Reactions to the cancellation of the 2020 RBC Canadian Open
TORONTO – The 2020 RBC Canadian Open, one of the jewels of the country’s sports calendar, has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PGA Tour announced the cancellation of the tournament on Thursday as part of its revamped 2020 schedule. The four-day competition was scheduled to begin June 11 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto. Golf Canada and its partners are now in negotiations to use the same venue for the 2021 edition of Canada’s men’s golf championship.
“Overwhelming disappointment for our fans and disappointment for golf in Canada because the RBC Canadian Open has been such a celebration and such a high point for so many of us,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “We’ve been dealing with the scenarios and the prospect of this for some time but the obstacles were just so numerous and from so many directions.”The Canadian Open, first contested in 1904, is the third-oldest continuously running tournament on the PGA Tour behind the British Open and the U.S. Open. It’s the first time the tournament has been cancelled since 1944, when it missed a second straight year due to the Second World War. It was also scrapped from 1915-18 because of the First World War. “We were set to celebrate our 125th anniversary for Golf Canada,” said Applebaum. “When you think about other reasons why it was cancelled, for the World Wars, it’s similar. “Right now we’re under a federal quarantine act, and both a provincial and city state of emergency. It’s a global pandemic.”
The Canadian Open is the latest major annual late spring or summer sporting event in Canada to be wiped out or postponed because of COVID-19. The Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal and the Queen’s Plate in Toronto will not run on their scheduled June dates, while the Rogers Cup women’s tennis tournament in Montreal, scheduled for August, will not be held in 2020. The CP Women’s Open is still on the LPGA Tour schedule. It’s slated for Sept. 3-6 at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver. Although the Canadian Open has been cancelled, the PGA Tour hopes to resume play this summer. It laid out an ambitious plan to resume its season Thursday, starting at Colonial on June 11-14 in a televised event with no fans in attendance. Under the PGA Tour’s new plan RBC, the Canadian Open’s title sponsor, would have its other event the RBC Heritage played without fans in late June.
“It is a bittersweet day for us as the sponsor of two tournaments. In a perfect world, both tournaments would be proceeding, ”said Mary DePaoli, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of RBC.
“We held out hope all the way, to the end, but the international travel restrictions, the quarantine measures that we’re all familiar with, and government mandates at so many levels were critical factors because we have to ensure the safety and the health of anyone participating in our tournaments.”A cancellation seemed increasingly likely in recent weeks as the pandemic worsened. Three regional qualification tournaments set for mid-May were cancelled last month. Also, the City of Toronto had cancelled its permits for all public gatherings up until June 30. The edict didn’t apply to sporting events held on private property – like MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre, the NBA’s Raptors and NHL’s Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, or the Canadian Open itself at St. George’s in the city’s west end. However, city co-operation would have been necessary for parking and transit. The city’s edict also cancelled a two-night concert series planned for tournament week as The Chainsmokers and Keith Urban were going to perform at nearby Richview Collegiate Institute.
2020 RBC Canadian Open cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
– Golf Canada and RBC will now pivot all efforts towards planning for a celebrated return of the RBC Canadian Open in 2021 –
TORONTO – With continued public health concerns as well as international travel and government restrictions due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the PGA TOUR, in consultation with Golf Canada and RBC, has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 RBC Canadian Open. The event was scheduled for June 8-14 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club with Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. The cancellation of the 2020 RBC Canadian Open also includes the RBCxMusic Concert Series which was scheduled to take place June 12-13 at Richview Collegiate Institute, featuring headline performances by The Chainsmokers and Keith Urban. “The RBC Canadian Open has always been a rallying point for Canadian golf and while we share in the crushing disappointment with our fans, players, volunteers and many event partners, our primary responsibility is the safety of our people and our communities,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “It is now our full intention to push forward together with RBC, the PGA TOUR, the City of Toronto and our host clubs with the goal to bring the 2021 RBC Canadian Open to St. George’s Golf and Country Club with Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility.” “Our foremost consideration is the health and safety of everyone in our community, including the players, spectators, our staff and volunteers, the media and the thousands of supporters who contribute to the success of our event,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “The international travel restrictions, required quarantine measures and government mandates were critical factors that contributed to the decision to cancel our event this year. We have no doubt that the incredible momentum we’ve built together with our partners will make the 2021 RBC Canadian Open a world-class experience.” Golf Canada and RBC would like to thank golf fans across the nation for their understanding and in particular, our many corporate partners, ticket and hospitality purchasers, as well as the countless volunteers for their continued support through this unprecedented time. Golf Canada, the PGA TOUR and RBC have continued to monitor the guidelines provided by federal, provincial and municipal government health authorities in order to prevent the spread of the virus within our communities. With this decision, Golf Canada and RBC will now turn their focus towards the 2021 RBC Canadian Open. Dating back to its inception in 1904, the cancellation of the 2020 RBC Canadian Open marks only the seventh time that Canada’s National Open Championship has not been conducted, including wartime cancellations from 1915-18 as well as 1943-44. All corporate hospitality buyers will be contacted by their Golf Canada sales representative over the coming days to plan forward for 2021 and individual ticket purchases made via Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded within the next 30 days. The same refund policy applies for RBC clients who purchased RBCxMusic Tickets.For more information, visit www.rbccanadianopen.com.]]>
NB Golf Courses to Remain Closed Until Further Notice
Province of New Brunswick – State of Emergency On March 19, 2020 the Province of New Brunswick declared the State of Emergency and ordered the closure, or modification, of a great number of industries in the province. On April 16, 2020, Premier Blaine Higgs extended New Brunswick’s State of Emergency for an additional two week period, through April 30, 2020 and noted that the “order will be reassessed after two weeks and will be extended as needed.”
