Golf Canada is proud to celebrate the 66 adoptions that occurred during Adopt a School Week thanks to the efforts of golf enthusiasts and industry partners across the country.

In total, the figure translates to an additional 7,920 students being introduced to the sport through the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program. The coast-to-coast campaign was elevated by support from Canadian industry partners—the Provincial Associations, PGA of Canada, the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), Canadian Society of Club Managers and Canadian Golf Superintendents Association.

A matching program for the first 30 adoptions was made possible by the Canadian Seniors Golf Association, who continue to be a leader in supporting Adopt a School Week. In the campaign’s four years of running, the CSGA has helped to adopt over 100 schools in Canadian communities from coast-to-coast.

Since the program’s inception in 2009, adoptions have accounted for close to 50% of over 3,800 registered schools delivering the curriculum. For Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer, that number presents a great opportunity to build community relationships.

“The vision is to help establish a connection between golf facilities and schools in respective communities across Canada through the Golf in Schools program,” said Thompson. “Nurturing these relationships will enhance the delivery of the program and build a connection that will last for many years to come.”

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GOLF IN SCHOOLS.

OTTAWA – On the second annual National Golf Day, the Canadian golf industry, represented by We Are Golf, is launching a national campaign to encourage Canadians to get involved in the sport. Industry leaders are meeting with Parliamentarians throughout the day, while golf stakeholders are working to spread the word in municipalities nationwide.

“Golf is a sport that brings so many benefits to Canadians – not just through the health aspect, but as a significant economic driver,” said Kathryn Wood, Chair of We Are Golf and COO of Canadian Golf Superintendents Association “Golf in Canada sees $14.3 billion in annual economic impact, and supports over 300,000 jobs – nearly 40% of which are summer students.”

“Our counterparts in the USA are undertaking a similar initiative in Washington, with the goal to broaden participation in the sport across the continent,” added Laurence Applebaum, CEO of Golf Canada, “On National Golf Day, we’re encouraging all Canadians to get involved by playing a round of golf, enjoying family time at the local course, introducing a new player to the game, adopting a school in their community through Golf in Schools, taking a lesson, or making a purchase at their local pro shop.”

We Are Golf launched the inaugural National Golf Day in 2018 with advocacy meetings in Ottawa, a public junior golf activity on the Parliament Hill lawn, and various golf activities at clubs across Canada. The continuation of National Golf Day in Canada in 2019 will again incorporate meetings by We Are Golf stakeholders with MPs, Senators, and government officials.

“We are looking forward to building upon the success of our 2018 National Golf Day and government advocacy efforts in Ottawa, and hope to continue to bring the positive value of the game of golf to the forefront,” said We Are Golf chair, Kathryn Wood.

KAPOLEI, Hawaii – Brooke Henderson didn’t join the LPGA Tour thinking she would end up amongst the best Canadian golfers of all-time. At least not so soon, anyway.

Henderson tied the Canadian record for most career victories on the LPGA or PGA Tour on Saturday when the 21-year-old captured her eighth career title by shooting a 2-under 70 to win the Lotte Championship for the second year in a row.

Sandra Post had eight career victories on the LPGA Tour between 1968 and 1981, while Mike Weir and George Knudson equalled that on the PGA Tour.

“When I was younger it was just a goal to be on the LPGA Tour, to win my first event,” Henderson said.

“And when that happened and I won my first major the year after, things kind of just started to fall into place. I knew the record was eight. Just kept creeping toward it the last three years, which was really exciting.”

Henderson, from Smiths Falls, Ont., won last year’s event in Hawaii for her sixth Tour victory and followed that up in August 2018 as the first Canadian in 45 years to win the CP Women’s Open.

“I think starting last year I sort of saw that it was within my reach if I had two good seasons. Last year put me into great position, and coming back this year it’s been on the back of my mind every week that I tee it up. I’m just really happy that I have finally done it.

“Looking forward to overtaking it now.”

She finished 16 under on Saturday at Ko Olina Golf Club to beat South Korea’s Eun-Hee Ji by four strokes.

All the highlights from Brooke’s repeat performance in Hawaii ???? pic.twitter.com/XDRFo8KBht

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) April 21, 2019

Nelly Korda, tied with Henderson for the third-round lead, finished with a quadruple-bogey 8 for a 77 that left her seven strokes back at 9 under. She hit into the water twice on 18, then threw her ball in after finishing. The 20-year-old American also had a double bogey on the par-4 seventh.

