IGF announces cancellation of 2020 World Amateur Team Championship due to COVID-19
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The International Golf Federation announced today that the 2020 World Amateur Team Championships scheduled for October have been cancelled due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision follows the IGF’s announcement in February that the biennial event for men and women, originally to be held in Hong Kong, was moving to Singapore due to ongoing social unrest in Hong Kong.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IGF continued to work with the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) to host both competitions at Tanah Merah Country Club and Sentosa Golf Club on the same dates as planned, with the Espirito Santo Trophy for women scheduled from October 14-17 and the Eisenhower Trophy for men from October 21-24.
“This unprecedented decision was due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty that this has caused to ensuring that the 2020 WATC could be staged successfully,” said IGF Executive Director Antony Scanlon. “But most importantly, it was made to safeguard the health and safety of all athletes, officials and volunteers at the 2020 WATC, to which there was no certainty that this risk could be mitigated to an acceptable level.”
“I would also note that we gave thoughtful consideration to postponing the Championships to 2021,” Scanlon continued. “However, this would have created considerable scheduling and logistical issues that were insurmountable, plus we still could not say with absolute certainty that we could hold it without risk next year. Therefore, it is preferred that the IGF look forward to focusing on and delivering a wonderful 2022 event in France.”
Dating back to 1958, the World Amateur Team Championships include up to 72 countries competing in 72 holes of stroke play competition. Each country fields two or three players with the two lowest scores counting per round.
Ontario golf courses can begin preparations to open
TORONTO ― The Ontario government has announced it is allowing certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak.
As part of the announcement which took place this afternoon, Ontario golf courses were granted the ability to prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public. The resolution takes effect Monday, May 4 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
Prior to the announcement, golf facilities could complete essential work that allowed them to preserve their courses, such as mowing and brush clearing. As pointed out in this article by TSN’s Bob Weeks, additional work such as bunker preparation, gardening, stump removal, hiring of seasonal staff and more, will now be permitted.
There is no specific timeline set for Ontario courses to open their doors for play.
On April 27, the government released A Framework for Reopening the Province, which outlines the criteria Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts are using to advise the government on the loosening of emergency measures, as well as guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces.
Alberta relaunch strategy says golf courses can open on May 2
Alberta Golf (Calgary) – Alberta’s Covid-19 relaunch strategy will see golf courses open across the province as early as Saturday, May 2nd. The news delivered by Alberta Premier Jason Kenny during a Thursday afternoon briefing.
Courses will operate under the NAGA-AB protocol document created over the past month. NAGA-AB consists of Alberta Golf, The PGA of Alberta, along with golf course General Managers, Owners and Superintendents.
NAGA-AB President Robert Rousselle said the hard work this past month of the entire golf course industry led to the good news.
“We are excited and support the Government of Alberta position on this afternoon’s announcement. The National Allied Golf Association of Alberta (NAGA-AB’s) role from day one was to be part of the solution at all levels.” Rousselle said.
“We worked closely with all segments of our industry and government to support them with the proper tools to be successful with the prevention of COVID-19 challenges. The opening of the Golf Industry is a positive step forward in helping Albertans with mental health, physical activity and the recovery of our provincial economy. I have to congratulate the NAGA-AB team for the determination and accomplishment for the past month of hard work to develop a robust document to protect our guests, members and industry employees.”
Quebec pro shops welcome to open doors as of May 4
MONTREAL – Golf pro shops will be able to open their doors as of May 4, with the exception of those in the Montréal Metropolitan Community (MMC), which will be able to reopen as of May 11.
This news follows the Québec government’s announcement of April 28 stating that retail businesses with direct access to the outdoors will be able to resume operations.
It is important that shops have a customer entrance that faces a street, parking lot or public road. In addition, health and safety measures for workers and customers will have to be implemented and respected.
The golf industry eagerly awaits the opening of golf courses and practice areas for the benefit of Québec’s numerous golfers. All golf enthusiasts are looking forward to the progressive deconfinement so that they can enjoy the physical and mental benefits associated with the practice of golf.
This first wave of opening will allow golf clubs to implement best practices within their businesses and contribute to the recovery of the local economy.
The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) has made available a toolkit for the retail sector.
Information links:
Service Québec – Procedures for reopening some sectors of the economy (in French)
Manitoba golf courses receive permission to open on May 4
The government of Manitoba has announced that the golf season may begin effective May 4, 2020. Click here for more on the today’s announcement.
