KITCHENER, Ont. – Team Québec and Team British Columbia were neck-and-neck coming down the stretch, but it was the latter who escaped victorious in the interprovincial team competition at the 108^th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

With half a hole remaining, Mother Nature decided to make her presence known by way of lightning and thunder, forcing officials to suspend play. After a short delay, the final group of Leah John (B.C.), Céleste Dao (Québec), and Erin Kim (Ontario), returned to hole their final putts and officially put a stamp on the interprovincial team championship.

B.C. entered the day one stroke up on Québec and the lead barely budged for most of the round, but in crunch time it was the team from Canada’s west coast – composed of Yan Jun (Victoria) Liu, Leah John and Ha Young Chan – who prevailed, winning by five strokes to capture the Interprovincial Team Trophy.

Vancouver’s Liu and John captained the ship for B.C., firing rounds of 73 and 75, respectively, in Wednesday’s second round to secure the 36-hole team championship title. Individually, Liu ranks T3, while John is positioned T5 heading into day three.

The player they are chasing is Katherine Muzi – the highest ranked competitor in the field on the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Muzi, 22, waited, and waited and waited to make her move but when she did, there was no stopping the American. After an opening round two-over par 74, the Newport Beach, Calif., native carded a four-under par 69 to vault atop the leaderboard through two rounds.

Muzi, who started her day on No. 10, birdied hole No. 5 to spark a four-hole birdie streak and a back nine rally that helped her leapfrog the field ahead. The University of South Carolina Trojan sits at three-under par for the tournament and owns a one-shot advantage halfway through the national championship.

Alissa Xu had a day of her own, firing a three-under par 70 on a wind-howling afternoon at Westmount Golf & Country Club. The Richmond Hill, Ont., native withstood gusts of up to 60km/h and climbed 13 spots up the leaderboard into sole possession of second place.

“I really just tried to just focus on the process and not the score because I find that distracting at times,” said Xu. “Just [wanted] to pick the right clubs and pick the right targets to shoot at.”

That she did. The 16-year-old poured in five birdies to join the leaders on the front page of the leaderboard. She says her goal is to simply stay level-headed entering the final rounds and focus only on what she can control.

Rebecca Kim made one of the biggest splashes in round two, jumping 23 spots on the leaderboard and into the top-10 with a one-under par 72 on a day where birdies came few and far between.

“I was able to handle the wind well today; it was definitely really gusty, so I think that was definitely something that was to my advantage,” said the Victoria, B.C., native. “I was a lot cleaner with my approach shots [today]. I gave myself more looks; I was just kind of tighter to the pins and I got more stuff up-and-down,” she added.

Kim says she focuses on staying resilient through the adversity and that playing ‘gritty’ will be the payoff to success the rest of the way.

First round leader, Leigh Chien, struggled on day two, shooting a six-over par 79. The American remains in a tie for third place, however, and very much in contention with 36 holes left to play.

With the cutline set at 13-over, 73 players advanced to the ‘weekend’ in Kitchener. The third round is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. The leaders will tee off in the final group at 9:30 a.m.

For complete results click here.

Golf Canada and Osprey Valley have announced a major partnership and bold vision to build a new Home for Canadian Golf – a momentous project that will see the National Sport Federation relocate its corporate base of operations to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.

In addition to Golf Canada’s national headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, the vision for the Canadian golf campus on the grounds of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley will feature the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada which will include a publicly accessible community putting green and an indoor training centre.

Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) have committed to relocate their corporate headquarters to Caledon, Ont., collaborating with Golf Canada to embrace the golf community and develop a dynamic home campus for Canadian golf. The PGA of Canada has also committed to a strategic partnership with Golf Canada to assist in executing grassroots component along with coaching and training activities.

The invitation for Canadian golf industry partners as well as government stakeholders, and long-time global affiliates at the R&A, PGA TOUR, and LPGA Tour to plug into the Home for Canadian Golf, will be signature moment in the advancement of the sport of golf in Canada.

“Our vision to be a world leader in golf contemplates more than just a physical building—culture, collaboration, and innovation are critical elements,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Establishing a new headquarters and a Canadian golf campus with our partners to meet, play, train, plan, celebrate and collaborate, represents a transformative moment to advance the sport.”

TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is a renowned 54-hole golf facility in Peel Region, located in the heart of Caledon, Ont. The property is currently undergoing a significant privately funded expansion and commercial development that includes the construction of new clubhouse and conference amenities as well as improvements to the practice facility and guest experience with accommodations and hosting facilities onsite.

For Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk, partnering with Golf Canada and industry partners to bring a Canadian golf campus to life is part of the ongoing story of Osprey Valley becoming a signature destination for Canadian golf and an effort to uplift the game of golf in Canada.

“We’re thrilled by the vision presented by Laurence and the entire Golf Canada team and are elated to collaborate with partners who share our vision of elevating golf to new heights in this country,” said Humeniuk.

TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley has welcomed a number of signature events in Canadian golf including the Osprey Valley Open on PGA TOUR Canada as well as Golf Canada’s Junior Skills Challenge National Event. The facility has also hosted qualifier events for both the RBC Canadian Open and the US Open and has committed to host the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO.

In 2021, the Humeniuk Family Foundation and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley made a major chapter-founding gift to Golf Canada Foundation that aligns with the property serving as the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada.

Phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project—which will include the corporate headquarters, a reinvigoration of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, and a 30,000 square foot community putting green inspired by the Himalayas Putting Course in St. Andrews – will break ground in 2023 with an expected completion by 2025.

The vision for phase two includes the development of First Tee – Canada National Headquarters that will support coaching education and programming for First Tee chapters across Canada. The indoor short game complex will double as a national talent identification centre for the next generation of Canadian players, bolstering Golf Canada’s goal to advance 30 Canadians to the LPGA and PGA Tours by 2032.

For the leadership group at Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada, joining forces on the Canadian golf campus was an opportunity for deeper collaboration across the sport.

“We are thrilled to rally and support this tremendous project and new home for Canadian golf, helping to unify and provide the golf community a true base which will no doubt create efficiencies, inspire collaboration, and help introduce more participants to our great sport,” said Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly.

“Our purpose is to develop, promote and support the profession of club management by providing educational and networking opportunities for our members, including golf, city, multi-sport, yacht, faculty and social clubs,” said Suzanne Godbehere, CEO of the Club Management Association of Canada. “Integrating CMAC’s operation into the Canadian golf campus really is a special opportunity for thought sharing with our partners.”

The PGA of Canada and their members will plug into the Canadian golf campus with the delivery of grassroots programs as well as training, education, and coaching upon the completion of phase two.

“Having a destination for PGA of Canada professionals to come together for education and junior golf program development including First Tee – Canada training will be a huge boost for the growth of our sport,” said Kevin Thistle, CEO of the PGA of Canada. “Collaboration and innovation with partners have always been driving forces in Canadian golf and there is no doubt that a campus environment will bolster these experiences.” 

Cost for phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project is estimated at approx. $20M and the financial funding model will be led by Golf Canada along with a donation from Osprey Valley. Phase two of development is expected to cost $10M and will only proceed upon successful fundraising campaigns supported by the Golf Canada Foundation and private donors as well as through naming rights, contributions from industry partners, and government support.

The Home for Canadian Golf project aligns with a multi-million-dollar Drive Campaign launched by the Golf Canada Foundation to fund First Tee – Canada headquarters, chapters, and programming along with enhancements to Team Canada’s high-performance program. To date, $36.9M of the $70M fundraising goal has been secured through major gift donations.

“We’re excited to partner with the Humeniuk family, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, and Golf Canada on a new Home for Canadian Golf,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO Martin Barnard. “Not only will this become home for the Foundation, but it will also anchor the Drive Campaign, unprecedented in Canadian sport. Our major donor Trustees have a long history of supporting up-and-coming Canadian players and have now also put substantial support behind launching First Tee in Canada, ensuring broad access for all young Canadians to the character-building life lessons the sport of golf can provide.”

The Town of Caledon has already extended its support towards becoming a hub community for Canadian golf with a recommendation to the Regional Municipality of Peel to approve a $2.5M investment towards bringing the project to life.

