OAKVILLE, Ont. — The 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge National Event will take place on Saturday, July 21 at Glen Abbey Golf Club, the host of the 2018 RBC Canadian Open.

Twenty-four golfers from three age groups will compete in the 10th edition of the Junior Skills National Event which returns to Glen Abbey Golf Club as a lead in event to Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.

The participating juniors will compete in a four-part skills challenge (putting, chipping, driving and iron play) with one overall winner per age group and gender.

Golf Canada, in partnership with Acura and the PGA of Canada will host the national finals of the 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge on Saturday, July 21 at Glen Abbey Golf Club. The event is the culmination of more than 3000 Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills participants competing at 171 golf facilities across Canada. The field is comprised of 24 golfers from across Canada: five boys and girls in the 9-11 age group; four girls and boys in the 12-14 age group; and three boys and girls in the 15-18 division; all selected from the top of the Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge National Leaderboard.

FIELD

Girls 9-11
Lea Lemieux (Garson, Ont., Timberwolf Golf Academy )

Sophia Xu (King City, Ont., Kings Riding Golf Club)

Avery Cohen (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)

Katherine Hao (Vancouver, B.C., Fraserview Golf Course)

Lindsay McGrath (Milton, Ont, Glencairn Golf Club)

Boys 9-11
Manav Bharani (Brampton, Ont., Turnberry Golf Club)

Colby Bent (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)

Andre Zhu (King City, Ont., King Valley Golf Club)

Grady Cohen (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)

Brayden Boge (Winnipeg, Man., Golf Mentor Academy)

Girls 12-14
Alissa Xu (King City, Ont., Kings Riding Golf Club)

Annabelle Chapleau (Mont Tremblant, Que., Club des Champions)

Jahnavi Bharani (Brampton, Ont., Turnberry Golf Club,)

Jean Craig (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)

Boys 12-14
Cale Maclaughlin (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)

Matis Lessard (Québec, Que., Académie de Golf Fred Colgan)

Brent Chapman (New Glasgow, N.S., Brian Affleck Golf Academy)

Nicholas Colton (Bathurst, N.B., Gowan Brae Golf Club)

Girls 15-18
Taylor Cormier (Corner Brook, N.L., Blomidon Golf and Country Club)

Camille Gagnon (Sainte-Julie, Que., Club de Golf la Vallée du Richelieu)

Chelsea Joseph (Lethbridge, Alta.; Lethbridge Country Club)

Boys 15-18
Owen Gauder (Thornhill, Ont., Bayview Golf and Country Club)

Gregoire Vincent (Québec, Que., Académie de golf Fred Colgan)

Jack Rain (Sudbury, Ont., Idylwylde Golf & Country Club)

The winners of the Future Links driven by Acura Skills Challenge National Event in the boys and girls 15-18 age groups will receive an exemption into their local Future Links driven by AcuraChampionship in 2019. All other attending participants of the Future Links driven by Acura Junior Skills National Event will receive prizing courtesy of Titleist Footjoy.

On Sunday, July 22, Future Links, driven by Acura Skills Challenge National Event participants will have the opportunity to play the famous Glen Abbey layout in an exciting match play format, outfitted by program sponsor Cobra Puma Golf. 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 during the RBC Canadian Open Pro-Am.

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

As Laurence Applebaum marked his first year as Golf Canada’s CEO on July 10, it would have been easy to point to a couple of recent announcements as early anniversary presents.

On July 3, it was revealed that the RBC Canadian Open would vacate its logistically problematic date the week immediately after The Open Championship in July and shift to the week prior to the U.S. Open, taking place the first week of June starting next year.

On July 9, Canadian Pacific and Golf Canada announced that CP had extended its title sponsorship of the CP Women’s Open, the only LPGA Tour event in Canada, for five years through 2023. The announcement was made at Magna Golf Club, the opulent and outstanding facility in Aurora, Ont., which will host the 2019 CP Women’s Open.

Just as significant was the news that the event’s charity, CP Has Heart, has raised almost $6.5 million for heart health initiatives in just four years. CP’s sponsorship also supports Golf Canada’s National Team Program (Team Canada) and the Young Pro Program which aids emerging Canadian professionals as they transition to the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. CP is also the title sponsor of the CP Women’s Leadership Summit which will make its debut on Aug. 21 during the CP Women’s Open at Wascana Country Club in Regina.

But in an interview after the CP Women’s media conference at Magna, Applebaum was quick to deflect the credit for these notable accomplishments.