For more information on today’s announcement, please click below:
New Brunswick golf courses get green light to open
On Friday, April 24th, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs announced that golf courses will be included in the first phase of business reactivation in New Brunswick.
In his statement, Premier Higgs confirmed golf courses would be able to resume operations under specified restrictions as early as April 24th, 2020.
- CLICK HERE for the latest COVID-19 Update from the Province of New Brunswick
Golf NB is currently in consultation with the Province of New Brunswick, member clubs and partner associations to ensure the health and safety of players and staff remains a top priority as golf courses in the province open in the upcoming weeks.
Golf courses named in phase one of Saskatchewan “re-open”
Golf courses in Saskatchewan will be allowed to open for play on May 15.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe made the announcement on Thursday during part of the province’s plan to “re-open” following shutdowns brought on by COVID-19.
On March 26, courses were named as “non-allowable” businesses and told to close. No courses were open to play but several across Saskatchewan closed their year-round restaurants or banquet services due to the spread of the virus. Moe said during the announcement the government is trying to find balance of health and safety.
“We have to find the middle ground that continues to keep our case numbers low and keep Saskatchewan people safe while at the same time allowing for businesses to reopen and Saskatchewan people to get back to work,” Moe said.
Every province across Canada had shut down golf except British Columbia. Courses could use their own discretion. The clubs were allowing play with conditions regarding social distancing and other measures, the same will be for Saskatchewan.
Courses will need to adhere to these mandates:
- Physical distancing
- One person to a cart (walking encouraged)
- Raised cups with flags in
- No walk-ons, all players must have tee times
- Tee times 20 minutes apart
- Rakes and ball washers removed
- Public washrooms will be closed
- Driving ranges and putting greens closed
- Locker rooms closed
The Government of Saskatchewan has their five phase plan laid out here and distributed a “Re-Open Plan.” More golf course guidelines can be found on page 35.
Courses will need to keep their restaurants closed for seating, curbside pickup will be allowed. Eating and licensed establishments such as clubhouses are included in phase 3 of the reopen plan but no date was given. Public gatherings are still restricted to under 10.
Golf Saskatchewan, as part of the allied golf associations, has been working with the government (Canadian Society of Club Managers – Saskatchewan Branch, National Golf Course Owners Association Canada – Prairie Chapter, Professional Golfers Association of Canada – Saskatchewan Zone, and Saskatchewan Turfgrass Association) with the hopes of reopening the sport of golf safely during the pandemic. Golf Saskatchewan executive director Brian Lee said he’s pleased the announcement, but safety is still top priority for the people of the province.
“We are pleased with the outcome of today’s announcements. The Government of Saskatchewan’s Business Response Team was great to work with during the lead up to the announcement today. The allied golf associations look forward to working with the Government of Saskatchewan in the days ahead to ensure the health and safety of all the stakeholders and participants as our sport reopens, under the COVID-19 procedures and guidelines,” Lee stated.
Golf Saskatchewan’s provincial championship schedule has not been modified as of today, but will review our procedures and rules for our events in the coming days and weeks. The start of the official season was April 15, scoring for the new World Handicap System will begin when courses open.
Parks and campgrounds will be open on June 1.
Click here to view Golf Canada’s COVID-19 Resource Page.
Golf Canada announces event cancellations and postponements
With heightened uncertainty and global concern related to COVID-19, Golf Canada continues to evaluate all aspects of our business to operate and make informed and responsible decisions within the best interests of our athletes, staff, volunteers, host clubs, partners and other stakeholders health and well-being.
Today (March 30, 2020), Golf Canada is announcing its decision to cancel or postpone the events listed below.
Golf Canada has cancelled the following 2020 NextGen Championships:
- NextGen Pacific | May 14-17 | Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, Qualicum Beach, B.C.
- NextGen Ontario | May 21-24 | Listowel Golf Club, Listowel, Ont.
- NextGen Western | May 27-30 | River Spirit Golf Club, Calgary, Alta.
- NextGen Québec | June 4-7 | Owl’s Head Golf Club, Mansonville, Qué.
Golf Canada has postponed the following 2020 RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers:
- Ontario Qualifier | May 14 | TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, Caledon, Ont.
