OAKVILLE, ONT. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the names of the 18 athletes, male and female, who have been selected to represent Team Canada as part of the 2020 National Amateur and Junior Squads.

Nine athletes will compete for Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad, consisting of five players on the men’s squad and four on the women’s squad.

Team Canada’s 2020 Squad members have competed and achieved impressive results at regional, national and international competitions, including medals at the Pan-Am Games, NCAA Tournament wins and victories at prestigious amateur competitions.

“Golf Canada is thrilled to welcome an outstanding roster of elite athletes to represent Team Canada in 2020—they are truly deserving as evidenced by their strong performances this past season,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer.

“The athletes selected represent a mix of returning team members as well as talented up and coming athletes who have come through provincial or regional high-performance programs. Each of them will be fantastic ambassadors representing Canada on the global golf stage.”

The following athletes have been selected to Team Canada’s 2020 Amateur Squad:

Men’s Amateur Squad

Étienne Papineau | St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qué. – Club de golf Pinegrove

Cougar Collins | Caledon, Ont. – TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

Sam Meek | Peterborough, Ont. – Public Player

Brendan MacDougall* | Calgary, Alta. – Glencoe Golf and Country Club

Noah Steele | Kingston, Ont. – Cataraqui Golf and Country Club

Women’s Amateur Squad

Brigitte Thibault* | Rosemère, Qué. – Club de golf de Rosemère

Mary Parsons | Delta, BC – Mayfair Lakes Golf Club

Sarah-Ève Rhéaume | Québec, Qué. – Club de golf Royal Québec

Noémie Paré | Victoriaville, Qué. – Club de golf de Victoriaville

Click here to read full player bios.

The National Junior Squad—a U19 program—also features nine athletes (four women and five men).

From February through early June, the nine-member Junior Squad will practice out of Golf Canada’s National Training Centre at Bear Mountain Golf Resort in Victoria—the third year that the program has provided centralized training, accommodation and education for athletes during the second semester of their high school year. Team members will be immersed in a focused centre of excellence, surrounded by world-class technical coaching staff and experts in the areas of mental performance, physiotherapy, biomechanics and nutrition.

The following athletes have been selected to Team Canada’s 2020 Junior Squad:

Junior Boys Squad

Laurent Desmarchais* | Longueuil, Qué. – Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu

Jace Minni | Delta, BC – Beach Grove Golf Club

JP Parr | St-Célestin, Qué. – Club de golf Ki-8-eb Golf

Bennett Ruby | Waterloo, Ont. – Westmount Golf and Country Club

Malik Dao | Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Qué. – Summerlea Golf and Country Club

Junior Girls Squad

Emily Zhu* | Richmond Hill, Ont. – National Pines Golf Club

Angela Arora | Surrey, BC – Beach Grove Golf Club

Angel (Mu Chen) Lin | Surrey, BC – Morgan Creek Golf Club

Monet Chun* | Richmond Hill, Ont. – Summit Golf Club

*Denotes 2019 National Team returning members

Click here to read full player bios.

 Team Canada Coaching Staff Announced

Golf Canada is pleased to announce the 2020 Team Canada coaching staff that will support both the National Amateur and Junior Squads.

On the men’s side, Derek Ingram of Winnipeg, Man. returns as Men’s Amateur Squad Head Coach. Robert Ratcliffe of Comox, B.C. will lead the Junior Boy’s Squad.

On the women’s side, Tristan Mullally of Dundas, Ont., returns as Women’s Amateur Squad Head Coach. Matt Wilson, from Newmarket, Ont., will oversee the Junior Girls’ Squads.

Wilson, who doubles as Golf Canada’s director of next generation performance, will resume leadership of the Junior Squad centralized program at Bear Mountain, alongside Ratcliffe.

.@coreconn spent seven years with #TeamCanada before going on to win on the #PGATOUR ?? pic.twitter.com/U5HBO6YCPM

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) November 18, 2019

The Men’s and Women’s Amateur Squads will each be adding an assistant coach to support the high-performance needs of the program and athletes. Candidates will be chosen in January.

“Derek and Tristan have had tremendous success with Team Canada athletes and the evolution of our national team program will see Robert and Matt continue in their significant role of leading the centralized training program at Bear Mountain,” added Thompson. “We look forward to expanding our roster of coaches and building on the success of Team Canada to help more of our elite level golfers realize their fullest potential.”

Mullally, Ingram, Ratcliffe and Wilson are all Class “A” professionals with the PGA of Canada.

Golf Canada expects to announce the selection of the 2020 Team Canada Young Pro Squad in December.