“Pretty bad,” Korda said. “I mean, it was a tough day, but I ended really poorly and I’m pretty disappointed in that. … It was an unfortunate final round, but there is nothing I can do about it anymore.”

Ariya Jutanugarn (73) and 2016 winner Minjee Lee (74) tied for third at 11 under.

Henderson bogeyed her first hole, but that was the only blemish in the final round as she followed that up with three birdies and 14 pars.

She looked to be in some trouble on the par-4 16th, but saved par when she hit a put from off the green.

“It’s really amazing to even be mentioned in the same sentence as Mike Weir, George, and Sandra,” Henderson said. “This week was really special. I always love coming to Hawaii. Last year was such an incredible week for me, to be able to hoist that trophy for the first time. Coming back I knew I knew the golf course really well.”

Fellow Canadian and Olympic teammate Alena Sharp watched Henderson play out the round and joined her in celebration.

“Congrats my friend ?BrookeHenderson! Unbelievable title defense and tying Sandra Post’s record for most wins by a Canadian on the ?LPGA tour. So freaking proud of you!,” tweeted Sharp (72), who finished 2 under for 40th place.

Henderson takes home US$300,000 for the win. Through seven events in 2019, she has made six cuts, has one victory, three top-10 finishes and one top-15 finish for $498,151 total earnings.

Henderson, ranked No. 12 in the world, has one major among her tournament victories, winning the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship after beating Lydia Ko in a playoff when she was only 18.

The 115th edition of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship is coming to The Glen Arbour Golf Course and The Links of Brunello in Halifax, Nova Scotia from August 3rd – 8th!

• Live Scoring
• Forecaddies (spotters)
• Standard Bearers
• Transportation
• Pace of Play Assistants

From April 22-26, Golf Canada will be celebrating all donations made towards the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program in support of the third annual Adopt a School Week.

The week represents a coast-to-coast celebration to mark the efforts of all Golf in Schools adoptions. Since the program’s inception in 2009, adoptions have accounted for close to 50% of the over 3,800 registered schools delivering the curriculum. Together, Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and all provincial partners have aligned to celebrate the generosity of golf enthusiasts across the country.

“Golf Canada recognizes the many investments made by Canadians across the country in support of the Golf in Schools program,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. “It is in the industry’s best interest to support the continued growth of the sport at the grassroots level, which in turn benefits the future membership of facilities.”

For the first 30 adoptions, any golf facility, PGA of Canada professional or individual who adopts a school into the Golf in Schools program from April 22-26 will see their adoption matched with a school of their choice. This matching grant is possible due to Golf Canada’s partnership with the Canadian Seniors Golf Association (CSGA).

In 2018, 263 new schools were adopted, introducing an average of 120 students per school to golf.

A Golf in Schools donation includes the full program kit, which features safe, age-appropriate golf clubs along with a teacher-friendly learning resource. Developed in conjunction with the PGA of Canada and Physical Health Education (PHE) Canada, the learning resource incorporates Life Skills into the curriculum—placing added focus on transferrable skills both on and off the golf course.

The Intrapersonal Life Skills—perseverance, goal-setting and emotional regulation—are meant to instill focus while the Interpersonal Life Skills—honesty, teamwork and respect—embody a sense of sportspersonship.

Following Adopt a School Week, Golf Canada will be announcing all elementary, intermediate and high school adoptions conducted in 2019.

To adopt a school in your community, visit golfcanada.ca/adoptaschool

The NSGA will be traveling to member clubs to introduce the 2019 Rules of Golf. Presentations will review the old rules, and examine the new changes for the coming years. They will focus on how to understand and implement the rules from a player perspective. Attendance at the Level 1 presentations are open to ANY Golf Canada member (unless otherwise specified). The NSGA will also be conducting a Level II seminar on April 26-28 at the Glen Arbour Golf Club.

Please see times for scheduled club seminars. If you wish to attend any of the seminars below, please contact the host club.

