Ashton McCulloch wins the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship

ASHTON MCCULLOCH 118TH CANADIAN MEN'S AMATEUR CHAMPION PHOTO: CHRISTIAN BENDER/GOLF CANADA

Caledon, Ont. – Ashton McCulloch shot a final round of 70 to win the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship by five shots at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont.

McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. was the only player in the field to shoot under par all four days of the tournament, posting rounds of 69-68-70-70 to finish at 7-under and win the national championship.

“It feels amazing, a lot of hard work has gone into this over many years of golf, I have so many people to thank, that are such big role models in my life and that have propelled me to this point,” said McCulloch after walking off the 18th green of The Pulpit. “I can’t thank enough people and Golf Canada for running this event, it was a lot of fun and I’m happy to play well this week.”

Pleasant conditions to start the day quickly changed as rain rolled in shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Thursday and remained heavy at times through just past 1:30 p.m. giving players four days of different conditions to contend with during the tournament.

McCulloch and Caleb VanArragon were battling when things turned on the 11th hole as McCulloch birdied while VanArragon triple bogeyed to give McCulloch a four-shot lead and he didn’t look back, adding two more birdies and four consecutive pars to close out his final round.

“I mean I’m really proud of myself, I got off to a slow start yesterday like I said and just willed the ball in the hole a couple times on the back. Today, I kept on saying to my best friend on the bag, the gas pedal is on the right…gotta keep on going and they’ll fall and I just kept hitting good shots and got lucky enough they went close enough that I could make them.”

By winning the Canadian Men’s Amateur, McCulloch has earned a spot into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont.

“I’ve missed Monday qualifying by one both times, so it’s cool to get in another way this year I’m really excited about that,” added McCulloch with a big smile. He also earns an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. from August 14-20.

McCulloch will also be awarded a cheque of $1,200. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, competed for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Along with McCulloch, the top-10 finishers earned prize money.

Phil Arci of Woodbridge, Ont. and Pulpit Club member earned silver medalist honours, finishing the tournament at 2-under. Jordan Gilkison of Washington Township, Ohio and VanArragon of Blaine, Minn. finished tied for bronze medalist honours at 1-under.

On Tuesday the Willingdon Cup was awarded to Team Ontario, who won the Inter-Provincial Team Championship. Ontario finished the team competition at 3-under to edge, the defending champions Team Quebec by one shot. Team Ontario consists of Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont., Cameron Pero of Bloomfield, Ont. and Garrett Rank from Elmira, Ont.

For the final standings of the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur 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.

Ashton McCulloch takes lead into the final round of the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship

ASHTON MCCULLOCH - 118TH CANADIAN MEN'S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO BY: GABRIELLA BEST/THE PULPIT CLUB

Caledon, Ont. – The term “Moving Day” certainly lived up to its definition on Wednesday at The Pulpit Club as Ashton McCulloch finished strong to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. was two-over through 13 holes on Wednesday but finished with three straight birdies on holes 14 through 16 to sit at 6-under for the tournament and hold a one-shot lead over Collin Hodgkinson and Caleb VanArragon.

“It’s exactly why you don’t quit in a round. I really struggled with the putter early, I missed a couple putts that I felt I should have had…I couldn’t get anything going. It all started when I lipped out from forty feet on 10. I was like no, they’re going to start dropping and then I made back-to-back ten footers on 15 and 16 and that really propelled me to a strong finish today,” said McCulloch.

McCulloch has played well all week posting rounds of 69-68-70 and was part of Team Ontario’s Inter-Provincial team championship win on Tuesday. For McCulloch it comes down to trusting himself and his game, “I’ve played well all week, when I haven’t had my best stuff, I’ve found a way to grind through for a couple holes and find something that works. It’s going to be fun tomorrow.”

Behind him are Hodgkinson of Beaverton, Ore. and VanArragon of Blaine, Minn. both players sit at 5-under. Hodgkinson caught fire with four straight birdies from 11 to 14 but ended with a double bogey on the 18th to shoot 67 and sit in a tie for second.

