RBC Canadian Open is back with a refreshed brand identity in celebration of Nick Taylor’s historic win
Mike Masaro
(December 1, 2023) – In celebration of Nick Taylor’s historic victory in becoming the first Canadian to win Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship in 69 years, Golf Canada in partnership with title sponsor RBC, have reimagined the tournament logo for the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf & Country Club in celebrating one of the most iconic moments in Canadian sport.
The updated brand identity depicts a silhouette of Taylor’s now legendary putter toss following his 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole at Oakdale Golf and Country Club to defeat Tommy Fleetwood and become the first Canadian in seven decades to win Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.
“We are excited to pay tribute to the epic performance of Nick’s amazing win by capturing the energy of that moment within the brand identity and logo mark for the 2024 RBC Canadian Open,” said Golf Canada Chief Marketing Officer Tim McLaughlin. “Nick’s historic victory will be celebrated in the lead up to and throughout the 2024 RBC Canadian Open and the reimagined logo is a fitting homage to both Nick and this most special moment for our National Open.”
“To be a part of the 2024 RBC Canadian Open logo is really special,” said Taylor. “When I first saw the re-design with myself as the swing man, I was flattered by the tribute and thought it was very cool. I am excited to get to Hamilton and looking forward to defending my title.”
The updated brand mark for the 2024 RBC Canadian Open will feature prominently across integrated marketing activities and physical touch points in the lead up to Taylor’s title defence at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
The 2024 RBC Canadian Open takes place May 28 – June 2 at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont., the 113th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.
For more information on the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, please visit rbccanadianopen.com.
PGA TOUR Announces 2024 PGA TOUR Americas Schedule
PGA TOUR Communications
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – The PGA TOUR announced the 2024 PGA TOUR Americas schedule, which features 16 tournaments spanning eight countries, beginning in March and concluding in September with the Fortinet Cup Championship. PGA TOUR Americas, which was introduced in April 2023, is the merger of PGA TOUR Latinoamérica and PGA TOUR Canada into a singular Tour.
“We are thrilled to announce the schedule for the inaugural PGA TOUR Americas season in 2024,” said Korn Ferry Tour President Alex Baldwin, who also oversees PGA TOUR Americas. “We are extremely grateful for our partners in their support of our members, our tournaments and our communities, and I’m confident our 16-event schedule will prepare our members for the next step in their professional golf journey.”
Fortinet is expanding its relationship with the PGA TOUR and sponsoring the season-long points race for PGA TOUR Americas, which will be referred to as the Fortinet Cup Standings. The top 10 players from the final 2024 Fortinet Cup Standings will earn Korn Ferry Tour membership for the 2025 season, as well as a share of a $100,000 USD bonus pool, with the No. 1 player earning $25,000 USD. In addition to the $100,000 USD bonus, players will compete for $3.6 Million USD in prize money across the 16 events ($225,000 USD purse for all 16 events).
The 2024 PGA TOUR Americas season opens with the Bupa Championship in Tulum, Mexico, at PGA Riviera Maya from March 21-24, which moves from its previous position at the end of the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica season to become the season-opening event.
Following a two-week break, the Tour will resume with the 69th Brazil Open at Rio Olympic Golf Course, which will mark the first time since 2017 a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event will be held at the course which famously hosted the 2016 Olympics. Over the subsequent three weeks, PGA TOUR Americas will travel to Santiago del Estero, Argentina, for the Termas de Rio Hondo Invitational presentado por Zurich (April 18-21), followed by the Diners Club Peru Open at Lima’s Los Inkas Golf Club (April 25-28), and the KIA Open at Quito Tenis y Golf Club in Quito, Ecuador (May 2-5).
The Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship in Bogota, Colombia (May 16-19) will mark the conclusion of the six-event Latin America Swing, at which time the top 60 players from the Fortinet Cup Standings will earn access into the 10-event North America Swing. Additionally, the No. 1 and No. 2 finishers from the Fortinet Cup Standings at the conclusion of the Latin America Swing will earn conditional membership for the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season, though those players can improve their status through the season-long standings.
During the four-week break between the Latin America and North America swings, PGA TOUR Americas will host six Qualifying Tournaments throughout North America, allowing players opportunities to earn access into the final 10 events of the PGA TOUR Americas season. Also taking place during the midseason break, players who finish Nos. 6-25 in the final 2024 PGA TOUR University Ranking will earn access to the North America Swing, which will see fields increase from 144 to 156 until the Fortinet Cup Championship.
The North America Swing, which features nine events in Canada and one in the United States, opens June 20-23 with The Beachlands Victoria Open presented by Times Colonist, at the Uplands Golf Course in Victoria, British Columbia, immediately followed by a trip east to Strathcona County, near Edmonton, Alberta, for the ATB Classic at Northern Bear Golf Course.
Following a one-week break in play, PGA TOUR Americas resumes with the inaugural playing of the Explore NB Open, which will be played at Mactaquac Golf Course in New Brunswick from July 11-14. This marks the first time PGA TOUR-sanctioned golf will be contested in the province of New Brunswick. The Tour then heads to the province of Quebec, for the Quebec Open at Golf Chateau-Bromont (July 18-21), followed by back-to-back weeks in Ontario with the Commissionaires Ottawa Open at Eagle Creek Golf Club and the Windsor Championship at Ambassador Golf Club.
Golf château-Bromont
The season resumes after an off week with the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open presented by Brandt (Aug. 15-18) in Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan, immediately followed by the CentrePort Canada Rail Park Manitoba Open at the Southwood Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg (Aug. 22-25).
The season’s penultimate event – the CRMC Championship presented by Gertens – will be contested in Brainerd, Minnesota from Aug. 29-Sept. 1. At the conclusion of the CRMC Championship, the top 120 players from the Fortinet Cup Standings will earn access to the season-ending Fortinet Cup Championship at TPC Toronto’s newly renovated North course, where the top 10 players on the final Fortinet Cup Standings will earn 2025 Korn Ferry Tour membership.
2024 PGA TOUR Americas Schedule
Date
Tournament
Course
Location
March 21-24
Bupa Championship
PGA Riviera Maya
Tulum, MEX
April 11-14
69th Brazil Open at Rio Olympic Golf Course
Rio Olympic Golf Course
Rio de Janeiro, BRA
April 18-21
Termas de Rio Hondo Invitational presentado por Zurich
Termas de Rio Hondo Golf Club
Santiago del Estero, ARG
April 25 – 28
Diners Club Peru Open
Los Inkas Golf Club
Lima, PER
May 2-5
Kia Open
Quito Tenis y Golf Club
Quito, ECU
May 16-19
Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship
Club El Rincon de Cajica
Bogota, COL
June 20-23
The Beachlands Victoria Open presented by Times Colonist
United States wins the 33rd World Amateur Team Championship, Canada climbs to finish T17
Nick Dunlap, (left), David Ford and Gordon Sargent of the United States of America at the 18th green with the Eisenhower Trophy during the final round of the World Amateur Team Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, United Arab Emirates on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 (Copyright USGA/Steven Gibbons)
United States Golf Association
Building off a successful third round, Canada finished the World Amateur Team Championship strong on Saturday, climbing to a T17 finish with a combined team score of 13-under (146-142-136-139-563) in the 36-team field.
Two members of Team Canada earned top-30 finishes in the individual competition amongst a field of 108 golfers. Brady McKinlay of Lacombe, Alta. fired the low round of the day for Canada with a 3-under 69 to finish the tournament T24 at 7-under (72-72-68-69-281). Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. recorded a 2-under 70 on Saturday to finish T30 at 6-under (74-70-68-70-282). Piercen Hunt of Hartland, Wis. closed the tournament with a 5-over 77 to finish at 13-over (80-74-70-77-301).
The United States of America surged to its 16th Eisenhower Trophy win, and its first since 2014, on Saturday in the 33rd World Amateur Team Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. David Ford, the No. 5 ranked amateur in the world, posted an 8-under 64, while 2023 U.S. Amateur champion Nick Dunlap contributed a 4-under 68.
On the strength of a red-hot Ford, who was 6-under through his opening six holes, the Americans quickly established an eight-shot cushion midway through the opening nine. Ford rattled off four consecutive birdies followed by an eagle hole-out from 140 yards on the par-4 sixth to kick-start his final round.
