Gene Elliott wins 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship
Gene Elliott (Golf Canada/ Jeff Vogan)
TORONTO – It turns out Friday the 13th isn’t an unlucky date for American Gene Elliott. The West Des Moines, IA, native, carded a 3-over par 74 today to capture the 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship title at Cedar Brae Golf Club.
At No. 294, Elliott is the top ranked senior aged golfer (55+ years) on the World Amateur Golf Rankings. He finished the event 6-under (278) for a comfortable 5-stroke victory.
“I’m relieved more than anything,” said Elliott. “Even with a six-shot lead coming into today, it’s still hard to win. I’m absolutely thrilled.”
Elliott wasn’t just battling the field, as winds were gusting up to 35 km/h Friday at Cedar Brae.
“You’ll find fourth-round scores are much higher than the rest of the week. It played very tough today, which is another reason I’m relieved,” added Elliott. “Because on a cold and windy day a guy can go out and shoot 80. I’m glad that it didn’t happen. I’m very excited.”
This is the second Canadian Men’s senior title for Elliott. The 57-year-old previously had his name etched on the John Rankin Memorial Trophy when he won the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship in 2017. He also finished third in 2018.
“I’ve always liked Canada, since I was a small boy. My parents and I used to go fishing in Lake of the Woods, Ontario,” added Elliott. “I’m thrilled to be able to compete up here. I’ve just always been a big, big fan of Canada.”
With the win, Elliott receives an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at The Country Club of Detroit, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.
There will be little time for Elliott to catch his breath, as he’s leaving Toronto this evening in order to make his 1 p.m. tee-time tomorrow at the U.S. Mid-Amateur, which is taking place in Colorado.
Ashley Chinner of Brooklin, Ont., finished runner up at 1-under (283), while Lars Melander of Oakville, Ont., finished third at even-par (284).
A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship ran concurrently throughout the championship. Melander’s final round 1-under par 70 helped him win the title and hoist the Governor’s Cup.
“This is something I’ve worked towards for 13 years,” stated Melander. “Last year I finished third and this year I got it done. It was exhilarating to finally win another Canadian championship. The last one I won was the PGA of Canada’s Assistant’s Championship in Vancouver in 1974.”
Finishing runner-up in the Senior Division was Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C. Simson won the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship in 2010 and the Super Senior title in 2017. He finished the event 3-over (287), 3-shots back of Melander.
Frank Van Dornick of Camrose, Alta., finished third at +8 (292).
The 2020 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship will be held September 8-11 at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort in Qualicum Beach, B.C.
2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL SCORES
Gene Elliott, West Des Moines, IA, *71-66-67-74-278 -6
2. Ashley Chinner, Brooklin, ON, *75-67-72-69-283 -1
3. Lars Melander, Oakville, ON, *74-67-73-70-284 E
4. Paul Simson, Raleigh, NC, *76-71-72-68-287 +3
4. Sandy Harper, Nanaimo, BC, *72-69-69-77-287 +3
2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SUPER-SENIOR DIVISION FINAL SCORES
Lars Melander, Oakville, ON, *74-67-73-70-284 E
2. Paul Simson, Raleigh, NC, *76-71-72-68-287 +3
3. Frank Van Dornick, Camrose, AB, *75-69-74-74-292 +8
4. Doug Roxburgh, Vancouver, BC, *74-75-77-73-299 +15
5. John Gallacher, Burnaby, BC, *78-77-73-73-301 +17
Additional information, including a full list of competitors and scores can be found here.
Elliott takes 6-shot lead into final round of 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship
Gene Elliott (Golf Canada)
TORONTO – American Gene Elliott edged closer to winning his second Canadian Men’s Senior Championship title on Thursday. The West Des Moines, IA, native fired a 4-under par 67 to sit 9-under (204) at Cedar Brae Golf Club and take a commanding 6-shot lead into tomorrow’s final round.
Elliott, who plays out of Glen Oaks Country Club, has enjoyed great success north of the border. The 57-year old won the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship in 2017 and finished third in 2018.
“Well, there’s still a lot of golf left – 18 holes – and no lead is big enough as far as I’m concerned,” said Elliott following his round. “Cedar Brae is a tough golf course; you’ve got to stay below the hole. If you can putt well, you can do well.”