- British Columbia Qualifier | May 19 | Meadow Gardens Golf Club, Pitt Meadows, B.C.
- Québec Qualifier | May 21 | Club de golf Pinegrove, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qué.
Golf Canada has also decided to postpone the 2020 Canadian University/College Championship:
Canadian University/College Championship | May 24-28 | Club de golf Les Quatre Domaines, Mirabel, Qué.
Golf Canada has cancelled all National Rules and Course Ratings Seminars:
- National Rules Seminar (BC) | March 27-29 | Marine Drive Golf Club, Vancouver, B.C.
- National Rules Seminar (NB) | March 27-29 | Royal Oaks Golf Club, Moncton, N.B.
- National Rules Seminar (ON) | April 3-5 | St. George’s Golf & Country Club, Toronto, Ont.
- National Rules Seminar (QC) | April 24-26 | Elm Ridge Country Club, Montreal, Qué.
- National Rules Seminar (SK) | April 24-26 | Riverside Country Club, Saskatoon, Sask.
- National Course Rating Seminar April 26-27
The USGA previously announced the cancellation of local (first stage) qualifying for the 2020 U.S. Open in its current form. They are working with their Allied Golf Association (AGA) partners and International Federations to redesign qualifying going forward.
The decision to cancel or postpone these events was not taken lightly, but given unprecedented times, we believe it is the best course of action. The safety and well-being of our championship competitors, tournament staff and volunteers along with our host site members and staff are paramount to Golf Canada. We also appreciate that all Canadians are dealing with health and travel concerns along with more pressing matters of uncertainty.
We share in the disappointment of those affected and thank all for their understanding during this extraordinary time.
A complete list of Golf Canada’s competitions is available here.
Canada’s Celeste Dao wins first collegiate event, leads Georgia to title
Georgia Bulldogs women’s golf coach Josh Brewer has long believed that Celeste Dao is a special player.
She proved him right this week.
Dao, from Notre-Dame-de-L’Ile-Perrot, Que., won the Gold Rush golf tournament on Tuesday, finishing 7-under 209, a shot better than teammate Caterina Don. The Bulldogs placed three players in the NCAA event’s top four to run away with the team title, besting second-place Fresno State by 23 strokes.
Playing a shotgun start, Dao’s coaches and teammates first had to track her down on the course at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, Calif., to tell her she had won and led the team to victory. Once Dao’s teammates had chased her down they all hugged to celebrate her first collegiate win.
“I think it says a lot about Celeste that when she was giving her victory speech she congratulated her team just 30 seconds into her speech on winning the team title,” Brewer said. “I’m just lucky as a coach to have an individual who is able to step back and say ‘what wonderful teammates I have.’
“That’s why the reaction was the way it was when she had won and she gave it right back to them.”
Dao, a graduate of Team Canada’s National Junior Squad, was named the SEC Freshman of the Week for women’s golf on Wednesday following the victory.
It’s the same sort of class that impressed Brewer when he first met Dao.
She had already won the Quebec Women’s Amateur title in 2017, and then the Mexican Junior Girls Championship and the Canadian Junior Girls Championship in 2018 when she and her family dropped in on Brewer at the University of Georgia’s campus in Athens. They spent 90 minutes together before parting company and then Brewer attended a nearby junior tournament Dao was competing in.
Brewer had already planned to attend the event for recruiting purposes and to support some of his student-athletes but followed Dao for a few holes.
She struggled in the first round of that event but then bounced back with rounds in the high 60s. That piqued Brewer’s interest.
“We both had good first impressions and the relationship just grew from there,” Brewer said. “She’s very upbeat, positive. Just works hard as far her golf game and is wanting to play professional golf, which we want.
“We want people who have big dreams and she wants to be the next Brooke Henderson, write her own chapter in women’s golf for Canada.”
Dao, an 18-year-old freshman, got better each round at the Gold Rush this week, shooting a 71-70-68. Brigitte Thibault of Rosemere, Que., who was named the 2019 female amateur of the year by the Golf Journalists Association of Canada, was 14th for Fresno State.
Brewer was impressed with Dao’s poise at the Gold Rush, holding on to her second-round lead.
“I would be fibbing if I didn’t say I didn’t know how she would respond. First time in that position, on a collegiate level,” Brewer said. “I think she handled the atmosphere well.
