Hellman, Lee, Graham, Olson and Brook top individual standings

CHILLIWACK, B.C. –An overcast first round of the Canadian University/College Championship saw five individuals sit atop the leaderboard today at Chilliwack Golf Club.

Zack Olson shot a 4-under to share a piece of 4th and give host team University of the Fraser Valley Cascades a commanding lead, while Kelly Hellman and Avril Li carded an even-par to help defending women’s champion University of British Columbia Thunderbirds top the women’s competition.

The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades men’s team earned a combined 10-under par to earn a commanding lead, building a 13-shot advantage over defending men’s team champion Université Laval Rouge et Or who posted a 3-over par. University of Guelph Gryphons are currently in third with a 4-over par.

Three players in the men’s individual championship – Adam Graham (Brock University Badgers), Wyatt Brook (Vancouver Island University Mariners), and Zach Olson (University of the Fraser Valley Cascades) – head into tomorrow in first place at 4-under par.

Thunderbirds Kelly Hellman of Nelson, B.C. and Avril Li of Port Moody, B.C. both fired an even-par 72 to earn top spots in the women’s individual competition. The Thunderbirds have won 12 of the past 15 editions of the women’s team event.

Veronique Fortin-Latreille of the Université de Montréal Carabins and Sarah Dunning of the University of Guelph Gryphons are very close behind, sitting second in the women’s individual competition one stroke behind at 1-over par.

With a combined score of 5-over par, the Thunderbirds are two strokes ahead of the Université de Montréal Carabins, who posted a team score of 7-over par on day one. The University of Victoria Vikes sit in third place at 10-over par.

The Women’s and Men’s Individual winners receive an exemption into their respective Canadian Amateur Championship. The top-three Men’s and Women’s individual finishers qualify for the FISU Universiade Games.

Former NS Development Team member, Ben Chasse fired a two over, 74 to currently sit at T31.

For more information on the event, including tomorrow’s tee times and current results, can be found here.

TOP-5 MEN’S – TEAM

1 University of the Fraser Valley Cascades.                -10.       F          -10       278

2 Université Laval Rouge et Or                                      +3        F*         +3        291

3 University of Guelph Gryphons                                  +4        F          +4        292

T4. Université de Montréal Carabins                            +5        F          +5        293

T4. University of British Columbia Thunderbirds      +5        F          +5        293

TOP-5 MEN’S – INDIVIDUAL

T1. Adam Graham                            Brock University Badgers                                 *35-33-68 -4

T1. Wyatt Brook                                Vancouver Island University Mariners          *35-33-68 -4

T1. Zack Olson                                   University of the Fraser Valley Cascades       *32-36-68 -4

T4. Nicholas Striker                          University of Guelph Gryphons                      *34-35-69 -3

T4. Daniel Campbell                         University of the Fraser Valley Cascades      *32-37-69 +2

TOP-5 WOMEN’S – TEAM

1. University of British Columbia Thunderbirds         +5        F          +5        221
2. Université de Montréal Carabins                               +7         F*         +7        223
3. University of Victoria Vikes                                        +10       F          +10      226
4. University of Toronto Varsity Blues                           +18      F         +18      234
5. University of the Fraser Valley Cascades                 +20       F          +20      236

TOP-5 WOMEN’S – INDIVIDUAL

T1. Kelly Hellman                                    University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.  *35-37-72 E

T1. Avril Li                                                University of British Columbia Thunderbirds   *36-36-72 E

T3. Veronique Fortin-Latreille             Université de Montréal Carabins                         *38-35-73 +1

T3. Sarah Dunning                                  University of Guelph Gryphons                            *38-35-73 +1

T5. Mylène Limoges                                Université de Montréal Carabins                         *37-37-74 +2

T5. Quinn Fitzgerald                               University of Victoria Vikes                                  *41-33-74 +2

Click hereto download photos; credit to Golf Canada.

