Golf Canada and BDO Canada LLP (BDO) have announced an integrated multi-year partnership that will see BDO become the Official Business and Professional Services Partner of Golf Canada and its two signature events – the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

As the presenting sponsor for all nine Canadian Amateur Golf Championships conducted by Golf Canada, BDO has made a significant commitment to the growth of golf in communities across Canada. BDO will also partner with Golf Canada to develop and further enhance technologies that support the Canadian golfer experience.

In addition to BDO’s support for golf at the professional and amateur levels, Golf Canada will access BDO’s trusted expertise providing accounting, assurance, tax, and advisory services for the National Sport Federation.

“Golf Canada has had an exceptional relationship with BDO as our auditor and professional services firm since 2019 and the work and growth that we have experienced together has brought us to this enhanced next level,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum.

“We are extremely excited about the opportunities for BDO in golf and in working with our team and connected stakeholders. BDO is a world class organization, and we are thrilled to be working with them extensively to expand our use of their services across all of their areas of expertise.”

For BDO Canada, partnering with the National Sport Organization to engage with Canada’s considerable golf audience reflects a firm-wide commitment through sport to give back to communities served across the country.

“We are excited to partner with Golf Canada and become the presenting sponsor for Canadian Amateur Golf Championships,” said Pat Kramer, CEO of BDO Canada.

“This is the next step in our commitment to connecting and engaging with Canadians, through sport. Working alongside Golf Canada, we look forward to supporting Canadian athletes at both the amateur and professional levels.”

Three accomplished golf contributors from Hamilton, Ont. – tireless volunteers Ruth and Ian Giles along with esteemed golf journalist Garry MacKay – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2022 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.

The announcement of the 2022 Distinguished Service Award honourees will be made during Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting which will be conducted virtually on Thursday, March 3. 

“Golf Canada is extremely proud to recognize two long-serving volunteers in Ruth and Ian Giles along with respected golf journalist Garry MacKay as the recipients of our 2022 Distinguished Service Award,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman.

“Their contributions have been incredibly impactful to golf in their community as well as at the provincial and national level.”

Liz HoFFMAN

“Each of their collective efforts has left a meaningful mark on the Canadian golf landscape and it is with great respect and admiration that we honour each of them for their passion and commitment to our sport.”

The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated in person during the week of the 108^th playing of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, July 19-22 at Westmount Golf and Country Club in Kitchener, Ont. 

Golf Canada 2022 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:

Ruth & Ian Giles (Volunteer)

The Giles’ pairing are long tenured golf volunteers who have shared their time and passion for the game with both Golf Ontario and Golf Canada, serving on numerous committees at the operational and executive level. Over the past four decades, the Hamilton residents have supported hundreds of local, provincial, national, international, and professional championships as duty roster volunteers in a rules or starting and scoring capacity.

Ruth was previously honoured with the 2007 Golf Ontario Volunteer of the Year, the 2007 Bruce Mitchell Golf Canada Volunteer of the Year, and the Golf Ontario 2011 Dick Grimm Distinguished Volunteer of the Year. She also supported Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board middle school golf tournament over the years. 

Ian served as the President of the Ontario Golf Association (OGA) in 2001 and in 2002 helped lead the association’s amalgamation with the Ontario Ladies Golf Association – today Golf Ontario. Before becoming President, he spent six years as a Golf Ontario Director chairing numerous committees including the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame committee in 2007 and 2008. A Level 3 rules official and past governor with Golf Canada (2003-2012), Ian has given his time to numerous Golf Canada volunteer committees including the Governors Council and has also served on a number Golf Ontario Volunteer committees. In 2014, Golf Ontario named Ian the recipient of the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award. 

The Giles’ have been long-time contributors to the Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour—Ruth has served since 1999 in a variety of roles including past President (2002-03), secretary and a board member. Ian served as President from 1996-98 and has also contributed over the years as a board member and rules official. The selection of Ruth and Ian Giles marks the first time that a family duo has been selected for Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.

Garry MacKay (Media)

A past President and founding director of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC), MacKay is a respected sports journalist who has covered golf for more than 43 years. He first reported on the RBC Canadian Open in 1968 for CKOC radio and is highly respected as the longtime golf reporter for the Hamilton Spectator where he has covered all aspects of the sport from local golf to the professional game. MacKay has also contributed to a multitude of Canadian and international publications during his tenure including Pro Shop, SCOREGolf, Ontario Golf and Golf Canada Magazine.

A decorated journalist across a number of sports, he has garnered a number of achievements including a SCOREGolf Award. MacKay has served on the selection committees for the World Golf Hall of Fame, PGA of Canada Hall of Fame, Ontario Golf Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and has also volunteered his time with the Stanley Thomson Society and Golf Canada’s Heritage Committee. MacKay is also a founding director, current board member, and treasurer of the Golden Horseshoe Athlete of the Year Award as well as a founding director and current chair of the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame.  He is also a founding director of the Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour (1984), an organization he continues to serve on the board of directors and as a volunteer at the registration table, as a rules official, and at the scoreboard. 

