Jordan Gilkison leads Men’s Amateur by one shot after second round

Caledon, Ont. – The Willingdon Cup belongs to Team Ontario, as the host province was crowned as the Inter-Provincial Team champions on Tuesday at the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

Ontario finished the team competition at 3-under to edge, the defending champions Team Quebec by one shot. Team Ontario consists of Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont., Cameron Pero of Bloomfield, Ont. and Garrett Rank from Elmira, Ont.

“I’ve never played for the inter-provincial team in the Canadian Men’s Am so it means a lot to me and to play with these two incredible guys and win it for Ontario is pretty cool,” said Ashton McCulloch after Tuesday’s round. McCulloch’s scores of 69 and 68 counted for the team on both days.

“My name is not on that trophy, and I’ve done some cool things in golf so it’s cool to be on there,” said Garrett Rank with a smile.

“There’s a lot of really sweet names on there of guys that have gone on to do some really cool things in the game of golf. Golf is a very individual sport so anytime you get to play in a team setting and play with two other guys and get in that team atmosphere…it’s fun,” added Rank.

Rank shot a 1-over 72 on Tuesday to have his score count, while Cameron Pero’s 1-over 72 counted on Monday towards the team score. “This is my first Canadian Am and it was a pretty cool experience here at The Pulpit Club. I didn’t have my best stuff this week, I fought the putter pretty bad, but Ashton stepped up for the team and put together two pretty great scores so thanks to him,” said Pero.

Play resumed at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday on both courses of The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. after Monday’s opening round was suspended due to darkness. 108 players in the field completed their opening rounds and were treated to sunny skies but windy conditions for round two.

Jordan Gilkison of Washington Township, Ohio shot back-to-back rounds of 68, to sit at 6-under for the tournament and leads by one shot over McCulloch in the race for the Earl Grey Cup heading into Wednesday’s third round.

“I think I’m playing really solid, and my bogey avoidance has been really good,” said Gilkison after finishing his second round at The Paintbrush.

“I’m hitting a lot of greens and giving myself a lot of birdie putts. When I am missing greens, I’m doing a good job of saving par so I would say all parts of my game are feeling pretty good right now,” he added.

Justin Matthews of Little Britain, Ont. finished his first round at The Paintbrush in the morning with a 68 and followed up with a 1-under, 70 at The Pulpit to sit in a tie for third with Alejandro Alonso of Mexico and Zach May of New Zealand at 4-under. Round three will be reduced to low 70 and ties.

The first two rounds of the tournament saw the field of 264 golfers split between playing both The Pulpit and The Paintbrush. The final two rounds of the national championship will be played on The Pulpit.

The 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion receives an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. from August 14-20.

For the leaderboard of the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Josh Nagy holds clubhouse lead at -6 with 108 golfers still to complete opening round

Caledon, Ont. – Josh Nagy shot an opening round of 65 on Monday to sit as the clubhouse leader in the 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

The opening round was delayed due to fog that pushed back tee times by two and a half hours or more on both courses of The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. Most of the players in the afternoon wave were not able to complete their rounds on either course with play being suspended for darkness at 8:15 p.m. As a result, round one will resume at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday with round two tee times to follow.

Justin Matthews of Little Britain, Ont. was one of those not able to finish his opening round and is also at 6-under through 13 holes at The Paintbrush.

Nagy of Saskatoon, Sask. played in the morning flight and recorded seven birdies on his way to 6-under to hold the clubhouse lead by one-shot over Brady McKinlay of Lacombe, Alta. and Nicholas Dentino of Carmel, Ind.

“Just kept the driver in play all day and then the putter started to heat up on the front nine,” said Nagy following his round. “Made a nice long birdie putt on one and then on three, had a good look at eagle and was able to get that down for birdie and played the par fives really well too so that really helps.”

Nagy did just that as he birdied all three of the par-5 holes on The Paintbrush on Monday. He has had a successful run of late having won the 2023 Saskatchewan Amateur men’s title last month and said he hopes to build off that tournament through this week.