Canadian PGA golfer David Hearn along with Kia Canada Inc. are teaming up to battle Alzheimer’s disease once again this year.

In 2015, Hearn, 38, launched his Foundation focusing on supporting the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The Foundation aims to increase awareness, improve care for those in need, and reducing the impact of the disease by raising funds and providing services to individuals and families.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 grant program with assistance from Kia Canada. The program is open to all junior golfers in Canada. The two winners will receive $4,500 each to contribute to an Alzheimer Society of their choice. The two recipients will also be invited to play in the 2018 David Hearn Foundation Charity Classic in Brantford, Ont. and $500 to spend at Golftown. Besides being a Canadian resident, applicants must be under 18-years-old on July 30, enrolled in school, and involved in the sport of golf including a junior program, member of a course, taking lessons or attending a camp. There is an essay portion of the application as well asking entrants to explain why they should be chosen to support a certain Alzheimer’s Society chapter.

The deadline to apply is June 19, the winners will be chosen on July 4 and announced on July 6. Applications can be downloaded here.

The Great Canadian East-West Contest is back for 2018, giving one lucky draw winner the golf trip of a lifetime to one of Canada’s most renowned golf courses. This year will include an all-expenses-paid trip for two to either Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club in B.C., or Kingswood Golf & Country Club in N.B.

The winner is drawn from all score entries posted by Golf Canada members from April 1 – Oct. 31, 2018. Each additional score posted counts for an additional entry. In addition to the golf, the winner will receive:

• Four nights accommodation at hotel near chosen golf course
• Round trip airfare (with either Delta or WestJet)
• Five-day car rental (with National/Enterprise)
• One hour lesson and one round of golf with the PGA of Canada professional
• $500 spending money

Draw will take place on November 10th, 2018

In 2017, the Great Canadian East-West Contest came to an end Oct. 31, with North Vancouver’s Patrick Lloyd winning the draw amongst over 7 million scores posted by Golf Canada members.

As the winner, Lloyd was given the choice of a golf vacation for two in 2018 to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club (also in B.C.) or The Links at Crowbush Cove in Morell, P.E.I.

Lloyd, a member of Seymour Golf & Country Club in North Vancouver, B.C., will head east to Crowbush Cove alongside wife Linda this summer.

Wolfville, N.S. – More than 800 graduates from Acadia University will receive their diplomas at ceremonies taking place May 13-14, joining Acadia’s more than 30,000 alumni worldwide. In addition, Acadia will confer Honorary Degrees on individuals who have distinguished themselves in public service, education and professional sports. Among those Honorees will be Canadian LPGA Tour professional Lorie Kane.  Kane, an Honoured Member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame who graduated from Acadia in 1988, will receive a Doctor of Humanities.

“Our Honorary Degree recipients exemplify in every way how each of us can use our background and experience to make significant and meaningful contributions to our communities, our country and to the world,” said Acadia President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Peter Ricketts.

Kane has triumphed on the golf course and is recognized as a leader for the sport. Since her rookie year on the LPGA Tour in 1996, she has won nearly $7 million in career earnings. In that time, she recorded four LPGA Tour victories and 99 top-ten finishes, including eight in majors.

In 1998, she won the Heather Farr Player Award, given by the LPGA Tour to the golfer who demonstrates determination, perseverance and spirit through hard work, dedication and love of the game.  In 2000, she won the William and Mousie Powell Award given by the LPGA Tour to the golfer whose behavior and deeds best exemplifies the spirit, ideals and values of the LPGA. In 2006, she became a member of the Order of Canada.

Prior to turning pro in 1993, Kane represented Canada as a member of the Canadian International Team from 1989 to 1992. She was also a member of the 1991 Canadian Commonwealth Team and the 1992 Canadian World Amateur Team. As a CP Ambassador, she embodies ongoing support of women’s golf through the CP Women’s Open and helps advocate and elevate the CP Has Heart charitable campaign which raises money and awareness for heart health.

