Championships Inside Golf NB

Fraser Edmundston slotted to host Back to Back Under-19 Championships

For Immediate Release:

FREDERICTON, NB – Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is pleased to announce the Club de Golf Fraser Edmundston Golf Club as the host venue for the 2022 & 2023 NB Under-19 Championship.

Golf NB will return to Edmundston for the first time since the 2019 NB Men’s Amateur Championship. Having hosted two Canadian Men’s Amateur Championships (1956, 2002) and countless NB Provincial Championships, including eight NB Men’s Amateur Championships (2019, 2001, 1982, 1975, 1967, 1963, 1958, 1952), six NB Ladies Provincial Championships (2012, 1896, 1978, 1962, 1957, 1948) and two NB Men’s Senior Championships (2014, 1992). The Fraser Edmundston Golf Club is no stranger to hosting provincial and national events.

“There is no doubt that players can expect a true test of championship golf,” said Golf NB Tournament Committee Chair, Gary Melanson. “We are very excited to be returning to Fraser Edmundston. The selection process is never simple with so many great facilities across the province who are all capable of providing the best championship experience possible for the competitors.”

“The club and our board of directors are thrilled to be given the opportunity to host this event”, said General Manager Julie Lavoie. “Junior golf is very important for the future of the game and any chance we have to help promote the sport and do our part is something our club highly values. We feel an event of this magnitude will be good for our members, the club, and the community.”

The 2022 NB Under-19 Championship is scheduled to take place on July 8th-10th, 2022 followed by the 2022 Canadian Junior Girls Championship on July 26th-29th at a yet to be determined venue and the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship on August 8th-11th, at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops, BC.

About Fraser Edmundston

In 2008, the Fraser Edmundston Golf Club received a Recommended Play Award from Golf in Canada for “providing quality, variety, and most of all enjoyment. All things Golf in Canada looks for a great golf course.” That same year, Golf Digest gave the club a Four-Star Rating as well as including it in its Best Places to Play List.

Situated in the legendary Republic of Madawaska, the Fraser Edmundston Golf Club offers players an unforgettable challenge throughout their round. The club offers a variety of topographical changes, mature tree lined fairways and well place bunkers, not to mention the famous railroad track and lake.

Learn More

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

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Inside Golf NB

2022 NB Men’s Amateur Championship returns to the Capital Region

For Immediate Release:

FREDERICTON, NB – Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is pleased to announce the West Hills Golf Course in Fredericton, New Brunswick as the host venue for the 2022 NB Men’s Amateur Championship.

Scheduled for July 15th-17th, 2022, the NB Men’s Amateur will be the first Provincial Event held at the 6,750-yard championship course, designed by the award-winning firm of Huxham Design.

The NB Men’s Amateur Championship will highlight Golf NB’s schedule as one of the six Major Championships slotted to take place in the summer of 2022.

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED OFF HIGHWAY 105 AND BROOKSIDE DRIVE, WITHIN THE PEACEFUL WEST HILLS RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY, THE WEST HILLS GOLF COURSE IS FREDERICTON’S NEWEST SIGNATURE COURSE. ? – Maritime Explorer

Brett Wilson, PGA of Canada Atlantic Member and Director of Golf at West Hills, said the tournament fits the club’s plan to raise its profile and establish itself as one of the top Championship Venues in the province. “We are very excited for this opportunity to showcase our course to some of New Brunswick’s top amateur players,” Wilson said. “Since 2015, our staff have done a tremendous job developing the course and clubhouse to prepare for an event like this.”

Wilson, a past NB Men’s Amateur competitor, and Team New Brunswick Member, said “All of our members and our staff are proud of this property, I know we’ll be ready to host a memorable event, especially one with such great history.” 2022 will mark the 92nd playing of the NB Men’s Amateur Championship, and the first time the event has been held in the Fredericton Region since 2009 when Moncton’s Mathieu Gingras was crowned champion.

West Hills joins a growing list of host venues for Golf NB’s 2022 Championship Schedule, including the Mactaquac Golf Course, the Gage Golf & Curling Club, the Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club, and the Fredericton Golf Club.