McKinlay, was also playing The Paintbrush and briefly held the lead on Monday. He finished with six birdies, including four in a row from holes 14 through 17.

“I birdied 11, made a good birdie there and those four in a row I just had good numbers, good wedges and I think I had about three or four putts from seven feet, and I made them all,” said McKinlay.

In the Inter-Provincial Team Championship, Team Alberta sits at 6-under to lead Team Saskatchewan by one-stroke and defending champions, Team Quebec by two. Team Alberta consists of Brady McKinlay, Ethan Wilson (St. Albert, Alta.) and Kye Fisher (Leduc, Alta.). The team championship is being played over the first 36 holes of the tournament.

The first two rounds of the tournament see the field of 264 golfers split between playing both The Pulpit and The Paintbrush. Players who start on The Pulpit will then play the Paintbrush for round two and vice versa. The final two rounds of the national championship will be played on The Pulpit.

The 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion receives an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. from August 14-20.

For the leaderboard of the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Caledon, Ont. – The final field is now set for the 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

Nine players earned the final spots in the field of 264 following Friday’s supplemental qualifier at The Pulpit in Caledon, Ont. The national championship is set to begin on Monday, August 7 with the opening two rounds being played on both courses of The Pulpit Club (The Pulpit and The Paintbrush).

There was a four-way tie for first with Isaiah Ellis (Smithville, Ont.), Patrick Deardorff (Clarkston, Mich.), Matthew Bremer (Burlington, Ont.) and Alex Wilson (Orangeville, Ont.) all shooting rounds of 69, good for 2-under. Mike Kray (Oakville, Ont.) shot an even par, 72 while four players shot 1-over, 72 to round out the nine players that secured their spots on Friday.

The 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion receives an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. from August 14-20.

For the full player field competing in the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship Supplemental Qualifier Results

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Field of 264 will compete in the prestigious tournament; final spots up for grabs in supplemental qualifier on Friday

Caledon, Ont. – The 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO is set to begin on Monday, August 7 with a field of 264 amateur golfers competing over four rounds of competition at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont.

This year’s field features a talented field of Canadian players, including the following 2023 Provincial Men’s Amateur Champions: Cooper Humphreys (B.C.), Ethan Wilson (Alberta), Josh Nagy (Saskatchewan), Braxton Kuntz (Manitoba), Cameron Pero (Ontario), James Newton (Quebec), Isaac MacNaughton (Nova Scotia), and Teran Newall (Newfoundland and Labrador). In addition to Charles Fitzsimmons (2021, 2022 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Champion) and Jean-Philippe Parr (2021, 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Champion). Golfers from all 10 provinces and one territory are represented in the field along with nine additional countries: Australia, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, England, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, United States, and Wales.

The first two rounds of this year’s tournament will be contested on both courses of The Pulpit Club, The Pulpit and The Paintbrush. Following the opening 36-holes of the championship, the field will be reduced to the top 70 players plus ties. Wednesday and Thursday’s rounds will both played on The Pulpit course with an awards ceremony following Thursday’s final round.

“We are excited to get the 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship underway next week at two incredible golf courses,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Adam Cinel. “The staff at The Pulpit Club have been working tirelessly in preparation for this prestigious national championship. The championship field is as strong as we’ve seen in recent years, featuring the best amateur players from across Canada, as well as a strong international contingent. The players competing in the tournament will enjoy the unique tests that are presented by The Pulpit and The Paintbrush.”

Prior to the start of the tournament, there will be a supplemental qualifier on Friday at The Pulpit where a field of 113 players will be competing for the final spots in the tournament.

The inventors of the “Trivial Pursuit” board game, Chris Haney and Scott Abbott, created Devil’s Pulpit in 1990 and the name of the course comes from a rock formation seen from the 7th tee. Haney and Abbott constructed another 18-hole course, Devil’s Paintbrush, two years later. In 2020 Longridge Partners Inc. purchased the Devil’s Pulpit Golf Association and in February 2021, the name was changed to The Pulpit Club. The Courses were also re-named from Devil’s Pulpit & Devil’s Paintbrush to The Pulpit and The Paintbrush.