“I was playing really well…six-under and hit one poor tee shot on 18 and it cost me two shots. Other than that, just hitting the ball really well and putting really well,” said Hodgkinson.

VanArragon was one-over through 11 holes on Wednesday but finished with three birdies and an eagle in his final seven holes to finish with a 68 and sit tied with Hodgkinson.

“I was able to hit a good wedge to within about two feet on 12 and then 13, I had a good number in the fairway, the wind was into the face which was good, it helped me stopped the ball on the green, hit a good seven iron to about six feet and made the putt from then on I felt I had a lot of momentum going,” said VanArragon.

The packed leaderboard includes three players at -4 heading into Thursday’s final round at The Pulpit. John Wild of Glen Ellyn, Ill., Xavier Marcoux of Concord, Mass., and round two leader Jordan Gilkison of Washington Township, Ohio all sit two back of McCulloch.

The final round at The Pulpit will tee off at 8:00 a.m. with the leaders teeing off at 10:01 a.m. For final round pairings, please click here.

The 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion receives an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. from August 14-20.

For the leaderboard of the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur 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.

Junior golf for all Canadians

PHOTO BERNARD BRAULT, GOLF CANADA TORONTO, ONTARIO: TUESDAY, JUNE 6TH, 2023 RBC CANADIAN OPEN OAKDALE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB HALL OF FAME

First Tee and Youth on Course work collaboratively to provide a welcoming and accessible junior golf pathway.

Golf participation in Canada is currently at multiyear highs and as the national sport organization, Golf Canada is focused on the long-term future and overall health of our sport. For example, as golf participation thrives today, what long-term investment must be made to ensure the sport will be similarly healthy a generation from now?

Long-term trends indicate that the Canadian population will become increasingly multicultural and multidimensionally diverse than today. To sustain and grow Canadian golf participation going forward, a larger share of golfers will reflect racialized and socioeconomic backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in our sport.

Many golf courses operate highly successful and impactful junior programs across Canada. As a complement to these fundamentally important locally driven efforts, Golf Canada, along with corporate and philanthropic supporters, are making long-term investments that specifically seek to provide affordable and welcoming golf access to Canadian youth from a diversity of backgrounds.

The first primary investment is in First Tee – an internationally renowned program with over 25 years of operation in the United States. First Tee offers junior golf and youth development experiences in three settings: golf facilities, community centres, and schools. The First Tee program provides equipment, turnkey lesson plans, and in-depth instructor training. First Tee is primarily suited for publicly accessible facilities and municipal golf courses – or private courses who welcome non-member juniors for First Tee programming that takes place on driving ranges and putting greens. First Tee has an extensive track record in the United States of welcoming equity-deserving youth into our sport.

First Tee is funded by generous individuals and corporate donors. First Tee programming is offered for free at all schools and community centres. Most participating golf courses are able to offer programming for free, and need-based financial assistance is available to all participants so that cost is never a barrier.

Golf Canada initially partnered with First Tee in 2020 and the program will be operational in every province by the end of 2023, charting a course for community-by-community growth that will be executed over several years.

The second important investment into the sport is Youth on Course – a program that allows junior golfers to play golf on a participating course for a green fee of $5 or less. Junior golfers who are introduced to the sport through First Tee can thus transition onto the golf course at an affordable price.

Youth on Course started in the United States and there are nearly 2,000 participating golf courses across North America. From a Canadian perspective, the program began in Alberta and Ontario in 2019 and expanded to British Columbia and Atlantic Canada this year. Partner courses are provided with a modest subsidy in addition to the $5 green fee collected from the junior golfer. Youth on Course is funded by individual and corporate donors who believe in increasing golf course access for juniors. Host courses also make an important contribution by prioritizing access for juniors, even while incurring an opportunity cost.

What do we believe is the blueprint for supporting an accessible junior golf pathway for Canadian youth from all backgrounds? Engage youth from equity deserving communities at their local schools and community centres through First Tee, transition participants to nearby First Tee golf courses to further their development in golf and finally, provide a low-cost on-course entry point through Youth on Course.

