On behalf of all of the Volunteers & Staff of Golf New Brunswick, we would like to wish you and your families a very joyful Holiday Season and all the best for a successful, happy and healthy 2021!

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The Canadian golf industry generated $18.2B in economic benefits across our nation in 2019, according to a recent economic analysis conducted by Group ATN Consulting Inc. on behalf of the National Allied Golf Associations (We Are Golf).

According to The Economic Impact of Golf in Canada (2019), the Canadian golf industry employs the equivalent of nearly 249,000 people through direct and spin-off effects and contributed to $10.6B in household income. The industry also contributed $4.5B in government tax revenue ($1.8B federal and $2.1B provincial) used to support a variety of programs for all Canadians.

Based on nationwide surveys completed by golfers and golf course operators in 10 provinces and three territories along with multiple industry data sources, The Economic Impact of Golf in Canada (2019) is a follow up to previous comprehensive and independent assessment studies (2014, 2009) of the economic impact of the golf industry in Canada. The $18.2B economic impact of golf represents a 14% increase in contribution to Canada’s GDP between 2013 and 2019.

“The Economic Impact of Golf in Canada (2019) further reinforces the enormous financial, employment, charitable, tourism and positive environmental impact that the sport and the business of golf are affecting across Canada,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chair of We Are Golf and CEO of Golf Canada. “This third iteration of the study provides the golf industry with a powerful snapshot of the scale and magnitude that our sport has on the Canadian economy and within the communities where we live, work and play.”

The study presents economic insights for each of the 10 provinces and three territories from coast to coast. Also captured in the report are comparisons to international economic insights from select countries and regions including the United States, European Union, and Australia.

The Economic Impact of Golf in Canada (2019) was conducted on behalf of We Are Golf by Group ATN Consulting Inc., a world leader in economic development and analysis for communities, regions, and industries. Group ATN previously conducted the 2014 and 2009 Canadian Golf Economic Impact Studies (based on 2013 and 2008 data respectively) which have allowed the Canadian golf industry to benchmark the game’s economic impact over five-year periods.

“Every industry has its own unique circumstances to allow for, and the ability to repeat the same application of our model for Canadian golf is a significant advantage,” said Tom McGuire, Principal with Group ATN Consulting. “Beyond consistency, we have also been able to further improve certain aspects based upon learnings from the prior studies we did for the National Allied Golf Associations (We Are Golf).”

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF GOLF IN CANADA (2019)

The game of golf accounts for an estimated $18.2B of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is up 14% from the $15.9B reported in 2014*. Included within the 2019 economic impact:

• The golf industry directly employed nearly 150,000 full-time, full-year equivalent positions, representing many more individuals who are employed in the sector. This number grows to approximately 249,000 when accounting for direct, indirect, and induced employment.

• The golf industry directly contributed $4.8B in household income, rising to $10.6B when considering the combined direct, indirect, and induced impacts.

• The golf industry generated $4.5B in government tax revenue; including $1.8B in federal tax revenue and $2.1B in provincial tax revenue.

• Conservatively, course operators invested $727M industry-wide on capital expenditures.

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*Note that 2014 figures are adjusted by the consumer price index and reported as current dollars.

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Additional Insights from The Economic Impact of Golf in Canada (2019)

• Employment – The golf industry is a significant job provider for youth with 48% of its workforce identified as students.

• Travel – Canadians along with international visitors contributed to $8.6B in golf-related travel nationwide. Canadians made approximately 4.8M trips involving golf, including 3.0M in their home province and 1.8M outside their home province and abroad.

• Golfer Spending – golfers in Canada spent approximately $19.3B on items such as green fees, memberships, lessons, equipment, travel, hospitality, events, and other golf-related expenditures.

• Canadian Course Operators – a total of 2,283 facilities were estimated to be operating in 2019, accounting for 2,043 courses (18-hole equivalent); course operators collectively spent approximately $3.8B in course expenditures.