“It’s an honour for The Pulpit Club to be the host venue for the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur. Hosting any national championship is a great responsibility. But the level of support we’ve received from our membership, ownership and surrounding community is a testament to the positive momentum golf is experiencing,” said Rob Roxborough, General Manager, The Pulpit Club. “The Pulpit Club’s championship courses will offer two completely different tests. The Paintbrush is a Scottish links style design, while the Pulpit is more of a traditional parkland course with incredible changes in elevation. The winner will be a player with great imagination, creative shot making abilities, and a strong short game. Wishing each player in the field an enjoyable walk, and good luck.”

Established in 1895, the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship is the third oldest amateur championship in the world. The tournament was first contested as one of the newly formed Royal Canadian Golf Association’s (RCGA), now known as Golf Canada, first orders of business in 1895 at the Ottawa Golf Club.

The national championship originally began as a match play competition but changed to stroke play for the 1969 championship. It remained that way through 1994 when it reverted to match play in honour of the RCGA’s and the championship’s centennial in 1995. The championship once again reverted to stroke play in 2008 and in 2010, the tournament changed to a double field format for the first time ever.

Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George S. Lyon won the Amateur eight times between 1898 and 1914 and was runner-up two more times. Fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Sandy Somerville made it to the match play final ten times between 1924 and 1938, capturing six championships. Other past champions include Canadian Golf Hall of Famers and four-time winners, Nick Weslock (1957, 1963, 1964, 1966) and Doug Roxburgh (1972, 1974, 1982, 1988). Most recently, two-time PGA TOUR winner and two-time Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion, Mackenzie Hughes (2011, 2012) and 2023 RBC Canadian Open and three-time PGA TOUR winner Nick Taylor (2007).

Nick Taylor is the only Canadian male golfer to have won the Canadian Junior Boys (2006), Canadian Men’s Amateur (2007) and RBC Canadian Open (2023) titles. Brooke Henderson is the only Canadian female golfer to win the national championship trifecta, having won the Canadian Junior Girls (2012), Canadian Women’s Amateur (2013) and the CPKC Women’s Open (2018).

The new purse payout that was introduced in 2022 will continue at this year’s championship. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship will compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Amateur golfers may accept prize money up to a maximum of $1,200 CAD, and payouts will be awarded to the top 10 finishers and ties.

The national championship will also feature an Inter-Provincial Team Championship that will take place over the first 36-holes of the tournament. Team Quebec will be defending their title as nine provinces and one territory will be vying to etch their names into the Willingdon Cup.

The 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion receives an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. from August 14-20.

For the full player field competing in the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Championship schedule to include ten National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms in addition to Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open

Golf Canada will also conduct qualifiers for several USGA Championships including Local and Regional Qualifying for the U.S. Open as well as the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Men’s and Women’s Amateurs and U.S. Junior Girls and Boys Championships

(March 15, 2023) Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2023 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at venerable golf facilities across Canada.

The 2023 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s two signature National Open Championships — the RBC Canadian Open, June 5-11, at first-time host Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto and the CP Women’s Open to be conducted at Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club Aug. 21-27.  

Golf Canada’s 2023 competition calendar also includes ten National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms.

As the National Sport Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships to support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.

“After a wonderful return to a full championship schedule for 2022, we are pleased to continue that momentum in 2023 and welcome thousands of talented athletes to our national championships,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “Together with our corporate partners, our generous host clubs across the country, and all the volunteers that make these championships possible, we are looking forward to another great season of championship golf.”

Each of Golf Canada’s championships are set to be contested at some of Canada’s top clubs including the Canadian Men’s Amateur heading to The Pulpit Club’s 36 holes (Pulpit Course and Paintbrush Course) in Caledon, Ont. while the Canadian Women’s Amateur will be played at Ashburn Golf Club (New Course) in Halifax.