Beyond large-scale exposure to the sport, a segment of these participants will advance on to engage in competitive golf through the Junior Skills Challenge or the multitude of local, provincial, and national junior tournaments.

The impact of junior golf programs always occurs locally, and is often supported by the local club, provincial golf associations, and the efforts of PGA of Canada professionals. Whether at the grassroots level or competitively, junior golf is driven by the energy and professionalism of local coaches and volunteers. Through First Tee and Youth on Course, Golf Canada seeks to complement existing successful junior programs and provide local leaders with additional programming that is designed for the long-term future of Canadian golf.

The long-term result will be a sport that continues to be the most played of any sport in the country, and one more closely aligned with the diversity strengths of multi-cultural Canada.

Champions Crowned at New Brunswick Senior and Mid-Master, at Aroostook Valley Golf and Country Club

The 2023 New Brunswick Senior and Mid-Master golf tournament took place at the Aroostook Valley Country Club in Aroostook, New Brunswick on July 24th-26th, 2023. This highly anticipated event attracted a total of 156 amateur golfers The participants vied for the titles in both overall gross score and the Dormie Par Three Challenge, which focused on the overall par three performance.

With nothing but beautiful weather and a course in pristine condition if provided these golfers with the perfect opportunity to showcase their skills all whilst fighting for the coveted Senior and Mid-Master Championship. The tournament unfolded over three days, providing an exciting platform for these promising athletes to demonstrate their abilities.

In the Overall Men’s Mid-Master division it was Edward Reevey from the Riverside Golf and Country Club who took home the title. Reevey shot an impressive 218 (+2) throughout the weekend posting 75(+3) on day one, 71(-1) on day 2, and 72(E) on day three!

Greg Jones of the Country Meadows Golf Club took home the Championship for the Senior Men’s Division! Jones put up an impressive 216 (E) throughout the tournament shooting 73 (+1) on day one, 70 (-2) on day two and 73 (+1) on day three!

Greg Jones, Darren Ritchie and Tony MacKinnon will represent team New Brunswick at the Canadian Senior Championship at the Big Sky Golf & Country Club in Pemberton, British Columbia on September 5th-8th 2023!

Edward Reevey will take the final spot for team New Brunswick at the Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship at the Algonquin Golf Course this upcoming August 21st-24th!

It was Edward Reevey and Darren Ritchie who won the Dormie Par Three Challenge for the Mid-Master division shooting 47 (+2) on all of the par threes throughout the weekend! Darren MacPherson will also be competing in the championship as he claimed the final exemption spot.

Ralph Jr. Michaud and Phil Carleton won the Dormie Par Three Challenge for the Senior division shooting 44 (-1) on all the par threes throughout the weekend!

Stay Tuned for updates on the Team NB players as they compete in the National events later this year!

For the Full leaderboard sign in with the GGID – 23NBSRMID or Click Here!

Park wins the 68th Canadian Junior Girls Championship

WINNER EILEEN PARK AT THE 2023 JUNIOR GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP AT HAMPTON GOLF CLUB (PHOTO BERNARD BRAULT, GOLF CANADA)

Lauren Christie

Hampton, N.B. – Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta., played an amazing and dominant final round to win the 68th playing of the Canadian Junior Girls Championship presented by BDO at Hampton Golf and Country Club in Hampton, N.B.,

After heading into the third round tied for first with Luna Lu of Burnaby, B.C., Park carded a final round of 4-under 67 on Thursday, to finish ahead of Team Canada member and Lu who finished second with a 4-over 288 overall for the tournament.

After an opening round 74, the 14-year-old, carded rounds of 74, 71, 69 and 67 for a total score of 3-under 281, en route to the national title.

Coming into the final round Park carded three birdies overall during round three, two birdies back-to-back on the front, one on the par-5 first hole and the other on the par-4 second hole. Park also birdied the par-4 14th hole, for a total score of 2-under 69.

