Golf’s modernized Rules and new Player’s Edition published
Golf’s new Rules have been published by the The R&A and USGA in partnership with Golf Canada ahead of their effective date on Jan. 1, 2019.
For the first time, a new Player’s Edition of the Rules of Golf is being introduced to provide a shorter, more user-friendly version of the Rules for golfers at all levels of the game. This version, which will serve as the primary publication for all golfers, features:
A more intuitive organization with 10 simplified topical groupings
A “Purpose of the Rule” description at the top of each Rule, to better define why the Rule exists
Easy-to-follow, full-colour diagrams and charts to aid in understanding
A simpler, more direct writing style
The Player’s Edition is being launched alongside the modernized full Rules of Golf book, which includes some of the most significant changes made to the Rules in more than 60 years.
Adam Helmer, director of Rules, competitions and amateur status at Golf Canada said, “We are embarking on one of the most significant changes to the Rules of golf in the history of our sport. Today marks the start of the education process to communicate the modernized Rules with additional resources and publications available to all golfers, member facilities and referees in Canada and worldwide.”
Thomas Pagel, senior managing director, Governance for the USGA, said, “From the project’s inception, our one goal was to make the Rules easier to understand and apply for all golfers. It sets a new standard in the way we write and interpret the Rules and is central to our efforts to ensure a healthy future for golf. We look forward to continuing that process in the years to come.”
David Rickman, executive director – Governance at The R&A, said, “We are delighted to be rolling out the modernized Rules of Golf today. This is the biggest set of changes to the Rules in a generation and a major step forward in our efforts to make the Rules, and the sport itself, more accessible and more in tune with the way the modern sport is played.”
A new Official Guide to the Rules of Golf is also available in digital format and official apps today, with a printed version to be released in November. Designed for golf administrators and club officials, the Guide features Interpretations on specific Rules (which replace the current Decisions) and includes the first jointly-produced Committee Procedures document, providing practical guidance to Committees for running competitions and overseeing general play.
Another key feature is the Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities. This document is released alongside the Rules of Golf and enables players with disabilities to play fairly with other players with the same or different types of disability and, importantly, with those without disabilities. The Modified Rules were developed in close consultation with the community of players with disabilities and disability organizations.
All of the new books are available in digital formats online and a range of explanatory videos and resources is available on and websites to enable all golfers to learn about the 2019 Rules.
Extensive educational programs are being conducted around the world, with the assistance of national and regional associations, to ensure that golfers and administrators throughout amateur and professional golf are ready for the new Rules when they take effect on Jan. 1.
The process to modernize the Rules began in 2012 with the aim of making the Rules easier to understand and apply for all golfers and to help make golf more appealing and accessible for newcomers.
Some of the key changes in the new Rules include new procedures for dropping the ball when taking relief, the elimination or reduction of several penalties, relaxed putting green and bunker rules, and rules that encourage improved pace of play.
Golfers are reminded that the current Rules of Golf remain in effect for the remainder of 2018. The Rules of Amateur Status and the Rules of Equipment Standards were not part of the review process.
As an extension of its support of the Rules of Golf worldwide, Rolex has made a commitment to support The R&A and the USGA’s efforts to modernize golf’s Rules. The Swiss watchmaker’s contribution to excellence in golf is based on a rich heritage stretching back more than 50 years, forged through pivotal partnerships at every level of the sport, from the leading professional and amateur competitions and organizations to players at the pinnacle of their sport worldwide.
Owl’s Head Golf Club set for Future Links, driven by Acura Fall Series
MANSONVILLE, Que. – Golf Canada’s seventh regional junior golf championship of 2018 is set to take begin on Friday as the Future Links, driven by Acura Fall Series gets underway at Owl’s Head Golf Club.
The tournament marks the beginning of the Future Links, driven by Acura Fall Series — a two-championship extension taking place for the first time in the fall of 2018. With the addition, the Future Links championship series now features eight tournaments through the course of the season, each hosted in conjunction with the respective provincial association.