Ford’s 64 is the second-lowest individual final round score in World Amateur Team Championship history.
After struggling to get things going early on, Dunlap birdied six of his final 10 holes, leading to his 68, and Gordon Sargent, the low amateur in the 2023 U.S. Open, posted a non-counting 71 for the USA in the fourth round. Dunlap (2), Ford (T-5) and Sargent (T-5), who competed together on last month’s victorious USA Walker Cup team at St Andrews, all finished in the top 5 of the individual scoring.
The USA’s 72-hole hole score of 36-under-par 540 was 11 strokes better than the silver-medal winning Australia and Norway teams. The 11-shot victory was the largest championship margin since Australia’s 19-stroke win in 2016.
Australia used a strong finish by Jack Buchanan (4-under 68), who birdied four of his final five holes, and a counting score from Karl Vilips (2-under 70) to close at 25-under-par 551.
Norway’s silver is its first medal in the country’s 26 Eisenhower appearances. The Norwegians, whose previous best finish was fourth place in 2022, used a 3-under 69 from Herman Sekne and a 2-under 70 from Michael Mjaaseth for a team total of 551.
France finished in fourth place, one stroke behind Australia and Norway at 24-under 552. Italy, the 2022 champions, and New Zealand finished in a tie for fifth place at 553.
The USA receives custody of the Eisenhower Trophy until the next World Amateur Team Championship, which will be held in 2025 in Singapore. Members of the winning team receive gold medals and members of the two second-place teams receive silver medals.
Although there is no official recognition, New Zealand’s Kazuma Kobori, the 2023 Western Amateur champion, was the low individual scorer at 16-under 272.
Notable:
The USA’s 12-under 132 is tied for the second-lowest final-round team score in championship history (since moving from three to two counting scores in 2002). Singapore also carded a 12-under-132 on Saturday.
In 33 appearances, the Americans have won 28 total medals (16 gold, nine silver and three bronze).
The USA is one of seven nations to participate in all 33 World Amateur Team Championships since 1958.
David Ford’s 29 on the front nine tied the second lowest nine-hole score in championship history, which has occurred six other times. Denny McCarthy shot a 28 on the front nine during the final round of the USA’s Eisenhower Trophy win in 2014.
Australia now has 14 medals, which remains second all-time behind the United States.
Norway’s Michael Mjaaseth finished in a tie for eighth place in the individual scoring after he tied for ninth in 2022. He is the only player to finish in the top 10 both years.
Czechia (T-8th) registered its best finish in a WATC after placing 22nd in 2018.
South Africa finished in seventh place for its first top-10 showing since 1998.
Kazuma Kobori’s 16-under bested Nick Dunlap by one in the individual scoring. Kobori was the 2023 Elite Amateur Series champion. In addition to his Western Amateur victory this summer, Kobori added top-10 finishes in the Southern Amateur and Trans-Mississippi Amateur.
What’s Next:
The 30th Women’s World Amateur Team Championship for the Espirito Santo Trophy will take place beginning Wednesday at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
The 2025 World Amateur Team Championship for the Eisenhower Trophy will be held at Tenah Merah Country Club in Singapore.
Results from Saturday’s final round of the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships, played at par-72 Abu Dhabi Golf Club (National Course), in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
1 United States of America 135-137-136-132–540 Nick Dunlap 69-67-69-68–273 David Ford 68-74-69-64–275 Gordon Sargent 67-70-67-71—275
T2 Norway 144-134-134-139–551 Herman Sekne 73-64-68-69–274 Michael Mjaaseth 71-70-66-70–277 Mats Ege 75-77-71-70–293 T2 Australia 137-137-139-138–551 Jeff Guan 68-69-68-72–277 Karl Vilips 69-68-73-70–280 Jack Buchanan 76-72-71-68—287
4 France 135-138-139-140–552 Bastien Amat 68-70-67-69–274 Hugo Le Goff 67-68-72-71–278 Paul Beauvy 68-73-74-73—288
T5 New Zealand 139-139-139-136–553 Kazuma Kobori 70-70-67-65–272 Sam Jones 69-72-72-71–284 Jayden Ford 74-69-73-72—288
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – September 15, 2023
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Bill Bratt, Timber Ridge Golf Course, Hole #8
I used a Taylormade P790 pitching wedge. The cup was somewhat hidden between two knolls in the green, but we saw that the ball hit, skipped forward and disappeared. There was no real excitement until you see what transpired. I was playing with my good friend Andy and a couple of gents that we met, Cole and his Nonno. There were only three balls on the green and Andy quickly claimed the ball next to the pin, I thought that he was pulling my leg. Nonno saw the markings on his ball, almost the same as my markings, and claimed his ball. That’s when Andy said, “check the hole!” I pulled out my phone and there was my fourth career hole-in-one! This happened five days after I celebrated my first-ever hole-in-one 25 years earlier at Crowbush Cove. It’s been a really good year as I was turning 70 I wanted to shoot my age and managed to shoot a 69 and a 68 a month or so ago!
Dennis Yoo, Greenhills Golf Club, Hole #3
It was 157 yards and I hit a 7 iron. My playing partners were Glen Hall, Danny Pacifico and Anthony Bolzonello.
Aaron Campbell, Countryview Golf Club, Hole #16
My playing partners were Shawn Arbing, Mike MacNeill and Alex MacFayden. The hole yardage was 120, and my club was a pitching wedge. The ball played was a Srixon Z-Star XV, Club was a Srixon ZX-5 pitching wedge.
The event was day one of the Countryview Golf Course Club Championship. I went on to win the second division flight in a one-hole playoff.
Art Lappalainen, Penticton Golf and Country Club, Hole #16
I was playing with my regular golf buddies, Glen Brennan, Eric Johnson and Rod Zornes. Rod was the first to hit on the 16th hole which was playing about 164 yards. We couldn’t see the ball, but we thought it was really close to the hole. The other two guys hit but didn’t hit the green. Then I hit, I thought it was a pretty good 6 iron but I thought I was a little long, but we couldn’t see it from the tee box.
When we got close to the hole, we noticed there was only one ball on the green just past the hole. I said to Rod, “Are you going to check in the hole” because I thought it was his ball that went in. When he looks in the hole he said, “That’s not my ball because I wasn’t playing a Callaway.” I looked in the hole and I realize it’s my ball with my blue marks on it.
Bev Born, Southside Golf Course, Hole #15
I was playing with our fun Friday afternoon group, the Swingers. My foursome consisted of Arlane Balichowski, Joan Chittick, Mikki Dandonneau and myself. Our hole #15 at Southside is 88 yards, and I used my new 9 iron hybrid. I am very fortunate for this to be my third hole-in-one (the second time at Southside).
Bob Fox, Carstairs Golf Club, Hole #12
I finally joined the “club” at age 69. I was playing with my wife, and two friends. hit a pure shot into a breeze, right at the flag. It carried the bunker and went in the hole.
Brad McIlroy, Kawartha Golf Club, Hole #12
It was a father son outing. Once a year my dad and I invite a longtime friend from public school and his dad. My buddy wasn’t having a great day, and on the 12th hole I said to him, “Okay this is a short hole, if you’re going to turn your day around or get a hole-in-one out here, this is the hole to do it on!” We had 111 yards uphill over a bunker, down wind. I hit a high draw with a 54-degree wedge that looked to land just right of the hole. Because it was over a bunker we couldn’t see where the ball finished. When we approached the green, we didn’t see my ball on the green, and it turns out it was one of those rare occasions where you look for your ball in the hole and there it was!
Brandon Bird, Coppinwood, Hole #11
The hole-in-one was made from 193 yards with my 4 hybrid. I was playing with my wife, Janis Bird, father, Brian Bird, and friend, Andrew Rowland.
Cam Kissick, Land O Lakes Golf Course, Hole #11
Great day!
Charles Greene, Greyhawk Golf Club, Hole #12
I was playing with my wife, Susan Quinn, and a friend, David Pfeiffer. It was a blue flag, 166 yards into a breeze. I took an extra club, using a 5 iron. It hit the side of the green on the left which slopes to the right and tracked into the hole. My last and only other hole in one was on the 17th of August 2008 on the 15th hole.
