Golf Canada’s 2021 Annual Meeting shifts to a two-day virtual experience this week, March 3-4 as the National Sport Federation looks ahead in preparation for the 2021 season.

The event will bring together Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers as well as representatives from Canada’s provincial golf associations and other stakeholders.

The opening day session runs from 1:00-3:30pm ET on Wednesday March 3^rd with a selection of feature presentations outlining key Golf Canada initiatives for 2021 including:

• Golf Canada’s 2021 Outlook – presented by Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum

• Golf Industry Advisory Council: National Golfer Retention Campaign – presented by Golf Canada Chief Marketing Officer Vanessa Morbi

• Keynote Presentation: Fireside Chat on Global Golf –featuring R&A CEO Martin Slumbers and the USGA’s outgoing CEO Mike Davis, hosted by Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum.

• Sport Overview – presented by Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue

• Overview of Golf Canada’s Diversity & Inclusion Alliance – presented by Alliance Chair & Team Canada Sport Psychologist Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood. The session also includes a panel discussion with Sandy Cross (Chief People Officer, PGA of America) as well as Teri Dennis-Davies (Senior Vice-President Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Maple Leaf Sport and Entertainment).***each of the feature presentations will be available online at golfcanada.ca.

The event will continue on Thursday March 4^th with a virtually conducted Annual General Meeting beginning at 1:00pm ET which will include the release of Golf Canada’s 2020 Annual Report and Financial Statements posted to www.golfcanada.ca.

Golf Canada will also introduce its 2021 Board of Directors including the appointment of Liz Hoffman of Thornhill, Ont. as the association’s 119^th President. Hoffman will take over the role from Charlie Beaulieu of Lorraine, Que. who served consecutive terms as President in 2019-20.

In addition, Golf Canada will celebrate outstanding contributions to the game of golf including a presentation of the 2020 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award to Handicap and Course Rating expert, Nancy Spineti Delle Donne of Montreal.

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) is excited to share the following job opportunity with one of our Partner Facilities.
Petitcodiac Valley Golf & Country Club is looking for a dynamic, passionate, and competent person to join the ranks of our team as Director of Golf Operations & Member Services.

This a permanent part-time position for the golf season. (April 1^st to Oct 31^st)   The director of golf operations will work alongside a team of experienced and dedicated employees to ensure the golf experience at Petitcodiac Valley is a satisfying experience whether you are a member, a green fee visitor, or a business tournament organizer. Working to oversee the golf retail, the practice facility, coordinating tournaments, adhering to a budget, providing leadership, and assisting where needed in the daily operation of our golf course.

• Petitcodiac Valley Golf & Country Club – Job Description 

Interested Applicants are encouraged to contact:

Sharon Case
Office Administration
Petitcodiac Valley Golf & Country Club
pvgcc@petitcodiacvalleygolf.ca 

ORLANDO, Fla. — Jessica Korda opened the LPGA Tour season last month by winning the Tournament of Champions.

On Sunday, it was Nelly’s turn.

Nelly Korda followed in big sister’s footsteps with a three-shot victory that looked easier than it felt. She seized control with three birdies through six holes, closed with 12 pars and shot a 3-under 69 at Lake Nona to win the Gainbridge LPGA.

“Yeah, Jess’ win, I was like, `OK, I got to get one now,”’ Korda said. “We were close that one year. She won in Thailand and I was leading in Singapore. But it’s nice to get back-to-back Korda wins now.”

More than just matching her sister, Korda won for the first time on American soil. The other three victories for 22-year-old Nelly were in Australia and twice in Taiwan. It also was the first time she won with her parents watching. Her father, Petr Korda, is a former Australian Open tennis champion.

“I’ve had an amazing week and I made some clutch putts when I needed to and pulled it off,” Korda said.

Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., finished in a tie for 16th place. Henderson ended her tournament with a 6-under 282.

On the other side of the course, Annika Sorenstam wrapped up her return after more than 12 years of retirement with a par on the ninth hole for a 76, finishing last among the 74 players who made the cut. The 50-year-old Swede was making this one-time appearance because Lake Nona has been her home course for two decades.

