Brian McDonald claimed his first national title at the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Titleist & FootJoy Thursday as he closed with a 5-under-par 67 for a five-shot victory.

The Director of Golf and General Manager at Fairview Mountain in Oliver, B.C., featured five birdies in his final round at The Gold Course at Wigwam Golf Club, coming from behind to raise a PGA of Canada national championship trophy for the first time in his career.

“If you would have told me at the start of this week that I’d be a national champion when it was all said and done, I wouldn’t have believed you,” McDonald admitted after his final round. “But when I made the turn today I told myself if I kept to my game plan, I would take this championship home to British Columbia.”

McDonald was one of 18 players in the field from British Columbia. His friend and fellow B.C.-native Matt Palsenbarg finished second at -6 after a final round 64 (which was also the low round of the championship).

“Honestly, everyone wants to win, but the support I received last night and this morning from all my fellow pros from B.C. was just amazing,” McDonald said. “They were pulling for me, coaching me and that really means the world to me.”

Gordon Percy of Carleton Golf and Yacht Club in Ottawa, who lead heading into Thursday’s final round, finished alone in third at -5. Ian Leggatt of Ontario and Manitoba’s Dean North finished T4 at -4.

With the win this week at The Wigwam in Litchfield, Ariz., McDonald pads his already impressive PGA of Canada professional resume.

A PGA of Canada member since 1993, McDonald was the recipient of the 1999 PGA of BC Assistant of the Year Award; 2003 PGA of BC Merchandiser of the Year Award; 2004 PGA of BC Head Golf Professional of the Year Award; and 2004 PGA of Canada Head Golf Professional of the Year Award.

“The win this week means so much to me as a golf professional,” McDonald said. “I’m a very proud PGA of Canada member and knowing that I’m a national champion I can always hang my hat on that . . . and no one can ever take that away from me.”

The 36-hole Inter-Zone competition compiled of four players on each team representing their respective PGA Zone was decided Wednesday.

The squad from Ontario (Burns, John Cochrane, Brian Hadley and Danny King) won for the fourth-straight year. The squad from Quebec finished a stroke back with Saskatchewan rounding out the top three.

This year’s championship saw a few changes—both on and off the golf course. Firstly, the low club professional (McDonald) was recognized with a separate trophy and monetary bonus. Secondly, all competitors were treated to a number of parties hosted at The Wigwam and the Arizona Coyotes.

McDonald adds his name to a list of the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada champions that include John Cochrane, Matt Peavoy, Danny King, Adam Chamberlain, Roger Beale, Norm Jarvis, Gar Hamilton, Bob Panasik, Yvan Beauchemin, Graham Gunn, Ken Tarling and Brian Hutton.

If asked the question “How has technology impacted your game?”, most golfers automatically think of their adjustable driver, game-improvement irons, a ball that promises both distance and accuracy, foul-weather gear and footwear that protect them from the elements and, perhaps, a distance-measuring device that takes the guesswork out of approach shots or an electric trolley that saves wear and tear on their bodies during a round.

But we got some revealing and unexpected answers when we ask experts from various sectors of the Canadian golf industry what technology they thought was most impactful on golfers.

“The smartphone!” responded Craig Loughry, Golf Canada’s director of handicap and course rating. You need only to look at the home screen on his phone for evidence. It’s plastered with the icons for multiple golf apps. Among GPS apps, he says Golfshot seems to be the most popular, but he’s enthusiastic about others, FunGolf in particular. Tracking your game stats has become simple, again thanks to various apps.

“Remember tracking fairways hit, greens in regulation and putts per hole? Well, that’s evolved,” said Loughry. “Used properly, these apps can actually show you what areas you need to focus on to improve your game.” There are lots of these apps available, both free and subscription-based, including the one developed by Golf Canada.

More exotic is “real-time game tracker” technology that fits on your club. “It records and tells you your swing speed, specific distance of each club, tracks your tendencies of misses, tracks your position on the course—all shot by shot, including your putts. It’s really amazing technology.” A couple of examples are Arccos and Game Golf.

Liam Mucklow is the founder of the Golf Lab, based in King City, Ont., so naturally he points to things such as launch monitors, 3D motion capture and force plates as advances that have improved the ability of instructors to help golfers become better through not only teaching but club fitting as well. “These three pieces of equipment allow me, as a coach, to measure the complete feedback loop from ball flight, club delivery, body movement, and ground reaction forces. In short, it helps me make golfers better faster than ever before.”

Among others interviewed for this story, Mucklow suggested high-tech “entertainment ranges” such as Drive Shack and TopGolf will encourage more people to try the real thing. A recent report by the U.S. National Golf Foundation confirmed that.

The folks who run the real courses where you play are also proactive to ensure they are delivering the best experience possible from communicating through social media and email to organizing and running events.

“As the golf industry changes, so changes the role of the PGA of Canada professional,” notes Adam Tobin, director of golf at Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, Ont. “For example, I’ve noticed the increase in tournament operation software that allow for easy one-stop development of tournaments, events, leagues, and every aspect that comes along with them. But the main item that has progressed is the way we communicate with our members on a regular basis. Many clubs are employing full-time communication managers and in my opinion, it is one of the most important roles at a club.”