Cohen Bitzer, Penticton Golf and Country Club, Hole #10
I was golfing with Jackson Coates, Matt Jones and Matt McDermont, all members of Penticton Golf and Country Club.
I made the hole-in-one on hole #10, with a middle-left pin placement 163 yards away. I was shooting into the wind, so I decided to use my 7 iron.
Darold Kurytnik, Fairwinds Golf Course, Hole #14
The golf game was one of our regular men’s section games played each Wednesday. I was playing with fellow members Brad Reimer, Bill Stuart and Gerry Adams. We were playing the 14th hole, which is a par 3 and 198 yards long. I used a 4 hybrid for the shot. When Bill Stuart hit teeing off first, the rest of us were standing around with nobody rushing to hit next. I said I’m not looking forward to this shot either, but I’ll hit. I struck one of my best hits that day and the ball was going straight for the pin, we are all watching and none of us saw the ball go in the hole as the pin was in a shadow. However, my 17-year-old grandson Samuel was in the group behind us, and he was on the 13th green with a good view of the 14th green. He came running over to congratulate me. That made the experience more enjoyable.
Darren Sopkow, Red Deer Golf and Country Club, Hole #2
Our group for the day was eight individuals and we were doing our final year end battle it out amongst the golf group for who’s the best. We have a fun golf group that passes around a club head cover for who’s the best for the year. The winner gets to keep the club head cover for the following year until it’s up for grabs again. Unfortunately, I never won the club head cover, but I did get a hole-in-one. We’ve been talking about how cool it would be for someone to get a hole-in-one in our informal year end event.
The wind was quite gusty. Our #2 hole is an uphill par 3 with three tiers to the green and a couple of bunkers on the left side and trees to the side. You want to hit the correct tier or miss short of the green altogether and rely on your chipping skills to get up and down because any putt from the wrong tier can often result in a three putt bogey.
It was a middle tier, back right-side pin location playing 192 yards. I hit a high spin fade shot so I opted for my 4 iron and hit what was a perfect shot. It was fading from left to right, I knew it looked good and that it would zip across the green from left to right. Our foursome got a little excited by the look of the shot and as it was zipping across the green my thoughts said if that ball passes the pin and disappears, it’s got to be a hole-in-one. It disappeared and we got really excited but needed to rush up there to check and see. Sure enough, it was in the hole.
Our other foursome behind us and people on the 18th tee and third tee all heard the commotion and it was all very exciting for those who were a part of it.
Dave McCafferty, West Hills Golf Club, Hole #5
I had a hole-in-one on June 17th at the West Hills Golf Club in Fredericton on hole #5. Measured that day at 102 yards and used a 52-degree wedge.
Dylan Wescome, Island Brae (Club de golf), Hole #6
It was an exciting hole for sure! It was about 140 yards, and I used a 7 iron.
Ed Bond, Assinibone Golf Club, Hole #4
Pretty exciting to get my first!
Here’s a couple of pictures and some information:
– August 18th, 2023
– Dale Esopenko memorial Pro-Am 4th hole
– Assiniboine Golf Club
– Winnipeg, Manitoba
– 134 yards
– 9 iron
Gaige Weseen, Olds Golf Club, Hole #13
I was playing with three other members in Olds: Mike Dezall, Mark Schultz and James MacDonald. Hole #13 was 152 yards and I hit a 9 iron. It was a tricky day, there were 35 km winds blowing left to right very slightly helping.
Garfield Moore, Picton Golf and Country Club, Hole #18
The hole-in-one was at the Picton Golf and Country Club on the 18th hole. I used my 6 hybrid and the yardage would have been approximately 160 yards. This is my third ace.
Gary Stephen, Penticton Golf and Country Club, Hole #16
Making a hole-in-one is always a fun experience. This is my fourth time, the other three were at Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Kelowna, B.C.
The 16th hole at the Penticton club is 150 yards and I used a 6 iron. I was playing with my good friend Chris Stodola along with Lawrence and Ken. We celebrated with a shot of “birdie juice”.
Gordon Penny, Berwick Heights Golf Course, Hole #5
I shot a hole-in-one on September 2, 2023 at the Berwick Heights Golf Course in Nova Scotia on hole #5. It was 146 yards with a 5 iron. I was playing with members Troy and Kathy Ferguson.
Jack Vicq, The Glencoe Golf and Country Club, Hole #14
I was playing in our junior club championships and it was 135 yards.
Jane Lavoie, Sunset Ranch Golf Club, Hole #8
It was during the Club Championship.
Jason McGonigal, Earl Grey Golf Club, Hole #7
I was playing with Al-Karim Moloo and Hussein Bhanji. If I recall correctly, the yardage was lasered at 152 and I hit a 9 iron. I was told we had the loudest hole-in-one in Earl Grey history with our celebration.
As an aside, my first-born daughter started kindergarten the day after my ace, my wife had her academic research published in a scientific journal that same day and we welcome our second daughter exactly one week after the hole-in-one, so it was a very memorable week!
Jen Stocks, The Club at North Halton, Hole #9
I was playing with my three golf friends Alanna, Whitney and Vanessa on our regular ‘Women’s Day’ Tuesday. It was on hole #9, a par 3, and 88 yards. I used my pitching wedge and had a lovely lofty shot over the pond to land about a foot above the pin which then rolled right in. The balcony at our clubhouse was packed as it was around 5:45pm and lots of people had finished their rounds so were able to see it happen. I didn’t really believe it, but the balcony of members and guests cheered and yelled my name. It was pretty great.
Jill Barrigan, Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club, Hole #5
I was playing with my husband, Cory Letourneau, and Diane Banman and Al Stafford. I hit my 7 iron, and it was about 105 yards.
Joe Ardito, Brampton Golf Club, Hole #3
It was an amazing September 4th Labour Day Monday. I was playing with Phil Menary, Mike Menary and Jon Tyner. Got the ace on the third hole at the Brampton Golf Club. A 132-yard 9 iron to a slightly elevated green. What a great day!
Joseph MacMullin, North Bellingham Golf Course, Hole #14
I was in a tournament held by the TGA Tour. As you’ve seen it was at North Bellingham Golf Club just south of the border.
We were playing from the blue tees. I was playing in my foursome with Freddy Fredrickson, Chris Wareing and Azi Mohammed. Hole #14 was 121 yards. I used a pitching wedge, and it landed about 15 feet short of the hole and rolled in the left side of the cup. At that point I dropped my club and fell on the ground, covering my face, screaming, “I did it!” I think I can safely say that was the most magical and surreal moment of my life.
Justin Miller, Cattail Crossing Golf and Winter Club, Hole #6
I was playing with my brother Ben, his friend Luke and my friend Jack. It was a tryout for a highschool golf team. I was using a 7 iron there was a little bit of a back wind and it hit the green and rolled right in.
Lyne Beauregard, Rosemère (club Link), Hole #6
The distance was 116 yards with an 8 iron.
Mark Way, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, Hole #4
It was quite exciting, especially after coming very close a few times this year. I was playing with Gavin Mistry, also a preferred member at TPC Toronto. The yardage was 160 and I used my 7 iron.
Michael Evans, Cedar Brae Golf Club, Hole #11
The yardage was 185 yards, I used a 7 iron.
I was playing with Collin Charles, and Curtis Mascall, Mr. Charles’ guest.
Mike Legg, Prince George Golf and Curling Club, Hole #14
The hole was 131 yards and I hit a 9 iron. My playing partners that day were Gary Long, Jason Mckague, Blair Scott and Tyler Hapke.
Mike Malek, Hollinger Golf Club, Hole #8
On Monday, September 4th, I was playing golf with my daughter, Heather Seguin, and two of her friends at the Hollinger Golf Club, my home club. On the 158-yard par 3, 8th hole, which was playing shorter I hit my high lofted (33 degree) hybrid onto the front of the green. Luckily the ball had eyes, and rolled right into the hole, for my first ever hole-in-one. I love golf!
Noah Mugenyi, Dentonia Golf Course, Hole #18
I luckily got three holes-in-one at Dentonia Golf Course for the month of August 2023. Occurred on holes #12 (August 3), #10 (August 23) and #18 (August 24).