Elliott is playing better than “well”. He’s one of just two players to sit under par after three rounds. Sandy Harper of Nanaimo, B.C., shot 69 Thursday and sits second at -3 (210).
?? Gene Elliott holds a 6-shot lead heading into the final round of the #CDNSenior.
Tom Cameron of Oromocto, N.B.; Ashley Chinner of Brooklin, Ont.; Doug Hanzel of Savannah, GA,; and Lars Melander of Oakville all have a share of 3rd at 1-over par.
A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship is running concurrently throughout the championship. After 54 holes of play, Melander leads the pack at +1 (214).
“I’ve kept my head down this week and just tried to play as good as I can. Not get too excited or too down,” stated Melander. “That’s why I am where I am. Overall, I’m pretty pleased.”
Melander holds a 4-shot lead over Frank Van Dornick ofCamrose, Alta., who is 5-over (218). Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C. is third at 6-over (219).
The final round will begin Friday at 8:30 a.m. EDT.
The individual champion receives an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at The Country Club of Detroit, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.
2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 3 LEADERS
Gene Elliott, West Des Moines, IA, *71-66-67-204 -9
2. Sandy Harper, Nanaimo, BC, *72-69-69-210 -3
3. Tom Cameron, Oromocto, NB, *70-73-71-214 +1
3. Ashley Chinner, Brooklin, ON, *75-67-72-214 +1
3. Doug Hanzel, Savannah, GA, *74-70-70-214 +1
3. Lars Melander, Oakville, ON, *74-67-73-214 +1
2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SUPER-SENIOR DIVISION ROUND 3 LEADERS
Lars Melander, Oakville, ON, *74-67-73-214 +1
2. Frank Van Dornick, Camrose, AB, *75-69-74-218 +5
3. Paul Simson, Raleigh, NC, *76-71-72-219 +6
4. Doug Roxburgh, Vancouver, BC, *74-75-77-226 +13
4. Alan Stewart, Grande Praire, AB, *78-74-74-226 +13
Additional information, including a full list of competitors and scores can be found here.
Cameron leads after opening-round of 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship
TORONTO – Tom Cameron of Oromocto, N.B., carded a 1-under 70 that included five birdies to take sole possession of the lead following the opening-round of the 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship at Cedar Brae Golf Club.
There was no doubting Cedar Brae proved itself a solid test as Cameron was the lone competitor in the stellar 156-player field to sit under par. The average score on the day was 8-over 79.
Four players share second including three Canadians and an American. Garth Collings of Matlock, Man., Toronto’s Robert Gibson, Ken Griffith of Red Deer, Alta. and Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, IA all carded even par 71s to sit a single shot off the lead.
A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship is running concurrently throughout the championship, crowning a champion after 72 holes of play. After 18 holes of play, Ken Warwick of Winnipeg led the field after a 1-over par 72.
Warwick, a member of Niakwa Country Club who is President-elect of Golf Manitoba, holds a 2-shot lead over Vancouver’s Doug Roxburgh and Oakville, Ont.’s Lars Melander. Roxburgh – a Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and the reigning Canadian Super Senior Champion – and Melander shot matching 74s Tuesday.
An inter-provincial team competition is also being contested over the tournament’s first two rounds.
Team Alberta combined for a team score of 144 (+2) to share the lead with Team Ontario.
Team Alberta is comprised of Red Deer’s Ken Griffith, Edmonton’s Brian Laubman and Frank Van Dornick of Camrose, while Team Ontario consists of David Greenaway from Barrie, Robert Gibson of Toronto and Ashley Chinner of Brooklin.
The team title will come down to the wire Wednesday afternoon as Team British Columbia and Team Quebec are just two-shots back of the leaders at 146 (+4).
Following the opening two rounds, the field will be reduced to the low 70 players and ties.
The individual champion receives an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at The Country Club of Detroit, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.
