By: David Li

While Corey Conners has enjoyed notable success on the PGA TOUR over the past two seasons, perhaps his biggest regret during that time was not being able to share that success with Canadian fans on Canadian soil. But with the RBC Canadian Open returning this year, the wait is over for the Listowel, Ont., native as he will be teeing off against the best in the world next month in Toronto.

The RBC Canadian Open was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will make its long awaited return this year at the St. George’s Golf and Country Club.

“I’ve been looking forward to coming back to Canada for some time now… Just super excited overall,” said the 30-year-old during media day earlier this month via conference call.

“To have the crowd made up of pretty much all Canadians is going to be amazing,” added the long-time Canadian National Team member. “I know the fans will be really behind all the Canadian players, and that’s something that I’m super excited about and I’ve certainly missed the last couple of years.”

According to tournament director Bryan Crawford, this year’s event will be a treat for players and fans alike. Crawford is quick to point out that the goal is to offer a best-in-class experience for everyone in attendance.

“That’s what we are aiming for, a best-in-class event for players, caddies, volunteers, partners and our fans,” he said. “It starts with a great golf course and you can’t ask for a better one than St. George’s—it’s one of the premier facilities in Canada.”

2019 champion Rory McIlroy is back this year to defend his crown and he will be joined by 2018 champ and former world no. 1 Dustin Johnson, reigning Masters champ and current world no. 1 Scottie Scheffler, and five time PGA TOUR winner, Cam Smith. Other notable names are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Besides the star-studded line up on the golf course, this year’s tournament will feature two chart-topping musical acts on stage as Flo Rida and three-time Grammy award winner Maroon 5 are schedule to entertain fans on June 10 and June 11 respectively.

“The Concert Series was an overwhelming success in 2019 and will once again attract new fans to experience the energy and excitement of the RBC Canadian Open,” noted Golf Canada Chief Commercial Officer, John Sibley.

At the recent PGA Championship, Conners reiterated his feelings about returning to Canada in early June.

“Apart from the major championships, I don’t know if I’ve been as excited for a golf event or a PGA TOUR event in my life. I’m really excited to get back to Canada. It’s been unfortunate that we haven’t been able to get there the last couple of years,” noted the top ranked Canadian.

“I know the fans will be out in full force and supporting the Canadians, and hopefully we can put on a good show.”

Given his stellar play, Canadian golf fans are also understandably excited to see their home grown talent compete against the best in the world.

Conners has recorded some impressive results on the PGA TOUR recently including a tie for sixth place at the Masters in early April. It marked the third year in a row that the talented young Canadian has finished in the top 10 at Augusta National. He also finished in a tie for 15th place at The Open Championship which was played at the Royal St. George’s Golf Course last summer.

“Personally, I feel now like my game is a lot more refined, so I’m going to be teeing it up (in Canada) with really high expectations for myself,” Conners pointed out.

It is interesting to note that a Canadian has not won the RBC Canadian Open since Pat Fletcher did it back in 1954.

Besides Conners, there will be a talented group of Canadians eager to end that drought this year. Among those already confirmed are Adam Hadwin, Mackenzie Hughes, Nick Taylor, Taylor Pendrith, Albin Choi, Adam Svensson, Michael Gligic, Roger Sloan, Aaron Cokerill, and Brendan Leonard. More Canadian names are expected to be added in the coming weeks.

NB Men’s Four Ball – 1st Round Pairings & Tee-Times

For Immediate Release:

The 2022 Golf NB Championship Schedule kicks off the weekend of May 28^th & 29^th, 2022 at the Algonquin Golf Course with the Golf NB Men’s and Senior Men’s Four Ball, presented by TaylorMade Golf Canada.

After the event’s cancellation in 2020 and 2021, the Algonquin Golf Course located in St. Andrews, NB is set to host the 2022 NB Men’s Four Ball, Presented by Taylormade Golf Canada. With the event selling out in 33 minutes with 168 players, this year’s registration numbers show a clear indication of how excited players are for the return of this event.

The NB Men’s and Senior Men’s Four Ball, presented by TaylorMade Golf Canada will continue with its historical two-day, 36-hole, format with 56 Amateur Teams and 28 Senior Teams respectively.

