RBC PGA Scramble moves forward with alternate plans
Acton, Ont. – The RBC PGA Scramble announced today the cancellation of its national final, originally scheduled from Oct. 4-6 at Cabot Cape Breton in Inverness, N.S.
The decision comes as a result of ongoing travel restrictions associated with the Atlantic bubble, the recent extension of Nova Scotia’s state of emergency and continued health concerns surrounding COVID-19 across the country.
The program announced its backup plans in June, committing to a decision on the national final’s fate prior to the start of regionals.
“The safety and well-being of everyone involved in the program continues to be our top priority,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “In conjunction with our partners, we have made the decision to move forward with our alternative plans given the information available at this time. While we share in the disappointment of players, we are pleased to proceed with an enhanced and unique regional experience for all participants.”
As a result of the cancellation, the RBC PGA Scramble will move forward with enhanced regional events featuring over $150,000 CAD worth of gifting and prizing. These prizes come in addition to the complimentary Pro-level GOLFTV subscription included with all player registrations at the local level.
“We’ve been able to leverage the funds normally put toward the national final and work with our partners to create one of the all-time greatest prizing experiences available in Canada,” said Kevin Thistle, chief executive officer of the PGA of Canada.
For the first time, all regional finalists (approx. 1,100 players) will receive one dozen Pro V1s and a Titleist hat for advancing beyond the first stage of the competition.
Prizing at regionals will be awarded to the top three teams, with first-place groups winning a $1,500 CAD per person online shopping experience with Titleist and FootJoy and second and third-place teams receiving a Pro Shop gift certificate at their regional venue. The top two teams will also take home a custom leather keepsake thanks to a collaboration between sponsor Lincoln and Nova Scotia-based Dormie Workshop.
One overall winning team will be determined by comparing score differentials (net score minus course rating) across the 11 regional finals, with the national champions taking home a 2021 RBC Canadian Open VIP Package, which includes travel, accommodations and tickets to next year’s PGA TOUR event in Toronto in addition to the $1,500 CAD per person shopping spree with Titleist and FootJoy.
A draw prize for two nights’ accommodation and two rounds of golf at Cabot Cape Breton will also be awarded to one lucky team.
The RBC PGA Scramble saw record-breaking participation this season, with nearly 11,000 players taking part in 140 local qualifying events nationwide. Female participation grew 25% year-over-year following the creation of an all-female spot at every regional final.
The program implemented several safety protocols in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including the use of online registration and scoring to reduce touchpoints, tee-time starts, mailing prizes post-play, mandatory physical distancing and more.
“We are proud to provide an enjoyable opportunity for golfers to safely compete, especially during a time when most team sports and events are unable to operate,” stated Thistle. “We look forward to building on the enthusiasm at local qualifiers to deliver an elevated experience for participants at the next stage of the competition. We would like to thank all PGA of Canada professionals and amateur players for embracing the new safety protocols that allowed us to make this possible.”
The RBC PGA Scramble Regional Final season comprises 11 events over four weeks at some of the country’s top golf courses. Historically conducted as shotgun events with a closing dinner and prize presentation, this year’s tournaments will follow a tee-time format to limit group gatherings.
The first regional final kicks off Aug. 17 at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ont.
To view the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company Regional Final schedule, click here.]]>
Golf Canada partners with First Tee to establish First Tee – Canada
Global youth development program will launch in 2021 with a goal to open regional chapters across Canada through 2023
PGA of Canada to lead the national training of coaches to introduce First Tee youth development curriculum; Golf Canada Foundation will drive the advancement of the First Tee – Canada local chapters
Launch of First Tee – Canada coincides with selection of Royal Montreal Golf Club as host of the 2024 Presidents Cup; Quebec chapter of First Tee – Canada will be a legacy of the biennial competition
OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada and First Tee announced today a new partnership to launch First Tee – Canada. First Tee’s Board Chairman, PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan, shared the news during a global announcement that Presidents Cup will return to Royal Montreal Golf Club in 2024.
