MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The stage has been set for the world’s best female junior golfers to put their skills on display at the third annual World Junior Girls Championship.  Mississaugua Golf & Country Club in Mississauga, Ont., will play host to the tournament from September 25-30 as the world’s premier 18-and-under players gather to compete in both team and individual competition.

“We are thrilled to announce Mississaugua Golf & Country Club as the host of this year’s World Junior Girls Championship. The tournament is a great opportunity for Golf Canada to showcase another of the nation’s tremendous courses and to further the development and skill of this talented group of young women,” said Tournament Director Mary Beth McKenna.

Mississaugua Golf & Country Club boasts more than a century of rich history, having played host to a number of the country’s most prestigious championships. The course exemplifies the challenge and craftsmanship of renowned architect Stanley Thompson, who was instrumental in designing Mississaugua’s last round of major modifications in 1928. Stretching out over the Credit River, the 240-acre course has welcomed the RBC Canadian Open on six occasions – most recently in 1974.

Conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the International Golf Federation and the R&A, the 2016 edition of the World Junior Girls Championship will bring together 48 of the top 18-and-under female golfers from around the globe with 15 different countries slated to participate. As hosts of the event, Canada will feature two three-member teams in the competition.

“We could not be more excited to once again bring the World Junior Girls Championship to Ontario,” said Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario. “Mississaugua Golf & Country Club is an exceptional venue that will serve as a fantastic backdrop for this competition. We greatly appreciate the support of our generous sponsors and partners without whom this championship would not be possible. We look forward to seeing the Mississauga golfing community rally around this wonderful event.”

The inaugural World Junior Girls Championship in 2014 saw teams from across the globe take on Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont. Mika Liu of Beverly Hills, Calif., captured individual honours in leading Team USA to victory. Playing in her final event as an amateur, Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., finished fourth as Canada One claimed bronze.

The second edition of the tournament was staged at Ottawa’s The Marshes Golf Club. The team representing the Republic of Korea completed a wire-to-wire victory to secure the team title. Hye-jin Choi, a native of Paju-si, South Korea, registered a seven-stroke victory with a 12-under performance.

In addition to the 72-hole team and individual competitions, the World Junior Girls Championship will be a celebration of the sport with a specific focus on the development and promotion of junior girls golf. In the days leading up to tournament play, Golf Canada will host a PGA of Canada coaches clinic and a girls skill development clinic.

“This world-class competition provides us with the opportunity to foster the continued growth and collaboration between the world’s governing bodies in the sport,” said Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada. “We are proud to once again conduct this championship in support of these fine athletes and to aid in raising the profile of junior girls golf.”

The competition’s first round will begin on Tuesday, September 27. The tournament’s closing ceremonies will immediately follow the conclusion of play on Friday, September 30.

Richmond Hill, Ont. – The CJGA held its annual Board of Directors meeting last week at the associations National Head Office in Richmond Hill, Ont.

As members of the board gathered for the meeting, one significant individual was missing, Larry Ungerman. A co-founder of the CJGA with Earl Fritz, Larry passed away suddenly in his Florida home on March 27, 2016. A slide show tribute to Larry opened the meeting followed by individual stories of fond memories and the impact Larry had on the many lives he touched.

On another note, the CJGA Board of Directors gladly welcomed a new face in Grant Fraser.  Fraser is the founder of the Golf Management Institute of Canada (GMIC). Prior to launching the GMIC in 1999, he established the first professional golf management program (PGM) in Ontario at Humber College. Three years after starting the program, he received Humber College’s Innovator of the Year Award.  In 2000, Grant was involved in establishing another PGM program in Ontario at Niagara College where he serves as program coordinator and continues to teach aspiring golf professionals the “business of golf”.

“I am pleased to join the board of the CJGA and look forward to working with Earl Fritz, Brad Parkins and the rest of the CJGA team to further develop junior golf opportunities and initiatives across Canada” said Fraser. “The CJGA has helped so many junior golfers across the country for over 20 years and I’m excited to help in growing the game with them.”

Fraser has authored two books; “50 of Ontario’s Greatest Public Golf Courses” and “Golf Access”.

He is also a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), the Golf Writer’s Association of America (GWAA) and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC), where he currently serves as President.