New for 2023 include the winners of both the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur receiving an exemption into the respective USGA Championships. This marks the inaugural time this is on offer for the winner of the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur, which will be, for the first time, a stand-alone event.

Each of the National Junior and Amateur Championships will include $8,000 purses with $1,200 of that going to the respective champions. Financial Assistance Grants supported by Gary Cowan Heritage Fund and the Canadian Senior Golf Association will once again be available for Juniors competing in the Canadian Junior Championships who meet eligibility requirements which can be found here.

Golf Canada will also conduct several professional and amateur championship qualifiers including five regional qualifiers into the RBC Canadian Open as well as final qualifiers for both the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.

Other notable qualifiers being conducted for USGA Championships on the 2023 schedule include a U.S. Open Local and Final Regional Qualifier and a first-ever U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier in addition to qualifiers for the U.S. Junior Amateur and Girls’ Junior Championships, the U.S. Women’s Amateur, and the U.S. Amateur Championships.  

Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off May 1 with a U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Cherry Hill Club in Ridgeway, Ont. and concludes the week of October 7 with both the NextGen Fall Series West at The Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey, B.C., and the World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms at the Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont.

To view Golf Canada’s 2023 Championship Schedule, including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities, click here.

2023 Championship Season at a Glance…

The 19th playing of the Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO will be held May 29-June 2 at Fire Rock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.

The 109th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO takes place July 31 – Aug. 4 at Ashburn Golf Club in Halifax, N.S. with the champion earning an exemption into the 2023 CP Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. The winner also receives exemptions into the 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and 2024 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championships, if applicable.

The 68th Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO will be contested July 23-27 at Hampton Golf Club in Hampton, N.B. where the winner will earn an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.

The 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 7-10 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. The event will be played over the Pulpit and Paintbrush 18-hole layouts. A maximum field of 264 players will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes, with the final two rounds contested at Pulpit. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Open, and if applicable, will earn an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Mid-Amateur, 2023 U.S. Senior Amateur or 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championships.

The 84th playing of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 13-17 at North Bay Golf & Country Club in North Bay, Ont.  The champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be held August 20-24 at Algonquin Golf Resort in St. Andrews, N.B.

The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship presented by BDO will be held July 24-27 at Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont., the first year that the championship will be conducted as a standalone event. 

The Canadian Women’s Senior Championship presented by BDO will take place August 29-September 1 at Mill River Golf Resort in O’Leary, P.E.I.  The Senior Champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Senior Championship and 2024 U.S. Women’s Senior Open.

Big Sky Golf Club in Pemberton, B.C. will play host to the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship September 4-8, with the champion earning an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.

The third playing of the Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, a national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, will be held September 13-15 at Kamloops Golf and Country Club in Kamloops, B.C.

The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2023 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. The 2023 NextGen Championship host clubs include: Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club (Roberts Creek, B.C.), Peterborough Golf and Country Club (Peterborough, Ontario), Athabasca Golf Club (Athabasca, Alberta), Evergreen Golf Club (Nipawin, Saskatchewan), Club de Golf Venise (Magog, Quebec), and Avondale Golf Club (Charlottetown, PEI). An additional two Fall Series championships will take place in September and October, where players will compete for exemptions into their respective 2024 national junior championships. 

An accomplished field of international competitors will take on Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont. from October 2-7 for the eighth playing of the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms. Look for 25 countries playing as 3-member squads competing for both a team and individual title. 

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific, Sport Canada, Levelwear, Titleist,  FootJoy and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

When Luis Carrera woke up this morning over 4800 kilometres from his hometown in Mexico City, Mexico, the Canadian Men’s Amateur title was an attainable dream he could visualize if he stayed confident. Clearly, the strategy worked. Carrera fired a 66 during the final round at Point Grey Golf and Country Club to claim the title for the117^th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

“I was like, I think I can win this if I play good, but I’ve got to go get it,” said Carrera. “I’ve got to go take the chances that I get, and I’ve got to make some putts, and I knew I had to come and play well.”