The deep and diverse fields in both the Men’s and Senior Men’s divisions should make for an exciting weekend filled with great competitive golf.

• For more information on the 2022 NB Men’s Four Ball please CLICK HERE.
• For more information on the Algonquin 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 8,000 members include: 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.

“It weighs 35 pounds, except when you’re lifting it,” is an ode to the hoisting of the Stanley Cup but is also speaks to the difficulty of winning any championship and the ease of hoisting the hardware thereafter.

Trophies are a longstanding symbolic representation of achievement and the history that lives within them is no less. What makes them special are their unique characteristics and designs that represent the championship they stand for, and the RBC Canadian Open Trophy is no exception – every part of Canada is represented on the silverware symbolizing the National Open.

The RBC Canadian Open is the third oldest continuously running tournament on the PGA TOUR and, accordingly, has a rich history of hardware to show for. From the inaugural winner in 1904 to the latest champion in 2019, golf’s legacy is imprinted all over the Canadian Open trophies shelved in the archives of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame at Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, Ont.

Here are 11 facts about the RBC Canadian Open Trophy for your next trivia night:

1. The first time a trophy was awarded to the winner of the Canadian Open was in 1920. In the years prior and starting with the first tournament in 1904, the RCGA (commonly known as Golf Canada) awarded the winner with a gold medal.

2. At one point, the trophy came in the form of a one-of-a-kind soapstone carving.

3. U.K. native James Douglas Edgar would be the first recipient of the trophy (what was then called The Rivermead Challenge Cup) in 1920. He received $300 in prize money for the first-place finish. In comparison, the winner’s share for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open is $1.57 million.

4. The current trophy in use was made in 1994 in Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia by a silversmith. The trophy consists of three parts: the lid, the bowl, and the base.

5. If you look closely, a map of Canada is engraved on the lid of the trophy. The flags from the provinces and territories are also represented along the lip of the bowl.

6. The base of the trophy is made of Canadian maple with silver bands to accommodate the engraved names. In 2015, an additional tier was added to accommodate the newest generation of champions. There are 86 different names (110 total) engraved into the current trophy.

7. The name that appears the most on the trophy is Leo Diegel who won the championship a record four times. Tommy Armour, Sam Snead and Lee Travino are each represented three times.

8. The Canadian Open was cancelled from 1915-1918 because of World War I, 1943-1944 for World War II, and 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. For these eight occasions the trophy reads “No Championship”.  

9. The tournament winner receives a miniature version of the trophy to take home and keep.

10. The trophy is the only silverware to be presented in Canada at a PGA TOUR event this year with the RBC Canadian Open being the sole PGA TOUR stop north of the border.  

11. Though it may feel as light as feathers after a 72-hole victory on the PGA TOUR, the RBC Canadian Open Trophy weighs in at 22 pounds (10 kilograms).

To buy your tickets to the final round and see the RBC Canadian Open Trophy presentation live from St George’s Golf and Country Club on June 12, click here.

THE CANADIAN OPEN GOLD MEDAL (1904 – 1919)

THE SEAGRAM GOLD CUP (1936 – 1970)

THE DU MAURIER TROPHY (1971 – 1993)

RBC CANADIAN OPEN TROPHY (1994 – current)

Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record holes-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).

Shaun Mescheder, Olympic View Golf Club, Hole #6

Hole In One – 2022-05-15 – Shaun Mesched

Thanks for the congratulations!

It was pretty cool. I was playing with Terry S., Ben P. and Jason M. #6 Olympic View, 199 yards, 5 iron.

Editor’s Note: Give this video a bit of your time; it will be the most joyful thing you watch today.

Doug Hoppe, Essex Golf & Country Club, Hole #7

Appreciate the congratulatory email – what a nice touch by Golf Canada! I’d be happy to provide the details of my hole-in-one and a photo as well, see below. Feel free to share on the Golf Canada website and social channels as you see fit.

Yardage: 147 yards
Club: Pitching Wedge
Playing Partner: Mike D.