“I am thrilled that Caledon will be the new home of Golf Canada’s National Headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson. “In addition to the significant economic benefits to our community, the campus will also feature the youth development program, First Tee, an accessible program designed to empower and inspire youth through sport – This is GREAT news for Caledon.”

Hicks Design Studio has been selected by Golf Canada as the architect of record to bring the Canadian golf campus to life.

The announcement of the Home for Canadian Golf follows several years of due diligence by Golf Canada to explore a long-term solution and forward-looking vision for the relocation of its corporate headquarters as well as the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, which are currently located on the grounds of Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Once complete, the Home for Canadian Golf will be a multifaceted, world-class tourist facility that will support community recreational benefits; drive inclusivity and community among equity-deserving youth; and become a foundational pillar that supports grassroots participation and high-performance golf.

Dwayne Tingley

Darren Ritchie has often made history on the golf course, but his voice reaches new levels of pride when he talks about his 19-year-old son.

Nicholas Ritchie earned a spot on Sterling College’s varsity roster as a freshman this year and the Quispamsis native helped the Kansas school win its first conference championship.

He’s following in his father’s impressive steps.

Darren Ritchie, one of only four players to ever win Canadian amateur and senior men’s championships, will defend his New Brunswick senior title July 25-27 at the Mactaquac Golf Course.

Ritchie, who plays out of the Hampton Golf Club, also captured the Canadian Senior title last year – 29 years after he became the first Maritimers to win the national amateur crown by beating Mike Weir in a match-play playoff.

Ritchie, who was inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, is more comfortable talking about his son’s success than his own legacy

“To play himself on the team at this age is incredible,” said Ritchie, a crane operator with Irving Equipment.

“He’s worked hard on his game and it’s all business with him,” he added.

“I’ve done well in the game and he’s making his way, too. In some ways, we’ve taken similar paths, but in other ways, he’s created his own opportunities.”

As teenagers, both Ritchies were outstanding athletes and had to choose between playing high-level baseball or focusing on golf.

Darren Ritchie picked golf and he’s never looked back.

“I’ve been very fortunate to play in New Brunswick,” said the 57-year-old, who also played competitive hockey and soccer in his youth.

“I believe Golf New Brunswick is the best golf organization in the country,” he continued. “I’ve been lucky enough to play across the country and I’ve seen how well-organized and professional they are here.

“Golf New Brunswick has always supported the players from this province. We are fortunate.”

Ritchie, who also finished third at the New Brunswick Senior Championship two years ago, is looking forward to this year’s tournament even though he hasn’t played much golf lately.

“I’ve been busy, but I enjoy the competition at these big tournaments,” he explained. “It’s a strong field and I thrive on going up against the best players.”

The tournament has attracted a capacity field of 156 players.

The top three New Brunswick finishers will represent the province at the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship, presented by BDO, Sept. 6-9 at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club in Alberta.

Ritchie topped the field last year while Tom Cameron of The Gage placed second and Mike Jeffrey of Fox Creek was third.

Jeffrey, a former pro hockey player who played with the Moncton Hawks and Nova Scotia Voyageurs of the AHL, also set a goal of winning the provincial title.

“I am competitive in everything I do and I’m not going there to finish second,” said Jeffrey, the Director of Operations for Corey Craig Group of companies.

“In hockey, I played my best against the good teams. In golf, my game improves against the best players so it’s going to be a great challenge,” said the 60-year-old Moncton resident.

The tournament will also feature Super-Senior and Mid-Master divisions.

Ritchie will also use the tournament to prepare for the United States Senior Men’s Golf Championship on Aug. 27-Sept 1 at the Kittanasett Golf Club in Marion, Mass.

He gained an exemption to the tournament by capturing the Canadian Championship last year.

“I am not playing much, but the tournaments I play will have very good players so that’s how I will prepare,” Ritchie said. “It’s an honor to represent New Brunswick and Canada.”

For more information on the 2022 NB Men’s Senior & Mid-Master Championships, including results and tee times, please CLICK HERE.

For more information on Mactaquac Provincial Park Golf Course please visit: 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 50 partner facilities and 7,900 individual members include provincial championships, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, and junior golf development programs.

