Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is excited to announce its 2023 Scholarship 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. Beginning in 2023, the “John Patrick Sears Golf Scholarship” was only offered to current recipients.
This years recipients of the NBGA 50th Anniversary Scholarship are;
Brady Wood of the Fredericton Golf Club who is attending and playing golf at Virginia Union University.
Kade Kirkbride of the Gage Golf and Curling Club who is attending The University of New Brunswick.
Nicholas Ritchie of Hampton Golf Club who is attending and playing golf at Sterling College.
This years recipient of the NBLGA 50th Anniversary Scholarship is;
Callie Taylor of Riverside Country Club who is attending and playing golf at Appalachian State University.
The recipient of the John Patrick Sears Golf Scholarship is Julie Gauvin of Fox Creek Golf Club who is attending and playing golf at Delaware State University.
To learn more about the Golf NB Scholarship Program, we encourage you to CLICK HERE.
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 50 partner facilities and over 9,000 individual members include provincial championships, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, and junior golf development programs
(St Andrews, Scotland and Liberty Corner, NJ, USA) – The R&A and the USGA today announced the first update to the World Handicap System™ (WHS™) as part of an ongoing review of the Rules of Handicapping™ and Course Rating System™ with a continued emphasis on accuracy, consistency and equity. The latest revisions will go into effect January 17, 2024.
Many countries have seen significant increases in the number of scores being submitted for handicapping purposes since the WHS was introduced, reflecting golf’s broadening appeal. More than 100 million scores have been posted each year, unifying millions of golfers through a standard measure of playing ability. The 2024 update leverages the performance data gathered from around the world, in addition to feedback received from many of the 125 countries now using the system.
Significant updates to the WHS include:
- Inclusion of Shorter-Length Golf Courses Within the Course Rating System: The overall length requirements for Course Rating in the WHS will be significantly reduced. A set of tees on an 18-hole course may be as short as 1,500 yards [1,370 metres] to be eligible for a Course Rating and Slope Rating®, and a set of tees on a 9-hole course may be as short as 750 yards [685 metres]. This change is intended to expand the WHS to thousands of shorter length courses, including par-3 courses, and enable more golfers to obtain and use a Handicap Index.
- Use of an Expected Score for a Hole Not Played: Improvements have been made to the method used to handle holes not played, which will now be based on a player’s expected score rather than a score of net par. This new method will produce a 9-hole or 18-hole Score Differential that more accurately reflects a player’s ability. As golfers across the world are playing more 9-hole rounds, an expected score can also be used to convert a 9-hole round into an 18-hole Score Differential. For some countries, this means that 9-hole scores will be considered in the calculation of a player’s Handicap Index immediately after the day of play, rather than waiting to combine with another 9-hole score.
- Playing Conditions Calculation Adjustments Made More Frequent: The Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) has been modified to increase the likelihood of an adjustment for abnormal playing conditions. National associations were given discretion, beginning in July 2022, to introduce this revision within their computation platforms, which will be complete by 1 April 2024.
- Enhanced Guidance on Conducting a Handicap Review: The role of the Handicap Committee is vital to the success of the WHS and the Rules recommend that a Handicap Review is conducted regularly, or at least once a year to ensure a Handicap Index® remains reflective of a player’s ability. New reporting tools have been developed that national associations can incorporate into their handicapping software to assist Committees in conducting the review process effectively and consistently.
Since its inception, the WHS has embraced the many ways golf is played around the world by giving national associations scope to apply regional discretionary items, with the objective for greater alignment over time. For this reason, the governing bodies expect countries to continue to shift the way they calculate Course Handicaps so that they are relative to par, making a golfer’s target score to “play to handicap” more intuitive.
Golfers are encouraged to visit their national association’s website to learn more about the discretionary items that apply to their region. Contact details for national associations can be found on the WHS website here: www.whs.com/#association.
The R&A and the USGA have also recently launched a new WHS Software Accreditation and Interoperability Programme to help ensure that there is consistency and accuracy in the calculation of handicaps worldwide, and to assist with the retrieval of a Handicap Index and the return of away scores from country to country.
