by Luke Lacey – Golf NB

Round 2 of the 2018 NB Senior Men’s & Mid Master Championship Presented by Audi Moncton began with the Senior & Super-Senior teeing off of holes 1 and 10 at 8:00 am. 2017 NB Senior Men’s Champion Wilf Pilgrim of Kingswood would lead the field off of the 1st tee along with Kevin Farmer of Herring Cove and Jim Haddad of Maplewood. For a second consecutive round the players were faced to deal with strong wind conditions as they set out to put themselves in contention for the third and final round.

In the Senior Division, Moncton’s Eric Haley entered round two sitting four strokes off the lead thanks to his great play in today’s difficult conditions he will be leading tomorrow’s final group. Haley’s second round 3-under par 69 was Tuesday’s low round which was comprised of 6 birdies, 1 eagle, 7 pars, 3 bogeys and 1 double. Joining Haley in the final pairing on Wednesday is Hampton’s Mike Breen and St. Quentin’s Denis Beaulieu who are both tied for second place after the duo both recorded first round even-par 72’s and second round 2-over par 74’s.

Fox Creek’s Jean Leblanc, Guy MacKnight of Country Meadows and Fredericton’s Sonny Phillips are all tied for the lead in the Super-Senior Division, the trio are all entering Wednesday’s round sitting on top of the leaderboard at 11-over par. Sonny’s round of 76, 4-over par in today’s tough conditions was enough to move him into the final Super-Senior group for tomorrow. He will be competing against LeBlanc and MacKnight for the Super-Senior Championship in what can be assumed to be a true test of skill and course knowledge with more links like conditions expected. 2017 NB Super-Senior Champion Herrick Hansen of Aroostook Valley is currently sitting in a three-way tie for fourth place alongside Bernard Leger of Royal Oaks and Gilles Masse as he looks to battle back and claim his second consecutive Super-Senior Championship.

The Riverside Country Club’s Edward Reevey enters the final round of the 2018 NB Mid-Master Championship Presented by Audi Moncton looking to capture the championship for the fourth consecutive year. Reevey started round 2 at 1-under par before complimenting it a second-round score of 1-over par 73 on a difficult windy day at Royal Oaks. Joining Reevey in the final round is three time NB Mid-Master Champion Tony MacKinnon of Fredericton Golf Club. MacKinnon’s even par performance on Tuesday was an exchange of pars, bogeys and birdies as the 2009, 2012 and 2014 NB Mid-Master Champion made a final push into contention for the 2018 Championship. Rounding out the final group is Edumundston’s Darren MacPherson who recorded a 3-over par 75 on Tuesday to add to his previous 4-over par 76 during round one. Darren sits 7 shots behind the leader Reevey and 2 behind MacKinnon as the three look ahead to the final round and the chance to represent New Brunswick at the 2018 Canadian Mid-Amateur Championships as the final member of the Willingdon Cup Team.

The third and final round of the 2018 NB Senior Men’s and Mid-Master Championship Presented by Audi Moncton will begin at 8:00am Wednesday morning with the Mid-Masters teeing off of hole #1 & #10. The first pairing of the day includes Lawrence Justason of St. George, Mike Bourque of Moncton and Ken Barter of Petitcodiac off of hole #1.

Up for grabs on Wednesday are three spots along with a first alternate position on Team NB which will represent New Brunswick at the 2018 Canadian Senior Championships from September 4th-7th at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club. This will be the fifth time that Gowan Brae has hosted a national championship event. In the past, it has hosted the Junior Girls National Championship twice, in 1992 & 2006, the Mid-Amateur National Championship in 1998, and the National Ladies Team Club Championship in 1996.

The third and final position on the Mid-Amateur Team NB, along with the first alternate position, will be awarded at the 2018 NB Mid-Master Championships Presented by Audi Moncton. The final team member will be joining the Willingdon Cup Team alongside Alex Palmer of The Riverside Country Club and Ryan Allaby of Hampton who will represent the province at the 2018 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, to be held from August 21 to 24, 2018 at the Victoria Golf Club in Victoria, British Columbia.

For more information on the 2018 NB Men`s Senior & Mid-Master Championship Presented by Audi Moncton including results and tee times, please CLICK HERE. 

For more information on the Royal Oaks Golf Course please CLICK HERE.

