Maddie Szeryk was having trouble with her ball striking during the fourth round of the Danielle Downey Credit Union Classic and it was starting to get to her. But then she remembered the advice of Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood, a mental performance coach with Golf Canada.

“It was kind of frustrating because I had been hitting it really well all week,” said Szeryk on Tuesday. “It was just kind of like OK, what’s happening?’ But you just kind of have to focus. You don’t want to get frustrated and give shots away. You have to remember that it happens, it’s golf and you have to figure out how to get this up and down or save par or make birdie.”

Szeryk finished the tournament tied for 24th at 6-under 282, the latest in a string of solid performances on the Symetra Tour that includes three top-five finishes since May 23. That strong play has her at 11th on the second-tier circuit’s money list, in a great position to earn an LPGA Tour card for next season.

The 23-year-old Szeryk says that a strong foundation in mental conditioning has given her the consistency needed to become the highest-ranked Canadian on the Symetra Tour.

“I think it’s important to stay patient and stay in the moment and not get so frustrated,” Szeryk said. “Just really focus on what’s ahead. It takes a lot out of you and you have such a long year of golf that you really can’t waste that energy.

“You play so much that you have to keep high energy and you can’t waste it on something like hitting a bad shot and getting frustrated. It’s not worth it in the big picture, in the grand scheme of it all.”

Leslie-Toogood encourages golfers to not just have a healthy pre-shot ritual, but a constructive post-shot routine too. That means learning from the shot and then moving on without it weighing on the golfer.

“Rather than waiting until you’re in a tough spot to really try and figure it out, instead, what are the processes you can have in place,” said Leslie-Toogood, who currently works with Golf Canada’s men’s amateur and young pro teams. “Fuelling and hydration, those are really important things on the golf course, you do those really proactively. You don’t wait until you’re about to pass out to sip water, you do it along the way to stay in a good place.

“So if you’re a person who wants to be more patient, what can we do to help you stay patient rather than wait until you’re completely losing it to kind of get yourself back.”

Although she was born in Allen, Texas, Szeryk and her sister Ellie Szeryk – who has committed to play for Texas A&M next season – are dual Canadian-American citizens that regularly visit family in London, Ont. Both Szeryks are proud of their Canadian roots and Maddie says they wouldn’t be as successful without the support of Golf Canada, including its coaching staff like Leslie-Toogood.

“We both love playing for Canada. That’s who we want to play for,” said Maddie Szeryk. “They’ve helped so much, I’ve learned so much over the past few years. How to grow my game, mentally, physically, just the all-around golf game.”

Szeryk will be in the field at the CDPHP Open when it tees off on Friday at Capital Hills Golf Course in Albany, N.Y. She’ll be joined by Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., the second-highest ranked Canadian on tour at No. 29.

Other Canadians in the field include Caroline Ciot of Brossard, Que., Christina Foster of Concord, Ont., Hannah Hellyer of Stirling, Ont., Valerie Tanguay of St-hyacinthe, Que., Elizabeth Tong of Thornhill, Ont., as well as Megan Osland and Samantha Richdale, both from Kelowna, B.C.

Josh Whalen normally tees off as an amateur on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada, but on Saturday, July 20, he’ll be teeing it up for a cause close to his heart.

Whalen’s girlfriend, Jennie Griffin, was diagnosed with a form of Leukemia in March 2018. Jennie won her battle with the disease thanks to a bone marrow transplant with her sister serving as the donor, and has returned to working as a teacher.

With the cancer in remission, Griffin hasn’t forgotten all those who were by her side through the battle and is now giving back.

“It came to me that I wanted to host a golf tournament last year when I was in the hospital,” Griffin said. “Because I wasn’t back at work, I had a lot of extra time, so I decided to host the tournament for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.”

“She just really wanted to find a way to give back to everyone who helped her along the way,” said Whalen, who plays on the Team Canada National Amateur Squad. “From doctors and nurses and all the little things that are set up for people who are going through cancer.”

Both worked at Napanee Golf & Country Club, the same course where Whalen learned the game as a youngster. Hosting the tournament at the nine-hole course just outside of Kingston, Ont., was a natural choice.