Level 1 Seminar Schedule:

• Sat May 4 | 2pm – 4pm | Osprey Ridge GC
• Thurs May 9 | 4pm – 6pm | Truro G & CC
• Fri May 10 | 12pm – 2pm | Antigonish GC
• Fri May 10 | 6pm – 8pm | Seaview GC
• Sat May 11 | 10am – noon | Bell Bay GC | Seminar will be held at Inverary Resort Conference Centre
• Sat May 11 | 2pm – 4pm | Lingan GC 
• CANCELLED | Oakfield G & CC
• Mon June 3 | 7pm – 9pm | Brightwood G & CC | gsingleton@brightwood.ns.ca or 902-466-7688 x8 | MEMBERS ONLY

Level 1 – Online Certification: Free to all NSGA Members

Level 1 provides an interesting and easy way to learn the basics of the Rules of Golf. This level will focus on etiquette, the principle definitions and commonly encountered situations on the course.

As part of the Level 1 program, students will be able to test their knowledge by taking the review questions at the end of each section before attempting the online Level 1 exam. This exam is not mandatory, and will NOT take place during the NSGA presentations. But as a member of Golf Canada, and the NSGA, you can register for the level 1 exam at any time, free of charge.

CLICK HERE to register for the level 1 online rules exam.

Note: When you register to participate in The R&A’s Rules Academy via https://www.randa.org/en/RulesAcademy, they will be sharing your contact details and other relevant information, including exam results, with Golf Canada. We may use your contact details to contact you about rules schools, golf education, volunteering opportunities and golf events. We will be using this information to promote and develop the sport of golf in Canada. For more information about how we may use and protect your personal information, please see our privacy policy by  clicking here

Level 2 NSGA Seminar – Provincial Certification ($75 for NSGA Members)

Level 2 (Provincial Certification) is a 2-day seminar conducted by provincial golf associations. This curriculum will look at the more important playing Rules in detail. Some of the complexities that are found in the Interpretations guide book are introduced, as well as executing on-course demonstrations. Level 2 (Provincial) is designed for those individuals with an involvement in tournament administration, or who may be interested in rules officiating.

Level 2 Seminar Schedule:

• April 27-28, 2019 @ Glen Arbour Golf Course
  • Day 1: 7:30am – 5:00pm
  • Day 2: 9:00am – 4:00pm

To register, and for more information on the Level 2 Rules Seminar, please CLICK HERE

For more information please see the Rule & Education page on the NSGA website, or contact the Anne at anne@nsga.ns.ca or 902-468-8844 ext. 2

Old Man Winter is finally loosening his grip on golf courses across the country and many of you are already shaking off the rust of a Canadian winter and heading to the first tee, ready to post those scores for handicap purposes.

Good for you!

But did you know that those scores can only be posted in Canada during what is called the “Active Season” in your province?

While some lucky folks in more temperate climes (that’s you, British Columbia) can already post their scores, the rest of us have to wait until the middle of April or later.

From west to east, Active Seasons are: B.C., March 1-Nov. 15; Alberta, March 1-Oct. 31; Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, April 15-Oct. 31; New Brunswick, May 1-Oct. 31; P.E.I., April 16-Nov. 14; Newfoundland and Labrador, May 1-Oct. 15.

Why is there such a thing as an “Active Season”?

“Active Season exists to help eliminate scores that might adversely affect the calculation of a handicap because they are generally not played under what we call `mid-season` playing conditions,” said Craig Loughry, Golf Canada’s representative on the World Handicap Committee.

“Generally, outside the Active Season, conditions are soggy, wet, lots of leaves (potential lost ball or bad lie), cool, etc., which makes the course play a little longer and different than mid-season (virtually little to no roll on tee shots, which means a loss per drive of about 20 yards. On an average course that has 14 driving holes, that could mean a 280-yard difference just on yardage alone.

“Greens are also much more receptive and generally slow compared to mid-season. It’s a combination of these things which distort how the course plays from which it was rated (we assume mid-season when the majority of rounds are played) and what the expected scores would be in optimum conditions, so we set an Active Season to help mitigate the effect of scores played in the shoulder season.”

While those dates aren’t likely to change in 2020, there will be a significant updating of the handicap system starting Jan. 1 when the new World Handicap System is implemented.

For the past four years, Loughry has represented Canada as Golf Canada’s representative on the World Handicap Committee, sitting beside the other major golf associations from around the globe in an effort to make the system more equitable, flexible, consistent and understandable.