Calgary, Alta. – Golf Canada has announced that it has transferred the property lease and sold the operation and assets of the Golf Canada Calgary Golf Centre to Golfuture YYC.

With their purchase of the facility, Golfuture YYC will license the Golf Canada name and intellectual property on a short-term basis, continuing to operate all facets of the operation with future plans to enhance the facility. All existing staff at the Calgary Golf Centre will remain with the operation under new employment or contract with Golfuture YYC.

Golf Canada’s decision to divest the Calgary Centre from its asset portfolio followed an annual review of the facility for alignment within Golf Canada’s strategic plan.

“Our facility strategy has evolved significantly since the original acquisition of the lease in 2002 and despite strong year over year financial yields, it was clear that owning and operating the Calgary Golf Centre was no longer a strategic fit for the organization moving forward,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Golfuture YYC has an exciting vision for the continued expansion of the facility as a meaningful hub for accessible golf in the city and we look forward to seeing the property continue to evolve with their strong local ownership.”

Golf Canada originally acquired the lease and operations of the Golf Canada Calgary Centre in 2002. A popular destination for golf activity in the city, the Calgary Golf Centre was a hub for junior, recreational and high-performance golf in Alberta, being certified as one of the inaugural National Junior Golf Development Centres. The facility also contributed to the growth of the Golf Canada brand in one of the country’s major markets.

The year-round Calgary Golf Centre located in the heart of the city is one of the city’s most utilized practice facilities. Situated adjacent to the Bow River on 42 acres of leased land, the facility features a double-ended two-tier heated driving range (54 hitting stalls) for all-season use; a par-3, 9-hole golf course; a miniature putting course; robust junior golf programming; a clubhouse and pro shop with entertainment facilities; all-season golf simulators; a custom fitting operation (leased to tenant Ted & Dave Custom Golf); and a training academy with six certified PGA of Canada professionals.

In addition to present operations, Golfuture YYC will upgrade some of the existing infrastructure to explore its new golf concept. The Golfuture concept combines modern radar tracking technology with innovative driving range design to emulate the experience of playing a traditional golf course, including full swing shots and putting.

“We are excited to carry on the business of Golf Canada Calgary Centre while adding the innovation and excitement of Golfuture” said Golfuture YYC President Art Korpach.

Golf Canada’s Asset Purchase Agreement with Golfuture YYC followed pitches from, and discussions with, a number of prospective parties following a targeted go-to-market strategy when the facility was put up for sale.

MELBOURNE, Victoria, Australia – Ernie Els has selected British Columbia’s Adam Hadwin as one of his final four picks for the International Team at next month’s Presidents Cup, the captain announced today via teleconference. Hadwin joins Jason Day of Australia, Joaquin Niemann of Chile and Sungjae Im of South Korea as the final international representatives.

The Presidents Cup returns to Melbourne, Australia and The Royal Melbourne Golf Club for the third time, December 9-15, when the International Team will take on the U.S. Team led by Captain Tiger Woods.

Hadwin will make his second consecutive Presidents Cup appearance and first as a captain’s pick. The 31-year-old finished with five top-10 finishes during the 2018-19 PGA TOUR season but made his best case for a captain’s pick after finishing runner-up in his first start of the 2019-20 season at the Safeway Open. That was followed up with a T4 at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

“With this Presidents Cup approaching and me starting to play some good golf again, I was just hungry for a second chance,” Hadwin said. “That’s not how I would like my contribution to The Presidents Cup to be remembered and I’m looking forward to having a second chance down at Royal Melbourne, a part of an incredible International Team, and hopefully we can right some of the wrongs that we’ve had in the past and do Captain Els proud.”

The Abbotsford, British Columbia, native is just one of three Canadians to compete in the Presidents Cup, joining 2019 captain’s assistant Mike Weir and Graham DeLaet.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

BIG congrats to Canada’s @ahadwingolf on earning a captain’s selection to the #PresidentsCup International Team. Play well, Adam! ??? #TeamRBC

A post shared by RBC Canadian Open (@rbccanadianopen) on Nov 6, 2019 at 5:13pm PST

Hadwin finished with a 0-2-1 record in his Presidents Cup debut at Liberty National.

The International Team has 22 previous Presidents Cup appearances amongst its members with six players making their Presidents Cup debuts, which matches the second-most first-timers in team history (7, 2013).

Hideki Matsuyama, Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Marc Leishman, Abraham Ancer, Haotong Li, Cameron Smith and C.T. Pan round out the rest of the international team. Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., was strongly considered by Els to join the team but just missed the final cut.

