FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. “Our Canadian fans sure know how to bring the party!”

FGL’s Brian Kelley adds, “We just can’t wait to be back and play our new songs!”

“This is exciting news”, said Team RBC ambassador and PGA TOUR professional Dustin Johnson. “I’m a big fan of Florida Georgia Line, and this concert series is a great opportunity to open up this tournament to a whole new fan base.”

In addition, The Glorious Sons, hailing from Kingston, ON, will be performing on Saturday June 8th, 2019 at the concert series. The band have ten consecutive top-10 songs on Canadian Rock radio including the Gold-certified single “Everything Is Alright”, and recently enjoyed four weeks at #1 on the U.S. rock charts with their hit single “S.O.S. (Sawed Off Shotgun)”. They are currently on their headline “S.O.S. Tour” in the United States, which has included sell-out performances in Philadelphia, Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver and Buffalo.”

 

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Ladies and gentleman, give it up for @floridageorgialine AND @theglorioussons! ?⛳️ – @RBCxMusic Concert Series to take place June 7-8 @hamiltongolfandcountryclub

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“It’s very exciting to have Florida Georgia Line and The Glorious Sons perform at this year’s RBC Canadian Open,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “We are committed to creating an unforgettable fan experience, and our new concert series is a unique opportunity to connect golf and music fans of all ages.”

Tickets are all-inclusive: your tournament day pass is your concert ticket.

“Adding the Concert Series is another special moment in continuing to elevate the RBC Canadian Open experience, and welcoming new audiences to the golf course,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “We are thrilled that RBC has integrated the RBCxMusic platform with their incredible support of the RBC Canadian Open.”

The RBC Canadian Open’s return to the historic Harry Colt designed course in 2019 is timed perfectly – marking the 100-year anniversary since the renowned club originally first hosted the Open. This year will be the sixth time the Hamilton Golf and Country Club has played host to Canada’s National Open Championship (1919, 1930, 2003, 2006 and 2012).

In addition to the concert series, the tournament will feature new spectator enhancements, including a local foodie and patio experience, junior initiatives, the RBC Hall of Fame Day celebration and the return of The Rink, awarded 2018 best-in-class element by the PGA TOUR. 

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m and will be available for purchase at RBCCanadianOpen.com. Tickets are $75 (plus taxes and service charges). The event is General Admission / All Ages. Your tournament day pass is your concert ticket.

PGA TOUR

PGA TOUR allows players to wear shorts

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Jimmy Walker (Warren Little/Getty Images)

Branden Grace showed up on the putting green at Chapultepec Golf Club wearing pants, just like always.

He got the memo too late.

The PGA Tour, taking a page from the European Tour, has decided to let its players wear shorts during practice rounds and Pro-Ams. The announcement was posted in the locker room at the Puerto Rico Open and at the Mexico Championship on Monday.

Players still must have shorts that are knee length, tailored and “neat in appearance.”

Grace was in Los Angeles last week and didn’t put any such shorts in his suitcase. And maybe that’s a good thing. He raised his pants to show a pair of very white legs.

“I need a week in Florida to get some sun on these out-of-bounds stakes,” Grace said.

Europe began allowing shorts in practice rounds three years ago, while the PGA Championship allowed them in 2017 at Quail Hollow. Players still must wear pants during competition rounds.

Rules and Rants

R&A and USGA release clarifications to Rule 10.2b

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Denny McCarthy talks with caddie Derek Smith (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The R&A and the USGA have provided two clarifications to Rule 10.2b(4) regarding restrictions on caddies standing behind players which take immediate effect.

The purpose of Rule 10.2 is to reinforce the fundamental challenge of making a stroke and to limit the advice and other help a player may receive during a round.

Rule 10.2b(4) ensures that aiming at the intended target is a challenge that the player must overcome alone. It states:

“When a player begins taking a stance for the stroke and until the stroke is made, the player’s caddie must not deliberately stand in a location on or close to the player’s line of play behind the ball for any reason. If the player takes a stance in breach of this Rule, he or she cannot avoid penalty by backing away. 