Regards,
Doug Hoppe

Tony Maher, The Pulpit Club, Hole #13

Having just hit my tee ball OB on 12 at the Paintbrush, I was last to tee off on the par-3 13th. The 13th was playing 212 yards to a back pin. Jeremy N. led off with a well struck 5 or 6 iron that took a soft bounce and just failed to crest the ridge in the middle of the green. Michael O., a new member at The Pulpit Club followed and hit a great hybrid on the same line as Jeremy, but with a lower ball flight he appeared to crest the ridge. Since I lost my ball on the previous hole, I reached in to my pocket and pulled out a mint Callaway Chrome Soft that I found during my recent search. I teed that ball up, looked at the Maple Leafs, and made a decent pass with my 3 wood.

When we got to the green, we saw 2 balls on the green, with Michael’s being less than 10ft away. After looking for a minute or two, we were thinking my ball was lost, until Michael looked in the hole.

It was a long winter, but it is so good being back out on the course….what a game!

Lise Proulx, Hylands Golf Club, Hole #3

How nice is it of you to write to congratulate me on my hole in one. The pro at my course didn’t think much of it, he simply said, “Easy game.” So thank you for taking the time to write.

The people who played with me were: Cathy B., Brenda W. and Chantale B. The distance was 108 yards and I used my 8 iron. I have attached pictures of that moment and give you permission to feature my story on GolfCanada.ca.

Thank you again,

Lise

Elène McDougall, Loch March Golf & Country Club, Hole #13

Imagine my surprise receiving this congratulatory acknowledgment from Golf Canada !!

WOOHOO !!

On Saturday May 14, 2022, I scored (my second) HOLE-IN-ONE on #13 at Loch March !!

Loch March GCC: Hole # 13 ~95 yards – 9 iron.
Playing partners: Glen C., Mike W. and Lu J.

Celebrated with pops on LM patio :)))

Elène McDougall

Peter Dykstra, Summit Golf & Country Club, Hole #10

Thanks for the note!

Was playing with a few good friends and fellow Summit members Chris S., Sean R. and Brent H.

Was a beautiful but windy day. 10th hole, we lasered it at 173, but felt it was playing 195 or so with the wind and elevation. I took out my 5 iron, had a nice smooth swing, the ball bounced once before the green one more on the fringe, rolled about 6 feet and it dropped. To be honest, I didn’t really believe it until we got up to the green.

Here are a couple pictures by all means share if you want. Thanks again and have a wonderful weekend!

Reid Woodman, Edmonton Country Club, Hole #18

Thank you very much, and yes you have my permission to share if you’d like!

For details, I was playing with Mark M. and Ethan O. The yardage was about 185 and I used a 7 iron. This is my second hole-in-one in ten months, and third in my lifetime, with the last one being on number 13 at the Edmonton Country Club in July 2021. Feeling very lucky to say the least!

Thank you for the email and the graphic.

Bryan Ho, Hollinger Golf Club, Hole #13

I was on hole 13 at Hollinger par 3; playing from the whites. It was 103.4 yards to the pin, as indicated by my rangefinder. Thats right in the range of my approach wedge (50 degrees).

The ball I struck, had the best feeling swing I had all day. Great high ball flight that landed right in front of the flag and it slowly crept down to the hole. Once it fell, I couldn’t believe it and in that moment the realization came at a burst and I screamed at the top of my lungs. It alerted the group ahead of me that was teeing off haha. They thought I had a heart attack. After I told them that I just hit a hole-in-one, they came to the flag to check and sure enough there it was: My TaylorMade RBZ ball that I found in the woods that day.

Thank you for contacting me, I was able to relive it again by describing what happened!

Gisele Watson, Maple City Country Club, Hole #12

Hello Lawrence!

Yes, it was the moment of my golf life! It was on hole number 12 at Maple City Country Club, and I believe the yardage was 105 yards. I used a 6 hybrid for that shot. I played with Judy P., Judy W. and Claudette R.

Cheers!

Gisele Watson

Frank Diamanti, BraeBen Golf Course, Hole #4

Thank you so much for acknowledging the feat.

