Click here for the province’s return to activity plan. ]]>

Alison Griffin, Executive Director PEIGA[/caption]]]>

• THE PROVINCE’S GUIDANCE FOR GOLF COURSES DURING COVID-19 
• WE ARE GOLF ONTARIO BEST PRACTICES DURING COVID-19

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Two weeks ago, the Ford government said Ontario golf courses should prepare to open. Golf facilities with questions about potential impact to their business operations or employment can call the province’s Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.]]>

golf. Although the date of the next tournament is still up in the air thanks to restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Weir is ready for a new beginning in his career. “The interesting thing about professional golf is that you look forward to your 50th birthday instead of dreading it,” said Weir. “I’ve been looking forward to this for quite a while.” Weir, from Brights Grove, Ont., had eight wins on the top-tier PGA Tour including at the prestigious Masters in 2003, making him the only Canadian man to win one of golf’s majors. His last win, however, was 2007’s Fry’s Electronics Open, and Weir has been targetting a move to players closer to his age for some time. “Just because you turn 50 and you’ve had success on the PGA Tour that doesn’t mean it’s going to translate to the Champions Tour,” said Weir. “You have to really put the work in and be ready to go and that’s what I’ve really tried to concentrate on here for quite a while now, especially the last year I’ve really dialled in a lot of stuff with my game.” Although Weir is eager to transition to the senior circuit, he still wants to make some occasional PGA Tour appearances. He has a lifetime exemption for the Masters thanks to his 2003 win, and a sponsor’s exemption for the RBC Canadian Open will likely always be available to him. But the Canadian Open has been cancelled this summer because of the restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, Weir has committed to playing in the Champions Tour’s Shaw Charity Classic in Calgary at the end of August, but the city has cancelled all of its event permits up to Aug. 31. “The next couple of weeks we’re focusing on working with our municipal and provincial government partners, Shaw Communications and of course the PGA Tour to outline what our options might be,” said Sean Van Kesteren, the executive director of the event. “We can’t say with certainty that the 2020 Shaw Charity Classic is going to happen or not, but we will update the community as soon as we can.” Weir continues to play golf regularly at courses near his home in Utah, where clubs haven’t been closed by the pandemic. Although he still has a strong work ethic, Weir has learned to listen to his body and take some time off when aches and pains catch up with him, as they did last week. “I just took a week off and I didn’t swing it, or hit a putt, or take a chip,” said Weir, who was suffering from some lower back pain. “I did a lot of stretching and yoga, just taking my dog on a hike, and just trying to keep moving but it’s not that explosive golf movement.”]]>

Brigitte Thibault has established herself as one of the country’s most promising amateurs. Since the spring of 2019, the native of Rosemère, Que., has been playing some the best golf of her career. After being selected as the only Canadian to compete at the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April of 2019, Thibault would go on to win the Ontario Women’s Amateur title and the Mountain West Conference Championship. [video_embed id="91909"][/video_embed] The second year Amateur Squad member is also a standout at Fresno State University. She’s carried the success from 2019 over to her junior year, having recorded six NCAA top ten finishes. However, in early March, her collegiate season came to an end when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of the remaining tournaments on the NCAA schedule. Faced with the unprecedented circumstances, the 21-year-old was extra cautious as she travelled back home to Rosemère, Que. “First thought when travelling back to Canada was to stay healthy and take all the precaution possible to not catch anything. I knew that if I made a mistake, I could have put my family at risk,” she noted. “Then quarantine was actually not as bad as I thought. It gave me enough time to think about my game plan, prepare my game plan, so when my 14 days were over, then I would be able to train and keep my routine as normal as possible,” added Thibault, who was recently selected to the NCAA All-Mountain West first team.

Given her recent stellar results on the golf course, it might be surprising for some to find out that Thibault did not start focusing on golf until the age of 15. And while she was introduced to the sport prior that by her father, Daniel and her mother, Josee, it wasn’t something that she invested much time in to initially. “My parents were members at a golf course back home and I remember of Sundays, we would always go eat at the course and afterwards we would hit some golf balls on the range. But it was always just for fun at the time,” Thibault recalled. Growing up young Brigitte dedicated most of her time to cheerleading and gymnastics. “Cheerleading was huge for my competitiveness. In cheerleading, you have this rush of energy that is boiling inside of you with so many people watching. You have to put yourself all in all the time. My work ethic really grew from cheerleading,” she pointed out. “I was into cheerleading and gymnastics but all the flips and jumping was hard on my body.  So my parents suggested that I focus on golf instead. They have been playing golf for 30 years and wanted me to try it out,” said Thibault.