Exception – Ball on Putting Green: When the player’s ball is on the putting green, there is no penalty under this Rule if the player backs away from the stance and does not begin to take the stance again until after the caddie has moved out of that location.”

The two clarifications provided today can be summarized as follows:

  • Meaning of “Begins Taking a Stance for the Stroke”: If a player backs away from a stance, the player is not considered to have begun a “stance for the stroke”. Therefore, a player can now back away from his or her stance anywhere on the course and avoid a breach of Rule 10.2b(4) if the caddie had been standing in a location behind the ball.
  • Examples of When a Caddie is Not “Deliberately” Standing Behind the Ball When a Player Begins Taking Stance for Stroke: As written, the Rule does not apply if a caddie is not deliberately standing behind a player. It is clarified that the term deliberately” requires a caddie to be aware that 1) the player is beginning to take a stance for the stroke to be played and 2) he or she (the caddie) is standing on or close to an extension of the line of play behind the ball. Several examples are given in the clarification to provide additional guidance.

The complete language to the two major clarifications can be found by clicking here.

These clarifications confirm the recent rulings given in relation to Rule 10.2b(4).

Clarifications provide additional guidance on a Rule based on the circumstances that may arise in applying it. They are part of an ongoing list provided to players and referees.

“These clarifications are designed to improve the operation of the Rule and give the players more opportunity to avoid a breach while remaining true to the purpose of the Rule,” said David Rickman, Executive Director – Governance at The R&A. “We appreciate that this requires some players and caddies to make an adjustment but we believe there is widespread acceptance that it is for the player alone to line up a shot.”

“Experience has taught us that introducing a new Rule requires us to balance patience with a willingness to act quickly when necessary,” said Thomas Pagel, USGA senior managing director of governance. “With so many pivotal changes to the Rules this year, we’ve committed to offering any assistance needed in making the Rules easier to understand and apply, without taking away the inherent challenge of playing the game. We appreciate that everyone involved in drafting these clarifications worked together with this same goal in mind.”

A spirit of collaboration has been central to the initiative to modernise golf’s Rules since it began in 2012 and The R&A and the USGA consulted with various entities in the game, including the LPGA Tour, the European Tour and the PGA TOUR, to ensure an appropriate level of guidance has been given through these clarifications.

A full list of clarifications to golf’s new Rules can be found on www.randa.org and will be incorporated into The R&A’s and USGA’s respective Rules of Golf apps later this year.

Golf’s new Rules were finalized in March 2018, following a worldwide comment period and testing.  Educational materials can be found at www.randa.org.

Brooke Henderson

Henderson WDs from Australia event with illness

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Brooke Henderson (Getty Images)

VICTORIA, Australia – Canada’s Brooke Henderson has pulled out of the ISPS Handa Vic Open due to an undisclosed illness.

Henderson made the announcement on Sunday, four days before the opening round of the first full event of the LPGA Tour’s season.

The Smiths Falls, Ont., tied with Stacy Lewis for sixth at 8 under at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions on Jan. 20, an event limited to winners over the last two seasons.

It’s the first time the ISPS Handa Vic Open in Victoria, Australia is being held.

19th Hole

Levelwear adds Grillo to growing stable of PGA TOUR athletes

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during the second round of the Sony Open In Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on January 11, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Canadian apparel brand Levelwear has announced the addition of Top 50 golfer in the World, Emiliano Grillo to their growing stable of PGA TOUR athletes. The multi-year agreement will see Grillo wear Levelwear’s premium collection of polos, pullovers, and pants while competing on the PGA TOUR alongside fellow ambassadors Adam Hadwin, Corey Conners and Ted Potter Jr.

“I saw other PGA TOUR players wearing the product and always thought it was very sharp,” said Grillo. “In the off season, I had the chance to review a number of opportunities and the Levelwear product stood out the most. The product fits me very well and is extremely comfortable to play in no matter the conditions. They have engineered a lot of performance features and styling into the product that I am really enjoying and that I know will assist in elevating my game this year. I am very excited to partner with Levelwear as we both look to achieve new heights in 2019 and beyond.”