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), a not for profit organization founded in 1934, is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick.  In January of 2006, the New Brunswick Golf Association (NBGA) officially merged with the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association (NBLGA), resulting in one united governing body for amateur golf in the province.  Programs offered by Golf NB to its 10,000 members include: 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.

by Luke Lacey – Golf NB

Round 1 of the 2018 NB Senior Men’s & Mid Master Championship Presented by Audi Moncton began with the Mid-Masters leading off the field. Players at the front of the field were greeted with a humid and damp morning as they set out to try and conquer the difficult Royal Oaks course. As the day moved on, the wind began to pick up and take its toll on the leaderboard as high scores became more and more common as the day aged.

Leading the charge in the Mid-Master Division is Cameron King of Brudenell River. Cameron recorded an opening round 3-under par 69 to put himself on top of the Mid-Master leaderboard and secure the low round of the day. King’s round consisted of 13 pars, 4 birdies and a bogey which lead to a front nine 3-under par 33 and an even par back nine of 36. Cameron will enter the second round with a two-shot advantage over 2015, 2016 and 2017 NB Men’s Mid-Master Champion Edward Reevey of The Riverside. Sitting in second place, Reevey signed for a 1-under par 71 during his morning round which was comprised of 13 pars, 3 birdies and 2 bogeys.  In a three-way tie for third place is Fredericton’s Bob Brown, Lakeside’s Remi Comeau, and Brian Dalrymple of Kingswood who all sit at 2-over par after a first round 74.

In the Senior & Super-Senior Division, the field was faced with an uphill battle trying to go low against the moist fairways of Royal Oaks combined with a links like wind that carried through all 18 holes. After the first round, the leaderboard contains a three-way tie for first place between Ralph Michaud of Aroostook Valley, Mike Breen of Hampton and Denis Beaulieu of St. Quentin. The three all recorded first round even-par 72’s which any golfer would be happy to card in today’s conditions as they all exchanged birdies and bogeys throughout the round. In a tie for fourth place in the Senior & Super-Senior Division is The Riverside’s Mark Armstrong, Fernand Robichaud of Pokemouche, Jean LeBlanc of Fox Creek and Michel Power of Memramcook who all sit at 1-over par 73.

2017 NB Senior Champion Wilf Pilgrim of Kingswood currently sits 9 shots off the lead after recording a 9-over par 81. Herrick Hansen of Aroostook, 2017 Super-Senior Champion recorded a 3-over par 75 which puts him 3 strokes behind leaders Breen, Michaud and Beaulieu.

The top three finishers in the NB Senior Men’s Championship will earn the opportunity to represent New Brunswick at the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship to be held from September 4^th to 7^th, 2018 at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst, NB.

For more information on the 2018 NB Men`s Senior & Mid-Master Championship Presented by Audi Moncton including results and tee times, please CLICK HERE. 

For more information on the Royal Oaks Golf Course please CLICK HERE.

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), a not for profit organization founded in 1934, is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick.  In January of 2006, the New Brunswick Golf Association (NBGA) officially merged with the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association (NBLGA), resulting in one united governing body for amateur golf in the province.  Programs offered by Golf NB to its 10,000 members include: 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.

After incorporating feedback from the global golf community as part of the Rules Modernization Initiative, the finalized Rules of Golf were officially released this past Spring by Golf’s governing bodies. The new Rules will take effect January 1, 2019.

We gathered the responses of everyone – from golf writers to industry professionals, PGA Tour players to recreational golfers, as well as Directors from golf’s governing bodies – to help gauge how the golf world is feeling about the finalized Rules.

“I really like them. The finished rules, I think, have done a nice job of first and foremost in modernizing the game. I really applaud them for going as far as they did and really looking at everything.”  – Doug Hoffmann, Minnesota Golf Association Rules & Competition Director

The one common denominator that everyone seems to agree on is that the new Rules are easier to read and understand, resulting in a reorganization of the Rules leading to a net reduction from 34 to 24 in the total number of Rules.

Modernizing the Rules

As alluded to in the project’s title, the other critical theme was modernization. Many believe that Golf was due for a modification of its Rules (considering the last fundamental revision came in 1984) with the and the recent amendments will help propel the game into its next era.