The 54-hole stroke play tournament will begin with a practice round on Sept. 13 before the tournament gets underway with round one on Sept. 14.
Designed by renowned architect Graham Cooke, Owl’s Head Golf Club will challenge the field through its strategically placed white silica bunkers and water hazards on six of its fairways.
“Golf Quebec is pleased to host the inaugural Fall Series event with Golf Canada at one of our province’s many remarkable facilities,” said Éric Couture, tournament director with Golf Quebec. “Hosting another Future Links regional championship provides additional opportunity for Canada’s premier junior golfers to showcase their skills and continue their development. We look forward to hosting this strong field of juniors attempting to navigate the challenging course at Owl’s Head.”
The field will consist of 81 junior golfers with the top six earning exemptions into their respective Canadian Junior National Championship.
Sixty-one boys will vie for one of three spots into the 2019 Canadian Junior Boys Championship from Aug. 11-15, at Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club in Hartland, N.B.,
The Junior Girls Division will see 20 girls battle to earn an exemption into the 2019 Canadian Junior Girls Championship from July 29 – Aug. 2, at Lethbridge Country Club in Lethbridge, Alta.
A tie for the third position will be decided by a playoff following the conclusion of play.
The second Fall Series event and final Future Links championship of the season will take place at Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club in Roberts Creek, B.C., from Sept. 28-30.
Click here for scoring, pairings and additional information.
Camelot Golf and Country Club set for world’s best female junior golfers
[Kanata, Ont.] - September 25, 2017 - World Junior Girls Championship – Practice Round, Marshes Golf Club
Photo Credit: (Golf Canada)
OTTAWA, Ont. — A well-accomplished field of competitors will take to Camelot Golf and Country Club from Sept. 11–14, for the fifth annual World Junior Girls Championship. In total, 57 athletes will represent 18 countries—including two teams from host nation Canada.
“With our partners, we are proud to offer a world-class event for girls of this age group, where there are fewer opportunities for international competitions,” said tournament director Dan Hyatt. “These girls are some of the best juniors in the world and we are thrilled to host them in a tournament where they can continue their growth and development.”
This year’s field is highlighted by 10 competitors ranked inside the World Golf Amateur Rankings (WAGR) top 100. The tournament’s top-ranked player, Atthaya Thitikul (No. 11), will represent Thailand in their first World Junior Girls appearance. Thitikul has won five separate titles in 2018, including Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship and The Queen Sirikit Cup.
Italy is the only country in the tournament to have all three team members ranked in WAGR’s top 100. Alessia Nobilio (No. 22) leads the team, aiming for another individual medal after capturing silver in 2017. The 16-year-old, who has seven top-five finishes this year, will be joined by 2016 bronze medallist Caterina Don (No. 69) and newcomer Emilie Paltrinieri (No. 78). The trio looks to give Italy their first team medal at the tournament.
The 2018 instalment of the event will see numerous players return as 19 members of the field have played in at least one World Junior Girls Championship, including both the 2017 silver medallist Nobilio (Italy) and bronze medallist Blanca Fernandez Garcia-Poggio (Spain), who look to become the first repeat medallists in tournament history.
138th ranked Fernandez Garcia-Poggio will lead the Spanish team as they aim to become the first team to defend their World Junior Girls team title after winning last year in the tournament’s first ever team playoff. Marina Escobar Domingo (No. 143) and Marta Garcia Llorca (No. 109) join the World Junior Girls veteran in the quest for gold.
Sweden will look to add a fourth team medal to their trophy case after earning one silver (2014) and two bronzes (2015 and 2017). As the only Swedish player returning to the championship, Maja Stark (No. 63) will be joined by rookies Ester Fägersten (No. 120) and Ingrid Lindblad (No. 180).
Last year, the United States fell short of defending their 2016 bronze medal, finishing one stroke behind Sweden. The American team will feature three new fresh faces—Brooke Seay (No. 101), Zoe Campos (No. 125) and Michaela Morard (No. 164)—as they look to recapture their first gold since they won the inaugural World Junior Girls team title in 2014.
