The Board of Directors of Alberta Golf is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Berube as its Executive Director/CEO effective February 16, 2016.

Berube comes to Alberta Golf with over 20 years of experience in the golf industry having led the PGA of Alberta as Executive Director for 12 years from 2002 to 2013. Most recently Phil was Vice President, Corporate Partnerships for Junior Achievement Canada where he was responsible for ensuring necessary funding for all aspects of its strategic plan.

Berube holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (double major in Finance and MIS) from McGill University and is a member of the Canadian Society of Association Executives. His extensive experience in leadership, human resources, fundraising, finance, communications and sponsorship will bring additional depth to the Alberta Golf management team.

The enthusiasm and passion that Berube has shown for the game of golf will be invaluable as he fulfills Alberta Golf’s commitment to realizing the positive impacts of golf on individuals and communities across Alberta.

SAN DIEGO – Diana M. Murphy, of St. Simons Island, Ga., has been elected to serve a one-year term as the 64th president of the United States Golf Association (USGA). The election of officers and the 15-member USGA Executive Committee also took place today during the USGA Annual Meeting.

As president, Murphy assumes the leadership of the more than 300 professional staff and nearly 1,200 volunteers who serve on more than 30 USGA committees.

“Although golf will always face challenges, the great golfers – such as Bob Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and my dear friend Louise Suggs – had one trait in common: they were optimistic about their games and the game,” said Murphy after her election. “It is a time for all of us, together, to be positive about golf and act accordingly.”

A full version of Murphy’s speech can be found here.

Murphy has been formally associated with the USGA since 1996, when she began a 12-year tenure on the USGA Membership Committee. She joined the Executive Committee in 2011, and has chaired several committees, including the Championship (2015), Commercial (2012-13), Compensation (2014-15), Finance (2012-14) and U.S. Senior Amateur Championship (2014) committees. She was elected treasurer in 2013 and vice president in 2014 and 2015.

Murphy, 59, is the managing director of Rocksolid Holdings, LLC, a private-equity firm focused on small business and real estate in the Southeast. She is also managing director of the Georgia Research Alliance Venture Fund, which supports the state’s public and private research universities. Past appointments include managing director of Chartwell Capital Management Company, a private-equity firm in Jacksonville, Fla., for 11 years, and senior vice president of The Baltimore Sun Company for 15 years.

An active community supporter, Murphy has served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia since 2006, spearheading the establishment of the Elizabeth F. Correll Teen Center in 2008, among other activities. She is a member of the executive committee of the College of Coastal Georgia, and played an instrumental role in developing its master plan as it moved from a two-year to a four-year institution. She is the non-executive chairman of Landstar System Inc. and a board member of CTS Corporation, both public companies.

Murphy earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from West Virginia University in 1978, and holds an advanced executive business degree from Northwestern University.

She is the second woman in the association’s 121-year history to serve as president, following Judy Bell, who was president in 1996 and 1997.

Two other current members of the Executive Committee have been elected to serve as officers. They are: Sheila C. Johnson, of Middleburg, Va., continuing as secretary, and George J. Still Jr., of Atherton, Calif., as treasurer.

The other 10 current members of the Executive Committee who are continuing their service are: William E. Fallon, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; J. Stuart Francis, of Hillsborough, Calif.; C. Malcolm Holland III, of Dallas, Texas; G. Thomas Hough, of Atlanta, Ga.; Robert D. Kain, of Gates Mill, Ohio; Martha J. Lang, of Birmingham, Ala.; Gregory B. Morrison, of Duluth, Ga.; Asuka Nakahara, of Merion, Pa.; Mark E. Newell, of McLean, Va.; and Mark P. Reinemann, of Pewaukee, Wis.

Two new members were elected to the Executive Committee for 2016: J. Michael Bailey, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Clifford J. Shahbaz, of Portland, Ore. Robert C. Weber, of Hobe Sound, Fla., has been elected general counsel.

SEA ISLAND, Ga. – Blair Hamilton’s best efforts to become the third consecutive Amateur Squad member to win the Jones Cup came up short on Sunday, carding a final round 76 to finish runner-up at the Ocean Forest Golf Club.

