Penny named CCAA Golf Coach of the Year
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Bill Penny of the University of Alberta – Augustana Vikings has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Golf Coach of the Year.
Penny received the award this evening at the 2015 PING CCAA Golf National Championship banquet in Abbotsford, BC.
Penny led the Vikings men’s golf team to gold at the ACAC Championships in only their third year of existence.
“As a coach, he has taken the program at University of Alberta – Augustana from start up to conference championship in three short years,” said CCAA Golf Convenor Albert Roche. “This result is a testament to his coaching ability and his commitment to achieving long term goals.”
Braxton Fox and Michael Harrison of the Vikings won individual gold and silver, respectively, at this year’s Conference Championships.
In the program’s first season, two players went to the ACAC Championships. In Year 2, five made it to provincials and this season, all nine players qualified for the Conference Championships.
Through his continuing education, Penny earned the status of Master Professional in 2003, an accomplishment very few in the CPGA have achieved. Basing his Thesis on his experiences throughout a great career, “Building and Managing a World Class Golf Facility” is truly an interesting read for many aspiring professionals and everyday golfers alike.
Penny has positioned himself as a true leader in the industry, well versed and knowledgeable in all aspects of the game and business of golf.
“Bill has devoted a career towards the development of golf in Canada and beyond,” said Roche.
Other nominees:
Gert Van Niekerk – Douglas Royals
- Van Niekerk guided an inexperienced Douglas Royals men’s team to a fourth place finish in the PACWEST. Despite having a roster featuring four first-year golfers, the Royals competed extremely well against strong opposition on the West Coast. As the founder of the Sport Science Faculty and Athletics at Douglas College, Van Niekerk has fostered life-long relationships with thousands of student-athletes over the last 45 years.
Kevin Corriveau – St. Clair Saints
- Corriveau led the St. Clair Saints women’s team to a third-place finish at the OCAA Championships and a berth to Nationals. Under his guidance, the women’s team has won team medals the last four consecutive years. Corriveau, a PGA of Canada Class A Member, has coached at St. Clair for 14 years. The Saints men’s team placed fourth at the Niagara Invitational.
Benoit Lemieux – Boomerang d’AL
- Lemieux guided Cégep André-Laurendeau, a team with four rookies, to the overall RSEQ Championship. First-year player Brendan Smith finished second in the Order of Merit. Former student-athletes Hugo Bernard (St-Leo University) and Etienne Brault (Chattanooga Tennessee University) have recently graduated from the program.
Daniel Cudmore – Holland Hurricanes
- Cudmore led the Holland Hurricanes to ACAA Championships in men’s and women’s golf. He has rebuilt Holland’s men’s team, which lost three members from last year’s CCAA National Champion squad. Cudmore has also been successful in getting a women’s team back into competition.
Graham and Ruby Delaet Foundation adopts local schools into Golf In Schools program
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Weyburn, SK. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Canadian PGA TOUR star Graham DeLaet has adopted 37 Saskatchewan schools into the Golf in Schools program through funds raised by the 2013 Graham DeLaet Charity Golf Classic in support of junior golf—an event conducted in conjunction with Golf Saskatchewan.
“My wife Ruby and I created our Foundation with the goal of supporting golf at the junior grassroots level and giving back to the community from which I came. So we are very proud to help grow the game in my home province by bringing it to so many students,” said DeLaet, a graduate of Team Canada’s National Squad. “We are excited to help teach the values of golf to youth in Saskatchewan and look forward to seeing some future stars born through the program.”
DeLaet became an ambassador of the Golf in Schools program earlier this year in June. The funds raised from the 2013 event have gone toward covering the cost of 20 secondary, two intermediate and 15 elementary schools, including four in DeLaet’s hometown of Weyburn, SK.
“Growing our junior golf programs and providing more opportunities for youth to get involved with the sport is a major priority,” said Brian Lee, Executive Director of Golf Saskatchewan. “As an association we have been proactive in adopting and developing new junior programs for schools and golf clubs to endorse throughout the province and we are grateful for Graham and Ruby’s continued support.”
With the additional adoptions from the support of the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation, the Golf in Schools program is now in over 70% of schools in Saskatchewan, which Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer Jeff Thompson recognizes as significant growth for junior golf and the future of the sport.