With all of the returning teams and players, the World Junior Girls Championship is also pleased to welcome Scotland and Columbia, who will join Thailand as the three countries make their tournament debut in 2017. Columbia will send Isabella Gomez, Laura Alexandra Castillo Ordonez and Sofia Torres Villareal. The Scotland team will feature Hannah Darling, Louise Duncan and Carmen Griffiths.
The strong international field will join the six players chosen to represent Canada. Céleste Dao (Notre-Dame Ile Perrot, Que.), Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.) and Tiffany Kong (Vancouver, B.C.) will form Canada One, while Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.), Sarah Beqaj (Toronto, Ont.) and Lauren Kim (Surrey, B.C.) will make up Canada Two. Team Canada will be looking for their first medal since capturing bronze at the first ever World Junior Girls in 2014.
#TeamCanada‘s Céleste Dao and past participants share their experience in playing in the World Junior Girls Championship in Canada #WJGC
In 2017, the Spanish team fired a collective 4-under par (140) to erase an eight-stroke deficit, forcing a playoff with the Korean squad. Spain eventually came on top to win their first World Junior Girls Championship medal.
The World Junior Girls Championship is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario, and supported by the R&A and International Golf Federation. Recognized as an ‘A’ ranked event by the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), the World Junior Girls Championship will run for its fifth time.
Nestled in Ottawa’s east end, Camelot is no stranger to running Golf Canada championships. The venerable club has hosted the 2012 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, a Canadian Women’s Tour event, the 2017 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, as well as final qualifying for the 2017 CP Women’s Open.
Opening ceremonies for the championship take place on Sept. 10, followed by the first round on Tuesday, September 11. The tournament’s closing ceremonies will immediately follow the conclusion of play on Friday, Sept. 14.
Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the fifth annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.
Canada’s top junior Céleste Dao focused on World Junior Girls Championship
Celeste Dao
PHOTO BERNARD BRAULT, GOLF CANADA
Regina, Saskatchewan:
CP WOMEN'S OPEN
Wascana Country Club
ROUND 1
-Thursday, August 23Rd, 2018
It’s been a summer of learning for Céleste Dao, and she hasn’t even been in school.
Dao, of Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Québec (about 40 minutes from Montréal) has played golf this year in Japan, Mexico, and Ireland – to name a few, she’ll be heading to Argentina later this year, too – but she’s most looking forward to heading back to Canada.
Dao will be playing her third World Junior Girls Championship this fall at Camelot Golf and Country Club – 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa – and she says it’s the most fun experience she’s had. Although golf is such an individualistic game, she relishes the chance to represent her country and play as a group.
“I love team events,” she says. “It’s good to have different kinds of tournaments so we can see different pressure and different parts of our game. I’m really looking forward to that.”
Dao was also given an exemption into the CP Women’s Open in Regina, Sask. where she said her goal was to make the cut (she finished T140 at 8 over par).
#TeamCanada‘s Céleste Dao and past participants share their experience in playing in the World Junior Girls Championship in Canada #WJGC
Her win at the Mexican Junior Girls Championship in May – she won in a playoff after being six shots back of the lead going into the final round – gave her the momentum she needed to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open later that month. She says her experience from the major (she shot 83-80 to miss the cut, but did get in a practice round with both Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp) is going to be helpful as she tees it up in Canada’s national championship.
“I can manage my stress and now I know what it looks like. Before, I never knew. Now I have a little clue. I think I’m going to be better,” she says.
This is Dao’s first year on Team Canada after a tremendous 2017 campaign that saw her notch six victories across a wide spectrum of events including the Québec Women’s Amateur and the Québec Junior Girls.
She started to play golf when she was three years old, after her father showed her. She started hitting balls in her garage off a mat, and then got more serious a few years later – starting to play tournaments at age eight.