- CLICK HERE for the full media release.
Job Opportunity – Woodstock Golf and Curling Club Golf Manager
Golf Manager will work diligently to create an enjoyable atmosphere and a memorable experience for all members, players and customers. The Golf Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the golf course. In this role, the Golf Manager will also develop business development strategies to maximize revenue and profitability while ensuring exceptional customer service. Specifically, areas of responsibility for the role include Golf Course Management, Facilities Management, Employee Management, Customer Service, Business Development and Vendor Management. Additional job information and an outline of responsibilities can be obtained by emailing: wgcc@nb.aibn.com Deadline for applications: Thursday, April 23, 2020]]>
Doug Sanders, colourful RBC Canadian Open winner, dies
golf fashion ahead of his time, a colourful character known as much for the 20 times he won on the PGA TOUR as the majors that got away.
Sanders died Sunday morning in Houston, the PGA Tour confirmed through a text from Sanders’ ex-wife, Scotty. He was 86.
Sanders was still an amateur when he won his first PGA Tour event in 1956 at the RBC Canadian Open in a playoff against Dow Finsterwald, and his best year was in 1961 when he won five times and finished third on the PGA Tour money list.
But he is best known for four runner-up finishes in the majors, the most memorable at St. Andrews in the 1970 British Open. He only needed par on the final hole of the Old Course to beat Jack Nicklaus, and Sanders was 3 feet away. He jabbed at the putt and missed it, and Nicklaus beat him the next day in a playoff.
“If I was a master of the English language, I don’t think I could find the adjectives to describe how I felt when I missed that short one,” Sanders said after the playoff, where Nicklaus beat him by one shot. “But that’s golf, and that’s the fascination of the game.”
Golf NB Announces Event Cancellations and Postponements
Golf NB Spring Board of Directors Meeting – April 25, 2020 – POSTPONED Golf NB has made POSTPONED the 2020 Golf NB Spring Board of Directors Meeting, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2020, until such time as there is more clarity surrounding the 2020 golf season in New Brunswick. Golf NB will continue to, provide regular updates via Newsletter, social media and our website in an effort to keep our partners and members informed during this fluid and fast-moving situation. 2020 Golf NB Events & Championships Golf NB is announcing its decision to cancel the events listed below.
- NB Men’s Four Ball, presented by Taylormade May 23-24, 2020 Algonquin Golf Course, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, NB
- NB Ladies Four Ball June 14, 2020 Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club, Bathurst, NB
- Past Presidents’ Cup Inter-Club Challenge September 19-20, 2020 Lakeside Golf & Country Club, Lakeville, NB
- Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) will make decisions regarding individual events and championships a minimum of 3 weeks in advance of the championship.Golf NB strongly recommends that competitors enter any events scheduled in which they intend to play this season. In the event Golf NB cancels the event or the competitor needs to withdraw, entry fees will be 100% refunded.
- Golf NB will require 25% of the maximum field as outlined in the Tournament Information Page for each event. If Golf NB cancels the event as a result of insufficient registrations, entry fees will be 100% refunded.
- Championships will be cancelled not postponed.