The 72 spots available for the tournament didn’t take long to fill up. Napanee Golf & Country Club members, friends of Jennie, her family and some of Whalen’s college teammates from Kent State University will be teeing off at Napanee on July 20.

“I’ve had a lot of support from the golf course and the members,” Griffin said. “It filled up quickly, which was really exciting. It will just be a fun day. Even people who aren’t necessarily golfers are coming out to enjoy it.”

“The members know her and they were behind it right away,” said Whalen. “It was nice to see the members of the club wanting to be involved. Within two or three days it was full, right away.”

In addition to entry fees, a silent auction will take place. All proceeds from the tournament and silent auction are going to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

“I’m hoping this will become an annual tournament,” Griffin said. “I’m hoping this can continue.”

On an annual basis, there are over 37,000 charitable golf events held in Canada that help raise over $533 million for various causes.

Josh Whalen understands that finding success on the golf course is not a sprint but rather it’s a marathon. And so he’s taken the time necessary to fine tune his game since graduating from Kent State University in 2017.

As one of the top amateur golfers in Canada, Whalen is close to taking that next step on his journey – one that he hopes will see him follow in the success of fellow Kent State and Team Canada alums Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes.

Whalen’s journey on the golf course began in Napanee, Ont., when he was introduced to the sport at the age of four by his grandfather, Burt Whalen.

“My grandparents would babysit my sister and myself. My sister would stay with my grandma and I would go to the golf course with my grandpa,” recalled Whalen.

“When I started school, my grandpa would pick me up after school and we would go play. Eventually, when I was seven or eight I got a membership of my own and started to play quite a bit more.”

Whalen says his grandfather and his father, Terry, were avid golfers and encouraged him to pursue the sport further.

“I started playing at local one day golf tournaments to get my feet wet and then played some CJGA tournaments in Ontario.  I didn’t do too well at the beginning but eventually I started getting some good results.  Eventually, I would move on to play in some Golf Ontario events and then some Golf Canada events,” he recalled.

Josh Whalen [Duncan, B.C.] August 6, 2018, Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at Duncan Meadows & Pheasant Glen Photo by: Golf Canada“When I was able to compete and win against some of the top golfers in Canada, it made me realize I could do something more with golf – and by that, I mean play Division 1 golf down in the U.S.”

Whalen would score a scholarship to Kent State University in Ohio where he was mentored by Hall of Fame Coach Herb Page.

“It’s a great program. In my first year I got to play with Taylor Pendrith and Corey Conners which was a great experience. I look up to those two guys a lot,” he pointed out.

During his four years at Kent State, Whalen enjoyed a number of highlights including a second place finish at the Ontario Men’s Amateur in 2015; and was selected first team All-Mid-American-Conference in his sophomore year.

“I can’t say enough about Kent State, it was an amazing atmosphere. It’s also motivating to know that Mackenzie Hughes and Ben Curtis are both also graduates of the program,” Whalen continued.

“All the coaches there really helped me develop as a player and as a person.”

Even though he was Canada’s top-ranked amateur player after he graduated from Kent State in 2017, Whalen felt his game still needed some work.

Ultimately, the Kent State grad believed there was more to learn and was willing to put in the time before turning pro.

“I just felt it was important to work on certain areas of my game before taking that next step,” said the second-year member of the National Amateur Squad.

“I’ve really benefited from being part of the National Team Program. We get a lot of support both on and off the golf course. And working with Derek (Ingram) has helped me in terms of understanding the game a little better,” he said.

Whalen says the next step in his journey will take place later this autumn.

“I’ll probably play in the Web.com Q-School in the fall; and if that’s not successful then I will look to play the Mackenzie Tour for next year and work my way onto the Web.com Tour,” said Whalen.

“The ultimate goal is to play on the PGA Tour. I know it’ll be a bit of a climb and it’ll take a bit of time but I’m prepared for it.”

According to Derek Ingram – head coach of the men’s National Team Program – Whalen has made significant improvements since joining in 2018.