KITCHENER, Ont. – American, Leigh Chien, birdied early and often en route to a seven-under par 66 and four-stroke lead in the opening round of the 2022 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

Scoring conditions were at a premium for the morning wave at Westmount Golf & Country Club and Chien wasted no time pouncing on the opportunity. The 16-year-old rolled in five birdies over her opening eight holes and never looked back, as she continued to distance herself from the pack with an additional three birdies on the back nine. Her lone blunder came on the par-4 No. 15.

“I feel pretty good going into tomorrow,” said Chien. “I just tried to make as many birdies as possible and as few mistakes as possible and I was able to do that [today]. Westmount is really nice; the conditions are great [and] the greens are really smooth. I think that really helped me shoot low.”

Team Canada’s Monet Chun paced the rest of the pack with a three-under par 70 for sole possession of second place, The Richmond Hill, Ont. native carded three birdies and an eagle for the low-Canadian score of the day.

“Putting myself in a good position early is ideal, because it’s such a long four rounds,” said Chun. “Continuing what I’m doing; hitting lots of greens, lots of fairways and making as many putts as possible,” said the 18-year-old on what she thinks it will take to win the tournament.

Five other Canadians ended round one inside the top-10, including Team Canada member Céleste Dao. Dao, who plays her college golf at the University of Georgia, got off to blistering hot start, making three birdies through five. The middle part of the Quebec native’s round caused her headaches, as she fell back to even par with a stretch of bogeys. The 21-year-old bounced back brilliantly, however, with a birdie on her 17^th hole to get back into the red numbers.

The highlight of the day – and quite possibly the tournament – belonged to Élizabeth Labbé. Labbé, the runner-up at this year’s Canadian University/College Championship, carved an iron into the 149-yard par-3 No. 17 at Westmount and watched her ball drop for a hole-in-one. The ace helped the UBC Thunderbird to a round of two-over par 75. She sits T23 heading into the second round.

Team British Columbia leads the interprovincial team championship by one stroke over Team Québec. B.C., made up of Ha Young Chang, Leah John and Yan Jun (Victoria) Liu, fired a combined two-under par on the day. Team Ontario (+10), Team Alberta (+13) and Team Manitoba (+19) follow in third, fourth and fifth place, respectively.

For the full leaderboard click here.

KITCHENER, Ont. – The 108^th installment of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, gets underway this week at Westmount Golf & Country Club in Kitchener, Ont. from July 19-22.

The championship, which was first held in 1901, is one of the longest standing amateur events in the world. The inaugural tournament at Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Que., featured only three players. Fast forward over a century later and 140 players will look to etch their name into the Duchess of Connaughton Gold Cup in 2022.

“Golf Canada is excited for the return of not only a marquee event in Canadian golf history, but also one of the premier amateur events in the world,” says Tournament Director, Mary Beth McKenna. “We’re confident Westmount Golf & Country Club will offer a challenging yet fair test for the players as they showcase their talents on an elite golf course.”  

Practice rounds are scheduled for July 18, before the official 72-hole stroke play competition begins on July 19. Play is scheduled to wrap up on July 22, followed by an awards ceremony and champions reception. The field will be cut to the low 70 players (including ties) after 36 holes.

For the first time since 2019, the tournament will welcome the return of international players following complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten players from the United States, two from Mexico and one from Australia are slated to tee it up north of the border this week, including Katherine Muzi and Bentley Cotton, ranked No. 127 and 250 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings, respectively.

Also being re-introduced this year is the inter-provincial team competition. The inter-provincial championship will be played in conjunction with the first 36 holes of the competition, with three-player teams vying for the team title. Team Ontario – composed of Sarah Dunning, Emily Zhu and Tiana Cruz – are the reigning champions from 2019. Dunning and Zhu are both in the field in Kitchener this week.

Four members of Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad are pencilled into the draw at Westmount: Brooke Rivers (Brampton, Ont.); Céleste Dao (Notre-Dame-de-Ile-Perrot, Que.); Monet Chun (Richmond Hill, Ont.); and Sarah-Eve Rhéaume (Québec City, Que.).

