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 17^th-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.

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 25^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. (AP) – Amid the wind and the havoc at Kiawah Island, there was a semblance of simplicity to the way Corey Conners navigated his way around the Ocean Course for a 5-under 67 and a two-shot lead Thursday in the PGA Championship.

He birdied all the par 5s. He made a couple of long putts for birdie. He dropped only one shot. The scorecard alone made it look like a walk on the beach.

It just didn’t feel that way.

“I’d say it’s impossible to be stress-free around this golf course,” Conners said. “You can’t fall asleep out there on any holes. It’s very challenging. I was fortunate to have a good day. Made it as least stressful as possible on myself.”

With a stiff wind into his face for his last five holes, the 29-year-old Canadian played the tough closing stretch in 2 under, one of those birdies a 55-foot putt from just short of the green.

He led by two shots over a half-dozen players. That group included Brooks Koepka, who started his day with a double bogey and stayed largely out of trouble the rest of the way; and Cameron Davis, who overcame a triple bogey on the sixth hole.

Keegan Bradley, Viktor Hovland, Aaron Wise and Sam Horsfield also were at 69. The seven players to break 70 were the fewest for the opening round of the PGA Championship since there were five at Hazeltine in 2002.

No one needed them like Koepka, a major presence when conditions are severe. One hole into this major, he had reason to be more worried about his brain than his ailing right knee.

His opening tee shot on the 10th hole at Kiawah Island was struck poorly and didn’t quite clear a waste area. Koepka tried to do too much from a soft lie in the sand and barely got it out. It led to a double bogey, and the toughest part of the Ocean Course was still to come.

But this is a major, and this is Koepka, and that’s when he’s at his best. He knuckled down from that mess by running off six birdies the rest of the way.

“You can’t do that stuff if you want to win. You’ve just got to be more focused,” said Koepka, who has played only twice in the last three months because of surgery to repair ligaments in his knee. “I don’t know if that’s a lack of not playing or what. It was just stupid. I was able to recover, I guess.”

So did 50-year-old Phil Mickelson, who had four bogeys through six holes and nothing but birdies and pars the rest of the way to join the large group at 70 that included defending champion Collin Morikawa and former U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland.

More telling were those on the other side of par, some of whom will be scrambling to make it to the weekend.

Dustin Johnson, the No. 1 player in the world in the midst of his worst stretch in nearly two years, took a double bogey from a wild tee shot on the front nine and a double bogey on the 18th for a 76. He’s in jeopardy of missing the cut in consecutive majors in the same year for the first time in his career.

Justin Thomas took double bogey on the 18th hole in the morning and two holes later sent a sand shot over the green and just into a hazard for another 6 on the par-5 second. He had a 75.

Rory McIlroy, coming off a victory at Quail Hollow two weeks ago, sent his opening tee shot into a water hazard. He salvaged a bogey, but certainly not his round. McIlroy made bogey on three of the par 5s for a 75, his worst start ever in a PGA Championship.

Jordan Spieth, who needs a victory to complete the career Grand Slam, shot 73.

The PGA of America moved up tee boxes, as expected, to account for the wind. The course played to 7,660 yards – 178 yards shorter than the scorecard – though that didn’t make it easy. Thomas, for one, still hit 7-wood into the 214-yard 17th.

John Daly was among 12 players who shot in the 80s. On the 30-year anniversary of his PGA Championship victory at Crooked Stick, he shot 85.

There were birdies to be had, and mistakes to be made, and Martin Laird was example of both. So wild was his round that he he made bogey on No. 12, ran off four straight birdies and then closed with two bogeys. That added to a 70, not a bad day’s work.

“I kind of went out with the mindset this week, even though it’s hard, don’t give the course too much respect,” Laird said. “You still have to take on shots when you have the chance. When I had a spot where I could go at the flag, I was making sure I kept doing it and hit a lot of really nice shots and managed to make some birdies.

“You’re going to hit bogeys on this golf course,” he said. “It’s nice when you can throw in a bunch of birdies, too.”

Finally heeled from a left knee injury, Koepka injured ligaments in his right knee in March and has played only twice since then, the Masters and last week in Dallas.