Faced with injuries, Thibault followed her parent’s suggestion and decided to shift her focus from cheerleading and gymnastics to golf. “I really got started at the age of 15, and I remember having coaches approach me and telling me how raw my talent was,” she recalled. Despite the relative late start, Thibault would make up for it with an all in approach.

“I was super focused. I was just trying to learn as much as I could. I would wake up at 5 a.m. and spend the whole day at the golf course,” she pointed out.

Thibault says she became inspired and fascinated by athletes who achieved greatness in their sport – such as Tiger Woods and the late great Kobe Bryant. She was impressed by their work ethic and level of dedication to their craft. “I used to look for videos of them because I was always intrigued by their greatness and how obsessive they were about getting better and figuring out how to get to that next level. I have taken this same obsession and approach to my development in golf,” she revealed. Thibault’s desire to achieve her own version of excellence on the golf course combined with her hard work and dedication would lead to impressive results. In 2016, just two years after dedicating herself to the game of golf, the then 17-year-old Monday qualified for the CP Women’s Open.

Thibault remembers qualifying for the LPGA event, which was held at the Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club in Calgary, gave her confidence in her game, as well as, motivation to work even harder. She also adds that playing in her first LPGA tournament at 17 was an eye-opening experience. “I remember that my heart was racing like crazy and my energy level was so high. It felt like an out-of-body experience. All the golfers that I looked up to were sitting next to me having lunch and everything just seemed so surreal,” she recalled. Thibault is glad to have been able to continue her development at Fresno State University. “Being at Fresno State, the weather is always nice. And it’s great that I get to be play Division I golf with some of the best amateurs of the world,” said Thibault, who will be entering her senior year this autumn. She’s also thankful to be part of Golf Canada’s National Team Program.

“The program has been great, we learn about the mental side of golf, and we learn about nutrition, physio, fitness and a lot of other things to be successful on the golf course and away from it,” noted the second year Amateur Squad member.

“I also love working with Tristan (Mullally) because he’s very direct and to the point and gives great feedback.” The 21-year-old amateur standout credits continued improvements in her game for the recent success on the golf course. [caption id="attachment_95325" align="alignnone" width="1024"]

Head Coach Tristan Mullally and Brigitte Thibault at a training camp in Phoenix, Ariz.[/caption] “My putter is starting to gain momentum and my short game is starting to step up.  I’ve also been working hard to improve on my wedge and approach,” pointed out Thibault, who is also known to show creativity on her shots. Looking ahead, Thibault believes her all in approach will provide the opportunity to achieve her own version of greatness on the golf course. “The game of golf is incredible and I would love to be able to play on the LPGA Tour one day and make an impact and do my part to bring the women’s game to the next level.” And despite the restrictions from practicing social and physical distancing, Thibault’s long-term goals have kept her motivated and focused during the pandemic. “I’m up at 5 a.m., filled with busy days and doing it all over again. My own personal growth and grind aren’t going to pause in regards to the conditions of COVID-19,” she said. With golf courses across the country preparing to open up again, there is optimism that tournament golf will soon return. And when it does, the second year Amateur Squad member will surely be ready. “I am actually working on all aspects of training – fitness wise, golf wise, and mentally. I’m doing my best to keep improving and being my best self.”]]>

Orange), several activities and openings are permitted, subject to maintaining physical distancing measures, general guidelines from Public Health and the Guidelines for New Brunswick Workplaces issued by WorkSafe NB” (Health, Office of the Premier, COVID-19 – May 8, 2020).  Golf facilities are now able to prepare an operational plan that meets or exceeds the general guidelines from Public Health paving the way for;

• Reduced Tee Time Intervals

• Renting of Pull Carts

• Opening of Pro Shops (Retail)

• Expanded Food & Beverage Services (Restaurants)

“Golf will not be business as usual,” said Tyson Flinn, Executive Director of Golf NB.  “We are still very early in the process and each club will be able to offer different service levels based on their individual capacities.  Patience will be very important as the industry continues to change throughout the season, but for now, we are pleased to know that golf facilities now have a greater latitude to provide a safe and efficient golfing experience for players.” While golf clubs have been given flexibility, and services will vary from club to club, golfers should note that there are several restrictions that are still in place, and which for the time being will be consistent across the province, including but not limited too;

• Power Carts may only be used by one individual for the duration of the round.
  • Note: Exceptions are in place for members of the same household.