NAPLES, Fla. – Team Canada’s Tony Gil added another trophy to the shelf on Sunday, rallying to win the Terra Cotta Invitational hosted at the Naples National Golf Club.

The University of Houston commit began the day two strokes off the pace set by leaders Andy Zhang of Reunion, Fla. and Andrew McCain of Jacksonville, Fla. Gil found himself still two strokes back on the 16^th hole, until both Zhang and McCain bogeyed two of their final three holes to leave the door open. Gil jumped on the opportunity, birdying the par-5 18^th to seal the come-from-behind victory. He closed the tournament at 2-under par (72-71-71), with Zhang finishing alone in second at 1-under (71-70-74).

Former Team Canada member Matt Williams of Calgary also made his mark in Naples, cracking the Top-10 with a T9 finish at 7-over par. Alistair Tidcombe of Wolfville, N.S., came in at T33 and Team Canada’s Eric Banks of Truro, N.S., struggled to end at T62.

The Terra Cotta Invitational is a “B” ranked event on the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), featuring many of the world’s top amateurs and boasting past champions such as Bud Cauley and Matt Kuchar.

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Tony Gil with the birdie on 18 to take the lead at @terra totaling pic.twitter.com/rlO6CyK0wJ

— Greg Hardwig (@NDN_GHardwig) April 17, 2016

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Team Canada Amateur Squad member Josée Doyon carded a final-round 76 on Sunday to share runner-up honours at the Lady Buckeye Invitational.

Doyon, the reigning Quebec Women’s Amateur champion, closed the tournament at 2-under par (70-68-76) to collect her third Top-5 collegiate result this season. The St-Georges-de-Beauce, Que., product held the lead through 36 holes but a 4-over par effort on Sunday at the Scarlet Course spoiled her bid to repeat as medalist. Champion Camille Chevalier (Indiana University) of France was the one who stole the show, shooting up the leaderboard with a closing 68 (-4) for the one-stroke victory.

The Kent State senior, led the Golden Flashes to a five-stroke cushion for the repeat team victory. The win marks the fifth title this season for the women’s squad, who will lay it all on the line next week at the Mid-American Conference Championship from Apr. 22–25.

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UXBRIDGE, Ont. – Golf Ontario is being unveiled in conjunction with the launch of the association’s new five-year strategic plan. Following an extensive process, which began in 2014, the new Strategic Plan points to a reinvention of the current state of the association and a re-connection with golfers and industry partners focused on a clear vision, mission and set of values. Golf Ontario will ultimately break down the walls of bureaucracy and introduces a more welcome community for all golfers and the golf industry as a whole.

“Golf is a game for life enjoyed by tens of thousands of Ontarians. Golf Ontario will be the driving force to introduce more people to golf while enhancing the experience of those who have already discovered this great game,” stated Christian Osborne, Golf Ontario President. “In conjunction with Golf Canada, all partners and stakeholders, Golf Ontario will invest, support and grow golf through community based grassroots strategies. Golf can be for everyone regardless of age, race, ability or means. I am excited for the future and especially the leading role Golf Ontario will play.”

The Strategic Planning process involved reaching out to multiple stakeholder groups within the industry to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the association, and how the association could improve in the future. The analysis of both primary and secondary research resulted in a new vision, a new mission, new values and new strategic pillars that will provide Golf Ontario a road map for the next five years. It is Golf Ontario’s aspiration to become the best Provincial Sport Organization in Canada by 2020 by evolving the sport and establishing a structure to ensure golf’s success into the future.

“We strive to align with all golf stakeholders through a connected golf community which will drive more people to play more golf, more often and most importantly while starting at a younger age,” said Golf Ontario Executive Director Mike Kelly. “All strategic pillars point to Golf Ontario becoming refocused on leading and supporting our industry partners to the benefit of golfers across the province.”

The revised, refined and refocused vision and mission, along with the newly developed strategies and tactics, position the Golf Ontario brand in its leadership role for golf across Ontario.

Vision: Golf is and will always be the most popular sport in Ontario
Mission: To provide leadership and support for all Ontarians to enjoy golf as a lifelong sport

Strategies:

1. Transform our relationship with golfers in Ontario
2. Build communities of golf across Ontario
3. Provide leading high performance junior player development programs
4. Support the development of golf with a diversified revenue generation strategy
5. Transform the organization to deliver on the new plan and meet its mission

These strategies will be supported by a new governance structure which will see certain traditional operational committees evolve into Golf Advisory Teams (GAT). The GAT’s will be led by senior staff and made up of industry representatives and content experts in specific areas. These teams will ensure that all new or revised programs and initiatives align with the strategies and tactics within the new plan and include insight for Golf Ontario’s industry partners.