“Between (Hadwin) and Corey Conners, it was a very, very tight race,” said Els. “One of the difficult calls I had to make was to Corey. He was very gracious and he wished us good luck heading into these matches.

“But Adam, I love his game. He’s just very solid all around. There’s not really any weakness there.”

Conners missed the cut at the Sanderson Farms Championship but then tied for 13th at the Safeway Open, tied for 12th at the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges, tied for sixth at the ZOZO Championship and tied for 20th at the World Golf Championship-HSBC Champions. He’s ranked 55th in the world _ one spot below Niemann _ and 24th on the FedExCup rankings.

Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, Matt Kuchar, Xander Schauffele, Webb Simpson, Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Cantlay will represent the United States. Tiger Woods will announce his four captain’s picks _ potentially including himself _ on Thursday.

Captain Els will lead the youngest International Team in Presidents Cup history, with the average age of his 12 players totaling just over 29 years old. This is the fourth consecutive International Team that has been younger than the previous team.

Let’s get it! ??#PresidentsCup https://t.co/UeKUYkoBKe

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) November 7, 2019

Canadians in the Presidents Cup

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J., and ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (Nov. 4, 2019) – The World Handicap System (WHS) is ready to be launched in January 2020 and will provide golfers with a unified and more inclusive handicapping system for the first time.

Though many countries are planning to adopt the new system in January, the system will go live in other parts of the world throughout the year to accommodate different implementation plans and variations in the golf calendar.

Developed by the USGA and The R&A in close coordination with existing handicapping authorities, the WHS will provide all golfers with a consistent measure of playing ability, with handicaps calculated in the same way wherever they are in the world.

A key objective of the initiative was to develop a modern system, enabling as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index. Golfers will be able to transport their Handicap Index globally and compete or play a casual round with players from other regions on a fair basis. It will also indicate the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving the next time they go out to play.

The table lists the estimated implementation timeframes for a selection of countries:

The WHS has two main components – the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System. The Rules of Handicapping are encompassed within seven Rules to inform administrators and golfers on how an official Handicap Index is calculated and administered, with some flexibility given to national associations based on how the sport is played and enjoyed in their region. The Course Rating System, based on the USGA Course Rating System first adopted nearly 50 years ago and already adopted on nearly every continent, sets out a consistent method of determining a course’s difficulty. Together, these components become the foundational elements in determining a golfer’s Handicap Index.

“When the golf community works together, everyone benefits,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA.  “We have seen the benefit that handicapping has provided for decades, providing greater enjoyment for all who play. To have a single set of Rules of Handicapping for the game will connect golfers from country to country, and we are excited to bring the best of all worlds together through this initiative.

“It is one of the many ways we are investing in golf’s future, to strengthen and foster growth of the entire game for years to come.”

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “The game of golf is transforming to meet the needs of the modern-day golfer; modernizing the Rules this year was an important step forward in that regard and the World Handicap System will be another.

“Our hope is that the launch of the WHS will be a catalyst for change; signalling the start of a new era of golfer engagement, being inclusive by embracing all golfers, whatever their level of ability, and broadening its appeal to a much wider audience.”

“Change also means opportunity and, managed appropriately, this can only be good for the game. It does mean there will be a period of adjustment, as we saw with the new Rules, but once it beds in golfers and golf clubs will benefit in many ways from the new system.”

In preparation for the launch of the WHS, more than 3,000 golf courses have been rated for the first time and an extensive education program has been delivered. By the end of 2019, more than 90 National Associations will have attended an educational seminar and a robust library of resources is hosted on WHS.com to support regional education.

Rules of Handicapping books are being produced and will be translated and delivered through national associations.

In addition, the USGA and The R&A have developed a series of golfer-focused materials, including videos, infographics and posters, which can be used by national associations and shared with golf clubs for the benefit of golfers.

This includes a promotional video which can be seen here featuring Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player and voices of recreational golfers from around the world to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a handicap.

The materials explain the system’s key features, including:

• Flexibility in formats of play, allowing both competitive and recreational rounds to count for handicap purposes and ensuring that a Handicap Index reflects demonstrated ability
• A minimal number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap; with the number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap being 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds (with some discretion available for national or regional associations)
• An average-based calculation of a handicap, taken from the best eight out of the last 20 scores and factoring in memory of demonstrated ability for better responsiveness/control
• A calculation that considers the impact that abnormal course and weather conditions might have on a player’s performance each day
• Timely handicap revisions
• A limit of Net Double Bogey on the maximum hole score (for handicapping purposes only)
• A maximum handicap limit of 54.0, regardless of gender, to encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game
• The formation of a World Handicap System was first conceived in 2011 between the USGA and The R&A in an effort to engage more golfers in the game and promote equity, no matter where golf is played. The effort unites six existing handicapping systems into one, while embracing the many ways the game is played across cultures.

