ATLANTIC ALLIED GOLF ASSOCIATIONS –During these challenging times in Atlantic Canada, golf associations have come together to pool resources and expertise to clearly define a safe path for the golf industry as we continue to navigate through the current challenges that we face. 

The Atlantic Allied Golf Associations applaud the work of our health officials, our essential workers and various Government Agencies and Health Authorities for their active roles in ensuring the continued safety of our citizens, our communities, our provinces, and our nation.

With over a year having passed since the current health crisis began and the impacts on our citizens, businesses and communities continuing, we appreciate the challenges government officials are facing when deciding on the movement of people and the operation of businesses.

With the Atlantic Canadian golf season just beginning, the Atlantic Allied Golf Associations are working closely with our golf courses and our national partners to ensure the health and safety of our facility staff and the general public.

The Atlantic Allied Golf Associations continue to respect and support the positions of the federal and provincial Governments and the Chief Medical Officers of Health and we applaud them for identifying that golf is a safe and responsible recreational opportunity for the physical and mental well-being of our citizens while ensuring financial stability for those who work in the industry.

There is a great deal of information readily available from multiple jurisdictions however specific governmental and health requirements vary from area to area. We continue to compile relevant best practices and are consulting with various provincial governments and health authorities to identify key benchmarks and health and safety guidelines. These will be distributed to our partner facilities in a timely manner once they are identified and properly vetted so that they meet the appropriate requirements from the Government of Canada, our specific provinces, and the various municipalities in our provinces.

We appreciate the specific challenges that each of our four Atlantic Provinces are facing and we will continue to work as an allied group supporting the guidelines set forth by each of the respective provincial governments and health authorities.

We will continue to work together with our partner facilities as we enter the 2021 season and ensure that golf clubs in Atlantic Canada are organized and well prepared to operate with the health and safety of players and staff members as a top priority.

Sincerely,

Atlantic Allied Golf Associations

Lindon Garron – Executive Director, PGA Atlantic
Jim Thompson – Regional Director, Atlantic Chapter NGCOA
Jim Nix – Executive Director, Atlantic Golf Superintendents Association
Jeffrey Hutt – Regional Director, Atlantic Canada, Golf Canada
Eric Tobin – President, Atlantic Branch – Canadian Society of Club Managers
Tyson Flinn – Executive Director, Golf New Brunswick
Jason Lohnes – Executive Director, Nova Scotia Golf Association
Alison Griffin – Executive Director, Prince Edward Island Golf Association
Greg Hillier – Executive Director, Golf Newfoundland Labrador

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As an Allied Group, it is important to understand that there may be situations when similar or identical releases come from multiple sources or associations. This is done in the interest of ensuring that any, and all, members / facilities of the Allied Atlantic Golf Associations receive the most current and up to date information.

The Atlantic Allied Golf Associations were formed to work on the behalf of the golf industry in Atlantic Canada while respecting each province’s specific guidelines and protocols. It is the goal of the Atlantic Allied Golf Associations to provide current up to date information as disseminated by our respective government and health authorities. In some cases, these decisions may not be in the best interest of our facilities and operations. Please note that these situations will be identified, and the Atlantic Allied Golf Associations will continue to work with our respective governments and health authorities to address any such issues in as fair a manner as possible.

PGA TOUR – With a win in his rookie season, it seemed success came easy for Mackenzie Hughes, yet that is anything but the case. The Canadian has overcome hardships at every level of his career, most notably last season with his first trip to the TOUR Championship, thanks to a simple mindset that is prominent in all aspects of his journey from Canada to the United States.

Golf Canada has dropped an app update that is sure to get golfers pumping their fists!

Just in time for the 2021 golf season, the latest version of Golf Canada’s app now features the ability to set up Match Play, Skins of Stroke Play games against friends using Gross or Net scoring.

Put the pencil down and forget about dotting the scorecard. You no longer need to worry about who gets strokes on what hole. The Golf Canada app has you covered.

Plus, users can discover new places to play using a revamped course finder tool. The new look-up functionality allows golfers to search for courses using criteria like number of holes, type of facility (private, public, semi-private) and ease of walking, among many others.

The app is also helping golfers get better connected with their favourite facilities – users can look up clubs who are specifically offering promotions. 

Save time and the hassle of setting up matches with your buddies and get the newest version of the Golf Canada app, available starting April 5, 2021.