Huge news in the GOLF WORLD!
AND, much needed. ???

— ?️‍♂️Posting & Toasting ⛳(@netteKnows) March 13, 2018

Pace of Play Stewardship

One prominent theme that the new Rules were designed to help remedy is pace of play.

“(Slow Play) is tedious on TV and brutal for fans on-site at tournaments, and a major issue for recreational players – how much more would you play if 18 holes took three hours instead of five?” – Alan Shipnuck – Senior Writer, Golf Magazine

Pat anticipates the revisions helping to make meaningful strides in reducing the amount of time to play a round:

Woo hoo! Pace of play should improve dramatically with these changes!

— Pat MacKichan (@PGMacKich) March 14, 2018

Moreover, when a sport becomes easier to understand and quicker to play, it should aid in enticing new players to participate, ultimately contributing to the ultimate goal of growing the game.

“Perception is very important. Everywhere you looked you had tour players, even guys like Jack Nicklaus, talking about how difficult the rules are. If those people are talking about how difficult the rules are, the perception is the game is difficult and it’s going to deter players from getting involved in the game.” – Doug Hoffmann, Minnesota Golf Association Rules & Competition Director

Stroke and Distance: New Local Rule

One of the most widely discussed revisions that should have profound impact on pace of play is a new Local Rules available to Committees to implement an additional option for Stroke and Distance. It allows players who have hit OB or lost their ball to – instead of retreating back to the tee – move their ball to the nearest edge of the fairway (no closer to the hole) while incurring a two-stroke penalty.

“This addresses the issue you hear at the club level about the practical nature of going back (to the tee) and playing under stroke and distance. It has a negative impact on pace of play – that’s what this local rule is about.” said Thomas Pagel, USGA senior director of Rules & Amateur Status.

How do the end users feel about this new rule? Well, many golfers admit that this is how they play anyway, so it’s about time that we made one of Golf’s un-written recreational Rules, written.

Love all the changes, especially the OB rule which most of us weekend golfers do anyway.

— Eric ⛳️?????? (@realMacNeil) March 12, 2018

Me and my mates already play 2 stroke penalty for Lost Ball or Out of Bounds. Makes the game so much quicker and easier…

— Benjamin Williams (@BenjitoWilliams) March 12, 2018

Dropping a Ball

A rule that was proposed – and ended up being revised during the feedback period – is the height of the drop. The initial Rules from March 2017 proposed that the ball be placed on the ground at the drop site. After review, the final decision was that all drops will be taken from knee-height.

“We feel that going to knee height strikes that right balance. It is going to be quicker and going to be accurate in terms of dropping in the relief area. But, equally so, it preserves that element of chance. There’s not that guarantee of getting the best possible lie in and, on reflection, we felt that was an appropriate outcome.” – David Rickman, Executive Director, Governance at R&A

Jason seems to think that the new drop will be an absolute game-changer and seems abnormally excited to officially try it in 2019:

The drop from “knee height” will be epic.

— Jason P. (@JasonP_YYC) March 12, 2018

Reduction of Ball Moved Penalties

The removal of several other accidental “ball-moved” penalties (accidently moving your ball on the green, or while searching for your ball) were made with common sense in mind. However, they were also intended to help eliminate awkward situations like at the 2016 US Open with Dustin Johnson – a situation that brought heavy criticism from Golf Fans, and players alike (including Tiger Woods).

“We have had situations in recent years with retrospective penalties where players haven’t realized there is a penalty but perhaps there is. So, by removing a number of these at source, you remove the possibility of there being an issue that develops later on.”- David Rickman

DJ himself says that he is a fan of the new rule heavy criticism changes, specifically the rule in question.

“Some of the rule changes I think are really good, especially the ball on the putting green when you don’t feel like you caused it to move and you’re still getting a penalty, that to me makes no sense. I know now that I wouldn’t get a penalty if my ball rolls, so that’s nice.” – Dustin Johnson

Repairing Damage on the Putting Green

Another revision that seems to be met with approval is the new ability to repair spike marks on a putting green.

Overall Findings

As you can see, the revision and modernization of the Rules of Golf was truly a global team effort. The golfing public certainly appreciates their opportunity to engage and contribute in the process.

Nice to see the changes ratified AND that the feedback was listened too and, perhaps more importantly, acted on (eg using longest club to measure).