He began with a poor 3-wood on No. 10 that didn’t clear the waste area. He took on too much with a soft lie in the sand and barely got it out, leading to a double bogey. But he didn’t flinch and had few complaints about his start.

“It’s a major. I’m going to show up. I’m ready to play,” he said. “I love it when it’s difficult. I think that’s why I do so well in the majors. I just know mentally I can grind it out.”

Canadians Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., and Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., are also in the field. Hughes shot a 75 and Hadwin shot a 77.

TORONTO – Golf Canada and title sponsor RBC in partnership with the PGA TOUR have announced that Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto will join the celebrated host venue rotation for the RBC Canadian Open, with the Stanley Thompson classic confirmed to host Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship in 2023 and 2026.

A 27-hole facility quietly located near the centre of the Greater Toronto Area, Oakdale will challenge the stars of the PGA TOUR as a 7,460-yard composite championship routing that integrates elements from each of the course’s three nines (Thompson, Homenuik, Knudson). 

In 2018, the golf course underwent a major restoration under the guidance of Ian Andrew to bring consistency across the three nines. The facility is currently in the final stages of its multi-million-dollar renovation and revitalization project to the golf course and clubhouse. 

“Together with our partners at RBC and the PGA TOUR, I am extremely pleased that the membership of Oakdale Golf and Country Club has accepted our invitation to join us in hosting the 2023 and 2026 RBC Canadian Open,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “The property is ideally situated in the heart of the GTA and presents the competitive challenge and operational capacity to stage an incredible championship. This is a special moment in Canadian golf as a classic venue emerges to challenge the world’s best golfers and share its history on the global golfing stage.”

When it welcomes the first of two RBC Canadian Opens in 2023, Oakdale will become the 37^th golf course in the 117-year history of the event (and only the seventh since 1977) to host Canada’s National Men’s Open Golf Championship. 

“RBC is proud to be title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open and it is a special honour to see Oakdale Golf and Country Club take its place alongside the rotation of celebrated venues to host Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship,” said Matt McGlynn, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “The momentum behind this tournament continues to grow, and there is tremendous enthusiasm to introduce Canadian golf fans and the stars of the PGA TOUR including Team RBC to a great golf course and an exceptional tournament experience.” 

The 2026 RBC Canadian Open will take on additional significance as the championship will coincide with the celebration of Oakdale’s centennial anniversary.

“Oakdale is honoured to be hosting the RBC Canadian Open in 2023, as well as in 2026, a year in which we will celebrate our 100th anniversary,” said Mark Sadowski, President of Oakdale Golf & Country Club. ” We are proud to be opening our doors to the world’s best golfers so they can test themselves against our recently renovated composite golf course designed by Stanley Thompson and Robbie Robinson, two Canadian Golf Hall of Fame members. Working alongside Golf Canada, the PGA TOUR, and RBC, our membership is committed to delivering an incredible tournament experience, engaging the community surrounding the club, as well as welcoming Canada and the world to Oakdale!”

The golf club also holds a unique connection to the PGA TOUR as eight-time PGA TOUR winner George Knudson was a former Oakdale club professional. Fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Fame honoured member Wilf Homenuik has also enjoyed a 30-year teaching tenure as an Oakdale club professional. 

“We’re excited about partnering with RBC, Golf Canada and Oakdale Golf and Country Club for the RBC Canadian Open in 2023 and 2026,” said PGA TOUR President Tyler Dennis. “Oakdale is a hidden gem and players will greatly enjoy the challenge of the facility. And with its centralized location, it will prove to be a perfect venue for the RBC Canadian Open rotation and one that fans of Toronto and Canada will embrace.” 

Next June, Oakdale Golf and Country Club will also play host to the Monday Final Qualifier for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open, which will be contested at St. George’s Golf and Country Club with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. 

OAKDALE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB – A CLASSIC EMERGES….

Oakdale Golf and Country Club is a traditional tree-lined classic parkland style course over tumbling land, quietly situated in a populated urban setting. Formed by members of Toronto’s Jewish community, the golf course was originally designed in 1926 by renowned course architect and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame honoured member Stanley Thompson. An additional nine holes were built soon after and a third nine holes opened in 1957 under the vision of Thompson’s protégé and fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Fame honoured member, Robbie Robinson. In 2018, the golf course underwent a major restoration under the guidance of Ian Andrew to bring consistency across the three nines. The facility is currently in the final stages of its multi-million-dollar renovation and revitalization project to the golf course and clubhouse. 