“We are extremely fortunate to have great partners like CP and RBC and so many others who support the game of golf in Canada. Without them and a supportive Board of Directors and our talented and hard-working team of staff and volunteers, I doubt very much would get accomplished at all, much less in a year.”

So giving credit where credit is due, it must be noted that the past 12 months have been, if not tumultuous, at least a “whirlwind,” according to Applebaum.

“One of the biggest highlights and I have to admit, one of the biggest surprises, was the reception I enjoyed from the golf community both within our borders and outside. I was overwhelmed by how much Canadians love their golf and also by how welcoming the global golf community, like the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, the USGA and the R&A, has been to a newcomer.”

Building relationships was a keystone of Applebaum’s priority list when he came on board to lead Golf Canada. He traversed the country, listening to golfers to determine how Golf Canada could become “more relevant,” in his words.

One of the positives he noted was the reaction to Golf Canada’s new membership model. The hope is to transition all member clubs to the Gold Level by the end of next year. The Gold Level comes with a laundry list of benefits from an official handicap factor to incident protection (up to $2,500 reimbursement for damaged, lost or stolen equipment, plus other unfortunate golf-related events), discounts on merchandise and event, tickets, and more).

“I had many golfers come up to me and say ‘I’ve been a Golf Canada member for a long time but I’ve never really seen the value. But now I do.’”

Another thing Applebaum noted during his travels was that the “Canadian golf community” is anything but. It’s fragmented, to say the least.

But the good news is that when he joined Golf Canada, work was well underway on the organization’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (by a task force headed by current Golf Canada President Leslie Dunning. Published last winter, it is a leading-edge document that, says Applebaum, “shows that we welcome all of Canada’s almost six million golfers with open arms. It’s a great outreach initiative that we are determined to live up to.”

About the same time as the Diversity and Inclusivity Policy was released, Applebaum appeared at a media conference with PGA of Canada CEO Kevin Thistle to announce that the two national organizations have teamed up to combat and prevent abuse, bullying and harassment in golf by adopting Respect in Sport and Respect in the Workplace as part of a deepened commitment to the Responsible Coaching Movement.

Laurence Applebaum and PGA of Canada CEO Kevin Thistle signing the Responsible Coaching Movement for golf in Canada

After such a hectic yet rewarding first year, Applebaum might be excused if some of the memories are a touch hazy. But that’s not the case in at least one instance.

“It had to be at last year’s CP Women’s Open at Royal Ottawa,” he recalls as his face lights up with a smile. “To see Brooke Henderson make the cut on the number and then go out on Saturday and shoot a course-record 63, well, what a great moment for Canadian golfers! It’s something I’ll never forget.”

And with that, he stands up, shakes hands, and heads into Year Two.

WINNIPEG – Brooke Henderson is looking forward to some much-needed time off and then returning to the golf course with a “vengeance.”

After the Canadian star failed to hang on to her final-round lead and finished third at last weekend’s LPGA Tour Marathon Classic in Ohio, she planned to spend some time at home before getting ready for the British Open on Aug. 2-5 in England.

“It’s so important to be physically ready but also mentally,” Henderson said Tuesday after headlining a pro-am and junior clinic at the St. Charles Country Club in Winnipeg.

“And, especially in the summer months when it’s so hot and you’re grinding every single day. It is tiring and you have to really pay attention and know that rest is just as important.

“So I’m excited to kind of have some downtime, get some rest and be balanced, and then get back at it and work hard. I feel like it’s good for you to kind of refresh and then go forward with a vengeance.”

Her break actually got off to a bit of a rocky start as two flights to Winnipeg out of Toronto were cancelled Monday night. She arrived Tuesday morning and the event was a hit despite some scheduling changes.

“It definitely does bring back a lot of memories,” Henderson said. “I think it kind of gives me that lift as somebody else was mentioning earlier, just that kind of little extra boost, that little extra confidence that I am on the right track, I am doing things the right way.

“I’ve just got to keep moving forward and good things are going to happen.”

Good and bad things happened to the Smith Falls, Ont., native last Sunday, but after assessing her play she was letting the disappointment of not claiming a seventh Tour victory roll off of her.

The 20-year-old still had a one-shot lead after the 14th hole, but then bogeyed the 15th and 16th. She made par on the 17th and 18th par-five holes, but missed out on a playoff that was won by Thidapa Suwannapura of Thailand over American Brittany Lincicome.