“I’m just thankful being here, playing here and being able to make the cut,” Sorenstam said. “I think I never gave up, even though it was not really going my way and I wasn’t hitting as well as I should be to be out here. The purpose was to get some tournament rounds, and I did that.”

She has said she plans to play the U.S. Senior Women’s Open this summer and she’ll need to get sharp, though Sorenstam said preparing for that would not include another LPGA event.

“I have so much respect for these players,” she said.

Sorenstam finished 29 shots behind Korda, who won by three over Lexi Thompson and Lydia Ko.

Korda, who finished at 16-under 272, began the final round with a one-shot lead over rookie Patty Tavatanakit, the former UCLA star who fell back quickly and wound up with 74 to tie for fifth.

There wasn’t much drama on the final day. Korda made sure of that with a steady diet of pars and picking up enough birdies when she needed them. That doesn’t mean it was easy.

“Honestly, I did not play very good golf today, and I just stayed really solid,” Korda said. “I don’t even know what I did. It was definitely very stressful.”

Ko, a former world No. 1 trying to end nearly three years without winning, had a 69. Thompson closed with a 68.

Jin Young Ko, the current No. 1, took bogey on the par-5 second hole and dropped too many shots along the way to mount any sort of a rally. She shot 71 and finished fourth.

TUCSON, Ariz. – Kevin Sutherland chipped in for the only birdie of the final round on No. 16 and had a tap-in for another on the next hole, shooting a 4-under 69 to overtake Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., in the Colorguard Classic on Sunday.

Sutherland trailed by two to start the day and was down four after Weir birdied the par-5 eighth in blustery conditions at Tucson National. Sutherland cut Weir’s lead in half with two birdies in his first three holes to start on the back nine and chipped in from short right of the 183-yard, par-3 16th.

Sutherland tapped in on 17 after putting through the fringe on the par 5 and just missed another birdie on the difficult 18th to close out his second victory in his last three PGA Tour Champions starts and fifth overall. He finished at 15 under, two ahead of Weir, three up on Steve Stricker and Scott Parel.

Calgary native Stephen Ames finished in a tie for 52nd place at 4-over par.

Weir had bogeys on two of his final three holes to shoot an even-par 73. The 2003 Masters champion has twice been runner-up on the PGA Tour Champions since turning 50 last year.

Phil Mickelson’s long-shot bid to win his first three PGA Tour Champions starts came to a screeching halt with a triple bogey on the par-4 ninth. He shot 73 to finish 11 shots back.

Weir opened the second round with a birdie as gusting wind bent flagsticks at sharp angles. He followed with five straight pars and walked up to the green at the par-3 seventh as Rush’s “Limelight” blared from one of the backyards lining Tucson National.

The Canadian left-hander responded with a little inspiration of his own, chipping in for birdie from about 90 feet. A curling 15-foot birdie putt at the par-5 eighth gave him a four-shot lead over Sutherland.

Not the last time you’ll see @mweirsy in the final group.

He finishes runner-up for the 2nd time this season on the @ChampionsTour and will be knocking on the door again in no time ? pic.twitter.com/Oq8pBu58Nw

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) March 1, 2021

Sutherland, who won the Charles Schwab Championship in November in Phoenix, opened the back nine with a birdie and had another on the par-5 12th. The 56-year-old from Sacramento, California, stumbled when he couldn’t get up and down from a bunker on the par-3 14th, but closed with a flourish as conditions worsened.

Weir watched a slick 4-foot par putt slide by the hole after a nice bunker shot on No. 16 and missed a birdie putt from the fringe on No. 17 after a bunker shot ran through the back of the green. He three-putted to bogey the par-14 18th.

Mickelson was the last amateur to win on the PGA Tour in Tucson 30 years ago, but couldn’t conjure up the same magic in his return.

Nine shots back entering the final round, he had three birdies and a bogey through the first eight holes before hitting his tee shot into the water on the par-4 ninth. He then hit into the greenside bunker and three-putted for a 7.

Mickelson did avoid the mud on No. 15, at least.

He hit two good tee shots in the opening two rounds and both found the pond on the dogleg of the par 5. Mickelson made a birdie after hitting his second shot out of the mud in the first round and salved par after another mud shot in the second.