The Thompson and Homenuik nines make up the original 18 holes created by Stanley Thompson while the Knudson nine reflects the additional work of Robbie Robinson. Smallish greens dominate the Thompson-Homenuik 18, while slightly larger greens are found on the Robinson 9. The ninth hole on Knudson course will be the historic finishing hole for the championship.A practice facility will be built using two existing holes on the property (#1 and #6 on the Thompson nine) while the existing practice range is expected to host a number of event activations. The practice range will be constructed by Ian Andrew who similarly constructed the temporary practice facility at Islington Golf Club which will be part of the 2022 RBC Canadian Open hosted at nearby St. George’s Golf and Country Club.

OAKVILLE, ONT. – Team Canada member, Brigitte Thibault has advanced to the NCAA Women’s Golf Championship.

Thibault, a senior at Fresno State, secured her spot in the Championship, shooting 2-under par 211 (70-73-68) at Standford Golf Course in Stanford, Calif.

The Rosemère, Que. native shot her best round on Wednesday with a 3-under 68 driving her to a qualifying spot at the National Championship.

Thibault’s 211 was the lowest score by a Fresno State Bulldog at an NCAA regional event, beating her own record of 216 set in 2019.

Brigitte won the 2020 Women’s Western Amateur Championship and was T3 up at the 2020 Arizona Wildcat Invitational.

The 2021 NCAA Women’s Golf National Championship will be played at the Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. on May 21-26.

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

Grace had outstanding careers in both golf and curling, competing at the highest levels on a Provincial and National scale.

Grace’s legacy will proudly live on in the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame. NB Sports Hall of Fame | Fredericton Golf Club

MONCTON, NB– The Boys & Girls Club of Moncton in partnership with the Royal Oaks Golf Club is organizing free golf lessons and providing free equipment for youth ages 6 to 15. Courses will be held from Monday, May 31, 2021, to Monday, September 6, 2021, at the Royal Oaks Golf Club of Moncton. Full golf lessons, equipment, transportation, and food for youth at no cost is a ground-breaking initiative in the Maritimes and probably in Canada, and one that the Boys & Girls Club of Moncton and Royal Oaks Golf Club are proud of as they work together to deconstruct the “traditional views” of golf as an elitist sport and provide access to it for youth.

The costs associated with lessons, equipment, transportation, and food can make it challenging for many to be able to experience the sport. That is why the Boys & Girls Club of Moncton and the Royal Oaks Golf Club have partnered to offer golf lessons, transportation for the youth, all necessary golf equipment (clothing, shoes, bags, etc.), access to the facilities, and food at no cost to the participants. Providing access to golf for all youth in the community is the desire of Chris Medford, General Manager of Royal Oaks Golf Club, to make the sport inclusive: “What a great opportunity for us to outreach the community and be that first person to break the barrier. We are an inclusive place, we want everyone from all walks of life, different backgrounds, and ethnicities to come and play golf, especially if they were unable to play it because it is an elitist and privilege sport. Let’s blow those barriers.”

For three months, the youngsters will be interested, initiated, taught the basics of golf with pros and inspiring adults to transmit the flame of golf. The program includes bi-weekly classes of two hours combining theory and practice, and youth tournaments; all in a safe environment and respectful of social distancing related to the current pandemic context. By introducing young people to a sport they haven’t had access to before, they are given the opportunity to consider it, explore it and possibly go further to make a career out of it since there are Canadian universities that offer scholarships for those who want to golf professionally, especially for girls. The goal is to allow young people to have dreams that were previously unattainable. “We believe wholeheartedly that ‘Opportunity changes everything’”, says Moncef Lakouas, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of Moncton. We want to introduce young people to new opportunities that otherwise would not be available or accessible. The future is made brighter by the opportunities a person is exposed to. We will continue to be a voice for inclusion, opportunities and equality for all youth in our community. We want to open up a world of abundance and countless possibilities for young people in our community.”

The invitation is extended to the community. All youth are invited to participate. Limited space. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, please contact.

Moncef Lakouas, Executive Director Boys & Girls Club of Moncton

506 858 0949 ext. 105