David Main, a PGA of Canada member and a club manager, can see the question from both perspectives. He cites data management as a major advancement that impacts the customer experience positively. While this technology is largely invisible to the customer, Main said it allows clubs to better shape their service performance on an ongoing basis.

As well, he says, “I see more clubs automating the guest experience in the future. Why have someone checking you in when you can tap your membership or pre-paid guest card and get access to golf? Why have servers when you can select menu items from a tablet and pick them up at a window or have a food runner deliver it? Why can’t I scan my fingerprint to get access to my club storage, use my member or pre-paid card to access a power cart? How about facial recognition software for security and tracking member usage?

“Stuff you thought was only in the movies will soon be part of the club world.”

That’s tomorrow and beyond. But today, the most important and yet largely overlooked impact of technology is evident when you step onto the first tee and survey the opening hole. Course architects routinely employ computer software to design and redesign holes and entire layouts.

“New computer technologies that create vivid photo visualization and 3D modeling of proposed redesign plans are invaluable,” says Toronto-based course architect Jeff Mingay. “These present club members, some of whom may have trouble interpreting traditional two-dimensional overview plans of a hole, with a real-life view of the proposed changes.”

Mingay, who is also integrally involved with the construction and grow-in of his projects, cites new strains of bentgrass discovered through modern research techniques as a major development. “Superintendents are better able to present more consistently smooth, fast putting surfaces that are healthier and can better handle drought, traffic, harsh winter conditions and other stresses than annual bluegrass.”

Kathryn Wood, chief operating officer of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association, reached out to her Twitter followers for answers to our original question. Thanks to the many who responded! (You can learn more from this recent USGA article)

“For the most part, I’m pretty sure most golfers don’t have even the foggiest idea of how technology is driving golf,” tweeted Brad Hutchinson, course superintendent at Ontario’s Warkworth Golf Club. “And almost every time I start to explain it, they get this glazed look like they’re thinking about putting.”

Shame on them.

Now focus! These turf professionals make every effort to make your round the best it can be.

Several respondents reiterated Mingay’s opinion of the impressive advances in turfgrasses as well as a dizzying array of items such as TDRs (soil moisture meters that allow superintendents to precisely schedule irrigation cycles and hand-watering thus improving playability and more efficient use of water), sophisticated GPS-directed sprayers and drones, plant growth regulators such as Primo Maxx, new reel-sharpening systems for mowers, communicating course updates through social media, onsite weather stations, and more.

So the next time someone tells you that golf is stuck in the Dark Ages, recite some of the above. Until, that is, their eyes glaze over.

MEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

Laurent Desmarchais and James Song were the biggest movers among the Top 10 over the course of 2018. Desmarchais, who was named to the Golf Canada Development Squad for the upcoming season, gained 1,323 spots in the world rankings over the course of 2018. He vaulted into the Top 10 following his win at the Golf Quebec Junior Provincial Match-Play Championship – one of four victories he collected this past year.

Song, who holds dual citizenship, has gained 1,003 spots in the world rankings and currently holds down the No. 3 amateur ranking in Canada. A freshman at UC Berkeley, he moved into the Top 10 for the first time after a runner-up performance at the Thunderbird International Junior. Song has four top 10 results this year including a ninth place finish at the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

Golf Canada National Team member Brendan Macdougall picked up 168 spots over the course of 2018, thanks in large part to a pair of wins at the Big South Championship and the Alberta Match Play Championship.

Charles Corner gained 108 spots over the course of the year after three top 5 performances in his final collegiate season.

Joey Savoie gained 99 places in the world rankings to sit at a career-best No. 57 in the world. The Golf Canada National Team member had seven top 10 results including a pair of wins and he will finish at the No. 1 amateur player in Canada.

WOMEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

Brigitte Thibault made the biggest move among Top 10 players in 2018. Recently named to the Golf Canada National Team, Thibault gained 833 spots in the world rankings and was one of two players who moved into the Top 10 over the course of the year. Back-to-back top 10 finishes elevated her into the Top 20 and a total of seven top 10 results have solidified her spot as the No. 2 amateur in Canada, including a runner-up finish at the Las Vegas Collegiate Showdown.

The only other player to crack the Top 10 over the course of 2018 was Ellie Szeryk. The Golf Canada Development Team member is also the younger sister to Maddie Szeryk, who was formerly the No. 1 ranked amateur in Canada up until her recent graduation and decision to turn pro. Szeryk gained 274 spots in the world rankings on the strength of four top 5 results including a victory at the Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championship.

As mentioned Maddie Szeryk’s move to the pros forced a change atop the amateur rankings, which was aptly filled by Jaclyn Lee. However, it may be a short reign as the Ohio State senior is contemplating a similar move to the pros after earning her LPGA Tour card this fall. The Golf Canada National Team member gained 106 spots to move up to a career-best No. 19 in the world rankings. She has 10 top 10 results in 2018 including two victories and seven other top 5 finishes.