Beginning in 2020, the new WHS will be governed by the USGA and The R&A and administered by national and regional golf associations around the world.

The existing six handicapping authorities, Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the USGA, represent approximately 15 million golfers in 80 countries who currently maintain a golf handicap.

As an extension of their support of the Rules of Golf worldwide, Rolex has made a commitment to support the USGA’s and The R&A’s efforts to implement the World Handicap System.

Saskatchewan winters are long, for avid golfers the season seems to last forever.

The long offseason can not only bring people down mentally, becoming “stagnant” over the cold, dark days can also affect your physical health, and your golf game. With a degree in Sport and Exercise Science and a Level 3 Certified Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) professional, Tanner White is hired by clients in Regina and southern Saskatchewan to work on their bodies, and game. He said starting a winter fitness program shouldn’t have you diving right in.

“You need to start slow,” White told Golf Saskatchewan. “If someone does have an injury or an ailment let’s first figure that out, what’s causing that? Once that’s covered we can look at how do we get stronger? More powerful, more speed?”

White said no one knows your own body and golf game better than yourself. You need to identify what part of your body needs to be stretched more or more mobile. He added many clients start shaking the winter blues by simply walking on the treadmill just to get their body moving. White does guide his clients or anybody working out to begin slow and as you elevate your program you need an end purpose.

“Having structure is important to keep individuals accountable for what they are trying to do,” he explained. “You need to understand what each individual is capable of doing and what their body is capable of handling and what their goal is. What is the main intention you are looking to get out of your program? Let’s build it around that.”

For golf, building your body is unique. White said not many sports incorporate the opposite side of your dominant hand needing to be stronger due to the core motion of a golf swing. Naturally our bodies are stronger on our dominant sides. White said you need to find a balance if you hope to elevate your game and swing.

“It is important over the off-season that you have a focus on getting your body as equally as strong and mobile as both sides as you can. The body will then be more efficient when it’s equal,” he added.

There are many benefits to having a winter program, the most sought-after result is hopefully less rust at the start of the season and potentially lower scores. Additional side effects will include better overall health and being less prone to an injury.

“Injuries come from one or multiple muscles are over stimulated and opposed to the other side and that’s what’s causing injuries. That’s why a well-balanced strength training program is very important. That’s what is ultimately going to help minimize injuries,” he explained.

The next phase of your winter conditioning program should be keeping it fun and interesting. Golf is a game that prides itself on never being the same. Courses are different, weather is never identical, lies will be different for every stroke keeping the sport fresh. White said that’s important in your program as well to keep your mind fresh and engaged.

“There’s some individuals that will say do the same workout plan for five years, you lose that mental drive,” White proclaimed. “That’s why getting on some type of program is important for people. It keeps you structured and keeps you motivated for what you need to do.”

White is a firm believer in keeping workouts fresh. At 1621 Club where he’s a trainer he will alter the focus area of the body every few weeks for group workouts. He said that keeps the attendees engaged, and they don’t get bored with the same workout for months or years on end.

White works with clients of all ages, and all sporting backgrounds in Regina at the 1621 Club. He is also a member of the PGA of Canada so there is a golf focus and he can provide top-notch training for anyone looking to get better, improve their health or get stronger. In the end he said golf has many factors we can’t control such as weather, the course, or other players. He said you need to look after the limitations you can control, and your game will be better for it.

“What is your nutrition like? You have full control of that, make sure that’s in line. Hydration, you have full control of that, make sure that’s in line. Exercise, you have full control of that, make sure that’s in line. Then we have the mental side of things which you have full control of as well. If more golfers took care of all those items those other variables on the golf course are less impactful. Take control of your life and improve on those variables,” he concluded.

Golf Saskatchewan reached out to several golfers, of all skill level who have made a serious commitment to working on their body and game over the winter months. Tony B. (the subjects preferred to not use their last names) said he doesn’t need to use the first few rounds to shake off the “rust.”

“It has made me feel far less rusty in terms of physical abilities in the early parts of the golf season whereas in previous years, it had taken a few rounds to get the golf muscles back in shape. This way, I feel more prepared and able to play golf with an improved physical ability at an earlier time in our short season. I would also argue that with consistently doing some work on mobility and rotation, my swing has become much more consistent and dare I say powerful with less effort or strain,” Tony said.