“Along with our national and provincial partners, we are very pleased to see the continued growth of junior golf through the Golf in Schools program across Canada,” said Thompson. “We also recognize that there are still a number of schools without the program, which we intend to reach through the help of our great supporters, including Graham and Ruby.”
Currently offered in more than 2,400 elementary and close to 300 high schools across Canada, Golf in Schools provides children with a basic introduction to golf through the Canadian school physical education curriculum. The program features three curriculum levels: grades 1– 5 and high school level along with the newly launched intermediate level for students in grades 6–8.
Launched in 2009, the Golf in Schools program—which is endorsed by Physical Health and Education Canada (PHE Canada)—is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with the PGA of Canada and the provincial golf associations. The Golf in Schools program consists of safety-approved golf equipment, along with a relevant teaching resource for teachers to deliver lesson plans to students.
New in 2015, Golf Canada partnered with the University of Ottawa to include a Life Skills component throughout all three levels of the program. The Life Skills element incorporates fundamental skills and values such as respect, perseverance, and honesty—all of which are fully integrated into the teacher-friendly learning resources.
The DeLaet’s support of the Golf in Schools program dates to back to September 2014, when along with his wife Ruby, donated $1 per twitter follower (@Fore_Kids) to Golf in Schools upon launching the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation.
The Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation is focused on improving the health and wellness of children and supporting the development of junior golfers at all stages. More information on Graham and the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation is available at www.grahamdelaet.com
More information about the Golf in Schools program including the school adoption program is available at www.golfinschools.ca
CCAA announces 2015 golf All-Canadians
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The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association is proud to announce the 2015 CCAA Golf All-Canadians.
The student-athletes, who are selected by their conference based on performance and contribution to the sport and their team, were honoured at a banquet during the 2015 PING CCAA Golf National Championships in Abbotsford, BC.
PACWEST
Brady Stead – Camosun Chargers
- Stead captured the PACWEST gold medal for Individual Cumulative Scoring and was named the PACWEST Player of the Year. A fifth-year player, Stead also led the Chargers to the Conference League Championship. He has a never-ending work ethic and has developed into a leader at Camosun.
Connor O’Dell – UFV Cascades
- The veteran finished second in the PACWEST overall standings and was victorious at the UFV Invitational by three strokes. O’Dell was the Cascades top performer as they won the PACWEST team silver medal. In his third year of eligibility, O’Dell was UFV’s highest-ranked golfer and a terrific leader.
Hannah Dirksen – UFV Cascades
- Dirksen captured the PACWEST individual title by four strokes and also had wins at the KPU and UFV Invitationals. She led the Cascades to a silver-medal performance at the Conference Championship. Dirkson has stepped into the No. 1 role with the Cascades and has become the leader of the squad.
Carolyn Lee – UBC Okanagan Heat
- Lee won two PACWEST tournaments and also led the Heat to a gold medal in team play. She defines student-athlete having been named a recipient of both the CCAA National Scholar and CCAA Academic All-Canadian awards. Her work habits in the classroom translate directly to her efforts on the course, where she has also excelled as a team leader at UBC-O.
ACAC
Braxton Fox – Augustana Vikings
- Fox fired a final-round 74 to capture the gold medal in individual play at the ACAC Championship. He also led the Vikings to a first-place finish in the team event. The Bachelor of Science in Physical Education student hopes to one day become an NHL referee.
Michael Harrison – Augustana Vikings
- Harrison led the Augustana Vikings men’s team to a Conference Championship in Alberta. The rookie finished second individually at the ACAC Championship, only two shots out of the gold-medal position. Harrison is a Physical Education and Kinesiology student at Augustana.
Kate Griffiths – Red Deer Queens
- Griffiths earned a silver medal at the ACAC Championship. She was victorious at the ACAC North Regional Qualifier. Griffiths is extremely dedicated and driven to excel. She leads by example and pushes her peers and teammates to excel through her dedication and hard work.
Elizabeth Stewart – MacEwan Griffins
- The ACAC Player of the Year and Order of Merit winner led the Griffins to a third ACAC Championship in as many seasons. She also finished in the silver medal positions at both the North and South Regionals. Stewart has been recognized as a favourite in the ACAC to play with because of her attitude and smile. She was awarded the 2014 CCAA Fair Play Award as voted on by fellow competitors and coaches.