During the final round, Park carded five birdies with three on the front nine, one on the par-5 first hole, on the par-5 sixth hole and the other on the par-4 eighth hole. Park also recorded two birdies on the back nine, the par-4 eleventh hole, par-4 fourteenth hole, for a total score of 4-under, 67.

“This win means a lot to me,” Park said with tears. “This tournament has showed me how much hard work I’ve put in and the results are very nice. I was very nervous on the first tee shot but after my birdie on number one I was able to keep my round going pretty well and kept it simple.”

Park also won the Juvenile division, which ran concurrently for girls aged 16 and under, ahead of Lu at two-over who placed second. The bronze medal was shared by three participants, Lindsay McGrath of Oakville Ont., and Swetha Sathish of Oakville, Ont. who both finished at seven-over.

In the Junior division the bronze medal was shared by three participants, Michelle P. Ding, McGrath and Sathish at seven-over.

Along with the hardware, for Park’s win comes with an exemption into the 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship at Ashburn Golf Club in Halifax, as well as an entry into the 2024 U.S. Junior Girls Championship.

“This win is definitely going to motivate me for the future because its my biggest win so far,” Park added. “Going forward I will have more confidence for bigger tournaments.”

Park will also be awarded a cheque of $1,200. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, competed for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Along with Park, top-10 finishers and ties earned prize money.

Park joins a list of notable Canadian golfers to have won the Canadian Junior Girls Championship including LPGA Tour players and Olympians Brooke Henderson (2012) and Alena Sharp (1999), as well as Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Sandra Post (1964-66).

Team Ontario – made up of Shauna Liu, Joline Truong and Aryn Matthews – took home the Interprovincial Team Trophy. The Ontarians edged the British Columbians by four strokes in the team event, which concluded earlier in the week.

Full results can be found here.

For more information on the 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship 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

NextGen Championship Season continues at Avondale Golf Club

78 of Canada’s top junior golfers to compete over 54 holes at a stunning and challenging layout in P.E.I. with exemptions into the Canadian Junior Boys and Girls Championships on the line.

Golf Canada’s 2023 championship season continues on Monday, July 17 Avondale Golf Club in Charlottetown, P.E.I. with the NextGen Atlantic Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards.

The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Monday, July 17 and championship rounds beginning on Tuesday, July 18. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 57 Junior Boys and top 21 Junior Girls, including ties, for the final round which wraps up on Thursday, July 20.

The starting field will feature 78 male and female competitors – 57 Junior Boys and 21 Junior Girls – vying for a spot into their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer.

The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 14-17, at North Bay Golf and Country Club Ltd. in North Bay, Ont. The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will earn exemptions into the 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 24-27, at Hampton Golf Course in Hampton, N.B.

The summer NexGen schedule will wrap up at Avondale Golf Course, known to have some of the best designs in the Maritimes. Its challenging bent grass greens, tees and dwarf blue grass fairways make for an exceptional test for the country’s best junior golfers.

“We are thrilled to be able to host the NextGen Atlantic Championship here at Avondale Golf Course as it is a testament to all the hard work that has been put into the course in the last five years. The course is in fantastic shape after hosting the PEI Amateur the last two years and this was the next step for us,” said General Manager of Avondale Golf Course, Connor Lea.

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Atlantic Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, click here.

About the NextGen Championships, 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 2023 national championships. Two additional Fall Series events will be hosted to close the season. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. For more information on the NextGen Atlantic Championship, click here.

ABOUT GOLF CANADA

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 319,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

Champions Crowned at New Brunswick Amateur and Mid-Amateur, at Kingswood Golf Club

The 2023 New Brunswick Amateur and Mid-Amateur golf tournament took place at Kingswood Golf Course in Fredericton, New Brunswick on July 14th-16th, 2023. This highly anticipated event attracted a total of 156 amateur golfers The participants vied for the titles in both overall gross score and the Dormie Par Three Challenge, which focused on the overall par three performance.