2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1 LEADERS
Tom Cameron, Oromocto, NB, *37-33-70 -1
2. Garth Collings, Matlock, MB, *35-36-71 E
2. Gene Elliott, West Des Moines, IA, *35-36-71 E
2. Robert Gibson, Toronto, ON, *35-36-71 E
2. Ken Griffith, Red Deer, AB, *35-36-71 E
2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SUPER-SENIOR DIVISION ROUND 1 LEADERS
Ken Warwick, Winnipeg, MB, *36-36-72 +1
2. Lars Melander, Oakville, ON, *35-39-74 +3
2. Doug Roxburgh, Vancouver, BC, *36-38-74 +3
4. Frank Van Dornick, Camrose, AB, *35-40-75 +4
5. Lance Lundy, Pemberton, BC, *40-36-76 +5
5. Bruce McEwen, Scarborough, ON, *37-39-76 +5
5. Michel Roy, Québec, QC, *37-39-76 +5
5. Paul Simson, Raleigh, NC, *35-41-76 +5
INTER-PROVINCIAL FIRST ROUND LEADERS
Team Alberta – Ken Griffith (Red Deer), Brian Laubman (Edmonton), Frank Van Dornick (Camrose) * 70-74-144 +2
1. Team Ontario – David Greenaway (Barrie), Robert Gibson (Toronto), Ashley Chinner (Brooklin) * 71-73-144 +2
3. Team British Columbia – Doug Roxburgh (Vancouver), Jim Shaw (Sooke), Sandy Harper (Nanaimo) *71-75-146 +4
3. Team Quebec – Jean-Guy Garnier (Lévis), Peter Harrison (Ottawa), Serge Amyot (St. Constant) *73-73-146 +4
5. Team Manitoba – Mike Walker (Winnipeg), Bruce North (Carman), Garth Collings (Matlock) *73-76-149 +7
Additional information, including a full list of competitors and scores can be found here.
Cedar Brae Golf Club set to host 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship
Cedar Brae Golf Club
– Winner receives exemption into USGA’s 2020 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship –
– Eight past champions and three Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Honoured Members in the field –
TORONTO – The 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, conducted by Golf Canada, will be contested at Cedar Brae Golf Club from September 10-13, marking the 58th playing of the national championship.
A full field of 156 competitors aged 55-and-over will take to Cedar Brae in hopes of joining the championship’s stellar list of notable winners. Returning to defend his Canadian Men’s Senior title is Brady Exber of Las Vegas, who cruised to a 7-stroke victory in 2018 with a score of 10-under par (278).
Also looking to hoist the John Rankin Memorial Trophy at Cedar Brae are seven additional past champions, including Canadian Golf Hall of Fame honoured members Gary Cowan of Kitchener, Ont., Graham Cooke of Hudson, Que. and Doug Roxburgh of Vancouver. Other past champions in the field include Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C.; David Schultz of Calgary; Jack Hall of Savannah, Ga; Michael Mercier of Juno Beach, Fla.; and Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Ill.
“We have exceptionally talented and accomplished golfers who are ready to take on a stellar golf course in Cedar Brae,” said Tournament Director Akash Patel. “Our hosts at Cedar Brae Golf Club have pulled together a great team of volunteers and the course is sure to provide North America’s best senior golfers with a solid test of their skills. The 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship will undoubtedly be an exciting competition.”
Practice rounds take place Monday, September 9. Championship play will be conducted Tuesday, September 10 through Friday, September 13, with 18 holes of stroke play each day. Following the opening two rounds, the field will be reduced to the low 70 players and ties. The champion receives an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at The Country Club of Detroit, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.
A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship will run concurrently throughout the championship, crowning a champion after 72 holes of play. In 2018, Doug Roxburgh claimed a two-shot victory in the division over Quebec City’s Michel Roy.
An inter-provincial team competition for the Phil Farley Memorial Trophy will also be contested over the tournament’s first two rounds. In 2018, Team British Columbia captured the inter-provincial team championship with a score of 9 over par. Team Alberta and Team Quebec finished a single shot back to tie for second.
Originally opened in 1922, Cedar Brae has proven itself a revered destination for golfers seeking one of the best golf course experiences in Toronto. The club has evolved from its early beginnings, moving locations and changing its name before spreading its roots at its current location. The course was designed by Mr. C.E. (Robbie) Robinson.
Visiting golfers regularly praise Cedar Brae’s layout, course conditioning and large fast greens that require a deft putting touch.