About West Hills

West Hills Golf Course was designed by the award-winning firm of Huxham Design. It first opened for play in the summer of 2015 and boasts an elaborate practice facility along with an 18-hole layout that offers risk and reward opportunities for all levels of golfers.

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

Amateur Golf Golf Canada

Golf Canada announces revised 2021 championship schedule

OAKVILLE, ON – Due to interprovincial travel restrictions and other complexities related to COVID-19, Golf Canada has announced additional changes to its championship schedule for the 2021 season. 

Provincial restrictions had previously forced the cancellation of U.S. Open Local and Final Qualifiers, in addition to the NextGen Pacific, NextGen Western, and NextGen Ontario Championships. With continued pandemic-related uncertainty, the remaining NextGen Championships – NextGen Prairie (Quarry Oaks, June 10-13), NextGen Quebec (Club de Golf Hemmingford, June 27-30), and NextGen Atlantic (Dundarave Golf Course, July 12-15) – will also be cancelled and the 2021 NextGen National Junior Orders of Merit will not be awarded. In some cases, these NextGen events would have conflicted with provincial junior championships around Canada that are being delayed and rescheduled.

The two NextGen Fall Series Championships in September will proceed as scheduled. Each field will feature 99 junior boys and girls and exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Championships will be awarded.

Golf Canada National Amateur Championships are still scheduled to proceed but will only move forward after approval from regional and provincial health authorities. Operational plans for amateur competitions have been adjusted to incorporate rigorous health and safety protocols. Final decisions about the feasibility of conducting national championships will be made approximately four to six weeks prior to the start of each championship. The safety of championship competitors, tournament staff, volunteers, and host site members will remain the top priority guiding these decisions.

At this time, Golf Canada is able to announce the following changes to its National Amateur Championship schedule:

A complete list of Golf Canada’s competitions is available here.

LPGA Tour

2021 CP Women’s Open cancelled due to ongoing COVID-19 challenges

AURORA, CANADA - AUGUST 22: Tee Marker on the 15th tee during the first round of the CP Women's Open at Magna Golf Club on August 22, 2019 in Aurora, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

VANCOUVER – Due to logistical challenges and continued border restrictions related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Golf Canada, title sponsor Canadian Pacific (CP), and the LPGA Tour have announced that the 2021 CP Women’s Open, scheduled for August 23-29, 2021, at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, has been cancelled.

Golf Canada had been working with local, provincial, and federal government health officials towards a comprehensive health operation plan for the tournament. With a decision timeline established, Golf Canada engaged a number of stakeholders to navigate the impact of current provincial restrictions as well as federal quarantine measures in effect, given the number of players and event personnel required to cross the border for the event.  

Despite the disappointment of cancelling the 2020 and 2021 events, Golf Canada and CP have confirmed that Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club will pivot to host the 2023 CP Women’s Open, August 21-27, 2023. Both the Province of British Columbia and Sport Hosting Vancouver have already confirmed their commitment to support Canada’s National Women’s Open Golf Championship in its return to British Columbia.

CP also confirmed that they have extended their partnership with Golf Canada an additional year through 2024 which includes title sponsorship of the CP Women’s Open.

“Together with CP, the LPGA Tour, and our friends at Shaughnessy, we share in the deep disappointment of the players, volunteers, partners, and golf fans with the cancellation of the 2021 CP Women’s Open,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Even with our extensive health and safety plan, we continued to face a number of significant logistical challenges that led to this unfortunate decision for a second year. As we focus on moving forward, I want the thank Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club and the Musqueam First Nation as well as the Province of British Columbia and Sport Hosting Vancouver for their swift decision to get behind the event coming back in 2023 and we know that it will be an incredible showcase when we bring the world’s best golfers back to Vancouver. I also want to thank CEO Keith Creel and the entire team at CP for their continued partnership and meaningful support of Canadian golf.”

“CP is committed to leaving a positive impact on the communities that host the CP Women’s Open, and we look forward to bringing the tournament back to Vancouver in 2023,” said Keith Creel, CP President and Chief Executive Officer. “We now set our sights on bringing the world’s best golfers to Ottawa in 2022 and continue our giving legacy in that community.”

