Come join us for the second annual Brain Cancer Bash supporting brain cancer research at Dalhousie University.

BRAIN CANCER BASH 

BUY TICKETS
Come join us for the second annual Brain Cancer Bash supporting brain cancer research at Dalhousie University.
Hosted by Garry Beattie (brain tumour survivor), Lori Duggan and the Division of Neurosurgery at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital.
Event Schedule
6:30 p.m.

Reception and magic show

7:30 p.m.

Grand Illusion Show with Michael James

8:15 p.m.

Official Welcome

8:45 p.m.
Dancing begins with special guests – The Classics
Dress code: semi-formal/business attire.
All proceeds go to the Queen Elizabeth II Foundation Brain Tumor Research Fund.
Date:
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Location:
Lord Nelson Hotel,
1515 Spring Garden Road,
Halifax.
Price:
$125 per person
Table of ten: $1250
VIP Table of ten: $1500
For more information and to book your tickets now please CLICK HERE

2018 PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The NSGA is pleased to announce the 2018 NSGA Player of the Year Awards. The Player of the Year (POY) is a ranking system that awards points to players based on tournament results throughout the golfing year. It is designed to promote golf development through competition and celebrate the individual achievements of golfers in Nova Scotia.
 
NSGA Women’s Player of the Year
Jen Comeau
Oakfield Golf & Country Club
It was a close race for the 2018 Women’s Player of the Year title, but Oakfield’s Jen Comeau found herself at the top of the rankings. Beating out 2017 POY winner Debbie Arsenault by a mere 13 points, Comeau claimed a number championships this summer. Her wins included the 2017 Jackie Frost, the Links at Penn Hills Ladies field day and Oakfield’s Ladies Club Championship. She also earned four-2nd place finishes at the Truro June Bug, Oakfield, Chester and Avon Valley Ladies field days. To top off her successful season, Jen’s solid 6th place finish at the NSGA Women’s Amateur earned her a spot-on Nova Scotia’s Women’s Amateur team.
NSGA Men’s Player of the Year
Aaron Nickerson
River Hills Golf Club
It pays to play and the 2018 Men’s Player of the Year, Aaron Nickerson, proved just that. Nickerson competed in 8 POY tournaments this season, and earned 220 points. Over 70 more points than 2017 POY winner, Sean Stuart, who only participated in 4 events. Nickerson secured 5 top three finishes this season including the 2017 River Hills Club Championship, the 2017 Snowball, the Don Fleet Invitational and the Greenwood Classic. He finished 2nd and 9th at the 2018 MCT Insurance Men’s Amateur, and Mid-Amateur respectively. In addition to local events, Nickerson represented Nova Scotia at the 2018 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship placing T38.
NSGA Cobra Puma Junior Girl’s
Player of the Year
Haley Baker
Ashburn Golf Club
Haley Baker had a stellar 2018 season and managed to sweep the Junior Girls POY series in the process. There was hardly a tournament where her name wasn’t atop the leaderboard. Her solid performance put her almost 100 points ahead of the 2nd place finisher, sister Abbey Baker. Haley claimed 3 major championships this summer, including the NB Junior Girls Provincial title, the Future Links Atlantic Girls Championship and the MJT Atlantic Girls Championship. She also took top prize at the Truro Junior Invitational. In addition, Baker took home four 2nd place finishes, the COBRA/PUMA Junior Championship, the MJT Ken-Wo, the Avon Valley Junior Invitational and the Oakfield Junior Invitational.
 
NSGA Cobra Puma Junior Boy’s
Player of the Year
Owen Mullen
Truro Golf Club
Owen Mullen from Truro Golf Club captured his first Cobra Puma Junior Boys’ Player of the Year title this season. Mullen’s win at the Future Links Atlantic Championship gave him the point boost he needed claim the top spot. Owen also finished 1st at the Oakfield Junior Invitational. This Development Team member took home four other top 5 finishes. These included a couple of 2nd place finishes at the Truro Junior Club Championship and the MJT Truro POY Series, and 3rd in the MJT Ken-Wo POY Series. He also placed 7th overall at the COBRA/PUMA Junior Championship.
Juniors Zone Player of the Year

As well as the individual Player of the Year awards, the NSGA recognizes the Junior ‘Player of the Year’ in each of nine regional zones. The following young golfers were chosen as Zone ‘Player of the Year’ based on their tournament results during the 2018 season.
ZONE
WINNER
CLUB
Western
Teran Newell
River Hills GC
Valley
Sara Cumby
Ken-Wo GC
Cape Breton
Andrew Cash
The Lakes GC
Nova Canso
Taylor Long
Abercrombie GC
Northern
Abby Wamboldt
Northumberland
Central
Isaac MacNaughton
Truro GC
Metro East
Owen Canavan
Oakfield G&CC
Metro West
Abbey Baker
Ashburn
South Shore
Mark Chandler
Chester GC
Congratulations to all winners and competitors on yet another successful golf season.