The 22-year-old came out of the gate hot this morning when he made eagle on his first hole. The momentum catapulted him up the leaderboard and his consistent play awarded him a solid, bogey-free round.

“I made some good putts today,” he recalled about his most memorable moments of the tournament. “But I think the eagle on one [would be the most memorable]. That really got me going.”

Carrera might be a long way from home, but the University of Central Florida senior quickly won over the hometown crowd at Point Grey. With a near-tangible excitement, a beaming Carrera hoisted the prestigious Earl Grey Cup to a round of enthusiastic applause and, after a quick lesson, sabered a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

“It feels amazing,” said Carrera of the victory. I’ve worked really hard for events and to finally see the results and to win such a great event, it feels amazing. It’s such an honour and I’m so happy to do it.”

With the win, Carrera becomes only the second Mexican golfer and first since Rafael Alarcon in 1979 to take home the title.

Arriving at the course on Tuesday, the 22-year old found an unexpected piece of home when he ran into Rodrigo Pena, a golf services employee at Point Grey Golf and Country Club and an old friend who shared membership at same club in Mexico City. The surprise clandestine meeting led to Rodrigo serving as Carrera’s caddie for the final round and, well, the rest is history.

Carrera and Mississauga, Ont. native Robbie Latter went wire to wire for the majority of the day, with Latter finishing just two strokes back for the tournament at -8. In third place was Canadian Remi Chartier at 6-under.

When Carrera’s name is etched into the Earl Grey Cup later this year, he’ll join a list of notable Canadian Men’s Amateur Champions including PGA TOUR winner and Olympian Mackenzie Hughes (2011-12), PGA TOUR winner Nick Taylor (2007), Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Moe Norman (1955-56) and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Doug Roxburgh (1972, 1974, 1982, 1988) who was also in the field this week.

Along with the title, Carrera has earned an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship being contested August 15-22 in Paramus, N.J. This was his first time competing in the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

Team Québec charged ahead to win the inter-provincial competition in a seven-stroke victory over the host squad, Team British Columbia. Laurent Desmarchais, Christopher Vandette, and William Forgues shot a collective 3-under to become the ninth team from Québec to secure the title since the Willingdon Cup became an annual competition in 1927. Reigning champions Team Ontario rounded out the top-3 at 6 over par.

Quick Links:

Leaderboard
Course details
Championship history & past champions

For more information on Golf Canada’s Amateur Championships, click here.

Despite the threat of rain in the forecast, skies remained dry over Point Grey Golf and Country Club for round three of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO. Canadians Robbie Latter and Eric Zhao lit up the leaderboard today, each shooting a cool 65 in the third round to tie for the top spot.

Latter, who calls Mississauga, Ont. home, carded five birdies and an eagle to ascend 14 spots in the race for the 117^th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship title. The Southern Miss sophomore finished T25 at last year’s event and won the Future Links (now NextGen) Québec Championship as a 17-year-old in 2018.

“My ball striking was very good today,” stated Latter. “Having my brother on the bag today definitely helped!”

Though 14-year-old Eric Zhao faced challenges on the 11^th hole, the birdies far outweighed the bogeys with an impressive total of nine filling his scorecard. The west coast seems to be treating the National Junior Squad member quite well this season. In May, Zhao was crowned Champion of the Junior Boys Division at the NextGen Pacific Championship in Nanaimo, B.C.

“Today, I focused on staying patient and accepting the shots I hit,” said Zhao. “I only thought about my current shot and never the past or future ones. It did help as I made two bogeys and a double but being aware of my emotions and redirecting my focus allowed me to come back.”

In tomorrow’s final round, Zhao looks to stay consistently calm.

“I want to do something very similar tomorrow. My only expectation is that I learn from this experience playing under heavy pressure,” said a humble Zhao. “I also don’t want to overthink anything and just focus on each shot as I play it, and maybe I’ll go home proud of myself.”