• Land management – Golf course operations manage between 155,000 and 175,000 hectares, including 30,000 to 35,000 hectares of wildlife and wetland area.

• Charitable Impact – The golf industry generated an estimated $330M in charitable impact through more than 51,000 tournaments and events.

• Golf Participation – Canadian golfers played an estimated 57.0M rounds in 2019.

Although released in 2020, The Economic Impact of Golf in Canada (2019) does not factor in the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Canadian golf industry.

“Establishing a baseline for the economic impact of our sport measured against pre-2020 Covid-19 spending is an important benchmark consideration for the integrity and continuity of the study,” added Applebaum. “Based on what we learned through the 2020 season, the safety of golf through this pandemic and the potential for a lift in participation and spending on the game, we are optimistic in looking ahead.”

An executive summary along with a complete report outlining the results of The Economic Impact of Golf in Canada (2019) is available by clicking here or by visiting any of the We Are Golf partner websites.

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For Immediate Release: Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is excited to announce its 2020 Scholarship Award Recipients. The annually awarded University Scholarships are provided to deserving members of Golf NB, to be used towards the cost of tuition at any recognized University or College. These awards include the “NBGA 50th Anniversary Scholarship” for male golfers, the “NBLGA 50th Anniversary Scholarship” for female golfers, and the “John Patrick Sears Golf Scholarship” which is open to both genders and is renewable annually. Chaired by New Brunswick Golf Associations (Golf NB) and Golf Canada (RCGA) Past President, Dr. Doug Brewer of the Fredericton Golf Club, the Golf NB Scholarship Committee evaluated applicants on three main awards criteria; Academic Performance, Competitive Golf Experience and Extracurricular Involvement & Giving Back to the Game of Golf. Typically the winners are announced at the Golf NB Annual Awards Banquet & Silent Auction, however, due to COVID-19, the 2020 Golf NB Annual Awards Banquet & Silent Auction did not take place. Golf NB looks forward to the opportunity to resume our Golf NB Annual Awards Banquet & Silent Auction in 2021 once it is safe to do so. With that, Golf NB is pleased to announce the 2020 Golf NB Scholarship Awards Recipients; NBLGA 50^th Anniversary Scholarship

• Julie Gauvin      Fox Creek Golf Club
• Daniel Kirby      Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club and JH Sports

John Patrick Sears Golf Scholarship

• Nathan Hogan                 Miramichi Golf & Country Club
• Mackenzie Deveau          Royal Oaks Golf Club
• Benjamin MacDonald    Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club

Golf NB would like to congratulate each of its 2020 scholarship recipients and wish each of the winners a very successful 2020 / 2021 Academic Year.   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 10,000 members include: 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.]]>

public spaces where the public and employees interact (retail businesses, malls, service centres, places of worship, restaurants and bars except while eating, etc.) and organized indoor gatherings in public spaces (e.g. weddings, funerals, etc.);

• common areas like lobbies, elevators and hallways, and public shared spaces including those in private sector and government workspaces; and

• public transportation.

Continuous mask use is still required in seated venues with one metre physical distancing. Previously existing mask policies continue to apply in hospitals, health care settings, public schools and early childhood learning facilities. As approved by the Pandemic Task Force, children under two are exempt from wearing masks, as well as those with a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask. We please ask that you are patient with clubs and staff as they implement new procedures that prioritize your safety and well being. For More Information, please CLICK HERE]]>

For Immediate Release:

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is pleased to announce the 2020 Golf NB Players of the Year.  The Player of the Year (POY) is a ranking system that awards points to players based on tournament results throughout the golfing year. It is designed to promote golf development through competition and celebrate the individual achievements of golfers in New Brunswick.