These new Golf Canada App features are in addition to those users already enjoy, like real-time course GPS data and game tracking.

Don’t play another round until you download the latest version of this app.

The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum is inviting Canadians and golf enthusiasts to help celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2021 by weighing in on the 50 most influential  moments in Canadian golf. 

The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame enlisted the support of golf leaders, media, and historians to help create a list of the 50 most influential moments in Canadian golf history. The moments will be showcased online and Canadians are invited to share in the history and vote on their favourite moments.

The 10 most moments receiving the most votes will be showcased on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 during the RBC Hall of Fame 50^thAnniversary Gala presented by Nike Golf. The virtual gala celebration will take place on what would have been RBC Hall of Fame Day during the RBC Canadian Open which was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Following the virtual gala, the top moments will also be celebrated through social channels through the end of the 2021 season.  

“Canada’s storied golf history is marked by the signature accomplishments of so many talented legends of our sport and the Top-50 Most Influential Moments voting celebration invites Canadians to share in the moments they feel are most meaningful,” said Golf Canada Director of Heritage Services Meggan Gardner. “While we won’t be able to celebrate in person, the virtual RBC Hall of Fame 50^th Anniversary Gala presented by Nike Golf lets us pivot to invite more golf enthusiasts to be a part of the celebration.”  

The virtual gala will feature a video showcase of the top-10 greatest moments in Canadian golf as well as interviews with golfers or individuals connected to the moments. The gala will be co-hosted by a pair of honoured members – TSN golf personality Bob Weeks and former LPGA Tour player Gail Graham.

As part of the 50^th anniversary celebration, an online auction is currently underway to raise legacy funding for the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum through the Heritage Fund of the Golf Canada Foundation.

Founded in 1971, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame began honour the legends of our sport, beginning with the inaugural induction class that included Ada Mackenzie, George Lyon, Charles Murray, Marlene Streit, George Cumming, and Sandy Somerville. To date, 83 honoured members and their accomplishments as players and builders of the game are showcased in the Hall of Fame and Museum along with history, innovations, and standout moments through the storied history of golf in Canada. 

JOIN IN CELEBRATING THE 50^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANADIAN GOLF HALL OF FAME

To vote on the Top-50 Most Influential Moments in Canadian golf, click here.

To participate in the Canadian golf heritage online auction, click here.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Former Masters champion Mike Weir won his first PGA Tour Champions event Sunday when he held steady with pars down the stretch for a 4-under 68 and let John Daly made the last mistake in the Insperity Invitational.

Weir and Daly were tied going down the stretch at The Woodlands, which was reduced to 36 holes because of heavy rain earlier in the week.

Daly, playing in the group ahead of Weir, was posing over his 9-iron over the water to the 18th green when it came up a fraction short and splashed next to the bulkhead. He made double bogey for a 69 and had to settle for runner-up.

Weir, who missed birdie chances inside 10 feet on the 16th and 17th holes, watched it all unfold and knew what he had to do. He fired his approach to about 15 feet behind the hole, and pumped his fist as he walked toward the green. He wound up winning by two shots.

Because of rain that washed out the opening round Friday, the first round wasn’t finished until Sunday morning and the tournament was reduced to 36 holes. That turned it into a shootout, and Daly and Weir provided most of the action.

Daly holed a 25-foot eagle putt on the par-5 13th to take a two-shot lead, and it looked as though he was on his way. In the next group, Weir hit his approach to 3 feet on the 13th for a matching eagle to tie for the lead again.

Weir fell back with a bogey on the 14th, but he caught a break when Daly missed his 3-wood into the par-5 15th and had to settle for par, and Weir made birdie to catch him again.

Weir fell back with a bogey on the 14th, but he caught a break when Daly missed his 3-wood into the par-5 15th and had to settle for par, and Weir made birdie to catch him again.

Daly couldn’t believe he hit into the water on the final hole.

“I caught a gust on 18,” he said. “I hit a 9-iron from about 155 and I hit a 9-iron from 141 there and I caught a gust and just got a bad break. But I can’t hit the ball any better. I’m excited about next week.”

The 50-and-over circuit plays the first of its five majors next week at the Regions Tradition.

Weir finished at 10-under 134.

Daly tied for second with David Toms and Tim Petrovic, who each closed with a 71. Bernhard Langer (69) and Bob Estes (68) tied for fifth.

