On behalf of the Board of Directors of Golf NB, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Luke Lacey as Executive Director of Golf NB. 

Luke’s experience with Golf NB for the past 3 years and background in sales and marketing makes him a great fit for the future of Golf NB as we work to grow the game and introduce those who are new to the game. 

Luke resides in Fredericton, NB, and is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University with a degree in Marketing and a focus in Strategic Management. His previous experience on the frontline with a Golf facility complements our strategic vision of enhancing our relationships with our member clubs.

I look forward to working with Luke and the fellow executive in 2021 and beyond. 

Judy Astle

Golf NB President 

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.

For Immediate Release: 

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is excited to announce its 2021 Scholarship Award Recipients.

The annually awarded University Scholarships are provided to deserving members of Golf NB, to be used towards the cost of tuition at any recognized University or College. These awards include the “NBGA 50th Anniversary Scholarship” for male golfers, the “NBLGA 50th Anniversary Scholarship” for female golfers, and the “John Patrick Sears Golf Scholarship” which is open to both genders and is renewable annually.

Chaired by New Brunswick Golf Associations (Golf NB) and Golf Canada (RCGA) Past President, Dr. Doug Brewer of the Fredericton Golf Club, the Golf NB Scholarship Committee evaluated applicants on three main awards criteria; Academic Performance, Competitive Golf Experience, and Extracurricular Involvement & Giving Back to the Game of Golf. Typically the winners are announced at the Golf NB Annual Awards Banquet & Silent Auction, however, due to COVID-19, the 2021 Golf NB Annual Awards Banquet & Silent Auction did not take place.

Golf NB looks forward to the opportunity to resume our Golf NB Annual Awards Banquet & Silent Auction in 2022 once it is safe to do so. With that, Golf NB is pleased to announce the 2021 Golf NB Scholarship Awards Recipients; 

NBGA 50th Anniversary Scholarship

Keegan Miller – Hampton Golf Club

John Patrick Sears Golf Scholarship

Ethan McFadden – Moncton Golf Club

Mark Kelly – Westfield Golf & Country Club

Daniel Kirby – Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club

Nathan Hogan – Miramichi Golf & Country Club

Benjamin MacDonald – Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club

Mackenzie Deveau – Royal Oaks Golf Club

Golf NB would like to congratulate each of its 2021 scholarship recipients and wish each of the winners a very successful 2021 / 2022 Academic Year.

 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.

Golf Canada and Ace Beverage Group announced today a multi-year integrated partnership that will see Ace Beverage Group become the official ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage partner for the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

Through the partnership, Ace Beverage Group will offer a selection of their RTD beverages, including the highly popular Cottage Springs brand, at Golf Canada’s two National Open Golf Championships beginning in 2022. The Canadian-based Cottage Springs brand will become the new sponsor of the spectator grandstand at the RBC Canadian Open’s famous “Rink Hole”. Spectators at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open will also enjoy a range of Ace Beverage Group products at the Fare Way food and beverage experience as well as sampling within the fan village.

“We are very proud to partner with Ace Beverage Group to deliver their premium portfolio of ready-to-drink beverages to the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open” said John Sibley, chief commercial officer of Golf Canada. “This partnership across our two flagship properties provides a tremendous opportunity for Golf Canada to align with a leading brand in the RTD category and deliver a premium spectator and hospitality experience.”

Ace Beverage Group is a fast-growing and innovative beverage alcohol company based in Toronto. Ace Beverage Group holds market leadership positions across hard seltzer, craft beer and cider, and has a highly engaged consumer following around its brands. The company’s unique, premium portfolio features numerous popular brands, including Cottage Springs (the #2 hard seltzer brand in Canada), Ace Hill, Liberty Village and Cabana Coast. 

“The RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open are among the most exciting events in all of Canadian sports and we are extremely proud that event fans will have the opportunity to experience and enjoy our products,” said Mike Wagman, CEO of Ace Beverage Group. “We are thrilled to partner with Golf Canada to share our unique portfolio of beverages with spectators, and to continue to grow our brands among golf enthusiasts across the country.”

The 2022 RBC Canadian Open will be held June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ont., with the CP Women’s Open being contested August 22-28 at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.  

Golf’s new Rules of Amateur Status have been published by The R&A and the USGA ahead of coming into effect on January 1, 2022.