This signing signifies the rapid assentation to the upper echelon of the golf apparel landscape for Levelwear. Along with newly formed relationships with the PGA TOUR, the PGA of America, Golf Canada and sponsorships of several top events on TOUR like the newly established Rocket Mortgage Classic, the RBC Canadian Open, among others, Levelwear will have a retail presence at roughly 23 PGA TOUR events this season including two Majors. Additionally Levelwear maintains strong retail relationships with roughly 75 of the top 100 golf clubs throughout North America and can be found at top clubs and resorts coast-to-coast.

“Emiliano is an athlete that we see aligning perfectly with the direction of the Levelwear brand,” added Levelwear President, Hilton Ngo. “He is young, athletic, wears the product beautifully and his world-class game and exciting personality makes him one of the most electrifying players to watch week in and week out. When we engaged his team about the potential partnership it was clear that he was the right guy for us and we couldn’t be more excited to have him as part of the team for years to come.”

Grillo, who was the 2016 Rookie of the Year on the PGA TOUR and who represented his home country of Argentina in the Olympics the same year, now enters his 4th full season on the PGA TOUR. Coming off of a solid 2018 campaign that saw him earn 8 top-10 finishes in 27 events while only missing 2 cuts, he is poised to make the 2019 season his best yet. Already starting the year with runner up finishes at the CIMB Classic and QBE shootout with partner Graham McDowell, Grillo will be looking to add to his 3 professional win total in 2019. His premiere schedule will see him compete in the best events and against the best players every time he tees it up and as a top 50 Player in the Official World Golf Rankings, he has secured his invitation to the 2019 Masters. Grillo will debut the 2019 Levelwear collection at this week’s Farmers Insurance Open.

Levelwear has established enduring business verticals in licensed and team sports, golf apparel, and men’s and women’s lifestyle wear, with core strengths of innovation, decoration, and industry leading service. The company holds licensing partnerships with some of the top global brands, including the NHL and NHLPA, NBA, CFL, AAF, 140 US Colleges, and various soccer properties (Bayern Munich, Paris St. Germain, Juventus, Celtics, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, etc.) globally. At the PGA Merchandising Show in Orlando later this month, Levelwear will unveiled its 2019 collection and their new Swiss fabric technology Smart Temp which is a dynamic cooling system of advanced moisture management triggered by body heat.

For more information, please visit www.levelwear.com.

19th Hole

Titleist introduces new Scotty Cameron Phantom X Putters

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FAIRHAVEN, Mass.Scotty Cameron has created his most technically advanced putter line to date with the 2019 Phantom X family – a collection of nine new modern mallets engineered to take putting performance to the next level.

The Phantom X line presents players with a variety of new mallet setups built around a cohesive mix of five head styles, with multiple shaft bend and alignment options. To maximize MOI, each Phantom X model incorporates multi-material construction featuring precision milled solid aluminum faces integrated with 303 stainless steel heads with enhanced vibration dampening technology.

Available in golf shops worldwide beginning April 5, Phantom X replaces the Futura family while advancing Titleist Master Putter Maker Scotty Cameron’s proven multi-material construction methodology of combining 303 stainless steel and 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum for increased MOI, optimal weight distribution, improved sound and responsive feedback.

“Phantom X is by far the most high tech putter line we’ve designed to date,” said Cameron. “This product is so much faster looking, and taken to the next level, that it needed a new name. It’s a major leap in performance. We’ve designed a variety of flange setups, alignment options and shaft bends to offer mallet players more models to choose from. I was inspired by Tour players who’ve asked for slightly smaller profiles with more alignment options and solid face construction. The engineering has been ramped up to an entirely new level to bring this brand new line to life. Phantom X is the ultimate lineup for mallet players.”