Also, I can proudly confirm that in just four years of playing and getting into this intriguing and wonderful game; I have registered six holes-in-one.
Percy Clark, Chapples Municipal Golf Club, Hole #8
I was playing with Tony, Paul and Rob who I met at the first tee that day after being paired with them! It was 145 yards to the pin and hit one of the best 9 irons I’ve ever hit. We didn’t see it go in, but Paul was sure it was. Sure enough, he made a beeline for the pin and announced it for the group. As exciting of an achievement as it was, it wasn’t the most exciting of the weekend. The next day, I won the 5th annual “Skatman Invitational”, a yearly tournament played by a group of buddies.
Peter Flemming, Fox Hollow Golf Club, Hole #3
My partners were Alan LeBlanc, Barrie Clarke and Joe Devison. It was 129 yards with a 7 iron.
Randal Braden, Aberdeen Glen Golf Club, Hole #6
The yardage that day was 146 yards, and I used a hybrid club. I didn’t actually see it go in the hole. I was playing Men’s Day with my regular group, Dan Aviss, Jason Proctor and Shane Sucholotosky.
Richard Grimes, Guelph Country Club, Hole #7
It happened on August 29th at the Guelph Country Club. I was playing with Paul Walton, our club pro, and two other members. Our 7th hole was 146 yards that day, so my 6 iron was a good choice!
Robert Macphail, Berwick Heights Golf Course, Hole #16
I started golfing in 2019 after my retirement. This was our weekly men’s day at Berwick Heights Golf Club. I was playing with my normal foursome, Tom Goode, Stephen Sangster, John Yuille. The 16th hole is around 160 yards, and I used my 6 iron with a slight breeze from behind. We saw the ball land on the green rolled towards the pin and disappeared, quite a feeling.
Ron Streatch, Craigowan Golf Club, Hole #3
I was playing with Mark Alparan, Nick Weszner and Matt Gibbons. The yardage was 155 into a slight breeze. My 8 iron landed just beyond and to the right of the pin and spun into the hole.
Sheila Kennedy, Lingan Golf and Country Club, Hole #6
I was playing with three other Lingan members Jayne Burke, Peggy Sheppard Forward and Abbie Boudreau. It was hole #6 and 120 yards, and I used my 8 iron. It was an awesome day shared with great friends!
This was my second hole-in-one in the past six months, but my first at my home club at Lingan, which I was very excited about.
Steve Redden, Granite Springs Golf Course, Hole #13
I was playing with Mike Hutton and Fred Hill. The yardage was 143 yards, and I used an 8 iron.
Steve Whitford, University Golf Club, Hole #16
I used a 6 iron from 175 yards. I played with my lifelong friends.
Stuart Burnie, Muskoka Bay Club, Hole #2
My hole-in-one was on hole #2 at Muskoka Bay. The pin was a blue flag, back left location, approximately 157 yards. I hit an 8 iron and it went in on the fly. My playing partners are Gary Maracle, Mike Thomson and Roy Micks.
It was the 8th hole, playing 142 yards. While the ball was in the air one of my buddies called it, “that’s going in!” It hit about four feet in front of the hole, bounced once, rolled a little and disappeared into the cup! I was still in disbelief until I got up there and saw the ball at the bottom of the cup!
Todd Chevalier, Galt Country Club, Hole #11
It was on Men’s League Day. I was playing with Kory Mortimer, Taylor Moffitt and Geoff Genzle.
Todd Fraser, Banff Springs Golf Club, Hole #8
My partners were two Banff residents and an 85-year-old father. It was 130 yards, and I used a pitching wedge.
Vito Bommarito, Beverly Golf and Country Club, Hole #7
I played with three good friends, Mark Maguire, Jon Jurus and Jason Daleo. It was 156 yards downwind. I used my Cobra LTD 9 iron.
Uxbridge, ON – The Board of Directors of Golf Ontario (GO) has announced Kyle McFarlane will replace Mike Kelly as the next CEO of the organization beginning on March 1st, 2023.
“Following the completion of a comprehensive search process which included a deep field of talented candidates, it is my distinct pleasure to share the exciting news that Kyle McFarlane will assume the leadership of Golf Ontario,” said Dr. Susan Vail, President of the Board.
Since 2004, Kyle has demonstrated tremendous dedication to the organization across his multiple roles most recently as Chief Sport Officer. Over the course of his career with the association he has been directly involved in significant growth in the operational and financial breadth of Golf Ontario. He has helped strengthen core and value-added services to members, led the development of new initiatives to introduce more golfers to the game and supported the launch of systems for our best athletes to achieve their highest potential.
Kyle brings a breadth of knowledge and experience that is valued within the sector. As a respected member of the industry, Kyle has developed credibility and in turn strong relationships with Golf Ontario members and industry partners alike. He is well positioned to work collaboratively with partners to positively impact the health of the game and the industry.
In accepting the role, Kyle shared that “For almost two decades, I have had the pleasure to be involved in the evolution of Golf Ontario into a recognized world class operation. This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time as I’m fully prepared for a new challenge, and am energized to take on the responsibility of leading Golf Ontario through the 2023-26 Strategic Plan.”
Kyle’s passion for golf started at an early age and continues to this day. He is a sports enthusiast and actively involved in his community. Kyle graduated from the University of Memphis with a Master’s degree in Sport Commerce. He currently resides in Whitby with his wife Lisa and their three children Nolan, Jake and Maya.
Golf Canada announces amateur and professional athletes named to 2023 Team Canada
Dan Pino/ Golf Canada
DECEMBER 21, 2022 – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the names of the 57 athletes and eight coaches named to Team Canada as major enhancements to Golf Canada’s national team program continue to take effect.
Golf Canada’s 2023 national team system now features three program tiers: Team Canada (both amateur and professionals); Team Canada – NextGen (U21 amateurs); and a national talent identification system aimed at growing the pool of future national team prospects.
The updated program tiers for 2023 including a record-breaking number of athletes and coaches reflect the enhancements to the high-performance program announced last year to accelerate Canada’s position in the global professional golf landscape with a goal to increase the number of Canadians on the LPGA and PGA Tours to 30 by 2032.
The Team Canada tier (formerly the Young Pro Squad and Amateur Squad) now includes both professionals and amateurs with training focused on helping players reach the major tours. Feeding into Team Canada is a new tier called Team Canada – NextGen (formerly the Junior Squad) focused on supporting top juniors and bridging the gap for players transitioning into amateur golf and the U.S. college system.
“Thanks to the Golf Canada Foundation as well as our generous donors and partners, the enhanced Team Canada program structure is well positioned to support more of this country’s top athletes towards our goal of getting 30 Canadians to the major tours over the next decade,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue. “We have continued to evaluate and analyze the current player development system, have made refinements to competition and training environments, and are working collaboratively with athletes, parents and PGA of Canada coaches toward a shared goal of enhanced Canadian excellence on the global golf stage. Canada has made significant progress in the development of world-class golfers and is poised to take another step forward.”
The enhancements to Golf Canada’s high-performance program, which were outlined in a detailed update authored by Blue in 2022, were made possible through major gift funding support from the Golf Canada Foundation’s network of Trustee donors.
TEAM CANADA – MEN
A.J. Ewart (23)
Coquitlam, BC
Barry University (Sr.)
The Vancouver GC [AM]
Ashton McCulloch (20)
Kingston, ON
Michigan St. (So.)
Cataraqui G&CC [AM]
Johnny Travale (22)
Hamilton, ON
UCF (5th Yr.)
Hamilton G&CC [AM]
Laurent Desmarchais (21)
Bromont, QC
Tennessee (So.)
Vallée Du Richelieu Golf Club [AM]
Matt Anderson (22)
Mississauga, ON
San Francisco (5th Yr.)
Credit Valley G&CC [AM]
Piercen Hunt (21)
Hartland, WI
Illinois (Jr.)
The Club at Lac la Belle [AM]
Remi Chartier (21)
Naples, FL
East Tennessee State (Sr.)