The work was the latest step by the governing bodies to make the Rules easier to understand and apply, and follows the modernization process of the Rules of Golf in 2019. The new Rules were informed by golfer and golf industry feedback as a part of a comprehensive review, to ensure they continue to reflect how the modern game is played by millions of golfers around the world. 

This review, along with the global feedback received when the proposals were publicly shared earlier this year, reaffirmed amateur golf’s important position in the game and the value in maintaining amateur status Rules. 

The result is a set of Rules that removes many of the restrictions that previously applied to amateur golfers, while ensuring that the integrity of the game is protected by limiting the form and value of the prizes an amateur golfer can accept. 

As part of the modernisation effort, the new Rules identify only the following acts that will result in a golfer losing their amateur status:

• Accepting a prize in excess of the prize limit ($1200 CAD) or accepting prize money in a handicap competition.

• Playing as a professional.
• Accepting payment for giving instruction (although all current exceptions still apply, such as coaching at educational institutions and assisting with approved programs).
• Accepting employment as a golf club professional or membership of an association of professional golfers. 

To achieve this simplified approach, the following key changes have been introduced:

• Distinguishing between scratch and handicap competitions in terms of the prizes that may be accepted.
• The prize rule applies only to tee-to-hole competitions played on a golf course or a simulator, but no longer apply to long-drive, putting and skills competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-hole competition.
• Eliminating all advertising, expense-related and sponsorship restrictions.

The new opportunities provided by lifting sponsorship restrictions and the ability to accept prize money up to the increased limit of $1200 CAD in scratch only competitions will be of significant benefit to elite amateur golfers looking for ways to fund golf-related expenses.

Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, said, “We are delighted to be rolling out the modernised Rules of Amateur Status today. These Rules play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport but the code must evolve to meet the needs of the modern game. This is particularly important for modern elite amateur golf, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential. The new Rules give them this opportunity and will help to make the game even more inclusive.” 

“Golf is unique in its broad appeal to both recreational and competitive golfers,” said Craig Winter, USGA Senior Director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. “This was emphasized in the feedback we received earlier this year and we believe these updates will help simplify these Rules and ensure the long-term health of the amateur game, not only to those who compete at the highest level of amateur golf, but for the millions of golfers at every age and skill level who enjoy competitive events at their home courses.”

“A great amount of work has gone into making the Rules easier to understand and apply for both the recreational and competitive golfer,” said Kevin Blue, Chief Sport Officer of Golf Canada.  

The new Rules are accompanied by guidance notes, an overview document and explanations that detail the rationale for why changes have been made and, in some instances, why they have stayed the same. These materials can be found here.

Golf NB would like to extend a massive congratulations to Kathy Meagher on her induction into the NB Sports Hall of Fame!

The entire golf community is excited to celebrate this amazing accomplishment with you.

Congratulations to the rest of the 2021 inductees

TORONTO – The Humeniuk family and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley are proof that the impact of golf’s champions is measured by more than just trophies.

Inspired to support the life skills and youth development values ingrained in golf, the Humeniuk Foundation and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley have announced a major $1M USD donation to the Golf Canada Foundation to power the advancement of First Tee – Canada. 

The generosity of the Humeniuk family will be a catalyst for Golf Canada to expand the national rollout of First Tee – Canada program development and delivery with multi-faceted activities designed for schools, community centres, and golf facilities. With the gift, the Humeniuk Foundation will become a First Tee International Trustee. 

“We are extremely grateful to the Humeniuk family and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley for this meaningful gift that will enable First Tee – Canada to make an impact on youth development in communities across the country” said Kevin Blue, Chief Sport Officer for Golf Canada. “It is because of these generous donations that First Tee will help to provide transformational life skills and experiences to youth through the game of golf.” 

The Humeniuk Foundation gift to First Tee – Canada coincides with an exciting new era for TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley as the 54-hole facility is set to break ground on construction of two new clubhouses along with on-site accommodations that will transform the property into one of Canada’s premier golf destinations.   

The Humeniuk Foundation and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley have a history of giving back to the game of golf and their community with significant charitable commitments in recent years, from more than $350,000 in 2020 to organizations providing Covid-19 relief efforts to events like The Face-off, an annual charity match that features celebrities and media personalities including TSN’s James Duthie, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas and NHL stars Mark Scheifele and Brandon Tanev and has donated $110,000 to charitable causes.

TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley has also supported numerous local causes including the Credit Valley Conversation Foundation, Caledon Community Services, Bethell Hospice Foundation and others, while acting as a leading partner in Golf’s Canada’s Covid-19 Golf Relief Fund which supported golf facilities in 2020 through reimbursement for PPE as well as rounds played subsidies for front-line workers and juniors. 

“We have been incredibly fortunate over the past few years to be in a position to give back to some wonderful organizations throughout our community. On behalf of the Humeniuk family and our entire team at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, we are very proud to play a part in the advancement of First Tee – Canada and look forward to a bright future ahead for youth experiences in the game of golf,” said Chris Humeniuk, President, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

Located in Caledon, Ont., TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley features three of Canada’s Top 100 Courses and is the only Canadian facility to join the PGA TOUR’s Tournament Players Club (TPC) Network. The facility has hosted a number of premier championships including qualifiers for both the RBC Canadian Open and US Open as well as the Osprey Valley Open on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada. Earlier this year, the facility launched The Road to TPC presented COBRA PUMA GOLF, a new six-event (36-hole) qualifying series for junior golfers to experience competition across Ontario and culminating with the series finale at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. 

An accomplished executive and philanthropist that has supported his community through countless charitable endeavors, Chris Humeniuk is also the President of Pro-M Capital Partners Inc., providing strategic leadership and oversight of private equity real estate developments and mortgage lending. 

First Tee – Canada will provide Canadian youth and especially those in underrepresented groups access to affordable and meaningful character education programs through golf. Golf Canada is striving to launch chapters in every province in Canada by 2022, with the goal of 100,000 annual participants. 

Through its deep network of donors and trustees, Golf Canada Foundation is a critical partner in supporting the launch and advancement of First Tee – Canada through its fundraising and philanthropic efforts. Canada’s Provincial Golf Associations will also play a role in the advancement of First Tee – Canada as chapters begin to form in markets across Canada. 

“This is an exciting time for youth golf in Canada and thanks to the Humeniuk Foundation and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, we are advancing the national roll-out of First Tee – Canada programing with pace nationwide,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO Martin Barnard. “The Humeniuk family and TPC Toronto have become exceptional supporters of the game and their community, and we are extremely appreciative of their continued generosity and shared vision to invest in the growth of the game.”

Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has impacted more than 15 million young people through its character-building programs on golf courses, in schools and at youth-serving locations. 

The First Tee network has grown to over 150 chapters and more than 1,200 program locations across the United States as well as six international chapters—Australia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, and Canada—delivering programs that help young people build character and develop life skills through the game of golf. 

Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are continuously pursuing more gifts, which will allow more chapters to launch in Canada. For more information on First Tee – Canada, to get involved, or to donate, visit www.firstteecanada.ca

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is pleased to announce the 2021 Golf NB Players of the Year. 

The Player of the Year (POY) is a ranking system that awards points to players based on tournament results throughout the golfing year. It is designed to promote golf development through competition and celebrate the individual achievements of golfers in New Brunswick.

NB Men’s Player of the Year

Michel Landry – Fredericton Golf Club

2021 proved to be a successful campaign and once again a year filled with silverware for Fredericton’s Michel Landry. An impressive stretch of play over three days at the NB Men’s Amateur Championship would lead to Landry capturing his fourth provincial amateur title. Landry’s impressive play would continue at the Mactaquac Invitational and West Hills Invitational where he recorded under-par rounds of 69 and 67 to win both club events. Stellar play throughout the year would see Landry secure 114.0 POY points from four qualifying events.

Building off of his impressive 2020 season, Country Meadows’ Stu Musgrave participated in all five of Golf NB’s Player of the Year events in 2021. Consistent play would see Musgrave finish second in the Taylormade NB Men’s Player of the Year Challenge with 48.5 points.

Finishing in third position is former Team NB player and Westfield member, Stuart Earle.  Earle recorded a third-place finish at the NB Men’s Amateur Championship to amass a season total of points 48.0.