NB Men’s Player of the Year Alex Palmer The Riverside Country Club

2020 proved to be a successful campaign and once again a year filled with silverware for The Riverside’s Alex Palmer. An impressive stretch of play over three days at the NB Men’s Amateur Championship saw Palmer capture his second provincial amateur title. Palmer would rattle off a top 5 finish at the Mactaquac Invitational prior to securing his second victory of the year at the Fredericton Open where he would come out victorious to claim his second TaylorMade NB Men’s Player of the Year crown.

Building off of his impressive 2019 season and the Taylormade NB Men’s Player of the Year crown, Country Meadows’ Stu Musgrave participated in all five of Golf NB’s Player of the Year events and finished the season 8.0 points back of champion, Alex Palmer.

In third position is Darren Roach of The Riverside Country Club.  Roach would record a second-place finish at the NB Men’s Amateur Championship to amass a season total of points 56.0. For more information on the TaylorMade NB Men’s Player of the Year Challenge – CLICK HERE

NB Ladies Player of the Year Maureen O’Donnell Fredericton Golf Club

A familiar name sits atop the 2020 Royale NB Ladies Player of the Year standings as Maureen O’Donnell of the Fredericton Golf Club compiled 106.0 points on route to her first Royale NB Ladies Player of the Year Championship. O’Donnell finished the 2020 season with two victories and 5 top-10 finishes as she competed in a full eight-event schedule, 2.5 points clear of Paula Napke-Flanagan of the Miramichi Golf & Country Club. Napke-Flanagan locked down second position thanks to her successful run of play which included, 6 top 10 finishes. In third position is Country Meadows’ Sandy Comeau. Comeau would finish with 99.5 Ladies POY points after competing in all eight events. For more information on the Royale NB Ladies Player of the Year Challenge – CLICK HERE

NB Senior Men’s Player of the Year Dan Coulombe West Hills 

A top-five machine in 2020, West Hills’ Dan Coulombe would finish inside the top-five finish in each of the five MCT Insurance Senior Men’s Player of the Year events in which he competed.  A second-place finish at the NB Senior Men’s Championship in July and a victory at the Fredericton Open would vault him into the lead entering the final weeks of the season.  His total of 168.0 Senior Player of the Year points would see him edge out fellow clubmate, Bob Brown who recorded 154.5 points. Brown, who finished 4^th at the NB Senior Men’s Championships, would also claim a victory at the Hampton Senior Invitational along with five top 5 finishes and three top 10’s to lock down the second position in the season-long series. In third position is 2019 NB Super-Senior Champion, Sonny Phillips of the Fredericton Golf Club.  Phillips would secure POY Points in 11 of the season’s 16 events on his way to 153.9 points. For more information on the MCT Insurance NB Senior Men’s Player of the Year Challenge – CLICK HERE

Golf NB Junior Girl’s Player of the Year Mackenzie Deveau Royal Oaks Golf Club

Royal Oaks’ Mackenzie Deveau had a triumphant 2020 season as she successfully cruised to her first Dormie Workshop-Golf NB Junior Girls Player of the Year crown.  Deveau proved to be a big game performer carding two victories at the MJT Series at Royal Oaks and the 2020 MJT Humber College PGM Atlantic Championships at Fox Harbour in addition to consecutive top-five finishes at the NB Junior Girls Championship and MJT Series at Ken Wo.  A season-high 93.9 points secured a comfortable 54 point victory in the Dormie Workshop-Golf NB Junior Girls Player of the Year Challenge.

Finishing behind Deveau in the points race is clubmate, Stéphanie Roy who’s victory in the NB Junior Girls Juvenile division saw her finish the season 39.9 points.

Rounding out the top-3 in the Dormie Workshop-Golf NB Junior Girls Player of the Year Challenge would be The Riverside’s Addison McClune. An impressive run of play throughout the 2020 season would see McClune finish with 33.0 points, 6.9 points behind Roy as she recorded a victory in the 2020 NB Junior Girls Bantam Division. For more information on the Dormie Workshop-Golf NB Junior Girls Player of the Year Challenge – CLICK HERE

Golf NB Junior Boy’s Player of the Year Daniel Kirby JH Sports

 For a player who has become synonymous with junior golf in New Brunswick, 2020 was no different for Daniel Kirby of JH Sports, and the Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club as the Woodstock native would go on to win his third consecutive Dormie Workshop-Golf NB Junior Player of the Year title.