Claire Bates, Director – Handicapping at The R&A said, “We have made good progress in the early stages of the WHS but we know there are always areas that can be improved as we gather more data and information on the system from around the world. Conducting a regular review process is important in terms of good governance and enables us to examine some of the key areas in which we have received feedback. We will continue to work with the handicapping bodies and national associations around the world to ensure that the WHS is providing golfers with a system that provides a sensible balance between inclusivity and integrity, making it as easy as possible to get a Handicap Index, subject to meaningful safeguards.”
Steve Edmondson, Managing Director – Handicapping & Course Rating at the USGA said, “The game of golf continues to evolve and the WHS has embraced those changes in a dynamic way to help all golfers, everywhere they play. It is a monumental time in golf, and improving both the accessibility of obtaining a Handicap Index and leveraging powerful data and technology to easily and accurately track performance is a great step forward.”
The R&A and the USGA jointly launched and govern the WHS to provide a modern and responsive system, that gives an accurate reflection of a player’s demonstrated ability. It is calculated by incorporating the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System and is administered by a range of handicapping bodies and national associations around the world.
The more flexible and accessible nature of the system has led to the introduction of successful initiatives from a number of national associations aimed at making it easier to obtain a Handicap Index and be part of the WHS.
Mirroring the review processes of other areas of governance in golf, including the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status, reviews of the WHS will continue to be conducted at regular intervals, taking into consideration performance data and feedback to help identify areas for improvement.
To learn more about the World Handicap System please visit www.WHS.com.
Denisa Vodickova of the Czech Republic wins individual title at Brampton Golf Club
Brampton, Ont. – The most successful season in Canadian golf history added another exciting chapter on Saturday as Team Canada won its first-ever team title at the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by Sargent Farms.
The Canada 1 Team comprised 14-year-old Anna Huang of Vancouver (71-69-70-70—280), 17-year-old Vanessa Borovilos of Toronto (70-73-73-75—291), and 17-year-old Vanessa Zhang of Vancouver (72-75-80-68—295) shot a team-total 138 under cool and blustery conditions at Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont. to finish at 4-under 564 for the championship, a single shot clear of the Republic of Korea.
Canada 1, who began the day with a share of the third-round lead alongside Korea and the United States, needed a late-round charge to overtake Korea, who held a one-shot team lead through 16 holes.
The tournament shifted on the par-5 17th hole when Huang made a birdie for Canada and Korea’s Soomin Oh made a bogey. Zhang then stepped up with a birdie on the par-4 18th, followed by Huang rolling in a par-putt to secure Canada’s first-ever team gold medal at the prestigious international junior championship.
Team Canada 1 Coach Jeff MacDonald of Chester, N.S. was proud of how his team battled all week, going head-to-head with powerhouse challengers from Korea and the United States to earn the prestigious title – of world champions.
“It feels really amazing, the girls have worked so hard, they all contributed so much today, it was really close all day and they dealt with the stress really, really well,” said MacDonald, who was especially proud of the team’s resolve and self-belief that they could win. “Anna made a huge birdie on 17 while Vanessa was rolling in an incredible 30-footer on 18. We always knew it was a good company to be in, they (Korea and the USA) weren’t going to back down. The Koreans made a lot of putts today, they were exceptional, and our Canadians really stepped up to the occasion. They never felt like they couldn’t win this golf tournament. The whole time they knew they belonged, and they knew they could compete with those countries. They were competing, they wanted to win, and they knew they could win the whole time.”
“I think me, and Vanessa (Zhang) did a great job on the last four holes, we both made two birdies, so that was a really great comeback for us, I’m just really proud of how we all did as a team, its not just individual scores, its all about the team effort,” said Huang.
Canada’s previous best team finish at the World Junior Girls Golf Championship was a bronze medal in 2014.
“I don’t think we all had super high expectations going into this event, we just set out to do our best every single day and it was nice that we saw ourselves on the leaderboard, it more just came down to keeping our practice routines the same and trying our best each and every shot,” said Zhang.
“It’s such a cool experience, I said this earlier this week, you’re playing for something bigger than yourself, you’re playing for a team, and to do this together, feels pretty cool,” added Borovilos.