By transitioning to a private, member-only facility, Fox Creek will offer faster rounds, better conditions and community-like approach for avid golfers in Southeastern New Brunswick.

Matchplay Golf | Dieppe, NB— Fox Creek Golf Club, the top-ranked golf facility in the Dieppe and Moncton area is becoming a private, member-only facility for the 2021 season.

“Since it opened in 2005, Fox Creek has been regarded as the best golfing option in our region, and that’s something we’re very proud of,” said Dennis LeBlanc, President of Fox Creek. “With the increased demand for golf during the pandemic, we felt the time was appropriate to transition Fox Creek into a member club that would offer easier access to the tee, enhanced conditions that come with a private club, and a member-only lounge in the clubhouse.”

While most courses in the region are open to the public golfer, members at those clubs compete with daily fee players for access to the tee, and crowded courses provide slower rounds and diminished conditions. By going private, Fox Creek will be limited to member-only play, with no public access and very limited outside events, allowing pace of play to be faster and offer improved conditions. Members at Fox Creek will be part of a community of golfers who celebrate the best the game has to offer. Members at the club will also have access to the club’s practice facility and instruction under Louis Melanson, who is a multiple winner of the Atlantic PGA of Canada Coach of the Year award, as well as his team of PGA of Canada Professionals. St. James Gate, the club’s award-winning restaurant, will remain open for public access.

“We’ve had a great group of golfers at Fox Creek for years, but making the club a members-only facility will really enhance the experience for those playing the course,” says Melanson, the club’s General Manager. “The offering of a new lounge and bar for members, plus having ready access to a top course and practice facility will really make this attractive to golfers who are looking for an alternative.”

Fox Creek has already had significant interest in its membership model, which is expected to be limited to 360 members.

“Our member model will create a community of Fox Creek members, but will allow them access to the tee, and the ability to practice and use the clubhouse at their discretion,” says LeBlanc. “We think this is an exciting opportunity for golfers in Dieppe and Moncton, and are excited to welcome members to the club in coming weeks.”

For more information contact:

Louis Melanson, General Manager Phone: (506) 859-4653
E-mail: louis@foxcreekgolfclub.ca

Website: www.foxcreekgolfclub.ca

About Fox Creek Golf Club: Created by the LeBlanc family with a goal of creating a world-class golf and residential com- munity in Dieppe, Fox Creek has been regularly ranked in SCOREGolf’s Top 59 public courses in Canada, and has hosted the likes of former world Top 10 player Paul Casey, and Players Championship winner Stephen Ames. Fox Creek became a private member-only club in 2021.

USGA Statement re: U.S. Open qualifying in Canada

The province of Ontario in Canada recently announced additional restrictions to address the COVID-19 pandemic. These regulations include a stay-at-home order until May 20 and the closure of all golf courses in Ontario. As a result, the USGA, in coordination with Golf Canada, will not be able to conduct U.S. Open local qualifying at Cherry Hill Club on May 10 and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on May 18 and final qualifying at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club on June 7. While these cancellations are disappointing the health and safety of all involved is at the heart of this decision. The USGA will continue to monitor health and safety conditions at all qualifying sites.

Golf Canada (April 27, 2021) – Golf Canada and COBRA PUMA GOLF announced today a four-year extension of their partnership in junior golf and the Golf Canada Junior Skills Challenge through 2024. 

Through their deeper partnership, PUMA Golf becomes the official headwear, apparel, and footwear partner of the Golf Canada Junior Skills Challenge, an interactive program focused on developing the key golf skills of putting, chipping and driving. COBRA Golf will also become the official golf equipment partner of the Golf Canada Junior Skills Challenge. 

“COBRA PUMA GOLF has been an incredibly strong supporter of junior golf in this country and we are thrilled to extend our partnership,” said Golf Canada Chief Commercial Officer John Sibley. “Both high-performance brands, COBRA and PUMA, have aligned well with our efforts to build excitement through competition among the country’s top young players and we are excited to work together to identify emerging talent and enhance the local, provincial and national components of the Junior Skills Challenge.”

The agreement extends COBRA PUMA GOLF’s long-term support of junior golf in Canada, which dates back to the 2014 season with the game’s National Sport Federation. 

“We are proudly extending our partnership with Golf Canada to deliver a national junior program that helps cultivate our next generation of great Canadian golfers,” said Dwayne Boecker, Head of Golf at COBRA PUMA GOLF – Canada. “The on-course skills training and coast-to-coast engagement supports our commitment to provide Canadian youth opportunities to learn to play.” 