MacKay was recognized by Golf Ontario with the 2015 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award and in 2021 was honoured by his GJAC peers with the Dick Grimm Award.

Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually since 1993 to recognize individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Canadian golf either nationally or within their community. 

In addition to the 2022 Distinguished Service Award, Golf Canada will also celebrate Ken Casey of St. John’s, N.L. and David Atkinson, formerly Vancouver, B.C. and now Goderich, Ont. as co-recipients of the 2021 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year.

Another pair of distinguished Golf Canada volunteers – Barbara Allan of Kingston, Ont. and Jim Clark of Aurora, Ont.– will be named Honorary Life Governors for their long serving contributions to the organization. 

Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting will culminate with Liz Hoffman of Wasaga Beach, Ont., a member of both Mad River Golf Club and The Thornhill Club sworn in to serve a second term as President of Golf Canada. 

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Ken Casey of St. John’s, N.L. and David Atkinson, formerly of Vancouver, B.C. and now Goderich, Ont. have been named the 2021 co-recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. A presentation of the award will take place on Thursday, March 3^rd as part of Golf Canada’s Virtual Annual Meeting.

“Volunteers are integral to the success of golf in this country and on behalf of Golf Canada and all of the provincial golf associations, we are very proud to recognize Ken Casey and David Atkinson for their deep contributions to the advance the game,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “They have supported golf in Newfoundland and British Columbia as well as at the national level and have had a major impact on the advancement of the sport in their communities.”

The Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award is named in recognition of Toronto native Bruce Mitchell who in 2017-18 was the first Canadian to serve as captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A). Born in Victoria and raised in Edmonton, the former President of the Toronto Golf Club and R&A member since 1988 was just the ninth internationally appointed captain of the R&A, one of the most prestigious volunteer positions in the world of golf. Duties as captain included representing the R&A as a global ambassador and aiding in the R&A’s effort to develop golf around the world.

Now in its 16^th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community.

Get to Know – Ken Casey (Golf Newfoundland & Labrador)

Golf Newfoundland & Labrador is extremely proud of their long-time friend, Ken Casey.

At 12 years old, he took up the game at Bally Haly Golf Club in St. John’s, N.L. and has enjoyed it for a lifetime. Ken began to volunteer at Bally Haly in the late 1980s where he was elected to serve on the golf committee and several years later was named Golf Captain. In 1990, Ken assembled a group of volunteers to organize the Bally Haly Men’s Invitational (one of the largest in the province) which 30 plus years later continues to draw golfers from all across the province.

In 1994 Ken became President of what was then the Newfoundland Labrador Golf Association (NLGA) and had served the organization across a number of activities and committees over the years. A decade later, he was approached to serve on the Board of Directors of newly formed Golf Newfoundland Labrador ( Golf NL) as Treasurer and after a two-year term, accepted the nomination to serve as President where he spent four years helping to direct the growth and development of the organization.

Ken’s contributions have been felt across the entire organization including the development of a new membership model that provided financial stability. He has also been a champion for new policies to address safe sport, enhancements to the player development program and ensuring that funds were allocated to develop a three-year marketing plan for the organization.

Ken also guided the creation of the Go Golf Booklet initiative and has supported fundraising activities including the development of a junior golf scholarship program.   

Get to Know – David Atkinson (British Columbia Golf)

Although he now lives in Ontario, David Atkinson’s support for the game in British Columbia and nationally has been outstanding.

A constant presence at golf championships in British Columbia, David volunteered as a starter and scorer at a multitude of zone, provincial and national championships as well as the Vancouver Golf Tour. David also has the great honour of serving as the non-playing captain of three Lamley Cup teams.

Administratively, he served seven years on the Board of Directors with of BC Golf including three years as President and three more as Past President. His contributions to the organization were felt across a number of committees including Human Resources, Finance and Governance, and he played an important role helping BC Golf to diversify its Board.

David also plugged in to support the Pacific Coast Golf Association, serving eight years as a Trustee and two years as President in addition to his work at four of the association’s championships.

With Golf Canada, in addition to joining the duty roster at various championships, he served three  years on the Board of Directors and has been an active member of the Governors Council where he participated on and chaired several committees. David has also been active contributor with the Golf Canada Foundation as a member of the Grants and Scholarship Committee.

The entire golf community in New Brunswick is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of John Townsend.

John proudly served as President of the New Brunswick Golf Association in 2004-2005 and was instrumental in the merger to create Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB). A friendly face for us all, John will be greatly missed by many across the province.

Golf New Brunswick would like to extend its deepest condolences to John’s friends and family.