— Ian Atherton (@IAtherton) March 12, 2018

It appears that the overwhelming reaction to the new Rules of Golf has been positive. It seems virtually everyone can agree that they will help accomplish the overarching objectives of the project – to simplify and speed up the game while simultaneously growing it’s popularity as it enters the modern era.

Winnipeg, MB – The Board of Directors of Golf Manitoba is please to announce Jared Ladobruk as the new Executive Director for Golf Manitoba.

Jared is a B.Comm from the University of Manitoba and a Class A Professional, PGA of Canada.  Jared brings with him a wealth of business and marketing knowledge and experience from his eight years working for the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management at the University of Manitoba.  Earlier in his career, Jared was an Associate Pro at St. Charles CC.

Jared is in his 3^rd decade of involvement with the Manitoba golfing community.  He was a member of both the University of British Columbia golf team (98-99) and the University of Manitoba golf team (00-02) – where he was co-captain.    He was even a Summer Student at Golf Manitoba!

Jared is very excited to become part of the Golf Manitoba team, and will begin his new position on July 26, 2018.

VANCOUVER — The women’s course record at Marine Drive Golf Club is 68 and chances are you may be familiar with the player who set that mark. Here’s a hint: she’s Swedish and has 72 LPGA Tour wins.

That’s right, Annika Sorenstam holds that record at Marine Drive, which way back in 1992 co-hosted the World Amateur Team Championships in Vancouver where Sorenstam won the individual title.

Sorenstam’s record has stood for the last 26 years, but some think it could finally fall when an exceptionally strong field gathers for the 105th playing of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, which goes July 24-27 at Marine Drive.

“It’s a fantastic field,” says Doug Roxburgh, the legendary Marine Drive member who played in that World Amateur tourney in 1992. “The No. 1, 2 and 6 ranked women in the world will be there and a whole bunch more in the top 50 and top 100.”

Jennifer Kupcho of Westminster, Colo., and Lilia Kha-Tu Vu of Fountain Valley, Calif., are ranked 1 and 2 in the current World Amateur Golf Rankings and that is exactly how they finished at last summer’s Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ont.

Kupcho returns as defending champion and the 21-year-old has enjoyed a terrific 2018 season that includes winning the individual title at the NCAA Women’s Golf Championships this spring playing for Wake Forest University. Earlier this month, Kupcho finished tied for 16th at the LPGA Tour’s Marathon Classic in Ohio. She went wire to wire at last year’s Canadian Women’s Amateur and beat Vu by five shots.

Vu, a 20-year-old who plays for the UCLA Bruins, has already won four times this year, including the Pac-12 Championship. Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand, currently ranked sixth in the world, is the other top-10 player in the field at Marine Drive.

A spot in the 156-player field was a hot ticket as Golf Canada received 241 applications. The fact Marine Drive is playing host to the event likely played a part in that demand. The venerable private club, which is located on Southwest Marine Drive in south Vancouver, is a classic design of prolific architect A.V. Macan. It opened for play in 1922 and is renowned for producing a number of great players, including Roxburgh, Stan Leonard, Richard Zokol and Marilyn Palmer O’Connor.

At 6,361 yards from the tips, Marine Drive is not a long course by today’s standards, but it is tight and demands precision shot-making.

“They are playing the golf course basically kind of between the white and blue tees,” said Tim Tait, the longtime director of golf at Marine Drive. “It is going to be about 6,200 yards.

“The ladies par is generally 73, but it is going to play as 71 for the tournament. The par 4s are challenging here at Marine and most of our par 3s are also challenging. I think you are going to see the final four holes determine who wins the championship. They are very tough. Three long par 4s and a tough par 3.”

A strong Canadian contingent will be on hand to try and keep the Duchess of Connaught Gold Cup — awarded to the winner — on home soil. Augusta James, back in 2014, was the last Canadian to win the event. Canadian LPGA star Brooke Henderson won it in 2013.

All four members of Canada’s national amateur team — World No. 16 Maddie Szeryk (London, Ont.), No.  26 Jaclyn Lee (Calgary), No. 177 Naomi Ko (Victoria, B.C.) and No. 249 Grace Ste. Germain (Ottawa) — are in the field. They will be joined by development squad members  Celeste Dao of Notre-Dame-de-I’lle-Perrot, Que, Monet Chun (Richmond Hill, Ont.), Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.) and Alyssa DiMarcantonio (Maple Ont).