The two-time past winners from Korea would finish with the silver medal, shooting a team-total 3-under 565 followed by Czech Republic earning bronze at 4-over 572. Rounding out the top-five were Sweden (5-over 573) and Mexico (8-over 576).
The Team Canada 2 squad of 14-year-old Miranda Lu of Vancouver, 16-year-old Luna Lu of Burnaby, B.C. and 14-year-old Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta. finished 18th.
World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms – final team standings:
1 Canada 1 (-4) 141-142-143-138—564
2 Korea (-3) 143-141-142-139—565
3 Czech Republic (+4) 145-142-142-143—572
4 Sweden (+5) 140-147-144-142—573
5 Mexico (+8) 144-144-149-139—576
6 United States (+9) 139-142-145-151—577
7 Belgium (+12) 142-149-146-143—580
8 Spain (+15) 143-144-149-147—583
9 Italy (+16) 146-144-152-142—584
10 England (+17) 141-148-149-147—585
11Germany (+26) 148-147-149-150—594
12 Finland (+28) 146-147-154-149—596
13 Denmark (+29) 151-147-147-152—597
14 Poland (+32) 148-147-150-155—600
15 Chinese Taipei (+35) 148-153-146-156—603
T16 Switzerland (+36) 148-147-158-151—604
T16 Colombia (+36) 153-150-151-150—604
18 Canada 2 (+43) 154-151-153-153—611
19 Peru (+44) 151-155-158-148—612
20 Iceland (+47) 152-156-154-153—615
T21 Austria (+51) 149-154-159-157—619
T21 Wales (+51) 155-158-156-150—619
Click here for the full team competition leaderboard.
In the individual competition, third-round leader Denisa Vodickova of the Czech Republic followed up yesterday’s scorching 66 with a final-round even par 71 to win the Czech Republic’s first-ever individual medal in the eight-year history of the championship. An adjustment a month ago to her putting grip brought a great sense of confidence into the championship, finishing 7-under 277 for the tournament.
“It’s amazing, I feel great. I was very nervous today, I messed up the 17th hole a little bit and wasn’t sure I was still leading but was very glad about the finish,” said Vodickova, who plans to play college golf at Wake Forest next year. “My putting was really good, I’m putting cross-handed now, I changed a month ago and it’s working really well.”
With the victory, the 18-year-old earns an exemption into the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open next July at the Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta.
Canadian Anna Huang capped off a tournament to remember, earning runner-up honours in the individual competition in addition to helping Canada win its first-ever team title. Huang, who finished T11 in 2022, shot a final-round 1-under 70 to finish at 4-under 280 for the championship, three shots back.
The runner-up finish for Huang was the best by a Canadian in the individual competition since Brooke Henderson’s fourth-place finish in 2014.
Soomin Oh of Korea finished third at 3-under 281 while Savanah de Bock of Belgium (1-under 283) and Nora Sundberg of Sweeden (2-over 286) rounded out the top-five.
Click here for the third round individual leaderboard.
This year marked the largest field in tournament history, with a total of 66 athletes comprising 22 teams and representing 21 countries competing for the team and individual titles.
Right up until she was standing on the 18th green, making her final putt of the tournament, Brigitte Thibault didn’t know she was winning the Kathy Whitworth Championship.
The three-stroke win in Trophy Club, Texas, was the first victory of the 24-year-old Thibault’s professional career. Thibault said she had just kept her head down for the third and final round of the Women’s All Pro Tour season finale.
“I had no idea what the leaderboard was. I was just trying to score as best as I could,” said Thibault. “It’s almost like I didn’t want to get ahead of myself and just felt like I just needed to keep pushing.”
Thibault finished the tournament 71-68-68 for a total of 207. The native of Rosemere, Que., came out of the front nine of her third round at 5 under, having three birdies and an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole at the Trophy Club Country Club.
She bogeyed the par-3 No. 13 to arrive at her final round score of 4-under 68 and the win.
“I kept missing great opportunities on the back nine,” said Thibault. “I’d reach a lot of pins and then not make the putts.
“I felt like I was giving it away, but I ended up coming up on top. That was exciting.”