The Junior Skills Challenge unites a network of local Junior Skills events hosted at golf facilities across the country. An online National Leaderboard allows site coordinators and PGA of Canada professionals to upload players’ scores to track improvement and rank players by age group and scores.  

COBRA PUMA GOLF will provide regional and national event prizing in addition to outfitting each of the provincial and national Junior Skills Challenge event coordinators. 

The 2021 Golf Canada Junior Skills Challenge program will begin in May with the top ranked qualifiers on the national leaderboard from July 19, 2019 to August 3, 2021 (cut-off date) will be invited to compete in the National Final held in Ontario later this fall. Provincial qualifiers will be open events in 2021 to allow participants to qualify directly into the Junior Skills National Final.

Canadian golfer Taylor Pendrith has earned his PGA Tour card after eclipsing 1,700 ranking points on the Korn Ferry Tour this season.

Pendrith, from Richmond Hill, Ont., shot a final round of 7-under 64 Sunday at the Veritex Bank Championship, which moved him up 27 spots into a tie for 15th.

The 51 ranking points he earned at the tournament gave Pendtirh, who is currently third on the tour’s money list, a total of 1,748. The Korn Ferry Tour calls the 1,700-point mark its “fail-safe threshold” for earning a PGA Tour card for next season.

“It’s been a long journey, for sure, starting in 2014 when I turned pro” the 29-year-old Pendrith said in an interview posted on the Korn Ferry Tour’s Twitter feed.

Pendrith has six top-10 finishes on the Korn Ferry Tour this year. He was runner-up at the Wichita Open and finished tied for second at the Pinnacle Bank Championship and the TPC San Antonio Championship.

He also finished tied for 23rd at the 2020 U.S. Open.

The top-25 players on the Korn Ferry Tour’s money list at the end of the season earn a place on the PGA Tour for the following season.

Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., is currently 13th on the list at 1,261 points.

There are seven active Canadians with full or partial status on the PGA Tour this season: Corey Conners (Listowel, Ont.); Michael Gligic (Burlington, Ont.); Adam Hadwin (Abbotsford, B.C.); David Hearn (Brantford, Ont.); Mackenzie Hughes (Dundas, Ont.); Roger Sloan (Merritt, B.C.); and Nick Taylor (Abbotsford).

Graham DeLaet of Weyburm, Sask., started the season on tour but has been off since undergoing a back procedure in February.

LOS ANGELES – Brooke Henderson rallied to win the HUGEL Air Premia LA Open on Saturday for her 10th LPGA Tour title, chipping in for birdie on the par-3 12th in an early back-nine burst and getting up-and-down for par on the last.

Four strokes behind leader Jessica Korda and three back of top-ranked Jin Young Ko entering the sunny day at Wilshire Country Club, Henderson closed with her second straight 4-under 67 for a one-stroke victory over Korda.

The 23-year-old Canadian birdied the par-4 11th to take the lead at 15 under, hitting a 144-yard shot to 3 feet of the back, right pin. She holed out from 70 feet from right and below the green on 12, and made a 6-foot birdie putt on the short par-4 14th.

Henderson bogeyed the par-4 17th to cut her lead to two, then chipped inside 2 feet for par on the par-3 18th after her 8-iron shot rolled off the right edge of the green and into a low collection area.

The sixth-ranked Henderson won for the first time since the Meijer LPGA Classic in June 2019. She finished at 16-under 268 to break the event record of 14 under set by Minjee Lee in 2019.

Korda closed with a 72, missing a chance for her second victory of the year after leading after each of the first three rounds. She won the season-opening Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions in January for her sixth LPGA Tour title.

“You know, this game is incredible and it gives you so many great opportunities. The friends that I’ve made and the places that I’ve been able to travel are really crazy,” said Henderson, when asked about being a role model.

“I’m really grateful that my parents got me into the game and that my sister and I have been able to share this journey together.”

While Henderson made her move early on the back nine, Ko bogeyed the 11th and 12th in a 72 that left her tied with Australia’s Hannah Green at 14 under. The South Korean star was coming off a two-week break after finishing seventh in the ANA Inspiration.

Green eagled the 14th and birdied the par-5 15th in a 66.

Major champions So Yeon Ryu (68) and Angela Stanford (70) tied for fifth at 12 under.