Rounding out the top three is St-Célestin, Que. native Jean-Philippe Parr. The 18-year-old shot his lowest round of the tournament at 67 to sit one stroke off the lead. Parr is also a member of Team Canada’s National Junior Squad.

Tomorrow promises to be an exciting battle of top amateur talent with an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship on the line. Not only will the winner etch their name into the historic Earl Grey Cup, but also into Canadian golf history – the competition being the oldest amateur championship in the country.

The awards ceremony will take place at approximately 3:00 p.m. PT at Point Grey Golf and Country Club.

Quick Links:

Leaderboard
Course details
Championship history & past champions

For more information on the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, click here.

Team Québec charged ahead to win the inter-provincial competition in a seven-stroke victory over the host squad, Team British Columbia. Laurent Desmarchais, Christopher Vandette, and William Forgues shot a collective 3 under to become the ninth team from Québec to secure the title since the Willingdon Cup became an annual competition in 1927. Reigning champions Team Ontario rounded out the top-3 at 6 over par.

In the individual competition, American Elijah Turner rose nine spots on the leaderboard to lead the pack during Tuesday’s second round at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO. The 23-year-old from Highland, Utah limited himself to two bogeys at Seymour Golf and Country Club, carding four birdies and an eagle on his final hole, the 9^th hole, to set himself up well at the halfway point of the tournament.

“My caddie is a local member at Seymour and he was great at helping me manage around the course,” said Turner of his round today at Seymour Golf and Country Club. “It was important for me to hit fairways and stay out of trouble as much as possible. I had a nice run with 3 birdies in a row that were set up with good drives off the tee. I think I’m a good driver of the ball and that strength certainly helped me today. Seymour’s greens were very demanding today with tough pin placements. It took a lot of patience out there today on those greens. Both courses are just excellent,” he added.

Following closely, 22-year-old, Michael Haranhan Smith shot a 66 today finishing one shot back at -5. Haranhan Smith is one of a trio of Australians competing this week, with all three advancing to the third round.

“I think this course is definitely the one to score on, the back 9 can be tricky but you can definitely get it going on the front,” said Haranhan Smith of this round at Point Grey Golf and Country Club. “I’m a relatively good iron player which suits this golf course and the greens are pretty large but you need to be in the right section to give yourself a chance at holing some putts.” 

Five Canadians sit inside the top-10 in a tie for eighth place including Jean-Philippe Parr (St-Célestin, Que.), Alex Zhang (Richmond, B.C.), Eric Zhao (North York, Ont.), Keith Ng (Richmond, B.C.), and Kai Iguchi (Banff, Alta.),

The winner of the championship will earn an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship being contested August 15-22 in Paramus, N.J.

The third round commences tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. PT at Point Grey Golf and Country Club.

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For more information on the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, click here.

Point Grey Golf and Country Club and Seymour Golf and Country Club played host to 250 golfers this holiday Monday as play commenced for the 117^th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

Elkhorn, Neb. native Luke Gutschewski had a hot start, making eight birdies to shoot a 65 for the day. Heading into his second season playing for Iowa State’s golf team, Gutschewski played a near bogey-free round, getting into the groove and making birdie on five consecutive holes in the middle of his round at Point Grey Golf & Country Club.

“I really just played solid all day, nothing too flashy,” said Gutschewski. “I did a good job of keeping it in play off the tee, left myself in good places when I missed greens, and then putted pretty nicely too.”

Despite the early lead, the 19-year-old isn’t getting too far ahead of himself. “It’s really a long week and we have a long way to go,” added Gutschewski. “If I can keep on doing what I’m doing and not get too wrapped up in the individual result of each shot then we can add up the scores at the end of the week and see what happens.”

Following closely, Banff, Alta. native Kai Iguchi sits just two strokes behind at -4. The 21-year-old recently finished fifth in the Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship and is competing in his first Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. 