Kirby would finish the 2020 Junior POY season with three victories and one top 10 finish, which included his impressive win at the 2020 NB Junior Boys Under-19 Championships at Royal Oaks. A successful 2020 campaign saw Kirby finish with 139.0 points, 27.0 points better than Felix Boucher of Fox Creek.

Boucher who has had a consistent presence on the Junior POY leaderboard over the years edged out clubmate Julien Babineau by 10.0 points to secure second place in the Dormie Workshop-Golf NB Junior Player of the Year Challenge.

For more information on the Dormie Workshopolf NB Junior Girls Player of the Year Challenge – CLICK HERE

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Making your club more welcoming and accessible Jan Bel Jan, of Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design, is president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and an advocate for golfers with a disability. “People with disabilities are people first. Each of us knows someone who has difficulty with access, due to a congenital condition or because they have lost some ability because of illness, injury or age,” said Bel Jan. “The opportunity to enjoy golf provides wonderful social, recreational and healthful experiences for everyone. A welcoming and accessible golf facility can benefit economically through increased food and beverage, pro-shop sales and fees, as well as from the satisfaction of providing a valuable service.” Obstacles can present barriers to people with disabilities in many aspects of their lives. Bel Jan believes the biggest obstacle may be that we are not comfortable in knowing how to treat people with disabilities. It is essential that everyone at a golf facility be trained to be aware of a person with a disability and to feel comfortable assisting them. When in doubt, Bel Jan encourages using common customer courtesy. Because degrees of impairments vary, she suggests asking people with a disability if they need help before attempting to assist them, and then asking how you may assist. For formal training, Bel Jan has found that coaching done by people who have disabilities can be helpful.

“The opportunity to enjoy golf provides wonderful social, recreational and healthful experiences for everyone. A welcoming and accessible golf facility can benefit economically through increased food and beverage, pro-shop sales and fees, as well as from the satisfaction of providing a valuable service.” – Jan Bel Jan, Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design

The range of disabilities is very broad and, while there are laws and codes to address building accessibility, foresighted golf facility operators can learn how to better accommodate golfers with a disability. Proper signage that directs patrons to the facility’s goods and services is beneficial to everyone. Golf course operators should ensure easy access to at least one teeing area per hole. Creating additional tees, in a safe and accessible place, can meet this need. If readily achievable (with not much difficulty or expense), unobstructed golf cart access should be provided to all areas to be reached by the golfer. Golf cart paths should provide a modest slope for motorized vehicles, including for regular and single rider golf carts. Ropes and GPS limits on carts can be barriers for those who need to get closer to the green for safety or for ease of access. Both can be adjusted – ropes can be lowered and replaced, and GPS units can be programmed for a specific cart. Red cart flags permit closer proximity to tees and greens and can help to improve access and speed of play. Consider making a map of accessible routes that may include accessible tees, areas of the course to be avoided and bunkers that may be difficult to access or egress. Another consideration on the course is providing accessible washrooms. If permanent facilities are not available, accessible port-a-potties can meet the need. Also, consider the heights and locations of water and other materials around the course. Where there are steep slopes or difficult-to-access bunkers, the facility can establish the use of the “Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities” developed by the R&A and USGA. These Modified Rules permit a safe drop area away from the slope or outside the bunker, as well as other accommodations. When course renovations are undertaken, it is important to consider how to make the facility barrier-free. Should a golf club or practice range want to encourage people with a disability to enjoy the game, inviting adult or children’s groups for clinics may inspire new golfers. Become familiar with programs in your area for people with disabilities. A golf facility could also establish a relationship with a rehabilitation hospital as part of their community outreach. Golf can aid significantly in recovery through an outdoor experience, with a helpful focus on hand-eye coordination, improved balance, strength and flexibility as well as sense of purpose. All of these contribute to the wellbeing of the person with the disability as well as to family, friends and companions. Finally, Bel Jan recommends that golf facilities audit themselves for accessibility, programs and training. They should include information on their website to promote their accessibility, as well noting any instruction, clinics or programs that may interest people with disabilities and their families. “An ‘invitation’ is always a great way to make people feel welcome to your course,” said Bel Jan.