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OCAA
Evan Littlefield – Niagara Knights
- Littlefield led Niagara to the OCAA Championship. The Knights were also victorious at the Fanshawe Invitational and Niagara Classic. He fired a final round 69 to capture the individual title at the Conference Championship. Littlefield is a consummate team player and a grinder on the course.
Scott Benzoni – Humber Hawks
- Benzoni captured a pair of silver medals at the OCAA Championships. He placed second individually and led the Hawks to a second-place finish in the team event, only two strokes away from gold. Benzoni became Humber’s go-to player this season and he is one of the finest competitors and gentlemen in collegiate golf.
Lorelle Weavers – Niagara Knights
- Weavers fired consistent rounds of 75-76-75 to capture gold at the OCAA Championships. She was also victorious at the Fanshawe and Georgian Invitationals. The defending CCAA National Champion is a model student-athlete, having also been named an Academic All-Canadian. Weavers’ friendly demeanor with her competitors hides the fierce competitive fire she has.
Emilie Tyndall – Georgian Grizzlies
- Tyndall led Georgian to gold in team play at the OCAA Championship and finished second overall individually. She and the Grizzlies were victorious at the Niagara Invitational. Tyndall’s upbeat personality and focus was contagious this season as she clearly established herself as a leader at Georgian.n tremendous leadership.
RSEQ
Étienne Papineau – St. Lawrence Lions
- Papineau captured the RSEQ individual gold medal, winning two events, including the Conference Championship. He finished the season third in the Quebec Order of Merit standings. Papineau, who finished tenth at the Junior World Championship, is a member of Golf Canada’s development team.
Brendan Smith – Boomerang d’André-Laurendeau
- Smith fired his best round of the season, a one-under par 71, at Continental to lead the André-Laurendeau Boomerang to the RSEQ Championship. Smith is a great teammate with a strong commitment to his game.
Annie Lacombe – Vanier Cheetahs
- Lacombe fired two consistent rounds of 78 at Continental to earn a second-place finish at the RSEQ Championship.
Noémie Ouellette – St. Lawrence Lions
- Ouellette earned the RSEQ individual gold medal, with victories at every conference tournament. Back-to-back 74’s gave her an eight-shot win at the Conference Championship. Ouellette finished the season fourth in the Quebec Junior Girls Order of Merit standings. The Lions captain has also shown tremendous leadership.
ACAA
Josh Landine – UNB Varsity Reds
- In Landine’s first year of varsity golf, he captured the individual gold medal at the ACAA Championships. He finished in the Top 3 in all four events, including two victories. Landine has an extremely strong work ethic. He is a quiet leader and a true role model for other student-athletes.
Nick Earle – UNB Varsity Reds
- Earle led the Varsity Reds to a second-place finish in the ACAA Championships in their first season of play. The rookie also placed second individually at the Conference Championships. The UNB men’s team was victorious in two of four ACAA events this season.
Jaylene Holmes-Tang – Holland Hurricanes
- Holmes-Tang finished second individually at the ACAA Championships and led the Hurricanes to gold in the team event. She was victorious at the UNB Invitational. Holmes-Tang, a 2014 National Scholar award recipient, is a dual athlete who has also participated at the CCAA Curling National Championships.
Karleigh McEwen – Holland Hurricanes
- In her first season at Holland, McEwen earned victories at two tournaments as well as the ACAA Championship. She also led the Hurricanes to the ACAA team title. McEwen had the lowest scoring average in the conference and improved her play with every round.
Team Canada sits T17 following opening round of Spirit International
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TRINITY, Tex. – Four Canadians combined to tally a 3-under 141 in Monday’s opening round of four-ball at the Spirit International at the Whispering Pines Golf Club.
Collectively, the Canadian squad sits in a tie for seventeenth, 11 strokes back of the leading Norwegians who carded a 14-under 130.
Representing Canada on the women’s side are dual-citizen Maddie Szeryk and Ottawa native Grace St-Germain. Together, the duo posted a 2-under 70 led by three birdies on the back nine from Szeryk.
On the men’s side, former Team Canada members Hugo Bernard of Mont-St-Hilaire, Que., and Eric Banks of Truro, N.S., combined for a 1-under par 71.