“Cedar Brae is proud and excited to host the 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Golf Championship,” said Cedar Brae’s General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, Martin Piché. “Our staff and member-based volunteer team have been working hard to prepare for the event. We know the players will enjoy the amenities and pure golf experience Cedar Brae has to offer.”
Additional information, including a full list of competitors, can be found here.
NOTABLE COMPETITORS
Gary Cowan of Kitchener, Ont.
Cowan, 80, was named the Canadian Male Golfer of the 20th Century in 2000 by Golf Canada – then known as the Royal Canadian Golf Association. A former Canadian Junior Boy’s (1956) and Canadian Amateur (1961) Champion, Cowan went on to win the United States Amateur Championship on two occasions (1966 and 1971). He turned professional at age 52 and played on the PGA TOUR Champions where he earned three top-10 finishes. Cowan’s amateur status was reinstated in October, 2018.
Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Ill.
The 57-year-old won five titles in 2018. In addition, he finished 3rd at last year’s Canadian Men’s Senior.
Brady Exber of Las Vegas, Nev.
The 63-year-old is back north of the border to defend his Canadian Men’s Senior Championship title. Exber, a member of the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame, was a quarterfinalist at the 2019 U.S. Senior Amateur.
Graham Cooke of Hudson, Que. The 72-year-old is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and has won the event four times (2001, 2002, 2008 and 2009). Cooke holds the record number of wins at the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship with seven.
Jack Hall of Savannah, Ga.
The 62-year-old won the event in 2015 and finished 4th last year. In 2018, he won both the National Senior Amateur Hall of Fame and the Georgia Senior Match Play Championships.
Doug Roxburgh of Vancouver B.C.
The 2014 winner of the event is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and was the Super Senior Champion in last year’s tournament. The 67-year-old won the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship four times (1972, 1974, 1982 and 1988). He also has the record for most wins at the B.C. Men’s Amateur Championship with 13.
FAST FACTS
Conducted since 1962.
Golfers must be 55 and over to be eligible.
In 1995, the 70 and over Canadian Super Senior division was added and is contested through the first two rounds.
The 2018 playing marked the first time this competition was contested over 72 holes.
The inter-provincial competition, which began in 1977, occurs concurrently over the first two rounds.
The champion is awarded the John Rankin Memorial Trophy.
The winner of the Super Senior division is awarded the Governor’s Cup.
Calgary’s Bob Wylie has won the event seven times since 1985.
Nick Weslock won the event six times between 1973 and 1983.
Paul Simson became the first person to win the British, U.S. and Canadian senior titles in the same year in 2010.
The winner receives an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Men’s Senior Amateur Championship.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Located in the scenic Rouge Valley in the north east part of Toronto, Cedar Brae boasts a challenging and award winning 18-hole course designed by renowned golf course architect and Stanley Thompson disciple, CE (Robbie) Robinson.
Cedar Brae’s layout boasts mature trees and natural tranquility bordered to the east by Rouge National Urban Park – Canada’s only Urban National Park.
The club hosted the 1976 CP Women’s Open, then known as the Peter Jackson Classic, as well as other provincial championships and qualifiers.
Cedar Brae, par 71, will be set up to play 6,463 yards. Par 3s will average 192 yards, par 4s will average 380 yards and the par 5s will average 520 yards.
Brady Exber captures 2018 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship
Brady Exber (Golf Canada)
Golf Canada
BATHURST, N.B. – American Brady Exber closed out a strong performance with a final-round 73 (+1) on Friday to claim the 2018 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club.
Exber held a share of the lead in the opening round and never looked back, extending his advantage to capture a 7-stroke victory and hoist the John Rankin Memorial Trophy. The 62-year-old Las Vegas native finished the 72-hole event at 10 under par (278) ahead of Canadian runner-up Peter Detemple.
“It was just amazing when I made that last putt,” said Exber, who becomes the ninth American to win the Canadian Men’s Senior. “Everybody started clapping, and I looked around, I couldn’t believe how many people were watching.”
“I was really nervous starting today, because I had a big lead, and I was thinking ‘OK try to not screw this up’ instead of playing the golf course. You can’t win on the first tee you gotta play all the holes.”
The Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame member held a third-round lead of nine strokes, thanks in part to a tournament course record 66 (-6) in the third round. With the victory, Exber adds another trophy to a well-decorated shelf over a stellar amateur golf career throughout the years. Among his many accolades, Exber is nine-time recipient of the Southern Nevada Golf Association Player of the Year Award.
Having played many different Nevada courses over his career, Exber shared high praise for the conditions at Gowan Brae.
“It’s a really fun course, the two nines are very different. If you drive it in the fairway here, you can make some birdies. The hospitality here is fantastic.”
Exber earns an exemption into the 2019 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at the Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham, N.C., from Aug. 24-29, 2019.
He’s also committed to returning to Canada to defend his title at next year’s Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, which will take place Sept. 10-13 at Cedar Brae Golf Club in Scarborough, Ont.
“Absolutely I’m going to defend my title, I’m looking forward to it. I really do look forward to coming to Canada—it’s one of three tournaments in the world for senior amateur golf.”
Detemple, a Vancouver native currently residing in Lexington Park, Md., couldn’t quite match Exber after the two shared the 18-hole lead. Instead, he was battling 2017 champion Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Ia., who finished in solo third at 1 under for the tournament, two back of Detemple.
Doug Roxburgh, an honored member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, hung on to capture the Super Senior Division (ages 65+) by two strokes. The Vancouver native finished tied for 11th at 11 over par (299). Quebec’s Michel Roy was in position to win but finished bogey, double-bogey to open the door for Roxburgh.
“It was one my goals and it’s really nice to have accomplished it,” said Roxburgh. “I turned things around and played pretty steady on the back. It was a good day of golf and Michel is just a tremendous player.”
On Wednesday, Team British Columbia captured the inter-provincial team championship with a score of 9 over par. Team Alberta and Team Quebec finished one stroke back with a share of second.
Additional information, including complete scoring info for the 2018 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship can be found here.
Brady Exber takes commanding lead into final round of Canadian Men’s Senior Championship
Brady Exber (Photo by: Golf Canada)
Golf Canada
Bathurst, N.B. – Brady Exber edged closer to winning his first Canadian Men’s Senior title on Thursday, firing his third-straight round in the red at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club to take a 9-shot lead heading into tomorrow’s final round.
Exber carded a 6-under-66 to tie the tournament course record at Gowan Brae, which was originally set in 2005. His bogey-free round was highlighted by an eagle and four birdies.
“I’m very happy, it was an unreal round,” smiled Exber. “I got off to a good start, birdied one, chip in for eagle on two, so that was a good start. I just kind of felt really good today off the tee, with the driver and three-wood. I think I only missed one fairway.”
The Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame member’s only miss hit was on hole 18. He hit a 7 iron off the fairway and the ball bounced off the cart path, about 30 feet in the air, and landed on the green about 8 feet back of the hole.
“I just tried to hit a little easy 7 iron and I caught it thin and you know it just hit the cart path,” said the 62-year-old. “You know what, I have to say, with as good as I played today, sometimes it’s just your day. Today was just my day.”
Exber sits 11 under for the tournament (205) and heads into the final round with a 9-stroke lead over Peter Detemple of Lexington Park, MD., and 2017 Canadian Senior Champion, Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Ia. Elliott and Detemple sit 2 under for the tournament (214) both with a share of second.
Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, Doug Roxburgh, maintained his lead in the Super Senior division despite carding a 79 on Thursday.
“I didn’t really play very well on the back nine, missed some short putts, and totally lost focus. I’ve got to re-group for tomorrow,” the Vancouver native sighed. “I gave back nine shots in the last 14 holes.”
Sitting one stroke back of Roxburgh is Michel Roy from Québec City, who sits 9-over-225 for the tournament.
On Wednesday, Team British Columbia captured the inter-provincial team championship with a score of 9-over-par. Team Alberta and Team Quebec finished one stroke back of Team British Columbia with a share of second.
The 2018 Canadian Men’s SeniorChampion will earn an exemption into the 2019 U.S. Men’s Senior Amateur Championship at the Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham, N.C., on Aug. 24-29, 2019.
The Canadian Senior Men’s Championship continues Friday with the final round beginning at 8 a.m. ADT.