I was playing with my cousin Marco C., my usual playing partner, it was the 4th hole par 3. We were playing from the black tees; my watch indicated it was 152 yards to the middle, so I used my 7-iron and the ball was moving left to right, playing the wind accordingly. I saw it bounce on the green, but because of the time of day (5’ish) and glare from the sun off the green, I couldn’t see where it landed.

We drove up to the hole, and I didn’t see my ball on the green, I was looking for it, right of the flagstick, and in the greenside bunker, but didn’t see it. Marco checked the pin and it was in the hole.

I don’t have a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account (old and wise for that kind of stuff), so taking a picture didn’t cross my mind. We just carried on with the round. The funny thing we didn’t know how to mark it on the score card… is it just a 1 and a rectangle or …. we didn’t know it was two circles…. we know how to mark birdies and bogies and what not …..but for a hole in 1, we had no clue.

Thank you for very much, really do appreciate Golf Canada reaching out.

Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.

TORONTO — RBC today announced its new sponsorship as a Global Partner of Women’s Golf Day (WGD) and lead sponsor of the inaugural WGD RBC Toronto event, taking place June 7 at the historic Scarboro Golf and Country Club. The Women’s Golf Day movement, recognized each year in June, includes more than 1,000 events in over 80 countries, and celebrates women and girls learning valuable skills that will empower them on and off the golf course.

With a shared vision of advancing the game of golf for women, RBC is proud to partner with WGD, a global network of women dedicated to supporting golf and one another in the pursuit of excellence in the game. As lead sponsor of the WGD Toronto event, RBC will help provide new and experienced golfers across the greater Toronto area with resources, networking opportunities and access to the game.

“We are thrilled to partner with Women’s Golf Day for the launch of the inaugural WGD RBC Toronto event and to further our commitment to supporting women in sport,” said Shannon Cole, Vice-President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “WGD’s passion for championing the advancement of women in golf is inspiring, and we are excited to be joining their incredible global network.”

“As Women’s Golf Day continues to evolve and expand globally, we are excited to welcome RBC, an organization that shares our passion for advancing women through the sport of golf,” said Elisa Gaudet, Founder of Women’s Golf Day. “We look forward to launching this initiative in Toronto and continuing to empower Canadian women to get involved in golf no matter what their level and explore the benefits for themselves, family and friends.”

Golfers can participate in the WGD global initiative by registering for the Toronto event, taking place on Tuesday, June 7 at Scarboro Golf and Country Club from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST. The event will include a panel discussion featuring prominent women in the sport including Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Member Lorie Kane, a choice of participation in either a 9-hole shotgun game or golf clinic, as well as networking opportunities with leading golf industry professionals.

Additionally, event participants will receive complimentary tickets courtesy of Golf Canada, to the RBC Canadian Open taking place from June 6-12 at the iconic St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Etobicoke. Tickets to the WGD event are limited and registration will close once all spots have been filled.

“Scarboro Golf and Country Club is thrilled to host the Toronto event for Women’s Golf Day and to partner with RBC and WGD on this amazing initiative,” said Carol-Ann Goering, Chief Operating Officer, Scarboro Golf and Country Club. “Our Club aims to engage a diverse community of golfers and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the WGD network this June.”

RBC is a proud supporter of women’s golf on both the professional and grassroots level, demonstrated through longstanding sponsorships including: Team Canada; CP Women’s Open; RBC PGA Scramble; and RBC Community Junior Golf. RBC is also the official financial services partner of golfers on the LPGA TOUR including world no. 9 Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp and Morgan Pressel.

Key Facts:

What: Women’s Golf Day in partnership with RBC

When: Tuesday, June 7 from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST

Where: Scarboro Golf and Country Club, Toronto, ON

How: Register for the inaugural Toronto event here. Registration includes complimentary tickets to the RBC Canadian Open, courtesy of RBC and Golf Canada. Spots are limited and registration will close once all spots have been filled.

Women’s Golf Day (WGD) is a global movement that Engages, Empowers, and Supports women and girls through golf and facilitates them learning the skills that last a lifetime. The one-day, four-hour event, has now taken place at more than 1000 locations in nearly 80 countries since its inception in 2016, and has introduced thousands of new golfers to the sport. WGD is the fastest-growing female golf development initiative. Learn more at womensgolfday.com.