Together, the partnership will bring First Tee’s youth development emphasis to strengthen Golf Canada’s junior golf activities – previously conducted under the Future Links brand – that reach kids in schools and at golf facilities. The innovative First Tee curriculum will focus on empowering young people to build their strength of character through the game of golf. Golf Canada will serve as the national headquarters of First Tee – Canada.
“Partnering with First Tee towards the 2021 launch of First Tee – Canada will provide Canadian youth and especially those in underrepresented groups access to affordable and meaningful character education programs through golf,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada have developed a strong foundation for junior golf programming over the past twenty plus years through Future Links. We are excited going forward to partner with the globally recognized First Tee brand and work collaboratively with the Golf Canada Foundation to strengthen our youth development activities.”
“Golf Canada has made a significant impact on the growth of the sport in Canada through their multi-faceted junior golf initiatives and was a natural fit for us to partner with the launch of First Tee – Canada,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, First Tee. “Together, we will bring the First Tee youth development program nationwide and build on Golf Canada’s impressive grassroots success with programming that reaches kids via nearly 600 golf facilities and 4,100 participating schools.”
The PGA of Canada will play a leading role in the training of coaches who will serve as mentors to the kids and teens in the program. Coaches will help bring the curriculum to life by introducing youth to fun and active experiences that help them build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that can carry to everything they do.
“We are proud that PGA of Canada professionals will play an important role in utilizing golf to teach First Tee core values of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, judgement and courtesy,” said Kevin Thistle, CEO of PGA of Canada. “We look forward to supporting the development of youth and junior golfers through the coaching and mentorship of PGA of Canada professionals in alignment with the National Coaching Certification Program.”
First Tee – Canada will target to launch multiple chapters in 2021 with a growth strategy to establish First Tee chapters in markets across Canada through 2023. The inaugural First Tee – Canada chapter launching in 2021 will be located in Victoria, British Columbia at the Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community which is also home to Golf Canada’s National Training Centre. This was made possible by the support of the Matthews and Kusumoto families. Dan Matthews is a global Trustee and a member of the Board of Governors of the First Tee and a member of the Board of Directors of the Golf Canada Foundation. A First Tee chapter in Quebec will also be launched shortly thereafter, continuing the incredible legacy of past Presidents Cups. With support from the Presidents Cup, First Tee has successfully launched global chapters in Australia (2019) and Korea (2015).
Through its deep network of donors and trustees, Golf Canada Foundation will be a critical partner in supporting the launch and advancement of First Tee – Canada through its fundraising and philanthropic efforts. Canada’s Provincial Golf Associations will also play a role in the advancement of First Tee – Canada as chapters begin to form in markets across Canada. In addition, Golf Canada will continue to work with the NGCOA Canada (National Golf Course Owner’s Association) and other key industry stakeholders towards a more inclusive golf experience for Canadian youth.
Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has impacted more than 15 million young people through its character-building programs on golf courses, in schools and at youth-serving locations.
The First Tee network has grown to over 150 chapters and more than 1,200 program locations across the United States as well as six international chapters—Australia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco and Canada—delivering programs that help young people build character and develop life skills through the game of golf. A First Tee chapter out of Vancouver is operating independently out of Vancouver, and previously out of Montreal, prior to the launch of First Tee – Canada.
Presidents Cup to return to The Royal Montreal Golf Club in 2024
MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 30: Tiger Woods of the U.S. Team hits his tee shot on the 3rd hole during the final day singles matches at The Presidents Cup at The Royal Montreal Golf Club on September 30, 2007 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan announced today that the Presidents Cup will return to The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal when the Presidents Cup shifts internationally in 2024. As host of the 2007 Presidents Cup, The Royal Montreal Golf Club will become the second international venue to host the Presidents Cup more than once, joining The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia.