“Leading up to that, I played amazing golf all week,” Henderson said. “The four holes kind of don’t give the respect to those other holes that much but I was playing great.”

She had believed her final putt was bang on.

“I thought it was in, to be honest,” she said. “It’s right where I thought and it just stopped breaking, I guess a foot or two to go.

“But that’s all you can do. I hit it on the high side. It had a chance to go in. It looked awesome and, unfortunately, it just didn’t go in and that’s cool.”

Henderson is sixth in earnings after taking home $843,597 this year, following seven Top 10 finishes in 18 events, including winning the Lotte Championship in April. Her six career Tour victories is two shy of Sandra Post’s record for the most by a Canadian woman.

She plans to continue working hard on improving her short game.

“Putting has been a huge focus for me over the last few months, I guess since the start of the season,” she said. “That’s where I’m trying to make big gains.”

Her break will also include important time off with her family.

“This year definitely has been challenging for my family,” said Henderson, who withdrew from last month’s U.S. Women’s Open after her grandfather on her mother’s side passed away.”

“My other grandpa is sick now, too, and it’s really kind of scary. But I feel like I’ve been handling everything, the ups and the downs, pretty well.”

“I’m just trying to overcome those things and hopefully get some more wins in the near future.”

MEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

Garrett Rank gained 16 places and moved back up to reclaim the No. 2 ranking in Canada following his wire-to-wire victory at the Investors Group Ontario Men’s Amateur. It’s the second victory in the last three tournament starts for the former Golf Canada National Team member and his fifth top 10 result since starting his summer golf campaign.

Josh Whalen made the biggest move among the Top 10, picking up 24 spots despite missing the cut at the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada Staal Foundation Open. It was his first ever career start at a professional tournament.

Chris Crisologo gained 21 places in the world rankings after winning the British Columbia Amateur. It’s the second win since the collegiate season concluded for the Golf Canada National Team member and fifth overall.

Outside the Top 10, Noah Steele made one of the biggest moves, jumping 406 spots up to No. 13 in the Canadian rankings after finishing 24th at the Investors Group Ontario Men’s Amateur.

Biggest move:  Jay Snyder gained 874 places in the world rankings after finishing 26th at the British Columbia Amateur

WOMEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

Brigitte Thibault made the biggest move among the Top 10, picking up 37 places in the world rankings after finishing ninth at the North & South Women’s Amateur Championship. It’s her third top 10 finish in her last three tournaments and the result helped move her past Vanessa Ha to take over the No. 6 spot in the world rankings.

Michelle Ruiz moves past Golf Canada National Team member Grace St-Germain to take over the No. 4 ranking in Canada.

Golf Canada Development Squad member Celeste Dao jumped 24 places in the world rankings after winning the Golf Quebec Girl’s Junior Championship. That is her third individual victory this season and ninth top 10 finish in 11 tournaments this year.

Despite a slip of three places, Golf Canada National Team member Jaclyn Lee remains in the top 30 in the world rankings after finishing ninth at the North & South Women’s Amateur Championship – her second top 10 result in as many tournaments and fifth in the last six events.

Biggest Move:Brooke Rivers of Brampton, Ont., gained 416 spots in the world rankings after finishing fifth at the Ontario Junior Girls Championship – her second top 5 result in the last two weeks.

MEN’S TOP 10

David Hearn made the biggest move among the Top 10, picking up 26 spots in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 16th at the PGA John Deere Classic. It equals his best finish on the Tour this year and was worth 1.80 world ranking points, his second straight points-paying finish.

Nick Taylor moved back into the No. 3 ranking in Canada, ahead of Benjamin Silverman, who lost 15 places in the world rankings. Taylor finished tied for 34th at the John Deere Classic while Silverman was tied for 65th.

Outside the Top 10, Riley Wheeldon gained 932 spots in the world rankings following his runner-up finish at the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada Staal Foundation Open. It was his second best career result after winning a Canadian Tour event back in 2013. The result was worth 3.60 world ranking points and enabled him to climb 13 places up to No. 19 in the Canadian rankings.

Other notable results: No. 3 Mackenzie Hughes finished tied for 16th at the PGA John Deere Classic; No. 6 Austin Connelly missed the cut at the European Tour Scottish Open; No. 7 Corey Conners finished tied for 50th at the PGA John Deere Classic; No. 10 Roger Sloan finished tied for 49th at Web.com Tour Utah Championship;

WOMEN’S TOP 10

Brittany Marchand gained 10 places in the world rankings after finishing tied for 32nd at the LPGA Marathon Classic. The result was worth 0.89 world ranking points for the Golf Canada Young Pro squad member who has picked up 81 spots in the world rankings over the last four weeks.