Team British Columbia wins provincial title at Canadian Men’s Senior Championship
Team British Columbia (Photo by: Golf Canada)
Golf Canada
Bathurst, N.B. – The second round of the 2018 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship concluded Wednesday at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club with Team British Columbia emerging as provincial team champions.
The trio of Doug Roxburgh (Vancouver), John Gallacher (Burnaby, B.C.) and Al Jensen (Nanaimo, B.C.) posted a combined second-round score of 2-over-146 to capture the Phil Farley Trophy with a total of 297 (+9).
It was a close finish between Team British Columbia and Team Alberta, which was comprised of John Festival (Calgary), Brian Coston (Calgary) and Ken Griffith (Red Deer, Alta.). The Alberta trio, who are defending champions,finished a single-shot back of Team British Columbia, sharing runner-up honours with Team Quebec, comprised of Shawn Farrell (St-Anne-de-Bellevue, Que.), François Bissonnette (Mirabel, Que.) and Michel Roy (Québec, Que.). Team Alberta and Team Quebec finished with a total of 10-over-298.
Team British Columbia member and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, Doug Roxburgh, walks away from the second round with his team winning the inter-provincial competition and holding the lead in the Super Senior Division.
“It’s great,” when asked how it feels to be leading the Super Senior Division, “I just want to go out and play golf while representing B.C. and see how our team did, and now we have the individual side of it, and so we just keep plugging away.”
The Vancouver native leads the Super Senior by 5 stokes after carding a 1-under-71 on Wednesday to sit 1-over for the tournament.
“I played fairly steady and missed a couple of short ones, but other than that you have to be pretty happy with it, I’ll take a 71,” Roxbugh laughed.
The 2014 Canadian Men’s Senior champion holds a five-shot lead on Lars Melander from Oakville, Ont. and Lance Lundy from Pemberton, B.C., who share second with a total score of 150 (+6).
Brady Exber took the solo lead Wednesday in the Senior Division after recording a tournament low round of 4-under-68.
The Las Vegas native teed off on hole 10 and fired two birdies against two bogeys on his front nine making the turn at even for the day. He continued to record four more birdies on the back nine to take a three-shot lead.
“It’s always good to make six birdies,” Exber smiled. “I had two mistakes, I bogeyed 17 and just missed the green a little bit and flubbed a chip. I three putted 18, that was very disappointing.”
Exber enters the third round Thursday without having made a bogey on the front nine.
“I played the front nine well, the front nine is a little easier than the back nine. But I haven’t made a bogey on the front yet, knock on wood,” added the 62-year-old.
Peter Detemple from Lexington Park, MD., initially from Vancouver, moved one spot back into second after sharing the lead with Exber after Tuesday’s round. Detemple carded another 71 to sit 2-under for the tournament.
Not far behind is 2017 Canadian Senior champion Gene Elliott who fired a 3-under 69 to sit alone in third, just one stroke behind Detemple.
A total of 74 players finished 156-or-better to advance past the 36-hole cut. The third round will begin Thursday at 8 a.m. ADT.
Detemple and Exber lead opening-round at Canadian Men’s Senior Championship
Peter Detemple (Photo: Golf Canada)
Golf Canada
BATHURST, N.B. – Peter Detemple and Brady Exber were the only players in the red at the end of the first round of the 2018 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club.
It was a sunny blue bird day with a little wind which was proving to throw off some players, but not Detemple.
“It was a beautiful day, perfect enough breeze for the mosquitoes to keep away. You know, the wind is your friend in golf, you use it. It wasn’t overly windy, it was a normal wind,” said the Vancouver native.
Detemple opened with two birdies on his front nine but struggled with his putter on hole 10 as he made the turn.
“I missed a 12-inch putt on 10, I tapped it in and missed it. I was standing there like ‘what the heck’ that don’t happen,” Detemple laughed.
He didn’t let that stop him. The Lexington Park, MD., resident continued to card two more birdies against two bogeys to finish 1 under.
“I played conservative, I kept it in play today, that was my goal. You don’t want to shoot yourself out,” said the 56-year-old.
Unlike Detemple, Exber had a rough start to the tournament when he arrived in Bathurst, but his clubs did not. Exber was one of many players whose clubs didn’t make it for the practice round, but thankfully arrived just on time for the beginning of the championship.