Golf Canada announced today that sports marketing executive Lisa Ferkul has joined the organization as its new Chief Marketing Officer, beginning March 21, 2022. 

Ferkul joins the Executive Team of the National Sport Federation after serving more than ten years with Scotiabank, most recently in the role of Director & Head, Canadian Sponsorship Marketing. Her portfolio of responsibilities included all brand, creative, strategic development, digital and social media as well as relationship management for the Bank’s sponsorship marketing portfolio in Canada inclusive of two verticals: Hockey and Arts & Culture.

“Lisa is a dynamic and accomplished sports executive who will take on an instrumental role in the advancement of Golf Canada’s sport programs and commercial properties as well as our signature golf championships,” said Golf Canada CEO, Laurence Applebaum. “Lisa brings exceptional energy and a depth of leadership that will play a critical role in the continued development and execution of Golf Canada’s integrated marketing, communications, digital strategy.”

“I am beyond excited to be joining the incredibly talented team at Golf Canada at a time when golf is thriving across the country,” said Ferkul. “As a passionate golfer and sports marketer, I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of the sport and will work tirelessly to continue driving that momentum.”

The Toronto resident was also a leader in the development of Scotiabank’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy in hockey (hockey for all), extensive growth of the bank’s community hockey programming, and was a key member of the deal team that negotiated the landmark $800MM MLSE partnership expansion including Scotiabank Arena naming rights as well as official bank status of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors.

In 2017, Ferkul was named among the 5 to Watch – Canada’s Sport Business Awards, an annual recognition of five of the most influential and accomplished Canadians under the age of 40 in the business of sport.

A depth of professional association and volunteer experience, Lisa has contributed to a number of organizations including the BlackNorth Initiative; the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada; and the Toronto chapter of Women in Sport & Events (WISE).

Ferkul is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario (Honours BA, Kinesiology) and earned a Public Relations Post-Graduate Certificate from the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.

Kevin Blue, Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer

The performance of Canadian golfers on the world stage has improved significantly since the implementation of the Team Canada player development program in 2005. Canada is currently represented by 13 players with status on the LPGA or PGA TOUR, a substantial increase from the eight players with major tour status when the national team program was launched. Since 2014, members or graduates of the Team Canada Young Pro Squad have produced 50 professional tournament wins worldwide. 

Canada is positioned to take another leap forward in global golf achievement. Today, Golf Canada is announcing an enhanced commitment to the Team Canada player development program. Our goal is for Canada to reach 30 players with status on the LPGA and PGA TOUR by 2032, completing our transformation into a truly world-class golfing country where Canadians are regularly in contention on both tours. 

The pursuit of this ambitious goal is made possible by significant new philanthropic support from a group of generous donors who are making major gifts to fund enhancements in the Team Canada player development program—beginning with an investment of $13.5 million through Golf Canada Foundation to support the strategic goals of the program. 

Paul McLean, CEO of Turf Care and former president of Golf Canada and Golf Canada Foundation has made a lead gift of $5 million to increase the breadth and depth of financial support for Canadian players across the stages of development for the next ten years. Paul has been a pillar of the Canadian golf community with close relationships to many Canadian touring professionals. We are grateful for Paul’s leadership and support. 

Major gifts have also been committed by The Kavelman Fonn Foundation, John Francis, Jean Monty, David Kaufman, Steve Lister and Dr. Molly Rundle, and a pair of donors who wished to remain anonymous creating an initial pool of $13.5M in incremental funding to support new player development investments over the next decade. These generous donors are part of the Golf Canada Foundation Trustee program, which provides critical philanthropic support for important Canadian golf initiatives such as player development and First Tee. Golf Canada Foundation is continuing to identify Trustees who are interested in supporting the Team Canada player development program and expanding First Tee across Canada. 

Our ambitious strategy for player development is based on extensive research over the past year along with input from stakeholders in Canadian high-performance golf – including those involved at the very highest levels of the professional game. The full analysis and strategic plan can be read in draft form here. In addition, we invite you to attend Golf Canada’s virtual annual general meeting on March 2 for an in-depth presentation about the future of the player development system in Canada. 

In summary, Golf Canada’s updated player development strategy includes the following priorities: 