Royal Montreal GC [AM]
Brendan MacDougall (25)
Calgary, AB
High Point/Nevada (’21)
The Glencoe C&CC [PRO]
Chris Crisologo (27)
Richmond, BC
Simon Fraser (’18)
Marine Drive GC [PRO]
Chris R. Wilson (27)
Toronto, ON
Colgate University (’17)
|N/A| [PRO]
Etienne Papineau (26)
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC
West Virginia (’21)
Pinegrove CC [PRO]
Henry Lee (24)
Coquitlam, BC
University of Washington (’21) [PRO]
Jared du Toit (27)
Kimberley, BC
ASU (’17)
The Glencoe G&CC
Jeevan Sihota (18)
Victoria, BC
turned pro after high school [PRO]
Joey Savoie (28)
La Prairie, QC
MTSU (’17) [PRO]
Max Sekulic (23)
Rycroft, AB
Washington State (’22)
The Glencoe G&CC [PRO]
Myles Creighton (27)
Digby, NS
Radford (’18)
Banyan GC [PRO]
Noah Steele (25)
Kingston, ON
Sam Houston State (’20)
Cataraqui G&CC [PRO]
Stuart Macdonald (28)
Vancouver, BC
Purdue (’16)
[PRO]
Sudarshan Yellamaraju (21)
Mississauga, ON
turned pro after high school [PRO]
TEAM CANADA – WOMEN
Angela Arora (18)
Surrey, BC
Tennessee (Jan 2023)
Marine Drive GC [AM]
Brooke Rivers (17)
Brampton, ON
Wake Forest (2023)
Brampton GC [AM]
Celeste Dao (21)
Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, QC
Georgia (Sr.)
Summerlea G&CC [AM]
Katie Cranston (18)
Oakville, ON
Auburn (Jan 2023)
Oakville GC [AM]
Lauren Kim (17)
Surrey, BC
Texas (2023)
Morgan Creek GC [AM]
Lauren Zaretsky (18)
Thornhill, ON
Texas Tech (Fr.)
Maple Downs G&CC [AM]
Leah John (22)
Vancouver, BC
Nevada (Sr.)
Marine Drive GC [AM]
Michelle Liu (16)
Vancouver, BC
High School (grade 11)
Shaugnessy GC [AM]
Monet Chun (21)
Richmond Hill, ON
Michigan (Jr.)
Summit GC [AM]
Nicole Gal (18)
Oakville, ON
Ole Miss (Fr.)
Oakville GC [AM]
Sarah-Eve Rhéaume (22)
Boischatel, QC
Furman (5th Yr.)
Royal Quebec [AM]
Savannah Grewal (21)
Mississauga, ON
Clemson (Sr.)
Piper’s Heath GC [AM]
Brigitte Thibault (24)
Rosemere, QC
Fresno/Texas (’22)
Rosemère Golf Club [PRO]
Maddie Szeryk (26)
London, ON
Texas A&M (’18) [PRO]
Selena Costabile (24)
Thornhill, ON
turned pro after high school
Ladies GC of Toronto [PRO]
The 2023 Team Canada roster is comprised of 35 players who are competing at the highest levels of amateur golf and refining their games on developmental professional tours. The program provides individualized training and competition support by collaborating with players’ support teams, including personal and college coaches, and adding value where gaps are identified. Members of Team Canada have access to The Legacy Golf Club in Phoenix, Ariz. where players can live and train in the winter months.
Salimah Mussani returns as the Stollery Family Team Canada Women’s Head Coach supported by Associate Coach and fellow PGA of Canada professional Jennifer Greggain. Derek Ingram returns as Men’s Team Head Coach and will be supported by Assistant Coaches Louis Melanson and Benoit Lemieux.
The Team Canada coaching staff will be joined by an integrated support team that includes Greg Redman (Strength, Conditioning & Physio, Men’s Team), Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood (Mental Performance & Psychologist, Men’s Team), Andrea Kosa (Strength, Conditioning & Physio, Women’s Team), Lindsay Berard (Mental Performance & Psychologist, Women’s Team), and Kelly Anne Erdman (Performance Dietician).
TEAM CANADA – NEXTGEN (BOYS)
Alex Zhang (14)
Richmond, BC
High School (grade 9)
Marine Drive GC
Ben MacLean (18)
Niagara Falls, ON
Kent St. (Fr.)
Cherry Hill Club
Cooper Humphreys (17)
Vernon, BC
Oregon St. (2023)
The Harvest Golf Club
Eric Zhao (15)
Toronto, ON
High School (grade 10)
Bayview G&CC
Ethan Wilson (18)
St. Albert, AB
University of Illinois (2023)
Glendale G&CC
Félix Bouchard (19)
Otterburn Park, QC
Univ. of Kansas (2024)
La Vallée du Richelieu GC
Gavyn Knight (18)
Parksville, BC
Boise St. (Fr.)
Morningstar GC
Hunter Thomson (19)
Calgary, AB
University of Michigan (So.)
Calgary G&CC
James Newton (19)
Ottawa, ON
Rutgers (Fr.)
Royal Ottawa
JP Parr (18)
Saint-Celestin, QC
University of Tennessee (2023)
Club de Golf Ki-8-Eb
Owen Kim (18)
Oakville, ON
Coastal Carolina University (Fr.)
Hamilton G&CC
Owen Mullen (19)
Shortts Lake, NS
University of Notre Dame (So.)
Truro Golf Club
TEAM CANADA – NEXTGEN (GIRLS)
Alissa Xu (17)
Richmond Hill, ON
Dartmouth (2023)
Station Creek GC
Anna Huang (14)
Coto de Caza, CA
Junior High (grade 8)
Coto De Caza G&RC
Carlee Meilleur (14)
Lansdowne, ON
High school (grade 9)
Loyalist G&CC
Lindsay McGrath (15)
Oakville, ON
High School (grade 10)
RattleSnake Point GC
Luna Lu (15)
Burnaby, BC
High School (grade 10)
Pitt Meadows GC
Martina Yu (16)
Coquitlam, BC
High School (grade 11)
Michelle Xing (14)
Richmond Hill, ON
High School (grade 9)
Station Creek GC
Vanessa Borovilos (16)
Etobicoke, ON
High School (grade 11)
Weston G&CC
Vanessa Zhang (16)
Vancouver, BC
High School (grade 11)
Marine Drive GC
Yeji Kwon (16)
Port Coquitlam, BC
High School (grade 11)
Swaneset Bay Resort & CC
The 22-player Team Canada – NextGen roster will include both top junior golfers and U21 amateurs in a program to support their transition from junior competition to high-level amateur golf.
The NextGen coaching staff will be led by Head Coach Robert Ratcliffe with support from Assistant Coaches Jennifer Ha and Jeff MacDonald. The coaches will be joined by an integrated support team that includes Dr. Emily Wiggin (Strength & Conditioning) and Dr. Adam Kingsbury (Mental Performance & Psychologist).
Supporting the overall growth of elite golf in Canada is the national talent identification system, established in 2022 and led by Tristan Mullally, Head of National Talent Identification. The talent identification system provides assistance to younger juniors (11-16 years old) and their existing coaching support teams to grow the pool of future Team Canada prospects.
A key activity within the talent identification system will be the engagement of the National Talent ID Network, a group of more than 80 coaches across Canada working towards collaborative player development initiatives. Additionally, 2023 will see a broader introduction of talent ID camps across the country led by network members to deliver educational and skill-building opportunities to players, parents, and coaches.
The strategic enhancements for Golf Canada’s player development program were shaped by in-depth feedback from numerous stakeholders in Canadian high-performance golf and a global comparative analysis of other countries’ efficiency success in producing world top-200 players. The analysis considered factors such as participation base, culture, and financial investment into high-performance golf, with a particular focus on countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Australia, and England that are geopolitically and culturally similar to Canada.
Barkley and Stasiuk defend titles at 2022 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO
Dan Pino/ Golf Canada
Windsor, Ont. – Kurtis Barkley of Williamsburg, Ont. and Natasha Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. both completed wire-to-wire victories to defend their respective Gross Stroke Play titles at the second annual Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO and hosted at Essex Golf and Country Club in Windsor, Ont.
Barkley followed up an opening-round 4-under 67 with an even par 71 on Wednesday to finish the championship at 4-under 138, one shot better than runner-up Chris Willis of Aurora, Ont. whose round of 1-under 70 was the low round of the day.
