Canadian University/College Championship returns for first time since 2019
Golf New Brunswick
BROMONT, Que. – Canada’s best student-athlete golfers will descend on Golf Château Bromont in Bromont, Que., for the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO from June 1-4. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.
2022 marks the 18th playing of the event, which was established in 2003 by Golf Canada to give the country’s best university and college golfers a chance to compete at a national championship.
The 18 teams competing for the Men’s division come from the following conferences (number of teams in brackets):
Ontario University Athletics (6)
Canada West (5)
Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (2)
Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (5)
The Women’s division is composed of 12 teams from across the country:
Canada West (4)
OUA (5)
RSEQ (2)
CCAA (1)
After the third round, the field will be cut to the low ten (10) Male teams and the low six (6) Female teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within 10 shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.
Golf Canada prides itself on providing an opportunity for university and college players to compete at the highest level of national competition at the end of their seasons.
“The Canadian University/College Championships, presented by BDO provides an opportunity for the best student-athletes from across the country to showcase their talents and compete for a national championship,” said tournament director, Akash Patel. “After a two-year hiatus, Golf Canada recognizes the significance of the return of this event, and we are excited to get the competition underway.”
The 72-hole stroke play event – which was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – was last played in 2019 and hosted by the Fanshawe College Falcons at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. In contrast to recent years, there will be no official host school for this year’s event held in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
The University of British Columbia enters this year’s tournament as the defending champions of both the Men’s and Women’s divisions. In 2019, the women’s team captured their fourth consecutive national championship with a one-stroke victory over the Laval Rouge et Or, while the men’s team erased a nine-stroke deficit to knock off the Western Mustangs in the final round via a playoff.
The UBC women have won 14 of the last 17 team event titles – easily the most in the competition’s history. The T-Birds also have the most men’s team championships with six.
Sarah Dunning of the University of Guelph was crowned champion of the Women’s individual competition and Charles Fitzsimmons of Western University took home the honours on the Men’s side in 2019. Neither Dunning, nor Fitzsimmons will be returning to defend their titles this year.
Last time the event was held in Quebec (2013), the UBC Thunderbirds won the Men’s division, and the Université de Montréal Carabins were named the Women’s champions.
Multiple winners of the event include Christina Spence (2007 & 2008), Kat Kennedy (2016 & 2017) and Evan Holmes (2015 & 2017).
For more information about the 2022 Canadian University/College Championship, including the player list, pairings and leaderboards, click here.
MENS TEAMS Bishop’s University Gaiters Brock University Badgers Champlain St Lawrence Lions Humber College Hawks McMaster University Marauders Queen’s University Gaels Université Laval Rouge et Or Université du Montréal Carabins Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Université de Sherbrooke Vert et Or University of British Columbia Thunderbirds University of Calgary Dinos University of the Fraser Valley Cascades University of Guelph Gryphons University of Manitoba Bisons University of Victoria Vikes University of Windsor Lancers Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks
WOMENS TEAMS Brock University Badgers Humber College Hawks Université Laval Rouge et Or Université du Montréal Carabins University of British Columbia Thunderbirds University of British Columbia – Okanagan Heat University of the Fraser Valley Cascades University of Ottawa Gee-Gees University of Victoria Vikes University of Windsor Lancers Western University Mustangs Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks
Champions Crowned at NB Men’s Four Ball, Presented by Taylormade Canada
Evan mcfarlane, Golf nb junior and player development chair (left), posing with 2022 NB men's four Ball Champions, darren Roach (middle), and Greg steele (right)
Sunday brought sunny and warm conditions to entice the field at the NB Men’s Four Ball Championships presented by TaylorMade, the first event of the 2022 Golf NB Championship Schedule.
In the Senior Men`s Division, the team of Bob Brown and Tony MacKinnon of the West Hills Golf Club would complete their wire-to-wire win shooting a score of five under par (-5) on day 1, and a six under par (-6) on day 2 ending with a commanding five-shot lead over runner-ups Shawn Branch and Greg Jones of the Country Meadows Golf Club. Brown and MacKinnon would combine for a two-day total of 1 eagle, 10 birdies, and only 1 bogey.
Brown and MacKinnon would begin their Saturday shooting an even par 36 on the front nine, following with an impressive five under 31 on the back nine to hold a two-shot lead going into Sunday’s round. The pair would then come out firing with score of 32 on the front nine (-4), to then finish with a 34 on the back nine (-2).