The National Junior Squad will also be well-represented at the 18-hole championship course west of Toronto, with seven members of the team slated to compete: Angela Arora (Surrey, B.C.); Anne-Léa Lavoie (Québec, Que.); Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.); Lauren Kim (Surrey, B.C.); Luna Lu (Burnaby, B.C.); Martina Yu (Coquitlam, B.C.); and Yeji Kwon (Coquitlam, B.C.).

Red Deer, Alta.’s Eileen Park is the youngest player in the field at the age of 13; Katherine Hou and Sophia Xu are also only 13 years old, but Park’s date of birth is the latest of the three. Rhonda Orr, out of Winnipeg Man., is the oldest competitor in the field at 60. There are four members of Westmount Golf & Country Club teeing it up this week: Sarah Dunning, Angela Lee, Madeline MacMillan and Laura McIntosh.

New to this year’s tournament is a purse payout. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship will now compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Amateur golfers may accept prize money up to a maximum of $1,200 CAD, and payouts will be awarded to the top-10 finishers and ties.

Westmount Golf & Country Club was designed by world-renown architect Stanley Thompson and opened in 1931. Since then, it has played hosts to a number of national and provincial championships, notably the 1957 Canadian Open, 1969 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and 2009 Canadian Junior Boys Championship. Known for its undulating fairways and sloping greens, the championship course is set up to play fast and firm as it tests an elite field of amateur golfers this week. Westmount last hosted the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in 1965.

“We are very excited to host 108^th Canadian Women’s Amateur at Westmount this coming week,” said General Manager, Brad Duench. “Our Tournament Committee has worked very hard leading up to this week and I know our membership will be out to support these accomplished athletes. [I] do sense we have a buzz in the community about the event and we are excited to welcome everyone to Westmount this week,” he added.

The Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship was last played in 2021 at Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club in Spruce Grove, Alta. Team Canada National Junior Squad member Lauren Zaretsky was crowned champion, finishing at two-under par to win by as many strokes.

The last time Canadians won in back-to-back years was in 2013 & 2014, when Brooke Henderson and Augusta James captured the national titles. 

Along with the championship’s storied history comes its coveted cast of competitors. Marlene Stewart Streit, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, sits atop the class with 11 victories and five runner-up finishes at the national event. Since then, the tournament has proved to be a breading ground for some of golf’s brightest young stars. Ariya Jutanugarn (2012), Brooke Henderson (2013), Jennifer Kupcho (2017) and Yealimi Noh (2018) are previous winners who now find themselves competing on the LPGA Tour.

The winner of the championship will earn an exemption into the 2022 CP Women’s Open, August 22-28, at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club, as well as the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, August 8-14, at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wisc.

More information about the 2022 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship can be found here.

For Immediate Release:

Fredericton, NB– Players began to arrive bright and early at West Hills Golf Course for the final round of the New Brunswick Men’s Amateur Championship, Sunday’s round would encapsulate all that the Par 72,  Huxham Golf Design Inc. has to offer. Demanding tee shots, pin locations requiring caution and precision, and nerves would all play a factor in the outcome of Sunday’s final round.

With the overnight leaders, Greg Steele and Mark Wedge both sitting at even par, there were several players eager to get down to business.

The leaders teed off at 2:57 PM. A powerhouse pairing, comprised of the Riverside duo of Mark Wedge and Greg Steele alongside 2002, 2016, 2019, and 2021 NB Men’s Amateur Champion, Michel Landry of the Fredericton Golf Club.

Closely following the final group on the leaderboard was Game #49 consisting of Moncton’s Colin Manning, the host club’s Peter Frenette, and 2010 and 2017 NB Men’s Amateur Champion, Darren Roach of The Riverside Country Club.

The final group made their way off the green of hole number 9, and we were headed to the back-nine with a 3-way tie with Greg Steele, of the Riverside Country Club who rallied an even par, 36, Michel Landry of the Fredericton Golf Club, who fired a 1-under par, 35, and joining them was Darren Roach of the Riverside Country Club who fired a tidy 3-under par, 33.

Players went to the course on Sunday with red numbers on their minds, leading those players was Fredericton’s Michel Landry who signed for a final round 2-under, 70. Coming close to the low round of the day at 3-under, 69 recorded by Riverside’s Sam Young.

Landry’s play would see him edge out the field and Riverside’s Greg Steele who spent the final round on Sunday in a shoot-out with Landry, finishing one shot back at even par.