Jason G. is a former collegiate golfer. It’s been 15 years since he played on the college level, but he said going back to working over the winter on his game has helped him get back to that level.

“Over the last two years I have found greater consistency in my golf game and just completed the 2019 season with my game being the best it is has been since graduating from playing collegiate golf back in 2005. I did not practice any more or harder on the golf swing or game specifically, so I have to attribute some or most of the improvement to my game to the overall mobility and strength I have developed working with golf specific training,” Jason explained.

TORONTO – (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada, in partnership with title sponsor RBC, are pleased to announce that select tickets for the 2020 RBC Canadian Open are now available.

The RBC Canadian Open will be held June 8-14 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto with nearby Islington Golf Club hosting the tournament’s official practice facility. Defending champion Rory McIlroy will lead the stars of the PGA TOUR back to Toronto as St. George’s prepares to host for the first time since 2010.With a new premier spot on the PGA TOUR schedule in early June, the RBC Canadian Open is a summer festival marking the unofficial start of Canada’s golf season. The week-long celebration, which sold out certain days in 2019, offers more than just world class golf… it has something for everybody. The RBC Canadian Open delivers affordable and fun entertainment, with excitement both on the fairway and beyond.

Early ticket offerings available include:

GENERAL ADMISSION – WEEKLY BADGES & ANYDAY TICKETS

Take advantage of miles of front row seating! General admission tickets provide access to the golf course—get an up-close look at your favourite PGA TOUR stars, enjoy fan activations throughout the golf course and experience the thrill of major professional golf.

A fully transferable general admission Weekly Badge costs $180 and an Anyday Ticket (valid any day of tournament week) costs $80.

1904 CLUB PRESENTED BY RBC ISHARES

The 1904 Club presented by RBC iShares delivers an elevated fan experience in the heart of the golf course. Located between the 1^st and 10^th greens, this premium destination is the perfect home base to sit, relax and map out your experience following the stars of the PGA TOUR! Enjoy relief and shelter from the elements, take in the broadcast on TV and treat yourself to upgraded food, beverages and hospitality.

A 1904 Club presented by RBC iShares Weekly Badge (valid Thursday to Sunday) costs $300.

VISIT WWW.RBCANADIANOPEN.COM/TICKETS to purchase select 

2020 RBC Canadian Open tickets

Additional ticket options will be available for purchase beginning December 12, 2019 at 10:00 am ET.

Join us to witness world-class PGA TOUR golf,  activities for all ages including ‘The Rink’, local food and patio experiences and more. Get your tickets today and be a part of one of Canada’s premier sporting events – www.rbccanadianopen.com/tickets.

* Youth 13-17 years of age receive a 15% discount, while juniors aged 12-and-under gain FREE grounds admission all week long.

With its long history and vast geography, Canada boasts many strange and spooky tales. There are haunted coal mines in Cape Breton, poltergeists in Calgary and even a pair of haunted boots in St. Vincent’s Newfoundland. It is no wonder, therefore, that golf courses across the country are rumoured to be home to some extraordinary spirits.

Haunted Lakes Golf Club

Winning the award for the Canadian golf course with the spookiest name is Haunted Lakes Golf Club in Alix, a town east of Red Deer, Alta. It is here an ancient drama plays out every winter along the third fairway, where Haunted Lake hugs the front right of the green.

Before Europeans arrived, native groups camped on the lake’s eastern shore. One winter, seven hunters camped there for the night. In the morning, they looked out across the lake and spied the magnificent head and antlers of a deer caught in the ice.

The seven headed off and upon reaching the creature, they started to chip away at the ice. The mighty animal, which was very much alive, gave a great heave and smashed through the ice. It swam for shore, breaking a path before it. The deer made it to shore and the safety of the woods, but the men were not so lucky. They plunged through the ice and all seven drowned.

It is said the seven hunters have haunted the lake ever since, giving the spot its name. Locals also claim that every winter a mysterious phenomenon can be observed as each year a huge fissure appears in the ice along the path the deer travelled to the shore.

Glen Abbey Golf Club

Several provinces east of Alberta you will find Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville, Ont.

The story says there is a house on the property which was built in 1937 by a mining engineer as his weekend retreat. The engineer, Andre Dorfman, was a leading figure in the Canadian mining industry at the time.