In the Senior Net Division, it was Tim Sanford and Gary Snider who would be crowned. Sanford and Snider would card a net eight under par (-8), 64, on both days giving them a net total of sixteen under par (-16), 128. The team would card an impressive net score of 29 (-7), during their second day back nine, giving them a one shot victory over Gary Jenkins and Mark Shannon.
***
In the Amateur Men`s Division, it was Greg Steele and Darren Roach of the Riverside Country Club who would complete their weekend with a five shot victory.
Team Roach and Steele would begin their second round paired with Stuart McClune and Jason Doyle of the Riverside Country Club, both teams were tied as each of them carded a score of five under par (-5), 67, giving them both a two-shot lead over 4 other teams who shot a day 1 score of three under par (-3), 69. Roach and Steele, who on the round were eight under par (-8) through fourteen holes finished their final four holes scoring par, bogey, birdie, birdie, respectively, giving them a tournament-low, second round score of nine under par (-9), 63, and a total score of fourteen under (-14), 130.
In the Amateur Net Division, it was 2019 NB Four Ball Champions Duane Mitton and Kris Leask would would take the crown, accumulating a total net score of fourteen under par (-14), 130. The team also finished with a gross score of four under par (-4), 140, giving them a tie for 6th place overall.
For more information on our host, the Algonquin Golf Course please CLICK HERE.
For more information on the 2022 NB Men`s Four Ball, presented by TaylorMade including results and tee times please CLICK HERE.
Four amateurs, two others advance to RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier
MICKELSON NATIONAL GOLF CLUB (PHOTO: @MICKELSONNGC / TWITTER)
Golf New Brunswick
CALGARY, Alta. – Brady McKinlay of Lacombe, Alta., was the lone golfer to shoot even-par or better on a unforgiving day at Mickelson National Golf Club in Calgary, Alta.
The amateur, who plays his collegiate golf at Utah Valley University, rolled in birdies on holes no. 1, 5 and 16 to offset a bogey on no. 3 and a double bogey on no. 11 for an even-par 72 and medallist honours at the fourth and final RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier in Alberta.
As there were less than 100 competitors at the Regional Qualifier, McKinlay did not earn a direct exemption into the 2022 RBC Canadian Open but will be vying for a spot in the tournament at the Final Qualifier at Oakdale Golf & Country Club on June 6.
Five others in the starting field of 54 added their names to the tee sheet at the Final Qualifier next Monday in Toronto, Ont.:
Jeffrey Kang (Anaheim, California)
Carter Code (Calgary, Alta.)
David Durbeniuk (Calgary, Alta.)
Carter Lewis (Calgary, Alta.)
Dane Thorogood (Calgary, Alta.)
Kang’s 1-over par 73 placed him alone in second. The American pencilled not one, not two but three eagles to his scorecard after starting the day +4 through the first three holes.
Code and Durbeniuk each had eagles of their own on holes no. 4 and no. 9, respectively, en route to a 2-over par 74. The amateur duo finished T3 and will be travelling east later this week to compete for a chance to play in Canada’s National Open.
It was a grind to the finish line for Lewis, but the Calgary, Alta. native prevailed. After 11 holes, Lewis was 3-under par and atop the leaderboard, but four bogeys and a double coming in pushed him back to T5 in the standings – a result that stood up for the former college player.
Joining him to round out the top-five was Dane Thorogood who, opposite to Lewis, struggled out of the gates before ending his round in style. The former South Alabama Jaguar recorded birdies on holes no. 15 and no. 18 to make the cut on the number and book his spot into the final stage of qualifying.
A minimum of four players from the 18-hole stroke play Final Qualifier at Oakdale Golf & Country Club will gain entry into the RBC Canadian Open field.
Stollery family makes major gift of $2M in support of Team Canada women’s coaching position
Photo credit: Jeff Vogan/SPORTDAD Sports Photography
Golf New Brunswick
Golf Canada in partnership with the Golf Canada Foundation and the Canadian Olympic Foundation have announced a major gift from the Stollery Family that will see the official title of the women’s national team head coach renamed as the Team Canada Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach and Stollery Family Olympic Women’s Head Coach.
The Stollery Family, long-time supporters of Canadian golf and especially the women’s game including junior girls and high-performance activities, have donated a total $2M to the Golf Canada Foundation and the Canadian Olympic Foundation in support of the Team Canada program to help fund the Women’s Head Coach position over a 30-year term.