He avoided the pond altogether Sunday by hitting into the adjacent 17th fairway and ended up with par after missing a birdie putt of about 15 feet.

The USGA and The R&A have announced proposals for significant changes to the Rules of Amateur Status that govern the game worldwide.

These proposals result from a modernization initiative that has identified a clear need to bring the Rules up to date to reflect today’s global amateur game and ensure that the Rules are easier to understand and apply.

The proposed Rules, along with explanations to key changes, have been posted on usga.org and randa.org and the organizations are now inviting feedback from golfers and stakeholders. Comments will be accepted through Friday, March 26, with the new Rules scheduled to be adopted on January 1, 2022.

A comprehensive review of the Rules of Amateur Status began in late 2017, focusing on three main goals: to ensure the Rules are in the best interests of the game, reflect the modern game, and are easily understood and applied.

This review reaffirmed amateur golf’s important position in the game and the value in maintaining amateur status Rules to safeguard all the ways golf is played and enjoyed.

The result is a set of Rules that redefine the distinction between amateur and professional golf and provide a condition of eligibility – amateur status – for amateurs who compete in golf competitions.

As part of the modernization effort, it is proposed that the new Rules will identify only three acts that will result in a golfer losing their amateur status:

• Accepting a prize in excess of the prize limit
• Accepting payment for giving instruction
• Accepting employment as a golf club professional or membership of an association of professional golfers

To achieve this simplified approach, the following key changes are proposed:

• Eliminating the distinction between cash prizes and other prizes.
• Using the prize limit as the only way an amateur can lose amateur status through their play (meaning that entering or playing a competition as a professional would not, of itself, result in the loss of amateur status).
• Removing restrictions from the Rules surrounding competitions such as long-drive events, putting competitions and skills competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-hole competition; and
• Eliminating all sponsorship restrictions.

“Golf is unique in its broad appeal to both recreational and competitive golfers,” said Craig Winter, USGA Senior Director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. “We understand and value how important amateur status is, not only to those who compete at the highest level of the amateur game, but for the millions of golfers at every age and skill level who enjoy competitive events at their home courses. These updates should help simplify these Rules and ensure the health of the amateur game.”

Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, said, “The Rules of Amateur Status play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport but the code must continue to evolve. This is particularly so in relation to the modern elite amateur game, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential, and the proposed new Rules will give much greater scope for this.”

“Today marks another important step in the process to modernize the Rules of Amateur Status,” said Akash Patel, Rules and Competitions Manager at Golf Canada. “A great amount of work has gone into making the Rules easier to understand and apply for both the recreational and competitive golfer. We are confident that the proposed changes reflect the modern game and will help with our continued efforts to grow the game.”

The proposed new Rules are accompanied by an overview document and explanations that detail the rationale for why changes are being proposed and, in some instances, why they have stayed the same.

FREDERICTON, NB.

Audi Moncton and Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) are pleased to announce a new one-year partnership. The luxury car dealership will serve as the Presenting Sponsor at four of Golf NB’s Championship Events in 2021; The NB Ladies Provincials, Driven by Audi Moncton, the NB Family Classic & Adult Junior, Driven by Audi Moncton, the Past Presidents’ Cup, Driven by Audi Moncton, and the Estabrooks Cup, Driven by Audi Moncton

After partnering with Golf NB on various levels over the past three years, Scott Killen, General Manager, Audi Moncton calls the new agreement the ultimate partnership at the perfect time. “As a company, we are strong supporters of golf and proud to help grow the game in New Brunswick. Audi already has a National level partnership with Golf Canada, and we are very excited to extend our support to a provincial level with Golf NB. All of us at Audi Moncton are looking forward to this new partnership and are excited to see the growth possibilities.”

Golf NB Executive Director Tyson Flinn said the association is grateful for the support shown by Audi Moncton. “We are thrilled to again be working with Mr. Killen and his team at Audi Moncton as they rejoin our growing group of partners. Adding a prestige brand to the Golf NB family will assist us in providing the ultimate value and experiences at our championship events”, said Flinn.

