[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada and First Tee announced today a new partnership to launch First Tee –  Canada. First Tee’s Board Chairman, PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan, shared the news during a global announcement that Presidents Cup will return to Royal Montreal Golf Club in 2024.

Together, the partnership will bring First Tee’s youth development emphasis to strengthen Golf Canada’s junior golf activities – previously conducted under the Future Links brand – that reach kids in schools and at golf facilities. The innovative First Tee curriculum will focus on empowering young people to build their strength of character through the game of golf. Golf Canada will serve as the national headquarters of First Tee – Canada.

“Partnering with First Tee towards the 2021 launch of First Tee – Canada will provide Canadian youth and especially those in underrepresented groups access to affordable and meaningful character education programs through golf,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada have developed a strong foundation for junior golf programming over the past twenty plus years through Future Links. We are excited going forward to partner with the globally recognized First Tee brand and work collaboratively with the Golf Canada Foundation to strengthen our youth development activities.”

“Golf Canada has made a significant impact on the growth of the sport in Canada through their multi-faceted junior golf initiatives and was a natural fit for us to partner with the launch of  First Tee – Canada,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, First Tee. “Together, we will bring the First Tee youth development program nationwide and build on Golf Canada’s impressive grassroots success with programming that reaches kids via nearly 600 golf facilities and 4,100 participating schools.”

The PGA of Canada will play a leading role in the training of coaches who will serve as mentors to the kids and teens in the program. Coaches will help bring the curriculum to life by introducing youth to fun and active experiences that help them build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that can carry to everything they do.

“We are proud that PGA of Canada professionals will play an important role in utilizing golf to teach First Tee core values of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, judgement and courtesy,” said Kevin Thistle, CEO of PGA of Canada. “We look forward to supporting the development of youth and junior golfers through the coaching and mentorship of PGA of Canada professionals in alignment with the National Coaching Certification Program.”

First Tee – Canada will target to launch multiple chapters in 2021 with a growth strategy to establish First Tee chapters in markets across Canada through 2023. The inaugural First Tee – Canada chapter launching in 2021 will be located in Victoria, British Columbia at the Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community which is also home to Golf Canada’s National Training Centre. This was made possible by the support of the Matthews and Kusumoto families. Dan Matthews is a global Trustee and a member of the Board of Governors of the First Tee and a member of the Board of Directors of the Golf Canada Foundation.  A First Tee chapter in Quebec will also be launched shortly thereafter, continuing the incredible legacy of past  Presidents Cups. With support from the Presidents Cup, First Tee has successfully launched global chapters in Australia (2019) and Korea (2015).

Through its deep network of donors and trustees, Golf Canada Foundation will be a critical partner in supporting the launch and advancement of First Tee – Canada through its fundraising and philanthropic efforts. Canada’s Provincial Golf Associations will also play a role in the advancement of First Tee – Canada as chapters begin to form in markets across Canada. In addition, Golf Canada will continue to work with the NGCOA Canada (National Golf Course Owner’s Association) and other key industry stakeholders towards a more inclusive golf experience for Canadian youth.

Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has impacted more than 15 million young people through its character-building programs on golf courses, in schools and at youth-serving locations.

The First Tee network has grown to over 150 chapters and more than 1,200 program locations across the United States as well as six international chapters—Australia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco and Canada—delivering programs that help young people build character and develop life skills through the game of golf. A First Tee chapter out of Vancouver is operating independently out of Vancouver, and previously out of Montreal, prior to the launch of First Tee – Canada.

To learn more about First Tee, visit thefirsttee.org.

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Comeauville N.S. – Today marked the final round of the 2020 #GolfBeattieStrong Men’s Senior Championship, hosted by Clare Golf & Country Club. When the dust settled, Tim Yorke from Green Gables Golf Club in PEI claimed the top spot.

Yorke, a Cape Breton native, carded one double, two bogeys, and 6 birdies to finish the round two-under-par 69. Yorke finished the tournament with a three day total of 73-73-69–215.

For complete tournament results, please CLICK HERE.

The NSGA would like to thank all the Clare Golf & Country Club staff, and volunteers for hosting us, and making this event such a success.