• Flag Sticks – Golfers can continue to expect to be asked not to touch the flagstick, and to leave the flag still in the cup at all times.

• Raised Cups – Raised cups are no longer required, but golfers can expect to see facilities continue to reduce a golfer’s ability to remove their ball from the hole. Clubs may choose to use a “hands-free” ball retrieval device or may continue to block the cup entirely.

• Washrooms – Golfers can expect continued restrictions on access to washrooms and locker rooms.

Please contact your favorite facilities for available services and restrictions and stay connected to our social media channels and website for continued updates regarding the 2020 season.]]>

ACTON, ON (May 6, 2020) — The PGA of Canada, together with title sponsor DCM, has made the difficult decision to cancel the DCM PGA Women’s Championship of Canada amid the COVID-19 public health crisis. The championship was slated for June 8-10 at Oshawa Golf & Curling Club. “Knowing how much this event means to those who compete in it, we are disappointed to have to make this decision,” says Adam LeBrun, managing director of championships and foundation at the PGA of Canada. “As always, our top priority remains the health and safety of our players, staff and volunteers. We are evaluating several options to provide our female members with the opportunity to compete later in the season when it is safe and responsible to do so. We look forward to providing updates when more information becomes available.” It should also be noted that female PGA of Canada professionals are eligible to participate in other national member championships with a reduced yardage as approved by the association’s board of directors last November. The policy can be seen here. The event has drawn an impressive field of domestic and international talent in recent years thanks to the combined efforts of the association and lead sponsor DCM, who has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the betterment ofwomen’s professional golf. “We are proud partners of the PGA of Canada, and continue to support opportunities for female professional golfers to compete and develop as athletes, be it through this championship or our Power Up Bursary program,” says DCM President and CEO Greg Cochrane. “We are committed to this partnership and will be working with the PGA of Canada to conduct this national championship for years to come.” DCM continues to actively support female golfers through the Power Up Bursary; the 2019-2020 recipients are Casey Ward, Megan Osland, Josée Doyon, Elizabeth Tong, Maddie Szeryk, Selena Costabile (also a Power Up recipient for 2018-2019), and Jessica Porvasnik, winner of the DCM PGAWomen’s Championship of Canada in 2018. The storied national championship, which was first contested in 1987, has seen several notable players hoist the trophy, including Cathy Sherk, Nancy Harvey, Lorie Kane, Brooke Henderson, and last year’s winner Rebecca Lee-Bentham, to name a few. Lee-Bentham set the course record at the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto last July, winning in spectacular fashion after shooting a final-round 9-under-par 63. Announcements for all other upcoming PGA of Canada national championships will be made closer to the event dates.]]>

Top 10 Guidelines & Best Practices For Golfers

Developed in collaboration with the Atlantic Allied Golf Associations

The following are guidelines and recommendations only. Protocols and service levels will differ by golf course and golfers should ALWAYS defer to the instructions and guidelines as set forth by the golf course. 