“The conditions were awesome tee to green. It’s a ball striker course you know, tee to green which I’m usually pretty good at it. I think I hit 14 greens today and I hit 17 yesterday, so it was definitely suited to my game,” said Barkley, a member of Cedar Glen Golf Course who came into the championship ranked no. 6 on the World Gross Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD). “I played smart percentage wise, and Kris is an amazing player. I battled with him in the Ontario one and I look forward to many battles with this guy.”
Rounding out the top-five behind Barkley (67-71—138) and Willis (69-70—139) were Jesse Florkowski of Medicine Hat, Alta. (73-72—145), Michael Pisaric of Fort Erie, Ont. (77-77—154) and local product Kevin Delaney of Windsor (76-81—157).
The win marks back-to-back victories in the Men’s Gross Stroke Play division for the 34-year-old Barkley, who won the inaugural Canadian All Abilities Championship in 2021 at Humber Valley Golf Club in Toronto. Barkley’s impressive season also includes a victory at the 2022 Ontario Disability Championship in July, his fourth consecutive win at the provincial event.
In the women’s Gross Stroke Play division, defending champion Natasha Stasiuk carded rounds of 84-82 to finish 24-over 166. The 24-year-old Oakville, Ont., native finished 13 strokes ahead of runner-up Tess Trojan of St. Catharines, Ont. (91-88—179).
“It feels pretty awesome and amazing,” said Stasiuk, who also collected her fourth consecutive title at the Ontario Disability Championship earlier this summer. “It was a tough situation. It was back-to-back-to-back with Tess on the back nine. I’ve been working a lot on my game, my mental game. I went to Pinehurst in July, and it helped me prepare for this.”
For the Women’s Net Stableford Competition, Trojan, a public player with the Golf Canada, earned 39 stableford points in the second round for tournament total of 74 stableford points to defend her division title. Trojan finished 20 points clear of Stasiuk who earned 28 points Wednesday and a tournament total of 54 stableford points.
In the Men’s Net Stableford competition, the local favourite Delaney, a member of Pointe West Golf Club in Windsor, earned 35 stableford points Wednesday to finish with 75 total points for the championship, two clear of Pisaric (73). Rounding out the top-five were Randall Mackus of Prince George, B.C., (72) in third and Willis in fourth (71) with Vic McLelland of High River, Alta. and Kristian Hammerback of Winnipeg, Man. in a share of fifth at 70 stableford points.
Click here for complete final results from the 2022 Canadian All Abilities Championship.
A total of 39 players, regardless of disability classification, competed over 36 holes across four divisions— Women’s Gross Stroke Play; Women’s Net Stableford; Men’s Gross Stroke Play; and Men’s Net Stableford.
As a legacy of the second annual Canadian All Abilities Golf Championship, Golf Canada was proud to donate a SoloRider (Para Golfer adaptive golf equipment) to the City of Windsor to support golfers with a disability. The SoloRider will be utilized at the Roseland Golf & Curling Club.
A venue for the 2023 Canadian All Abilities Championship will be announced at later date.
The Canadian All Abilities Championship was contested September 13-14 as a 36-hole competition featuring players from Canada and the United States with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments. First held in 2021 at Humber Valley Golf Course, the competition supports Golf Canada’s commitment to create a more inclusive and respectful sport environment across the Canadian golf community.
Golf Canada has worked with several partner organizations on the Canadian All Abilities Championship including Special Olympics Canada, Blind Golf Canada, Canadian Amputee Golf Association, Emeritus Golf, The R&A, EDGA, and others to ensure an inclusive and fair competition is provided to the athletes.
Defending champions Barkley and Stasiuk take opening-round lead at Canadian All Abilities Championship
Dan Pino/ Golf Canada
Tess Trojan and Randall Mackus lead in the Women’s and Men’s Net Stableford Competitions
Windsor, Ont. – Defending champions Natasha Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. and Kurtis Barkley of Williamsburg, Ont. have jumped out to an early-opening lead at the second playing of Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO and hosted at the Essex Golf and Country Club in Windsor, Ont.
A total of 39 players, regardless of disability classification, are competing over 36 holes across four divisions— Women’s Gross Stroke Play; Women’s Net Stableford; Men’s Gross Stroke Play; and Men’s Net Stableford.
In the Women’s Gross Stroke Play Competition, Stasiuk, a member of Heron Point Golf Links who won the 2021 Women’s Gross Stroke Play title at the Canadian All Abilities Championship, shot a 13-over 84 and heads into Wednesday’s final round with a seven-shot lead over Tess Trojan of St. Catharines. Earlier this year Stasiuk won the 2022 Ontario Disability Championship.
For the Women’s Net Stableford Competition, Trojan, a public player with the Golf Canada, earned 35 total stableford points and leads Stasiuk (26) by nine points. Trojan also won the Women’s Net Stableford Competition in 2021.
In the Men’s Gross Stroke Play Competition, Barkley, currently ranked no. 6 on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disabilities (WR4GWD), fired an opening-round 4-under 67 to take a two-shot lead into Wednesday’s final round. A member of Cedar Glen Golf Course, Barkley also won the 2022 Ontario Disability Championship in July.
Chris Willis of Aurora, Ont. sits alone in second at 2-under 69 while Jesse Florkowski of Medicine Hat, Alta. (2-over 73), local product Kevin Delaney of Windsor (5-over 76) and Michael Pisaric (6-over 77) round out the top-five.
In the Men’s Net Stableford competition, Randall Mackus, a member of Prince George Golf and Country Club, earned 42 total stableford points Tuesday and leads Delaney by two points. Vic McLelland of High River, Alta. is third with 39 points with Pisaric is fourth with 37 points. Barkley and Willis round out the top-five with 36 points each.
The national golf championship is being contested September 13-14 as a 36-hole competition and features players from Canada and the United States with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments. First held in 2021 at Humber Valley Golf Course, the competition supports Golf Canada’s commitment to create a more inclusive and respectful sport environment across the Canadian golf community.
Golf Canada has worked with several partner organizations on the Canadian All Abilities Championship including Special Olympics Canada, Blind Golf Canada, Canadian Amputee Golf Association, Emeritus Golf, The R&A, EDGA, and others to ensure an inclusive and fair competition is provided to the athletes.
Click here for opening-round results from the 2022 Canadian All Abilities Championship.
Red Deer Golf and Country Club set to host Canadian Men’s Senior Championship
Golf Canada
RED DEER, Alta. – The 60th installment of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, tees off this week with 156 amateur golfers taking the stage in Red Deer, Alta.
Conducted since 1962, the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship has grown to become one of the most popular amateur golf events in Canada. In 1995, the 65-and-over Super Senior division was introduced, which runs concurrently with the existing 55-and-over age group.
One of nine national championships conducted by Golf Canada for the 2022 season, the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship will consist of 72 holes of stroke-play with a cut after 36 holes. The Super Senior Championship is contested concurrently over the four rounds of the championship, and the Senior Inter-provincial Team Championship, established in 1977, also runs concurrently with the first 36 holes of the tournament.
Practice rounds are scheduled for Monday, September 5th, before the tournament officially kicks off on Tuesday, September 6th.
The tournament will be conducted at Red Deer Golf & Country Club in Red Deer, Alta. who is celebrating their centennial season this year. Five of the club’s members have qualified to play in the Championship including Ken Griffith, Grant Lee and Peter Innes, Tom Skinner and Joe Gascon.
The Canadian Men’s Senior Championship Trophy has arrived at the club.
Over 100 volunteers from both the Red Deer Golf & Country Club and the community will be on hand to host the National and International competitors and their families.
“Golf Canada is proud to host the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship and bring together a field of top senior competitors to play in this prestigious championship,” said Adam Cinel, Senior Manager, Rules and Amateur Championships. “Red Deer Golf and Country Club is in excellent shape, and we congratulate the staff and volunteers on their significant 100-year milestone.”
Defending champion Darren Ritchie will return once again to defend his title and vie to see his name on the John Rankin Memorial Trophy for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the St. John, N.B. native from Hampton Golf Club held the lead for the majority of the tournament and finished 2-over par 72 to claim his first Canadian Men’s Senior title.