• Sharpen the specific focus of the player development system on the objective of increasing the number of Canadian players on the LPGA and PGA TOUR, with the goal of 30 players on these tours by 2032. 
• Foster an open and inclusive culture of collaboration among all stakeholders in Canadian high-performance golf – including players, coaches, facilities, professional tours, and provincial associations. 
• Invest in Canada’s player development system at a level that matches and competes with aspirational peers like Australia and England. 
• In partnership with PGA of Canada, increase the depth and diversity of Canadian coaching talent. 
• Broaden the player development system at the junior level by including more players in the national program and creating a national talent identification system for the most promising early-stage juniors. 
• Combine late-stage amateurs and young pro players into an expanded Team Canada cohort that is singularly focused on helping players to launch and sustain successful professional golf careers. Team Canada – NextGen, currently called the National Junior Squad, will include both juniors and developing amateurs. These changes will occur in 2023. 
• Provide housing and training facility access in the US for transitioning professional players. 
• Increase the breadth and depth of support for young professional players. Assign funding based on an individualized analysis of specific player needs. 
• Pay particular attention to off course support in areas such as mental health. Ensure a supportive environment that is in full compliance with Safe Sport policies. 
• Create a need-based system of financial aid for junior and amateur players in the player development program to ensure that financial assistance is provided to families with the most significant financial needs. 
• Build a digital library of educational resources featuring Canadian tour player role models that is available to aspiring Canadian players and their families. 
• Refine the analytics used to evaluate player development progress. Emphasize a data-driven and methodical approach. 
• Re-evaluate the infrastructure and pathway for Canadian professional women’s golf. Develop alternatives to the four-year NCAA pathway while maintaining educational opportunities for the most advanced women. Increase the number of domestic professional playing opportunities for women. 
• Especially emphasize how we can support the development of Canadian golf champions from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, building on the more diverse participation base that will be created by First Tee – Canada. 

These items will be implemented over the course of 2022 and 2023. One of the first enhancements to occur will be the creation of a national infrastructure for identifying and developing the most promising early-stage juniors in Canada (i.e., ages 10-14). Over time, this infrastructure will increase the volume of high-performing juniors in Canada who have the potential to develop into LPGA and PGA TOUR players. 

To move forward with this system enhancement, Team Canada Women’s Head Coach Tristan Mullally will transition to the newly created position of National Talent Identification Director. In this new capacity, Tristan will provide additional resources to parents and coaches who work with the most promising young juniors in Canada and provide direct coaching to identified early-stage juniors who don’t otherwise have local coaching support. He will also facilitate the development and implementation of local talent identification camps in every province. Tristan’s globally recognized technical skills and extensive experience with elite players will be a significant asset for helping to accelerate the development of Canada’s most promising young juniors. 

Tristan’s transition into this new role will occur gradually over the next several months. A search will begin immediately for a head coach to oversee the women’s program and for an additional assistant coach to complete the remainder of the women’s coaching staff. 

Many people across our country are deeply passionate about Canadian golf and excited for Canada to continue its emergence as a world-class golfing country. Every stakeholder in the Canadian golf industry is involved in developing Canada’s top players in one way or another. Golf facility operators create affordable opportunities for competitive juniors to access courses, PGA of Canada professionals provide important mentorship and coaching to young players, and partners and philanthropists provide critical support so the Team Canada player development program can be resourced for global success. Our goal is to unify the entire Canadian golf community behind this player development effort, as our Canadian players have the best chance to emerge on the world stage when everyone is part of the journey with them. 

If you’d like to ask questions, provide feedback about our plan, or find out more about becoming a donor to the program, please send us an email using this link. 

Go Canada Go!

Kevin Blue, Ph. D. Chief Sport Officer

Golf Canada is undertaking an integrated and multi-faceted enhancement of its high-performance program to accelerate Canada’s position in the global professional golf landscape. 

The National Sport Federation announced today a strategic framework for its player development program with a stated primary objective to increase the cumulative number of Canadian athletes on the LPGA and PGA TOUR to 30 by 2032. 

It’s a special day for golf in Canada ⛳️??

By 2032, we are committed to helping 30 Canadians advance to the PGA and LPGA Tour to accelerate Canada’s position in the global golf landscape. 

➡️ https://t.co/RgKgzVlcpz pic.twitter.com/yZIMsxYCNF

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) February 23, 2022

The enhancements to Golf Canada’s player-development program are outlined in a detailed update authored by Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue and will be presented in full at Golf Canada Annual General Meeting on March 2. 

“Canada has made significant progress in the development of world-class golfers in the past decade and is poised to take another step forward,” said Blue. “Over the past year, we undertook an in-depth analysis of global golf, consulted with numerous stakeholders who are involved in Canadian high-performance golf, and created the framework for an updated strategic plan for Canada to develop more world-class golfers.” 

Golf Canada’s enhanced investments in player development are financially supported by a group of generous donors who have made initial major gifts totalling $13.5 million through the Golf Canada Foundation. Paul McLean, CEO of Turf Care and former president of Golf Canada and Golf Canada Foundation has made a lead gift of $5 million – the single largest gift ever directed towards Canadian high-performance golf. 

“The achievement of our players on tour is a source of pride for everyone involved in Canadian golf,” said McLean who served as president of Golf Canada in 2015.

“I am thrilled to support the effort to increase the number of Canadians on tour and we look forward to seeing even more Canadian flags on worldwide leaderboards.”