In 1953 Dorfman sold the house to the Jesuit Fathers of Upper Canada as a retreat. The property was sold again in 1963 to businessmen who opened a golf club. In memory of the Jesuits, the course was given the name Glen Abbey. Soon after the club opened, reports of a specter began to surface.

Within 10 years, they started talking about a ghost in the building. The story is that the ghost lives in the old mansion and walks up the back stairs and down the main hallway towards the library.

The mansion is a good example of the stately homes built in Oakville in the early twentieth century. It is constructed of stone with a red clay tile roof and features a wood-lined library on the second floor. Originally known as RayDor Estate House, the building has been designated as a heritage property. Prior to 1975 it served as the golf course’s clubhouse and currently is home to an investment company.

One of the rooms in the basement is actually made to replicate the ship in which the original builder came over from Switzerland.

The ghost in the old mansion is said to be male, and eyewitnesses agree that it resembles a Jesuit father.

Victoria Golf Club

Victoria Golf Club in Victoria, B.C., boasts both an impressive course history and a ghost or two of its own. The club is beautifully situated on a rocky point at the southern end of Vancouver Island.

The club dates back to November 1893 when local golf enthusiasts negotiated for permanent rights to play the rough fields of Pemberton Farm. Originally, golfers were prohibited from using the grounds over the summer, when cattle grazed what would become today’s fairways.

Like Haunted Lakes, the Victoria Golf Club may be haunted by early aboriginal inhabitants. One researcher suggests that some of its phantoms may be the souls of native warriors killed in battle centuries ago. However, these spirits pale beside the club’s other resident, the late Doris Gravlin, possibly Victoria’s most famous ghost.

John Adams is an expert on Doris, as she’s affectionately called by locals. A historian and author, Adams is best known as the proprietor of the “Ghostly Walks” tour, which explores historic courtyards and spooky places where spirits like Doris make their presence known.

“Doris Thomson was born in Blackburn, Lancashire in 1906 and immigrated to Canada with her parents,” recounts Adams. The Thomson family settled in Victoria where Doris’s mother worked at a private hospital. Doris became a nurse as well, until 1930 when she married Victor Gravlin.

Victor was a sports reporter for the Colonist newspaper, spending many happy hours golfing with his brother Walter, head pro at the Uplands Golf Club. The hours Victor spent with Doris would prove to be much less happy.

“When her husband began to drink heavily, Doris left him,” explains Adams, adding that Doris found work as a private live-in nurse.

“In mid-September of 1936 Victor delivered a letter to Doris,” Adams says. “Its contents were unknown, but are believed to have been a request for her to meet him to discuss reconciliation.”

Doris stepped out for a walk at about 7:45 pm on September 22, 1936; Victor left his parents’ house shortly thereafter. One observer saw them together on Runnymede Avenue, but after that, neither was seen alive.

Doris and Victor were reported missing. A search ensued and days later, Doris’s corpse was discovered. Her body was later discovered amid the driftwood on the beach near the 7th green by a caddy looking for lost balls. She had been strangled and her shoes, belt and felt hat were missing.

Gossips maintained that Victor had escaped. But they were wrong.

“One month later a fisherman found Victor’s body floating in the kelp beds off the ninth fairway,” describes Adams. “A length of rope was found in his coat pocket, along with Doris’s missing attire. The police concluded he had murdered his wife then committed suicide by walking into the water.”

The discovery of two bodies on the grounds gave rise to the notion the club was haunted, and many sightings have been reported since.

“Typical manifestations are a fast-moving figure in white, a feeling of doom, a cold wind and a globe of spectral light,” says Adams. “Doris also plays havoc with motorists along Beach Drive, sometimes flying through open windows and even penetrating windshields as a cold mist.”

INZAI CITY, Japan – Tiger Woods won the Zozo Championship to tie Sam Snead’s PGA Tour record of 82 victories.

The 43-year-old American played the final seven holes Monday in the rain-hit tournament, completing a 3-under 67 to beat local favourite Hideki Matsuyama by three strokes at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club.

“It’s just crazy. It’s a lot,” Woods said. “I’ve been able to be consistent most of my career. … Today was one of those days where I was able to pull it out.”

Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee two months ago – his fifth on the same problem joint. He was making his first start in his 23rd season on the PGA Tour.

“I can still manage my way around the golf course,” Woods said. “I know how to play. I was able to do that this week.”

The fourth round was suspended because of darkness Sunday, and Woods took a three-stroke lead over Matsuyama into Monday in the first official PGA Tour event in Japan.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Does it get any better than this guys?! We’ll never forget your 24th #PGATOUR win at the #RBCCO, and we’re honoured to play a part in the journey to Chasing 82. ⁣ ⁣ Congrats, @TigerWoods.⁣ ⁣ Love, your Canadian fans.