“Josh’s chipping and pitching has improved the most; and his putting as well,” he pointed out.

Ingram speaks highly of the current state of Whalen’s game.

“Josh’s game is actually quite similar to Corey Conners. He drives the ball really well. It’s a  combination of long and straight and he’s got great iron play. He hits a ton of greens in regulation.  He’s very consistent,” said Ingram.

“Josh has seen Corey, Mac and other guys have success in amateur golf, college golf and on the PGA TOUR – and so they’ve really paved the way for him in terms of providing an example of ‘this is how you do it.'”

In terms of the big picture goal of becoming a successful PGA pro, Ingram believes Whalen is on the right track.

“Josh just needs to be able to compete and do well in bigger tournaments to get that confidence in his game. And he needs to stay the course and continue what he’s been doing,” Ingram noted.

“He’s a smart player and knows it’s going to take time, it’s a long process – but he’s got a great work ethic and a great attitude and so I really like his chances of following in Mac and Corey’s footsteps someday.”

Céleste Dao recently turned 18 years old in March but she is already regarded as one of Canada’s top golfing prospects.

That is backed up by her impressive list of recent accomplishments which includes a Quebec Women’s Amateur title in 2017, along with victories at the 2018 Mexican Junior Girls Championship and the Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

And just earlier this month, she won a qualifier in Boston to earn a spot at the upcoming the U.S. Women’s Open Championship – for the second consecutive year.

As she looks ahead to competing in perhaps the most prestigious tournament in women’s golf later this week, the second year member of the National Team Program took some time to reflect on her journey and her humble beginnings in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Que.

“My dad, Duc, introduced me to golf when I was about three and a half years old. My dad was passionate about the sport as he just loved golf. We had nets and a mat in our garage and I remember just hitting off the mat,” she remembered fondly.

As Dao was growing up, she competed in a number of sports besides golf – notably soccer, tennis, swimming, and snowboarding.

“My parents put me in a lot of sports to see which one I liked the most,” she pointed out.

Young Céleste first realized she had a special talent for the game of golf at the age of 11 when she qualified for the Optimist Golf tournament in Florida.

“It was the first time that I got to play in tournament outside of Canada,” she noted.

“I had never played in Florida before and I remembered that it was so humid. I shot super high but I learned a lot from it and I really enjoyed the experience,” she recalled.

“I realized at that moment that golf can take me to other countries – and I loved travelling,” added Dao, who at the time was focusing her energy on both golf and soccer.

A year later, at age of 12, she decided to dedicate her time to golf – and she has not looked back since.

The five foot nine inch rising young Canadian golfer says her success on the golf course would not be possible without all the support away from it.

“My dad is still one of my coaches today and has always been very supportive. He really knows my swing and ever since I was young he has come to my lessons. He also follows me during my rounds so we could have a briefing afterwards,” said Dao.

“My mom, Annie, may not know as much about the technical aspects of golf but she’s always been there to provide support – kind of like a mental coach. And my younger brother, Malik, also plays golf, and so we would often work on our games together which makes it fun for both of us.”

Dao says the entire family was able to share a unique and special moment last year when she won the Mexican Junior Girls Championship.

“The last round of the tournament was on my dad’s birthday and I was thinking I really wanted to win this for him.  I was six shots back of the leader and came back to force a playoff; and then won the tournament. I gained a lot of confidence from that victory,” she recalled.

“My dad was really happy and after he was telling me how it was the best birthday present ever.”

The 2018 Canadian Junior girls champion also credits her time on the National Team Program for taking her game to the next level.

“It’s made a huge difference in my game. We have training camps regularly where we are able to practise with the best in Canada. Also, we have the chance to compete in tournaments around the world against the best juniors and amateurs,” said Dao.

She adds that it’s an inspiration to know eight-time LPGA Tour winner, Brooke Henderson, is a graduate of the program.

“Brooke has long been an inspiration to me because I’ve seen her win all those tournaments at such a young age. So knowing that she went through the same program just gives me confidence and motivation.”

Training out of Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, B.c., Dao is grateful to have the opportunity to work with highly respected coaches and experts that provide support in all aspects of the sport from technical to physiotherapy, mental performance and nutrition.