For more information on the TaylorMade NB Men’s Player of the Year Challenge – CLICK HERE

NB Senior Men’s Player of the Year

Darren Ritchie – Hampton Golf Club

Performing on the biggest stages, Hampton’s Darren Ritchie had an incredible 2021 golf season. His victories at both the New Brunswick Senior Men’s Championship and the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship would propel him to the top of the season-long NB Senior Men’s Player of the Year leaderboard. Capturing a total of 164.5 POY points from three qualifying events, Ritchie would secure the race for the NB Senior Men’s Player of the Year Crown by a small margin over Grand Fall’s Denis Beaulieu.

Beaulieu finished the year with a remarkable 163.8 points from seven qualifying events. His second-place finish in the NB Senior Men’s Play of the Year Challenge caps off a successful season for the Saint Quentin native.

Finishing 19.3 points behind Beaulieu in third place is Fredericton’s Sonny Phillips. The past New Brunswick Champion completed the season-long race with 144.5 points after participating in nine events, including the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship in La Malbaie, Quebec.

For more information on the NB Senior Men’s Player of the Year Challenge – CLICK HERE

NB Ladies’ Player of the Year

Leanne Richardson – Country Meadows

A name synonymous with New Brunswick Ladies’ Golf sits atop the 2021 Royale NB Ladies Player of the Year standings as Country Meadows’ Leanne Richardson tallied an incredible 211.0 points on route to capturing the 2021 Royale NB Ladies Player of the Year Championship.

Impressive play throughout the season saw Richardson claim 3 individual crowns, including the 2021 NB Ladies’ Amateur & Mid-Amateur titles along with a T18 finish at the Canadian Women’s Mid-Senior Championship in Bromont, Quebec.

2020 Player of the Year Champion, Maureen O’Donnell finished in second, 36.5 points behind Richardson with a season total of 174.5 POY points. The Fredericton Golf Club (FGC) member participated in 9 qualifying events highlighted by a 4th place finish at the NB Ladies’ Provincials, 2 wins, 5 Top-5 finishes, and 2 Top-10’s.

Miramichi’s Paula Napke-Flanagan locked down third position thanks to her successful run of play which included, a win at the Sussex Ladies Invitational and the FGC Open, along with five Top-5 finishes combining for a season total of 167.1 POY points.

For more information on the Royale NB Ladies Player of the Year Challenge – CLICK HERE

NB Junior Boys Player of the Year

Nicholas Ritchie – Hampton Golf Club

Like father, like son… The Ritchie name is becoming a consistent sight on both Provincial and National leaderboards. A great run of form and consistent play sees Hampton’s Nicholas Ritchie, son of NB Senior Men’s & Canadian Senior Men’s Champion Darren Ritchie, capture the 2021 NB Junior Boys Player of the Year Challenge. A season-high of 72.6 POY points was enough to secure the victory in New Brunswick’s Order of Merit competition.

Ritchie’s 2021 campaign was highlighted by a T23 finish at the New Brunswick Amateur, a 3rd place finish at the NB Under-19 Championship at his home course of Hampton, followed by a victory at the Gage Junior Invitational.

Finishing 12.6 points behind Ritchie was Covered Bridge & JH Sports’ Daniel Kirby. A stellar win at the FGC Junior Invitational and a T38 finish at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship at Vallée du Richelieu contributed to Kirby’s season total of 60.0 POY points.

Securing a third-place finish in the season-long Order of Merit race would be Devon Gionet. In his last season of junior golf, the Miramichi native finished second at the NB Under-19 Championship, securing him 56.0 POY points.

For more information on the NB Junior Boys Player of the Year Challenge – CLICK HERE

NB Junior Girls Player of the Year

Mackenzie Deveau – Royal Oaks

Royal Oaks’ Mackenzie Deveau had a successful 2021 season as she claimed her second consecutive Golf NB Junior Girls Player of the Year crown. 

Deveau’s play during the NB Ladies Provincials and NB Under-19 Championship earned her 14.0 and 17.5 POY points respectively, totaling 31.5 POY points for the season.

Finishing 2.5 points behind Deveau in the race is Riverside’s Addison McClune who’s victories at the NB Under-19 & Under-17 Championships saw her finish the season with 29.0 points.

Rounding out the top-3 in the Golf NB Junior Girls Player of the Year Challenge would be Riverside’s Callie Taylor. An impressive run of play throughout the 2021 season would see Taylor finish with 25.5 points, 3.5 points behind clubmate, Addison McClune. 