Development Squad member Celeste Dao gained 169 spots in the world rankings in 2018. Dao, who has signed a letter of intent to play at Georgia, has 11 top 10 results including four wins in what was a busy 2018 campaign for the Quebec junior.

Click here for the full World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR)

MEN’S TOP 10

Nick Taylor made the biggest gain among the Top 10 over the last week, picking up 13 places after finishing tied for ninth at the Australian PGA Championship. The result was worth 2.41 world ranking points, giving him three points-paying results in his last four tournaments.

Corey Conners made the biggest move among the Top 10 in 2018, moving up a total of 408 spots in the world rankings to finish as the No. 2 ranked player in Canada. The former Golf Canada National Team player saw his biggest gain come after finishing runner-up at the Sanderson Farms Championship. It was one of only two top 10 results for the PGA rookie this past year.

Adam Svensson made the next biggest gain, picking up a total of 289 spots over the course of 2018. His highlight moment came early in the year, winning the Web.com event in the Bahamas, which moved him back into the Top 10 in the Canadian rankings. It was also one of five top 10 results as the B.C. golfer earned his PGA Tour card for 2019.

Adam Hadwin will finish as the No. 1 ranked player in Canada, having held that position for almost two full years now. The Abbotsford, B.C. golfer reached a career high No. 41 in the world after finishing in a tie for 24th at his first career Masters tournament. He notched five top 10 results in 2018 including a tie for third at the CareerBuilder Challenge.

Of the 35 total Canadians who are recognized by the world rankings, Sukwoan Ko made the biggest gain, picking up 1,271 points over the course of 2018. Playing on the Korean Tour, his victory at the Jeonbuk Open back in July vaulted him into the Top 20 in Canada and he ends the year at No. 12.

Other notable results: No. 6 Austin Connelly finished tied for 34th at the Australian PGA Championship;

Click here for the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).

WOMEN’S TOP 10

The biggest mover among the Top 10 female golfers in Canada goes to a player who has yet to officially turn pro.

Jaclyn Lee gained a total of 250 places in the world rankings in 2018, moving into the Top 10 after finishing in a tie for 35th at the Meijer LPGA Classic – which was her only LPGA Tour event in 2018. Lee, a member of Golf Canada’s National Team and a senior at Ohio State University, has since gone on to earn an LPGA Tour card for 2019 and will have a decision to make in the new year, about whether or not to turn pro at the season’s first event or wait until later in the year until after she graduates.

Brooke Henderson finishes the year as the No. 1 ranked female in Canada, a position she has held since December 2014. Henderson had two wins, including her impressive performance at the CP Women’s Open, as well as eight other top 10 finishes in 2018. She closed out the year collecting world ranking points in each of her last 14 consecutive tournaments to climb into the Top 10 in the world.

Brittany Marchand made the biggest gain over the course of the past year, picking up 205 spots in the world rankings. The Golf Canada Young Pro Squad member had one top 10 result and one top 20 finish in her rookie LPGA season as well as a third place result on the developmental Symetra Tour. At one point, Marchand collected world ranking points in 10 of 11 LPGA starts.

Anne-Catherine Tanguay gained a total of 60 places in the world rankings in 2018. After a slow start to her rookie LPGA campaign, the Young Pro Squad member found her groove in the middle of the season, earning world ranking points in six of seven events to close out the season.

Click here for the Rolex Women’s Golf Rankings.

The Fraser Edmundston Golf club is currently seeking a General Manager. This individual will report directly to the Board of Directors and manage the daily operations of all departments of the golf course including greens crew, pro shop, food and beverage facilities, front facilities, administration, golf instruction and golf events.

Responsibilities

Financial

Prepare operating budgets and be accountable for expenditures ensuring they remain within budget. Additional responsibilities include purchasing/monitoring clubhouse inventory, prepare and analyse necessary financial reports and involvement in the development of marketing strategies.

Human Resources

Supervise all departmental heads ensuring all staffing requirements are met. Ensure our existing policies & procedures across the entire operation are followed, recommending changes where deemed necessary to ensure a positive employee, member and guest experience.

Golf Instruction and Golf Events

Coordinate junior golf programs, club & corporate events, tournaments, members & guests visits.

Asset Management

Responsible for building & vehicle maintenance along with golf course management and be able to prepare recommendations regarding construction, renovations, maintenance, supplies, equipment and services.

Communication

Attend Board of Director Meetings, necessary subcommittee meetings and chair regular staff meetings and to generate necessary communications for our members & guests.

Marketing

Develop and implement an efficient and targeted marketing strategy for the Golf Club and the food and beverages facility.

Qualifications

• Bilingual
• Experience within the golf and/or hospitality industry an asset
• Demonstrates strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Must be able to work in a team environment
• Experience in business administration and office management
• Membership with the CPGA an asset but not required
• Must have exceptional communication, marketing and customer service skills
• Be competent in MS Excel, MS Word and Simply Accounting and Chronogolf
• Should be detailed-oriented and able to meet deadlines

Please forward (P.O. Box 263, Edmundston, NB E3V 3K9) or email (edmundstongolf@gmail.com) a cover letter and resume.