“All our coaches are amazing and very knowledgeable; and our head coach, Matt (Wilson), has been awesome. He gives me great technical support and always gives me great advice before tournaments,” said Dao.

“We have five junior boys and five junior girls working on our games and pushing each other each day to get better and better. It’s just an incredible program and definitely supports us in our goals to reach our potential,” she added.

According to Matt Wilson – the head coach of the national junior girls squad –  Dao is doing all the right things to reach her potential on the golf course.

“She’s worked really hard on her putting over the past couple of years and she’s progressed a lot in terms of the way she prepares for competition,” he pointed out.

Wilson says Dao is a star on the rise and is quick to highlight the keys to her recent success.

“She’s extremely long and hits the ball solid. The quality of her strike is superb. In addition, she also has a wonderful short game. I believe she’s got a very bright future ahead,” he said.

“Also, Céleste is dedicated to improving her game each day. She has a great attitude and is an excellent student and a quick learner.”

On the topic of learning, the 18-year-old Dao has committed to the University of Georgia for September.

“It was the first university that I visited and I was able to connect with the coach which is very important. The campus is just gorgeous and the practice facilities are great,” Dao said.

The Canadian junior standout hopes to continue her success in the NCAA; and has visions of turning pro and competing at the highest level one day.

But for now, the 18-year-old junior squad member is squarely focused on the U.S. Women’s Open.

“Last year, I didn’t do well, I shot in the 80s. But it was super fun and a great experience to play with the best pros in the world and I was able to learn so much,” said Dao.

“This year, I’m just looking forward to playing better. I will definitely be better prepared and I think the experience from last year will help me a lot.”

When Naomi Ko first took up the sport of golf, the goal was simple: to score a golf scholarship to a U.S. College. Over the years, that goal has evolved for the talented golfer from Victoria, British Columbia.

Having recently graduated from North Carolina State University on a full golf scholarship, the 21-year-old has fulfilled that childhood goal; and is now focusing on new challenges and an exciting journey ahead.

Looking back, Ko is amazed at how far she’s come since her mom, Adriana, introduced her to the sport at the age of 11.

“I actually played soccer when I was younger; but my mom got me into golf…She heard from a friend that you could get a scholarship playing golf and introduced me to the game,” she recalled.

Ko says her older sister and younger brother were also introduced to golf but she was the only one who found her passion in the sport.

She remembers her first time playing on the golf course was quite the learning experience.

“When I started, I was hitting at the range for the first seven or eight months. And the first time I went out on the course it was with some older girls and I wasn’t prepared at all,” she reminisced fondly.

“I brought golf balls from the range as opposed to normal golf balls. That was a lesson learned there,” she said with a laugh.

Ko first realized she had a special talent for golf in her early teens after scoring full status on the AJGA Tour.

“I think I was 13 or 14 years old and I played in an AJGA tournament which I won.  And it gave me full status on the AJGA Tour – which was a big deal at the time.”

The now 21-year-old says her seven years on the National Team Program has been instrumental in taking her game to that next level.

“We have support in all aspects of the game both on and off the golf course,” said Ko, the 2016 Canadian Junior Girls Champ.

“Being part of the program has given me the opportunity to travel and compete in some of the biggest junior and amateur tournaments around the world,” she added.

“Playing in those big tournaments is a reminder that there’s always someone better than you; and it’s also a reminder of the importance of working hard and improving and getting better each day.”

Tristan Mullally, the head coach of the Canadian Women’s National Team, speaks about the keys to Ko’s success.

“Naomi is strong off the tee and is a streaky putter when she gets it going,” said Mullally.

Tristan Mullally & Naomi Ko (Golf Canada)

“Naomi is low key and just goes about her business…She’s also someone who is very dedicated and has work really hard and she’s made improvements every year,” he continued.

“She’s had some great results winning the Canadian junior girls title in 2016 and had some strong results playing in the NCAA.”

Ko says playing in the NCAA was important to her overall development.

“Having to balance school and playing golf definitely taught me the importance of time management, being organized, and working as a team,” Ko pointed out.