Today’s win makes Landry a five-time NB Men’s Amateur Champion, adding to his already impressive victories in 2002, 2016, 2019, and 2021 seeing him become the first male golfer to record five amateur titles.

In the Dormie Workshop Par-3 Challenge, the West Hills’ Andrew Trainor came out victorious. His performance of even-par on the Par-3s at his home course this week edged out champion, Michel Landry. For this stellar play, Trainor received a custom Dormie Workshop Par-3 Challenge Champion yardage book cover.

For more information on the 2022 NB Men’s Amateur Championships, including results and tee times, please CLICK HERE.

For more information on West Hills please visit: 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 50 partner facilities and 7,900 individual members include provincial championships, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, and junior golf development programs.

For Immediate Release:

FREDERICTON, NB– 156 of New Brunswick’s most elite and competitive amateur male golfers take to the field in the 92nd playing of the New Brunswick Men’s Amateur Championship. For the first time in recent history, the field is at maximum capacity as players from across the province show their excitement and eagerness to test their skills at the inaugural provincial championship at the West Hills Golf Course.

Leading off the field were 2002, 2016, and 2019 NB Amateur Champion, Michel Landry of the Fredericton Golf Club, 2010 and 2017 NB Amateur Champion, Darren Roach of The Riverside Country Club, and Fox Creeks’ Philippe-André Bannon.

The trio highlight a series of powerhouse pairings as the field features 25 players with plus handicap indexes. Taking to the course immediately after was the three-some of Tyler Crouch, Felix Boucher, and Ben MacDonald all of whom have a more than impressive playing resume. Friday morning’s third pairing featured past champion Justin Richard, Patrick Cormier, and Brayden Sappier.

It was Royal Oaks’ Justin Richard who would get to work early and take advantage of the morning conditions. An opening round 70, 2-under would give the former Amateur Champion the clubhouse lead after round 1. Heating up on the back nine, Richard would record a 34, 2-under thanks to an eagle on #13 and a birdie on the par-5 15th.

After round one, only two players were able to break par. The Riverside’s Peter Wedge carded a smooth 1-under, 71 to find himself 2nd on the leaderboard. Sitting in a tie for 3rd is The Riverside’s Darren Roach, Fredericton Golf Club’s Michel Landry, and Eric Michaud of Royal Oaks. The trio all ended Friday’s round at even-par 72.

A mere image, The Mid-Amateur Leaderboard looks identical with the top three players holding their positions in both championships.

In the Dormie Par-3 Challenge, clubmates Felix Boucher and Maxime Gaudet of Fox Creek share first place after completing the par-3s on Friday’s opening round at 2 under-par.

Round 2 begins on Saturday at 7:00 AM, teeing off in the order of high to low scores from Round 1.

For more information on the 2022 NB Men’s Amateur Championships, including results and tee times, please CLICK HERE.

For more information on West Hills please visit: 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 50 partner facilities and 7,900 individual members include provincial championships, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, and junior golf development programs.

ANTIGONISH, N.S. – Albeit contrasting flight paths, Abbey Baker and Ethan Efford landed in the same destination on Thursday: in the winner’s circle at the NextGen Atlantic Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards.

It was steady cruising for Baker, who turned it to autopilot and let the wind take her to the finish line at Antigonish Golf Club; and while Efford hit turbulence along the way, he, too, made it to ground safe and sound with a championship, to boot.

Baker opened the tournament with a nine-over par 81 but rebounded wonderfully in the second round with a one-under par 71 – the only round under par on the Junior Girls side all week.

“I’m really happy with how I recovered after a very rough first round. I came back after shooting 81 and worked on my putting for a while and I definitely saw a lot of improvements which is nice,” said Baker.

With breathing room to spare, the 17-year-old sailed to the stopping place, closing out the tournament with a five-over par 77 for a 13-stroke triumph – the largest margin of victory at any NextGen Championship this year.

“It wasn’t really in my head that much,” said Baker of the large lead. “I was just trying to make birdies out there and play good for myself.”