The NSGA would like to thank the Men’s Senior title sponsor #GolfBeattieStrong, in honour of the late Garry Beattie. A long time friend to the NSGA, and President from 2017-2018.

The #GolfBeattieStrong movement was created to raise awareness and funds for the QEII Health Science Centre, and brain cancer research.

Comeauville N.S. – It was a perfect day for golf at Clare Golf & Country Club, and players took advantage. After round two of the 2020 #GolfBeattieStrong Men’s Senior as there is now a three way tie for first place.

Ed Peverill of Ken-Wo Country Club, Edward Dumeah of Osprey Ridge, and Tim Yorke of Green Gables Golf Club in PEI, are all sitting at four-over-par (146) after today’s round.

Comeauville N.S. – The first round of the 2020 #GolfBeattieStrong Senior Men’s Championship, hosted by Clare Golf & Country Club, is now complete. Competitors battled high winds and temperatures as they made their way through the golf course.

Clare Golf & Country Club member Eric Tufts leads the field after carding one-over-par (72). Tuffs had two bogeys and one birdie for the day.

In second place is Tim Yorke of Green Gable Golf Club (PEI). After a rough first few holes, Yorke managed to settle into his game, to finish the round two-over-par (73).

There is a three way tie for 3rd place after round one. Ed Dumeah (Osprey Ridge Golf Club), Terry Clarke (The Links at Penn Hills), and Steve Ingram (Lost Creek Golf Club) all fired three-over-par (74) for the day.

Steve Ingram currently leads division 2, sitting three shots up on Paul Arsenault of Paragon Golf & Country Club, and Sidney Green of Avon Valley Golf & Country Club. Both are currently six-over-par (77).

Ed Dumeah also leads the Super Senior (65+) Division, followed by Gerry MacMillan of Paragon Golf & Country Club. MacMillan sits one shot back, at four-over-par (75).

For complete round 1 results, please CLICK HERE.

For Round 2 pairings, please CLICK HERE.

Special thanks to Jaguar Land Rover Halifax for providing hole-in-one prizes during the first round. Prizes included a Yeti cooler, golf clubs, a cruise, and the grand prize of a brand new vehicle from Jaguar Land Rover Halifax. There were no winners during this championship, but stay tuned as Jaguar Land Rover Halifax will sponsor hole-in-one prizes at all remaining NSGA championships this summer.

For more information on Jaguar Land Rover Halifax please CLICK HERE

The NSGA would like to thank the Men’s Senior title sponsor #GolfBeattieStrong, in honour of the late Garry Beattie. A long time friend to the NSGA, and President from 2017-2018. The #GolfBeattieStrong movement was created to raise awareness and funds for the QEII Health Science Centre, and brain cancer research.

Through the annual Brain Cancer Bash, and the #GolfBeatteStrong initiative, Garry has helped to raise over $500,000 for brain cancer research.

To support the QEII Foundation’s Brain Tumour Research Fund, please CLICK HERE.

Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation have joined together to launch the COVID-19 GOLF RELIEF FUND, to support golf courses in helping employees and golfers stay safe while also thanking front-line workers through encouraging additional play and welcoming juniors to further experience the game.

During the pandemic, golf has experienced a booming resurgence, emerging as one of the safest recreational activities for Canadians to enjoy and highlighting the physical and mental benefits that the sport provides.

Developed in consultation with key stakeholders, the RELIEF FUND will focus on two primary areas:

1) SAFETY: To help maintain the momentum of golf, the RELIEF FUND will subsidize non-medical PPE (personal protective equipment) for golf course employees, as well as sanitization, hygiene, and protective material expenses.

2) FUN: To thank front-line workers and help juniors increase social interactions and outdoor activity during the pandemic, the RELIEF FUND will subsidize rounds for both groups to enjoy playing golf.

“We find ourselves in a very surprising but special moment for golf and we wanted to show appreciation to the courses providing a safe golf experience and to all Canadians who are coming out and playing. We also wanted to thank our incredible front-line workers who are leading us through unprecedented adversity,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “We are sensitive to the ongoing pandemic and amongst the crushing impact, golf has been a bright spot. This has also been a difficult year for so many kids who have had their summers disrupted and we wanted to support our member clubs in providing youth a healthy outlet through golf.”