Significantly, the committee—Loughry calls it “the United Nations of handicapping”—will meet in Toronto this fall, its first gathering ever outside the United States, Britain and Europe.

“We hope by informing golfers of the impending changes this far in advance, they will have the opportunity to review the changes and comment on them,” Loughry says.

A limit of net double bogey per hole will be allowed for handicapping purposes and the maximum Handicap Index will be set at 54.0, regardless of gender, to encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game.

Perhaps the most obvious change for Canadians is that the term “Handicap Factor” used in this country for years will become “Handicap Index” to align with the USGA terminology and which will be used worldwide. But the new system will adopt Canada’s practice of updating handicaps daily in all countries, as opposed to the current USGA model.

A list of 9 useful tips for the World Handicap System can be found here.

The committee’s research shows that your Index is unlikely to change significantly from your previous Factor. Only 54 holes worth of scores will be required for an initial Index and your Index will eventually be averaged using the best eight of your last 20 scores posted.

One very notable innovation is the Playing Conditions Calculation which “analyzes how players have performed that day compared to their expected performance on that golf course. It will naturally include weather and course setup (reflected in the scores) and if expected results fall outside a tolerance level, an adjustment will apply to all scores played on that course for that day.”

Have a look at the changes and take advantage of the opportunity to comment.

As for me, when the Active Season starts here in Ontario, I’ll already be posting scores via the Golf Canada app from South Carolina where the Active Season never ends. My snow blower’s broken.

The Canadian golf industry represented by We Are Golf (formerly the National Allied Golf Association) has officially announced that May 1, 2019 has been tabbed as National Golf Day in Canada.

The date aligns with the We Are Golf initiative spearheaded out of the United States—also set for May 1, 2019—and will bring further attention to the game of golf and its significant community impact within not only Canada, but across North America.

We are Golf is comprised of all the national golf associations within Canada—Golf Canada, the Canadian Society of Club Managers, the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association, the PGA of Canada and the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada.

Planning for National Golf Day is underway with several activities to build upon the success of the inaugural 2018 event which included government advocacy and discussion with MPs in Ottawa, a public junior golf activity on the Parliament Hill lawn and various golf activities at clubs across Canada. The continuation of National Golf Day in Canada in 2019 will again incorporate meetings by We Are Golf stakeholders with MPs and government officials.

“We are looking forward to building upon the success of our 2018 National Golf Day and government advocacy efforts in Ottawa and continue to bring the positive value of the game of golf to the forefront,” said We Are Golf chair, Kathryn Wood. “National Golf Day will be a tremendous catalyst for golf enthusiasts to rally and celebrate what the sport of golf means to them and their community.”

Each member association representing We Are Golf is also encouraging their respective memberships, partners and stakeholders to participate in National Golf Day in their own way to celebrate the significant economic, health, recreational, charitable and tourism benefits that golf drives in communities from coast to coast.

We Are Golf is calling on the entire golf community as well as partner associations and golfers to engage in National Golf Day as a can’t miss event on the Canadian golf calendar.

Golf enthusiasts across Canada are encouraged to get involved in National Golf Day by playing a round of golf, visiting a course or practice facility, enjoying family time at the course, introducing a new player to the game, adopting a school in their community through Golf in Schools, hosting a school golf field trip, taking a lesson, or making a purchase at their local pro shop.

Please visit http://wearegolf.ca/ to learn more, and to access a social media toolkit to promote the day and get involved!

Golf in Canada – A Snapshot:

In Canada, more than five million golfers play close to 60 million rounds annually at nearly 2,300 golf facilities from coast to coast—the most participated sport in this country.

Golf is a significant economic driver generating more than $14.3 billion in economic impact and employing more than 300,000 jobs, nearly 40% of which are summer students. Direct revenues generated by golf courses and their facilities ($5.0 billion) rivals the revenues generated by all other participation sports and recreation facilities combined ($4.8 billion). Golf courses also steward essential greenspace in the community in addition to hosting more than 37,000 charity events that raise more than $533 million annually to support important causes.

The health benefits of moderate-intensity physical activity, burning 850 to 1,500 calories as well as muscle endurance, blood circulation, flexibility and mental health along with respiratory, metabolic and cardiovascular improvements can’t be discounted. Golf as a safe and inclusive family sport is good for our children, instilling etiquette and values such as integrity, honest, fair play and the spirit of camaraderie.