The 2007 Presidents Cup at The Royal Montreal Golf Club saw two legendary captains lead their respective teams for the final time, with four-time captain Jack Nicklaus guiding the U.S. Team to victory over three-time captain Gary Player and the International Team by a score of 19 ½ – 14 ½. Despite falling short, the highlight for the week for International Team fans was a Sunday Singles victory by Mike Weir over World No. 1 Tiger Woods, with the Canadian being supported by a massive and supercharged gallery of spectators.
“The people of Canada are some of the most loyal and passionate sports fans in the world, and given the overwhelming success of the Presidents Cup in 2007, it was a natural next step for the event to return to The Royal Montreal in 2024,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Our thanks go out to our global partners, Citi and Rolex, for making the Presidents Cup possible and to the leadership and membership of The Royal Montreal Golf Club, a venue that has already shown it can challenge and highlight the best players in the world. The Presidents Cup continues to grow and expand along with the global growth of our sport while leaving an indelible legacy of giving back throughout the world. I have no doubt that with the support of our fans, the corporate community and governments of Quebec and Canada and the City of Montreal, the Presidents Cup 2024 will continue to the positive trajectory of this event.”
As part of the news, Monahan announced a partnership between First Tee, Golf Canada and Golf Canada Foundation to launch First Tee – Canada. With plans to expand across the nation, the partnership will add First Tee’s youth development program to Golf Canada’s already impressive platform that reaches kids in schools and at golf facilities, helping to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges and personal growth.
Founded in 1873, The Royal Montreal Golf Club is the oldest golf club in North America. Its Blue Course was designed by Dick Wilson and updated by Rees Jones in 2004 and 2005. In addition to hosting the Presidents Cup, The Royal Montreal has also held the RBC Canadian Open on 10 occasions, most recently in 2014.
“We are excited and more than pleased that we have been selected to host the Presidents Cup again, and we are thrilled that we will be welcoming the world’s best golfers to our club in 2024,” said Michael Richards, Chair of The Royal Montreal Golf Club’s bid committee. “Our club has experienced leadership and great members, and our goal is to make the 2024 Presidents Cup the best ever. With widespread support from leaders of the golf and business communities and from various levels of government and with the help of Tourisme Montreal, we are confident we will succeed.”
Graham DeLaet, Adam Hadwin and Mike Weir are the three Canadians who have competed in the Presidents Cup.
Weir, a five-time Presidents Cup participant, amassed a 13-9-2 record before spending the 2017 and 2019 Presidents Cup serving in the role of a captain’s assistant. Weir was famously drawn against Woods in his Sunday Singles match in 2007, which concluded with Weir winning the final two holes to capture the match, 1-up.
“I was very proud to be part of the Presidents Cup as a player in 2007, and to see it come back after being so well-supported the first time just speaks to how passionate we are in Canada about golf,” Weir said. “The fan turnout was tremendous, and as a Canadian I am very proud to have the Presidents Cup come back.”
Weir, the first Canadian to compete in the Presidents Cup, was later followed by DeLaet, who made his debut for Captain Nick Price in 2013. DeLaet, 31 years old at the time, delivered an inspiring 3-1-1 performance at Muirfield Village Golf Club, which included a Singles match victory over Jordan Spieth.
“I can only imagine the roars that will be heard around Royal Montreal, especially if a few Canadians are on the team,” DeLaet said. “Having the Presidents Cup is such a great way to grow the game in Canada and it’d be nice to see the International Team lift the Presidents Cup on Canadian soil.”
Hadwin became the third Canadian to participate in the Presidents Cup after qualifying for the 2017 International Team at Liberty National Golf Club. He then returned for the 2019 team thanks to one of four captain’s picks from Ernie Els, which he converted into a 1-1-1 record at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
“This is huge for Canadian golf,” Hadwin said. “The state of Canadian golf could not be better and I think it is such an appropriate time to bring it back into Canada. There’s a good chance that a few of us could end up representing the International Team there at Royal Montreal, so that adds to the excitement as well.