Congrats to CP ambassador @LorieKaneLPGA on @AcadiaU’s announcement that she will receive an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree! With her dedication to @CPHasHeart, we couldn’t think of anyone more deserving. ❤️?? https://t.co/Tr8I3jiFOx pic.twitter.com/A9p5fWWS3x

— Canadian Pacific (@CanadianPacific) May 2, 2018

Golf fans in Saskatchewan will be able to watch Kane compete live at the 2018 CP Women’s Open, taking place August 20-26 at Wascana Country Club in Regina.

Digby native Myles Creighton won a US Open Qualifier on May 14 at the The Wanderers Club in Wellington FL. The recent graduate from Radford University fired a 68 to advance to the Sectional Qualifier that will be held at the Ansley Golf Club in Roswell, GA on June 4. He is one step closer to playing in the 118th US Open at Shinnecock Hills, New York on June 14-17.
GOOD LUCK MYLES!!

NSGA Heading to Cape Breton to connect schools and golf courses!

Anne Balser, NSGA Manager of Sport Development and Championships will conduct the Golf in Schools and Mobile Clinics. She will be joined by Futures Links Intern Connor Boucher.

“Our goal is to establish a direct link with schools in Cape Breton and their local golf club. We want to provide opportunities for kids interested in golf to learn about the game, and give them a clear pathway to become golfers.” said David Campbell, Executive Director of the NSGA. “By delivering golf in schools and offering mobile clinics at golf courses will help bridge the gap between the classroom and the clubhouse.”

“We are very pleased to be partnering with the NSGA to deliver the Golf in Schools programs across Cape Breton. The responsibility to grow the game of golf falls to the golf clubs on the island and with the Golf in Schools program, we hope to introduce the game of golf to children who may have never had the opportunity to play.” said Donnie Rowe, General Manager of the Lingan Golf Club.

This trip will mark the beginning of a season long plan to help raise the profile of golf in the Cape Breton region. The island has grown into a world class golf destination and we hope to bring more Cape Bretoner’s into the game. Our Mobile Clinics and Skills Competitions are open to all juniors wanting to learn to golf. Please contact your nearest club in Cape Breton or the NSGA to find a clinic near you.

• The Cape Breton Junior Swing – 5 Junior Invitationals at 5 clubs from July 22-26       Competitors have a chance to win a spot to play in the Cape Breton Open Pro-Am (Aug 28)
• Mobile Clinics and Skills Competitions throughout Cape Breton in June, July and August.
• Season ending Skills Competition at the Cape Breton Open.
• Community Golf Coach – Lingan Golf Club – June 2-3 – visit www.nsga.ns.ca for more info

• Golf in Schools: Eskasoni Elementary & Middle School – 9:30-11:55am
• Mobile Clinic: 5-6pm at the Lakes Golf Club
• Future Links Skills Challenge: 6-7pm at the Lakes Golf Club

• Golf in Schools: Coxheath Elementary School 12:30pm-3:00pm
• Mobile Clinic: 5-6pm at the Seaview Golf & Country Club
• Future Links Skills Challenge: 6-7pm at the Seaview Golf & Country Club

• Golf in Schools: Glace Bay Elementary
• Mobile Clinic: 5-6pm at the Lingan Golf Club
• Future Links Skills Challenge: 6-7pm at the Lingan Golf Club

• Golf in Schools: Baddeck Academy (11:15am-12:15pm)
• Mobile Clinic: 5-6pm at the Bell Bay Golf Club
• Future Links Skills Challenge: 6-7pm at the Bell Bay Golf Club

Canadian culture extends its arms to welcome people of all race, ethnicity and background. A nation rooted in diversity, accessibility and inclusiveness has molded Canada into the one of the most accepting nations in the world. Now golf—with a new pilot program aligning junior golf life skills with student learning outcomes—is taking steps to make the sport more accessible in First Nations communities.