Golf for people who are visually impaired

Glenn Babcock is the president of the Ontario Visually Impaired Golfers Association, serves as a director on the board of Blind Golf Canada and sits on the Human Resources Committee of Golf Canada. Babcock was born with his visual impairment. His father was a golf professional, so Babcock grew up around golf courses and had the benefit of learning to golf from a young age. He says that some golfers are born blind or visually impaired, while others have lost their sight due to injury or illness, or simply as they age. For those who have lost their sight, being able to continue an activity that they enjoy is important to their physical, social and emotional wellbeing. There are many golfers whose vision loss requires them to seek assistance to play the game. Their “guide” may be a fellow golfer, a non-golfing friend or a family member committed to helping them enjoy the game. The guide helps the golfer get safely around the course, lines them up for each shot and provides information on distances and obstacles and, of course, the guide must also find the ball! Staff at golf courses should understand this partnership of golfer and guide. Starters and marshals should be made aware of the presence of a “walker.” Groups may be slower, as it takes more time to set up a golfer who is blind or visually impaired. Babcock recommends asking the golfer about their speed of play and how much time they need for setup with their guide and then adjust the group size if necessary. Some courses have recognized the challenges in arranging a game and offer incentives to encourage blind and visually impaired people to play. Two-for-one rates for the golfer and their guide, even if the guide is playing, are offered by some. Others offer a discount and one club even offers a complimentary nine-hole round for two golfers, and their guides, each week on Monday afternoons.

Golf for people with missing limbs or limited mobility

Kristian Hammerback is the president of the Canadian Amputee Golf Association and is a member of Golf Canada’s Amateur Competitions Committee. As a golfer who was born missing a limb, golf provided him with a childhood activity he could participate in with his friends. He believes that it is important to provide golfing opportunities for people who are missing limbs or with reduced mobility and that it can be instrumental in getting back into life after an injury or illness. Golfers with missing limbs or limited mobility may have challenges getting around the course and getting to the ball. They don’t like to play long rounds or slow play down for other golfers. Using carts or “solo rider” units, providing red flags and being lenient with cart rules will help to speed their play. Hammerback, who has helped organize several tournaments for amputee golfers, has found that golf courses are always very helpful and “bend over backwards” to give the competitors a great experience. He encourages golf courses to promote golf participation for all, get involved with organizations for people with disabilities to offer golf clinics and partner with local rehabilitation facilities to provide golf opportunities as part of the recovery process.

Golf for people who are deaf or hard of hearing

Alain Turpin, the executive director of the Canadian Deaf Sports Association, says that the biggest challenge is communicating with deaf and hard of hearing golfers. “Sometimes, it is difficult for pro-shop employees to communicate with deaf golfers who speak poorly or can’t speak and use language signs,” he said. He recommends speaking face-to-face with deaf or hard of hearing golfers and writing simple messages on a sheet of paper to communicate. When golfers who are deaf or hard of hearing take part in a sanctioned competition, it is important for the host committee to reserve a sign language interpreter. It makes a big difference for the deaf golfer to feel included and equal. As well, creating awareness for fellow competitors, competition officials and facility staff of the importance of face-to-face and written communication is essential.