“We are so honoured that the Stollerys, a family with such a long history of philanthropy and promoting sport, has chosen to make this meaningful gift in support of women’s golf,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman, who also sits as a Board Member on the Golf Canada Foundation. “We are excited for what this means for the growth of the women’s game, and the powerful statement it makes in support of coaching across Canada.”
Salimah Mussani, recently promoted by Golf Canada to lead the women’s team will be the inaugural Team Canada Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach.
Seven sisters –Cailey, Victoria, Gillian, Lindsay, Claire, Sarah, and Hannah – have proudly carried on the family legacy of support for the game initiated by their late father Gordon Stollery. Among other successful business ventures, the Stollery Family are the owners and operators of Goodwood Golf Club in Goodwood, Ont. as well as Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont. which has played host to numerous major golf championships including the CP Women’s Open (2001), the Telus Skins Game (2001), the RBC Canadian Open (2002, 2007) and the golf competition of the 2015 Pan Am Games.
Angus Glen is also proud host of the annual World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by Sargeant Farms, set to return October 12-15, 2022. The Stollery Family have also been long-time supporters of the Golf Canada Foundation including events such as the popular Wine, Women’ & Shoes Fundraiser. The generosity of the Stollery Family has supported numerous charitable legacies including a $5M donation to Markham Stouffville Hospital which named the Stollery Family Centre for Childbirth and Children in their honour.
“Our family recognizes and values the critical role that women’s golf and high-performance coaching can have on the overall growth of a sport that has meant so such much to us all,” said Cailey Stollery who sits on the Board Directors of both the Golf Canada Foundation as well as the Canadian Olympic Foundation.
“In making this gift, we believe in the renewed vision of Golf Canada’s high-performance program and hope that others will come forward to join us in this journey.”
The Stollery Family’s major gift to fund the Women’s Head Coach position is the first of its kind for a Canadian National Sport Federation head coaching position.
The Team Canada Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach will also be a first for a Canadian Olympic Team coach as the Team Canada Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach will also guide Women’s Golf Team that is named by the Canadian Olympic Committee to represent Team Canada at future Olympic Games.
“This gift from the Stollery Family is remarkable, and a clear indication of the entire family’s shared belief in the transformational power of sport,” says Jacqueline Ryan, Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee and CEO of the Canadian Olympic Foundation. “This contribution is truly inspiring and will help shape the exciting future of women’s golf in Canada for years to come.”
MacLean, Nagayo win the NextGen Ontario Championship
Golf New Brunswick
PORT SEVERN, Ont. – There wasn’t much for Ben MacLean and Alessandra Nagayo to worry about on Saturday at Oak Bay Golf Club in Port Severn, Ont.
MacLean (Niagara Falls, Ont.) led wire-to-wire and Nagayo (Toronto, Ont.) made a final round comeback to capture the titles in their respective divisions at the NextGen Ontario Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards.
MacLean carded rounds of 69, 69 and 70 for an 11-stroke victory for his second championship in as many weeks, after bringing home the 2022 Ontario Junior Spring Classic (U19) Boys Championship last week.
“I made a huge jump in my game last year and I took most of the stuff I did last year and added to that,” said MacLean on his recent success. “[I’m] finding better shots off the tee and hitting my shots a lot better than I was last year which has been pretty helpful, and I’m trusting everything more.”
Next for the 17-year-old is the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier on June 6 at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, an event MacLean says he’s confident he can qualify for.
Nagayo’s week wasn’t as straight forward, but the result was no different. Entering Saturday’s round five strokes back, the 18-year-old carded a final round 71 to win the Junior Girls division by five strokes.
Swetha Sathish, who held the 36-hole lead in the Junior Girls division wasn’t able to get it done down the stretch, but her confidence remains intact.
“Thinking about those good shots, visualizing those good shots, and then making them happen was really crucial [this week],” said Sathish, and the positive thoughts didn’t end there.
“I see myself probably winning a couple provincial championships, maybe even a national championship, and definitely getting into a good university in the future and [eventually] going professional.”
From the Junior Boys division, the top eight players have earned exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 6-10, at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops, British Columbia.
Including Nagayo, the top eight players in the Junior Girls division have earned exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Girls Championship taking place July 25-29 at The Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.
Canada’s Brigitte Thibault plans to turn pro this summer after exemplary NCAA career
BRIGITTE THIBAULT (BERNARD BRAULT/ GOLF CANADA)
Golf New Brunswick
By: John Chidley Hill
Canada’s Brigitte Thibault is ready to take the next step in her career.