Additional notables in the field include Robert Funk (Canyon Lake, CA.), John Crowther (London, Ont.), Jim Lehman (Minnetonka, MN.), and Rusty Strawn (McDonough, GA.) who recently claimed the 2022 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship title at The Kittansett Club in Marion, Mass. this past week.
The champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.
More information about the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship can be found here.
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Aline Hollowink, Cranbrook Golf Club, Hole #2
I was playing with Marie Mayer. Yardage was approximately 150. I used my 5 wood. Marie said I got a hole-in-one. I wasn’t sure as I couldn’t see that far with the morning shadows.
Bill Wilbur, Weston Golf & Country Club, Hole #8
Golf Canada,
Thanks!
Here are the details of my hole-in-one:
– 8th hole at Weston, 119 yards
– Gap wedge
– Playing with a past captain, Jim Hingley, and our club General Manager, Rob Ackermann.
Thanks,
Bill
Brad Hewitt, Muskoka Bay Club, Hole #11
Thanks for reaching out about my first ever hole-in-one. I was playing with my brother, Steve Hewitt, Don MacDonald and Geoff Mitchell (Steve, Don and Geoff are all members at Whitevale Golf Club).
Yardage that day was 135 to a middle pin that had a slight ridge behind it. I hit my 9 iron 12’ past the hole, caught the ridge and rolled back into the hole (just like TV).
Brenda MacKellar, Bell Bay Golf Club, Hole #8
Thank you for this message and congratulations.
Sunday was a rainy drizzly day at Bell Bay. I was playing with John Theriault. Hole #8 was 116 yards, and I used an 8 iron.
Thank you again for your interest and recognition. Much appreciated.
Brenda MacKellar
Doug Heard, Mill Run Golf & Country Club, Hole #8
I was playing with my buddies, Dale Anderson and Mo Farrokhi. The 8th hole at Mill Run Highlands is carded at 173, but yesterday it was playing about 163. I hit a nice little cut with my 7 iron that was tracking well, landed just on the front edge of the green, checked and spun a little left. It released for the final 10-15 feet and just dropped in the front of the hole.
I wasn’t 100% sure that I was seeing this correctly, so I looked over at Dale and said “Did that just drop?” and he said “yes!”. I looked over my shoulder at Mo, for further verification, and said “Did that really just go in?” and again got a positive response. I was pretty calm on the surface of things, but I’m sure my heart rate went up around 100 bpm for at least two or three holes until I calmed down again.
The only picture that I thought to take was the ball in the hole. The context behind it was that 10 days earlier the ball stopped one inch short of a hole-in-one on #13, same course. I had taken a picture showing the ball in that position, and showed it off to everyone, so it occurred to me that this was on better.
All in all, pretty exciting; my second hole-in-one coming exactly 40 years after my first!
Thanks again,
Doug
Elaine Arsenault, Eaglequest Grandview, Hole #12
Thank you! It was a very exciting experience to say the least as it was my first hole-in-one in my six years of playing golf. I only started playing after I retired and love the game.
I was golfing with Beth Reage (on the right) and Judy Kirby (on the left) on Ladies’ Day. Hole #12 is approximately 115 yards from the red tees and I used my 6 iron.
The group picture was taken the following week with a few of the other amazing ladies from Ladies’ Day group. (many were missing on August 9th due to rain).
Eaglequest Grandview also presented me with a souvenir flag that I’m holding.
Cheers,
Elaine Arsenault
Florence Mackey, Sirocco Golf Club, Hole #5
I was enjoying my game with my husband, Steve, and two staff members of Sirocco, Taylor and Ben when I got my hole-in-one on #5. I used my six iron and had a great shot that rolled to the pin for a distance of about 109 yards. It was very exciting as this is usually the most difficult part 3 for me on our course.
Gary Brown, Simoro Golf Links, Hole #7
I was playing with my best friend, Brad Moore. It was 152 yards, and I used an 8 iron. I didn’t think to take picture as funny enough I got a hole-in-one on that same hole last year. A big wind in my face lead to using the 8 iron (last year I had used a pitching wedge). Attached is the picture from last year’s hole-in-one that Simoro took.
Thanks,
Gary
Greg Newton, Flamborough Hills, Hole #14
Thank you for contacting me regarding my recent hole-in-one. I was playing with my co-worker, Louie Smith, and his friend, Nelson. Louie and I work as paramedics for the city of Hamilton. The par 3 was playing 185 yards into a slight breeze and I hit a 4-iron to a front flag. It was my first hole-in-one, so a memorable one!
Regards,
Greg Newton
Howard Levy, King’s Rding Golf Club, Hole #16
Saturday was a beautiful day. The front nine was very kind to me; I scored well on the easier holes and got some lucky breaks, I played well. Then the turn. Bad shots were punished, bad bounces and poor lies. It seemed the luck had run out. Scored poorly on holes #10, #11, #12 and #13. On hole 14, my favorite hole, I managed a par. 15th another poor shot was punished.
On the tee-box of the #16, I’m thinking, “three more holes…let’s see if we can post some good scores…” The 16th hole measured 144 yards. The pin was in the centre, no wind (which is unusual), water in the front.
Played an easy 8 iron. It tracked the hole. From the instant I hit it, I knew it was a good shot, maybe in birdie range. My playing partner, Richard Wong, screams “it’s in the hole”. I look at him and say, “no way, not the way I’m playing today”.
I was convinced the ball landed behind the flag pole, Richard was convinced it was in. It was in
My first hole-in-one. What a thrilling ride!
Golf Canada, thanks for the recognition.
Howard Levy
Jane Clegg, Wildfire, Hole #15
Occurred on August 11, 2022, on hole #15 at Wildfire. Used my pitching wedge. 109 yards. Hole-in-one number three. 😃
Jeffry Janz, Rockway Vineyards, Hole #6
Hello,
Thank you for the email.
Saturday morning, I played with Rick Vaive (ex. Toronto Maple Leafs player/captain) and Donald Cooke. Rockway hole #6. From the blue tees to the middle pin measured 148 yards. Used an 8 iron.
Joanne Galbraith, Bighorn Golf & Country Club, Hole #17
Hello,
Thank you very much for your email.
Most definitely it was an exciting day for me on Friday, July 22, 2022! It was an early morning round with fellow Bighorn Golf and Country Club members Jim and Deanna Choppen. Hole 17 is a par 3 with the tee box distance set that day at 93 yards and the green is slightly elevated. There are four traps located on this hole, one in the front, one on the left side of green and two on the back on the green. I made the shot with a TaylorMade pitching wedge, executing great contact and ball flight was dead on the pin. With the green being elevated and a left side pin location, we were unable to see the ball until we made our way up to the green. The only thing better that day would have been to see it drop into the hole!
It certainly made my day and made me realize once again my love for the game of golf!
Regards,
Joanne Galbraith
Johnathon Stamper, Georgetown Golf Club, Hole #6
Thank you very much.
I was playing a round with my friends, Trevor, Jordan and Connor. I hit a 6 iron from 174 yards. Faded it in. Then, it dropped a few feet in front of the pin and it ran right up and disappeared.
Kenton Liu, Richmond Country Club, Hole #12
Thank you for reaching out. It was on hole 12 at Richmond Country Club. I was playing off the blue tees and it was lasered at 168 yards. There was a decent amount of wind into us off the right, so I told my group (Kenrick Li and Nash Zheng) that I was going to knock down a 6-iron with a little cut. After I hit it, I knew it was a good swing, so I quickly went down to pick up the tee and when I glanced up to see where the ball landed, I saw it one hop and go into the hole. I said to my group that I think it went in…either in the hole or over the green. When we walked up, I saw the pitch mark a couple feet from the pin and knew it was in.
Kind Regards,
Kenton Liu
Laura Roberge, Dalewood, Hole #11
I was playing with my husband, Rene Roberge, and friends, Ann and Brian Hall. The yardage was around 135.