Golf for military veterans who are ill or injured

Joe Kiraly, the outreach and communications manager for Soldier On, a program of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, attests to the impact that golf brings to the recoveries of veterans. “Golf has been a surprising addition to my life following an injury resulting in physical limitations and loss of personal identity,” said Kiraly. “I saw how golf helped others and decided to try it myself.” The Soldier On golf program, one of its most robust initiatives, is championed by Michael Feyko, who works at Royal Oaks Golf Club in New Brunswick. Feyko is a PGA of Canada teaching professional and a former soldier who used golf as an integral part of his own recovery from injury. The program began as a grassroots initiative to support Armed Forces personnel suffering loss of ability, loss of identity or loss of career and was found to help improve mental and physical health. Kiraly reports golf clubs being very welcoming to ill and injured men and women. Many veterans who have experienced sensory or mobility loss, or who have been suffering emotionally, have found golf to be an important component of their healing. With the support of the golf community, the Soldier On golf program is continuing to grow across the country, with three week-long camps planned in 2020.

Golf is for everyone

While you may not have the opportunity to host the Invictus Games, you can make your club welcoming and accessible to all golfers and potential golfers. We all know people with a disability. Providing them the chance to learn the game or continue an activity they enjoy following the loss of ability is tremendously beneficial to them, their families and your club!

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This article originally appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Club Manager Quarterly, a publication of The Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM), and is reprinted with their permission. The original article can be found online here. Leslie Dunning is the past president of Golf Canada. She believes golf is for everyone and that inclusion is key to growing the game. She is a member of Earl Grey and Bigwin Island Golf Clubs.]]>

The All-New P•7MB, P•7MC and P•770 Irons TaylorMade Golf, the industry leader in innovation and technology, recently announced the all-new P•7MB, P•7MC and P•770 irons. With the latest additions to the acclaimed P Series, TaylorMade now offers a full lineup of meticulously crafted players irons that align craftsmanship, performance and unmatched aesthetics. And now for some lefty-love: ALL THREE MODELS WILL BE AVAILABLE LEFT HANDED. And now for some lefty-love: ALL THREE MODELS WILL BE AVAILABLE LEFT HANDED. To learn more, CLICK HERE.   Milled Grind 2: TW Grind Building upon the success of the Milled Grind 2 line of wedges, TaylorMade is proud to extend the line with the introduction of the TW Grind.

To learn more, CLICK HERE.   The All New SIM UDI and SIM DHY Building on the success of SIM Max Rescue™, which has achieved unprecedented PGA TOUR adoption, the latest additions to the SIM family provide golfers with new options for completing this critical part of the bag – the space between the longest playable iron and shortest fairway wood.

To learn more, CLICK HERE.   The All New Spider FCG Building upon a rich history spanning more than a decade, TaylorMade Golf is proud to announce the latest addition to the acclaimed family of Spider putters—the all-new Spider FCG (Forward Centre of Gravity). At the core of all Spider designs is a legacy of advanced materials and increased stability. While that remains true with Spider FCG, a new and innovative construction allows the company to deliver a putter that upholds the Spider tradition while simultaneously performing like a blade.

To learn more, CLICK HERE.  ]]>

have not traveled outside of the Atlantic provinces for any reason, including work or personal travel, in the past 14 days (New Brunswickers returning from work in another Canadian province or territory continue to not be required to self-isolate when they return to New Brunswick);

have not been advised to self-isolate;

are not awaiting results of a COVID-19 test;

are not a child experiencing the symptom of purple markings on the fingers or toes;

are not experiencing at least two of the following symptoms:

• fever above 38°C or signs of fever (such as chills);
• a new cough or worsening chronic cough;
• sore throat;
• runny nose;
• headache;
• a new onset of fatigue;
• a new onset of muscle pain;
• diarrhea; and
• loss of sense of taste or loss of sense of smell.