CP’s various charitable activities over the past two years have helped BC Children’s Hospital and Royal Inland Hospital raise over $2 million through different matching programs. BC Children’s Hospital, the primary partner, will use the funds for a fleet of new cardiac ultrasound machines, research, and support for a catheterization program and two new fellowships. Royal Inland Hospital, the community partner in Kamloops, will use the funds to redevelop and vastly improve the cardiac department of the hospital. CP continues to work with these charity partners to raise even more funds.

Among the contributing factors to the 2021 cancellation was the continued uncertainty around international travel restrictions and quarantine requirements that made it most difficult to move forward with the Canadian event. 

“We are so grateful to CP and Golf Canada for their continued support of the CP Women’s Open and the LPGA Tour,” said Ricki Lasky, Chief Tournament Business Officer for the LPGA. “While we share in this disappointment, we have no doubt that Shaughnessy, CP and Golf Canada will provide our players with an amazing experience when we are together in 2023, and we look forward to working with these partners for years to come.”

The 2023 CP Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club will mark the sixth time the province of British Columbia has hosted Canada’s Women’s Open Championship, with the last time being in 2015 at The Vancouver Golf Club, where Lydia Ko won her third CP Women’s Open title.

For Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club Board of Directors and membership, pivoting to host the 2023 CP Women’s Open allows the club and its host volunteer committee to refocus on what is sure to be celebration of golf when the LPGA Tour returns to Vancouver. 

“While we are disappointed to be postponing the CP Women’s Open once again due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will refocus our efforts and look forward to working with the Musqueam First Nation, Golf Canada, CP, the City of Vancouver, our fantastic group of volunteers, and other partners in preparation of hosting the best players in the world at Shaughnessy in 2023,” said Brian Mossop, General Manager and C.O.O. at Shaughnessy.

The rescheduled return of the LPGA Tour to Vancouver in 2023 will be proudly supported by both the Province of British Columbia as well as Sport Hosting Vancouver. With a global audience reach of over 500 million households across 170 international markets, both bodies are getting behind one of Canada’s signature sports entertainment properties as part of their revitalized tourism platform moving forward.

“I recognize how devastating it must have been for organizers to once again have to cancel the 2021 CP Women’s Open due to the continuation of Federal travel restrictions,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “However, with the majority of adults vaccinated and COVID-19 case counts steadily declining, I feel more optimistic than ever about B.C.’s restart plan and our ability to welcome the world back to our province once again. I would like to thank the entire CP Women’s open community for your unwavering commitment to the power of sport.”

“As a host destination we are thrilled for the opportunity to re-secure and host the 2023 CP Women’s Open,” said Michelle Collens, Director, Sport Hosting Vancouver. “Major events like the CP Women’s Open will be a critical part of our tourism and economic rebuild, making this great news for our future event portfolio, welcoming back international visitors and fans to Vancouver.”

With the 2021 event officially cancelled, tournament officials with Golf Canada and CP will turn their focus to the 2022 CP Women’s Open, which was previously confirmed to be hosted at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club August 22-28, 2022.

The fourth annual CP Women’s Leadership Summit, which was scheduled to take place on August 24 as part of CP Women’s Open tournament week, will be replaced by a digital experience focused on audience empowerment and inspiring guest speakers. Full details including a schedule and guest speakers will be released in the coming weeks. The Summit, which is a celebration of business leaders, influencers, and community champions, will continue to be part of the CP Women’s Open in 2022 and beyond.  Golf Canada, CP and the LPGA Tour would like to thank golf fans across the nation in addition to the many corporate partners, ticket, and hospitality purchasers, as well as the countless volunteers for their continued support through this unprecedented time.

The stars of the LPGA Tour will challenge for the CP Women’s Open from August 22-28, 2022, at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont. Through its CP Has Heart program, title sponsor CP will once again make a substantial donation to the host community of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship by supporting local pediatric care. The 2022 CP Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by CP, Audi, RBC, Steam Whistle, Levelwear, Coca-Cola, Hilton, Ottawa Tourism, and the Government of Canada. For information on volunteer opportunities, tickets, or corporate hospitality, visit www.cpwomensopen.com or call 1-800-263-0009.