This year’s New Brunswick Ladies Provincials, Driven by Audi Moncton will be played July 4th-6th at Royal Oaks Golf Club in Moncton. The NB Family Classic & Adult Junior, Driven by Audi Moncton is scheduled for August 9th at the Country Meadows Golf Club in Indian Mountain. The Past Presidents’ Cup, Driven by Audi Moncton will take place at the Lakeside Golf & Country Club in Lakeville on September 18th-19th with the season being capped off at the Club de Golf Memramcook Golf Club during October 2nd-3rd for the 24th Playing of the Estabrooks Cup, Driven by Audi Moncton.

? ?? WELCOME, AUDI MONCTON TO THE GOLF NB TEAM.

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CONTACT: Luke Lacey, Director of Promotion & Member Services, Golf NB

(506) 451-1324 ext. 4

Audi Moncton is the Audi dealer in Moncton and serves the Greater Moncton area including New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island making luxury cars available to all.

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick and is comprised of forty-five (45) member clubs, and over 6,600 individual members.  Through its programs and services, Golf NB strives to preserve the integrity of the game of golf and to make the game more enjoyable for all.

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (Feb. 17, 2021) – The USGA announced today that Mike Whan will join the organization this summer as CEO, and will become the eighth top executive in USGA history.

Last month, Whan announced his intention to step down as LPGA Commissioner in 2021, after his organization completes a search for the next Commissioner. His transition follows an impressive 11 years at the helm of the LPGA, during which the organization experienced historic growth in virtually every aspect of the business.

As USGA CEO, Whan will be responsible for leading all aspects of the association’s operations, including its core functions, essential programs, and human and financial resources. He will also represent the USGA on a variety of national and international boards.

“Mike Whan is a proven, successful and transformative leader, not only in the golf industry but throughout his entire career,” said USGA President Stu Francis, who oversaw the CEO search process. “He has shown a unique ability to understand how the environment is changing in global golf and how to quickly and thoughtfully adapt an organization to meet those changes. Importantly, Mike is already a trusted peer for so many key stakeholders in the industry, and his existing relationships will not only help the USGA, but will also help advance the game.”

Whan started his career at the Procter & Gamble Company in 1987, where he rose to Director of Marketing for Oral Care before leaving to pursue a passion for sports. Whan’s sports business career began at Wilson Sporting Goods as a Vice President and General Manager in the golf division. He joined the TaylorMade Golf Company as Vice President of Marketing in 1995 and later served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Executive Vice President/General Manager for Taylormade-adidas Golf. In 2002, Whan became the President and CEO of Mission Hockey, a hockey equipment company.

Since joining the Ladies Professional Golf Association in 2010, Whan increased the number of tournaments on the LPGA Tour’s schedule to 34 from 24, increased purses from $41.4 million to $76.5 million, and grew television hours from 125 hours per season, to over 500 hours. Under his leadership, the LPGA became a truly global business – with players, tournaments, sponsors and fans coming from all over the world. Currently, the LPGA Tour is televised in over 170 countries each week. Whan’s leadership resulted in the expansion of the LPGA to now include both the Symetra Tour, the recently announced joint venture with the Ladies European Tour, as well as a nearly 50% increase in LPGA’s teaching division. Whan’s focus on growing the game for junior girls has led to a significant expansion of the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, which had 5,000 members when he joined the organization to 90,000 girls now engaged in the program.

Laurence Applebaum and Mike Whan at 2019 CP Women’s Open

“As someone who grew up loving this game, I have always had huge respect for the USGA and its role in leading our sport,” said Whan. “The game has given me so much throughout my life, both personally and professionally. I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m truly excited about this role, as it gives me the opportunity to not only give back to the game, but to also work hard to leave it stronger.”

Current USGA CEO Mike Davis, who joined the USGA in 1990 and became the Association’s seventh executive director in 2011 and first CEO in 2016, will depart later this year to team with Tom Fazio II in a new course design venture, Fazio & Davis Golf Design.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mike Whan for many years and I view him as a trusted, strategic leader who has a proven track record of building collaborative partnerships,” said Davis. “I know the USGA will be in great hands, and I look forward to partnering with Mike to ensure a smooth and successful transition for the USGA.”