She says she loves the whole experience of being a part of Team Canada, but especially the travel.
The week before the CP Women’s Open Dao was in Northern Ireland playing the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship (she was eliminated in the second round of match play), and she’ll represent Canada at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires in October.
Her favourite country, she says, has been Japan. But she says she started to enjoy Ireland the more she got to explore. “It’ll be a tie,” she says with a laugh.
But there’s no place like home.
Dao is eager to don the red-and-white at an event, the World Junior Girls Championship, she’s thoroughly enjoyed the last three years.
“I really enjoy that tournament. We play against so many international teams and we always have fun with the girls,” she explains. “I think we’re going to do great.”
Click here for more information on the World Junior Girls Championship.
Canada’s Brooke Henderson shoots 65 to win CP Women’s Open by four strokes
REGINA, CANADA - AUGUST 26: Brooke Henderson of Canada lifts the champions trophy following the final round of the CP Womens Open at the Wascana Country Club on August 26, 2018 in Regina, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
REGINA – Brooke Henderson ended Canada’s long drought at the CP Women’s Open on Sunday, firing a final-round 7-under-par 65 to win the national championship by four strokes.
Henderson finished with a 21-under 267 total, sealing the win with a short birdie putt on the 18th hole at the Wascana Country Club.
“It’s amazing, just surreal,” Henderson said. “The crowds here have been so amazing all week, and to finish it off the way I did is really a dream come true.”
American Angel Yin was alone in second place after a 68 and American Jennifer Song (67) was six shots behind at 15 under. Australians Minjee Lee (68) and Su Oh (69) were seven strokes off the pace in a fourth-place tie with South Korea’s Amy Yang (68) and American Austin Ernst (69).
It was the first time a Canadian has won this tournament since Jocelyne Bourassa took the 1973 event – then called La Canadienne – at Montreal.
Henderson earned US$337,500 of the $2.25-million purse for her second victory of the season. It was her seventh career LPGA Tour win, moving her one behind Sandra Post’s record for all-time victories by a Canadian.
Henderson, who started the day with a one-shot lead, was aggressive from the start on an overcast, chilly morning in front of a vocal group of adoring supporters.
Displaying a steely focus and no sign of nerves, she found the fairway with her opening drive and cleared a greenside bunker with her second shot, sticking the ball 12 feet from the pin.
Henderson is one of the biggest hitters on the Tour but her short game can be inconsistent at times. The 20-year-old from Smiths Falls, Ont., set the early tone by sinking the birdie putt for a two-shot lead.
She gave the stroke back on the second hole after her drive found the rough. A line of fairway-hugging trees forced her to chip out on the fairway and Henderson would settle for bogey.
Back-to-back pars followed, allowing Oh to briefly pull even with the Canadian. However, Oh missed a 10-foot par putt on the fifth hole and Henderson drained a 25-footer for birdie to regain the lead.
After a birdie-bogey run, Henderson showed her form on the par-3, 206-yard eighth hole. With a challenging pin placement, she elevated her tee shot perfectly to clear a greenside ridge and bunker to leave herself an 18-foot putt.
She hit the birdie to move to 16-under for a three-shot cushion on Oh and defending champion Sung Hyun Park of South Korea.
Henderson was playing to win and not to just hang on.
A steady rain started to fall as the last few groups made the turn. Some of the Tour’s biggest names were chasing Henderson but no one could get hot enough on the back nine to get close.
Yin hovered a few shots back but Henderson wouldn’t budge.
“It’s great for golf in Canada, women’s golf, and it’s great for her too,” Yin said. “I mean, people shouting her name left to right since the first hole, like (since) nine in the morning. I bet you she feels pressure.
“But she’s used to it and she handles it pretty well, and she finished the job.”
The Canadian was making almost every shot look easy. The greens softened up a touch and Henderson was going for the pins. Approach shots were usually in tight and the putter was working.
Yin rolled in her third straight birdie on No. 15, and Henderson answered by knocking in her fourth birdie putt in a row to keep her three-shot lead.