Despite the threat of rain, the weather held off for the most part, allowing the golfers to showcase their skills. The tournament unfolded over three days, providing an exciting platform for these promising athletes to demonstrate their abilities.

In the Overall Men’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur division it was Darren Roach from the Riverside Golf and Country Club who took home the title. Roach shot an impressive 204 (-9) throughout the weekend posting 68(-3) on day one, 70(-1) on day 2, and 66(-5) on day three!

Darren Roach, Greg Steel and two victors from the Men’s Senior and Mid-Master will represent team New Brunswick at the National Mid-Amateur championship at- the Algonquin Golf Course in Saint-Andrews, New Brunswick August 24th-26th 2023! Sébastien Peterson also earned an exemption spot and will be competition as well!

It was Sébastien Peterson and Greg Steele who won the Dormie Par Three Challenge shooting 36 (E) on all of the par threes throughout the weekend!

For the Full leaderboard sign in with the GGID – 23NBAM or click the link below!

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/9074296641917339908

CPKC extends sponsorship of CPKC Women’s Open

VANCOUVER, BC — 10 July 2023 — Media Day for the CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, BC. (Photo: Chuck Russell/Golf Canada) ***MANDATORY CREDIT***

World No. 1 Jin Young Ko, Rising Star Rose Zhang & Canadian Sensation Brooke Henderson Headline Early Commitments to 2023 CPKC Women’s Open

Vancouver, B.C. (July 10, 2023) – Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Golf Canada and the LPGA Tour today announced a new agreement for CPKC to extend its title sponsorship of the CPKC Women’s Open for up to four more years.

Since becoming title sponsor of the CPKC Women’s Open in November of 2013, CPKC has worked closely with Golf Canada to enhance Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship including the overall experience for players and fans. CPKC has also established a meaningful charitable legacy through CPKC Has Heart, which has helped raise more than $17.3M for heart health initiatives in the event’s host communities.

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Golf Canada as title sponsor of the CPKC Women’s Open and proud of the significant contributions this event has made to heart health in communities across Canada,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and Chief Executive Officer. “The success of this tournament and the community benefits it brings have only grown in the last 10 years. We look forward to continuing that success in the years to come.”

In addition to being title sponsor of the CPKC Women’s Open, CPKC is extending its role as a premier partner of Golf Canada’s National Team Program (Team Canada) which supports Canadian emerging golf talents in their path to the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour. CPKC also proudly supports 13-time LPGA Tour winner Brooke Henderson along with Canadian golf legend Lorie Kane as CPKC Ambassadors. CPKC will also continue its support of the CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit as part of its multi-faceted support for Canadian women’s golf. 

As part of CPKC’s title sponsorship extension, the prize purse for the CPKC Women’s Open will increase to $2.5M US, beginning with the 2023 event, August 22-27 at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver.

“CPKC has made an incredible impact in supporting Canadian golf excellence and leaving a meaningful legacy in our host communities, and we are extremely honoured for their continued partnership.” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “CPKC is a major supporter of women’s golf globally, and under the leadership of Keith Creel, their commitment to delivering a world-class experience for players, caddies, fans and charitable beneficiaries, has bolstered the status of Canada’s National Women’s Open to one of the premier events on the LPGA Tour.”

The new agreement keeps CPKC as the title sponsor for the 2025 and 2026 tournaments. The agreement contains an option to maintain the title sponsorship in 2027 and 2028. Additional terms of the partnership were not disclosed.

Early Field Commitments for 2023 CPKC Women’s Open….

Golf Canada and CPKC have also announced that many of the world’s top players have committed to compete in the 49th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship later this summer at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club.

The list of early commitments features 9 of the current top-10 players on the 2023 Race to the CME Globe Standings, 9 of the current top-10 on the Rolex Rankings and 20 of the top-25 on the 2023 LPGA Tour Money List. Leading the field is Jin Young Ko, currently ranked no. 1 in the world and no. 3 on the current Race to the CME Globe Standings. The 2019 CPKC Women’s Open champion has won twice this season including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Cognizant Founders Cup.