Ko had the top Canadian finish at last year’s Canadian Women’s Amateur, where she tied for third spot. She recently got her first look at Marine Drive.

“It’s pretty exciting to be here and getting to see the course before the rest of the field,” said Ko, a former Canadian Junior Girls champion who is heading into her senior year at North Carolina State University. “It is an advantage for sure.”

Ko knows a couple of Marine Drive members well in national men’s team member Chris Crisologo and Roxburgh, who recently retired as Golf Canada’s director of player development.

“It is comforting to know people here, so I will probably kind of try to get the little secrets, the inside info from them,” Ko said.

Ko will be joined by B.C. Women’s Amateur champion Mary Parsons of Delta and B.C. Women’s Mid-Amateur champion Christina Proteau of Port Alberni as British Columbia tries to defend its inter-provincial team title won last year at Cutten Fields. That competition takes place during the first two rounds of the tournament.

Avril Li, the Canadian University-College champion from Port Moody, B.C., has a spot in the field and has been doing some extra practising to prepare for the event.

“It is definitely motivating when you see such a strong field,” said Li, who is heading into her senior year at the University of British Columbia. “I have been practising as much as I can these days.”

“This is a tournament where if you come and play well it is a confidence-booster and you can kind from learn from these great players as well. It is a privilege to play in the same event as people ranked that high in the world.”

Roxburgh, the 13-time B.C. Amateur and four-time Canadian Amateur champion, is serving as co-chair of the tournament and is delighted with the way the club’s members are supporting the event.

“It’s been great,” Roxburgh said. “We have 125 volunteers, maybe 110 from the club and 15 from other clubs. We have been busy and the members have come through.  We are hoping to put on a really good tournament.”

The winner and top Canadian at Marine Drive will earn exemptions into the CP Women’s Open, which goes Aug. 23-26 at Wascana Country Club in Regina. Admission to the Canadian Women’s Amateur at Marine Drive is free.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the six champions of Saturday’s Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge National Event at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

The National Event, running for the 10th consecutive year, crowned female and male champions from three age groups (9-11, 12-14 and 15-18). Among the 24 participants from across the country, the following six individuals emerged as champions:

• Andre Zhu, (King City, Ont., King Valley Golf Club | Boys 9-11)
• Lindsay McGrath (Milton, Ont, Glencairn Golf Club | Girls 9-11)
• Matis Lessard (Québec, Que., Académie de Golf Fred Colgan | Boys 12-15)
• Alissa Xu (King City, Ont., Kings Riding Golf Club | Girls 12-15)
• Gregoire Vincent (Québec, Que., Académie de golf Fred Colgan | Boys 15-18)
• Taylor Cormier (Corner Brook, N.L., Blomidon Golf and Country Club | Girls 15-18)

The winners of each age group received a champion’s package from Titleist Footjoy. In addition, Gregoire Vincent and Taylor Cormier – winners of the 15-18 age groups – have earned exemptions into their local 2019 Future Links, driven by Acura Championship.

In Saturday’s National Event, juniors competed in a four-part skills challenge which tested putting, chipping, driving and iron play.

Saturday’s participants had the highest scores on the National Leaderboard after participating in a Skills Challenge qualifying event at their local club. Throughout the year, over 180 clubs hosted a Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge with over 3000 junior golfers participating.

“This was our strongest year yet for the Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge,” said Adam Hunter, Manager of Junior Programs at Golf Canada. “We are extremely happy with another excellent National Event and want to thank our sponsors Acura Canada, Cobra Golf and Golf Town for their support of the program.”

On Friday, the National Event participants received an apparel prize pack from Cobra Golf handed out in the Glen Abbey locker room and they will play the back nine of Glen Abbey on Sunday in the Golf Canada Junior Open.

Following that, participants will be provided weekly grounds passes and have an opportunity to be involved in Monday’s Golf Canada Foundation Pro-Am and secure a spot in Wednesday’s Walk with a Pro event.

For more information on the Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills National Event click here.