Golf Canada, working in conjunction with the PGA of Canada and The University of Ottawa, has partnered with Indigenous Northern Affairs of Canada (INAC) to pilot the Future Links Driven by Acura Golf in Schools program at Alexander First Nations, a community northwest of Edmonton, Alta.

A first of its kind pilot program integrating golf’s Life Skills with student learning outcomes, the Golf in Schools pilot ran from January through April at the Kipohtakaw Education Centre, supporting school curriculum and community engagement of students through golf.

For Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Jeff Thompson, the Alexander First Nations pilot is an important step and learning opportunity in the continued growth of golf among underrepresented communities across Canada.

“First Nations engagement with golf represents an important growth opportunity for our sport in communities across Canada and we are extremely proud to be conducting this initiative in partnership with Indigenous Northern Affairs of Canada,” said Thompson. “Earlier this year Golf Canada proudly embraced a new policy around Inclusiveness, Accessibility and Diversity. This pilot program supported by INAC is a meaningful application of that policy which we believe has great potential to connect Golf Canada and our partners with more First Nations golfers and make the sport more inclusive.”

Vice Principal Suzzy Park shares her thoughts on the new #FutureLinks First Nations Pilot program ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/Rxklt3qEO3

— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) May 9, 2018

In February, the PGA of Canada partnered with Golf Canada to host a Community Golf Coach workshop with eight participants at the education centre in Alexander. Over two days, teachers and community members were trained in golf fundamentals and tactics to help establish a safe, welcoming environment for junior golfers.

“With many people in Alexander golfing regularly and loving the sport, it made sense to partner with the PGA of Canada and Golf Canada to allow for growth of the sport in the community,” said Jody Kootenay, Director of Education with Alexander First Nations. “We have some amazing youth who could very well take their love of golf and make it more competitive. We wanted to allow for the sport to have not only coaches available to the youth, but to start showcasing pathways for the golfer who is just starting out—we wanted to ensure our children had that chance.”

An important feature of the Golf in Schools program is the Life Skills component which focuses on transferrable lessons—both interpersonal and intrapersonal—that can be applied outside the golf space in peer groups, at home, and within the community.

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.

The University of Ottawa led the introduction of Life Skills integration with Golf in Schools and have since identified areas where the transfer of Life Skills are made in everyday activity. A student survey was conducted prior to the Alexander First Nations pilot to further the understanding of Life Skills applications in Canadian communities.

“Working with the Alexander First Nations was a meaningful step forward as we look to further expand the reach of golf in Canada,” said Glenn Cundari, Technical Director with the PGA of Canada. “We both learned a lot from each other and had some good laughs along the way.”

More than 50 students at the Kipohtakaw Education Centre are participating in the daily Golf in Schools unit during their Physical Education classes. Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada are working to organize a teaching professional to deliver an in-school lesson as part of the Get Linked initiative, ultimately strengthening the golf community in Alexander.

The Golf in Schools program is equipped with a teacher-friendly learning resource to assist in the delivery of lesson plans for six components: Learning Outcomes, Equipment, Warm-Up, Task Development, Closure and Method of Assessment. The kit includes safe, age-appropriate golf equipment for all three tiers of the program: elementary, intermediate and high school.

Along with partners @pgaofcanada & @ottawa.university, we’re proud to launch the #FutureLinks First Nations pilot with Alexander First Nations ⛳️⛳️

A post shared by Golf Canada (@thegolfcanada) on May 9, 2018 at 11:39am PDT

As the Alexander First Nations pilot nears completion, Golf Canada is investigating opportunities to partner with additional First Nations communities to help grow the game. Since the launch of the pilot, nearly a dozen First Nations communities have expressed interest in integrating golf into their community programming.

To learn more about the First Nations golf initiatives or submit an application for consideration, please contact Adam Hunter, Golf Canada’s Manager, Grow the Game at ahunter@golfcanada.ca