“I feel like we have some of the best golf fans in the world in Canada, and to bring a world-class event up to Canada is big for them and I know they’ll be excited to have it back.”
Also announced, Ryan Hart has been named as Executive Director of the 2024 Presidents Cup. Ryan has worked at the TOUR’s Headquarters for over 3 years, most recently as the Tournament Director of THE PLAYERS Championship. Raised in Winnipeg, Canada, Ryan returns home where he previously ran The Players Cup on Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada for seven years while leading a local marketing firm. Ryan will be returning to Canada to lead the TOUR’s efforts over the next four years.
Tournament dates for the 2024 Presidents Cup will be announced at later date.]]>
We are proud of our partnership with Dormie Workshop and their efforts in growing the game in Atlantic Canada and beyond.
2020 marked the start of the Dormie Par 3 Challenge – created to reward the player who performs the best on the Par-3’s during the course of each Golf NB Championship.
Congratulations to our 2020 Winners:
-Mackenzie Deveau, Royal Oaks Golf Club
-Keegan Miller, Hampton Golf Club
-Alex Palmer, The Riverside
– Gary Melanson, Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club
Golf Canada App – a free tool for Canadian golfers to enhance their course experience and go digital with their game!
The Golf Canada App is connecting Canada’s golf community with an engaging digital platform for golfers from coast to coast. It is an app for golfers to track their scores, manage their on-course experience and identify areas to improve their game.
The app is a powerful tool with a completely new look and feel that goes well beyond the handicap reporting and score posting system that was the central focus of the previous member-only Golf Canada App. It’s a totally new experience that connects golfers to their friends as well as 1,400+ golf courses across Canada.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
How to navigate the new Golf Canada App experience:
Home Screen NEW – features personalized content and updates from you and your golfing friends
Golfer Profile – features number of rounds played, personal golfing statistics, recent scores, Golf Canada membership information and more
Find a Course – search the Golf Canada course database to plan your next game or a golf holiday, as well as follow your favourite courses
Start a Round – select the course, choose a tee based on your skill level and add friends to a digital course scorecard
Track Your Stats – everything from driving accuracy, greens in regulation and putting strokes to bunker shots and up & downs
Click here for a full user guide[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_images_carousel images=”98984,98983,98982,98981″ img_size=”medium” onclick=”link_no” speed=”3000″ autoplay=”yes” hide_pagination_control=”yes” hide_prev_next_buttons=”yes” wrap=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Golf Canada member features
Golf Canada members will enjoy a suite of additional features in the app as part of a three-stage rollout throughout the summer including golf games like Wolf or Skins, real-time course GPS and Shot Tracer technology.
Golf Canada tees up new all-in-one Golf App with innovative enhancements
The new Golf Canada app sets the stage for a greatly enhanced digital experience
Canada’s largest golf community is about to become more connected with the launch of the new Golf Canada app.
The user-friendly app launched August 5 is now available to all golfers nationwide to record and track their scores, trace where they have played and provide detailed game statistics as a game improvement tool. The app is free to download and can be used by golfers at any level of skill.
“The app is designed to connect individual golfers and their friends with the more than the 1,400-member golf courses we have in Canada,” says Vanessa Morbi, Senior Director of Marketing at Golf Canada. “Among the many exciting features, golfers will be able to follow their favourite golf courses to stay connected and up to date. The app will also provide additional value to our member clubs as a platform to engage with golfers.”
All golfers will be able to enter their scores on the app as they play hole-by-hole or at the end of a round. They can track a variety of stats including driving accuracy, greens in regulation, putting strokes, sand saves and up & downs. Golfers will also be able to add friends, follow their favourite courses and track their scores throughout the round. As the app rolls out this summer, additional features will be added to enhance the user experience for Golf Canada members.