Top ranked Brooke Henderson moved up a single spot to No. 15 in the world after her third place finish at the LPGA Marathon Classic. The result was worth 8.8 world ranking points and marked her third top 10 finish in her last seven tournaments and second in the last three weeks.

Other Notable Results: No. 2 Alena Sharp finished tied for 49th at the LPGA Marathon Classic; No. 4 Maude-Aimee Leblanc missed the cut at the LPGA Marathon Classic; No. 6 Augusta James and No. 8 Samantha Richdale both missed the cut at Symetra Tour event in Indiana; No. 10 Elizabeth Tong finished tied for 59th at Symetra Tour event in Indiana

VANCOUVER, B.C. –  Marine Drive Golf Club is prepared to host the world’s premier female amateur golfers from July 23-27 for the 105th playing of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

The top-two ranked players on the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) headline the 156-player field as Marine Drive hosts the Women’s Amateur Championship for the first time. World No. 1 and defending champion Jennifer Kupcho headlines the group alongside Lilia Kha-Tu Vu (No. 2) and Patty Tavatanakit (No. 6).

Designed in 1922 by the late Arthur Vernon Macan, Marine Drive has been home to many champions. The 6,300 yard, par 71 course is known for its difficulty and has continued to provide an exceptional test of golf. Macan will be celebrated at RBC Hall of Fame Day on July 24 during the RBC Canadian Open as one of two inductees this year into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame for his excellence in Canadian golf architecture.

“We are so excited to host the 105th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship at Marine Drive in the beautiful city of Vancouver,” said Tim Tait, Director of Golf at Marine Drive. “We look forward to welcoming the world’s up-and-coming stars to Marine Drive, and crowning the next champion of this storied tournament.”

LPGA stars Brooke Henderson (2013) and Ariya Jutanugarn (2012) are two of many great champions to have hoisted the Duchess of Connaught Trophy before moving on to the professional ranks. 

“This tournament has proven to be a stepping stone for many amateurs working towards joining the professional ranks,” said Tournament Director, Dan Hyatt. “Eight of our past 10 winners, including 2013 champion Brooke Henderson, have gone on to find success as professionals. We are very excited to write the next chapter of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship at Marine Drive.” 

In 2018, the Marlene Streit Trophy will be awarded to the runner-up for the first time since its retirement in 2006. Streit, a Canadian golf Hall-of-Famer, holds the record of 11 victories at the Canadian Women’s Amateur.

All four members of Team Canada’s Amateur Squad will be in attendance: World No. 16 Maddie Szeryk (London, Ont.), No. 26 Jaclyn Lee (Calgary, Alta.), No. 177 Naomi Ko (Victoria, B.C.) and No. 249 Grace St-Germain (Ottawa, Ont.). Céleste Dao of Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Que., will be joined by her fellow Team Canada Development Squad members Monet Chun (Richmond Hill, Ont.), Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.) and Alyssa DiMarcantonio (Maple, Ont.).

In addition to Kupcho, Vu, Tavatanakit, Szeryk and Lee, players in the field from the top-30 world rankings include Mariel Galdiano (No. 19), Haley Moore (No.25) and Emilia Migliaccio (No. 27). Also included in the field is Avril Li, who earned her spot in the event after winning the 2018 Canadian University/College Championship.

A practice round will be conducted on July 23 prior to the championship’s opening round. Following the first two rounds of play, the field will be reduced to the low 70 players and ties. A tie for the championship will be decided by a hole-by-hole playoff immediately following the conclusion of play.

An inter-provincial team championship will take place in conjunction with the first two rounds of play. British Columbia’s Naomi Ko, Michelle Kim and Gloria Usu Choi claimed the team title in 2017. 

The winner of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship will earn an exemption into the CP Women’s Open from Aug. 20-26 at the Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask.

For more Information on the 2018 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship including the full field, starting times and live scoring, click here.

NOTABLES
Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont.
The National Amateur Squad member is the highest ranked Canadian in the field (No. 16). The three-time All-American golfer already has two wins in 2018:  the Bruzzy Challenge and Dale McNamara Invitational. In 14 events this season, the 21-year-old has five top-five finishes and eighteen top-twenty finishes. She captured both the BC Women’s Amateur Championship and Women’s Western Amateur Championship.