Having won a professional event, Thibault’s next goal is to move up to a higher tier of women’s golf. That means a good showing in Stage II of the LPGA Tour’s qualifying series at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla., Oct. 17 to Oct. 20.
Thibault said she’ll be working with coach Chuck Cook in Austin, Texas, to ready herself for Stage II.
“Just preparation for what the course is asking for,” said Thibault. “Really make sure I’m comfortable with the type of shots that I’m going to need to be hitting. Just a lot of short game, to be honest.”
Winning the Kathy Whitworth Championship has shown Thibault that she can do it.
“My work is paying off and just to see it come to fruition is really exciting,” said Thibault. “But also just confidence in terms of like I’m trying to stay ready for Q-School and just to have competitive reps and to be able to come out on top it’s very encouraging on my end.”
The 2023 New Brunswick U13/U15 Championship, proudly presented by Jardine Auctioneers, unfolded on August 20th, 2023, at the prestigious Country Meadows Golf Club. Following this remarkable event, the subsequent day featured both the Family Classic & Adult Junior competition and the Jim Connolly “Little Swingers.”
The U13/U15 Championship witnessed the participation of junior golfers hailing from various corners of the province, vying for the coveted provincial champion titles across four distinct divisions on August 20th.
In the U15 Boys division, the spotlight shone on Carter Lavigne of Moncton Golf Club, who delivered an outstanding performance, securing victory with a remarkable score of 77 (+5) during the final group of the day. This triumph surpassed the early clubhouse leader Anthony Cormier, who had posted a score of 79 (+7).
Meanwhile, the U15 Girls division crowned Frédérique Doiron from NBGA Public Players Club – South East as the provincial champion. She clinched the title with a gross score of 95 (+23).
In the U13 Boys division, Liam Wheaton of Memramcook Valley Golf Club emerged victorious, capturing the title with a commendable round of 77 (+5).
For the U13 Girls division, Emma Leblanc secured the championship with a final gross score of 105 (+33).
On August 21st, Country Meadows played host to the Family Classic & Adult Junior event, along with the Jim Connolly “Little Swingers.” These competitions featured various divisions showcasing exceptional talent.
In the Female/Female category, the Mother-Daughter duo of McClune + McClune claimed the top spot, posting a final gross score of 77 (+5).
The Adult/Junior Male category saw the father-son pair of Cormier + Cormier emerge as champions, finishing with a gross score of 71 (-1).
In the Adult/Junior Mixed category, the Father-Daughter team of Miller + Miller secured first place with a final score of 71 (-1).
For the Female/Female Adult division, the Mother-Daughter team of Rossignol + Rossignol clinched the championship with a final score of 83 (+11).
In the Male/Male category, Barnes + Barnes lifted the trophy with a one-shot lead, finishing at 71 (-1) over Shannon + Shannon.
The Mixed division was won by Moore + Wentzell from the Hampton Golf Club, who concluded with a final score of 84 (+12).
In the Jim Connolly “Little Swingers” division, Hopper + Hopper of Country Meadows showcased their skill, securing first place with an impressive 43 (+7) on the back nine.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants, parents, Country Meadows members, and staff for generously sharing the course for these events. We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of these tournaments, and we eagerly anticipate your presence at next year’s event. Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to seeing you all once again!
For Family Classic & Adult Junior & Jim Connolly “Little Swingers” Leaderboard Click Here!
For U13 / U15 Provincial Leaderboard Click Here!
Zhang becomes 11th player in tournament history to win both the Junior and Juvenile Boys Championships
North Bay, Ont. – Alex Zhang shot a final round of 74 to win the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at the North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont. on Thursday.
Zhang took a one-shot lead into the final round and that’s how it would end as he becomes the 11th player in tournament history to win both the Silver Cup (Junior Championship) and the Jack Bailey Trophy (Juvenile Championship), and the first player to win both since Christopher Vandette in 2018.
He joins Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Vandette as those who have won both championships.
“It just feels awesome. I don’t think that it’s sunk in yet. I had a sloppy finish, but I am really happy to still get it done,” said Zhang after signing his scorecard on 18. “It means a lot, I’m very grateful to add my name to a list of great players,” he added.