2019 PHANTOM X TECHNOLOGY
The Phantom X line comprises nine modern mallets based on five new, refined and streamlined head shapes – featuring low-bend, mid-bend and straight shaft setups, in addition to a variety of flange orientations and improved alignment cues:

  • FIVE NEW HIGH-TECH, MULTI-MATERIAL HEADS: Each Phantom X putter is a precision milled, multi-component mallet based on one of five new head designs. These models are slightly more compact than their Futura predecessors with sleek, ground-hugging contours that pleasingly angle away from the player to inspire confidence at address, yet still employ aluminum and steel components perfectly matched for optimal shape and weight distribution.
  • TOUR PREFERRED ALIGNMENT: A variety of tour-preferred setups offer multiple alignment options, including: continuous lines from the leading edge all the way back; simple sight dots; raised or stepped down flanges; and wider or “vanishing” toplines. Alignment features have been accentuated with longer, racing-inspired lines and triple milled sight dots highlighted in neon yellow paint to frame the golf ball at address.
  • MULTIPLE SHAFT BEND OPTIONS: With three shaft options – low-bend, mid-bend and straight – offered across the Phantom X line, players have more choices with regard to their preferred amount of toe flow. Phantom X models with “.5” in the name (i.e., 5.5, 7.5 and 8.5) have a shorter, low-bend shaft configuration with one shaft of offset for more toe flow to promote an arc in the putting stroke. The Phantom X 5, 6, 7, 8 and 12 models have a slightly taller, mid-bend shaft for a near-face balanced setup that produces less toe flow than the .5 models. The Phantom X 6STR has a straight shaft with zero offset.
  • SOLID FACE TECHNOLOGY: Each Phantom X mallet is constructed with a standard-milled, 6061 aircraft aluminum face anodized black that extends back and through the flange areas of each model. This results in solid feedback, while preserving the soft feel players prefer.
  • NEW CUSTOM DESIGNED GRIP: The Phantom X line marks the debut of the new Pistolero Plus grip in cement gray with gloss black paintfill. The Pistolero Plus is a modified Pistolero grip with a thicker, less tapered right (low) hand that combines the tour-preferred performance and feel of a rubber Pistolero-style grip with a slightly built-up feel perfectly suited to mallet putters.

2019 PHANTOM X MODELS
The nine new Phantom X models deliver key performance benefits in design, construction, alignment and shaft bend options:

  • Phantom X 5: The evolution of this Tour-proven wingback mallet with a single mid-bend shaft continues with a solid aluminum face anodized in black that extends back into the stepped down flange, framed by misted stainless steel. Three milled topline sight dots painted neon yellow and framed with polished aluminum provide simple but effective alignment to the sweet spot.
  • Phantom X 5.5: Identical in shape to the Phantom X 5, the 5.5 has a lower shaft bend that provides enhanced toe flow for players seeking stability while still creating an arc in the stroke. This bend was inspired by Justin Thomas’ Tour prototype setup and combines some of the feel of a blade putter with the forgiveness benefits of a mallet.
  • Phantom X 6: A face balanced mallet with a single mid-bend shaft provides distinct alignment cues, with two long neon yellow sight lines milled into the stepped down flange, framing three milled sight dots on the misted black anodized topline. Customizable sole weights increase MOI and stability through the stroke.
  • Phantom X 6STR: Constructed without a spud and with zero offset, the straight shafted 6STR produces face balanced performance with a clean and minimalist look at address. The topline sight dots of the Phantom X 6STR are painted neon yellow for easy alignment in conjunction with the extended neon yellow sight lines in the stepped down flange.
  • Phantom X 7: A single mid-bend-shafted, near-face balanced setup, Phantom X 7 features a heel-to-toe tapered aluminum face that is sculpted into a raised center flange for a continuous, connected surface from the leading edge all the way back. Framed by stepped down, angular stainless steel components, the Phantom X7 combines the benefits of long flange sight lines with a semi-traditional topline for easy horizontal and vertical alignment at setup. Also available in a left-handed model.
  • Phantom X 7.5: With a single low-bend shaft crafted to promote enhanced toe flow with forgiveness, the Phantom X 7.5 employs a raised center flange offering a continuous, connected surface accented with neon yellow alignment cues from the leading edge through the back flange. Also available in a left-handed model.
  • Phantom X 8: Inspired by touring professionals seeking a putter with simple visual cues and a continuous transition from leading edge through the back flange, the Phantom X 8 is a sleek, near-face balanced mallet with a single mid-bend shaft. Milled sight dots and neon yellow sight lines perfectly frame the golf ball for seamless alignment without distractions.
  • Phantom X 8.5: Differing from the Phantom X 8 only in shaft bend length and increased toe hang, the Phantom X 8.5 offers players an unbroken, sculpted flange from the putter’s leading edge through the back flange with a single low-bend shaft to promote a slightly arced putting stroke. Alignment is easy with bright visual cues.
  • Phantom X 12: With swept-back wings precision milled from 303 stainless steel, this near-face balanced, high-MOI mallet with a single mid-bend shaft employs the continuous alignment features of the Phantom X line’s full leading-edge-to-flange construction – crafted from aircraft grade aluminum, anodized black and accented with neon yellow sight cues. The ultimate in technology, stability and forgiveness.