Along with the strategic plan and brand, comes a new visual identity for the association.

“The new Golf Ontario logo is clean and crisp. It maintains certain elements that establish professionalism that one would expect from a provincial sport organization, and it clearly brings together ‘golf’ and ‘Ontario’ so that all who come into contact with it know exactly what it represents,” stated Kyle McFarlane, Director of Marketing and Communications for Golf Ontario. “We feel it’s also very approachable and the removal of the words “Association of” will help remove any stigma that Golf Ontario is only for private clubs and their members. As part of our goal to create a more welcoming golf community we are making it easier for golfers to relate to our brand.”

The new visual identity will make its way into all Golf Ontario programs in 2016 including ‘Golf Barrie’ our first of many golf communities to be built across the province. Golf Ontario invites all golfers, industry partners and Ontarians to visit GAO.ca to learn more about the new Strategic Plan.

ACTON, Ont. – Situated on the highest point in the Niagara region overlooking Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Niagara River and the city of Niagara Falls, Lookout Point Country Club is an impressive venue unto itself.

The 1922 Walter Travis designed gem is home to World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Streit, as well as Canadian golfing greats Cathy Sherk, Bill Kozak and Rod Spittle.

Later this year, Lookout Point Country Club will also play host to the inaugural Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada national final.

Taking place Sept. 29-Oct. 1, the national final features 25 teams—comprised of four amateurs and a PGA of Canada professional—playing in a 36-hole Ambrose Scramble format.

“We’re very excited and proud to be taking the inaugural Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada national final to such a wonderful venue in Lookout Point Country Club,” said PGA of Canada president Constant Priondolo.

The Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada is a new national series of events taking place at more than 200 golf facilities around the country beginning this June.

The series of events expects to draw nearly 20,000 amateur golfers—who will form their own team of four players— from across the country. Teams will look to make it through local and regional qualifying with the ultimate goal of playing in the national final this fall at Lookout Point Country Club with a PGA of Canada professional playing on their team.

Each participant must have a valid Golf Canada Handicap Factor in order to participate. 

Every golfer who plays in a Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada local event will receive gifting and prizing from supporting partners.

In addition to the 36-hole championship, Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada national final promises to be a golf trip of a lifetime, which includes a festival of special events, prizing, activations and a chance to interact with the latest Hyundai vehicles.

For more information about the Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada and how to register to participate, check out the championship’s website here.

STOUFVILLE, Ont. – Granite Golf Club is embracing cycling—on and off the course.

This season, Granite Golf Club which is located just north-east of Toronto, will be among the first private golf clubs in Canada to offer Golf Bikes as a means of allowing golfers to play a quick round while providing valuable exercise.

“Granite Golf Club prides itself on looking forward, while still embracing the traditions of the game,” says General Manager
Murray Blair. “We feel the Golf Bike is a great fit for a club with an active, engaged, and energetic membership. The opportunity to
put your clubs in the back, jump on a bike and cycle for a quick morning or evening round really elevates the experience.”

The Golf Bike was conceived 15 years ago by avid cyclist Todd May as a means of combining his passions of biking and playing
golf. A prototype was first demonstrated in 2010 and the concept was presented at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando
three years ago. The bike has made significant inroads since its commercial introduction.

“With The Golf Bike, I have combined the benefits of [cycling and golf], bringing the elements of fun, fitness and speed of play
to the greatest game ever played,” May says. “This new spin on an old tradition will provide the avid golfer with the ability to play
at the speed of a cart while getting paid back with fun and fitness.”

Members will be able to use the Golf Bike by simply transferring their clubs to the attached bags, and heading out on the course.

Golf Bikes cuts the average time of a round to around three hours, an important element when lifestyle demands often limit the
amount of time players can allocate for the game they love.

Granite Golf Club is also starting a cycling club this spring, open to members of the golf club, as well as the historic
Granite Club in Toronto. Members will take to the picturesque roads that surround the club, an area that is already very popular
with Toronto-area cyclists wanting to escape the city and explore the countryside on two wheels. There is even on site bike
storage for members who do not want the hassle of transporting their bike back home following their ride.