After mostly favourable conditions during the week, the wind played a factor in Thursday’s final round. Zhang birdied the opening hole and added two more on the front nine to pull further ahead.
“I feel like the front nine it was blowing really hard, but I got off to a really good start so that helped me a lot but the back nine I just hit some bad shots at the end,” said Zhang.
With a large crowd watching, Zhang rolled in a short bogey putt on 18 to secure the national championship, “I just stuck to my game plan and told myself to miss in the right spot and that’s what I did and give myself a good chance at par and if not an easy bogey.”
The 14-year-old from Richmond, B.C. who will be celebrating his 15th birthday on Friday couldn’t think of a better way to spend his birthday, “this would be the best gift ever, I can’t beat it!” said Zhang with a smile. He finished the tournament with rounds of 71-69-72-74.
With the victory, Zhang has earned an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
Zhang will also be awarded a cheque of $1,200. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, competed for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Along with Zhang, the top-10 finishers earned prize money.
Jake Houston of Baie-D’Urfe, Que. and James Lee of Whistler, B.C. both finished at 1-under to earn silver medalist honours in the Junior Championship. Lee also earned solo silver medalist honours in the Juvenile Championship and Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. took home bronze medalist honours finishing at even par.
On Tuesday, the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship Trophy was awarded to Team Ontario, who won the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship. Ontario finished the team competition at 4-under, winning by three shots. Team Ontario consisted of Isaiah Ellis of Smithville, Ont., Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. and Isaiah Ibit of Ottawa. Team British Columbia finished at 2-under and earned silver medalist honours and Team Alberta earned bronze medalist honours finishing at 6-over.
For the final standings of the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.
Zhang leads both the Junior and Juvenile Boys Championships
North Bay, Ont. – Alex Zhang continued his solid play on Wednesday, shooting an even par, 72 to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at the North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont.
The 14-year-old from Richmond, B.C. sits at 4-under for the tournament and leads both the Junior Championship and Juvenile Championship by one-shot.
“I kind of struggled off the start, I just had lots of pars and wasn’t hitting it too close and wasn’t giving myself many opportunities. I was one over through 13, but I made a few good putts on 14 and 15…two birdies in a row that helped my round a lot,” said the Team Canada NextGen team member.
“I made a good par save on 17 after hitting it in the trees, that kept momentum and 18 I’ve been struggling on it all week and I just hit a bad drive and kind of led to a bogey, but everything was pretty solid today,” he added.
In the Junior Championship, Zhang is a shot ahead of first rounder leader, Aydan Downer of Keswick, Ont. and James Lee of Whistler, B.C. both sitting at 3-under heading into Thursday. Lee is also a shot back in the Juvenile Championship division.
Downer fired a 2-under, 70 on Wednesday, after a challenging second round of 75, “yesterday I was nervous. The first time ever leading an event, first time ever going that low in the first round in a big event like this. The first nine was a little shaky, brought it back the second nine and then waking up this morning I’m like I proved to myself I could do it the first day so it’s just about doing the same things, going through the same steps, breathing, taking your time on shots, and just believing in yourself,” said Downer.
Lee posted back-to-back rounds of 70 following an opening round of 73 to sit tied for second in the Junior Championship and solo second in the Juvenile Championship after round three. A trio of golfers are just behind at 2-under including, Matthew Javier (North York, Ont.), Joshua Ince (Surrey, B.C.) and Isaiah Ellis (Smithville, Ont.). All six players that are under par will tee off in the final two groupings tomorrow. For Thursday’s final round tee times, please click here.
Players 18-and-under are competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup. In addition, players 16-and-under are eligible for the Juvenile Boys Championship and the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only ten golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Christopher Vandette.
The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
For the full leaderboard of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.
Alex Zhang and Joshua Ince tied for the lead in the Junior Championship
North Bay, Ont. – Team Ontario finished with a combined score of 5-under to win the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship on Tuesday at the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO.
Team Ontario carried a one-shot lead into the final round of the team competition at the North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont. Ontario shot a combined score of 4-under on Tuesday to take the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Trophy by three shots over Team British Columbia.