Paul Mclean

Major gifts were also committed by The Kavelman Fonn Foundation, John Francis, Jean Monty, David Kaufman, Steve Lister and Dr. Molly Rundle, and a pair of donors who wished to remain anonymous. These generous donors are part of the Golf Canada Foundation Trustee program, which provides critical philanthropic support for important Canadian golf initiatives such as player development and First Tee. Golf Canada Foundation is continuing to identify Trustees who are interested in supporting the Team Canada player development program and expanding First Tee across Canada. 

The strategic enhancements for the Team Canada player development program were shaped by in-depth feedback from numerous stakeholders in Canadian high-performance golf and a global comparative analysis of other countries’ efficiency success in producing world top-200 players. The analysis considered factors such as participation base, culture, and financial investment into high-performance golf, with particular focus on countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Australia, and England that that are geopolitically and culturally similar to Canada. 

“Canadian performance on the world golf stage continues to advance significantly since the original implementation of the player-development program and this is a transformational moment for Canada to take the next step forward towards the top-levels of global golf,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum.

“Fueled by incredible philanthropic support, stakeholder collaboration, and a systemic enhancement to our player-development system, Canada is well positioned to deepen our talent pool of athletes and become a world-class golfing nation.” 

Laurence Applebaum

One of the first enhancements to occur in 2022 will be the creation of a national infrastructure for identifying and developing the most promising early-stage juniors in Canada (i.e., ages 10-14), with Team Canada Women’s Head Coach Tristan Mullally transitioning to the newly created position of National Talent Identification Director. In this new capacity, Mullally will provide additional resources to the parents and coaches who work with the most promising young juniors in Canada. He will also facilitate the development and implementation of local talent identification camps in every province. 

Mullally will transition into the new role over the coming months and a search will begin immediately for a head coach to oversee the women’s program as well as an additional assistant coach to complete the women’s coaching staff. 

The enhancements to Golf Canada’s High-Performance program build on the support that Canadian athletes have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations. In addition to Golf Canada Foundation and the generosity from the major donor Trustee program, Golf Canada’s High-Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Audi, Titleist, FootJoy, COBRA PUMA GOLF, Foresight Sports, Heritage Canada, Bear Mountain Resort, Citi Canada (Young Pro) and the Canadian Olympic Committee. 

Golf Canada will continue to seek stakeholder feedback on the systemic enhancements to the player development system over the coming weeks. A formal presentation will be made on March 2 as part of Golf Canada’s Annual Meeting. 

David Li

Since starting out in golf, Maddie Szeryk has dreamt of playing the sport at the highest level. After securing LPGA Tour status for 2022 last December in Alabama, the 25-year-old has realized her childhood dream and is ready to take on the world’s best this season.

The long time member of Golf Canada’s National Team Program recalls her humble beginnings when she got started at the age of seven thanks to the encouragement of her dad, Neil Szeryk.

“I remember my dad initially signed me up for lessons at a summer camp and I went out with everyone; and then after I got an individual coach. I really liked the sport and I’ve been doing it ever since,” she reminisced.

Szeryk, whose parents Neil and Karen relocated from London, Ont., shortly after being married – found her passion and a lot of success on the golf course.

“I remember really enjoying being out on the golf course and I also remember winning a lot of local tournaments growing up and so I wanted to work hard as I could to continue getting better,” she recalled.

“Competing on the LPGA Tour has been a dream of mine since I started playing as a little kid, so to achieve that at the LPGA Q-Series was just so surreal,” Szeryk added.

With the top 45 plus ties earning LPGA Tour membership and playing status for 2022, Szeryk shot a 68 in the eighth and final round of the LPGA Q-Series to finish in a tie for 35th spot.

It should give Szeryk and her supporters a lot of confidence in knowing that when it mattered most she was calm and cool as a cucumber. The talented young Canadian birdied her last two holes to finish inside the top 45 by one stroke – finishing five under for the eight day qualifying tournament which was held in Alabama.

Szeryk says the achievement last December was a very meaningful one – not only for herself but those that have been in her corner through the ups and downs.

“Everyone was so happy and excited. My parents both cried because we all put in so many sacrifices for this dream. To finally have it come true is amazing; and knowing all that hard work paid off,” she said.  “We went out for dinner when I got back home and I got to celebrate with friends – so it was really special.”

The long time National Team member also received a heartfelt message from her Golf Canada head coach Tristan Mullally after the thrilling finish at the LPGA Q-Series.

“Gutsy Performance from @mszeryk who barely missed a couple of years ago through @roadtolpga top 10 and has patiently been working away. Class on and off the course and couldn’t be happier for her. #faith #dragonheart,” he Tweeted.

The former University of Texas A&M All-American is quick to credit the support from Golf Canada for playing a key important role in her success.

“They have been a huge part in terms of getting me to this point.  I was on the amateur team all through college and had a lot of great experiences. During my time with the National Team Program, I got to play in high level events and had a chance to test my game against the best amateurs in the world. I also got to play in a number of LPGA events, including the CP Women’s Open,” said Szeryk.