REFERENCE	RECOMMENDATIONS	RECOMMENDED / MANDATED
1	Physical Distancing – Practice physical distancing by staying a minimum of two (2) meters away from other people AT ALL TIMES.  Do not shake hands or high five to celebrate, a tip of the cap will do.	MANDATED by Province of NB
2	All players must have a tee time – No walk-on players will be permitted.	RECOMMENDED
3	Pre-Pay Where Possible Make every effort to Pre-Pay for rounds of golf and power carts Cash cannot be accepted	RECOMMENDED
4	Arrive at the golf course no earlier then 20 minutes prior to you tee time If you are early, wait in your car until it is time to make your way to the 1st tee or clubhouse. Change shoes and prepare equipment in the parking lot before moving to the 1st tee or clubhouse.	RECOMMENDED
5	Follow golf club signage – Obey all directives from course staff and volunteers	RECOMMENDED
6	Practice Facilities Driving Range – Only use the club to touch the golf ball DO NOT touch the golf ball & DO NOT tee up the golf ball Putting & Chipping Greens – Maintain Physical Distancing ONLY touch your own equipment	RECOMMENDED
7	Power Carts – Limit of one person per golf cart AT ALL TIMES The person who rents the power cart is the ONLY person who can be on / use the cart for the duration of the round Note: Exemptions to the above apply if occupants reside in the same household and bubble families and friends.  Be advised, each club will have their own policies surrounding whether members of “bubble families and friends”  can share a power cart or not.  Golfers should ALWAYS defer to the instructions and guidelines as set forth by the golf course.	MANDATED by Province of NB / RECOMMENDED
8	Maintain physical distance & Pace of Play Keep NO LESS than ½ of a hole between your group, the group ahead, and the group behind to avoid backups on tees or around greens.	RECOMMENDED
9	DO NOT TOUCH on course items such as; The Flag Stick / Pin MUST remain in the hole (Mandate) Rakes & Ball Washers MUST not be used (Mandate) Smooth bunkers with your foot Bring your own towel to clean your golf ball Benches, shoe scrapers, club cleaners, sand buckets, broken or discarded tees	MANDATED by Province of NB / RECOMMENDED
10	After your round – Return Power Carts Promptly as instructed Leave the Golf Course as promptly and safely as possible	RECOMMENDED

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CLICK HERE FOR COVID-19 RULES OF GOLF AND RULES OF HANDICAPPING FAQs

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The COVID-19 global pandemic is an unprecedented and difficult time for Canadians and Golf Canada stands with our entire golf community during this unprecedented time. We all love the game for the escape it provides and its positive impact on our physical, social and mental well-being. We look forward to better and healthier days and when the time is right for Canadians to return to recreational normalcy, clubs and courses will be ready to welcome golfers back to the tee. We continue to urge golfers to follow the guidelines from health and governmental officials to keep you and those around you safe, and to minimize any possible exposure to coronavirus. This is especially true on a golf course, where golfers, workers and operators should heighten their level of awareness on exposure to surfaces like flagsticks, golf balls, bunker rakes, tees, carts and scorecards. We all need to do our part to respect expert advice and make the right decisions to protect each other. It is not the intended purpose of the below guidance to either encourage or discourage anyone from playing the game, but rather, in our governance role, to help golf course operators, committees and golfers better understand how the Rules of Golf and Rules of Handicapping apply to the various questions received by the governing bodies. The Modernized Rules of Golf were drafted to offer each Committee the flexibility to make decisions as to how golf is played at their course or in competition and the Committee Procedures section of the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf (available online here) offers a significant amount of guidance and recommendations on how to address circumstances unique to each course or competition. This flexibility will prove to be very helpful as Committees look to address many of the challenges they are facing within the current environment. While the Committee Procedures section is a tremendous resource and has much to offer, many of the current questions were not originally contemplated under the Rules of Golf and therefore there is no history or guidance provided. To better address the questions that have come about because of these unique circumstances and the related challenges, additional guidance can be accessed by clicking here. This will continue to be updated as additional questions are received. As active seasons start to open across the country, we would like to discuss impacts on Handicapping.  From the perspective of the Rules of Handicapping, the most frequent questions received are primarily related to the acceptability of scores for posting to a player’s scoring record. In particular, to modifying the hole and not requiring the player to “hole out” as required under the Rules of Golf. These are founded in a desire to minimize the possibility of exposing golfers to coronavirus and have included leaving the hole liner raised above the putting surface or placing various objects into the hole so the ball can be more easily removed. In these specific cases, ensuring guidance from health and governmental officials is being followed, a temporary measure is in place in Canada to accept scores played under these conditions for handicap purposes using the most likely score guidelines (Rule 3.3, Rules of Handicapping), even though the player has not holed out. Please remember that this temporary measure is now in effect within Canada until advised otherwise by Golf Canada. For more information and detailed guidance, please contact your Provincial Golf Association or Golf Canada.]]>