The Burlington, Ont., native held a share of the lead heading into Sunday’s final but could not hold off the surging world No. 5 ranked Beau Hossler of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., who fired a 2-under 70 to leapfrog Hamilton for the victory. With the win, Hossler earned the largest margin of victory for any champion in Jones Cup history (six strokes).

Hamilton, a senior at the University of Houston, finished at 4-over par (71-73-76) to share runner-up honours with Matthew NeSmith of North Augusta, S.C.

Fellow Team Canada members Stuart Macdonald (Vancouver) and Hugo Bernard (Mont-St-Hilaire, Que.) were also in action, finishing T35 and 77^th, respectively.

Former Amateur Squad member and dual citizen Austin Connelly of Irving, Tex., and Young Pro Squad member Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., were past champions in 2015 and 2014.

Click here for full scoring.

SEA ISLAND, Ga. – Four of Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad members are set to tee-it-up on Friday at the Jones Cup Invitational at the Ocean Forest Golf Club.

Blair Hamilton (Burlington, Ont.), Eric Banks (Truro, N.S.), Hugo Bernard (Mont-St-Hilaire, Que.) and Stuart Macdonald (Vancouver) will each look to become the third consecutive Canadian to win the event. Former Amateur Squad member and dual citizen Austin Connelly of Austin, Tex., took home the honours in 2015, with current Young Pro Squad member Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., winning the hardware the year before.

The Canadian foursome will tee-it-up against a strong international field when the 54-hole stroke-play event kicks off Friday morning. Jared du Toit (Kimberley, B.C.), the fifth member of the Amateur Squad, is competing in Hawaii for Arizona State’s first event back after the break.

First contested in 2001, the Jones Cup boasts an impressive list of past participants including PGA TOUR stars Luke Donald, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Brandt Snedeker and Bubba Watson.

Click here for live scoring.

CALGARY – Team Alberta has been announced for the upcoming season. Twenty-six players from across the province will represent Alberta over the course of the season and will participate in a variety of provincial, national, and international events.

Returning to Team Alberta is Brendan McDougall, one of three players from last year’s team with a runner-up finish at the 2015 CN Future Links Western Championship. Landon Stellingwerff makes his return to Team Alberta after a T25 finish at the Glencoe Invitational in 2015. Logan Carver who finished T7 at the PGA Junior Masters in 2015, also makes his return to the team.

Several players from the 2015 Boy’s Development Team made the jump to Team Alberta in 2016. Those players include Max Sekulic, winner of the 2015 Nike Golf Junior Championship, Ethan Choi, 2015 Alberta Bantam Champion, and Michael Lavorato, who finished T7 at the PGA Junior Masters last year.

New to Alberta Golf’s high performance program is Chandler McDowell who represented Alberta at the Western Canada Summer Games in Wood Buffalo in 2015 where he placed third, earning a bronze medal in the individual competition. Chris Horton and Max Murchison are new players to the program. Their highlights include a T7 at the Alberta Junior Boys Championship and 23rd at the CN Future Links Western Championship.

Returning to Team Alberta on the girl’s side is Sharmaine Rapisura, who boasts a win at the 2015 McLennan Ross Tour Championship most recently. Several girls from the 2015 Development Team have been promoted to Team Alberta to join Rapisura. Kehler Koss, who finished runner up at the 2015 CN Future Links Western Championship, will be playing on the girl’s team. Annabelle Ackroyd and Jaden Baustad also join the team, with season highlights that include placing top ten in the 2015 Alberta Junior Girls Championship.

New junior girls to Alberta Golf’s high performance programs include Claire Emery, who finished 7th at the 2015 Alberta Junior Girls Championship, Lauren Koenig, who represented Alberta at the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games, Cassidy Laidlaw, who finished 15th at the 2015 Alberta Junior Girls Championship and Sydney Weber, who had a 15th place finish at the 2015 CN Future Links Western Championship.

For more information on the players, click here.