“The coaching and support has played a big role in getting me to where I am. Golf Canada has been awesome in support of my journey.”

The 25-year-old will be joining Canadians Maude-Aimée Leblanc and Brooke Henderson this season on the LPGA Tour.  She is also excited to be entering her rookie season with a few of her good friends.

Maddie Szeryk has earned her LPGA Tour card for 2022, joining Brooke Henderson and Maude-Aimee Leblanc as Canadians with full status next year. (@Mkor1980)https://t.co/x0awXFzQBa

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 12, 2021

“Dewi Weber, Sophia Schubert, and Haylee Harford are close friends that I played with on the Symetra Tour – now the Epson Tour – and it’s great that we will all be rookies on the LPGA Tour this year,” she said.

Szeryk plans to start her season at the beginning of March on the Epson Tour and play her first LPGA Tour event in late March or early April. And she’s been working hard in preparation for the season ahead.

“On average I’ve been putting in about five or six hours of practise on the golf course each day. But it’s really about quality over quantity in terms of the work. I’ve been doing my best to be prepared physically and mentally.”

Having realized her childhood dream through the LPGA Q-Series in December, Szeryk was asked about her thoughts and goals heading into her first season playing against the best of the best.

“I’m really excited. I got to play a few LPGA events before so I kind of know the atmosphere. It’s really cool to be playing as an LPGA member this season and luckily I have a few friends that will be rookies also to share the experience,” she replied.

“I’m going to try to have good finishes and have good results; but also just try to stay in the present and enjoy every week and have fun out there.”

John Gordon

Even the dating web site eHarmony recognizes that, listing “15 reasons to date a golfer.” Among them, “golfers strive for emotional balance,” “they know how to make conversation,” “golfers understand they must forget mistakes and move on,” and “committed golfers are in it for the long haul.” Finally, these relationship experts point out, “you’ll be spending countless hours together in pristine park-like settings. Not a bad way to nurture romance.”

They might have mentioned etiquette, balance, equity and all those other fundamental values in the game. As well, the rules would be worth mentioning. Not the new Modernized Rules of Golf, although those certainly have their place in the actual playing of the game.

If you want golf to help forge and strengthen a romantic bond, you would be well advised to follow these guidelines which I have learned (often the hard way, particularly No. 1) over three decades of golfing with my beloved.

1. Be mindful

If you’re not asked, then shut the hell up. If your partner is having an off day, fight the misguided impulse to offer your well-intentioned but worthless opinion. First, you most likely don’t have the foggiest idea of how to rectify the situation. Second, even though they love you, they now are so frustrated that you are only exacerbating the eventual meltdown. And they have easy access to a selection of deadly metal implements. If you are going to follow only one rule, make it this one.

2. Go on vacation

Take a golf vacation together. Sitting on the beach is all fine and good, but getting out on the course and sharing some conversation and laughs is far better.

3. Nine and dine

Whether it’s an organized weekly couples’ league or just an impromptu outing for just the two of you, nine holes followed by a leisurely dinner and drinks is a wonderful way to unwind and catch up.

4. Don’t take it too seriously

Sure, you want to play your best but the object of the exercise is to enjoy each other’s company.

5. Include family

If you’re lucky enough to have kids or grandkids, invite them to play a few holes with you. Or maybe it’s your brother and sister-in-law or other relatives you love but don’t get to see often enough. Golf is a great excuse to reinforce those family ties.

I speak from experience, as I mentioned earlier. My wife took up golf after I did and fell for it as hard, or maybe harder, than she fell for me. We’ve done all things listed above, from golf vacations to couples’ nights to including family. And while the pure meaning of Valentine’s Day is focused on your one and only, and my wife and I have spent many delightful hours golfing together, I can tell you that one of my everlasting memories is the sight of our son and his grandfather golfing together. That’s something else I truly love.

FREDERICTON, NB- Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is pleased to announce its 2022 Tournament Schedule which includes 14 competitions, 34 individual provincial champions at 12 of New Brunswick’s top golf facilities. Registration for Golf NB’s 2022 Championships opens Monday, April 4th, 2022.

The 2022 schedule is headlined by Golf NB’s six “Major Championships,” the NB Under-13 & 15 Championship (June 18th-19th, Gage Golf & Curling Club), the East Coast Junior Championship (June 28th-29th, Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club), the NB Women’s Provincial Championships (July 3^rd-5th, Algonquin Golf Course), the NB Under-19 Championships (July 8^th-July 10th, Fraser Edmundston Golf Club) the NB Men’s Amateur Championship (July 15^th-17th, West Hills Golf Course), and the NB Men’s Senior & Mid-Master Championships (July 25^th-27th, Mactaquac Provincial Park Golf Club).