Golf Canada member clubs who apply for the RELIEF FUND will be eligible for subsidies up to a maximum of $1,000 per club, with applications opening on August 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.

The RELIEF FUND will launch to the public July 28, across Golf Canada’s digital network, throughout Golf Canada member clubs, Ascend Fundraising Solutions’ marketing platforms, and the Provincial Golf Associations.

In addition to welcoming donations to support the RELIEF FUND, golfers and golf fans across the country will be able to support by participating in a four-week digital sweepstakes campaign featuring significant prizing across Canada and the U.S. in 2021.

“We have taken the challenge of the pandemic to pivot our donation efforts as a rallying point for the Canadian golf community,” said Martin Barnard, CEO of the Golf Canada Foundation. “Golf has always been a driver for significant charitable giving and the cancellation of so many fundraising events through the pandemic has been difficult. Partners and donors have embraced the idea of a golf specific relief fund that supports front-line workers and juniors, and also helps to keep industry employees safe throughout the season.”

The Grand prize includes a VIP hospitality experience at the 2021 RBC Canadian Open at St. Georges Golf and Country Club. The early-bird prize package to be drawn on August 12 features a spectacular stay-and-play experience at Cabot Links and Cliffs. Tickets for the sweepstakes can be purchased at www.golfcanadasweeps.com and will be available for sale until August 27.

Currently at close to $350,000 before launching to the public, the RELIEF FUND is proudly and graciously supported by the R&A, PGA TOUR, USGA, PGA of Canada, Bear Mountain Resort, Cabot Cape Breton, and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

Team Canada alumni and PGA TOUR winner Adam Hadwin has personally supported the RELIEF FUND, as part of his effort to give back once the RBC Canadian Open had been cancelled.

RBC Ambassador and three-time PGA TOUR winner Ryan Palmer also has donated to the RELIEF FUND through a fundraising challenge specifically created to help the charities of tournaments that were cancelled due to the pandemic.

Donations to the RELIEF FUND will be accepted throughout the golf season and more contributions will be announced over the course of the campaign as partners and donors join in supporting the cause.

Amherst N.S. – Stuart Lenehan of Grandview Golf & Country Club has captured his third MCT MID-Amateur Championship title today at Amherst Golf Club.

Lenehan managed to make almost every score possible, carding two eagles, one birdie, one par, five bogeys, and one double…and that was only on the front nine. On the back, Stuart was able to steady the pace, and card only one bogey and a birdie on No. 18, to finish the round 1-over-par (72).

Lenehan finished the tournament at 1-under-par 70-70-72 (212).

Only one shot behind, and finishing in second place, was David Williamson of Ashburn Golf Club. Williamson had a solid tournament, finishing even-par, with a three-day total of 74-68-71 (213).

Two shots back of Lenehan, and rounding out the top three was 2019 Champion Sean Stuart of Ashburn Club Club. A few unlucky breaks for Sean resulted in a 3-over-par 74 today. Giving him a tournament total of 69-71-74 (214).

Trevor Chow of Ashburn Golf Club, a three time MID-Amateur Champion, took home the MID-Master Championship today, after carding a one-under-par (70). Chow finished T4th overall, and had a tournament total of 72-73-70 (215).

 

Public Player, Chad Anderson took home the top spot for Division 2, after three consistent rounds of 74-73-73 (220). Amherst Golf Club member, Cliff Lowrey Jr., went wire to wire to win the Division 3 title. Lowery had a tournament total of 78-76-77 (231).

For complete results of the 2020 MCT Men’s MID-Amateur Championship, please CLICK HERE.

The NSGA would like to thank our title sponsor MCT Insurance. MCT offers preferred rates on home and auto insurance to all NSGA members. For more information on MCT, please CLICK HERE.

Amherst N.S. – It was a perfect day for golf at Amherst Golf Club, as today marked the first round of the 2020 MCT Men’s MID-Amateur Championship.

Leading the field is Sean Stuart of Ashburn Golf Club. The 30-year-old, and two time MID Amateur Champion (2016 & 2019), carded one eagle and three birdies to finish the day 2-under-par (69).