By: John Chidley-Hill

OTTAWA – Lorie Kane patted her heart to thank the hundreds of fans cheering for her as she walked up the 18th fairway at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club.

Behind Kane, her niece Charlotte Jenkins _ who served as her caddie _ waved the crowd on to get the chants even louder. When Kane reached the edge of the green she took a bow to rapturous applause.

The loving tribute was a fitting farewell for one of the most successful and influential golfers in Canadian history.

Kane, who turns 58 this December, had already announced that this year’s CP Women’s Open would be her last. As it was clear she would miss Friday’s cut, fans, officials and volunteers came out to watch her last round ever at the national women’s golf championship.

“It’s very humbling,” said Kane about the ovation. “I love to entertain, but when it’s directed totally at you, it’s really ? it’s uncomfortable.”

That instinct to entertain lasted right through her final two holes.

On the hockey-themed No. 17, Kane pulled on a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, wearing a mischievous grin as chants of “Lorie! Lorie!” turned into boos and calls of “Go Sens!” and “Anybody but the Leafs!” She stopped to fist bump only one fan at that hole, pointing at his Maple Leafs windbreaker before tossing him a keepsake.

“I just played golf to put smiles on people’s faces,” said Kane. “I know the Leafs jersey didn’t go over quite as well as I would have hoped, but it was fun.”

After the rousing ovation on her approach on the 18th hole Kane missed her first putt. As the crowd groaned she made an exaggerated shrug to laughs before tapping in her final shot, finishing 28 over.

Kane thanked Hamilton’s Alena Sharp and Australia’s Sarah Jane Smith, her playing partners on Friday and Saturday, as she grinded out her final two rounds at the CP Women’s Open.

Sharp shot a 1-over 72 to finish the day tied for 57th at 3-under par when play was called due to darkness. She said it was an honour to play alongside Kane, who had been such a positive influence on her career.

“I grew up watching her and then playing with her out here on the LPGA Tour, it’s great. She’s a legend,” said Sharp. “It’s cool to be part of (Kane’s final rounds).

“With all of her successes I think it gave everybody inspiration to play well. You can win on the LPGA Tour.”

Kane, from Charlottetown, won on the LPGA Tour four times. She won the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as The Canadian Press’s female athlete of the year in 2000. She was named to the Order of Canada in 2006 and has been inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Maddie Szeryk (68) of London, Ont., was the low Canadian after two rounds. She had her second consecutive bogey-free day to sit in a tie for 13th at 7 under.

“I just played really solid. I hit a bunch of greens and putted it OK,” said Szeryk, who had back-to-back bogey-free rounds for the first time in her career.

Brooke Henderson, from nearby Smiths Falls, Ont., shot a 3-under 68 to sit at 5 under in a tie for 32nd. Amateur Lauren Zaretsky (71) of Thornhill, Ont., also made the cut, tied with Sharp at 3 under.

Toronto’s Rebecca Lee-Bentham was through 15 holes and sat at 4 under when the horn sounded. She will resume her second round early Saturday morning, looking to stay below the 2 under cutline.

Several Canadians missed the cut on Friday. Selena Costabile, also from Thornhill, Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., Valerie Tanguay of St-Hyacinthe, Que., Brigitte Thibault of Rosemere, Que., and Megan Osland of Kelowna, B.C., will not play in the third or fourth rounds.

Amateurs Vanessa Zhang, Michelle Liu and 12-year-old Lucy Lin, all from Vancouver, will not play the weekend rounds. Amateurs Katie Cranston of Oakville, Ont., Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., Yeji Kwon of Port Coquitlam, B.C., Sarah-Eve Rheaume of Boischatel, Que., and Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont., also missed the cut.

From all of us who have been lucky enough to have witnessed your career, thank you.

You are the superlative ambassador for @CanadianPacific, @GolfCanada, the @LPGA & all of ??.

WE are the lucky ones. pic.twitter.com/RLqRHoVlHb

— CP Women's Open (@cpwomensopen) August 27, 2022

THORNHILL, Ont – Charles Fitzsimmons could not have scripted a better homecoming if he tried.

The North York, Ont. product carded an even-par 70 to win the 2022 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at his home course, The Thornhill Club in Thornhill, Ont.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Fitzsimmons.

With the win, the 35-year-old defends his title from 2021 at Fort McMurray Golf Club in Fort McMurray, Alta., and once again etches his name in the President’s Cup.