Though it was hardly ever in doubt, Baker’s win in Antigonish officially landed her a spot on Team Nova Scotia for the upcoming 2022 Canada Summer Games in Niagara, Ont., August 17-20 at Legends on the Niagara (Battlefield Course).

“I’m super excited; it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m just happy it’s a go this year.”

The leaderboard on the Junior Boys side was as packed as sardines. On any given hole, the name atop the leaderboard changed, but when the final ball dropped on the 54^th hole, it was Ethan Efford who prevailed.

In good Canadian form, Efford completed the hattrick on Thursday, carding his third consecutive round of four-over par 76 to capture the title by one stroke over Dimitri Mihelakos, Gavin Ives and Owen Canavan.

“I told myself on the first tee that I wanted to get through this whole round and commit to every single shot,” said Efford. “I knew it was tight and I knew that if I go out there and commit to every shot and maintain the confidence that I have in myself, I know that at the end of the day, whatever my score is I’ll be content with it.”

Since he tee’d off this morning, it took, in his words, a lot of grit and grind to come out victorious but the hard work paid off.

 “I knew that no matter what, I just [had] to stay in it and never give up, and that’s just how I took it – one shot at a time and in the end I was happy with the result.”

Efford says the win proves his game is in a much better spot than he might feel it is and looks to build off the momentum as the season progresses. Though in a different uniform, he, like Baker, will represent his province (Newfoundland and Labrador) at the Canada Summer Games in August.

The pair have one more stop to make before that, however: Nationals.

Baker, a native of Halifax, N.S., will travel to the Canadian Junior Girls Championship at the Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont., July 26-29, while Efford, out of St. Johns, Nfld., will fly coast-to-coast to compete in the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 7-10, at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links in Kamloops, British Columbia.

Including Baker, the top six players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division have earned exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Girls Championship:

From the Junior Boys division, the top six players have earned exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 6-10, at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links in Kamloops, British Columbia.

About the NextGen Championships series, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards

The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2022 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

Dwayne Tingley

Michel Landry is savoring the challenge to make New Brunswick golf history.

The 37-year-old member of the Fredericton Golf Club is looking to become the first player to win five New Brunswick Men’s Amateur Championships, when this year’s tournament is played July 15th-17th at the West Hills Golf Course in Fredericton.

The tournament, supported by official equipment supplier Taylormade Golf Canada, has attracted a capacity field of 156 players.

It will also be the first time the club has hosted the event.

“I’ve finished second before and that really hurts so I don’t dwell on those tournaments,” said Landry, a Tracadie-Sheila native who has lived in Fredericton for five years.

“Personally, I feel like I play better in the bigger tournaments like this,” he added. “There are a lot of stronger players and they bring out the best in my game.”

Landry, a corporate financial advisor with Grant Thornton LLP, captured last year’s championship in a playoff with Danek Hadley of Gowan Brae, on his home course in Bathurst, while Stewart Earle of Westfield was just one shot back.

“It was a battle all day long and there wasn’t much breathing room,” said Landry, who also won the Golf New Brunswick player of the year title.

“My heart race was up all day, but I was able to bring it down with some good putting.”

The top three finishers in the overall competition will represent New Brunswick at the Canadian Amateur Championship, sponsored by BDO, Aug. 1-4 at the Seymour Golf & Country Club and Point Grey Golf and Country Club in Vancouver.

Landry also won New Brunswick championships in 2002, as a 17-year-old at Aroostook Valley, 2016 at Kingswood, and 2019 in Edmundston.

Andy Dickison of The Riverside Club won four straight New Brunswick titles between 1981-85.

Landry played at the University of Denver and the University of New Brunswick and was a member of the Canadian National Team for a few years.

Landry hasn’t played West Hills often, but he knows the par-72 layout on Fredericton’s north side knows it has some tight fairways and several undulating greens.

“There are going to be some two or three-iron shots that could make the difference on that course.

“I’ll get some practice rounds in and I still enjoy playing, but I don’t want to miss time with my family,” said the father of two young girls.

Landry, Brett Taylor of The Riverside, and Francois Hebert of Memramcook were the top three finishers in the mid-amateur division last year.

Taylor, who was also fourth in the amateur, will not be competing this year.

Hebert, who was fifth on the amateur leaderboard, has set his sights on both the amateur and mid-amateur crowns.