Jaclyn Lee of Calgary, Alta.
The Team Canada National Amateur Squad member has made a name for herself this season with wins at the NCAA Big Ten Championship and Westbrook Invitational and six top-ten finishes, including a tied for fifth at the NCAA Women’s Medal Championship. The 21-year-old recently climbed up ten spots to No. 26 in the world rankings after a strong showing at the Meijer LPGA Classic and making it to the semi-finals at the Ladies British Open Amateur Championship.

Jennifer Kupcho of Westminster, Colo.
The defending champion and current world No. 1 has three wins so far this season: the NCAA Medal Championship, the NCAA Tallahassee Regional and the Bryan National Collegiate. Kupcho won the event last year by a 5-stroke margin. The 21-year-old amateur most recently finished T16 at the Marathon LPGA.

Lilia Kha-Tu Vu of Fountain Valley, Calif.
The current world No. 2 has four victories in 2018 so far: the Pac-12 Championship, the Arizona Wildcat Invitational, Bruin Wave Invitational and the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge. The 20-year-old placed second in this event last year.

Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand
The current world No.6, Tavatanakit has won three of the seven 2018 tournaments she has played in, including the NCAA San Fransisco Regional, Pac-12 Championship and Silverado Showdown.

FAST FACTS
Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship is among the oldest golfing competitions in Canada.

The champion will earn an exemption into the CP Women’s Open from Aug. 20-26 at the Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask.

Ten provincial teams with three players each will compete in an inter-provincial championship that will take place in during the first two rounds.

The Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship is an ‘A’ ranked event on the World Amateur Golf Ranking. 

Last year’s champion: Jennifer Kupcho from Colorado, current world No. 1 amateur golfer.

Recent past winners and current LPGA major winners include Brooke Henderson (2013), Ariya Jutanugarn (2012)

During the 1901 season, the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Que. hosted the first competition which was won by Canadian Lillas Young.

Canadian Marlene Streit has the most wins at the event (11) in its history: 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1963, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973.

Canadian Mary Ann Lapointe is the oldest to ever win the event at 44-years-old. 

Judy Darling Evans and Dora Darling are the only mother-daughter combo to win the event.

Five golfers have won the tournament at least three years in a row: Mabel Thomson, Dorothy Campbell, Marlene Stewart Streit, Debbie Massey and Lisa Meldrum. 

The Duchess of Connaught was donated in 1914 as the new championship trophy, Dorothy Campbell had won the Lady Grey Trophy outright in 1912 after her third consecutive victory.

The tournament was not held between 1939-1946 because of WWII.

The Marlene Streit trophy, awarded to the runner-up, will be returning for the first time since its retirement in 2006.

ABOUT THE COURSE
Designed by A.V. Macan, who will be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame at the 2018 RBC Canadian Open.

Established 96 years ago. 

6,300 yard, par 71 golf course 

Host Club for past Canadian Men’s, Men’s Senior and Junior Boys Championships.

by Luke Lacey – Golf NB

NB Senior Men’s & Mid-Master – 1^st Round Pairings & Tee-Times

Golf New Brunswick’s (Golf NB) final provincial championship events of the season, the 2018 NB Senior & Mid-Master Championships, will take place at the Royal Oaks Golf Course from July 23^th to 25^th, 2018

The 54-hole competition includes 103 men in the senior division and 53 in the mid-master division. The 2017 Senior Men’s champion, Wilf Pilgrim of Kingswood, 2017 Mid-Master champion, Ed Reevey, of Riverside and 2017 Super-Senior champion Herrick Hansen of Aroostook valley will be all returning to defend their titles.

Pilgrim will be challenged once again by the familiar faces of, Dan Coulombe of Fredericton and Mike Breen of Hampton, as he looks for a second consecutive senior men’s title. Coulombe is a former men’s amateur champion and a three-time mid-amateur champion, and he is looking to add a senior men’s title to his trophy case. Breen is also a former champion of the event as he won it in 2013. Coulombe and Breen will be paired with Denis Beaulieu of St. Quentin at 1:00pm off of Royal Oak’s 1st hole. Pilgrim will be playing with Fernand Robichaud of Pokemouche and Mike Power of Memramcook at 1:50pm off of the first tee. Also in the senior men’s field is Gary Melanson of Covered Bridge. Melanson is a three-time mid-amateur champion, a two-time mid-master champion, and a three-time senior men’s champion.