She maintained that cushion through the 17th hole, allowing her to fully enjoy the moment on No. 18 as the packed gallery roared during her walk up the fairway.
After a beautiful drive, Henderson’s approach shot from 69 yards out cozied up to the hole. She tapped in the short putt and the celebration was on.
Henderson raised her arms in the air and hugged her sister Brittany, who was on her bag all week. Their ecstatic father, Dave, ran on to the green and doused them in champagne.
Park (71), who finished at 13 under, will retain her No. 1 position in the world rankings. She was tied with three-time CP Women’s Open champion Lydia Ko (69) and several others.
American Mo Martin was another shot back at 12 under after firing a course-record 62.
Hamilton’s Alena Sharp (71) was at 6 under, two shots ahead of Quebec City’s Anne-Catherine Tanguay (73).
The 2019 CP Women’s Open will be held at the Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ont.
Claira Frizzell chasing her dream to compete at Augusta
Claira Frizzell chasing her dream to compete at Augusta
Nine-year-old Claira Frizzell from Dartmouth recently began her journey to compete at Augusta National in the USGA Drive, Chip and Putt competition.
On July 5th, Claira travelled to compete in a local qualifier for the National Drive, Chip and Putt competition at Gull Lake View Resort in Augusta, Michigan. She competed in the girls 7-9 division and won the local qualifier with a total of 74 points.
With this win she advanced to the sub-regional qualifier, which was held on August 14th at the Quail Ridge Golf Club in Ada, Michigan. She struggled with her driver during the competition and finished with a total of 61 points, which left her in 4th place. Only two competitors advanced to the regional qualifier. The winner of the regional qualifiers will go to the National Competition, which is held at Augusta National on the Sunday before the Masters.
Claira plays out of the Links at Montague in Dartmouth and is looking forward to breaking into the Nova Scotia junior golf ranks when she turns 10. She has one more year of eligibility in the girls 7-9 category and is already training for next year’s competition.
About the Drive Chip & Putt
This is a joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, the United States Golf Association and the PGA of America. Drive, Chip and Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf.
By tapping into the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, Drive, Chip and Putt provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers around the country. Participants who advance through local, sub-regional and regional qualifying in each age/gender category earn a place in the National Finals, that is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament and is broadcast live on the Golf Channel.
All championship scoring is based on a 25-point-per-shot basis, with each participant taking three shots per skill. Each participant accumulates points per shot in all three skills (maximum of 75 points per skill = 25 points per shot x 3). The overall champion in each age category is won by the participant with the most points accumulated among all three skills (maximum of 225 points = 75 points per skill x 3).
Port, Penner, and Burnett Win at the ISPS Handa Canadian Open Blind Golf Championships
Port, Penner, and Burnett Win at the ISPS Handa Canadian Open Blind Golf Championships
After 36-holes of competition, the ISPS Handa Canadian Open Blind Golf Championship has come to an end at the Truro Golf Club.
Doug Penner of Manitoba has won the overall net title with a six-under par, two round total of 139. Six strokes behind Penner were David Burnett (ON), Kiefer Jones (AB) and Joe Furber (MB) who each carded two round totals of 145 (+2).
In the women’s division there was a three-way tie between Linda Port from California, Lillian Haas from Manitoba, and Judy Ursulan from Saskatchewan who all had two round totals of net 149. After retrogression, Linda Port was declared the champion.
The overall senior net title was claimed by Ontario native, David Burnett, who had a two day total of 145. Two-strokes behind Burnett was George Thirkill who recorded a 36-hole net score of 147.
For more information on the ISPS Handa Canadian Open Blind Golf Championships and complete results please click HERE
Glenn Babcock Leads After Round One of the ISPS Handa Canadian Open Blind Golf Championships
Glenn Babcock Leads After Round One of the ISPS Handa Canadian Open Blind Golf
Championships
Kiefer Jones putting during the first round of play at the Truro Golf Club
The weather and playing conditions were ideal for the first round of the ISPS Handa Canadian Open Blind Championships at Truro Golf Club.