“I have never played at West Hills, but I hear it is tight and narrow,” said Hebert, a 29-year-old flight attendant.

“I don’t hit the ball as far as some of the main guys, but I can keep the ball in play and score well,” he added.

“I’ve been in contention in the past and I want to take the next step forward this year.”

Hebert, who won the midget title at the East Coast Junior Championships in 2007 in Bouctouche, is motivated by the memory of his grandfather, Edgar Landry, who died two years ago.

“He would take me the course after school so I could practice almost every day,” said the Memramcook native.

As an amateur, Hebert made the cut at a PGA Tour Canada event last year on Prince Edward Island.

“I know that I can compete if I can just be consistent and stick to my strengths,” he said.

This year’s Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, is scheduled for Aug. 23-26 at The Thornhill Club in Thornhill, Ont.

The champion of the 2022 NB Men’s Amateur will be granted an exemption into the PGA Tour Canada, 2023 Prince Edward Island Open.

 Golf New Brunswick Executive Director, Luke Lacey said under the direction of Superintendent Adam Fletcher and Director of Golf Brett Wilson, West Hills has “established itself as one of the province’s premier golf courses.”

For more information on the 2022 NB Men’s Amateur Championships, including results and tee times, please CLICK HERE.

For more information on West Hills please visit: 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 50 partner facilities and 7,900 individual members include provincial championships, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, and junior golf development programs.

By: John Gordon

Who was the first person to be intimidated by golf? Hint: It wasn’t you.

Little-known fact: He was the second person to take up the game about, oh, 600 years ago in Scotland.

“Och, Geordie, I could never hit that stone as far as you can with your shepherd’s crook. Look, it’s almost in the rabbit hole in one stroke! Why are you walking so fast? I can’t find my stone! Who is that behind us?” Versions of those plaintive bleats have echoed down through history and continue to be heard today, in one fashion or another.

There is no denying that golf can be perceived as intimidating, especially for beginners who may whiff, foozle and shank their way around the course, unaware of the basic rules and etiquette.  Most likely, especially if they are adults, they are very conscious of two things: They are most definitely not having fun and they are holding up the group or groups behind them. And chances are that those groups are making their displeasure known at every opportunity.

Whose fault is that? There is enough blame to spread around when discussing the intimidation factor in golf, believe me.

First, it is an inescapable reality that many beginners who complain about being intimidated on the golf course must shoulder some of the blame. Expecting to do well the first few times they step onto a course is unrealistic. Hallucinogenic, actually. If they want to make golf a regular part of their lives, a few lessons should precede that first round, or at least several visits to the driving range with an experienced golfer. Once that first step has been taken, choose a course that is appropriate for your basic skill level and play the most forward tees.  Try to avoid peak times when the course is busy.

Many courses offer inexpensive beginner lesson packages and clinics. It is money well spent. If your spouse plays, find a couples’ “nine-and-dine” outing and make it a date night.  More and more courses have “family nights” where basic instruction is followed by a few holes on the course. Most of the time, these are scrambles where the onus is on fun, not competition. Don’t even think about score until you can hit the ball more consistently. Focus on fun, the beauty of the course, the company of friends, and the opportunity to enjoy a nice meal and a beverage after.

Second, more experienced golfers have to give their heads a collective shake. All of you were, at one time, beginners and no doubt intimidated. Although it is difficult, think back to how frustrated and, perhaps, embarrassed you felt then and how much you appreciated some understanding from other golfers.  As old hands now, it is your responsibility to welcome new players into the game that has brought you so much pleasure.

Intimidation is not unique to golf and it should not be a reason to give up or never take up the game.

For example, when you join a gym, you do so to get more fit or build muscle. Even though you may be “intimidated” by some bulked-up specimens working out there or by that annoyingly athletic person who runs the treadmill for hours, you stick with it, because you are focused on improving. And, eventually, with persistence, the results are obvious and well worth the effort.

Think of golf in the same way: As a process.

Believe me, it remains a lifelong process but one well worth pursuing.

(There are lots of options to ease your intimidation factor like The First Tee junior program, Golf Fore the Cure and many more. Check online or go to your local course to get into the game for a lifetime.)