In the mid-master field is three-time defending champion, Ed Reevey of The Riverside Country Club. Along with being a three-time champion of the mid-master competition, Reevey is also a two-time mid-amateur champion having won in back to back years in 2009 and 2010, and a former men’s amateur champion. Reevey will have tough competition as he searches for a fourth consecutive title with multiple champions of past events looking to claim the 2018 NB Mid-Master Championship Presented by Audi Moncton. Paired with Reevey in the first pairing of the day on Monday is three-time mid-master champion and two-time mid-amateur champion, Tony Mackinnon of Fredericton and Tim Yorke of Prince Edward Island.

Aroostook Valley’s Herrick Hansen will be looking to finish where he left off from last year’s event at Gowan Brae where he captured the 2017 NB Men’s Super-Senior Championship by four strokes over Jean Leblanc of Fox Creek, Gilles Masse of Gowan Brae and Louis Boudreau of Pine Needles who all return to the field this year at Royal Oaks. Hansen will have no shortage of competition this year as he tries to capture his second consecutive NB Super-Senior Championship. Joining Hansen in the Super-Senior Division is Fredericton’s Sonny Phillips, Bob Maher and Greg Blake along with Bernard Leger of Royal Oaks and Gerry Duguay of Restigouche.

Also, up for grabs this week 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.

With many great players and past champions in both the mid-master and senior fields, the event will be sure to have plenty of excitement over the three-day tournament at Royal Oaks.

For more information on the 2018 NB Senior Men’s & Mid-Master Championship please CLICK HERE.

For more information on 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.

PORT BLANDFORD, N.L. —  Golf Canada concludes its 2018 Future Links championship season as the Future Links, driven by Acura Atlantic Championship is ready to take place at Terra Nova Resort on the award-winning Twin Rivers Golf Course from July 17-19.

With support from Golf Newfoundland and Labrador, the Future Links, driven by Acura Atlantic Championship is the final regional junior championship presented in partnership with Acura this season. The 54-hole stroke play tournament will begin with a practice round on July 16 before the tournament gets underway with round one on July 17.

Twin Rivers Golf Course officially opened in August 1984 as a nine-hole public course in Terra Nova National Park designed by Robbie Robinson. A second nine-hole, designed by Doug Carrick, opened in July 1991.

“Golf Newfoundland and Labrador is excited to present the 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura Atlantic Championship alongside Golf Canada,” said this week’s Tournament Director, Greg Hillier. “We look forward to seeing how Twin Rivers Golf Course tests Canada’s premier junior golfers while giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills.”

The field will consist of  57 junior golfers in the Junior Boys Division with the top six earning exemptions into the 2018 Canadian Junior Boys Championship on July 30-Aug. 2 at Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club in Medicine Hat, Alta. A tie for the sixth position will be decided by a playoff following the conclusion of play.

The Junior Girls Division will consist of 8 golfers with the top six (including ties) earning an exemption into the 2018 Canadian Junior Girls Championship on July 31- Aug. 3 at Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen, B.C.

Results from the previous 2018 Future Links, driven by Acura championships can be found here:Pacific, Ontario, Western, Quebec and Prairie.

More information regarding the Future Links, driven by Acura Championships can be found here.

NOTABLES
Haley Baker of Halifax, Nova Scotia
The 16-year-old has placed in the top-ten in five out of the six events she played in this season. Her best finish in 2018 so far was second place at the 2018 East Cost Junior Championship.

Owen Mullen of Truro, Nova Scotia
The 14-year-old finished T10 at the event last year. Mullen won the 2018 CJGA Atlantic Spring Classic and has three other top-five finishes this year. He ranks 50th on the Future Links, driven by Acura Order of Merit.

Daniel Kirby of Woodstock, New Brunswick
The 15-year-old finished T7 at the same event last year, the highest of anyone in the Boys Division this year. Kirby finished first at the CJGA DeLaet Cup Team East Qualifier at Northumberland Links Golf Club and currently ranks 36th in the Future Links, driven by Acura Order of Merit.

Taylor Cormier of Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
The 16-year-old had a stellar 2017 season, winning four out of the five events that she competed in addition to being named Golf Newfoundland and Labrador’s Junior Female Golfer of the Year. She tied for thirteenth at the event last year.

FAST FACTS
In 2018, Golf Canada is conducting its six regional Future Links, driven by Acura championships in conjunction with the Provincial Associations.