“Overall, it was a really a good experience but I feel now that I’m ready to take the next step in my golf career.”

Having achieved a degree is sports management, Ko now has her sights set on the next big challenge – making it on the LPGA Tour.

Although she’s been dealing with a shoulder injury, Ko was able to win her sectional qualifier in Oregon last month and scored a spot for the U.S. Women’s Open.

Despite the fact that she wasn’t able to play her best golf at the LPGA major because of her shoulder injury, the recent NC State University graduate certainly learned a lot from the experience of being on the course with the best in the game.

And while the journey towards achieving status on the LPGA Tour promises to be an exciting one, Ko is grateful to have met and exceeded her original goals on the golf course.

With that said, the 21-year-old was asked what her advice would be for those aspiring young golfers eager to play the sport at a similar high level one day.

“There may be times where you don’t feel like you’re making progress.  But you will see the results come if you put in hours. So be patient and keep working hard,” Ko replied thoughtfully.

“Also, make sure that you learn from the ups and down and try to enjoy every moment of the journey.”

WOODBURN, Oreg. – Canadian Naomi Ko has punched her ticket back to the U.S. Women’s Open.

Ko, a Victoria, B.C., product, bested the 56-player field earn medalist honours with a final score of 3 under par (70-71) at the OGA Golf Course, one of 25 qualifying sites this year. The win marks the second time Ko earned a spot in the LPGA major—she qualified in 2016 as an 18-year-old.

The Team Canada National Amateur Squad member will take to Country Club of Charleston in Charleston, S.C., when action gets underway from May 30 – June 2.

Click here for full scores.

Decent day of scores continues for @GolfCanada players. @naomiko_golf was medalist at her @uswomensopen QF site and will play her second US Open. Been trending ↗️ and starting to play nicely again. #kokoproud

— Tristan Mullally (@tmullallygolf) April 26, 2019

After announcing her retirement from competitive golf in the summer of 2016, Rebecca Lee-Bentham has spent the last two years teaching the game she loves to others.

In doing so, the 26-year-old says she’s developed a greater appreciation for the sport – and it’s a key reason why she’s decided to make a comeback.

“Seeing the game from a different perspective has really helped me understand the game better. I’ve learned so much as a coach,” she said. “Reviewing the ups and downs of my previous LPGA experience will definitely help me better prepare myself for this next chapter.”

Lee-Bentham reveals her decision to give competitive golf another try happened during the recent holidays in December.

“It’s funny because I’ve been asked so many times if I’d ever try to go back out on Tour or if I missed Tour life; and my answer has always been ‘no.’ It’s something I honestly thought I was done with – simply because I found happiness being back home,” pointed out the former national team member.

“It was definitely a combination of events that led to my decision to go back,” she continued.

“But as cliché as it may sound, ultimately, I felt a calling to come back; and in the span of about two weeks, I went from saying ‘no’, to wanting it more than ever before.”

Lee-Bentham credits her time as a coach for helping her mature and grow as a person – and as a golfer.

“Ever since I took up the sport at the age of 12, golf has always helped me develop wonderful character traits, such as, being passionate at what you’re doing, working hard, being dedicated, persevering, and striving to be better every single day,” she noted.

“In the past, golf was a love-hate relationship for me as I would sometimes let results get the better of me. But over the past couple of years – as I was teaching the game to others – I’ve grown a lot as a person and in my understanding of how to mentally approach the game. I’ve also learned to plan and practise more efficiently.”

According to Derek Ingram – the former women’s national team head coach, and currently, the men’s national team head coach – it’s easy to understand how teaching the sport to others can reignite Lee-Bentham’s passion and love for the game. Lee-Bentham was a member of Team Canada’s National Team program from 2007-2011 followed by the Young Pro Squad in 2013.

“The last two years will likely give her a much better appreciation for the game and playing professionally,” he noted.

“Being a coach, you start to understand the importance of focusing on one or two key things as opposed to possibly trying to be perfect in too many areas. Being around young people also likely inspired her and motivated her to get back to playing the game she fell in love with,” added Ingram about his former student.