The final PGA of Canada national championship of the year lands next week in Arizona.

The PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Titleist & FootJoy takes place December 3-6 at the Golf Course at The Wigwam in Litchfield, Ariz.

A 54-hole national championship featuring PGA of Canada head professionals, head teaching professionals, executive professionals and general managers, will undoubtedly feature stellar play from an impressive cast of players.

The field at The Wigwam includes:

• Past PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada winners John Cochrane, Danny King and Benoit Boudreau
• Past PGA Championship of Canada winners Dave Levesque and Eric Laporte
• Past PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada winners Phil Jonas, Matt Palsenbarg, Marc Girouard
• PGA of Canada Player Rankings presented by RBC highly-touted Scott Allred, Philippe Gariepy, Brian Hadley, David Zibrik, Lindsay Bernakevitch, Ron Kenesky and Gordon Burns
• PGA TOUR winner Ian Leggatt

“We’re very excited to be headed back to Arizona and even more excited to be going to the Gold Course at The Wigwam for the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada,” said PGA of Canada president Mark Patterson.

This year’s field features many first-time players in the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Titleist & FootJoy.

Designed by the master designer himself, the Gold Course was created in 1964 to rival another of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s courses, the famed South Course at Firestone Country Club. At more than 7,430 yards, this long and winding par-72 course will challenge even the finest of golfers, leaving them with club choices that will either reward or reprimand their decisions. The course has previously hosted qualifying tournaments for the Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada, U.S. Open and the U.S. Amateur.

The Wigwam was originally built in 1918 as a gathering place for the Ohio-based executives of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company who discovered the West Valley of Phoenix as a prime location to grow cotton for rubber production. As the retreat grew in popularity, additional accommodations and amenities were added and in 1929 The Wigwam opened as a full-service resort with accommodations for just 24 guests.

In its 100-year history, this Phoenix resort has hosted some of the world’s most recognized public figures and sports legends and maintains a reputation as one of the Southwest’s landmark resort destinations.

In 2017, John Cochrane captured the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Titleist & FootJoy. The 56-year-old posted rounds of 72-69 at the TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs, Fla., bettering Brian Hadley and Jeff Mills by two shots.

This year’s championship will see a few changes—both on and off the golf course. Firstly, the low club professional will be recognized with a separate trophy and monetary bonus. Secondly, all competitors are encouraged to stay at The Wigwam to take full advantage of numerous evening festivities.

The PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Titleist & FootJoy was played in Arizona in 2014 and 2015. Matt Peavoy captured the ’14 event at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club, while Danny King won in ’15 at Verrado Golf Club.

The Inter-Zone Team Championship, which is comprised of four players per zone (and three scores per team counting), is also handed out after 36-holes.

In addition to competing for the overall championship trophy, players in the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada earn much-coveted ranking points with hopes of moving up on the PGA of Canada Player Rankings presented by RBC. Players who are ranked inside the top 64 following the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada earn exemptions into the following year’s PGA Championship of Canada.

Former champions of the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada include Adam Chamberlain, Roger Beale, Norm Jarvis, Gar Hamilton, Bob Panasik, Yvan Beauchemin, Graham Gunn, Ken Tarling and Brian Hutton, in addition to the above-mentioned names.

Click here for the full field.

Sports Release – November 30, 2018

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is pleased to announce its 2019 event and championship schedule which will include 14 various competitions and see the naming of some 34 separate provincial champions at 10 of New Brunswick’s top golf facilities.

The 2019 schedule is headlined by Golf NB’s four “Major Championships”, the NB Pee Wee & Junior Championships (July 2 to 4, Hampton Golf Club), the NB Ladies Provincial Championships (July 7 to 9, Golf Pokemouche Ltée.), the RBC Dominions Securities NB Men’s Amateur Championship (July 11 to 14, Westfield Golf & Country Club) and the NB Men’s Senior & Mid-Master Championships, presented by TaylorMade (July 22 to 24, Aroostook Valley Country Club).

For a complete Golf NB Event & Championship Schedule CLICK HERE.

As the Provincial Golf Association and governing body of golf in New Brunswick, Golf NB conducts the province’s to amateur golf championships as part of its mandate to promote the sport and support the game of golf in the province.

Golf NB’s Championship Season at a Glance…
The 2019 competition calendar includes six team events and eight individual stroke play events including;

NB Men’s Four Ball, presented by TaylorMade
May 25 & 26, 2019 – Sussex Golf & Curling Club

Golf NB is pleased to kick of the competitive golf season at the Sussex Golf & Curling Club with the 38^th playing of the NB Men’s Four Ball, which will continue to host both Amateur Men’s and Senior Men’s divisions in 2019.  Moved to the final weekend in May in 2018, the NB Men’s Four Ball will once again provide the perfect starting point to New Brunswick’s competitive golf season.