Golf NB takes great pride in the quality of its competitions and events, which would not be possible without offering a safe and healthy environment for players, staff, volunteers, and the host facility. To ensure Golf NB competitions are safe and enjoyable, all players must adhere to the Golf NB Vaccination Policy. For all 2022 Provincial Championships and Events, Golf NB will require all players, staff, and volunteers to show proof of vaccination up to the standards and requirements set in place by the Province of New Brunswick. To learn more please CLICK HERE.

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

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

Golf NB’s Championship Season at a Glance…
The 2022 competition calendar includes seven team events and seven individual stroke play events including:

NB Men’s Four Ball, Presented by TaylorMade Golf Canada
May 28- 29, 2022 – Algonquin Golf Course

Golf NB will once again kick off the competitive golf season with the 39^th playing of the NB Men’s Four Ball. After the event’s cancellation in 2020 and 2021, Golf NB is excited to return to the beautiful and historic Algonquin Golf Course. Hosting both Amateur Men’s and Senior Men’s divisions, the NB Men’s Four Ball will once again provide the perfect starting point to New Brunswick’s competitive golf season, at one of the provinces’ most challenging and picturesque venues.

Entry into the 2022 NB Men’s Four Ball includes two competitive rounds, a tee gift, a food and beverage voucher, and the opportunity for prizes in both gross and net flights.

Estabrooks Cup, Driven by Audi Moncton
June 4- 5, 2022 – Memramcook Valley Golf Club

The north and south will renew their rivalry at the Memramcook Valley Golf Club for the 24^th playing of the Estabrooks Cup. The postponed 2021 Estabrooks Cup, Driven by Audi Moncton will again pit the best golfers, in the Amateur Men, Senior Men, and Ladies divisions, in the province against each other in this best on best “Ryder Cup” style competition.

NB Women’s Four Ball
June 12, 2022 – Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club

The Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club will play host to NB Women’s Four-Ball for the ninth time in the event’s 15-year history.  Tied to Gowan Brae’s annual Ladies Two-Person Scramble, the 2022 NB Ladies Four-Ball is a perfect way for women golfers in  New Brunswick to spend time with friends while enjoying one of the province’s top championship courses.

Entry into the 2022 NB Women’s Four Ball includes one competitive round, a tee gift, a food and beverage voucher, and the opportunity for both gross and net prizing.

NB Under-13 & 15 Championship
June 18- 19, 2022 – Gage Golf & Curling Club

The Gage Golf & Curling Club will play host to the newly revitalized NB Under-13 & 15 Championship as some of the province’s best young junior players come together in Oromocto to start the competitive golf season.  Previously incorporated with the NB Under-19 Championship, 2022 will mark the resumption of a separate event to showcase New Brunswick’s Under-13 & 15 boys and girls players.

Entry into the 2022 NB Under-13 & 15 Championship includes one practice round, two competitive rounds, a tee gift, a food and beverage voucher, and the opportunity for both gross and net prizing.

East Coast Junior Championship
June 28- 29, 2022 – Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club

The Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club will once again open its doors to some of eastern Canada’s top junior golfers during the 22^nd playing of the East Coast Junior Championship following its cancellation in 2021. 

Entry into the 2022 NB East Coast Junior Championship includes one practice round, two competitive rounds, a tee gift, and championships in the Under 19 Boys, Under 19 Girls, and Under 15 Boys categories.

NB Women’s Provincial Championships
July 3- 5, 2022 – Algonquin Golf Course

The Algonquin, located in picturesque St. Andrews, NB will challenge New Brunswick’s women golfers, as it plays host to the 86^th  NB Women’s Provincial Championships from July 3rd to 5th. 

Entry into the 2022 NB Women’s Provincial Championships includes one practice round, three competitive rounds, a tee gift, food and beverage vouchers, and the opportunity for both gross and net prizing for competitors.

NB Under-19 Championships
July 8-10, 2022 – Fraser Edmundston Golf Club

The Fraser Edmundston Golf Club in Edmundston, NB will play host to many of New Brunswick’s most elite and passionate junior golfers as the NB Under-19 Championships visits the award-winning course for back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. With four championships up for grabs, Boys & Girls Under 19 & Under 17 titles, as well as positions on the Team NB, there will be lots to play for on the 6,6694 yard, Albert Murray layout.

Entry into the 2022 NB Under 19 Championships includes one practice round, three competitive rounds, a tee gift, and the opportunity for prizing.

NB Men`s Amateur Championship
July 15-17, 2022 – West Hills Golf Course

The West Hills Golf Course will play host to the NB Men’s Amateur Championship for the first time in the club’s history.

In addition to the NB Men’s Amateur Championship, eligible players will also compete for the 2022 NB Mid-Amateur crown and five positions on Team NB, three positions on the NB Men’s Amateur Team, and two positions on the NB Mid-Amateur Team.  With the final Mid-Amateur Team position, as well as the first alternate positions, being awarded at the NB Mid-Master Championship to be held later in July at the Mactaquac Golf Course.