Top six finishers in the Boys Division earn exemptions into the 2018 Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

Top six finishers (including ties) in the Girls Division earn exemptions into the 2018 Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

Calvin Ross successfully defended his 2015, 2016 and 2017 Future Links Atlantic titles, and continuing on to win the Canadian Junior Boys Championship last year by two strokes.
Meghan McLean went wire-to-wire to win the Girls Division in the 2017 Future Links, driven by Acura Atlantic Championship.

ABOUT THE COURSE
Twin Rivers Golf Course officially opened in August 1984 as a nine-hole public course in Terra Nova National Park.

The second nine hole opened in July 1991.

Acknowledged as one of the top 100 courses in the country

by Luke Lacey – Golf NB

The final round at the 2018 RBC Dominion Securities Men’s NB Amateur Championship would turn into an exciting finish as three of New Brunswick’s best amateur golfers battled through 21 holes until a winner was finally crowned.

It was Alex Palmer who came out on top after 72 holes and an additional 3 playoff holes of difficult and challenging golf at The Riverside Country Club. Palmer entered the final round one shot ahead of playing partners Nick Earle of Westfield and Mike Landry of Fredericton. The trio exchanged birdies, pars and bogeys during the final round only to remain deadlocked at 4-under par after the final 72nd hole. In an entertaining and highly skilled playoff it came down to 18 where Palmer secured his first RBC Dominion Securities NB Men’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Championships in front of his home club fans. Palmer finished the final round with a 1-under par 71 to round out his event total of 284.

Finishing in second place is Mike Landry of Fredericton whose efforts in the playoff were magnificent, however not enough to stay ahead of Palmer. Landry rounded out the event with a 2-under par 70 to go along with his previous, 68, 72 and 74.

Rounding out the top three is Nick Earle of Westfield whose final round push of 2-under par 70, was enough to keep him in contention and join Landry and Palmer in the playoff. Earle’s stellar play throughout the week earned him a spot-on Team NB to represent the province at the 2018 Canadian Amateur Championships. Nick’s performance was followed up closely by his younger brother Stuart who finished 4th with a total of 2-over par, 290.

In the Mid-Amateur Division, placing behind Palmer and Landry is 2017 RBC Dominion Securities NB Men’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Champion Darren Roach of The Riverside Country Club who finished at 11-over par. In 5th is 2018 Willingdon Cup team member Ryan Allaby of Hampton who’s 12-over par total earned him an opportunity to represent NB at the 2018 Canadian Mid-Amateur Championships.

In the Men’s Amateur section, Sam Reid of Royal Oaks, Stuart Earle and Nick Earle of Westfield earned the opportunity to be members of Team NB and represent New Brunswick in the Willingdon Cup at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, to be held from August 6 to 9, 2018 at Duncan Meadows Golf Course & Pheasant Glen Golf Resort in Duncan / Qualicum Beach, British Columbia.

Newly appointed members of the Willingdon Cup Team are The Riverside’s Alex Palmer and Ryan Allaby of Hampton have earned positions on Team NB that 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. The third and final position on Team NB, along with the first alternate position, will be awarded later this month at the 2018 NB Mid-Master Championships, to be held at the Royal Oaks Golf Club from July 23 to 25, 2018.

For more information on the 2018 RBC Dominion Securities NB Men’s Amateur Championship, including results and tee times, please CLICK HERE. 

For more information on The Riverside Country Club please visit: CLICK HERE.

For more information on RBC Dominion Securities please visit: www.rbcds.com.

The title sponsor of the 2018 NB Men’s Amateur Championship is once again RBC Dominion Securities. RBC Dominion Securities was introduced as the title sponsor for the NB Amateur Championship in 2007.  RBC Dominion Securities has been Canada’s premier provider of Investment Advice since 1901.  With offices in Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John and Sussex, RBC Dominion Securities offers New Brunswick investors and businesses superior access to the most comprehensive wealth management services in the province.

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

For Immediate Release:

“Moving Day” at the 2018 RBC Dominion Securities Men’s NB Amateur Championship brought difficult scoring conditions as 74 of the provinces best looked to make a final push ahead of Sunday’s final round.

It was The Riverside Country Club’s Alex Palmer who’s third round 3-under par 69 moved him to the top of the leaderboard. Palmer started the round at even-par in third place sitting a few shots behind the co-leaders Nick Earle of Westfield and Mike Landry of Fredericton. Claiming his second low round of the event gave him the gap to switch up the leaderboard rankings, resulting in Earle and Landry in a two-way tie for second place. Alex’s Saturday 69 included 10 pars, 4 birdies, 1 eagle and 3 bogeys.