Entry into the 2019 NB Men’s Four Ball includes two competitive rounds, a tee gift, a meal and the opportunity for prizes in both gross and net flights.

NB Ladies Four Ball
June 9, 2019 – Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club

The Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club will play host to NB Ladies Four Ball for the eight time in the event’s 13-year history.  Tied to Gowan Brae’s annual Ladies Scramble two-person scramble, the 2019 NB Ladies Four Ball is a perfect way for the golfing women of New Brunswick to spend time with friends while enjoying one of the province’s most scenic an challenging championship courses.

Entry into the 2019 NB Ladies Four Ball includes one competitive round, lunch and the opportunity for both gross and net prizing.

East Coast Junior Championship
June 25 & 26, 2019 – Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club

In addition to playing host the 2019 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, the Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club will also challenge many of the country’s top young golfers during the 21^st playing of the East Coast Junior Championship.  With 1,000 Golf Canada Order of Merit Points up for grabs and past champions like Charles-Eric Bélanger, Valerie Tanguay, Anne-Chatherine Tanguay, Maude-Amiee LeBlanc, Ron Harvey Jr. and Brodie Flanders, the East Coast Junior Championship has been Atlantic Canada’s premier junior championship since its inception.

Entry into the 2019 NB East Coast Junior Championship includes one practice round, two competitive rounds, a tee gift, lunch and championships in the Junior Boys, Bantam Boys and Junior Girls categories.

NB Pee Wee & Junior Championships
July 2 to 4, 2019 – Hampton Golf Club

For the second consecutive year, the Hampton Golf Club in Hampton, NB will play host to the season’s first major, the NB Pee Wee & Junior Championships.  “We are extremely pleased to again host the provinces top junior golfers to the Hampton Golf Club”, said Craig Mills, General Manager of the Hampton Golf Club.  With eight championships up for grabs, Boys & Girls Pee Wee, Bantam, Juvenile and Junior titles, as well as positions on the Team NB, there will be lots to play for on the 6,509 yard, Graham Cooke layout.

Entry into the 2019 NB Pee Wee & Junior Championships includes one practice round, three competitive rounds, a tee gift and a meal for competitors.

NB Ladies Provincial Championships
July 7 to 9, 2019 – Golf Pokemouche Ltée.

Golf Pokemouche Ltée., in Landry Office, NB will challenge New Brunswick’s to female golfers, as it plays host to the 84^th playing of the NB Ladies Provincial Championships from July 7^th to 9^th.  With four trophies on the line, the NB Ladies Amateur, NB Ladies Mid-Amateur, NB Ladies Senior and NB Ladies Super Senior, as well as positions on the NB Ladies Amateur and NB Ladies Senior Teams, the 54-hole event is sure to see another exciting finish.

Entry into the 2019 NB Ladies Provincial Championships includes one practice round, three competitive rounds, a tee gift and a banquet for competitors.

RBC Dominion Securities NB Men`s Amateur Championship
July 11 to 14, 2019 – Westfield Golf & Country Club

In conjunction with its 100^th anniversary, the Westfield Golf & Country Club will play host to the RBC Dominion Securities NB Men’s Amateur Championship for the first time in 40 years, when John Breen of The Riverside Country Club captured the Men’s Amateur crown in 1979.  “We are excited to be able to bring the RBC Dominion Securities NB Men’s Amateur Championship back to the Westfield Golf & Country Club”, said Gary Melanson, Golf NB Tournament Chair.  “We are confident that this well respected venue will provide an excellent challenge while drawing a competitive and diverse field of competitors.”

In addition to the NB Men’s Amateur Championship, eligible players will also compete for the 2019 NB Mid-Amateur crown and five positions on Team NB, three positions on the NB Men`s Amateur Team and two positions on the NB Mid-Amateur Team.  With the final Mid-Amateur Team position, as well as the first alternate positions, being awarded at the NB Mid-Master Championship to be held later in July.

Entry into the 2019 RBC Dominion Securities NB Men’s Amateur Championship includes one practice round, four competitive rounds, a tee gift and the opportunity for prizing based on a minimum of four divisions.

NB Senior Men`s Championship & NB Mid-Master Championship, presented by TaylorMade
July 22 to 24, 2019 – Aroostook Valley Country Club

The Aroostook Valley Country Club, in Perth Andover, NB, plays host to the 43^rd NB Senior Men`s Championship and the 2019 NB Mid-Master Championship from July 22^nd to 24^th.

The two events will be run concurrently, as separate events, over the same three-day period and will carry a maximum field of 144 players over all.  In addition to the NB Men’s Senior & Super-Senior Championship and the NB Mid-Master Championship, eligible players will also compete for four positions on Team NB, three positions on the NB Men`s Senior Team and one positions on the NB Mid-Amateur Team.

Entry into the 2019 NB Men’s Senior & Mid-Master Championships includes one practice round, three competitive rounds, a meal, a tee gift and the opportunity for prizing based on divisions.