OAKVILLE, Ont. (Golf Canada)  —  Golf Canada and RBC are pleased to announce the final field of competitors vying for the US $6.2 million purse at the 2018 RBC Canadian Open, July 23-29 at Glen Abbey Golf Club.

World no. 1 and Team RBC member Dustin Johnson will be challenged by a stellar field of PGA TOUR stars including former Masters champion and world no.19 Sergio Garcia, two-time defending US Open champion and world no. 4 Brooks Koepka, world no.10 Tommy Fleetwood and big-hitting world no.13 Bubba Watson, a 12-time PGA TOUR winner who has won three times in 2018. 

Other notable additions to the field for the 109th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship include world no. 27 Matt Kuchar; rising star and world no.31 Tony Finau; world no. 33 Kevin Kisner; former FedEx Cup champions Billy Horschel and Bill Haas; 12-time PGA TOUR winner Steve Stricker;  six-time PGA TOUR winners Jimmy Walker, Stewart Cink and Rory Sabbatini; fan-favourites Ian Poulter, J.B. Holmes, Charley Hoffman and Martin Kaymer; and two-time defending champion Jhonattan Vegas. 

Johnson, an 18-time winner on the PGA TOUR and Kuchar, a seven-time PGA TOUR winner will lead a roster of Team RBC players to Glen Abbey that includes three-time PGA TOUR winners Ryan Palmer and Graeme McDowell, 2013 RBC Canadian Open champion and eight-time winner Brandt Snedeker; Jim Furyk, a 17-time winner and two-time RBC Canadian Open champion; along with Canadian Team RBC players Adam Hadwin, David Hearn and Nick Taylor.

“The field is nearly set and we’re ready to tee-up the 109th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship, starting next week at Glen Abbey Golf Club,” said Golf Canada Chief Championship Officer Bill Paul. “This year’s championship will feature a re-energized mix of international stars led by Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Brooks Keopka, Bubba Watson, Tony Finau and Tommy Fleetwood, plus five past champions, eight in-year PGA TOUR winners and the deepest field of Canadian talent ever to compete for our National Men’s Open title. Golf fans are sure to be treated to another world-class showcase when the stars of the PGA TOUR return to Glen Abbey.”

In total, 156 players will compete for the US$6.2 million purse next week in Oakville when Canada’s National Open Championship returns to Glen Abbey for a record 30th time.

Click here for a full field list for the 2018 RBC Canadian Open.

PGA TOUR In-Year Winners…
A total of eight in-year PGA TOUR winners (accounting for 11 PGA TOUR titles in 2018) will compete at Glen Abbey led by three-time winner Bubba Watson (Genesis Open, World Golf Championship-Dell Technologies Match Play and Travelers Championship) and two-time winner Dustin Johnson (Sentry Tournament of Champions and FedEx St. Jude Classic). Other 2018 PGA TOUR winners include Brooks Koepka (US Open), Ian Poulter (Houston Open), Ryan Armour (Sanderson Farms Championship), Austin Cook (RSM Classic), and Gary Woodland (Waste Management Phoenix Open) and Billy Horschel (Zurich Classic of New Orleans).

Past Champions…
Two-time (2016-17) defending champion Jhonattan Vegas returns to Glen Abbey looking to become the first player ever to win Canada’s National Open Championship on three consecutive occasions. Vegas is one of five past champions set to compete including Brandt Snedeker (2013), Sean O’Hair (2011) and Chez Reavie (2008) along with Jim Furyk who claimed back to back titles in 2006-07.

Sixteen Canadians to compete for National Men’s Open Title…
Leading the Canadian contingent at Glen Abbey will be Abbotsford, B.C. native and world No. 48 Adam Hadwin, who will return to Glen Abbey to play in his ninth RBC Canadian Open. Other confirmed Canadians include past PGA TOUR winners Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas Valley, Ont., and Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., Cory Conners of Listowel, Ont., Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., and David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., who finished third at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open. Also confirmed to compete is Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont., who will tee it up in his 28th RBC Canadian Open.

Each of the 16 Canadian players in the field will look to become the first Canadian to capture the national title since Pat Fletcher accomplished the feat in 1954.

Twelve Canadians to receive Tournament Exemptions….
Web.com Tour players Adam Svensson and Roger Sloan as well as European Tour player Austin Connelly, and Golf Canada Young Pro Squad member Jared du Toit, along with a trio of National Amateur Squad members—Hugo Bernard, Joey Savoie and Chris Crisologo—are among the Canadians receiving tournament exemptions.