COVID-19

New Brunswick’s Path To Green- what this means for Provincial Events

The provincial government announced guidelines yesterday outlining the path toward the Green level of the COVID-19 recovery plan.

The plan includes three phases to slowly loosen restrictions, with target dates based on anticipated vaccination rates and low numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

“Green is coming and it is closer than we imagined,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “We are in this position thanks to the hard work being done across our province to roll out vaccines quickly and efficiently.”

The first phase is expected to come into effect on June 7, as long as at least 75 per cent of New Brunswickers 12 and older have received their first dose of a vaccine; hospitalizations remain low; and all health zones remain at the Yellow alert level.

New Brunswick’s path to Green is available online.

Golf NB has and will continue to follow the directives from the Province of New Brunswick and continue to plan to conduct the remainder of our 2021 championship schedule while balancing the needs of our competitors and host venues to the best of our ability.

We will provide more information as it becomes available. On behalf of Golf NB, we would like to thank you for your patience and understanding.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

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

COVID-19 Golf NB

Mandatory Order continues to limit Provincial Championships

For Immediate Release:

FREDERICTON, NB – In accordance with the Golf NB COVID-19 Tournament Protocols and the current New Brunswick Provincial Mandatory Order, it is with deep regret that Golf NB announces the CANCELLATION of both the 2021 NB Under-13 & Under-15 Championship scheduled to be held on June 19th-20th at the Gage Golf & Curling Club and the 2021 East Coast Junior Championship scheduled for June 29th-30th at the Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club. 

Given the current restrictions surrounding competitions as outlined in the Provincial Mandatory Order, Golf NB is complying with the order to protect our players, volunteers, and staff. We strongly support the efforts of the Province of New Brunswick and its Public Health authorities in making the safety and well-being of New Brunswickers of paramount importance.

Golf NB continues to explore the possibility of again holding the Under-13 & Under-15 Championship in conjunction with the Under-19 Championship, scheduled for July 17th-19th at the Hampton Golf Course.

Golf NB has and will continue to follow the directives from the Province of New Brunswick and continue to plan to conduct the remainder of our 2021 championship schedule while balancing the needs of our competitors and host venues to the best of our ability.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

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

Member Benefits

Golf Canada teams up with Parkland Corporation and JOURNIE™ Rewards to fuel more trips to the golf course

Agreement will see Parkland Corporation become the Official Fuel and Convenience Store Partner of Golf Canada helping golfers fuel up on gas and snacks on their way to the golf course

Golf Canada – Golf Canada and Parkland Corporation (“Parkland”) announced today a marketing partnership that will see Parkland Corporation and their JOURNIE™ Rewards loyalty program become the Official Fuel and Convenience Store Partner for the National Sport Federation.

Through the partnership, Golf Canada members will be invited to join the JOURNIE™ Rewards loyalty program and collect points for fuel discounts, and the choice of free snack items and carbon credit offsets throughout the golf season.

“We are proud to welcome Parkland Corporation to the golf space and look forward to working together to support their goal of driving interest in the sport and getting Canadians to the golf course” said Golf Canada Chief Commercial Officer John Sibley. “Parkland’s vast network of locations across Canada allow us to offer additional value to our members when fuelling up on gas and snack items. Filling up on the way to or from your local golf course is a regular activity for all enthusiasts and Parkland is keen on rewarding this inherent element of the golf experience.”

For Parkland Corporation, aligning with the sport and engaging with Golf Canada’s community of golfers were driving factors in the partnership.

“We are delighted to partner with Golf Canada and welcome golfers into JOURNIE™ Rewards, one of Canada’s leading fuel and convenience loyalty programs,” said Steve McClelland, Vice President, Loyalty Programs and Partnerships, Parkland Corp. “We are committed to helping our customers make the most of every stop with more than 1,000 participating Chevron, Ultramar, and Pioneer gas and convenience stores, including ON the RUN branded locations. We are perfectly positioned to help golfers fuel their journeys this summer and stock up with high quality food and snacks to and from the golf course. Hydration and nutrition are key factors in playing your best golf, and this partnership is a great way to help with that.”