NB Family Classic
August 19, 2019 – The Riverside Country Club

The 40^th playing of the NB Family Classic will take place at The Riverside Country Club, in Rothesay, on August 19^th, 2019.

This 18-hole event uses a Pinehurst Scoring method where partners both drive on each hole and then each play a 2nd shot with the other’s ball.  After the 2nd shots, a choice is made regarding the ball with which the hole will be completed, playing alternate shots from there until the ball is holed out.  This unique event provides opportunities for the entire family with six different division; Father/Son, Mother/Son, Father/Daughter, Mother/Daughter, Adult/Junior (Male) and Adult/Junior (Female).

Entry into the 2019 NB Family Classic includes one competitive round, a meal and a tee gift.

“Jim Connolly” Little Swingers
August 19, 2019 – The Riverside Country Club

In its third year, the “Jim Connolly” Little Swingers is open to two player teams made up of one youngsters between the ages of 5 and 10 and one adult.  The “Jim Connolly” Little Swingers combines a 45 minute instructional clinic with 9 holes of golf using the Pinehurst Scoring method.  Named for the late Jim Connolly, the Golf Professional Emeritus of The Riverside Country Club, the “Jim Connolly” Little Swingers will be held on August 19^th in conjunction with the NB Family Classic.

Entry into the 2019 “Jim Connolly” Little Swingers includes a pre-event clinic, 9 holes of golf, a meal and a tee gift.

Past Presidents’ Cup Inter-Club Challenge
September 14 & 15, 2019 – Memramcook Golf Club

The Memramcook Golf Club will play host to the 20th playing of the Past Presidents’ Cup Inter-Club Challenge.  The yearlong competition saw 14 clubs enter 16-player teams (divided into five different handicap flights) in search of the 2018 crown.  Each round of the competition consists of a home and home series between the clubs, with each team fielding 8 sets of two player teams who compete in a “Hole by Hole” match play format with the team winning the most total holes advancing to the next round.  The final matches will be hosted at the Memramcook Golf Club on September 14th and 15th in 2019.

“The Past Presidents’ Cup Inter-Club Challenge is one of Golf NB’s most inclusive events”, said Tyson Flinn, Executive Director of Golf NB.  “With players ranging in handicap factors from 0.0 to 20.0+, the Past Presidents’ Cup provides a truly unique form of comradery and competition that is unmatched in any other event.”

Entry into the 2019 Past Presidents’ Cup Inter-Club Challenge is open to all Golf NB partner facilities.

Golf NB’s Events Pending Final Dates & Locations…

Still to come are confirmations on dates and venues for the 2019 ServiceMaster NB Golf Fore The Cure and 2019 Eastabrooks Cup.  Updates will be posted on www.golfn.ca as they become available.

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), a not for profit organization founded in 1934, is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick.  In January of 2006, the New Brunswick Golf Association (NBGA) officially merged with the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association (NBLGA), resulting in one united governing body for amateur golf in the province.  Programs offered by Golf NB to its 8,000 members include: provincial championships, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.

CALGARY—Standing high atop the city’s skyline at the Calgary Tower, the Shaw Charity Classic announced it has shattered its own fundraising record for a sixth straight year on the PGA TOUR Champions with a $12,357,863 donation that will be shared amongst 182 youth-based charities in Alberta.

Smashing its target of hitting the $10 million mark for 2018, the sizeable donation now brings the award-winning tournament’s fundraising totals to more than $34 million since its inception on the senior professional golf circuit in 2013.

“This donation is nothing short of remarkable. Year-after-year our tournament has broken records for charitable giving on the PGA TOUR Champions, and we have done it again in 2018,” said Jim Riddell, who will continue to build on his father, Clay’s legacy, ensuring the Shaw Charity Classic continues to have a positive impact on Alberta youth.

“Achieving these substantial fundraising goals is simply not possible without the shared passion we have with our incredible corporate partners for watching the greatest names in golf come to Calgary, and a commitment to helping the children in our province. I know we will continue to have a tremendous impact on the lives of Alberta youth through the continued support of this program.”

To support the growth of the Shaw Charity Classic’s fundraising efforts, the tournament’s title sponsor, Shaw Communications, also signed on this year as the title sponsor for the Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink program. Shaw kicked off this year’s fundraising by donating $1 million to the charitable giving program, which will benefit over 180 charities across Alberta.

“The Shaw Charity Classic has given us a meaningful opportunity to connect to the city we love and support the people and organizations who work to make our communities a better place, every day,” said Brad Shaw, CEO, Shaw Communications. “Through the support and dedication of the partners, fans and volunteers who help to ensure the success of the tournament, this year’s event will have a significant impact on the lives of hundreds-of-thousands of kids and youth from across our province.”

With the tournament’s charitable spirit rooted in the generous leadership of Shaw Communications and AltaLink, the record donation in 2018 will have a positive impact on more than 500,000 youth representing over 180 charities in the areas of sports, arts, health, development and counselling. The program welcomed donations from more than 3,127 Canadians in all corners of the country.