Accompanying the Canucks in Texas as team captain is Robert Ratcliffe, Team Canada’s Lead Development Squad Coach. Ratcliffe, a class “A” professional with the PGA of Canada, looks forward to the next two rounds and hopes to build on Monday’s performance.
“Not exactly the performance we were hoping for today but we’re remaining optimistic heading into the next couple rounds,” said Ratcliffe, a Comox, B.C., native. “There are a couple adjustments we’ll make heading into tomorrow and we are feeling confident that we can build on today and post some lower scores in the coming rounds.”
The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship is a 54-hole four-ball stroke-play competition with three concurrent competition categories: International Team, Men’s Team and Women’s Team. Unofficial individual competitions are also conducted—with PGA TOUR and LPGA TOUR exemptions awarded to the gold medalists. The men will compete for a spot in the Crowne Plaza Invitational, while the women will compete for a spot to play in the Volunteers of America North Texas Shootout.
The event features world-class amateurs from over 20 countries across six continents. Conducted at the Whispering Pines Golf Club since its inception in 2001, the Spirit is a biennial event alternating years with the World Amateur Team Championship. The Spirit is hosted by the World Health & Golf Association, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting amateur golf for the benefit of health related reasons.
Click here for live scoring.
GAO announces Team Ontario for 2016
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UXBRIDGE, Ont. — The Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) has announced the seven boys and five girls who will comprise Team Ontario for 2016. The team met in full for the first time, Oct. 2-4 in Foot’s Bay, for their kickoff camp held at OviinByrd Golf Club.
The team is set for a full winter of training, which will include two camps in Florida, along with a camp/the Can-AM Matches during March Break in South Carolina. The camps will all be leading up to the start of the 2016 season, which will begin with the Team Ontario Cup in late April.
“The coaching staff and I are very excited to begin training with this very talented group of young athletes,” said GAO Manager of Sport Performance Mary Ann Hayward. “Several of the players already hold national and age category provincial titles and we are looking forward to raising their games to the next level and hopefully putting more Ontario players onto the National Development Team.”
This year’s team again highlights the quality of the GAO’s high performance programs as eleven members of the team are either returning to Team Ontario or are products of the GAO’s Regional (U17) Team Program.
With each new installment of the team, there are departures. Three 2015 members have graduated from the program and are furthering their career in the ranks of the NCAA. Unionville’s Max Sear is attending the University of West Virginia; Ruthven’s Alyssa Getty is at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and Ridgeway’s Madeline Marck-Sherk is at Florida Gulf Coast University.
The 2016 version of team Ontario will feature five returning players:
- Jason Chung, 16, from Thornhill and Thornhill Golf & Country Club, coached by Charlie Woo.
- Monet Chun, 14, from Richmond Hill and The Summit Golf & Country Club, coached by Don Lee.
- Jackson Bowery, 17, from London and Greenhills Golf Club.
- Jake Bryson, 16, from Dunrobin and Eagle Creek Golf Club, coached by Kevin Haime.
- Isabella Portokalis, 14, from London and West Haven Golf & Country Club
Joining the returnees, are the following graduates of the GAO Regional Team Program:
- Lachlan O’Hara (Team York), 15, from Mississauga and Credit Valley Golf & Country Club, coached by Jeff Overholt and Jon Roy.
- Ty Celone (Team Ottawa), 16, from Long Sault and the Upper Canada Golf Course.
- Peyton Callens (Team Waterloo), 15, from Langton and Delhi Golf & Country Club, coached by Ralph Bauer.
- Sam Meek, (Team York – 2014), 17, from Peterborough and Kawartha Golf & Country Club, coached by Henry Brunton.
- Hailey McLaughlin, 14, from Markham and Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club, coached by Gord Burns.
- Alexandra Naumovski, (Team York – 2014), 18, from Halton Hills and Brampton Golf Club.
Rounding out the team is: Alyssa DiMarcantonio, 12, from Maple and Station Creek Golf Club, coached by Thomas Youn.
GAO Head Provincial Coach Reggie Millage, a Class ‘A’ PGA of Canada professional from Milton, leads the Team Ontario coaching staff. Millage enters his third season with the team. Also returning this year are Athletic Therapist Andrew Hoermann, Strength and Conditioning Coach Nick Martichenko and Mental Skills Coach Judy Goss.