Team Ontario consists of Isaiah Ellis (Smithville, Ont.), Isaiah Ibit (Ottawa) and Matthew Javier (North York, Ont.). Ibit shot a 69 on Tuesday, while Javier and Ellis both recorded rounds of 71.
“It’s really nice…really great for Ontario to have the clean sweep this year for the junior national championships with the girls and the boys…so it’s nice,” Ibit said with a smile.
Javier was part of Team Ontario last year that came up just short of the team championship, “It means a lot. I was on the team last year and we got closed out by Team Quebec so it’s nice to close it out this year,” he said.
Ellis added “means a lot, I was very grateful to be on the team and it just means a lot.” With his round, he sits in one behind the co-leaders in the Junior Championship division.
There is a two-way tie for the lead in the Junior Boys Championship. Alex Zhang of Richmond, B.C. shot a 3-under, 69 on Tuesday morning to sit at 4-under for the tournament. He was joined atop the leaderboard by Joshua Ince of Surrey, B.C. who also shot a 3-under, 69 during Tuesday’s afternoon wave.
Zhang began his round on the back nine and carded three consecutive birdies on holes 11 through 13 to set the tone for his round, “The putter has been really hot this week. I’ve been making a lot of putts and it’s helped because I haven’t struck the ball my best,” said the Team Canada NextGen Team Member.
Zhang leads the Juvenile Boys Championship by three shots over Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. and James Lee of Whistler, B.C.
Ince collected three birdies on the front and finished with an even score on the back nine, narrowly missing a chance to keep the solo lead after a bogey on 18.
Players 18-and-under are competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup. In addition, players 16-and-under are eligible for the Juvenile Boys Championship and the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only ten golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Christopher Vandette.
The Junior and Juvenile Boys Championships are played concurrently over four rounds. Following Tuesday’s round, the cut is set at 8-over with the top 74 players advancing to the final 36 holes of the national championship.
The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
For the full leaderboard of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here. For Wednesday’s third round tee times, please click here.
GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.
Team Ontario leads Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship by one-shot
North Bay, Ont. – Aydan Downer finds himself atop the leaderboard at 4-under following the opening round of the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO.
Downer, of Keswick, Ont. shot a 68, in a round that was highlighted with an eagle on 17 to take a one-shot lead over a trio of players into Tuesday’s second round at The North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont.
For Downer, staying patient was key to getting off to a good start, “I knew coming into it, my game was really good, really solid, so keep hitting good shots, hitting fairways, hitting greens, I knew some putts were going to drop and they did,” said Downer following his round on Monday evening.
He added that having fun and playing well during his practice rounds helped with his confidence today. Downer holds the lead over Jerry Li, Grady Chuback, and Nathaniel Yoo who all shot opening rounds of 3-under, 69.
Li, of Vancouver got off to a hot start with three straight birdies and an eagle on the front nine. He got into some trouble on 17 and his approach shot on 18 landed in a green side bunker but he was able to make bogey on the closing hole, which played among the toughest for the field on Monday.
“I hit a lot of greens, made a lot of putts on the front nine, up until 17 before I slipped. I was hitting everything pretty good. I just tried to limit the damage, it was pretty good today,” said Li following his morning round.
Chuback, of Headingley, Man. opened with a bogey on the first hole but pulled back into red figures with four birdies to close his round.
“Today I just tried to protect par and minimize the chances of making a bogey. Overall, my tee shots, approach, and putting all worked well together which helped me make birdies, or simple pars. The bogey on one definitely didn’t feel so great, but I knew that there was so much more golf left that it didn’t really matter, so I just kept going,” said Chuback.
Yoo, of North York, Ont. grabbed a share of second finishing with back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18 during the afternoon flight. Yoo carded seven birdies during his round and said he plans to keep up the aggressive play on Tuesday.
Li and Yoo find themselves as co-leaders in the Juvenile Boys Championship.