Team Alberta’s three provincial coaches will continue to lead the way in helping players reach their goals over the course of 2016 and beyond. Each player has the opportunity to spend time with their respective coach, planning and working on goals for the upcoming season, as well as the post-secondary transition. Randy Robb will provide guidance and experience to the program and Team Alberta Boys; Luke Workman will coach Team Alberta Girls; and John Deneer will coach the Boys Development Team.

“As we prepare for the first competitive events of the 2016 golf season, members of Team Alberta are working hard to improve their fitness levels and strengthen their fundamentals to help get off to a good start,” Randy Robb says. “I’m excited to help these young athletes reach their goals and prepare for college golf”.

“I am fortunate to be working with a group talented and hardworking young women on the Team Alberta Girls program. The players on the team all had a successful 2015 season, and they have been training hard over the winter months to surpass these results in 2016. With many new players joining Team Alberta for the 2016 season, the enthusiasm at our camps thus far has been outstanding.” Luke Workman explains. “I am looking forward to spring – and green grass – to see these players represent Alberta over the course of the summer”.

For more information on our provincial coaches, click here.

LONDON, Ont. – London Ontario Golf has named local golf legend and Canadian golf pioneer Bob Martin recipient of its 2016 Heart Award.

Martin, 76, of London is the sixth annual Heart Award winner. The local golf legend will be honoured June 14 at a ceremony at Greenhills Golf Club.

The Heart Award recognizes members of the London and area golf industry who unselfishly give back to the game of golf. Each June (Stroke Awareness Month), the Heart Award recipient, as selected by the editors of LondonOntarioGolf.com, is honoured within the categories of golf professionals/instructors, golf mentors, golf course owners/operators, golf course architects/designers and members of the media. Previous winners of the London Ontario Golf Heart Award include Mike Olizarevitch (2011), Fred Kern (2012), Patty Howard (2013), Mike Weir (2014) and East Park (2015).

“For 55 years, Martin’s name has been synonymous with golf in London,” said LondonOntarioGolf.com editor Jeffrey Reed. “He was an industry pioneer, opening Canada’s second off-course golf retail store in 1963 in a tiny William Street basement shop. He has provided thousands of junior golfers with free golf clubs over the years. And he has unselfishly helped raise funds for and awareness of numerous charities during his storied career. We are honoured to celebrate Martin’s achievements with the 2016 Heart Award.”

“When I see my name alongside such names as Mike Weir and Patty Howard, I feel very proud,” said Martin. “I have always had the support of my family and friends, along with loyal fellow workers, customers and clients. I have been truly blessed to be surrounded with such positivity, and it is my pleasure to help grow the game of golf.”

Today, as owner/operator of Bob’s Range on Wonderland Road South in London, Martin is as familiar to local golfers as was his popular radio jingle – “Bob Martin Means Golf!” – during his lengthy retail career. From 1957-60 he was an assistant golf professional at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club, then left to join the new East Park Golf Gardens as its managing golf pro, a title he held from 1963 through 1977.

During the winter months, Martin would sell golf equipment within the cozy confines of 609 William Street. Chuck Brown’s Golf Shop in Ottawa was the first off-course golf retailer in Canada. In 1978, Martin opened his off-course shop year-round. He operated Bob Martin’s Golf, and later Bob Martin’s Golf and Fashions, until he sold his business in 2002 – three years before his current range opened.

In between, Martin did business with the Nevada Bob’s franchises, was part-owner of Oakville SportDomes, and operated the Wally World golf range with the Spivak family from 1999-2003. From the late-1990s to 2013, he teamed up with senior long drive competitor Ron Lampman of St. Thomas as part of the Golf Unleashed clinic/demonstration and long-drive show. Today, in addition to supporting golfers of all ages – including junior golfers, through his summer golf camps and continued philanthropic efforts – he joins London golf instructor Derek Highly of Canadian Fade at golf clinics and demonstrations.

Today, Martin and his wife, Kathy, are proudly supported by their daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Mike Stoner, parents of Bob’s grandson, Griffin, who no doubt will soon have a golf club in his hands courtesy of his grandfather.