“Every year I am amazed at how the Birdies for Kids participating charities come together with donors across our country to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of kids, and this year is no different,” said Scott Thon, President and CEO of AltaLink. “Being the presenting sponsor of the Birdies for Kids program is incredibly rewarding, and the good the program does in our community made it easy for us to sign on for another three years earlier this year.”

After partnering with children representing nine of the tournament’s official charities to unveil the 2018 donation, the Shaw Charity Classic announced Jim Riddell as its new tournament chairman. Riddell will build on his father, Clay Riddell’s, vision for bringing the PGA TOUR Champions to his home club at Calgary’s Canyon Meadows. Clay, the driving force behind making the Shaw Charity Classic a reality, passed away in September at the age of 81.

“My father’s vision for bringing professional golf to Calgary was clear – to help the children in our community live a healthier and happier life,” said Jim Riddell. “Working with the patron group, the event team, our corporate partners, and the PGA TOUR, we will continue to expand the unparalleled legacy he has established with this tournament by helping as many kids as we can throughout Alberta.

“I know he would be smiling tonight in celebration of what we achieved together this year. Tomorrow, he would be challenging us to raise the bar and do even better in 2019. Giving back to Alberta through a premier sporting event that benefits the next generation of Albertans is as important to me as it was to my father.”

The 2019 Shaw Charity Classic returns to Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club, Aug. 28 – Sept. 1.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida, and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The World Golf Foundation Board of Directors announced today that Greg McLaughlin will assume the combined roles and responsibilities of World Golf Foundation Chief Executive Officer & President of The First Tee. McLaughlin most recently served as President of PGA TOUR Champions, since January 2015; prior to his role at the TOUR, he was CEO of the Tiger Woods Foundation for 14 years.

McLaughlin will strategically direct the World Golf Foundation, The First Tee and World Golf Hall of Fame, expanding the reach, impact and global prominence of each and ensuring financial performance and sustainability. McLaughlin will serve as a leader among the world’s top golf organizations, and a key ambassador and spokesperson for the game of golf.

“We are thrilled to welcome Greg to this incredibly important new role,” said Jay Monahan, World Golf Foundation Chairman and PGA TOUR Commissioner. “I’m not sure we could have asked for a more qualified, passionate leader, considering his deep level of experience and executive leadership success within the golf world and beyond. Given the scope of this newly consolidated role – to further the World Golf Foundation’s mission and build upon the vision of The First Tee – his proven ability to build relationships at the highest level of the sports, business and not-for-profit communities is unique and will be invaluable. This restructure represents an exciting evolution for the World Golf Foundation, and Greg is the perfect person to take the mantle.”

World Golf Foundation Board Member and LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan added, “Greg will be a perfect fit in this new role. He is an authentic, proven leader who delivers on so many important attributes – he’s experienced, passionate and a visionary. Specifically, I think Greg will instantly connect with The First Tee chapters, donors and participants. With Greg at the helm, and given his ability to build lasting partnerships, this will be an exciting time for The First Tee and the World Golf Foundation.”

“As a member of the greater golf community for more than 30 years, I have always been proud of what the collective efforts of our sport have done and continue to do to inspire communities and change lives, especially for young people who can learn and grow through the values of golf,” said McLaughlin. “This is an exciting time in the evolution of the World Golf Foundation and, specifically, The First Tee, and I am humbled by and excited for the opportunity to lead our industry’s efforts to increase participation and global awareness of golf as a sport that is welcoming to all.”

McLaughlin joined the PGA TOUR in 2014, initially as Senior Vice President of the TOUR’s Championship Management division; he was promoted to PGA TOUR Champions President in 2015 and Executive Vice President of the PGA TOUR in 2018. McLaughlin has been instrumental in the success of PGA TOUR Champions, overseeing a record-setting 20-year marketing partnership with Charles Schwab & Co., the implementation of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs and the addition of several new title sponsors and markets.

Prior to joining the Tiger Woods Foundation in 2000, McLaughlin was the Vice President of Tournaments at the (now-named) Genesis Open, Honda Classic and BMW Championship.

McLaughlin graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Economics. He also received his Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Ten-year World Golf Foundation CEO Steve Mona will assist McLaughlin with the transition, as Executive Director of WE ARE GOLF and Senior Advisor, before retiring later next year. In addition, 25-year golf industry veteran, Jack Peter, who has made significant contributions including overseeing the design, build out and operation of PGA TOUR Entertainment and most recently, helping to bring the World Golf Hall of Fame to global prominence in his role as President, will retire from his position at the end of the year.

“I’d like to thank Jack for his incredible leadership through the years, specifically his success in raising the profile of the of the World Golf Hall of Fame Museum,” added Monahan.

Brodie Waters, World Golf Hall of Fame Vice President of Business Affairs, will lead the Hall of Fame structure, funding and operations with McLaughlin’s oversight, and will also oversee PR/communications activities for the World Golf Foundation.