2018 Annual General Meeting and Notice of Motion

The Annual General Meeting of the NSGA will take place at the Glen Arbour Golf Club, Halifax, NS on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 1:00-3:00pm.
All club and members are welcome to attend.
The Board of Directors of the Nova Scotia Golf Association is proposing changes to the existing bylaws. These changes will be voted on at the NSGA Annual General Meeting. The current NSGA bylaws can be found by clicking here. If approved the bylaws would take effect on January 1, 2019.
The amended bylaws can be found here along with a detailed summary of the changes which can be found here.
As we approach the changes in the Sporting World with the implementation of the Revised Rules of Golf (2019) and the World Handicap system (2020), as well as changes in Sport Nova Scotia for funding and support of the NSGA, has led to the requirement for changes to the NSGA Bylaws. To do this we have to created a Strategic Planning Committee.

The Strategic Committee was tasked with reviewing and updating our Bylaws, Policies, Procedures and Terms of Reference.  The first step was the Bylaws and it has been completed for implementation January 1, 2019.  The Proposed Bylaw-2 January 1, 2019 maintains all of the appropriate details that were in the Bylaw-1 October 28, 2012. As you will see that there are very few changes in content, rather the format, presentation and wording have been streamlined to more modern language.

A detailed summary is provided but the primary Changes are:
  • Adding the Objectives of the NSGA from the Memorandum of Association
  • Remove areas that detailed Policies or Terms of Reference.
  • Align topics to make the Bylaw easily read and understood.
  • Creation of two new Committees (Strategic Planning and Heritage)
  • Bring our Bylaw in line with Golf Canada and Sport NS requirements.
  • Restructure the Format of the Bylaw.
In preparation for the AGM we would like to host a conference call to review the changes and address any questions that may arise from the proposed changes to the bylaws.
Please RSVP with the subject line NSGA AGM 2018 to:
David Campbell
david@nsga.ns.ca

Doug McEwan honoured with the NSGA Distinguished Service Award

Doug McEwan honoured with the NSGA Distinguished Service Award 

The Nova Scotia Golf Association is pleased to announce that Doug McEwan has been recognized with the Distinguished Service Award for his long- term service and his impact on the game of golf in Nova Scotia.

During the past 21 years Mr. McEwan worked tirelessly as an official, a volunteer and a board member for the NSGA.

He joined the NSGA Championship Committee as an Assistant Tournament Chair in 1997 and served until 1999. In 1999 he became the Chairman of the NSGA Tournament Committee and served in this role until 2001. Then began his work as Rules Official. From 2001-2002 he served as Assistant Rules Director In 2003 he became the Chairman of the Rules Committee. A position he held for 4-years.

In 2007, Mr. McEwan was elected to the position of 2nd Vice President of the NSGA. In 2009 he was appointed to the Provincial Council with Golf Canada and was also elected as 1st Vice President of the NSGA.

In 2010 he was elected as the President of the NSGA and served as President until 2013. He subsequently served as NSGA Past President in 2014-2015.

In 2016 he resumed his position as the NSGA Rules Director and will officially resign from the board in October 2018.

During his time with the NSGA, Mr. McEwan has officiated in countless local, provincial and national championships. 

Doug retired in 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Canadian Air Force after serving our country for 37 years. He lives in Greenwood with his wife Hazel.

Junior two person scramble on Oct 26

Junior Golfers wanted!

Looking for something to do on the PD day on Oct 26.

Please emails academy@thelinksatbrnello.com

2018 NSGA Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the NSGA will take place at the Glen Arbour Golf Club, Halifax, NS on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 1:00-3:00pm.
All club and members are welcome to attend.