Looking back, winning big tournaments was something young Rebecca was very familiar with.

In 2007, the then 15-year-old won the Ontario Women’s Amateur. In 2010, Lee-Bentham would win the Canadian Junior Girls title.  Then, in the summer of 2011 – after completing her freshman year at the University of Texas – she would capture the Canadian Women’s Amateur title.

Following her victory at the Canadian Women’s Amateur, Lee-Bentham decided to pursue her LPGA Tour card instead of returning to the University of Texas for her sophomore year.  And in December of 2012, she would earn full playing privileges on the LPGA Tour after carding a five-under 67 in the final round of Q-School.

The Longhorn alum had a number of notable highlights in her five year professional career. Lee-Bentham finished in a tie for 18th spot at the 2013 ISPS Handa Women’s Open Australian Open; and later that year, she would record an 11th place finish at the Evian Open.

Also, in 2013, she had the highest earnings of any Canadian woman on the LPGA Tour and was voted by Canadian golf writers as the 2013 Female Professional of the year.

However, nagging injuries and fatigued from the constant grind on Tour would lead to inconsistent results – and eventually, to her decision to retire in 2016.

Ingram says taking time away from competitive golf was the right move for Lee-Bentham.

“It was a good time for Rebecca to recharge and refocus. The grind of playing was getting to her and she was over working – which is not a great combination,” he pointed out.

The Team Canada Olympic coach feels that his former student and amateur standout still has unfinished business as a competitive golfer.

“Rebecca needed to step back and remember why she played the game and what it was all about. I really think with a new perspective and a new vision on why she plays, it will allow her to make much better progress in her game,” said Ingram.

“I personally feel she is a top 60 player in the world or better when she is engaged and practicing the right way,” he added.

After making the decision to return to competitive golf, the Toronto native has already relocated to Irvine, Calif., and has begun her training.

“I will be in California for most of my training. I am aware more than ever of the things I need to work on and am so excited to get back at it. I plan to play in some mini tour events and Monday qualifiers to prepare myself for LPGA Q-School,” she revealed.

“A very good friend owns a golf course here and generously offered a place to play and practice,” Lee-Bentham added. “Also, an amazing family opened up their home to me which is five minutes from the golf course. I have an amazing community here, so it feels like home.”

The former LPGA pro says everyone has been very supportive of her decision.

“My mom literally shed some tears of joy when I first told her about my decision. My family, friends and all of my students showed so much support, which has further motivated me,” she pointed out.

Lee-Bentham also understands the importance of having financial support in terms of making her comeback a truly successful one.

“So far, I’ve been fortunate to have people offer assistance without really having to reach out. Of course, having sponsorship is a huge bonus but it’s something I don’t want to stress about,” she said.

“Acushnet Canada has been wonderful in giving me some of their great products and I’m so thankful for their belief in me.”

At 26, the former LPGA pro feels she’s much wiser. And this time around, she plans to focus on what she can control – and let the rest take care of itself.

“I’m the type of person who goes all in once I’ve committed to something and I’m willing to put in the work,” she said.

“My objective will be to earn my LPGA Tour card again and play for Canada in the Tokyo Olympics. But, just as important, my goal is to give it my best – and to love and enjoy each moment.”

For many of Canada’s up-and-coming junior golfers, mid-November sets the stage for an important milestone in their career.

The NCAA’s National Letter of Intent (NLI) signing period opened on Nov. 14, with Canadian golfers officially committing to Division I and II programs in the U.S.

Among the Canadians to sign were recently-named National Team athletes and Quebec natives Céleste Dao and Christopher Vandette.

Dao, 17, of Notre-Dame-de-LÎle-Perrot, Que., committed to the Georgia Bulldogs.

“Celeste has played in the U.S. Open and the CP Women’s Open in the same the year, which is an incredible achievement,” head coach Brewer told the Bulldogs. “Her golf game, since I’ve known her, continues to improve every year. Not even every year, but kind of every three months she becomes better and better. It’s kind of exciting to have signed someone that’s already good but continues to improve. On top of that, she is from just a wonderful family who loves the game of golf.”