The product of Rosemere, Que., said on Wednesday that she plans to turn professional sometime this summer after a successful career as an elite amateur, competing in the NCAA and representing Canada internationally.
“Next will be half pro events this summer, half amateur events,” said Thibault after competing in her last tournament with the Texas Longhorns. “Just making sure I get in the best field I can to challenge myself as much as possible.
“We’ll be turning pro this summer for sure but right now we’re just going with the flow and see how things go.”
BRIGITTE THIBAULT
Thibault said that she intends to turn professional either before the LPGA’s Q School or the CP Women’s Open, both of which will be held in late August.
Stage I of the Q School will be held Aug. 18-21 at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., the CP Women’s Open is at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club Aug. 22-28, and Stage II of the Q School will be held Oct. 18-21 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla.
Thibault had an exemplary NCAA career, winning five titles while as an undergrad at Fresno State between 2018 and 2021. She won the 2019 Mountain West Conference Championship, the 2019 Ontario Women’s amateur Championship, the 2020 Women’s Western Amateur Championship, the 2020 Women’s Dixie Amateur and the 2021 Rebel Beach Intercollegiate. She also won bronze with Canada at the 2019 Pan American Games in the mixed team event.
She moved from Fresno State to the University of Texas at Austin for her fifth and final year of eligibility as a graduate student. Her best result as a Longhorn was tying for 14th at the Bruzzy. She also helped the Texas Women’s Golf squad to a one-over-par 289 on Monday to close out the season in 13th-place at the NCAA Championship.
“I think it hasn’t sunk in yet to be honest,” said Thibault of her collegiate career coming to an end. “I was just with my teammates today and reminiscing on all of the years.
“I’m at a loss for words, I’m just super grateful for all the years, all the learning experiences, and it’s just a lot of emotions altogether.”
Thibault said her next event will still be an amateur tournament, either the British Women’s Amateur Championship at Hunstanton Golf Club in Norfolk, England, on June 20-25 or the Porter Cup at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston, N.Y., on July 13-16.
LPGA TOUR _ Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., was paired with Jeongeun Lee6 at the Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play in Las Vegas. The event at Shadow Creek Golf Course will have three days of round-robin play and then the knockout round.
EPSON TOUR _ Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., and Selena Costabile of Thornhill, Ont., will tee off on Friday in the Inova Mission Inn Resort and Club Championship in Howey-In-The-Hills, Fla. Costabile is 66th on the Epson Tour’s money list and Szeryk is 148th.
CP WOMEN’S OPEN _ The Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, host of this summer’s CP Women’s Open, posted on Sunday that its course was severely damaged by a severe storm that swept through the area over the weekend. The club shared photos of several uprooted trees in an Instagram post announcing that the club would be closed until further notice.
PGA TOUR _ Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., are the only Canadians in this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Taylor enters play this week 112th in the FedEx Cup rankings and Svensson is 126th.
KORN FERRY TOUR _ Toronto’s Albin Choi leads the Canadian contingent into this week’s NV5 Invitational at the Glen Club Golf Course in Glenview, Il. He’ll be joined by David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., and Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont. Choi is ranked 89th on the second-tier tour, Hearn is 117th and Silverman is 190th.
NextGen Ontario Championship heads to Oak Bay Golf Club
PHOTO: OAKBAYGOLF/INSTAGRAM
Golf New Brunswick
PORT SEVERN, Ont. – The 2022 NextGen Ontario Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, is set to take place at Oak Bay Golf Club in Port Severn, Ont. from May 26 – 28.
Practice rounds are scheduled for May 25, before the official tournament gets underway on May 26. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 48 Junior Boys and the top 24 Junior Girls (both including ties) in their respective divisions, for the final round of the 54-hole stroke play competition that will wrap up on May 28.
The top eight male competitors will earn a spot in the upcoming Canadian Junior Boys Championship – presented by BDO, August 7-10 at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links in Kamloops, B.C. The top eight female golfers (including ties) will also earn exemptions into this year’s Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 25-29, at The Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ontario.
The starting field will feature 144 players – 96 Junior Boys and 48 Junior Girls – vying for a spot in their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer.
The NextGen Ontario Championship is the second of six regional junior championships presented in partnership with JOURNIE Rewards. Angela Arora and Eric Zhao took home the honours in the NextGen Pacific Championship earlier this month at Nanaimo Golf Club in B.C. For the full schedule of 2022 NextGen Championships click here.