“ With flexible membership offerings and a relaxed, refined familyoriented culture, Granite Golf Club is really expanding the notion of
what people consider a member club,” says Blair. “This is what the modern club member wants—unique and interesting experiences they
can participate in with friends and family. And that’s exactly what Granite provides.”

For more information on Granite Golf Club, visit www.granitegolfclub.ca.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru is pleased to announce a one-year agreement with adidas Canada, who have signed on as the exclusive apparel partner of the program.

Committed to growing women’s participation, Golf Fore the Cure boasts over 100,000 participants throughout 12 seasons. During that period, the program has raised over $5.4 million dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society and Québec Breast Cancer Foundation in support of breast cancer research.

“Golf Fore the Cure has a long track record of growing participation in the sport and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Lesley Hawkins, Brand Director of adidas Golf. “We are excited to enter into this partnership and are honoured to be the exclusive apparel partner for a program centred around such a great cause.”

As a Pink Partner of Golf Fore the Cure, adidas Canada will provide uniforms for each site coordinator and National Event participant, a $100 online gift card to the leading fundraiser at each event, full outfits for the top-three fundraising teams and a cash investment towards the program.

“adidas has a lengthy history of supporting recreational sport and we are thrilled to align the brand with Golf Fore the Cure,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “The iconic adidas mark represents a fantastic opportunity to engage more women in our sport and we look forward to a very successful partnership.”

There is no cost to you or your club to participate! Click here to register for Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru.

MOKA, Trinidad & Tobago – Team Canada Men’s Development Squad won a one-hole playoff on Friday to finish second place and punch their ticket to the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan this upcoming June.

Canada’s struggles in Friday’s closing round made for an interesting finish down the stretch at St. Andrews Golf Club. The foursome let a seven-stroke advantage slip away to enter a playoff with host nation Trinidad & Tobago, eventually going on to win a nail-biting one-hole playoff.

The Mexican squad also earned a spot in Japan by cruising to a 13-stroke victory with an aggregate total of 652 (+4). They were led by Luis Carrera, who closed at 213 (-3) as the only competitor to score under-par for the tournament.

The Canucks were paced by Coquitlam, B.C., product A.J. Ewart, who led the team at 219 (+3) despite struggling with a final-round 80. Vaughan, Ont., native Tony Gil came in at 220 (+4) while teammate Jack Simpson of Aurora, Ont., ended with a 230 (+14). Quebec’s Charles-Éric Bélanger rounded out the squad, posting a 240 (+24).

The 2016 event will be contested in Japan from June 14–17. It is the world’s only junior golf championship in which 20 national teams—including winners of regional qualifiers held across six continents and 60 national teams—compete for the world championship trophy.

In 2015, the Men’s Development Squad placed sixth 15 strokes behind champion Japan. The best Canadian finish came in both 1994 and 2002 when the team took home runner-up honours.

GULF BREEZE, Fla. – Team Canada Amateur Squad member Hugo Bernard continued his red-hot play on Tuesday, rallying with a final-round 70 (-2) to close out the come-from-behind victory at the Argonaut Invitational.

The Mont-St-Hilaire, Que., product surged up the leaderboard following Monday’s second round at Tiger Point Golf Club, firing a tournament-low 66 (-6) on the day to leapfrog 17 spots up the leaderboard and put him in the driver’s seat for the win.

With his first collegiate victory in sight, Bernard’s final-round 70 was enough to shut the door on the competition and build a three-stroke cushion over second place.

The win highlights a string of impressive results in Bernard’s freshman campaign with the Div II Saint Leo Lions. Prior to Tuesday’s victory, the 21-year-old rattled off three consecutive Top-5 finishes in just four events on the squad.

“Hugo’s been working extremely hard on his game and is progressing nicely,” said Derek Ingram, Team Canada Men’s Head Coach. “I’m really pleased to see that all of his hard work is paying off with some great results across the board.”

Collectively, the Lions finished runner-up at 11-over par, three strokes behind champion Missouri – St. Louis.

Bernard, last year’s Canadian Men’s Amateur runner-up, will look to continue his streak when the Lions tee-it-up next at the Sunshine State Conference Championship from Apr. 17–19.

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