CALEDON, Ont. – Before the pandemic started, Brendan Leonard was ready to call it quits on golf. Missed cuts and failed attempts at Q-school and the Mackenzie Tour lead the 30-year-old to lean towards pursuing a career in teaching. Now, some two and a half years later, he finds himself preparing to play in the 2022 RBC Canadian Open.

A two-foot putt for par on the fourth playoff hole booked the Cambridge, Ont. native’s ticket to the RBC Canadian Open at St George’s Golf & Country Club on June 6-12, after a marathon-like battle with David Li Sheman.

Twenty others, excluding Li Sheman, also earned spots at the Final Qualifier on June 6 at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. Among the group are Michael Gonko, who finished at 5 under, and Ben MacLean, Chris Wilson, Phil Arci and Victor Ciesielski, who each carded rounds of 4-under-par 68.

A frost delay pushed back tee times on Wednesday morning and darkness suspended play in the evening, but 25 hours, 1 minute and 24 seconds after the originally planned start time, a champion was crowned at the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier (Ontario) at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.

Leonard and Sheman, both owners of rounds of 6-under-par 66 on Wednesday, teed off on the first playoff hole with little daylight to spare, but neither were willing to give in. A pair of birdies on the first playoff hole, coupled with two pars on the second was all the shine the setting sun had to offer.

A look back into the sunset, a nod and a handshake wrapped up play on Wednesday as the player’s agreed it was too dark to continue.

“It was nerve wracking waiting around, that’s probably the worst part,” said Leonard, whose alarm clock was set for 4 a.m. Thursday morning. “Going into today, I told myself, ‘You’re the best player in the field, let’s just try and get it done.”

Get it done, he did.

On Wednesday morning, the players returned to the tee on No. 18 and went toe-to-toe.

On the first playoff hole of the day – and third of the tournament – Li Sheman’s approach shot found the water, forcing the Aurora, Ont., native to drop. The penalty stroke did not seem to faze him, however, as he was able to regather himself and get up-and-down to save par.

On the ensuing playoff hole, it was Leonard’s composure that sealed the deal for him. A perfectly executed tee shot and layup left him with a short chip and a nervy two-foot putt for par to win, and he made no mistake. At first, a subtle fist pump and a sigh of relief was all the reaction to show for it, but there was no holding back the smile that lit up Leonard’s face moments later.

“I’ve been dreaming of this since I picked up a club at age 14,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to play in the [RBC] Canadian Open, so I’m happy to now have the chance to do it.”

Leonard’s patience has been tested, not only on Wednesday and Thursday this week, but everyday since the 30-year-old dedicated his life to golf. Safe to say now, the patience has paid off.

“I was kind of struggling [before the pandemic] but a few people told me to just keep going and I’ve played really well the past two years, so now I’m feeling pretty good about my game,” said Leonard.

“I get up, practice, play and go back and do the same thing seven days a week,” added Leonard, who is a PGA of Canada professional at Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, Ont.

It was all or nothing for the former University of Detroit Mercy Titan coming into Wednesday’s round. Earning a spot in the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on June 6 meant little to nothing for Leonard, who will be competing in the U.S. Open Final Qualifier that same day, so he knew he had to win to get in.

Despite making consecutive birdies on hole Nos. 8, 9, 10 and 11, it wasn’t until a 45-foot putt for birdie on No. 16 that Leonard – who admittedly looked at the leaderboard prior to his round – thought he had a legitimate chance at winning the qualifier.

“I wanted to get to 7 under. Obviously, that didn’t happen, but I still got the job done,” he said. “I’ve had a few good years lately, but I think this one takes the cake,” added Leonard, alluding to Thursday’s win being the best moment in his golf career.

Leonard says he’s never played at St George’s Golf and Country Club before but plans on visiting before teeing it up the week of June 6-12. As for his goal for that week, it’s simple:

“Every tournament I play, I try to win, so I am going to take it hole-by-hole and try to birdie as many as I can.”

Leonard says he’s got many phone calls to make, but the first went out to his parents.

“They’re my biggest supporters; they’ve done a lot for me [and] helped me out a lot so they’re going to be pretty happy,” he laughed.