“[This one] feels even better,” said Fitzsimmons. “To do it here, to defend… it’s hard to put into words right now, it’s still kind of sinking in but it’s pretty special. This place has meant so much to me, to my family and to be able to win here is just awesome.”

Fitzsimmons grabbed a share of the lead in Tuesday’s opening round and didn’t falter. A steady diet of birdies and pars outweighed the few bogeys he made en route to the national championship. Rounds of 68, 67, 70 and 70 – all even par or better – totalled for a score of 5-under-par 275 and a five-stroke triumph.

Charles Fitzsimmons is your 2022 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur champion ???#CDNMensMidAm | @ThornhillClub pic.twitter.com/xCwgYHYZCP

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) August 26, 2022

On Friday, the lead slipped down to no less than three strokes, but even at that, Fitzsimmons says he was feeling the nerves.

“There were moments where I felt really calm and in control and good, and then moments where I felt nervous and a little more uncertain about how things were going to go,” said Fitzsimmons. “It was definitely a bit of a mental grind at times but, again, I just always felt the warmth and the support from the Club and there’s so many great members here, it was able to bring me back.”

With the win, Fitzsimmons ears an exemption into the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

Curtis Markusson was crowned champion of the Men’s Mid-Master division – a subdivision for players 40 and over – and with it, was awarded the Canadian Men’s Mid-Master Trophy.

“Well, I feel old, but also it feels great because like I said earlier, it takes a thousand swings to get here, and it’s on the bucket list so it’s quite emotional,” said Markusson.

Admittedly, it wasn’t the 41-year-old’s best round of golf, but he held on to win by one stroke over Rob Couture (Dallas, Texas) and Mike Dinner (Burlington, Ont.). Markusson says he knew exactly where he stood in crunch time.

“We’re leaderboard watchers whenever you’re in the thick [of things],” said the Gimli, Man. native. “We figured we have to grind in, and we saw some mistakes and knew that we’d just have to bring it in, but the stressful three pars coming in isn’t easy.”

Markusson got up-and-down for par out of the greenside bunker on No. 17 and rolled in a two-foot par putt on No. 18 to clinch the title.

Warren Sellors, of Hudson, Que., finished as this year’s runner-up at even-par on the tournament. Sellors’ 4-under-par 66 in Wednesday’s second round matched the low score of the week and propelled him up the leaderboard. He closed the competition with a 1-under 69 to vault into second place.

Brett Nymeyer (+2), Ryan Tsang (+3) and Barrett Jarosch (+4) round out the top five. The top-10 finishers and ties will earn a direct exemption into the 2023 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at a location to be determined. 

Earlier in the week, On Wednesday, Team Ontario claimed the R. Bruce Forbes Trophy as champions of the Interprovincial Team competition. The victory marked the sixth consecutive provincial title for Ontario and 16^th in the 29-year history of the team event.

For full results click here.

By: John Chidley-Hill

OTTAWA – Hundreds of fans followed local hero Brooke Henderson around Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, even as her five-year-old course record was falling elsewhere.

South Africa’s Paula Reto fired a 9-under 62 to rocket up the leaderboard for a two-stroke lead in the first round of the CP Women’s Open on Thursday. That topped Henderson’s 8-under 63 in 2017 when the Canadian national women’s championship was last held in Ottawa.

Reto wasn’t even aware she was making history until she came off the ninth green, having started her round on No. 10.

“I didn’t know it was the course record, so kind of finding out after my round takes the pressure off,” said Reto, who learned about her new record from an LPGA official as she approached reporters for a post-round interview.

“I’m happy about it. You know, I’m hoping to do some more good rounds coming here.”

Reto set a blistering pace in her first nine holes with six birdies to start her day. A birdie on the par-5 No. 9 to finish her day clinched the record.

“Usually when I make two, three, birdies I feel like it’s going to be a good day whether I either make a few more or not,” said Reto. “Under par is always good but to go low is fun and to have no bogeys.”

South Korea’s Narin An sat in sole possession of second after a 7-under 64. Americans Robyn Ree, Lilia Vu, and Emma Talley were tied for third at 6-under 65.

Hamilton’s Alena Sharp and Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., were the low Canadians, finishing the day tied for 16th at 4-under 67. Amateur Lauren Zaretsky of Thornhill, Ont., had a hole-in-one to finish her round in a group tied for 30th.

“I just came in with no expectations, really,” said Sharp. “Just wanted to get a good feel on that first nine, make good decisions and hit some good shots, and putts went in.”