More Information can be found HERE

Golf In New Brunswick

Maritime Golfers will now have the opportunity to explore the hidden gems and more well know facilities in Atlantic Canada. New Brunswick is home to award-winning golf courses and family-run operations. We encourage you to enjoy your #Staycation in New Brunswick this summer and experience our 44 member facilities. The 2020 Golf NB 2 for 1 card includes 25 single-use coupons at 25 of our Member Facilities. Whether you choose to golf by the ocean, or nestled within the stunning colors of our hardwood forests, NB has a course for you.

Purchase your 2020 Golf NB 2 for 1 Card HERE

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For Immediate Release: With the ongoing uncertainty and global concern related to COVID-19, Golf NB has continued to evaluate all aspects of its business to operate and make informed and responsible decisions within the best interests of our athletes, staff, volunteers, host clubs, partners and other stakeholders health and well-being. Further to the already announced event cancellations (CLICK HERE) Golf NB has decided cancel this year’s NB Ladies Provincial Championships. “COVID-19 is a significant concern for female golfers in New Brunswick,” said Golf NB President Judy Astle.  Fewer than normal registrations, combined with concerns that have been voiced by longstanding event participants would see Golf NB reconsider its decision to host the 2020 NB Ladies Provincial Championships as scheduled.  Astle would go on to say, “as a member-based organization, we felt that it was important to respect both the wishes of the players and the potential economic impact a limited field may have on our host venue, the Lakeside Golf & Country Club.” Choosing to cancel an event on short notice is never an easy decision.  Following the expression of concern from many past participants on Thursday, June 18^th, Golf NB immediately formed a sub-committee to address player concerns as quickly as possible.  The sub-committee made up of President Astle, Golf NB Executive Director Tyson Flinn, Golf NB Tournament Committee Chairman Gary Melanson and the three addition members of the Golf NB Executive Committee, Allison Chisholm, Brenda Parrott and Leanne Richardson, met during the evening of June 18^th and a final decision quickly followed. “It was important for us to be decisive, and to have the decision made by those who have participated in the event in the past and understand the nuances of the NB Ladies Provincial Championships,” said Astle.  “The COVID-19 pandemic has already forced so many cancellations in all aspects of our lives that we wanted to provide as much clarity and notice to players and the host club as possible.  We felt it was critical to be able to communicate the decisions as quickly as possible to allow all involved to alter their personal, and business plans accordingly.” “The Ladies Provincials is not just a ‘Golf Tournament,’” said Astle.  “It is an opportunity for friends to gather, reconnect, and enjoy each other’s company.  COVID-19 has impacted society’s ability to do that, as we have become accustomed to.  COVID-19, and the associated Provincial Protocols, would not allow for the traditional player gatherings and it was clear that with the lack of a social component has had a significant impact on the events registrations.” Acknowledging that while the Ladies Amateur and Senior divisions of the NB Ladies Provincial Championships was way down, the Junior Girls (Under 19) field which was recently added to the NB Ladies Provincial Championships due to the COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the 2020 NB Pee Wee & Junior Championships, was on par with past years.  “On Wednesday evening there were 26 registered participants for the 2020 NB Ladies Provincial Championships,” said Golf NB Executive Director Tyson Flinn.  “Of those 26, 10 were Junior (Under 19) Girls, which was on par with 2019, and we felt those girls deserved their opportunity to compete.”  With that Golf NB quickly moved to relocate the 2020 NB Junior Girls (Under 19) Championship for the second time in just a few weeks. “The Lakeside Golf & Country Club has been a great partner through these challenging times, but we felt it would not be fair to the club to ask them to hold an event for which they had not previously agreed,” said Flinn.  “However, we were working diligently to secure an alternate host venue for our 2020 NB Junior Girls (Under 19) Championship, on the same dates of July 5^th to 7^th, and hope to have additional information on this potential change in the very near future.” While the NB Ladies Amateur, Mid-Amateur and Senior Championships will not be contested in 2020, the NB Men’s Amateur Championship and NB Men’s Senior Championship are both nearly oversubscribed.  “We anticipate full fields, and waiting lists, for both events,” said Golf NB Tournament Committee Chairman Gary Melanson.  “When we combined our Junior Boys, Men’s Amateur and Men’s Mid-Master Championships due to COVID-19 we really were not sure what we’d get, so we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.”  With a maximum field size of 144 participants, the NB Men’s Amateur Championship will see Provincial Champions crowned in seven (7) different categories contested at the Royal Oaks Golf Club from July 10^th to 12^th.  With provincial champions being crowned in the Bantam Boys (Under 15), Juvenile Boys (Under 17), Junior Boys (Under 19), Men’s Amateur (open), Men’s Mid-Amateur (25+) and Men’s Mid-Master (40+) categories, along with a newly formed 21 player Senior Men’s division the 2020 NB Men’s Amateur Championship will see some of the province’s best male golfers aged 13 to 71 competing at the same venue for the first time. In addition to the full field at the Men’s Amateur Championship, the 2020 NB Men’s Senior Championship, to be held at the Miramichi Golf & Country Club from July 20^th to 22^nd, is also expected to oversubscribe in the coming days.  Miramichi will play host to 99 of the province’s top Senior Men (55+ years of age) competing for Provincial Championships in the Senior (55+) and Super-Senior (65+) divisions. “The decision to cancel the 2020 NB Ladies Provincial Championships was a difficult one,” added Astle.  “We respect all of the hard work that the host committee has already put in, and the foundation that they have established for a great event, and we look forward to working with the Lakeside Golf & Country Club in an effort to see the club host the NB Ladies Provincial Champions again in the near future.” 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 6,800 members include 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.]]>