“I’m really happy, I didn’t have my own clubs until today, so I just didn’t want to get off to a bad start,” said the Las Vegas native. “I wanted to get in the feel of the golf course because I didn’t really know how far the ball was going with my own equipment. It took me a few holes to kind of get going, but I did get off to a good start.”
The 62-year-old had a similar opening round to Detemple recording two birdies. Exber made the turn–also recording a bogey on hole 10 and a birdie on hole 11–and recorded an eagle on hole 14 after a chip-in just off the green.
Two players trail the duo after carding even-par 72s. Ken Griffith of Red Deer, Alta. and Allen Barber of Yorktown, Va., both share third heading into Wednesday’s second round.
Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Honoured Member and 2014 Champion, Doug Roxbough, leads the Super Senior (65 years +) Division by two strokes over Lars Melander from Oakville, Ont. and Mike Hosford from Dieppe, N.B. Roxbough recorded a 2-over-74 in Tuesday’s round.
Defending champions, Team Alberta, has a share of the lead with neighbouring province, Team Saskatchewan, at 4 over. Three strokes back, with a share of third, are Team British Columbia (+7) and Team Ontario (+7).
The 2018 Canadian Men’s SeniorChampion will earn an exemption into the 2019 U.S. Men’s Senior Amateur Championship at the Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham, N.C., on Aug. 24-29, 2019.
Additional information, including full scores from the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship can be here.
Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club set for Canadian Men’s Senior Championship
(Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club)
The 2018 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship heads to Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club for the 57th playing of the event on Sept. 4-7, with a practice round to take place on the 3rd.
“With a field of accomplished senior golfers ready to take on Gowan Brae, the 2018 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship is sure to be an exciting competition,” said Tournament Director Adam Cinel. “Our hosts at Gowan Brae have brought together a great team of volunteers and the course is sure to provide our golfers with a challenging, rewarding experience.”
Designed by Mr. C.E. (Robbie) Robinson, Gowan Brae was established in 1958 as a nine hole venue before it was turned to eighteen holes in 1962. Constructed along the windy shores of the Bathurst Harbour near the Bay of Chaleur, the course features water views from at least 14 different holes throughout.
“Gowan Brae is proud and excited to host the 2018 Canadian Men’s senior Golf Championship. Our staff and volunteer team have been working hard to prepare for the event,” said Gowan Brae Director of Golf Adam Chamberlain. “We hope the players will enjoy the scenery and a good test of golf at Gowan Brae and get a chance to enjoy some maritime hospitality on their trip to the North Shore of New Brunswick.”
A full field of 156 competitors aged 55-and-over will take to Gowan Brae for the 57th playing of this national championship in hopes of joining its list of notable winners. Returning to defend his Canadian Men’s Senior title is Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Ill., who shot a final-round 70 to win the event by two strokes.
Following the opening two rounds, the field will be reduced to the low 70 players and ties. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2019 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at the Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham, N.C., from Aug. 24-29.
A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship will also run concurrently throughout the championship, crowning a champion after 72 holes of play. In 2017, Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C., claimed a one-shot victory in the division over Lance Lundy of Pemberton, B.C.
An inter-provincial team competition for the Phil Farley Trophy will also be contested over the tournament’s first two rounds. Team Alberta will be looking for their third consecutive inter-provincial title after a 3-over 283 in 2017 gave them a commanding twelve-stroke victory over Team British Columbia.
Additional information from the tournament can be found here.
NOTABLES Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Ill. The 56-year-old comes in as the event’s defending champion. He has won three titles in 2018 — Golfweek Senior National Match Play, Iowa Masters and George C Thomas Invitational – Senior — in addition to four top-three finishes this season.
Graham Cooke of Hudson, Que.
The 71-year-old is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and has won the event four times (2001, 2002, 2008 and 2009). Cooke, who helped to renovate the host course, recently won the Championnat Senior Montreal and is one of Canada’s greatest amateur golfers of all time, holding the record number of wins at the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship with seven.
Jack Hall of Savannah, Ga. The 61-year-old won the event in 2015 and finished T3 last year. In 2018, he won both the National Senior Amateur Hall of Fame and the Georgia Senior Match Play Championships.