Henderson, from nearby Smiths Falls, Ont., and Selena Costabile of Thornhill were tied for 51st at 2 under.

Despite an underwhelming first-round result, the 24-year-old Henderson remained the star of the show. As the winningest professional in Canadian golf history _ regardless of gender _ and a local hero, she drew fans wherever she went around her home course.

“It was unreal. It’s so cool to have that much love and support,” said a smiling Henderson. “They’re happy even when I bogeyed the last hole. They were still cheering for me.

“It’s just an amazing feeling and I can’t wait for hopefully a better day tomorrow, and just can’t wait to hear some bigger roars.”

Henderson had a hot start, with three straight birdies to open her round to the delight of the large gallery that followed her around the course. However, a bogey on her fifth hole and then two more on her 16th and 18th holes submarined her day.

The 12-time LPGA champion seemed relaxed and confident despite the disappointing finish.

“I was hitting the ball well, playing pretty well, too. I feel like the score doesn’t show as well as I played,” said Henderson. “I was just trying to embrace the fans and enjoy the moment.”

The CP Women’s Open has not been held since 2019 because the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in back-to-back years.

THORNHILL, Ont. – The rain came and went on Thursday at The Thornhill Club, but, as it has all week, Charles Fitzsimmons’ lead remained through three rounds of the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

Fitzsimmons didn’t even make it to the fairway on No. 1 before the rain started coming down. It was relentless, but so was he. Through the downpour, Fitzsimmons made a pair of birdies in his opening three holes to increase his lead to six shots in that moment. Bogeys on Nos. 6 and 7 offset the early birdies to re-establish the four-stroke lead that the defending champion will hold going into tomorrow’s final round.

“It brought me back to being a kid out there. No one would want to play, so I had the course to myself,” said Fitzsimmons of the heavy rain in the early stages of his round.

“I really just tried to hit a golf shot, then try to hit another and was fortunate enough to hit a couple of good ones and make some putts. Honestly, kind of a little surprised that it got off to such a good start in such tough conditions but that was nice.”

Fitzsimmons, who was born in North York but has since relocated to London, Ont., not only has an advantage on the golf course going into the final 18 holes, but off the playing surface as well. The Western University alumnus graduated with a PhD in Sports Psychology and now works as a Mental Performance Coach. If there’s anyone that can block out tomorrow’s noise, Fitzsimmons is as safe a bet as they come.

“It’s been a huge part of my development as a player and what’s helped me to get better over time and to be bale to stay calm and focused under pressure so that I can get some wins and play well in these bigger events,” said the 2021 Men’s Mid-Am champion. “There’s nothing that makes me happier than be able to coach somebody and help them to play better, but obviously it helps my own game too so it’s kind of nice that way.”

Fitzsimmons shot an even-par 70 on the day and will vie for his second consecutive Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship on Friday.

Ryan Tsang and Curtis Markusson are the men chasing him. Tsang also carded an even-par 70 to remain four strokes back of the lead. The Thornhill, Ont., native got out to a bumpy start, making bogeys on holes 1 and 6, but Tsang found his mojo with birdies on 8 and 9.

“Early in the day was lots of rain, so I tried to keep it together [and] not get too wet,” said Tsang. “Overall, played pretty good; parred every single hole on the back nine, really big par on 15 and really big par on 18.”

As for his game plan tomorrow: “Just go out there and have fun.”

Markusson is five off the lead following a one-over par 71. The Gimli, Man., native posted two bogeys, one birdie and 15 pars in the third round. He, too, is just looking to have fun on the golf course tomorrow.
“I just prefer playing golf and the competition. It’s such a good atmosphere and there’s so many great players across the country […] If you can’t get excited for this in the game of golf at any time of day, you shouldn’t be golfing,” Markusson laughed.

The 40-year-old holds a four-stroke advantage in the Men’s Mid-Master division – a subdivision for players 40 and over. Mike Dinner is in second place, four strokes shy of Markusson’s lead.

On Wednesday, Team Ontario claimed the R. Bruce Forbes Trophy as champions of the Interprovincial Team competition. The victory marked the sixth consecutive provincial title for Ontario and 16^th in the 29-year history of the team event.

Quick links:
Leaderboard
Tee times
Course details
Championship history

THORNHILL, Ont. – Team Ontario captured the R. Bruce Forbes Trophy as interprovincial champions at the 2022 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO. In its 29-year history, Ontario has now captured the title a record 16 times.