“We are proud to launch the new Golf Canada app with an enhanced user experience that anyone who plays golf in Canada can enjoy,” says Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s Senior Director of Golf Services. “It has been developed with a fresh look and feel to allow app users to better understand their individual game and connect with other golfers and their favourite clubs across the country.”
With heath and safety being top of mind during COVID-19, the digital scorecard on your Smartphone replaces the need for a traditional scorecard and pencil. It may be a way of the future as many clubs across Canada have limited printed scorecard usage this year to reduce physical touchpoints at golf courses during the pandemic.
While enhancing the current benefits of being a Golf Canada member is a key component of the app, it has also been designed with the non-member, public player in mind to increase their engagement with the sport.
Golf Canada members will be able to enjoy a unique package of additional features that will be part of a three-stage rollout throughout the summer including, golf games like Wolf or Skins, as well as real-time Course GPS and Shot Tracer technology.
“What I think sets the new Golf Canada app apart from anything else in the marketplace is our ability to combine scoring, stats, Course GPS, Shot Tracer, and golf games, in one app. You won’t find that anywhere else in the world, so it truly is leading edge digital technology,” added Morbi.
Canada’s go-to golf app has been in development since the fall of 2019. It is a key component of Golf Canada’s digital marketing strategy designed to draw more people to the sport, improve the in-game experience and increase membership. It has also been developed in consultation with the provincial golf associations across Canada to ensure a grassroots connection.
The Golf Canada app has been designed in partnership with Mirego, a Quebec City-based company that is an expert in the app development space. It replaces the original Golf Canada app, a member-only app that featured handicapping and scoring as its primary function. Member profiles and previous scoring is being transferred to the new app, so there will be no loss of information for long-time members.
“Apps are commonplace today—all of us have our favourite apps and the majority of golfers bring a Smartphone to the golf course,” Morbi says. “We’re hoping golfers will fall in love with all of the great features of the new app and have a lot of fun with it. It will give us an opportunity to connect with more golfers and create a deeper connection to the sport they love.”
The app is available for download for both IOS and Android operating systems from both the App Store and Google Play at no cost.
An annual Golf Canada membership sells for $49.95. The benefits of being a Golf Canada member include handicapping, incident protection, personalized equipment labels, discounts on tickets for the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open savings from partners like Avis, Hilton and RBC, and some of the soon to be released features on the new app.
Golf Canada member features
Golf Canada members will enjoy a suite of additional features in the app as part of a three-stage rollout throughout the summer including golf games like Wolf or Skins, real-time course GPS and Shot Tracer technology.
Golf Digest said 37 percent of respondents between 18-34 bring a portable speaker to the course. Others might prefer to keep their music to themselves and go the earphone route to avoid disrupting others.
what are some of your favourite songs to listen to while golfing?
“Golf is one of those sports where it takes up a good amount of time, so I have no issue with listening to music, even while playing, but I don’t think it should be 100 percent of the time,” says Golf Canada Men’s National Team Head Coach Derek Ingram.
He says for the athletes he works with, he’s training them to practice and play “under the gun” and they tend not to play tunes during the final round on the PGA Tour, he jokes. But while there may still be discomfort with cranking it up on the course, listening to music while practicing may have some benefits.
“I think it actually accesses part of the brain that allows us to be more creative and more athletic as well,” Ingram says. “There’s no issue with a portion of the practice listening to music and enjoying music, but I would say the right percentage depending on the individual.”
It’s nearly unavoidable to go a week on the PGA or LPGA Tour without having music be part of the tournament in some capacity.
The PGA and LPGA Tour have both introduced music into their tournament schedules over the last couple of seasons. Both tours have introduced team events (with Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes teeing it up in New Orleans while Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp got together in Michigan) and the Canadian duos arrived at the first tee to “walk-up music” not unlike what you see at a baseball game before a hitter steps into the box.
Music has become a key part of many successful PGA Tour events where DJs (not Dustin Johnson, in this case) will play sets or keep music going between groups if appropriate, and concerts have become a staple event during tournament week.