Svensson is tracking well to earn his PGA TOUR card, sitting eighth on the Web.com Tour money list with $187,607. The 24-year-old Surrey, B.C., talent and Team Canada graduate has four Web.com Tour top-10 finishes this season, including a win at the 2018 Bahamas Great Abaco Classic in January. 

Calgary native Roger Sloan currently sit no. 52 on the Web.com Tour money list and will make his fourth appearance in Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. He has two top-10 finishes on the Web.com Tour this season.  

Austin Connelly, a dual citizen of Canada and the United States, is a former member of Canada’s National Amateur Team. He made international headlines at last year’s Open Championship, where he finished with a share of 14th. He has three top-20 finishes on the European Tour this season, including a tie for 11th at the Rocco Forte Sicilian Open. 

In 2016, Jared du Toit of Kimberley, B.C., took a thrilling run at the RBC Canadian Open, taking a share of the 54-hole lead into the final round before eventually finishing tied for ninth. A member of Golf Canada’s Young Pro Squad, du Toit is ranked 21st on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada Order of Merit including four top-10 finishes. 

Tournament exemptions were also given to Team Canada National Amateur Squad members Hugo Bernard of Mont St-Hilaire, Que., Joey Savoie of La Prairie, Que., and Chris Crisologo of Richmond, B.C.

As well, 50-year old Winnipeg native Todd Fanning earned his place in the RBC Canadian Open by claiming victory in the 2017 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Fanning, a former pro who returned to amateur golf, will be making his fifth appearance in Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. 

PGA of Canada professional Marc-Etienne Bussières of Gatineau, Que., earned his way into the 2018 RBC Canadian Open by claiming the no. 1 position on the PGA of Canada Player Rankings presented by RBC.

Other confirmed tournament exemptions to notable international competitors including American Zach Bauchou, winner of the 2017 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship; Nyasha Mauchaza of Zimbabwe who topped the 144-player at the Ontario Regional Qualifer at Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton, Ont. to earn automatic exemption; and recent amateur standout turned professional Norman Xiong of Canyon Lake, Calif., the 2018 recipient of the Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year Award as the top player in NCAA Division I golf and Haskin Award as the most outstanding collegiate golfer.

Final Tournament Exemptions to be Named…
Following the Osprey Valley Open which concludes on Sunday July 22, the top-three players on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada Order of Merit will earn exemptions to compete in the 2018 RBC Canadian Open.

The final four exemptions into the field for the 2018 RBC Canadian Open will be handed out at the Monday Final Qualifier on July 23, to be played at Heron Point Golf Links near Ancaster, Ont.

Click here for the full current list of competitors competing in the 2018 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club from July 23-29.

Tickets for all tournament rounds of the RBC Canadian Open are still available for purchase at www.rbccanadianopen.com. As well, kids 17-and-under get FREE admission all week long.

PORT BLANDFORD, N.L. – Owen Mullen emerged as leader in the Boys Division while Haley Baker captured a playoff victory at the Future Links, driven by Acura Atlantic Championship at Twin Rivers Golf Course on Thursday.

Mullen, who started the day co-leading with Peter Blazevic, shot a 1-over-par 72 — the low round of the day — to earn his victory in the Boys Division. The Truro, N.S., talent had a slow start with three consecutive bogeys but rebounded with an impressive eagle on the 9th hole, followed by three birdies on the back-nine to earn a two-stroke victory.

“I’m really excited. It’s my second win of the year. I haven’t been playing my best lately so it was good to close this one out and get the win. It’ll be my first nationals and going to Medicine Hat should be a good time looking to play well and hoping to make the cut.”

“It’s my second win of the year. I haven’t been playing my best lately so it was good to close this one out and get the win,” said the 14-year-old, who is heading to the Canadian Junior Boys Championship in near the end of the month. “The tournament will be my first nationals. I’m just looking to play well there and am hoping to make the cut.”

Blazevic, Mullen’s second round co-lead, finished close behind in second after carding a 3 over. The 14-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., struggled throughout the round but ended strong with back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th holes. He finished at 6-over-par 221.