“It’s hard to close when you’re leading. I know she battled to the end and it was a tough one-shot victory. But again, winning in this sport is always to make par too when you’re coming down the stretch and you have a lead but she found a way to do it.”
Golf Canada releases 2020 championship schedule
OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2020 championship schedule which includes 29 amateur and professional competitions hosted at member clubs across Canada.
The 2020 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s premier professional championships – the RBC Canadian Open from June 8-14 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto, Ont. (in partnership with Islington Golf Club), and the CP Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, B.C., from Aug. 31 – Sept 6.
The competition calendar includes eight National Amateur Championships, eight NextGen junior competitions and the World Junior Girls Championship.
Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships as part of its mandate to promote the sport and support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition. In 2020, Golf Canada will celebrate its 125th anniversary with activities and celebrations planned throughout the championship season.
“Competing in a national championship is an incredible accomplishment for each of the more than 3,000 talented Canadian and international golfers who take part in our competitions,” said Golf Canada’s CEO, Laurence Applebaum. “The depth of talent, engagement among thousands of volunteers, the quality of our host venues and the committed support of corporate partners who have aligned their respected brands with our properties have been core to 125 years of excellence in conducting golf competitions. We are excited to welcome the next wave of Canadian golf champions.”
Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off May 12 with the U.S. Open Local Qualifier at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. and concludes in October with the 7th edition of the World Junior Girls Championship at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.
To view Golf Canada’s 2020 championship schedule including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities please click here.
The Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship will be celebrating its 125th anniversary at The Glencoe Golf & Country Club in Calgary, Alta., from Aug. 3-6. A field of 264 players will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2021 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Amateur Championship. Additionally, the winner will receive an exemption into local qualifying for the 2021 U.S. Open, and if applicable, the U.S. Junior, U.S. Mid-Amateur or U.S. Senior Amateur Championships. The 2020 event marks the first time the championship will host the 264-player field on the same property (Forest & Meadows courses) since the field expanded in 2010. The inaugural Canadian Men’s Amateur was held in 1895 – the year of Golf Canada’s founding – and has been conducted every year since (excluding times of war between 1915-1918 and 1940-1945).
The 107th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship takes place July 21-24 at one of Golf Canada’s founding clubs, The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Île Brizard, Qué. The champion will earn an exemption into the 2020 CP Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. Additionally, the winner will receive exemptions into the U.S. Girls’ Junior, U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championships, if applicable.
Rivershore Estates & Golf Links will host the 82nd Canadian Junior Boys Championship from Aug. 10-13 in Kamloops, B.C. The winner will earn an exemption into the 2021 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
The 66th Canadian Junior Girls Championship will take place July 28-31 at Club de golf de Lorette in Loretteville, Qué. with the winner earning an exemption into the 2021 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
The 18th Canadian University/College Championship will be held May 25-28 at Club de Golf Les Quatre Domaines in Mirabel, Qué. The national championship features both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.
The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur will be held Aug. 18-21 at Riverside Country Club in Rothesay, N.B., with the champion earning entry into the 2021 RBC Canadian Open.
The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and Senior Championship will be held Aug. 25-27 at the Golf Château-Bromont in Bromont, Que. The winner will earn an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and 2021 U.S Senior Women’s Open.
Pheasant Glen Golf Resort located in Qualicum Beach, B.C., will host the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship from Sept. 15-18, with the winner earning an exemption into the 2021 U.S. Senior Amateur.
The NextGen Championships round out Golf Canada’s schedule with eight regional junior competitions. The series will run from May through September in conjunction with the respective Provincial Golf Associations.
The Future Links Junior Skills Challenge National Event will be held on Aug. 30 at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver. Thirty-two of the nation’s top-scoring juniors compete for the title of their respective age group (8 and under, 9-11, 12-14, 15-18).
An accomplished field of international competitors will take to Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont., from Sept 28 – Oct. 3, for the seventh annual World Junior Girls Championship. The event will welcome 26 countries playing as three-member squads competing for both a team and individual title. New for 2020, the individual champion will earn an exemption into the 2021 CP Women’s Open.
The Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru National Event will be held at Islington Golf Club in Toronto on Sept. 21. The one-day event is a celebration of the success of all Golf Fore the Cure events held nationwide during the 2020 season. To date, the fundraising efforts of thousands of golfers have totaled more than $6.8 million for breast cancer research since the program’s inception in 2003.