Oak Bay Golf Club is nestled along the shoreline of the Georgian Bay and is a personification of nature at its finest. Its picturesque views and charming scenery are sights to see, but a full focus is required to score well at the challenging course located in the Muskoka region. While the yardage book may seem forgiving, Oak Bay is no walk in the park – even for the longest of hitters. Dense forests and rocky terrain, accompanied by the wetlands that surround, will leave little room for error at the NextGen Ontario Championship.
For past results of the 2022 NextGen Championships – fueled by JOURNIE Rewards: Pacific
Additional information about the 2022 NextGen Ontario Championship can be found here.
NOTABLES
Ben MacLean (Niagara Falls, Ont.)
Ben MacLean is fresh off a win at the 2022 Ontario Junior Spring Classic (U19) Boys Championship. Prior to that, the Team Canada national junior squad member recorded T2 and T4 finishes at the NextGen Pacific Championship and RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier (Ontario), respectively. The 17-year-old will be looking to add to his already impressive 2022 resume at Oak Bay.
Ryan Sommerville (Aurora, Ont.)
Ryan Sommerville is a name to look out for in Port Severn this week. The Team Ontario member ended his 2021 season with a strong showing at the NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, finishing T3, and is looking to ride the wave into this year’s championship season.
Lindsay McGrath (Oakville, Ont.)
Lindsay McGrath celebrated the Victoria Day weekend on top at the 2022 Ontario Junior Spring Classic (U19) Girls Championship, claiming a one-shot victory with a final round 68. The youngest member of Team Ontario will look to go back-to-back at Oak Bay.
Nyah Kelly (Lindsay, Ont.)
Nyah Kelly was a top-10 machine in 2021, finishing amongst the leaders in each of the provincial and national tournaments she played in. To cap off a stellar season, Kelly notched a T2 finish at the NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards. With the 2022 season underway, Kelly is poised to take her game to the next level and land a first-place finish at the NextGen Ontario Championship.
About the NextGen Championships series, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards
The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2022 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.
2022 PGA Champion Justin Thomas commits to RBC Canadian Open
TULSA, OKLAHOMA - MAY 22: Justin Thomas of the USA celebrates with the Wanamaker Trophy after the final round of the PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club on May 22, 2022 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Golf New Brunswick
Fresh off a captivating playoff victory this past weekend at the PGA Championship, Justin Thomas has confirmed his intention to compete in the 2022 RBC Canadian Open.
Thomas is a 15-time winner on the PGA TOUR and 2-time major champion, having previously won the PGA Championship in 2017. Currently no. 5 on the Official World Golf Ranking, Thomas will be competing in his second RBC Canadian Open when the stars of the PGA TOUR descend on St. George’s Golf & Country Club along with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to Toronto to celebrate the return of theRBC Canadian Open. I enjoyed myself in 2019 and was really impressed by the energy of Canadian golf fans getting behind their National Open Championship.”
– Justin Thomas
A celebrated amateur and college star at Alabama, the 29-year-old returns north to challenge for Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship after finishing T20 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in 2019 in his first-ever start at the event.
One of the brightest stars in professional golf, Thomas has competed in the past two Ryder Cups, the past two President’s Cups and also represented the United States at the Olympic Games in Tokyo last summer.
JT! Welcome back ?
PGA champion and world no. 5 @justinthomas34 will tee it up at St. George’s in Toronto from June 6-12 ⛳️??
— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) May 25, 2022
Through a solid start to the 2021-22 PGA TOUR season, Thomas has eight top-10 finishes in 13 events played and is currently no. 4 on the FedExCup Ranking. Five of his 15 PGA TOUR wins came during a breakout season in 2016-17.
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic the RBC Canadian Open is set to return June 6-12 in Toronto with Thomas joining an exciting field led by defending champion and world no. 7 Rory McIlroy; world no. 1 and reigning Master champion Scottie Scheffler; The Players 2022 champion and world no. 3 Cameron Smith; world no. 13 and Team RBC ambassador Dustin Johnson; world No. 15 Matthew Fitzpatrick; and world no. 21 Tony Finau.
Canadian PGA TOUR players looking forward to the celebrated return of the RBC Canadian Open include Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor, Roger Sloan, Taylor Pendrith, Adam Svensson, and Michael Gligic.
More field announcements including additional Canadian player exemptions are set for the coming weeks as golf and festival fans look ahead to the 111th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. Tickets for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open are available here.