Mark Woodhouse, Huron Oaks Golf Club, Hole #2
Thank you for the kind note regarding my hole-in-one. My playing partners that day were Dave Slack, Ernest Ellis and Wayne Mitchell. We were playing in the Senior Men’s League. Play was from the forward tees and the second hole was playing 135 yards with a back centre pin placement. I used a Titleist AP2 8 iron and a Titleist Pro V1x ball. Unfortunately, given the time of day and the shadows on the green, I was did not see the ball go in the hole. Only after looking for the ball behind the green and not finding it, did I decide to check the hole and was quite surprised to see it had gone in. This was my third hole-in-one. The other two were on the 17th hole a Huron Oaks. Those I did see go in. It is a very exciting experience!
Michael Drotar, Black Mountain Golf Club, Hole #13
Thank you for the kind email.
The following are the details for my hole-in-one:
– August 9, 2022
– Black Mountain Golf Club – Kelowna, B.C.
– Hole #13
– Par 3
– 150 yards
– White tee box
– 7 iron
– Weather conditions – overcast
– Shot was a moderate draw with a mid-level apex.
Playing partners – Larry Helfrich, Rockie Frizzle, Bruce Asselin.
Mike Drotar
Michael McDonald, Bellmere Winds, Hole #11
We had just finished the front 9 and went into the clubhouse to buy a drink. Two or three weeks prior, a little four-year-old died in a golf cart roll over near the golf course. In the club house they were raising money to help the family with elastic bracelets with the little boy’s name on it. I donated to help the Williams family and took a bracelet!
I believe it was the spirt of young lad that help get the hole-in-one! I would like to dedicate my hole-in-one to the little guy and the Williams family in his memory!
11th hole Bellmere Winds. 161 yards to the pin. Over water by the green. I used a 5 iron. I was playing with John Lea, Grant Sumler and Haris Armstong.
Mike McQuade, Lookout Point, Hole #5
Thanks for your email.
My first hole-in-one. Played with fellow Lookout Point member, Jim Neudorf. Pin at Lookout #5 was at 143 yards that day. I used an 8 iron. I’ve been playing since I was 14 years of age (I’m now 64). I retired on July 31 – so the ace was eight days into my retirement.
Mike McQuade
Neil Hanlon, Lionhead Golf & Country Club, Hole #11
Thank you very much for reaching out asking about my first hole-in-one and its experience. Who can believe it!
Fresh off from arriving home from winning as part of a Canadian team in the Euro Junior Cup in St. Andrews, Scotland, I didn’t think my week could get much more memorable but, I captured my first hole-in-one! It occurred while playing in the CJGA Canadian invitational at Lionhead on hole 11, par 3, 165 yards. I pulled out my 9 iron from my bag and hit off the tee and landed it five feet from the hole and watched it drop in. I couldn’t believe it! Memories for life with footage to look back on and smile. Got to love this game.
Paul McNeil, Eden Golf & Country Club, Hole #11
Thank you for your email.
Hole #11 is an uphill par 3. The yardage was between 155-160. I used a Taylormade 3 hybrid. Lenorad MacDonald was my playing partner.
I knew I hit the ball well but didn’t see it land. I was nervous when we got to the green and didn’t see the ball. I was going to look out front of green, but playing partner said check the hole. I was doubtful, but pleasantly surprised when it was there. Never thought it would happen to me.
Thanks,
Paul
Pete Fischer, Arrowsmith, Hole #3
It was during the Arrowsmith annual Men’s Club Championship. Was golfing with Jeff Calahoo, Peter Hanson and Don Johnson. On hole #3, the pin was at the back of the green playing about 170 yards. I used a 5 hybrid club. All it took was luck!
Thanks for your interest.
Pete Fischer
Peter Lemieux, Dundas Valley, Hole #2
Thank you very much for the memento!
Bob Potocic, Jan Dubois and Don Graham witnessed my hole-in-one. White tee-box to the blue flag was approximately 130 yards. I used an 8 iron.
Sincere thanks!
Peter
Randy Nyholt, Williams Lake Golf & Tennis Club, Hole #5
Hi!
Thanks for your email. Was definitely a special moment for me.
I was playing with two of my friends, Ronan Ventry and Riley Ventry. It was 203 yards to the pin, and I used a 5 iron.
Raymond Barkwill, Cowichan Golf & Country Club, Hole #6
Yardage was 161 yards on hole #6. I hit an eight iron.
Rosemary Willett, Paragon Golf & Country Club, Hole #13
Hi!
What a surprise! I guess there is a second benefit for posting scores hole-by-hole!
I used a 5 hybrid for 105 yards at #13 at Paragon Golf and Country Club. I was playing with Mike Willett, Doris Armsworthy and Wayne Armsworthy.
This was my fifth hole-in-one, and each has been special.
– #1 was scored on Mother’s Day, 1999, on #13 at Oakfield Golf and Country Club. I memorialized that day with a quilted wall hanging. At that time, Oakfield rewarded those who scored a hole-in-one with a page in the chit book. Other members signed the book giving me a drink at my convenience. I did not buy a drink until September!
– #2 was scored on #17 at Paragon Golf and Country Club shortly after we retired to the Valley.
– #3 was scored on #15 on February 11, 2012, on the Hills Course at Timber Pines. It propelled our weekly scramble team to a win (entry fee $1/person yielded $3-4!)
– #4 was scored on #2 on January 28, 2018, on the Lakes Course at Timber Pines.
Sheila Wilson-Kowal, Glendale Golf & Country Club, Hole #3
Thank you, it was an amazing feeling!
I was golfing at Glendale with my husband and two fellow members, Marty and Zane. It was a beautiful evening. The third hole was about 105 yards, and I used my Callaway 9-iron. It’s a tougher hole given the water that you need to go over to hit the green. The shot looked good, and it was heading for the flag. We saw it hit the green and roll, but then disappear. With the sun shining in our eyes a bit, I thought it might have just rolled to where we couldn’t see it. As we approached the green, we only saw three out of the four balls and thought, maybe just maybe, my ball rolled into the hole. Indeed, it had when we went to inspect! Very exciting to get my first hole-in-one!
Stefan Karpowicz, Bear Creek Golf Club, Hole #8
Thank you for reaching out, what a nice touch!
This was my first hole-in-one, what an awesome feeling.
The details:
– I played with family friends, Connor Campbell, his brother, Matt Campbell, and their dad, Mark Campbell.
– It was on the 8th hole of the Central 9, 175-yard, par 3 – Pin was middle/back
– I chose a 6 iron as we were into a slight breeze, I hit my line of just 5 yards right of the pin but originally thought it came up short. It landed just on the front and rode the slope of the green about 25 feet before dropping. It was very cool to see it drop, a feeling I will never forget!
Stefan
Steve Medhurst, Water Valley Golf Course, Hole #16
My ace was attested by my wife, Marianne Astle. I used my 8 iron from 148 yards on the 16th hole at Water Valley Golf Course in Alberta on August 3,2022.
Steve Medhurst
Tina Ting Hu, Diamondback Golf Club, Hole #12
Thank you for reaching out and celebrating my achievement. I am still overwhelmed by the events that took place on Saturday, August 13, 2022. I never thought I would secure a hole-in-one so early in my time playing golf.
I was playing with three of my close friends who are all Clublink members; Teresa Chu, Rosa Zheng and Wei Vivian Tang. The mileage, measured by Teresa, was 109 yards. Normally I would use my 9 iron for this shot, but due to oncoming wind and to carry over a bunker positioned in front of the pin, I decided to use my 8 iron. After I took my swing, Vivian thought that she might have heard my ball hit the flagstick and it could’ve jumped in, however, we were all not sure because we couldn’t see the hole from the tee box. When we reached the hole, my amazement the ball actually landed inside!
Thank you for making me the graphic of this great memory I will keep for the rest of my life.
I used my 3 wood on hole #8 at Ridgetown Golf and Curling Club while golfing with Catherine Chavis on a quiet mid-morning Monday during the height of the pandemic.
If you are familiar with our course, you know our greens are very small. We call them postage stamps!
Hole 8 is a 162-yard par 3.
Bob Moore, a member of our grounds crew was cutting grass near the green at the time. He got off his mower to walk over to the cup and confirmed the hole-in-one as Catherine and I walked onto the green.
I’m not sure who was more excited!
This was my one and only hole-in-one after playing golf for over 50 years!