     Champion to earn an exemption into 2020 RBC Canadian Open and

the 2019 U.S. Amateur Championship

The world’s best amateur golfers are set to compete in the 115th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship in Halifax, Nova Scotia being hosted at both Glen Arbour Golf Course and the Links at Brunello from Aug. 5-8, 2019.

This championship was first held in 1895, making it one of the most storied sporting events in Canada and the third oldest amateur golf championship in the world. Glen Arbour Golf Course will host over 240 players for four days of stroke play.  The Links at Brunello will co-host the first two rounds which will result in a cut after 36 holes.

Number 14 at the Glen Arbour Golf Course

Glen Arbour Golf Course has hosted the 2019 Atlantic Championship, 2012 TELUS World Skins Game, 2009 Mike Weir Miracle Drive Foundation tournament, and the 2005 BMO Canadian Women’s Open. Designed by Canadian golfing icon Graham Cooke, Glen Arbour was constructed for all levels of play. The course is expertly designed and a meticulously maintained, making it a test for golfers of all abilities by offering challenging greens, beautiful scenery and superior service. This 18-hole champion course provides great diversity in hole design, challenging elevation changes and a demanding layout. In addition to the 6,800-yard, par 72, 18-hole course, there is a 9-hole par 3 executive course as well as practice facilities on site.

Number 4 at the Links at Brunello 

The co-host The Links at Brunello was ranked #3 Best New Golf Course in North America for 2015 by Golf Digest. It has quickly earned the reputation of being one of the toughest courses in Nova Scotia. Designed by the legendary architect Tom McBroom, Brunello is carved from thick forests nestled amid gigantic granite boulders and boasts of stunning vistas. The Links at Brunello offers stunningly manicured bent grass tees, greens and fairways. The views combined with the natural beauty will be a test for these top competitors.

“We are delighted to be the co-host of the 115th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at The Links at Brunello here in Halifax, Nova Scotia,” said Miles Mortensen, General Manager at The Links at Brunello. “We are looking forward to welcoming Canada’s up-and-coming stars to The Links at Brunello and seeing our Thomas McBroom design showcase its tournament playability as part of crowning the next champion of this storied tournament.”

Zach Bauchou – 2017-2018 Canadian Amateur Champion

Zach Bauchou of Forest, Va. Is the back-to-back defending champion having claimedthe title in both 2017 and 2018. He is the 22nd American to capture the Canadian Men’s Amateur crown and only the 13th back-to-back champion in history. 

Current PGA TOUR Canadians’ Mackenzie Hughes (Dundas, Ont.) and Nick Taylor (Abbotsford, B.C.) are recent winners of the event. Taylor won it in 2007 while Hughes won back-to-back titles for 2011-2012. Recent PGA Tour winner Corey Conners finished second at the Canadian Amateur in 2013. A full field of the nation’s top competitors are expected to head east and compete for the Earl Grey Trophy and the title of Canadian Men’s Amateur champion. In conjunction with the first 36 holes of the competition an inter-provincial team championship will be played with teams of three members vying for the Willingdon Cup. After the first two rounds, the field will be reduced to the low 70 and ties for the final two rounds contested at Glen Arbour.

In addition to claiming the title of 2019 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion, the winner will earn exemptions into the 2019 U.S. Amateur at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C. and also entry in the 2020 RBC Canadian Open at St. Georges Golf & Country Club in Toronto ON. The champion will also be eligible to receive an exemption into the U.S. Junior Amateur, the U.S. Mid-Amateur or the U.S. Senior Amateur, if applicable.

The Canadian Men’s Amateur Qualifier will be played at Glen Arbour Golf Course on Aug. 2 where a minimum of five spots at the national tournament will be awarded. Additional information can be found here.

 In total, about 500 visitors (players, coaches, caddies, friends and family members) are expected to spend up to a week or more in the Halifax area for this multi-day competition. Supported by upwards of 200 volunteers from across Nova Scotia. To register to volunteer for the 2019 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, click here.

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 20 championships nation-wide which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development, through world-class competition, since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Sport Canada, Levelwear, Titleist and FootJoy. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/competitons.

GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing 319,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.