Miller Brady, a 19-year veteran of the PGA TOUR, will succeed McLaughlin to lead PGA TOUR Champions. Brady steps into the role after most recently working under McLaughlin as Senior Vice President & Chief of Operations, where his responsibilities have included direct oversight of tournament business affairs, operations, competitions and player relations as well as scheduling. In previous roles at the TOUR, Brady gained valuable experience within the Corporate Marketing department and as Special Assistant to the Commissioner (Tim Finchem) during the development of the FedExCup. Brady began working in the sports industry in 1996 with Advantage International (now Octagon), overseeing BMW’s grassroots golf program and eventually Bank of America’s PGA TOUR Sponsorship of the West Coast Swing. He is from Atlanta and is a graduate of Georgia Southern University.

MEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

James Song and Charles Corner made the biggest move among the Top 10 with each player gaining six spots over the past seven days. Nine of the 10 ranked players all made positive gains in the world rankings.

Biggest move: Marco Trstenjak of Winnipeg gained 340 spots in the world rankings after finishing 33rd at the Gobbler Amateur.

WOMEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

Golf Canada National Team member Naomi Ko picked up three places in the world rankings, regaining the No. 4 ranking in Canada ahead of Development Squad member Celeste Dao, who finished 38th at the Rolex Tournament of Champions event.

Biggest Move: Katherine Chan of Richmond, B.C., gained 46 spots in the world rankings.

Click here for the full World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR)

MEN’S TOP 10

There was no upward movement by any of the players in the Top 10 as the regularly scheduled PGA Tour events are done for the year.

While it had no bearing on the world rankings, top ranked Adam Hadwin and No. 4 Nick Taylor finished in a tie for fourth at the World Cup of Golf in Australia. It was Canada’s best result since Dave Barr and Dan Halldorson won the team event back in 1985.

Click here for the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR)

WOMEN’S TOP 10

No significant changes in the Top 10 as top ranked Brooke Henderson maintained her No. 9 world ranking.

Click here for the Rolex Women’s Golf Rankings.

LAS VEGAS – It was a far cry from a normal workweek for Andrew Pittam, but it was one of those experiences he’ll be talking about for a while.

That’s because most Fridays don’t conclude by shaking Tiger Woods’ hand.

Pittam, from London, Ont., is the VP of Project Management for Toronto-based Astound Group, a global design and events agency. The company was in charge of all aspects of signage and event development for ‘The Match’ in Las Vegas on Friday, pitting Woods vs. Phil Mickelson in a $9-million 1:1 showdown.

Pittam had worked previously at IMG and had experience as the Tournament Director for the former Telus Skins Game. He was heavily involved in a handful of LPGA Tour and PGA Tour properties – including the made-for-TV Tavistock Cup in Florida.

But nothing, he says, was like Friday.

“When I worked at IMG years ago, we always talked about what it would be like to get Tiger and Phil together and it just never really made sense for both of them and where they were in their careers,” says Pittam. “If you’re a golf enthusiast, you have to appreciate how amazing it was to see them go head-to-head and to end in a playoff.

“For the people to witness on site, in person… that’s something that’s never happened before.”

There was a small Canadian contingent onsite at The Match on Friday. Comedic legend Norm MacDonald – who walked Shadow Creek using an old putter as a cane and tried to get as close to Woods as possible to take photos on his iPhone – joined Pittam and his wife Colleen, their friends Andrew and his wife Stephanie (“It’s hard to put into words,” says Andrew of the once-in-a-lifetime experience), Pittam’s boss, and two journalists as part of the group.

That group of eight was part of the approximately 1,000 people watching The Match in person, and Pittam was tasked with making sure everyone was going where they should be. There weren’t ropes, like a traditional event. Instead there was a rope (singular) that was constantly moved by a group of volunteers led by Pittam.

Astound, says Pittam, was part of the production of the event – from signage and branding to event management – and he says this was a unique experience.

“You didn’t rope (the whole course) and at a (normal PGA TOUR event) the players are basically safe the whole time. You get them to the driving range and they’re good, because they don’t leave the rope line. But something like this… it was kind of tricky,” he says.

“But I think the experience for the spectator on site must have been one of the best ones I’ve ever witnessed. They got an incredible experience being that close to both players.”

Pittam moved to Astound seven years ago after starting his career with IMG. At the conclusion of the Telus Skins Game, Pittam began working on the fashion and figure skating business at IMG and he had lost his passion, he says.

He started at Astound – one of his vendors while at IMG – and has been involved in all facets of the business ever since including events, tradeshows, branding installations (the company was part of Nike’s branding during the NBA All-Star weekend in Toronto a few years ago, for example) and he manages a team based in Oakville, Ont.

Astound has a 350,000 square-foot facility in Las Vegas, so the efficiencies was perfect for this kind of event, he says.

Although there wasn’t much needed in terms of spectator infrastructure – with only 1,000 people, all of whom wanted to just get as close to Woods and Mickelson as possible – he says the event was still “huge” for Astound.

“To get called on to work on an event that had such a high magnitude of interest… this event was a really big deal for us out of Toronto,” he says. “It was a great week for our company, but it was just really awesome to be part of an event like this.”