PHANTOM X WEIGHTING & SHAFTS
Each new Phantom X putter features advanced stability weighting with two, customizable stainless steel heel-toe weights and stepless steel shafts.

FINISH & GRAPHICS
The Phantom X line’s 6061 aircraft grade aluminum components have been anodized black in a misted finish that helps to reduce sun glare. The 303 stainless steel putter head components have also been misted for a radiant yet glare resistant appearance. Scotty’s familiar three-dot theme carries through to the back cavities of the Phantom X 5, 5.5, 6 and 6STR as unpainted, raw circles revealed by milling away the black anodization. Neon yellow paintfill provides bold visual guidance in sight lines, while sight dots have been double-milled to highlight the neon yellow paintfill with a ring of silver-colored aluminum.

AVAILABILITY
Phantom X putters will be available worldwide on April 12, 2019, through Titleist authorized golf shops starting at $579.99 CAD.

PGA TOUR

Henderson, Hadwin, Rank and Lee named GJAC’s 2018 POY

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Brooke and Brittany Henderson (Bernard Brault/ Golf Canada)

TORONTO – Brooke Henderson’s two LPGA Tour victories in 2018, including her historic win on home soil at the CP Women’s Open, earned her two additional honours to add to her rapidly-expanding resumé.

The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) has announced Henderson, Adam Hadwin, Garrett Rank and Jaclyn Lee as its 2018 Players of the Year as voted by GJAC members across the country. Henderson’s victory at the national open, the first by a Canadian in 45 years, was also voted Canadian Golf Story of the Year by an overwhelming margin.

“GJAC is thrilled to honour these outstanding players and highlight their remarkable accomplishments in the game in 2018,” said David McPherson, GJAC President. “Canadian players continue to produce incredible results at every level of the game and write stories with their achievements that captivate fans from across the country and beyond.”

Henderson’s triumph at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask., which was punctuated by a 72nd hole birdie to give her a four-stroke win over American Angel Yin, was the second win of a two-victory season (her other title came four months earlier at the Lotte Championship) that propelled her to a runner-up finish in the Race to the CME Globe. The 21-year old’s seven LPGA wins put her one title behind Mike Weir, George Knudson and Sandra Post for most all-time by a Canadian professional.

Adam Hadwin was named Male Professional of the Year after continuing his ascendancy as one of the world’s premier players, notching 10 top-25 results for the 2017-18 PGA TOUR season and finishing 36thin the FedExCup Standings. He and fellow Abbotsford, British Columbia product Nick Taylor also lifted Canada to a T4 finish at the World Cup of Golf, the nation’s best finish at the event since 1985.

Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee earned honours as Female Amateur of the Year after a standout season that culminated with a sixth-place finish at the LPGA’s Q-Series, earning her a tour card for her first professional season in 2019. The former Golf Canada National Amateur Team and Ohio State standout had a strong final season as an amateur, reaching the semifinals of the Ladies British Open Amateur Championship and the quarterfinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur.

Finally, Elmira, Ontario’s Garrett Rank earned Male Amateur of the Year honours after a remarkable run that included qualifying for the U.S. Open – earning the NHL Referee widespread attention and media coverage – and victories at the Ontario Mid-Amateur and Ontario Amateur, along with top-three results at the Canadian Amateur and Canadian Mid-Amateur.