Thirteen-time LPGA Tour winner and the winningest golfer in Canadian history Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., will join Ko in leading a field of early commitments including: Lydia Ko, Minjee Lee, Jennifer Kupcho, In Gee Chun, Danielle Kang, Lexi Thompson, Nelly Korda, Megan Khang, Sei Young Kim, Linn Grant, Stacy Lewis, and Paula Creamer.

Defending champion Paula Reto (2022) is among eight past CPKC Women’s Open champions competing for Canada’s National Open Championship including: Jin Young Ko (2019), Brooke Henderson (2018), Sung Hyun Park (2017), Ariya Jutanugarn (2016), Britney Lincicome (2011), Cristie Kerr (2006) and three-time winner Lydia Ko (2015, 2013, 2012) who will be chasing a record fourth CPKC Women’s Open title.

Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club will welcome 14 LPGA Tour in-year winners, including 2023 Major winners: Lilia Vu (The Chevron Championship), Ruoning Yin (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship), Allisen Corpuz  (U.S. Women’s Open). Other in-year winners include Brooke Henderson, Grace Kim Jin Young Ko, Celine Boutier, Hannah Green, Pajaree Anannarukarn, Rose Zhang, Ashleigh Buhai, Patty Tavanatanakit, Ariya Jutanugarn, Moriya Jutanugarn.

Rising star Rose Zhang, who won in her first professional start at the Mizuho Americas Open last month, will draw one of the largest crowds on course. Zhang turned pro in May after a successful collegiate career and was the no. 1 ranked amateur in the world for a record 141 weeks. Since turning professional, Rose has finished in the Top 10 of all three events she has played including the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship & US Women’s Open.

Henderson, a CPKC Ambassador who made history at the Wascana Country Club in Regina in 2018 becoming the first Canadian since the late Jocelyne Bourassa 45 years earlier to win Canada’s National Women’s Open, will be joined by fellow Canadians Maude-Aimee Leblanc, Maddie Szeryk, Alena Sharp, Sarah-Eve Rheaume, Selena Costabile and Victoria Liu (Shaughnessy member and Glencoe Invitational winner), as well as a collection of talented Canadian athletes expected to receive tournament exemptions in the coming weeks to compete in Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.

The 156-player field will be competing at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club for the first time in tournament history. This marks the first time the province of British Columbia has hosted the CPKC Women’s Open since 2015. Shaughnessy also becomes the only Canadian golf club to host both the Women’s and Men’s National Open Championships in the last twenty years.

The 2023 edition of the CPKC Women’s Open will be a celebrated return of the LPGA Tour to British Columbia after Shaughnessy way originally tapped to host the 2020 (then 2021) events cancelled due to the pandemic. The Vancouver golf community is ready for the return with a full roster of 1,200 volunteers confirmed for the event, strong advance ticket sales and one of the largest corporate build footprints in event history with a record number of public viewing and hospitality built on nine holes.

“Together with our friends at CPKC, we are very excited to treat golf fans to the much-anticipated return of the CPKC Women’s Open to Vancouver,” said Tournament Director Ryan Paul. “Golf fans in this community have gotten behind our National Open Championship and major professional golf in a significant way and with a strengthening field, engaging fan activities and digital enhancements to the tournament experience, we can’t wait to host a can’t miss summer celebration.”

CPKC HAS HEART CAMPAIGN TO BENEFIT BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION…

CPKC and Golf Canada are proud to support the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation as the primary charitable beneficiary for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open. Among the charitable engagements tournament week will be the Birdies for Heart hole on no. 16 at Shaughnessy with a $5,000 donation made for every birdie made on the hole during the four rounds of the competition. In addition, CPKC is also proud to support a community beneficiary in Royal Inland Hospital Foundation in support of cardiac care. In nine years of title sponsorship of the CPKC Women’s Open, more than $16 million has been raised to support children’s heart health in the event’s host communities.