Despite being six days shy of his 31^st birthday, Leonard plans on celebrating early.

“We’re going to have fun tonight,” he joked, with a wry smile.

The 18-hole qualifier at TPC Toronto was the third of four regional qualifiers taking place across the country. The fourth, and final, regional qualifier is scheduled for Monday, May 30at Mickelson National Golf Club in Calgary, Alta, rounding up the field for the Final Qualifier.

For the full leaderboard click here.

For past results of the 2022 regional qualifiers: Quebec and British Columbia

PITT MEADOWS, B.C. – It took six holes for Bryce Barker to get settled in at Meadow Gardens Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, B.C., but once he found his groove, there was no looking back.

After making a bogey on hole 6, the Vernon, B.C. native shifted gears into the fast lane as he recorded three birdies in his final 12 holes to finish at 2-under par on Tuesday at the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier in British Columbia.

As there were less than 100 competitors at the Regional Qualifier, Barker did not gain a direct exemption into the 2022 RBC Canadian Open, but will be vying for a spot in the tournament at the Final Qualifier.

Joining Barker at Oakdale Golf & Country Club on June 6 are Tanvir Kahlon (Langley, B.C.); Owen Kim (Oakville, Ont.); Sang Lee (Calgary, Alta); Nigel Sinnott (Abbotsford, B.C); Gunner Wiebe (Phoenix, Az); Brendan Dillon (Port Moody, B.C.); Scott Kerr (Vancouver, B.C.); and Tony Gil (Delta, B.C.).

Kahlon and Kim tackled the 7,041-yard layout with a pair of 1-under par rounds of 71, while Lee came in alone in fourth with a respectable round of even par.

Sinnott and Wiebe carded scores of 1-over 71, good enough for a T5 finish; and Dillon, Gil and Kerr – who birdied hole 18 – made it on the number at 2-over par.

The 18-hole qualifier at Meadow Gardens was the second of four regional qualifiers taking place across the country. The next qualifier goes tomorrow (Wednesday, May 18) at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont., where one of 144 players will be granted direct entry into the 2022 RBC Canadian Open at St. George’s Golf & Country Club. The final regional qualifier is scheduled for May 30at Mickelson National Golf Club in Calgary, Alta.

For the full leaderboard click here.

For the Quebec regional qualifier results click here.

Below is a list of how Canadian golfers fared across the major professional tours the week prior.

PGA TOUR

K.H. Lee eagled the 12th hole to take the lead for good on his way to a final round 63 and a one-shot victory over hometown favorite Jordan Spieth at the Byron Nelson. The 30-year-old South Korean joins Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus,  and Tom Watson as the only repeat winners at the event. Spieth finished a stroke ahead of Hideki Matsuyama and Sebastian Munoz. Xander Schauffele had a career-best 61 and tied for fifth with Ryan Palmer and Justin Thomas. …For just the second time this season Adam Svensson shot the same score in three of the four rounds played

NEXT EVENT:  PGA Championship (May 19)

CANADIANS ENTERED: Corey Conners, Adam Hadwin, Mackenzie Hughes,

LPGA TOUR

Minjee Lee made her only three birdies on the back nine of the final round but it was enough to hold off Lexi Thompson by two strokes in the Cognizant Founders Cup. It was her first victory of the year and seventh career LPGA title. Thompson, looking for her first LPGA Tour win since 2019, rallied from three down to grab a share of the lead with a birdie on No. 10. However, she closed with six straight pars for a final round 69. It was Thompson’s second runner-up finish in six events.