Doug Roxburgh of Vancouver B.C. The 2014 winner of the event is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and was the low-Canadian in last year’s tournament after finishing T6. The 66-year-old won the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship four times (1972, 1974, 1982 and 1988). He also has the record for most wins at the B.C. Men’s Amateur Championship with 13.
David Schultz of Calgary, Alta. The 61-year-old won the event in 2013 after making a birdie on the final hole of the tournament. Schultz also won the 2016 Guardian Capital Alberta Senior Men’s Championship and the Calgary City Amateur Championship – the latter he won five times – earning himself a spot in Calgary’s Golf Hall of Fame.
FAST FACTS
Conducted since 1962.
Golfers must be 55 and over to be eligible.
In 1995, the 70 and over Canadian Super Senior division was added and is contested through the first two rounds. For the first time, this competition will be contested over 72 holes.
The inter-provincial competition, which began in 1977, occurs concurrently over the first two rounds.
The champion is awarded the John Rankin Memorial Trophy.
The winner of the Super Senior division is awarded the Governors Cup.
Calgary’s Bob Wylie has won the event seven times since 1985.
Nick Weslock won the event six times between 1973 and 1983.
Paul Simson became the first person to win the British, U.S. and Canadian senior titles in the same year in 2010.
The winner receives an exemption into the 2019 U.S. Men’s Senior Amateur Championship.
ABOUT THE COURSE Officially opened in 1958 as a nine hole venue; by 1962 the course was open for 18 holes of play.
Designed by Mr. C.E. (Robbie) Robinson. Renovated by seven-time Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur champion Graham Cooke.
The property was essentially donated to the Bathurst Golf Association by Leach Investments, of Winnipeg.
Hosted four National Championships including the 1998 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur and the 2006 Canadian Junior Girls along with many other provincial and Atlantic competitions.
The 6,700 yard layout features 4 sets off tees to offer a great experience to all skill levels.
Gene Elliott wins 2017 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship
Gene Elliott (Golf Canada/ Bernard Brault)
Terry Lenyk
KAHNAWAKE, Que. – American Gene Elliott carded an even-par 70 during the final round to claim the 2017 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship at Kanawaki Golf Club and hoist the John Rankin Memorial Trophy.
The native of West Des Moines, IA, finished at 3-over (283) for the championship, which was good enough for a 2-shot win over third-round leader Doug Hanzel of Savannah, GA.
“I am so thrilled – this is tough competition,” said Elliott, who recently competed in the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship where he fell in the round of 32. “Senior golf is tough; these guys are good. You win very little in golf at all and when you do it’s very special. To win in Canada, I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
Elliott may be new to the senior circuit having just turned 55 in February, but he’s enjoyed a stellar competitive golf career throughout the years. Among his many accomplishments, he’s amassed more than 20 titles in his home state of Iowa and also won the prestigious Porter Cup in 1998.
The veteran had high praises for the host club of Kanawaki.
“I hit the ball well today. I hit a lot of greens this week. I didn’t have many 3-putts,” he added. “But this Kanawaki, it’s a tough little bugger. It looks like you can get after it, but it gets after you. It’s a wonderful place to host a championship.”
With the win, Eliott earns an exemption into the 2018 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Ore., from August 25th to 30th.
He’s also committed to returning to Canada to defend his title at next year’s Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, which will take place September 4-7 at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst, N.B.
“I can’t wait to get to New Brunswick,” he laughed. “I have no idea where it is or how to get there, but I’ll be there.”
Hanzel, who finished runner-up, never could get things on the right track during Thursday. His 5-over round of 75 included four bogeys, a double bogey and just a single birdie.
A trio of Americans tied for third. Allen Barber of Yorktown, VA, Paul Simson of Raleigh, NC and Jack Hall of Savannah, GA, all finished at 7-over (287).
Doug Roxburgh, an honored member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, was the top Canadian finisher. The Vancouver native finished tied for 6th at 8-over (288). Roxburgh won the Canadian Junior Boy’s Championship in 1970 and Canadian Amateur titles in 1972, 1974, 1982 and 1988. He also claimed the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship in 2014.
Additional information, including complete scoring info for the 2017 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship can be found here.