Covered Bridge Crowned 2020 Spring Madness Bracket Champions
The Golf NB 2020 Spring Madness Bracket Challenge started on March 24th, 2020 with 44 NB Golf Courses set to go head-to-head in a single-elimination knockout bracket challenge, based purely on public votes. This year’s challenge had it all, we witnessed David versus Goliath match-ups, last-minute finishes, local community support, and multiple storybook underdog upsets. After over 50,000 public votes throughout our first five rounds, we were left with our Championship Final Match-Up:
Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club vs. Memramcook Valley Golf Course
After 48 hours of online voting, there could only be one course left standing. With over 2,000 votes, we are proud to crown Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club our 2020 Spring Madness Bracket Challenge Champions. Located in Hartland, New Brunswick; home of the Longest Covered Bridge in the World. This 18-hole, 6,609-yard championship course first opened for play in 1993 and proudly hosted the 2019 Canadian Junior Boys Championship. The course overlooks the beautiful Saint John River Valley with some of the most picturesque scenery in Atlantic Canada. Golf NB would like to thank all of our member facilities and public voters who participated in this friendly interactive competition. We look forward to the 2021 Spring Madness Bracket Challenge and have high hopes we will all be returning to the game of golf and our local courses in the near future. We all need to be #Golftimistic ]]>A message from Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum
To All Golf Canada Members and Member Clubs, Along with the rest of the globe, Canada is dealing with a debilitating health crisis with COVID-19. Golf Canada is committed to fostering a safe sport environment. Together with our partners at the Provincial Golf Associations, that commitment includes the health and well-being of golfers as well as every Canadian in the communities where we live and play. I think constantly about those personally affected by the virus including their families, our most vulnerable citizens and the incredible health care workers confronting the pandemic on the front lines. I worry about the impact to the golf community—owners, operators, PGA of Canada professionals, club managers, superintendents, industry stakeholders, fans and supporters of our championships and every Canadian golf enthusiast that just wants to get out and play. I also applaud the superintendents and their teams, who are taking the strictest precautions to maintain our essential golf properties during this crisis. Golf Canada fully supports the recommendations and guidelines of Health Canada, the World Health Organization and regional public health experts to prevent the community spread of COVID-19. Currently, most provinces have enacted complete suspensions on all recreational activities and gatherings, including golf facilities. Many clubs throughout Canada have, on their own initiative, instituted temporary suspensions of operations for the wellness of their staff, their golfers and their community at large. I know that those not yet mandated to close are taking every precaution and I respect the pressure felt by those with that immense responsibility. Golf Canada continues to evaluate all aspects of our business and take measures to protect our athletes, staff, coaches, partners and volunteers. Severe cost controls and risk mitigation protocols have been enacted and we are in constant consultation with provincial, national and international experts along with our member clubs to gather the information we need to make informed and responsible decisions through the crisis. You will find a toolkit of information here in our COVID-19 Resource Page, which we hope will serve as a reference for everything that can be done today and, in the future, when it is safe to return to golf. I am incredibly proud of the work done by our team, our partners and global stakeholders to put this compendium of information together for all golfers. This is a turbulent moment and Golf Canada is committed to supporting the golf community through these challenges to the best of our ability. I am encouraged to see the resiliency of our industry—people and facilities engaging to share ideas and best practices, further professional development and provide levity and support for each other through this difficult period. When the time is right for Canadians to return to recreational normalcy, golf will be well positioned to emerge and thrive, with possible attributes recommended by the appropriate authorities including physical distancing, exaggerated tee-times, personal protective equipment, and the many precautionary health measures that club operators will have in place. I also know that when that recovery comes, courses will be ready to safely welcome golfers back to the tee. Golf will bring us closer together. For now, as we all make our way through a time of unprecedented uncertainty, let’s commit to what is in our control—to take every precaution to ensure our physical and mental health; to protect our families, staff, volunteers and golfers; and to rally as a community to keep each other safe. — Laurence Applebaum Chief Executive Officer Golf Canada]]>
Rules of Golf & Rules of Handicapping COVID-19 Guidelines
CLICK HERE FOR COVID-19 RULES OF GOLF AND RULES OF HANDICAPPING FAQs
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.]]>
Spring Madness Bracket Challenge – CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
2020 Spring Madness Bracket Challenge. Over the upcoming weeks, we will be running an interactive bracket challenge done through online voting on our Facebook Page. The bracket includes all 44 Golf Courses in New Brunswick. There are 20 first-round byes that have been awarded to the last 20 courses to have hosted or are scheduled to host Golf NB Events. Online Facebook Voting will last 48 hours per round, individuals will be able to vote on each match up in every round and are encouraged to LIKE, FOLLOW, & SHARE to other golf fans.
Thank you to everyone who voted in the first four rounds!