The team is already an accomplished group and they will look for even more success in 2016. Some highlights from the 2015 season included: Chung – CN Future Links Quebec Champion and silver in the Ontario Juvenile Boys’ Championship; Callens – AJGA Junior All-Stars at Ravenwood Champion; Celone – CJGA Mizuno National Champion; McLaughlin – Ontario Bantam Girls and Women’s Four-Ball Champion; DiMarcantonio – Ontario Peewee Girls’ Champion, Bantam Tour Hidden Lake Champion and silver at the Ontario Bantam Girls’ Championship; Chun – Ontario Junior Girls’ Match Play Champion, silver at the Ontario Juvenile Girls’ Championship and bronze at the Spring Classic; Naumovski – silver at the Ontario Junior Girls’ Championship; Meek – Bronze at the Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship; Bowery – Bronze at the Spring Classic; and Portokalis – bronze at the Ontario Bantam Girls’ Championship.
Looking ahead Team Ontario will train indoors during the winter months at Peak Performance Golf in Vaughan. ClubLink’s TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs, Florida will host Team Ontario training camps in January and February. During March-break, the team will head to the Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina for a training camp as well as to take part in the Can-Am Matches, an annual team-match event between the top junior golfers from Ontario and South Carolina.
VIDEO: Calgary Centre making mark as Canada’s flagship junior golf facility
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When the Golf Canada Calgary Centre was established in 2001, the strategy was very clear-cut—create a well-rounded training facility (academy, range, executive par-3 and mini golf) that delivers best-in-class programming and an inviting experience to all types of golfers.
Since its inception, the Calgary Centre has been at the forefront of quality junior programming in Canada. For Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer, Jeff Thompson, the Calgary Centre continues to push the needle when it comes to junior golf and Long-Term Player Development.
“The Calgary Centre has been our flagship facility with respect to piloting programming and coaching programs that appeal to all types of golfers—including schools in the community, women’s groups and families looking to get involved with competitive golf programs,” said Thompson. “The coaches and instructors on staff have done a tremendous job in maximizing programs available to them such as CN Future Links and Golf in Schools. It is our vision that National Junior Golf Development Centres like the Calgary Centre will lead the way when setting an example for best-in-class junior facilities.”
Seven PGA of Canada Class “A” professionals are on staff at the Calgary Centre, delivering a full suite of junior programs, including the Get Linked initiative which provides grants that connect CN Future Links facilities to nearby Golf in Schools sites.
To find a National Junior Golf Development Centre in your area, visit the Golf Canada Juniors website: golfcanada.ca/juniors
To learn more about the Golf Canada Calgary Centre, click here
GAO honours volunteers at annual appreciation day
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MISSISSAUGA — The Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) announced the recipients of the 2015 Volunteer Awards on October 5, as par of the annual Volunteer Appreciation Day held this year at Mississaugua Golf & Country Club.
The GAO volunteer recognition program has been designed to recognize outstanding performances and contributions by volunteers who have played an instrumental role in promoting the growth and development of amateur golf throughout the province of Ontario, while preserving the integrity and traditions of the game.
“Our volunteer team in Ontario is second to none and their dedication to the growth of the sport is inspiring,” said GAO Interim Executive Director Mike Kelly. “From course rating to championships to committee work, volunteers move our association forward with passion and for that we are grateful.”
This year, the GAO presented two Honourary Life Director Awards, two Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Awards, the Volunteer of the Year Award and the District Volunteer of the Year Award.
Honourary Life Director Awards — Bill Muzak & Jim Bristow
Honourary Life Directors are recognized for their outstanding achievements through their involvement as a Committee and Board Member. This year the GAO chose to recognize a pair of individuals who have made tremendous contributions to the association and golf in the province.
Bill Muzak, a resident of Baden, can often be seen and heard at many GAO events as a starter welcoming players and guests to the tee at tournaments. He has been volunteering as a Tournament Official since 2001. He also served on the Board of Directors from 2008 to 2014 during which time he sat on numerous board and operating committees.
Jim Bristow, from London, is a past Ontario Golf Association President (1996) and has been a volunteer with the GAO since 2002. He is a level 4 Rules Official, but also works as a Site Coordinator, Senior Rules Official and currently serves on the GAO’s Finance/Risk Committee.
Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award — Randy Millage & Kathy Hill
The Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award is considered the highest honour recognizing individual service to the game of golf in Ontario. The award is named after Richard H. Grimm, who was affectionately known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his service to the event from 1965 to 1993. The GAO’s Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual’s meritorious service as a volunteer. Recipients of this award embody the principles of integrity, dignity and commitment, which are central to the volunteer experience and to Mr. Grimm’s persona.
Kathy Hill, a Mississauga resident, has been a course rater for more than 20 years. She has been a Team Leader and Chair of the Handicap & Course Rating Committee and is designated as a Master Course Rater. Throughout her time volunteering with the GAO, Hill has shown strong leadership and interpersonal skills. She has taken on additional responsibilities in the form of recruiting and training new course raters and has always been willing to help out when called upon.
Randy Millage, from Ennismore, has been involved in golf in the province since 1980. His work has concentrated on junior programs that began out of his home club: the Peterborough Golf & Country Club. He has also served as club president and on numerous club committees. Millage teamed up with the GAO in order to organize junior events. The events helped to open doors for junior golfers by making connections with NCAA schools. Millage is also a Certified Rules Official and has been a Site Coordinator at GAO qualifiers and championships for many years.
Volunteer of the Year — Pat Newman
The GAO Volunteer of the Year Award has been designed to recognize and honour a GAO volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding performance and contributions while preserving the integrity and traditions of the game.
Pat Newman, a native of Collingwood, has been a GAO volunteer since 2007. As a dedicated Rules Official, Newman has demonstrated his leadership skills in that role along with the positions of Senior Rules Official and Site Coordinator. One of Newman’s greatest accomplishments happened in 2014 when he took on the task of writing and introducing the GAO qualifying manual. It became evident that the manual is a valuable resource for new and returning volunteers and has provided consistency at qualifiers that are operated by volunteers.
District Volunteer of the Year — Shirley Egerton
The District Volunteer of the Year Award has been designed to recognize those volunteers who embody the spirit of volunteerism and have shown dedication by making a significant contribution in promoting, supporting and expanding amateur golf within their district.
Shirley Egerton, who lives in Bath, has been volunteering with the GAO since 2009 as a Tournament Official and has been the Kingston District Coordinator since 2013. Egerton has fully embraced her district community and has taken a special interest in promoting and supporting junior golf in the district. She is always available to help and takes time to mentor new volunteers at qualifiers and championships.
The GAO congratulates all of the 2015 award winners and thanks all of the volunteers who put in countless hours to make GAO events successful.
Canada’s Ward is medalist at U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur
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CHOUDRANT, La. – Casey Ward, 25, of Picton, Ont., followed Saturday’s round of 2-over 74 with a 2-under 70 on Sunday to earn stroke-play medalist honours at the 29th U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, being conducted at the 6,061-yard, par-72 Squire Creek Country Club.
Ward, who finished at even-par 144, is the second Women’s Mid-Amateur medalist from Canada and first since former Team Canada member Mary Ann Hayward, the 2005 Women’s Mid-Amateur champion, did so in 1998. Entering the day two strokes behind Sarah Davison, Ward posted four birdies and two bogeys on the day to record the low round of stroke play.
“I’m really excited. I didn’t really have too many expectations coming into this week,” said Ward, the 2015 Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur champion. “That’s how I have approached things all summer, not going in with any expectations and just playing my game. It’s nice to see my name at the top.”
Starting on the 10th hole, Ward started with three pars before birdieing the par-4 13th and par-4 15th holes. She was able to overcome Squire Creek’s difficult greens by consistently giving herself good birdie opportunities.
“I was in the right position all day, for the most part,” she said. “I had a lot of good looks at birdie. I only got a few to fall, but I was right on the edge all day.”
Two other Canadians advanced to match play including Shelly Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, B.C., who finished tied for 17th at 13-over 157 and Christina Proteau of Port Alberni, B.C., tied for 29th at 15-over 159.
A Monday-morning playoff will determine the final seven spots in the 64-player match-play field. Eleven players will compete for those spots, beginning at 8 a.m. CDT.