A post shared by RBC Canadian Open (@rbccanadianopen) on Oct 28, 2019 at 6:05am PDT

He bogeyed his first hole Monday, the par-4 12th, but was solid the rest of the way with birdies on Nos. 14 and 18 to finish at 19-under 261. Matsuyama also closed with a 67

Rory McIlroy, the highest ranked player in the field, completed his round with two birdies for a 67 to tie for third at 13 under with Sungjae Im. Im had a 65.

Woods opened with consecutive 64s, with a day off in between because of rain. He had a 66 on Sunday in the third round.

“It’s been a long week,” Woods said. “Five days at the top of the leaderboard is a long time.”

Does it get any better than this guys?! ??#PGATOUR #LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/gsD8KEhby0

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) October 28, 2019

As the U.S. Presidents Cup captain, Woods was asked about picking himself for the team,

“I think the player got the captain’s attention,” Woods said.

by Dwayne Tingley

David Morison admits he was pleasantly surprised when he moved to Bathurst from Winnipeg more than 15 years ago.

Morison, who started playing golf when he was just eight years-old and still hits the fairways four days a week at age 73, checked out Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club shortly after arriving in Bathurst.

“What was this place doing here is what I asked myself,” Morison recalled. “What is a gem of a golf course doing here?”

“To have an amazing golf course like this on the Bay of Chaleur and in the northeastern part of New Brunswick is just amazing to me. What a beautiful place and it’s full of the world’s friendliest people.”

Morison, a Toronto native who made the move from Winnipeg so his wife could be near her family, hasn’t looked back since arrived in Bathurst.

The chartered accountant was recognized at the 2019 Argus Audiology Golf NB Annual Awards Banquet & Silent Auction on Saturday, October 26 in Fredericton as the organization’s Provincial Volunteer of the Year.

Morison deflected praise, saying it takes many volunteers to make tournaments and golf clubs successful.

“It’s like a ball team – it’s usually not a problem to find 10 kids who want to play baseball, but hard to find a coach for them,” he said. “Our volunteers are like that coach. We need those volunteers and I am just one of them.”

Morison, a former executive-director of Golf Manitoba, has volunteered on Gowan Brae’s finance committee while working tirelessly on setting up and maintaining the course’s markings for tournament and every-day play.

Since 2015, Morison has been chairman of Golf New Brunswick’s rules committee and has volunteered in that capacity at most of the province’s most prestigious tournaments.

“I just feel strongly about giving back,” said Morison, who also serves as volunteer treasurer at First United Church. “I have enjoyed my time in golf, and I enjoy giving back so others can enjoy the game as much as I have for so long.”

This year’s version of the Argus Audiology Golf NB Awards Banquet attracted a large crowd at the Crowne Plaza – Lord Beaverbrook Hotel in downtown Fredericton.  Players of the year were honoured as well as the top tournament winners and provincial teams.

Leanne Richardson, of the Country Meadows Golf Club in Moncton, won the Royale NB Ladies Player of the Year award for the 19^th time. She was also the Argus Audiology NB Ladies Amateur, Mid-Amateur and Senior Champion.

“I try to play as many of the tournaments as I can, considering my other commitments,” said Richardson, who is also general manager at Country Meadows.

“I try to be consistent with a lot of top five finishes and a pretty good all-around game. Staying competitive at this point in my playing career is important to me. It’s been a lot of fun and it’s always fun to play with so many great friends.”

Country Meadows club-mate Stuart Musgrave claimed his 1^st TaylorMade NB Men’s Player of the Year award.  The 47-year-old former PGA of Canada Professional said the men’s field in New Brunswick is stacked with exceptional players.

“It’s getting better all of the time and at my age, I don’t know how many of these opportunities I’m going to get, so this is very special,” said Musgrave, who was also a member of New Brunswick’s mid-amateur team.

Tom Cameron of the Gage Golf and Curling Club picked up the MCT Insurance Senior Men’s Player of the Year award.

The career military man finished in the top five at several New Brunswick tournaments this summer then finished tied for 12^th at the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship.  He said competing for Canada at an international military tournament in Germany against top opponents from 16 countries provided a confidence boost that he rode through the summer of 2019.

“I think it carried over,” said Cameron, who works in range control in the operation services branch at CFB Gagetown. “I seem to play better in a tournament setting. It’s different and I enjoy the focus that you need to maintain in a tournament. I love the competition.”