NEXT EVENT: Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play (May 25)

CANADIANS ENTERED: Maude-Aimee Leblanc

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS

Steve Stricker went wire-to-wire for a six stroke victory at the Regions Tradition, his fourth PGA Tour Champions major title. It was his second Tradition win and came in his third event since returning from a six-month absence due to health reasons. Paidrag Harrington bridied the final two holes to finish in second place. Steven Alker was in a five-way tie for third. He has finished four straight tournaments in the top three, winning twice. …Mike Weir snapped a streak of two straight top 20 finishes. …Stephen Ames posted his lowest result in eight starts this year

NEXT EVENT: KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship  (May 26)

CANADIANS ENTERED: TBA

KORN FERRY TOUR

Anders Albertson two-putted for birdie on the final hole for a one-stroke victory over Korn Ferry Tour points leader Carl Yuan in the Visit Knoxville Open. It was his first tour win since 2018. It was the sixth time in the first 12 events this season the margin of victory was one stroke, while another three events were decided in a sudden-death playoff. …After finishing 15 under par in his first event, Albin Choi is a combined 17 under par in his last four weekend starts

NEXT EVENT: AdventHealth Championship (May 19)

CANADIANS ENTERED: Albin Choi, Stuart Macdonald, Ben Silverman

EUROPEAN TOUR

Sam Horsfield carded a final round 68 to win the Soudal Open by two strokes. It was his third European tour title, and first since 2020. Ryan Fox, the overnight leader, needed a birdie on the final hole to force a playoff but made bogey to finish in a tie for second with Yannik Paul. Horsfield is two weeks into his return to the tour following a three-month injury layoff. There were no Canadians entered in the event.

NEXT EVENT: Dutch Open (May 26)

CANADIANS ENTERED: Aaron Cockerill

CALEDON, Ont. – If you think you’ve heard the name Michael Blair before, it’s because you have. The Ancaster, Ont., native, who competed in the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, is now vying for a spot at this year’s U.S. Open and his odds just got a whole lot better.

The 30-year-old withstood inclement weather conditions in what seemingly was just another day at the office for Blair, who fired a cool 2-under par 69 at The Pulpit Club (Paintbrush course) on Monday to earn medallist honours in the local qualifying round.

Blair wasted no time getting to work on Monday morning as part of the first pairing to tee off in Caledon, Ont., and set the tone early for the remaining 75 players in the starting field.

After an even par showing on the front nine, he knocked down three birdies coming in, to claim the early clubhouse lead – one that was ultimately never surrendered.  

Riley Goss of Toronto, Ont. solidified his spot in the Final Qualifier with a 1-under 70, as a result of two birdies on his final five holes of the day. Goss also eagled the par-5 No. 8 earlier in the round.

Then, things got interesting:

• Five: the number of players tied at even par
• Three: the number of spots remaining for a berth in the Final Qualifier
• One: the number of ways to settle the tie.

What does that equal? A playoff.

Jeff Fang, Steve Gonko, Chris Crisologo, David Li Sheman and Branson Ferrier entered the pot in hopes of pencilling their names into the next stage and with the stakes high, it was the latter trio of names who prevailed.

Cosologo, Sheman and Ferrier’s pars on the first playoff hole proved good enough to see them through to the final stage of qualifying for the 122^nd U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Fang and Gonko will serve as alternates in the event that one of the qualifiers opts out of the final stage.

Players will be designated to the course of their choice for the Final Qualifier. To see the list of Final Qualifying sites click here.

For the full leaderboard click here.

Golf Canada is adding new financial benefits available to competitors at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, Canadian Junior Boys Championship, Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, and Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, each presented by BDO.

To help defray the cost of participation, a limited number of needs-based financial assistance grants will be available for competitors who must travel to play in the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and Canadian Junior Boys Championship. A total of 26 grants of $500 each will be provided to eligible participants based on family financial need using an application process that is similar to how universities allocate financial aid.

“Golf Canada recognizes the financial demands associated with attending national championships and sees this as a modest way to help junior players and their families,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director of Amateur Championships and Rules. “We will evaluate the impact of this pilot initiative as we plan for future years.”

In addition, in accordance with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, Canadian Junior Boys Championship, Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, and Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, will now compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD at each event. 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.

McKenna says these new financial initiatives are part of Golf Canada’s commitment to operating globally prominent amateur championships and its increased efforts to grow the number of Canadians competing on the LPGA Tour and PGA TOUR.

Applications for financial assistance grants for the national junior championships will open on May 16, 2022 and may be submitted by any junior golfer who qualifies for the Canadian Junior Girls Championship or Canadian Junior Boys Championship, both presented by BDO. For the financial assistance grant application form click here.

For more details about the financial assistance grants click here. For more information on the purse payout plan click here.