The trio of Cam Burke, David Lang and Brett Nymeyer combined for a total score of 3-over-par to edge Alberta by a single stroke on Wednesday at The Thornhill Club in Thornhill. Ont. It is the fifth time since the beginning of the event in 1992 that the province has won the trophy on home soil.

Charles Fitzsimmons continued to pace the field in round two as he seeks to defend his national title. For the second consecutive day, the 35-year-old handled his own through difficult conditions and challenging pins at The Thornhill Club, firing a 3-under-par 67 to extend his lead to four at the midway mark of the championship.

A pair of birdies on the front nine kickstarted Fitzsimmons’ round and an encore was delivered on No. 15 by way of an eagle to get the hometown favourite to 3-under on the day.

Curtis Markusson, Ryan Tsang and Warren Sellors made the biggest splashes on Wednesday, each carding rounds of 4-under par 66 to jet up the leaderboard and back into contention. Markusson and Tsang are T2 at 1-under par on the tournament, while Sellors creeped 37 spots up the standings into a tie for fifth.

A bogey to start the day set Markusson back to 4-over-par on the tournament, but that was as far back as the Gimli, Man., native would fall. The 40-year-old converted on seven birdie putts thereafter – including six in an 11-hole stretch – to reposition himself in the thick of the action.

“Just keep going, and kind of forget about the good things as soon as they happen and just think you’re still grinding to try to make the cut,” said Markusson about his hot stretch. “You know, there’s a lot of good players out here and you never know what can happen; a couple of bad swings or a couple of good swings, either way, so you just stayed focused, one shot at a time. You versus you is the mentality basically to play well.”

“You versus you is the mentality.”

Well, Curtis, safe to say YOU won today ?#CDNMensMidAm | @ThornhillClub pic.twitter.com/Sjr0JdOKf7

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) August 24, 2022

Markusson, who has relocated to Winnipeg, Man. where he plays at St. Charles Country Club, says lots of green and lots of fairways were the key to his low round today. Monday’s cancelled practice round was taxing for most of the players in the field, but Markusson saw it as a glass half full.

“If you see too much sometimes you get too in your head and you don’t see enough it’s sometimes a good fresh run,” he said. “You visualize it a bit more and you come out the next day and you’re visually set which is nice.”

Markusson’s 66 also gives him the lead in the Mid-Master division – a subdivision for players 40 and over.

Tsang, a native of Thornhill, Ont., capped off a 4-under-par stretch between holes 3-8 with an eagle on the par-5 8^th. Bogeys on Nos. 12 and 14 put a halt on his round, but a pair of birdies down the stretch vaulted him back into a tie for second.

Sellors, out of Hudson, Que., was bogey-free in round two. The runner-up in Quebec’s Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship birdied holes 1, 6 and 8, before dropping a final birdie putt on No. 17 to settle into the top-5 heading into the final two rounds of the championship.

After Wednesday’s second round, the field was cut to the low 70 players and ties, including the low 15 players in the Mid-Master division. Round three is scheduled to tee off at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Quick links:
Leaderboard
Tee times
Course details
Championship history
Curtis Markusson interview

Earlier this year, Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation announced the creation of a new recognition award to acknowledge and celebrate the commitment of individual leaders who are using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

On the eve of the 2022 CP Women’s Open, to honour Canadian golf legend Lorie Kane who will make her 30^th and final playing appearance at Canada’s National Open Championship, Golf Canada has announced that that recognition will be renamed the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

The inaugural Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards will recognize a pair of remarkable individuals under two separate categories – the Community Leader Award and the Future Leader Award. 

Kane, a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, Canada Sports Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Order of Canada, has been extremely active in supporting youth and charitable activities during her career. As a CP ambassador, Kane has also supported CP’s charitable platform that has helped to raise more than $13M in support of children’s cardiac care in the host markets of the CP Women’s Open.  

“Lorie Kane has become one of the most active voices and passionate ambassadors for Canadian golf and it is truly deserving that Lorie Kane Community Leader Awards be named in her honour,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “Lorie has been generous with her time in mentoring youth in PEI and across Canada, supporting future generations of up and coming athletes and giving back to the game that has meant so much to her incredible career. Lorie has worked with Golf Canada to engage the business community in their greater support of the women’s game and is a champion for our sport both on and off the golf course.” 

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will celebrate an individual over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; someone who has contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or an individual who has showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

The recipient of the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of their choice.