Corey Conners excited for return of the RBC Canadian Open
TULSA, OKLAHOMA - MAY 18: Corey Conners of Canada speaks during a press conference during a practice round prior to the start of the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club on May 18, 2022 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/PGA of America/PGA of America via Getty Images)
Golf New Brunswick
By: David Li
While Corey Conners has enjoyed notable success on the PGA TOUR over the past two seasons, perhaps his biggest regret during that time was not being able to share that success with Canadian fans on Canadian soil. But with the RBC Canadian Open returning this year, the wait is over for the Listowel, Ont., native as he will be teeing off against the best in the world next month in Toronto.
The RBC Canadian Open was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will make its long awaited return this year at the St. George’s Golf and Country Club.
“I’ve been looking forward to coming back to Canada for some time now… Just super excited overall,” said the 30-year-old during media day earlier this month via conference call.
“To have the crowd made up of pretty much all Canadians is going to be amazing,” added the long-time Canadian National Team member. “I know the fans will be really behind all the Canadian players, and that’s something that I’m super excited about and I’ve certainly missed the last couple of years.”
According to tournament director Bryan Crawford, this year’s event will be a treat for players and fans alike. Crawford is quick to point out that the goal is to offer a best-in-class experience for everyone in attendance.
“That’s what we are aiming for, a best-in-class event for players, caddies, volunteers, partners and our fans,” he said. “It starts with a great golf course and you can’t ask for a better one than St. George’s—it’s one of the premier facilities in Canada.”
2019 champion Rory McIlroy is back this year to defend his crown and he will be joined by 2018 champ and former world no. 1 Dustin Johnson, reigning Masters champ and current world no. 1 Scottie Scheffler, and five time PGA TOUR winner, Cam Smith. Other notable names are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Besides the star-studded line up on the golf course, this year’s tournament will feature two chart-topping musical acts on stage as Flo Rida and three-time Grammy award winner Maroon 5 are schedule to entertain fans on June 10 and June 11 respectively.
“The Concert Series was an overwhelming success in 2019 and will once again attract new fans to experience the energy and excitement of the RBC Canadian Open,” noted Golf Canada Chief Commercial Officer, John Sibley.
At the recent PGA Championship, Conners reiterated his feelings about returning to Canada in early June.
“Apart from the major championships, I don’t know if I’ve been as excited for a golf event or a PGA TOUR event in my life. I’m really excited to get back to Canada. It’s been unfortunate that we haven’t been able to get there the last couple of years,” noted the top ranked Canadian.
“I know the fans will be out in full force and supporting the Canadians, and hopefully we can put on a good show.”
Given his stellar play, Canadian golf fans are also understandably excited to see their home grown talent compete against the best in the world.
Conners has recorded some impressive results on the PGA TOUR recently including a tie for sixth place at the Masters in early April. It marked the third year in a row that the talented young Canadian has finished in the top 10 at Augusta National. He also finished in a tie for 15th place at The Open Championship which was played at the Royal St. George’s Golf Course last summer.
“Personally, I feel now like my game is a lot more refined, so I’m going to be teeing it up (in Canada) with really high expectations for myself,” Conners pointed out.
It is interesting to note that a Canadian has not won the RBC Canadian Open since Pat Fletcher did it back in 1954.
Besides Conners, there will be a talented group of Canadians eager to end that drought this year. Among those already confirmed are Adam Hadwin, Mackenzie Hughes, Nick Taylor, Taylor Pendrith, Albin Choi, Adam Svensson, Michael Gligic, Roger Sloan, Aaron Cokerill, and Brendan Leonard. More Canadian names are expected to be added in the coming weeks.
The 2022 Golf NB Championship Schedule kicks off the weekend of May 28th & 29th, 2022 at the Algonquin Golf Course with the Golf NB Men’s and Senior Men’s Four Ball, presented by TaylorMade Golf Canada.
After the event’s cancellation in 2020 and 2021, the Algonquin Golf Course located in St. Andrews, NB is set to host the 2022 NB Men’s Four Ball, Presented by Taylormade Golf Canada. With the event selling out in 33 minutes with 168 players, this year’s registration numbers show a clear indication of how excited players are for the return of this event.
The NB Men’s and Senior Men’s Four Ball, presented by TaylorMade Golf Canada will continue with its historical two-day, 36-hole, format with 56 Amateur Teams and 28 Senior Teams respectively.
The deep and diverse fields in both the Men’s and Senior Men’s divisions should make for an exciting weekend filled with great competitive golf.
For more information on the 2022 NB Men’s Four Ball please CLICK HERE.
For more information on the Algonquin Golf Course please 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 8,000 members include: 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.