For more information on the NB Junior Girls Player of the Year Challenge – CLICK HERE

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. and ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – The R&A and the USGA have announced that a new Model Local Rule (MLR G-10) will be available beginning on 1 January 2022 to provide those running professional or elite amateur golf competitions with the option of limiting the maximum length of a golf club (excluding putters) to 46 inches.

The proposal was announced in February 2021, which opened a notice-and-comment period to allow the industry the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the equipment rulemaking procedures. The comments received from the golf industry, including players, professional tours and equipment manufacturers, were carefully considered before the decision to proceed with the new MLR was reached.

The R&A and the USGA issued an Area of Interest notice in 2014 indicating that research was being conducted into the impact of club lengths of more than 48 inches on hitting distance and whether that limit remained appropriate. A proposed change to the limit was subsequently put forward in 2016 but was put on hold in 2017 when the Distance Insights project got underway.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “We have taken time to consult fully with the golf industry, including players, the main professional tours and equipment manufacturers, and have considered their feedback carefully. We believe this is the right thing for the game at this time and it will provide tournament organisers with the flexibility to choose for themselves within the framework of the Rules. We are working hard to maintain an open, collaborative and considered dialogue with these key stakeholders as we continue to evolve the Equipment Standards Rules to ensure they reflect the modern game.”

Mike Whan, Chief Executive Officer of the USGA, said, “We’ve worked closely with our industry partners to ensure the future for golf remains strong. Admittedly, this is not the ‘answer’ to the overall distance debate/issue but rather a simple option for competitive events. It’s important to note that it is not a ‘Rule of Golf,’ and as such, it is not mandated for the average, recreational golfer. Rather, this is an available tool for those running competitive events.”

The proposals submitted in February for changes to the testing method for golf balls and the testing tolerance for spring-like effect are still under consideration. The governing bodies plan to consider feedback on these proposals in line with the responses to the broader Area of Interest – Research Topics notification, which are due by 2 November.

The detail of MLR G-10 can be found here.

For more information visit www.RandA.org and www.usga.org. 

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is excited to share the following job opportunity

The New Brunswick Golf Association (Golf NB) is looking to fill the position of Executive Director (ED). This is a great opportunity for an individual to apply their experience and skills in the areas of vision, strategy, innovation, and enhancing relationships with sponsors, members, and partner facilities.

Please CLICK HERE for a full Job Posting

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 18, 2021

APPLICATIONS
Interested professionals, please forward your resume and cover letter, in confidence to Golf NB’s President Judy Astle.

Email: jastlenb4@gmail.com

Thank you to all that apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

______________________________________________________________________

LA MALBAIE, QUE. – The 59^th playing of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship wrapped up today with Darren Ritchie securing the title to etch his name into the John Rankin Memorial Trophy.

The St. John, N.B. native from Hampton Golf Club held the lead for the majority of the tournament, finishing 2 over par 72 to become the first Senior Men’s Champion since Gene Elliot captured the title in 2019. It was the first Canadian Men’s Senior title for the 57-year-old Ritchie.

“I took a lot of years off to be with my family and to take care of them,” said Ritchie. “To get back to playing and to come up here and succeed the way that I did, it’s an unbelievable feeling.”

Ritchie is no stranger to excellence with Canadian Amateur Champion, World Amateur Team Member, New Brunswick Player of the Year, and New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame Member listed among other accolades in his resume. When asked about his recent success in the tournament, Ritchie pointed to experience and a great starting lead.

“It goes back to the start of the week. I hit the driver so good that I could stand there and just know that it’s going up the middle of the fairway. Whenever I had to make a 3-footer for par, I was fortunate. I made a lot of them this week and a lot of the other guys struggled with it. My golf game is good right now and I just can’t wait to play again.”

With the win, Ritchie receives an exemption into the 2022 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at The Kittanset Club in Marion, Mass.

Joe Miszk of Niagara Falls, Ont., and Luc Guilbault of Drummondville, Que. tied for runner up, each finishing with a score of 7 over.

A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship ran concurrently throughout the championship with Michel Roy securing the Governor’s Cup with a score of 13 over. The runner up was Mark Bennett from Toronto, Ont. who finished the tournament with a score of +17.

The 2022 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship will be held September 6-9 in Red Deer, Alta.

Additional information, including a full list of competitors and scores can be found here.