“Martin’s unending dedication to growing the game of golf in London has, for more than half a century, been unparalleled,” added Reed. “No one else’s name is tied so closely to golf in London as is Martin’s. And his passion for the game burns as brightly today as it did 55 years ago. We’re thrilled to honour him with the 2016 London Ontario Golf Heart Award.”

February is Heart Month. The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada is the Official Charity of London Ontario Golf.

The Heart Award will be on display at the London Golf Show and Sale March 12-13 at the Progress Building, Western Fair District. Visit the London Ontario Golf booth.

KENT, Ohio– Kent State Director of Golf/Head Men’s Golf Coach Herb Page has announced the addition of Jon Mills to his coaching staff.  Mills, a Canadian professional golfer and a former Golden Flash, will serve as Associate Head Coach of the the men’s golf team.

Mills was a member of the Web.Com Tour from 2002-2015 and was on the PGA Tour from 2006-2008.   Mills claimed his first professional win on the Canadian Tour (now Mackenzie Tour- PGA TOUR Canada) in 2003 en route to becoming the leading money-winner on the Tour that year.  Mills also captured two titles on the Web.Com Tour, including the 2005 Canadian PGA Championship and the 2007 Boise Open.  He also qualified for three US Opens.

“We are honored to have a person of Jon Mills’ character and integrity come back to his alma mater after experiencing success at the highest level while playing on the PGA Tour,” said Page.  “It’s phenomenal for our student-athletes, and they are thrilled to have someone of his caliber to work with them every single day. We are very fortunate to have him here to pass on his knowledge and expertise in the game of golf to current and future student-athletes.”

Mills had an exceptional career competing as a Golden Flash under Page’s tutelage.  He was a two-time All-American as well as the only Kent State golfer to earn First Team All-American honors.  Mills was an All-MAC performer each of his four years and was also the MAC Freshman of the Year in 1998.  Mills was the medalist at the 2000 NCAA Central Regional Championship, a Kent State individual’s best-ever finish at the regional.

“It’s truly a privilege to be able to come back to my alma mater and help coach the sport I love,” said Mills.  “I am looking forward to working with the team and making them the best student-athletes they can be.”

Mills also holds the record for having the second-best finish by a Kent State golfer at the NCAA Championships, placing sixth in 2001.  In that same year, he earned MAC Championship medalist honors.  Mills was a member of four consecutive MAC Championships teams (1998-2002) and led Kent State to an NCAA Regional title in 2001.

TORONTO — The Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) held its Annual General Meeting January 23, at Weston Golf & Country Club in Toronto. At the AGM, the 2016 Board of Directors was announced along with President and Vice President.

Returning in 2016 as President is Chris Osborne (Mississaugua G&CC) who becomes just the second president to serve a second term, the first being Past President Jim King (Westmount G&CC). Vice President for 2016 will be John Gallinger (Meadowbrook G&CC).

“It is an honour returning as GAO President for 2016,” said Osborne. “There are a number of important initiatives the association is involved with for the upcoming year including: our grassroots Barrie Initiative, Strategic Plan launch, continued work with Golf Canada on a new membership model and the World Junior Girls Championship to name a few.”

Returning to the Board of Directors in 2016 are: Kent Trainor (GAO Public Player), Ivy Steinberg (Granite GC), Peter Zakarow (Beacon Hall GC), Carol-Ann Goering (Toronto GC), Anthony Dunn (The Marshes), Mark Hayes (Rattlesnake Point) and OVGA Representative Tom Hossfeld.

The GAO welcomes three new members to the Board in 2016: Howard Atkinson (Toronto GC), Tim Cain (Glen Abbey GC) and Jason Harris (Orr Lake GC).

Also, three board members will be leaving after serving their terms.  The outgoing Board members are Alan Trivett (Glencarin GC), John Turner (GAO Public Player) and Jim King, who remains as Past President but is a non-voting Board member.

“I am pleased to welcome new board members Tim Cain, Howard Atkinson and Jason Harris while thanking departing members Jim King, John Turner and Alan Trivett for their dedication and friendship. Executive Director Mike Kelly and his staff have a clear mandate and I look forward to supporting them in these efforts. Sincere gratitude goes out to our volunteers, partners, athletes and participants, without them the GAO would not exist,” added Osborne.