To recognize youth who are making an impact in their community, the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award will honour an individual 19 years of age or younger who embodies community leadership; has a history of sportsmanship or demonstrated activities to make the game more inclusive; or an individual who has used golf to create a meaningful impact in their community.

The recipient of the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award will be awarded a $5,000 donation towards their post-secondary education and will also be offered a paid work internship with Golf Canada.

The Canadian golf community is invited to submit individual nominations for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards through an online nomination form. The nomination period will close at 11:59 pm EST on August 31, 2022.

Click here to nominate an individual for the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award.

Click here to nominate an individual for the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award.

At the conclusion of the nomination period, all Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award submissions will be compiled and evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.

The inaugural Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards recipients will be announced during the 2022 World Junior Girls Championship, October 12-15 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.

Many people have a childhood memory of reading through the Guinness World Records, finding out who had made record-setting marks in their favorite sport or held some obscure “World’s Most” title. Now, six LPGA Tour players have added their names to the Guinness files.

On Tuesday at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, two groups of three LPGA Tour players took to the par-3 17th hole in search of their place in Guinness World Record history. The goal? Make the most pars or better on a hole, set to at least 160 yards, in 3 minutes. LPGA Tour and Golf Canada Rules Officials were on site to ensure each hole was completed, not to mention an official Guinness World Records observer making sure the event met Guinness regulations. 

First up, the trio of Megan Khang, Rebecca Lee-Bentham and Pauline Roussin, playing alternate-shot format, flew around 17 to complete five holes and set the Record.

“We realized by the green that it was a pretty long hole, so we were just trying to come up with a strategy. We were like, okay, maybe we can do this probably, I would say four, five times,” said Khang. “Then I think it kind of hit. The pressure hit when it was like, okay, the horn blew and we were like, okay, we got to go, we got to go.”

Five holes was a short-lived mark, as A Lim Kim, Jennifer Kupcho and Alison Lee bested them with six completed holes and the official Guinness World Record. All six players will receive official plaques and recognition from Guinness World Records for their feats. 

“We lost the coin toss and so we had to go first, and I would like to think that we helped Alison, Jennifer and A Lim kind of see how to play the hole,” Khang joked. “But no, it was a ton of fun out there. There was some trash talking out there for sure. I mean, you don’t realize how quickly three minutes goes.”

The CP Women’s Open and the RBC Canadian Open draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to our country each year. As major contributors to the local economy, the cancellation of these tournaments due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 resulted in the significant loss of revenue for Golf Canada and the communities hosting the tournaments. The Government of Canada is committed to revitalizing major events and festivals and the hard-hit tourism industry, while strengthening communities and local economies.

Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier, on behalf of the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of nearly $4.4 million for Golf Canada to support the return of the CP Women’s Open and the RBC Canadian Open tournaments.

This non-repayable investment, made through the Major Events and Festivals Support Initiative (MFESI), is supporting the 2022 CP Women’s Open as well as the RBC Canadian Open, which took place in Toronto in June, to not only return to but exceed their pre-pandemic scale. With this support, Golf Canada is improving its digital presence, enhancing on-site offerings and accommodating more attendees.

This investment is ensuring that Golf Canada safely brings back visitors and succeeds in the future, while providing spillover economic and job benefits to businesses across the region.

Quotes

“The CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open are great contributors to our region’s local economy. This Government of Canada investment supports the return and enhancement of Golf Canada’s Open events, bringing back hundreds of thousands of visitors to enjoy this major sporting event while generating revenue and jobs across southern Ontario.”

–The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“The CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open have been missed during the past two years by many. The support announced today for Golf Canada will help bring these tournaments back even stronger while also creating important economic benefits and attracting tourists across the region.”

–The Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier

“The CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to our country, generating significant revenues and creating jobs throughout the region. Today’s investment will not only help Golf Canada recover from the pandemic, but also position itself for future growth by bringing high-level talent, increased tourism revenues for local businesses and economic growth in the region.”

-The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

“Golf Canada is deeply appreciative of the support and vision of the Government of Canada in supporting the recovery and celebrated return of major festivals and events such as the CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open. The investment in infrastructure afforded by FedDev Ontario’s support will have a profound impact on our spectator experiences and the long-term success of our National Open Golf Championships.”

–Garrett Ball, Chief Operating Officer, Golf Canada

Quick facts

• Golf Canada, the governing body for golf in Canada, represents more than 270,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. 
• As an official event on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, the CP Women’s Open has been Canada’s national golf championship tournament since 1973. It has playing members from over 30 countries and has been televised in over 160 nations. The CP Women’s Open is the only Canadian event on the LPGA tour.
• RBC Canadian Open took place in Toronto between June 9-12, 2022, and attracted 132,000 attendees, a new tournament record.