Team Ontario leads the Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship competition by one shot over Team Manitoba. Team Ontario shot an opening round of 1-under and consists of Isaiah Ellis (Smithville, Ont.), Isaiah Ibit (Ottawa) and Matthew Javier (North York, Ont.). The two best individual scores from each team of three count towards the team score for the day. The Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship is contested over the first two days of the tournament with ten provinces competing for the Junior Inter-Provincial Championship Trophy.
Players 18-and-under are competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup. In addition, players 16-and-under are eligible for the Juvenile Boys Championship and the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only ten golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Christopher Vandette.
The Junior and Juvenile championship divisions are played concurrently over four rounds, with the top 70 players plus ties in the Junior division and a minimum of ten players in the Juvenile division advancing to the final 36 holes of the national championship.
The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
For the full leaderboard of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here. For Tuesday’s second round tee times, please click here.
GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.
156 of Canada’s top junior golfers head to Northern Ontario to compete for the Junior title along with a U16 Juvenile division and an inter-provincial team competition.
North Bay, Ont. – The 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO is set for August 14-17 with a field of 156 junior golfers competing over four rounds at The North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont.
This year’s field competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup, features a talented field of Canadian players, including five 2023 NextGen tournament winners—Dougie Basadur of Fonthill, Ont. (NextGen Atlantic), Isaiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont. (NextGen Ontario), Jerry Li, Vancouver, B.C. (NextGen Pacific), Kye Fisher of Leduc, Alta. (NextGen Prairie) and Henry Dao from Laprairie, Que. (NextGen Quebec).
“North Bay Golf & Country Club is a classic Stanley Thompson design and will provide a tough but fair test for the country’s best junior golfers,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Daniel Suppa. “The Host Club committee at North Bay and its members are extremely proud to host this prestigious event. In working with the staff at North Bay and their tournament committee, everyone involved is passionate and committed to providing a world-class event for all participants travelling to the tournament.”
Established in 1921, the North Bay Golf and Country Club is a privately owned club with shareholders and governed by an elected Board of Directors. In 1921, a group of golf enthusiasts formed the North Bay Golf and Country Club and engaged Stanley Thompson, the renowned Canadian designer to lay out the new course on what was once farmland originally owned by the Macintosh family.
The original nine holes spanned 2,800 yards and were ready for play in 1923 with the second nine opening in 1966. With seasonal renovations and a strong commitment from members giving of their labour, resources and donations, the course has evolved into one of the finest eighteen-hole challenges in North Ontario.
“The entire membership and professional staff are extremely excited to showcase our Northern hospitality and our beautiful property to the best junior golfers in the country,” said Jeff Mancini, Director of Golf and General Manager, North Bay Golf and Country Club. “What our course lacks in distance it makes up for with narrow corridors, challenging lies and undulating green complexes that require your attention on all putts.”
Established in 1938 with the first championship played at London Hunt and Country Club in London, Ont., the Canadian Junior Boys Championship has given Canadians a glimpse into the future glory that many of its champions have gone on to enjoy. Canadian Golf Hall of Famers Doug Silverberg, George Knudson, Gary Cowan, and Doug Roxburgh have all won the Silver Cup before moving on to amateur and professional careers.
Reigning RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor won the Junior in 2006, the only Canadian male golfer to win the trifecta of national championships comprised of the Canadian Junior Boys, Canadian Men’s Amateur, and Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship (joining Brooke Henderson who is the lone female Canadian golfer to win the Canadian Junior Girls, Canadian Women’s Amateur, and the CPKC Women’s Open).
In addition to the 18-and-under Junior Championship, the 16-and-under Juvenile Championship was added in 1970, with the winner receiving the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only ten golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Christopher Vandette.
The Junior and Juvenile championship rounds are played concurrently over four rounds, with the top 70 players plus ties in the Junior division and a minimum of ten players in the Juvenile division advancing to the final 36 holes. The Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship will be played over the first 36 holes, where teams will compete for the Junior Inter-Provincial Championship Trophy.
The new purse payout that was introduced in 2022 will continue at this year’s championship. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship will compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Amateur golfers may accept prize money up to a maximum of $1,200 CAD, and payouts will be awarded to the top 10 finishers and ties.
The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
For the full player field competing in the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.
GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Sport Canada, Levelwear and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.