th, Golf Courses have been granted permission to operate at their own discretion as long as they have an Operations Plan in place that meets or exceeds the general guidelines from Public Health paving the way for Reduced Tee Time Intervals, Renting of Pull Carts, Opening of Retail Shops, and Expanded Food & Beverage Services. The opening of Golf Courses across the province has been a fluid situation. With the introduction of the “Orange Phase“ on May 8^th, Golf Courses now have the ability to manage their facility and aspects of their operations as they see fit and with the health and well-being of members and staff as a top priority. During the provincial re-opening stages, Golf NB has provided clubs with recommendations and guidance on operations during COVID-19 along with select mandated requirements as implemented by the Province of New Brunswick. The Friends & Family Bubble was introduced when the province transitioned into the  “Yellow Phase”  of its COVID-19 Re-Activation Phases on May 22^nd. The Yellow Phase presents facilities with the option to allow Bubble Family and Friends to share a cart together.  While this option is now available, it is up to individual clubs to determine if they wish to make this option available to their members. * Please note that all areas of New Brunswick are currently in Phase Yellow, excluding ZONE 5 which remains in Orange Phase.  While golf clubs have been given flexibility, services will vary from club to club, and golfers should note that there are several restrictions that are still in place, which for the time being will be consistent across the province, including but not limited too;

• Power Carts may only be used by one individual for the duration of the round. NOTE: Carts may be shared with members of a Friends & Family Bubble
  • Exemptions to the above apply if occupants reside in the same household and bubble families and friends.  Be advised, each club will have their own policies surrounding whether members of “bubble families and friends”  can share a power cart or not.  Golfers should ALWAYS defer to the instructions and guidelines as set forth by the golf course.

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

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

• TouchPoints- It is Golf NB’s recommendation that facilities continue to eliminate touchpoints on the course which includes but is not limited to Bunker Rakes, Ball Washers, and Benches.  

Golf NB would like to thank all of our Member Facilities and Players for their continued support during these unprecedented times. Clubs across the province have been working tirelessly in order to safely operate and continue to keep players and staff health and safety as a top priority. As a player, you can assist clubs in creating a safe environment by doing the following:  ]]>