Finishing in third place was Ewan Jr. Kelly from Beaver Bank, N.S., at 11-over-par 224. The 17-year-old fired a tournament-low 70 on Tuesday to lead after the first round but fell to third place after carding 78-76.

The other top-six finishers earning exemptions into the 2018 Canadian Junior Boys Championship on July 30-Aug. 2 at Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club in Medicine Hat, Alta., are:  Michael Simms of St. John’s, N.L., Mark Chandler of Chester, N.S., and Eric Yun of Richmond Hill, Ont.

In the Girls Division, Haley Baker and Raesa Sheikh fired final rounds of 11 over and 7 over, respectively, to finish the round at 17-over-par 230 and enter into a playoff for first. Baker outlasted Sheikh and won the playoff by one stroke on hole number one.

“I think it’s a pretty big win for me. It was probably one of the better tournaments I played in score wise but it was pretty nerve-wracking,” said Baker, who played alongside her younger sister in the final round. “My sister was really supportive of me because she saw I was struggling. She just told me to stay with it, so that was very helpful.”

Four shots back from Baker and Sheikh was Haley’s younger sister, Abbey Baker. The 13-year-old finished in third at 21-over-234.

Rounding out the top six earning exemptions into the 2018 Canadian Junior Girls Championship on July 31-Aug. 3 at Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen, B.C. are Ashley Chow (North York, Ont.), Taylor Cormier (Corner Brook, N.L.) and Mackenzie Deveau (Moncton, N.B.).

2018 FUTURE LINKS, DRIVEN BY ACURA ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS – JUNIOR BOYS DIVISION

1. Owen Mullen, Truro, NS, *76-71-72-219 +6
2. Peter Blazevic, Mississauga, ON, *74-73-74-221 +8
3. Ewan Jr Kelly, Beaver Bank, NS, *70-78-76-224 +11
4. Michael Simms, St. John’s, NL, *77-73-76-226 +13
5. Mark Chandler, Chester, NS, *77-75-76-228 +15
6. Tae Kyoung (Eric) Yun, Richmond Hill, ON, *77-78-75-230 +17

2018 FUTURE LINKS, DRIVEN BY ACURA ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS – JUNIOR GIRLS DIVISION

1. x-Haley Baker, Halifax, NS, *73-75-82-230 +17
2. Raesa Sheikh, Caledon, ON, *74-78-78-230 +17
3. Abbey Baker, Halifax, NS, *81-75-78-234 +21
4. Ashley Chow, North York, ON, *75-82-79-236 +23
5. Taylor Cormier, Corner Brook, NL, *86-89-80-255 +42
6. Mackenzie Deveau, Moncton, NB, *88-91-90-269 +56

Full results.

With the Rules Modernization Initiative set to take effect in January 2019, Golf Canada is in the midst of preparing resources and educational material for all golfers, member clubs and referees. Our Rules Education will begin in the fall of 2018 to prepare everyone for the changes for next year.

New for 2019, Golf Canada will be adopting the R&A’s Rules Education system. One of the main objectives of the Rules Modernization Initiative was to create consistency around the world in many facets of the Rules of Golf, including educating and training referees. The exams that Golf Canada will use and the designation by marks achieved will be consistent throughout the countries allied to the R&A, such as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

While Golf Canada traditionally has employed a four-level system, the R&A’s Rules Education program consists of a three-tiered approach. In order to align the programs, Golf Canada’s current Levels 1 and 2 will be consolidated into just one level (the new Level 1). We will maintain separate programs for individuals to continue through our Rules Education Pathway at the provincial and national level, which will be the new Level 2 and Level 3.

The chart below compares the Levels from 2018 to what will be in place for 2019:

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.

Level 2 (Provincial) seminars will be conducted by provincial golf associations, and the curriculum will begin to look at the more important playing Rules in detail. Some of the complexities that are found in the Decisions book are introduced along while also implementing on-course demonstrations. Level 2 (Provincial) will be designed for individuals with an involvement in tournament administration, or a desire to have such an involvement.

Level 3 (National) will consist of a three-day seminar run by Golf Canada, also called Tournament Administrators and Referees School (TARS). It serves to give guidance and advice on running tournaments and refereeing by including sessions on course set-up, course marking, pace of play, suspension of play, and starting and recording.