CPKC WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT RETURNS TO KICK OFF TOURNAMENT WEEK…

Golf Canada and CPKC will host the sixth annual CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit on Tuesday, August 22 at nearby Marine Drive Golf Club as part of the weeklong excitement of the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open. The CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit will bring together like-minded businesspeople from across the country for a day of networking, empowerment, and philanthropy. The Summit will also raise awareness for the CPKC Women’s Open, with attendees receiving access to the tournament during the week and participating in clinics.

“THE RINK” FAN EXPERIENCE RETURNS…

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that the fan-favourite Rink hole spectator experience will return following a successful debut last year in Ottawa. The energetic hockey-themed hole, complete with fan-pounding rink boards, volunteers dressed as referees and a surrounding hospitality experience will be situated on par-3 17th hole at Shaughnessy.

CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN BROADCAST…

The 2023 CPKC Women’s Open will feature four days of domestic and international television broadcast coverage including Canadian broadcast partner TSN as well as international coverage on GOLF channel.

KIDS 12-AND-UNDER GET IN FREE…

Golf Canada and CPKC are committed to offering a fan friendly, family event with the CPKC Women’s Open. To introduce more juniors to the sport, children aged 12-and-under get FREE admission to the CPKC Women’s Open for the entire week.

GOLF CANADA MOBILE APP EXPERIENCE…

Spectators at Shaughnessy will experience the CPKC Women’s Open like never before by downloading the Golf Canada Mobile App on their iOS or Android device. Essential features include a live map, mobile ordering, leaderboard and pairings, tickets, breaking news, and unique events. Golf enthusiasts can also use the Golf Canada Mobile App to enhance their everyday golf experience while playing! Find golf courses, track your game, set up matches against friends, access GPS yardages and more. Click here to download.

ABOUT THE CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN 

The stars of the LPGA Tour will challenge for the CPKC Women’s Open from August 22-27, 2023, at the Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, B.C. Through its CPKC Has Heart program, title sponsor CPKC will once again make a substantial donation to the host community of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship by supporting the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. The 2023 CPKC Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by CPKC, BDO, Audi, RBC, theScore, Levelwear, Transitions, Titleist, FootJoy, Journie Rewards, Hilton, Sleeman Clear 2.0, Think Turkey, The Keg, Johnsonville, Cayman Islands, Masi, Celebrity Cruises, STALK&BARREL, Matt & Steve’s, Coca-Cola, Rolex and is supported by Sport Hosting Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada.

For information visit www.cpkcwomensopen.com.

ABOUT CPKC

With its global headquarters in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and México, with unrivaled access to major ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada to the Gulf of México to Lázaro Cárdenas, México. Stretching approximately 20,000 route miles and employing 20,000 railroaders, CPKC provides North American customers unparalleled rail service and network reach to key markets across the continent. CPKC is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpkcr.com to learn more about the rail advantages of CPKC.

ABOUT GOLF CANADA 

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 319,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

Teeing up for a bright future: First Tee’s impact at the RBC Canadian Open

Photo Bernard Brault, Golf Canada Toronto, Ontario: Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 RBC CANADIAN OPEN Oakdale Golf and Country Club Hall of fame

1,5000 kids. $160,00 raised. Countless Memories.     

For Canadian sports fans, it will be hard to forget the moment that Nick Taylor sunk a 72-foot putt to be named the first Canadian to win the RBC Canadian Open in nearly 70 years. Similarly, the memories First Tee created for over 1,500 children during tournament week will last a lifetime.

First Tee welcomed First Tee – Ontario participants, local junior golfers, children from the Toronto School Board, BGC Jane and Finch, BGC Peel, Hope 4 U Community Services, and the Elms Community Centre. Children experienced behind-the-scenes tours of tournament grounds exposing them to the endless opportunities in sport aside from playing golf, and fun introductory clinics hosted by First Tee – Ontario coaches. Some even took pros’ first putts during the annual Walk With a Pro activation during Wednesday’s Championship Pro-Am round.