In addition to Iguchi, nine other Canadians ended round one inside the top-10 including Marc Sweeney (Saskatoon, Sask.), Christopher Vandette (Beaconsfield, Qué.), Jean-Philippe Parr (St-Célestin, Qué.), Jace Minni (Delta, B.C.), Nasheel Kassam (Vancouver, B.C.), Robbie Latter (Mississauga, Ont.), Tony Li (Vancouver, B.C.), Tyler Hull (Toronto, Ont.), Ryan McMillan (Winnipeg, Man.).

Tomorrow will mark the final day of play at Seymour Golf and Country Club after which the field will be cut to the low 70 players (including ties). The final 36 holes are scheduled to take place at Point Grey Golf and Country Club.

The winner of the championship will earn an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship being contested August 15-22 in Paramus, N.J.

After the halfway point of the Inter-Provincial competition Team Quebec, consisting of Christopher Vandette, Laurent Desmarchais, and William Forgues, leads by three strokes over Team British Columbia. Nine provinces and two territories will continue to battle for the Willingdon trophy tomorrow with Team Ontario looking to rally to defend their 2019 title.

Quick Links:

Leaderboard
Tee times
Course details
Championship history & past champions

For more information on the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, click here.

The 117^th installment of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, tees off this week with 252 amateur golfers taking the stage in Vancouver.

The championship, which was first held in 1895, is the oldest amateur championship in the country. The inaugural tournament, held at Ottawa Golf Club in Gatineau, Qué., marked one of the first orders of business for the Royal Canadian Golf Association – now known commonly as Golf Canada.

One of nine national championships conducted by Golf Canada for the 2022 season, the Canadian Men’s Amateur will consist of 72 holes of stroke play taking place at two elite courses, Seymour Golf and Country Club, and Point Grey Golf and Country Club, with the latter celebrating its centennial anniversary. The field will be cut to the low 70 players (including ties) following 36 holes.

Practice rounds are scheduled for July 30^th – 31^st before the tournament officially kicks off on August 1^st.  Rounds will be played simultaneously at both properties for the first two rounds, with the final round and awards ceremony taking place at Point Grey G&CC.

“Golf Canada is proud to host this historic championship and bring together a field of top competitors from all over the globe,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “Point Grey Golf and Country Club and Seymour Golf and Country Club are in excellent shape and will provide for an exciting competition as our competitors vie for the Earl Grey Cup.”

International talent will once again flock to the championship after COVID-19 complications restricted travel and thus, international inclusion. Among a field of strong international competitors are Connor Fewkes (Australia), Ching-Hung Su (Chinese Taipei), Jose Islas (Mexico), Tyler Wood (New Zealand), and Jackson Lake (U.S.A.).

As for the Canadian contingent, Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad member and Coquitlam, B.C. native A.J. Ewart will be counting on the home-province advantage to go all the way after finishing just two strokes shy of 2021 champion Max Sekulic last year. Other notable National Amateur Squad members in the field include Laurent Desmarchais (Longueuil, Qué.) and Chris Vandette (Beaconsfield, Qué.). Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and Vancouver, B.C. native Doug Roxburgh will be the only champion returning to the field having claimed titles in 1972, 1974, 1982, and 1988.  

The winner of the championship will earn an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, as well as the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship being contested August 15-22 in Paramus, N.J.

New to this year’s tournament is a purse payout. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship will now compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Amateur golfers may accept prize money up to a maximum of $1,200 CAD, and payouts will be awarded to the top-10 finishers and ties.

Among the notable Canadian champions are Canadian Golf Hall of Fame honoured members Moe Norman (Kitchener, Ont.), Nick Weslock (Winnipeg, Man.), Gary Cowan (Kitchener, Ont.) and Doug Roxburgh (Vancouver, B.C.). PGA TOUR champions Nick Taylor (Abbotsford, B.C.) and Mackenzie Hughes (Dundas, Ont.) have also hoisted the coveted Earl Grey Cup.

The 36-hole inter-provincial competition for the Willingdon Cup will also return this year after a two-year hiatus. Team Ontario are the reigning champions and are set to defend their 2019 title.

More information about the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship can be found here.