Vandette, of Beaconsfield, Que., signed the dotted line to join the Kent State Golden Flashes. The reigning Canadian Junior Boys champion joins a lineage of Canadians who have entered the program including Corey Conners, Mac Hughes, Taylor Pendrith and Jennifer Ha.

Team Canada athletes who have already committed are Monet Chun (University of Michigan), Ellie Szeryk (Texas A&M) and Sarah Beqaj (SMU).

 

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Rough Tough! Real Stuff! Texas A&M! Looking forward to my time in Aggieland☺️??

A post shared by Nora (@ellie_szeryk) on Oct 21, 2018 at 5:39pm PDT

Other Canucks to sign National Letters of Intent are:

• Isabella Portokalis (London, Ont.): Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles
• Robbie Latter (Mississauga, Ont.) : Hattiesburg Golden Eagles
• Jenn McKay: Brigham Young University Cougars
• Susan Xiao (Surrey, B.C.): University of Pennsylvania Quakers
• Luc Warnock (McGregor, Ont.) – Northern Illinois Huskies
• Anabelle Ackroyd (Calgary, Alta.) – University of Minnesota Golden Gophers
• Hailey McLaughlin (Markham, Ont.) – Wingate University Bulldogs
• Tristan Renaud (Sudbury, Ont.) – Sam Houston State Bearkats
• Sean Buckles (North Vancouver, B.C.) – Utah Valley University Wolverines
• Remi Chartier (Montreal, Que.) – East Tennessee State Buccaneers
• Kayla Burke (Port Colborne, Ont.) – Arkansas State Red Wolves
• William Duquette (Laval, Que.) – University of Kansas

Did we miss someone? Let us know at communications@golfcanada.ca

Jan Dowling, a native of Bradford, Ont., was selected to coach the international team at the 2019 Arnold Palmer Cup in Roland, Ark., from June 7-9.

The former Canadian Women’s Amateur champion (2000) is in her sixth year of coaching the Michigan University Wolverines, having led the team to two appearances in the NCAA championship in 2016 and 2017.

“I’m grateful the WGCA, GCAA and the Arnold Palmer Cup have entrusted me with this incredible honour to coach the International Team this summer,” Dowling told the University of Michigan. “With the addition of women last year, the tournament is unique and creates an incredible arena of world-class golf and competition.”

As a collegiate golfer, Dowling led the Kent State Golden Flashes to four straight Mid-American Conference Titles. She also represented Canada at the World Amateur Team Championships in 2002.

Team Canada Junior Women’s Coach Matt Wilson was one of nine award winners at the 2018 PGA of Ontario awards ceremony on Friday at the Nottawasaga Inn Resort in Alliston, Ont.

The Newmarket, Ont., native took home Coach of the Year honours for the PGA of Canada – Ontario Zone for his outstanding achievements in coaching this season and throughout his career.

In 2017, Wilson was appointed as Director of Next Generation strategy with Golf Canada to further develop and execute a stronger Team Canada program. Since joining the National Sport Federation, Wilson has helped oversee the national team’s centralized program, which sends athletes to train at Bear Mountain from February through to early June in a focused centre of excellence, surrounded by world-class technical coaching staff and experts.

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Thank you to @pgaofontario and my peers for voting me as the Coach of the Year for 2018 and to the athletes who work with focus and purpose, daily, to grow and achieve.

A post shared by Matt Wilson (@wilsmatt) on Oct 24, 2018 at 3:56am PDT

Wilson was honoured alongside eight fellow PGA of Canada members:

• PADRAIG KELLY ~ Retailer of the Year
• CASEY WARD ~ Candidate for Membership of the Year
• RAYMOND MCCORQUODALE ~ Class A Professional of the Year
• JON BLOMME ~ Junior Leader of the Year
• GARETH RAFLEWSKI ~ Teacher of the Year
• MATTHEW WILSON ~ Coach of the Year
• BRIAN HADLEY ~ Player of the Year
• ADAM TOBIN ~ Club Professional of the Year
• IAN WEBB ~ Executive Professional of the Year