On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, let’s get all the bad, frequently offensive, jokes out of the way first.

To speed up the process, I will provide just the punch lines to a couple of the hoariest groaners.

“No way! The last time I tried that shot, I made double bogey!”

“But you don’t understand. It’s my wife’s funeral.”

On a related note this February 14, let’s officially bury the term “golf widow.”

With that out of the way, let’s move on.

Golf, and I speak from personal experience, can strengthen romantic relationships.

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

They might have mentioned etiquette, balance, equity and all those other fundamental values in the game. As well, the rules would be worth mentioning.

Not the new Modernized Rules of Golf, although those certainly have their place in the actual playing of the game.

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

1. If you’re not asked, then shut the hell up. If your partner is having an off day, fight the misguided impulse to offer your well-intentioned but worthless opinion. First, you most likely don’t have the foggiest idea of how to rectify the situation. Second, even though they love you, they now are so frustrated that you are only exacerbating the eventual meltdown. And they have easy access to a selection of deadly metal implements. If you are going to follow only one rule, make it this one.
2. Take a golf vacation together. Sitting on the beach is all fine and good, but getting out on the course and sharing some conversation and laughs is far better.
3. Nine and dine. Whether it’s an organized weekly couples’ league or just an impromptu outing for just the two of you, nine holes followed by a leisurely dinner and drinks is a wonderful way to unwind and catch up.
4. Don’t take it too seriously. Sure, you want to play your best but the object of the exercise is to enjoy each other’s company.
5. Include family. If you’re lucky enough to have kids or grandkids, invite them to play a few holes with you. Or maybe it’s your brother and sister-in-law or other relatives you love but don’t get to see often enough. Golf is a great excuse to reinforce those family ties.

I speak from experience, as I mentioned earlier. My wife took up golf after I did and fell for it as hard, or maybe harder, than she fell for me. We’ve done all things listed above, from golf vacations to couples’ nights to including family.

And while the pure meaning of Valentine’s Day is focussed on your one and only, and my wife and I have spent many delightful hours golfing together, I can tell you that one of my everlasting memories is the sight of our son and his grandfather golfing together.

That’s something else I truly love.

FREDERICTON, NB.

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB) and Four Rivers Brewing Co. are pleased to announce the signing of a one-year partnership that will see the Independently Owned and Operated Family Brewery, serve as a hole sponsor at Golf NB’s adult events and championships as well as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2021 NB Ladies Four Ball.

Hosted by the Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst on June 13, the NB Ladies Four Ball will feature the local brewery as its presenting sponsor for the 2021 event, adding value to players while promoting quality and craftsmanship of the local independent family owned and operated brewery.

Stephen Legacy, Four Rivers Brewing Co, calls it a perfect partnership. “As a family run company, that is very passionate about growing and supporting our local community, Four Rivers is excited to see how this unique partnership with Golf New Brunswick could grow in the future.”

Golf NB Executive Director Tyson Flinn agreed with the unique partnership. “We are very excited to welcome such a well-respected local company to our stable of partners and look forward to working with the Four Rivers family to help grow the game of golf in New Brunswick”, said Flinn.

A homage to the region’s coastal beauty, the name Four Rivers Brewing Co. was inspired by the rivers that flow into the Bathurst harbour – Nepisiguit, Tetagouche, Little, and Middle. True to the spirit of the craft brewing community, Four Rivers Brewing Co. is an independent family-owned and operated brewery. If you enjoy riddles, ownership is made up of a father, an uncle, two sons, two nephews, two brothers, and two brothers in law – but there’s only four of us.

? ?? Welcome, Four Rivers Brewing Co. to the Golf NB team.

CONTACT: Luke Lacey, Director of Promotion & Member Services, Golf NB – (506) 451-1324 ext. 4

Golf New Brunswick (Golf NB), is the official governing body for amateur golf in New Brunswick and is comprised of forty-five (45) member clubs, and over 6,600 individual members.  Through its programs and services, Golf NB strives to preserve the integrity of the game of golf and to make the game more enjoyable for all.