Glenn Babcock, from Ontario, is leading after he fired a four under par net 67 during the first round. Two strokes behind him is Jim Hamilton who carded a net 69.
Saskatchewan native, Judy Ursulan is leading the women’s division after finishing todays round with a net two-under par 70. Lillan Haas from Manitoba, is two strokes behind the leader, heading into tomorrows final round.
For more information on the ISPS Handa Canadian Open Blind Golf Championships and full results please click HERE
Truro Golf Club Is Set To Host the ISPS Handa Canadian Open Blind Golf Championships
Brian MacLeod (pictured left) (facebook.com)
The 2018 ISPS Handa Canadian Open Blind Golf Championships will take place from August 16th-18th at the Truro Golf Club. The championship is a 36-hole tournament with players competing in three divisions (B1, B2, and B3) based on their vision.
The field consists of 26 competitors from Canada, The United States, and South Korea.
For a complete list of results from the 2018 Canadian Blind Open please CLICK HERE
Brian MacLeod Memorial Tournament to be hosted in August 19-20 at the Mountain Golf Club
Prior to Mr. MacLeod’s death in December 2015 he lived in Truro with his wife, Joanne. As an avid athlete, Brian turned his attention and determined focus to the game of golf after losing his vision as an adult. During his competitive golf career, Brian competed in 100 golf championships around the world. Not only did he succeed but he won a total of 67 times. His championships include local, national and international championships.
Canadian Championship: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
Canadian Open Championship: 2004, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014
American Blind Golf Match Play: 2005, 2007, 2009
Northeast Indiana Open: 2005, 2006, 2007
United States Open: 2005, 2011, 2014
Australian Open: 2009, 2014
Western Australian Open: 2009
Italian Blind Open: 2011
Irish Open: 2014
Arizona Regional Championship: 2012, 2013, 2014
Kentucky Blue Grass Regional Championship:2013, 2014
Jim MacMaster wins the 2018 #GolfBeattieStrong Senior Championships
Jim MacMaster wins the 2018 #GolfBeattieStrong Senior Championships
After delays due to dangerous weather, play was suspended on Thursday. The second round resumed play this morning at 9am. Due to time constraints the championship was reduced to a 36 hole competition.
NSGA President Garry Beattie and Senior Champion Jim MacMaster
When the dust settled it was Jim MacMaster from Inverness who finished atop the leaderboard. The Nova Scotia Public Player member fired a 71-72 to finish the tournament with a two-day total of 143. MacMaster finished three strokes ahead of Mike Hebb from Ashburn who fired a 71 today. There was a three way tie for third place with Gerry MacMillan (Paragon), Ed Peverill (Ken-Wo) and Dean Woodman (Avon Valley). The trio finished with a two-round total of 147.
Tom Banks from Paragon, captured the Super Senior Championship (65 and over). Banks finished with an eight over par 150. Cliff Lowrey from Amherst, finished second in the Super Senior with a two-day total of 152.
NSGA President Garry Beattie, Team members Dean Woodman, Jim MacMaster and Ed Peverill
Representing Nova Scotia at the 2018 Canadian Senior Championship, will be Jim MacMaster, Ed Peverill and Dean Woodman. The NSGA Senior Team will travel to Bathurst to compete in the Canadian Championship at the Gowan Brae Golf Club on September 4-7.
For a complete list of results from the 2018 #GolfBeattieStrong Championship please
Purchase a #GolfBeattieStrong head cover support Brain Cancer Research at the QEII
These unique head covers are available for purchase from Dormie Workshop with 50% of the sale of each head cover going towards Brain Cancer Research at the QEII. The head covers are also available for fairway woods and hybirds.
To view and purchase your head cover please CLICK HERE and then search “Beattie” on the Dormie website. The search feature is located in the top left hand section of the website.