Additionally, upon registration availability, the 2022 NB Men’s Amateur Championship may also include a Senior Men’s field, with a minimum of 42 participants to be contested from a forward set of tees, of between 5,800 and 6,000 yards.  The overall field size for the NB Men’s Amateur Championship will not exceed 144 and the total number of participants in the Senior Division will be dependent on the overall number of entries from the Amateur / Mid-Amateur age categories.

Entry into the 2022 NB Men’s Amateur Championship includes one practice round, three competitive rounds, a tee gift, and the opportunity for prizing based on a minimum of four divisions.

NB Senior & Mid-Master Championships
July 25-27, 2022 – Mactaquac Provincial Park Golf Club

The Mactaquac Provincial Park Golf Club, in Mactaquac, NB, plays host to the 46^th NB Senior Men`s Championship and the 2022 NB Mid-Master Championship from July 25^th to 27^th.

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

Entry into the 2022 NB Men’s Senior & Mid-Master Championships includes one practice round, three competitive rounds, a food and beverage voucher a tee gift, and the opportunity for prizing based on divisions.

NB Family Classic & Adult Junior
August 8, 2022 – Country Meadows Golf Club

The 42nd playing of the NB Family Classic & Adult Junior, Driven by Audi Moncton at Country Meadows Golf Club.

This 18-hole event uses a Pinehurst Scoring method where partners both drive on each hole and then each play a 2nd shot with the other’s ball.  After the 2nd shot, a choice is made regarding the ball with which the hole will be completed, playing alternate shots from there until the ball is holed out. 

This unique event provides opportunities for the entire family with three different divisions:

Adult Junior: Male/Male, Female/Female, and Mixed.

Family Classic: Male/Male, Female/Female, Mixed, Mother/Daughter, Mother/Son, Father/Daughter, and Father/Son.

Entry into the 2022 NB Family Classic & Adult Junior includes one competitive round, a meal, and a tee gift.

Jim Connolly “Little Swingers”
August 8, 2022 – Country Meadows Golf Club

Named for the late Jim Connolly, the Golf Professional Emeritus of The Riverside Country Club, The Jim Connolly “Little Swingers” is open to two-player teams made up of one youngster between the ages of 5 and 10 and one adult.  The Jim Connolly “Little Swingers” combines a 45-minute instructional clinic with 9 holes of golf using the Pinehurst Scoring method. 

Entry into the 2022 Jim Connolly “Little Swingers” includes a pre-event clinic, 9 holes of golf, a meal, and a tee gift.

ServiceMaster NB Golf Fore the Cure
August 10, 2022 – Petitcodiac Valley Golf & Country Club

The ServiceMaster NB Golf Fore the Cure will once again take place at the Petitcodiac Valley Golf & Country Club in Petitcodiac, NB. The event welcomes teams from across the province to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research and Support Programs. In 2021, New Brunswick raised a total of $33,381.42, the second-largest total in the country.

Event registration will be shared through www.golfnb.ca later.

Past Presidents’ Cup Inter-Club Challenge, 
September 24-25, 2022 – Golf Pokemouche

Golf Pokemouche will play host to the 22nd playing of the Past Presidents’ Cup Inter-Club Challenge. The yearlong competition involves clubs entering 16-player teams (divided into five different handicap flights) in search of the 2021 crown.  Each round of the competition consists of a home and home series between the clubs, with each team fielding 8 sets of two-player teams who compete in a “Hole by Hole” match play format with the team winning the most total holes advancing to the next round. The final matches will be hosted at the Golf Pokemouche on September 24th- 25th, 2022.

Entry into the 2022 Past Presidents’ Cup Inter-Club Challenge is open to all Golf NB partner facilities.

Estabrooks Cup
October 1-2, 2022 – Fredericton Golf Club

The North and South will meet for a second time in 2022 as their rivalry shifts to the Fredericton Golf Club for the 25^th playing of the Estabrooks Cup on October 1-2.

The “Ryder Cup” style competition is by invitation only with players selected from the TaylorMade NB Men’s Player of the Year, the NB Senior Men’s Player of the Year, and the Royale NB Ladies Player of the Year Challenges.

Dormie Workshop Par 3 Challenge

2022 will mark the third year of the Dormie Par 3 Challenge, a unique competition for players participating in the Golf NB East Coast Junior Championship, the NB Under 19 Championship, the NB Women’s Provincial Championships, the NB Men’s Amateur Championship, and the NB Senior Men’s & Mid-Master Championship.

The Dormie Par 3 Challenge will see the players with the best performance on the par-3’s of each event receives a unique prize provided by Dormie Workshop.

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 45 partner facilities and 6,600 individual members include: provincial championships, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, and junior golf development programs.