The Board of Directors of the Nova Scotia Golf Association is proposing changes to the existing bylaws. These changes will be voted on at the NSGA Annual General Meeting. The current NSGA bylaws can be found by clicking here. If approved the bylaws would take effect on January 1, 2019.

The amended bylaws can be found here along with a detailed summary of the changes which can be found here.
As we approach the changes in the Sporting World with the implementation of the Revised Rules of Golf (2019) and the World Handicap system (2020), as well as changes in Sport Nova Scotia for funding and support of the NSGA, has led to the requirement for changes to the NSGA Bylaws. To do this we have to created a Strategic Planning Committee.

The Strategic Committee was tasked with reviewing and updating our Bylaws, Policies, Procedures and Terms of Reference.  The first step was the Bylaws and it has been completed for implementation January 1, 2019.  The Proposed Bylaw-2 January 1, 2019 maintains all of the appropriate details that were in the Bylaw-1 October 28, 2012. As you will see that there are very few changes in content, rather the format, presentation and wording have been streamlined to more modern language.

A detailed summary is provided but the primary Changes are:
  • Adding the Objectives of the NSGA from the Memorandum of Association
  • Remove areas that detailed Policies or Terms of Reference.
  • Align topics to make the Bylaw easily read and understood.
  • Creation of two new Committees (Strategic Planning and Heritage)
  • Bring our Bylaw in line with Golf Canada and Sport NS requirements.
  • Restructure the Format of the Bylaw.
In preparation for the AGM we would like to host a conference call to review the changes and address any questions that may arise from the proposed changes to the bylaws.
Please RSVP with the subject line NSGA AGM 2018 to:
David Campbell
david@nsga.ns.ca

Team NB wins the 2018 Atlantic Championship

The 2018 Atlantic Golf Championships wrapped up  today at the Glen Arbour Golf Club. Competitors from across Atlantic Canada were treated to near perfect course and weather conditions for the entire weekend.
Originally contested at the Bell Bay Golf Club in 2014, this years’ championship marked the fifth year of the Atlantic Golf Championships where teams from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador compete for both the “Atlantic Cup”, and individual competitions. Players are competing for eight (8) exemptions for 2019 Canadian Championships. Exemptions include men’s and women’s Canadian Amateur, Mid-Master, Senior and Super Senior.
Team New Brunswick has successfully defended title after winning their first in 2017. The team with won with a total of 20 points. There was a tie second place in the team competition as Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia finished with 15 points. Newfoundland & Labrador finished in fourth position with 4 points.
Left to right NSGA Vice President, Molly MacDermaid, Golf Canada Regional Director Jeff Hutt
Bathurst native and member of the Gowan Brae Golf Club, Molly MacDermaid won the Women’s Amateur division with two-round total of 164
Left to right Michael Furlong, NSGA Vice President, Golf Canada Regional Director Jeff Hutt
Michael Furlong from St. John’s NL has won the Amateur Men’s division after carding a two-round total of 151 and finished two-strokes ahead of fellow teammate Brad Slaney.
There was tie for first in the Men’s Mid-Master division between Stu Musgrave (NB) and Paul Coulson (NS). The each finished with a two-day total of 149.
Allison Chisholm from the Riverside Golf Club in Rothesay, NB finished her wire to wire win in the Women’s Mid-Master division. Finishing five-stroke behind was Paulette Driscoll from the Ashburn Golf Club.
Ernie Sheaves from Baddeck won the Men’s Senior title after firing a 75-81 and finished one stroke ahead of Gary Melanson from Woodstock, NB.
Saint John native Pam Cossey from the Rockwood Golf Club won the Senior Women’s title over Sherry White from Stratford, PE. Cossey carded 81-82 and won by one stroke.
Peter Stirling from the Ashburn Golf Club won the Men’s Super Senior with two round total of 158 (76-82).
Myrna Millar from the Mill River Golf Club captured the Women’s Super Senior title after firing a two-day total of 178.
For more information and full results on the 2018 Atlantic Championship, please CLICK HERE.

Golf’s modernized Rules and new Player’s Edition published

Rules of Golf

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.

Rules of Golf 2019

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.

Click here to learn more about the Rules of golf.

Owl’s Head Golf Club set for Future Links, driven by Acura Fall Series

Future Links

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.

Results for previous 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Championship can be found here: PacificOntarioWestern, Quebec, Prairie, Atlantic.

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.

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.