Dieppe’s Julie Gauvin, who plays out of the Fox Creek Golf Club, was named the MJT-Golf NB Junior Girls Player of the Year for the second year in a row.

She said extra work with Golf NB Junior Boys Coach, and owner of the Louis Melanson Golf Academy, Louis Melanson paid off with more consistent play throughout the summer.

“I had more distance this year and my short game has improved a lot,” said the Grade 12 student from Mathieu-Martin High School. “I also worked more with a sports psychologist who improved my mental approach. I just like the way my whole game as improved.”

Daniel Kirby of JH Sports, who plays out of the Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club, also captured his second straight MJT-Golf NB Junior Boys Player of the Year award. Three years ago, the Grade 12 student from Woodstock High School was runner -up.

“Practicing has never been an issue for me,” Kirby said. “Going to the course and working for 10 hours has never been a problem.

“My game has changed though, and I have been more consistent, so I use my practice time more productively,” he said. “I’m a much better player than I was a couple of years ago because I have improved my approach to the game.”

The evening also served to announce Golf NB’s annual scholarship recipients.  Benjamin MacDonald of Gowan Brae was awarded the New Brunswick Golf Association’s 50^th anniversary scholarship, while four John Patrick Sears Scholarships were presented to Calvin Ross of JH Sports & Kingswood Golf, Stuart Earle of the Westfield Golf & Country Club, MacKenzie Scott of JH Sports & Kingswood Golf and Sara Holt of the Gage.

by Dwayne Tingley

Judy Astle changes the subject quickly, rather than talking about her own athletic accomplishments.  However, her smile widens, and her voice perks up when discussing the success of others.

“There’s something special when you see a junior make a shot that they have been practicing or making a long putt,” said the 69-year-old resident of Astle, near Boiestown, on the Miramichi River in the heart of New Brunswick.

Astle made her selfless comments on Saturday, Oct. 26, shortly after being named the new president of Golf New Brunswick. She previously served a two-year term as vice-president of the nearly 6,800-member organization.

Astle will focus much of her presidency on attracting new players to the game and making sure junior golfers are given opportunities to attend clinics. She also hopes Golf New Brunswick will encourage its member-clubs to offer more flexible programs so new players can take up the sport.

“Times have changed and we have to change to the busy schedules people have these days,” said Astle, a retired teacher and guidance counselor who still works full-time as a paramedic with Ambulance New Brunswick.

“If we can look at different types of memberships and green fees, golf will be available to more and more people,” she added. “Not everyone has the time needed to go play 18 holes of golf, but maybe they can play three or six or nine. That’s just one idea and I think that’s a good way to start bringing new people to our clubs.”

Astle was an accomplished softball pitcher and first baseman in Fredericton before she picked up golf clubs at the Old Mill Pond Golf Club in Doaktown in 1974.

While teaching school, she quickly turned her athletic attention to coaching. She took over at the helm of school basketball, volleyball, softball and badminton teams.

“I always enjoyed working with young people and helping them reach their potential,” Astle noted.

With that in mind, she entered the golf mentorship world. She headed the girls’ division of the former New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association and was the director of player development and programs for the Canadian Ladies Golf Association.

Astle also organized countless clinics for young golfers around New Brunswick.

“I have always believed that sports have physical benefits for the children and it also helps them build good character,” she said. “I also believe they have to play a variety of sports and not just focus on one at a young age. We have to create well-rounded people and athletes.”

Astle, who also served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of New Brunswick for three years, received the Order of New Brunswick for her work with young athletes.

“It was a big honour and very humbling,” said the mother of four, grandmother of nine and great grandmother of one. “I don’t know what to say except it was very humbling.”

While junior development holds a special place in Astle’s heart, she will also be making a concerted effort to assist in the growth of golf in her home province. Golf New Brunswick serves 47 member-clubs, but Astle is eager to see that number grow.

“Communication is a big thing with me,” she said. “Once people are aware of the benefits of belonging to Golf New Brunswick, they will want to join the organization and together we can accomplish some bigger things in the future.

“When we work together, we can make Golf New Brunswick better for all of our players – the young players and those who have been playing golf for their whole lives.”

Others on the Golf New Brunswick executive are: Mike Hughes (past president), Jason Porter (vice-president and junior/player development committee chair), Allison Chisholm (course rating and handicap chair), Gary Melanson (tournament committee chair), Brenda Parrott (membership relations chair), Margo Dickinson (finance committee chair), Matt Garnett (partnerships chair), Charlie Martin (board of directors representative) and Joe Sullivan (board of directors representative).