• The Major Events and Festivals Support Initiative (MFESI) is a $200 million national fund to support major Canadian festivals and events that have been hit hard by the economic impacts of COVID-19 as they adapt and enhance their events. The program is delivered in southern Ontario by FedDev Ontario.
• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $190 million in more than 180 projects in Ottawa, estimated to create over 8,000 jobs and maintain over 35,000 jobs.

Associated links

• FedDev Ontario
• Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative
• Golf Canada
• CP Women’s Open
• RBC Canadian Open

THORNHILL, Ont. – Mother Nature put a damper on Monday’s practice round, but skies were clear as day for the opening round of the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, on Tuesday at The Thornhill Club in Thornhill, Ont.

Charles Fitzsimmons used the home course advantage conveniently, carding a bogey free, 2-under-par 68 to grab a share of the lead.

“It was a really, really good day,” said Fitzsimmons. “The pins were in some really good spots and the wind was blowing for most of the round so it was a challenge. Felt fortunate to be able hit some good spots and be able to play a pretty solid round.”

The 35-year-old knows how to win this tournament. In 2021, his final round 67 propelled him into the winner’s circle at Fort McMurray Golf Club and with a lot of golf left to play, Fitzsimmons knows it’s not about how you start the tournament, it’s how you finish.

“As they say, you can’t win the tournament on the first day, but you can lose it, so it’s definitely nice to get off to a really good start and be in a position to keep pushing toward the ultimate goal of trying to contend for the championship,” he said.

Charles Fitzsimmons

The Western University graduate played his junior golf at The Thornhill Club and won a club championship here in 2005. Today, his status remains active at the Club as an out-of-town member. Results aside, Fitzsimmons says he’s just excited to be back home.

“This place is really, really special to me,” said Fitzsimmons. “It’s been a huge part of my life in golf and any chance I get to compete here is such an amazing opportunity. To be able to compete here as the defending champion is pretty special, so I’m pretty happy just being able to be here and enjoy it and to play like today was just icing on the cake.”

Fitzsimmons made consecutive birdies on holes 17 and 18, his ninth and tenth holes of the day, and the rest of his scorecard was clean as a whistle.

The defending champ opens in style, back on home turf at The Thornhill Club ?#CDNMensMidAm | @ThornhillClub pic.twitter.com/PgYz2Oaqev

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) August 23, 2022

Zachary Hallborg of Welland, Ont. matched Fitzsimmons’ low score of the day, rolling in six birdies to earn a stake of the lead. Hallborg, who plays out of Cardinal Lakes Golf Club, caught fire in the early stages of his round, making five birdies and two pars through a seven-hole stretch, but dropped a few strokes coming in.

Steven Jackson and Brett McKinnon fired rounds of 1-under-par 69 and sit one shot back of the leaders ahead of Wednesday’s second round. Jackson’s five birdies on the day were tied for the second most behind Hallborg.

Three-time champion Garrett Rank is tied for fifth after an even-par 70. Joining Rank in the T5 position are Sam Harris, Ryan Sevigny and Jesse Galvon.

John Walsh leads the Mid-Master division – a separate division for players 40 and over – by one stroke. The Prince Edward Island native shot a 1-over-par 71 in the opening round.

Nova Scotia owns a one-stroke advantage in the Interprovincial Team competition over Alberta and Ontario. McKinnon’s 1-under and Leon Carter’s 3-over contributed to the total team score of 2-over-par 142. The team event will conclude following tomorrow’s second round with the winner being award the Bruce Forbes Trophy.

Quick links:
Leaderboard
Tee times
Course details
Championship history
Charles Fitzsimmons interview

On Tuesday, August 23, the Ottawa Infinity Centre played host to the CP Women’s Leadership Summit.

Now in its fifth year, the Summit brought together influential leaders across business and sports with impactful speakers lending diverse perspectives regarding diversity of thought and women in leadership.

The conference was hosted by TSN’s Lindsay Hamilton and included segments on Power, Passion, & Perseverance, Women of Impact, Women of Colour in Golf, and wrapped up with a fireside chat with keynote speaker and serial entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson.

Watch the full conference below.

https://www.golfcanada.ca/articles/watch-the-2022-cp-womens-leadership-summit/