In second place is Mike Landry of Fredericton and Nick Earle of Westfield who both felt the effects of the heat on The Riverside’s firm and fast greens. Landry finished his third round with a 2-over par 74 moving his three-round total to 2-under par. His 74 consisted of 10 pars, 3 birdies and 5 bogeys. Landry’s bogey trouble started on the tail end of the back nine with holes 5,6 and 7. Nick Earle who started the round with high hopes of building off of his previous 68 and 72 was also met with difficult playing conditions starting with a double bogey on the par-4 1st. Nick has matched Landry’s score every round thus far as he also recorded a 2-over par 74 during round 3.

In the Mid-Amateur Division, The Riverside’s Alex Palmer also leads at 3-under followed closely by Fredericton’s Mike Landry at 2-under in second. Darren Roach of The Riverside Country Club and Ryan Allaby of Hampton are tied for third place in the Mid-Amateur Division as the pair both sit at 8-over entering Sunday’s final round.

The fourth and final round of the 2018 RBC Dominion Securities NB Men’s Amateur Championship will get underway at 7:30am on Sunday July 15th. The pairing of Alex Palmer, Mike Landry and Nick Earle will round out the final group of Sunday’s round at 12:10 off of The Riverside’s first tee.

The top three finishers, along with the fourth-place alternate, in the Men’s Amateur section, will earn the opportunity to be members of Team NB and represent New Brunswick in the Willingdon Cup at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, to be held from August 6 to 9, 2018 at Duncan Meadows Golf Course & Pheasant Glen Golf Resort in Duncan / Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. In addition to the Provincial Championship and the four positions on Team NB, Golf NB will also be allocating an additional five exemptions into the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship to top finishers at this year’s event.
In addition to the positions on the Willingdon Cup Team, the top two finishers in the NB Mid-Amateur category (25 years and over) will earn positions on Team NB that will represent the province at the 2017 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, to be held from August 21 to 24, 2018 at the Victoria Golf Club in Victoria, British Columbia. The third and final position on Team NB, along with the first alternate position, will be awarded later this month at the 2018 NB Mid-Master Championships, to be held at the Royal Oaks Golf Club from July 23 to 25, 2018.

For more information on the 2018 RBC Dominion Securities NB Men’s Amateur Championship, including results and tee times, please CLICK HERE. 

For more information on The Riverside Country Club please visit: CLICK HERE.

For more information on RBC Dominion Securities please visit: www.rbcds.com.

The title sponsor of the 2018 NB Men’s Amateur Championship is once again RBC Dominion Securities. RBC Dominion Securities was introduced as the title sponsor for the NB Amateur Championship in 2007.  RBC Dominion Securities has been Canada’s premier provider of Investment Advice since 1901.  With offices in Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John and Sussex, RBC Dominion Securities offers New Brunswick investors and businesses superior access to the most comprehensive wealth management services in the province.

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. 

As part of our Induction Celebration on Hall of Fame Day at the RBC Canadian Open, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame is auctioning off a variety of exciting items with proceeds benefitting golf heritage.

One of the items up for grabs is a priceless Royal Montreal Golf Club Experience. The winner of this package will get a round of 18 holes for 3 people at Royal Montreal Golf Club, the oldest golf club in North America with a long and storied history that includes hosting 10 RBC Canadian Open tournaments.  This private club was granted the “Royal” status by Queen Victoria in 1884 and was one of the founding members of the Royal Canadian Golf Association in 1895.

Thanks to CGHF Honoured Member Lorie Kane, bidders also have a shot at winning a PEI Golf Experience, which includes two rounds of golf for 4 people at Mill River Resort and overnight accommodation at Mill River.  Also included is a round of golf at The Links at Crow Bush Cove and Dundarave Golf Course for 4 people (including golf cart).

Other items include:

• an official Team Canada Olympic golf bag signed by David Hearn and Graham DeLaet,
• a Brooke Henderson package with a Brooke Henderson signed CP Women’s Open tournament used flag along with a signed CP Women’s Open hat.
• an RBC golf bag autographed by PGA Tour players Graham Delaet, Ian Poulter, David Hearn, Charley Hoffman, Brandt Snedeker, Danny Lee, Camilo Villegas and Graeme McDowell.
• two weekly tickets for the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
• The opportunity golf with 2-time US Amateur Champion Gary Cowan at his home course of Westmount Golf and Country Club

To view all the items up for auction, please click here. Items are continuing to be added so be sure to check back often!

The auction will run until July 24^th at 6 p.m. EST.