The 2015 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to female amateur golfers with a Handicap Factor not exceeding 9.4. It consists of 36 holes of stroke play followed by six rounds of match play, with the championship scheduled to conclude with an 18-hole final on Thursday, Oct. 8.
The U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is one of 13 national championship conducted annually by the United States Golf Association, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.
Jin Cheng wins weather-shortened Asia-Pacific Amateur
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HONG KONG – Third-round leader Jin Cheng of China won the Asia-Pacific Amateur championship without hitting a ball on Sunday after the fourth round was abandoned due to heavy rain and high winds at Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club.
Jin, who led by two strokes after each of the first two rounds, had a 54-hole total of 11-under 199 to edge Australian amateur champion Cameron Davis and his countryman Ryan Ruffels by one stroke.
His win, which assures him a spot in next year’s Masters, was set up by a tournament record 8-under 62 on Thursday. A clutch final-hole birdie on Saturday secured victory for the 17-year-old.
Jin, who plans to play in the Macau Open later this month, was thrilled with the result and the prospect of playing at Augusta.
“This win just came so fast and so sudden,” Jin said. “I was ready for the round today and unfortunately the weather didn’t work out. Going there (the Masters) next year is just amazing for me. I’m so excited and looking forward to it. This win should give me a lot of confidence.”
The final round got under way as scheduled on Sunday but was suspended soon after with only nine groups on the course. Organizers abandoned play just after 11 a.m. (0300 GMT), with the inclement weather caused by nearby Typhoon Mujigae showing no sign of relenting.
If the final round had proceeded, Ruffels, Davis and defending champion Antonio Murdaca of Australia, who shot a 64 on Saturday to surge into contention, looked set to challenge Jin for the title.
Although they knew on Saturday that Sunday’s play may not go ahead, with a Masters berth on the line, it was still tough to take for the runners-up.
“I guess it’s not hard to tell that we are both pretty gutted,” Ruffels said. “Obviously there’s nothing you can do about the situation. The tournament did great in just trying to get us out there. Credit to Cheng, he played amazing this week to back up 8-under with those two rounds in some tough conditions.”
It was Jin’s fourth start in the tournament, with his previous best finish a tie for 12th at Royal Melbourne last year. He is the second Chinese player to win the event after Guan Tianlang’s triumph in 2012.
To go with his Masters berth, Jin, along with Ruffels and Davis, earned a place in the final round of qualifying for the 2016 British Open at Royal Troon.
Taiwan’s Yu Chun-an and Kim Tae-ho of South Korea finished in a tie for fourth, three shots off the pace.
Ernest Muise elected 62nd president of Nova Scotia Golf Association
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Ernie Muise was elected 62nd president of the Nova ScotiaGolf Association at the association’s Annual Fall Meeting held October 3rd at the Glen Arbour Golf Club. Mr. Muise will serve as the NSGA President until the end of the 2016 season.
Muise is the third president of the NSGA to serve from the Clare Golf Club (Dr. Julius Comeau 1986-87 and Roland Deveau 2001-02). Prior to joining the NSGA board in 2006, Mr. Muise was on the board of Clare Golf Club for 12 years and served as president in 2004-2005. He has been very active with both the Clare Golf Club and the NSGA. While with the NSGA he has served as the: Western Zone Representative, Director of Membership and served terms as first and second Vice President. Ernie has also served on the Provincial Council with Golf Canada.
Born in Grosses Coques in Digby County, N.S., Ernie lived and worked with Consolidated Freightways in Stoughton Massachusetts for over 30 years. After retiring he moved home to Nova Scotia where he lives with his wife Lorraine in Little Brook.
The following members will comprise the 2015-2016 NSGA Board of Directors:
President – Ernie Muise, Clare
Vice President – Garry Beattie, Ashburn
2nd Vice President – Katie Brine, Truro
Past President – Shirley d’Entremont, West Pubnico
Secretary/Treasurer – Jen Thompson, Brightwood
Course Rating Director – John Horton, Ken-Wo
Tournament Director – Bill MacMillan, Hartlen Point
Rules Director – Doug McEwan, Greenwood
Player Development Director – Sara Wilson, NSPPC
Membership Director – Sue Mitchell, Brightwood
Handicap Director – David Acker, Ken-Wo
Junior Director -Rob Collins, Clare