First Tee – Canada is funded through generous corporate and individual donors that align with the program’s mission to positively impact the lives of youth through golf. First Tee – Canada was the tournament’s official charitable beneficiary, and through 50/50 ticket sales, 18th Grandstand seating admission sales, and generous corporate donations, over $160,000 was raised.

Interested in becoming a First Tee location or a First Tee coach? Visit firstteecanada.ca to learn more.

Canada’s Myles Creighton ready for next step at Latinoamerica Tour finale

Myles Creighton is poised to take the next step of his career.

The product of Digby, N.S., is headed into the Bupa Tour Championship on Thursday atop the Totalplay Cup rankings, the points list for the Latinoamerica Tour.

Sitting at 1,094 points, 149 more than American Walker Lee, Creighton is in an ideal position to win the golf circuit’s overall title.

Creighton has already locked up a top-five spot on the tour and therefore has status on the second-tier Korn Ferry Tour next year, but to win it all will have even more benefits.

“To finish first would be awesome just in itself,” said Creighton from PGA Riviera Maya in Tulum, Mexico. “To finish first and then to have guaranteed entry into every Korn Ferry event next year is a huge bonus.

“Just to know you can make your schedule and to be able to play every event and not have to worry about it would just be a huge bonus.”

Creighton started the 13-tournament Latinoamerica season strong with a tie for third at the 116 Visa Argentina Open on Dec. 4 and backed that up with another T3 at the Termas de Rio Hondo Invitational on March 19.

His last three events have had particularly strong showings, however, with a tie for seventh at the Colombia Classic on May 28, a victory at the Inter Rapidisimo Golf Championship on June 4, and a tie for fourth at the Jalisco Open on June 25.

“In years past, I’ve been very consistent as well, I just have never gotten over the hump and gotten a win,” said Creighton, speaking on how just one shot can make the difference to a season. “The week before I won, I think I was 15th on the points list and finished tied for seventh but went to 16th on the points.

“Then the next week, I played very similar, I was just able to add a couple more shots and get the win. I went from moving back a spot to being first on the points list. That’s just how these tours can work.”

If Creighton does win the Latinoamerica Tour, he’ll be the last champion in the circuit’s history. It’s set to merge with the PGA Tour Canada to become the PGA Tour Americas in 2024.

That new third-tier tour will have a total of 16 events, six in Latin America, two in the United States and eight in Canada. It will be a feeder into the Korn Ferry Tour, just like the Latinoamerica Tour and the PGA Tour Canada .

“This is my third season playing down here and I’ve always thought that this tour suited my game,” said Creighton. “It’s a lot of different kinds of conditions and you have to be able to adapt and whatnot.

“It would be cool to be able to (be the final champion) after putting that much time and effort down here. It’d be cool to finish it off.”

PGA TOUR – Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., returns to the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club where he tied for second last year. He’s ranked 120th on the FedEx Cup standings. Adam Svensson (38th) of Surrey, B.C., Adam Hadwin (51st) of Abbotsford, B.C., and Michael Gligic (203rd) of Burlington, Ont., are also in the field.

KORN FERRY TOUR – Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., is the lone Canadian entered in the Memorial Health Championship at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, Ill. Silverman is No. 3 on the second-tier tour’s points list after he tied for 11th at last week’s Compliance Solutions Championship.

PGA TOUR CANADA – Etienne Papineau of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., remains the top-ranked player on the PGA Tour Canada heading into this week’s ATB Classic at Northern Bear in Strathcona County, Alta. He’s ranked No. 1 in the Fortinet Cup standings after winning the Royal Beach Victoria Open on June 18 and tying for 37th at last week’s Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open.

DP WORLD TOUR – Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., is in the field at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo. That event is being held at The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England. Cockerill is No. 37 on the European-based DP World Tour.

CHAMPIONS TOUR – Calgary’s Stephen Ames is second overall in the Champions Tour’s money list heading into the U.S. Senior Open Championship. Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., and Alan McLean of London, Ont., are also in the field. Weir is 32nd in the Schwab Cup rankings and McLean is No. 115.