After careful consideration and additional discussion among our Board of Directors and Handicap Committee, Golf Canada will align with all Handicap Rules changes announced by the USGA at the end of last year. This also includes the provision that applies to unaccompanied rounds.

These changes are part of a bigger picture to unify the Handicap rules, and support the possible formation of a World Handicap System, which we wholeheartedly endorse.

BARRIE, Ont. — The Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) and its community partners officially launched the Golf Barrie Community Golf initiative on Jan. 20. The day featured a pair of events, beginning with a stakeholders meeting followed by the official launch.

Barrie was selected as the first Golf Community by the GAO because of its diverse number of private and public course, strong community ties, festivals and events, and its engaged golf industry.

The community golf project aims to get individuals of all ages and backgrounds playing golf and creates a bridge between courses, community partners and golfers. The goal is to bring more people to the game and keep them playing for life. The movement also addresses the national need to develop all stages of the Long Term Athlete Development model.

Wednesday’s event began with a stakeholders meeting at Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club, where the golf club owners finalized the foundation for 2016 activities. The event was well received with members from 23 area courses in attendance.

The event then shifted to the Kenzington Burger Bar where the initiative was officially presented to the public. On hand was City of Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman who talked about the benefits of golf and voiced his support for the project and stated that his office will be available to help make the project a success.

GAO Executive Director Mike Kelly laid out the GAO’s goals for the project and stressed that the association is here for the courses to help them execute it to its maximum potential. “This is a special project that is being done for the first time. Barrie as a community should feel extremely proud that they are pioneering such an initiative.”

GAO Director of Marketing and Communications Kyle McFarlane went on to speak about the project itself. “Golf is more than just a game, it builds character, values and life skills while promoting healthy active living. It builds relationships on and off the course and helps to connect family and friends.”

Emphasized at the event was the Try, Learn and Play aspect of the initiative. Golf Barrie will be present at numerous events in Barrie and Simcoe County, beginning in February to introduce people to the sport, with an emphasis on fun. This can be through opportunities such as Golf in Schools, which the local golf industry has already sponsored 24 local schools, festivals and through current programs like She Swings She Scores/ He Swings He Scores, which brings golf into hockey arenas to introduce minor hockey players to the sport.

The Learn aspect is where the clubs will come in and offer their own programming by matching the individual from a Try initiative with a Learn program at a course near them. The aim is to help people take that next step in golf. Finally, the Play aspect is having those people who have now learned to play the game get out to the courses and play.

To help bridge the events and opportunities in Barrie, Golf Barrie will launch a website that will feature a schedule of events that Golf Barrie will have a presence at to Try golf, a list of Learn opportunities at Barrie courses, a course directory and local golf news. However, that is not the only thing that will be set up. Golf Barrie plans to roll out the Commit to Golf Barrie pledge, which golfers will be able to register for, take the pledge as to how many times they hope to play in 2016, and then be entered in draws for prizes for meeting those goals.

An important aspect of the project is its partnership with Georgian College and its Golf Management Program. The college has already committed one of its classes to be trained to help with the Golf In Schools program. This will allow those students to go to schools, with a certified instructor, to deliver programs. A community Golf Coach certification course has also been planned and spots have already been reserved for Georgian students.

“This partnership is extremely important to us,” said McFarlane. “What we have observed in Barrie is that facilities that don’t offer programs for beginners not because they don’t want to but rather because they don’t have someone on staff all season to teach the programs. By training the instructors and having courses in the area share them, more programs at the Learn level can be offered. By having the students take certification programs, more qualified individuals will be available to teach these programs.”

Georgian College also has a capstone project that will develop a consumer behavior profile for Golf Barrie. The group will identify who the golfers are, what they want out of the local industry and any current barriers. This way Golf Barrie will be able to make adjustments for future initiatives.

In 2016, the Golf Barrie initiative hopes to deliver more than 70 golf awareness event days, host a Family Golf Festival, support and promote Learn programs at golf courses and establish community relations to ensure stability. With these objectives, it is hoped that more than 15,000 people can be exposed to golf.