Members will be eligible to collect weekly JOURNIE™ Rewards offers via their Golf Canada App including a surprise offer after their 25th golf round of the season. In addition, throughout June and July, golf fans will have the chance to win a destination golf experience (subject to provincial health and travel restrictions) to Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, home of two highly-regarded golf courses as well as Golf Canada’s National Training Centre.

Golf Canada

Passing of Guy Bernier: “Thank you for helping the industry grow”.

It is with great regret before the long weekend that the Québec golf world learned of the death of Guy Bernier, after a very courageous fight against cancer.

In his case, the word courage in recent years is fully warranted. He was 67 years old and had been retired for two years from Golf Canada.

Guy Bernier worked at the national sport federation as the regional director for Québec. He succeeded Rémi Bouchard after Bouchard became a full-time pro.  

His mandate was to maintain the presence of Golf Canada in the 325 clubs of the province, which his personality allowed him to do and succeed.

The ambassador role was a second career for Guy Bernier, his first very successful one having been in equipment sales.

You probably had some of his equipment in your bag as well since he was associated with two winning brands, first with Spalding Top Flite before becoming Mr. Callaway in 1981 for 18 years before running his own agency.

This was the era of Michel Norman Sr., Helene Norris, Russell Campbell, Richard Dufresne and Max Oxford and company, before the advent of big box stores and internet shopping, when he had to visit the pros all over the province and Ottawa area in their stores several times a year – which created a deep bond.

The many messages of sympathy on social media show the level of appreciation that he enjoyed.

“Guy made a difference. Thank you for growing the industry as well as making a difference in my life. We will miss you,”

wrote Debbie Savoy-Morel, a very close friend.

Golf Canada also published the following statement:

“We pass along our sincere condolences to the family & friends of our dear friend and former colleague Guy Bernier.  He was a highly respected contributor to our sport, a gentleman in his dealings as our Regional Director in Quebec, a passionate enthusiast of the game & a friend to many across the golf community. #RIP”

Our condolences to Guy Bernier’s wife and two boys.

Click here to view Bernier’s obituary.

Golf NB Grow The Game

Golf NB Announces the creation of the Golf NB Junior Skills Challenge Subsidy Program

For Immediate Release:

FREDERICTON, NB- Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is pleased to announce the creation of the 2021 Golf NB Junior Skills Challenge Subsidy Program to help support the development of club-level junior golf programs in New Brunswick. The mandate of the Golf NB Junior Skills Challenge Subsidy Program is to support club-based junior golf initiatives and programs that will have a significant impact on growing the game of golf in New Brunswick. 
 

Golf NB Junior & Player Development Chair, Evan McFarlane, “The unveiling of this program is an exciting development for junior golf in the province. In an era where golf is booming, we are thrilled to offer this Junior Skills Challenge Subsidy Program to all of our member clubs and encourage them all to implement this new program.”

The launch of the Golf NB Junior Skills Subsidy Program represents a collaboration between Golf NB, Golf Canada and their partner facilities. The Junior Skills Challenge Program is an interactive program and resource to assist junior golfers to reach their highest potential.

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

COVID-19 Golf NB Championships

Golf NB announces the Cancellation of the 2021 NB Ladies Four Ball

For Immediate Release:

FREDERICTON, NB – In accordance with the Golf NB COVID-19 Tournament Protocols, it is with deep regret that Golf NB announces the CANCELLATION of the 2021 NB Ladies Four Ball, presented by Four Rivers Brewing Co. which was scheduled to be held on June 13th at the Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club.

The decision to cancel this event was not taken lightly but given the current restrictions surrounding competitions as outlined in the Provincial Mandatory Order, Golf NB has little choice and believes it is the best course of action at this juncture. 

Golf NB strongly supports the efforts of the Province of New Brunswick and its Public Health authorities in making the safety and well-being of New Brunswickers a paramount importance.

Golf NB shares in the disappointment of those affected and thanks our competitors, volunteers, and the Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club for their understanding during this extraordinary time.

Golf NB has and will continue to follow the directives from the Province of New Brunswick as we continue our plans to conduct the remainder of our 2021 championship schedule while balancing the needs of our competitors and host venues to the best of our ability.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

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