At least year’s RBC Canadian Open the RBCxMusic Concert Series brought Canadian rockers The Glorious Sons and country mega-duo Florida-Georgia Line to Hamilton Golf and Country Club, which helped sell out both days of the event.
[caption id="attachment_95064" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
RBCxMusic Concert Series at the 2019 RBC Canadian Open featuring Florida Georgia Line and the Glorious Sons[/caption]
And a couple of years ago while Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Smylie Kaufman, and Rickie Fowler went on their infamous buddies trip to the Caribbean all of their rounds of golf were filled with music (and were without shirts).
If you’ve got a Bluetooth speaker in your cart or dangling from your trolley, just be mindful of those around you.
While many come to the golf course for fun or frivolity, there’s a good portion of courses and golfers who prefer to have Mother Nature play her own music – so understand your golf environment and keep the volume to just what you and your group can hear.
But this summer while celebrating all of Canada’s fabulous layouts, why not experiment with listening to some of country’s finest musical acts?
Bands like The Tragically Hip, The Arkells, and Rush are perfect for the cottage, they’re great for the course, too – and who knows, you might even improve your game thanks to music.
Some Tune Tips
Always ask other players if you can play music and what they might want to hear
Understand your environment – not every course and golfer feel the same about music during a round
Make sure the music is at a manageable volume
Consider earphones to enjoy tunes without disrupting others
Have fun with it – music makes almost every situation (a BBQ, the beach, a backyard party) better. The golf course should be no different.
Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation have joined together to launch the COVID-19 GOLF RELIEF FUND, to support golf courses in helping employees and golfers stay safe while also thanking front-line workers through encouraging additional play and welcoming juniors to further experience the game.
During the pandemic, golf has experienced a booming resurgence, emerging as one of the safest recreational activities for Canadians to enjoy and highlighting the physical and mental benefits that the sport provides.
Developed in consultation with key stakeholders, the RELIEF FUND will focus on two primary areas:
1) SAFETY: To help maintain the momentum of golf, the RELIEF FUND will subsidize non-medical PPE (personal protective equipment) for golf course employees, as well as sanitization, hygiene, and protective material expenses.
2) FUN: To thank front-line workers and help juniors increase social interactions and outdoor activity during the pandemic, the RELIEF FUND will subsidize rounds for both groups to enjoy playing golf.
“We find ourselves in a very surprising but special moment for golf and we wanted to show appreciation to the courses providing a safe golf experience and to all Canadians who are coming out and playing. We also wanted to thank our incredible front-line workers who are leading us through unprecedented adversity,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “We are sensitive to the ongoing pandemic and amongst the crushing impact, golf has been a bright spot. This has also been a difficult year for so many kids who have had their summers disrupted and we wanted to support our member clubs in providing youth a healthy outlet through golf.”
Golf Canada member clubs who apply for the RELIEF FUND will be eligible for subsidies up to a maximum of $1,000 per club, with applications opening on August 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.
The RELIEF FUND will launch to the public July 28, across Golf Canada’s digital network, throughout Golf Canada member clubs, Ascend Fundraising Solutions’ marketing platforms, and the Provincial Golf Associations.
In addition to welcoming donations to support the RELIEF FUND, golfers and golf fans across the country will be able to support by participating in a four-week digital sweepstakes campaign featuring significant prizing across Canada and the U.S. in 2021.
“We have taken the challenge of the pandemic to pivot our donation efforts as a rallying point for the Canadian golf community,” said Martin Barnard, CEO of the Golf Canada Foundation. “Golf has always been a driver for significant charitable giving and the cancellation of so many fundraising events through the pandemic has been difficult. Partners and donors have embraced the idea of a golf specific relief fund that supports front-line workers and juniors, and also helps to keep industry employees safe throughout the season.”
The Grand prize includes a VIP hospitality experience at the 2021 RBC Canadian Open at St. Georges Golf and Country Club. The early-bird prize package to be drawn on August 12 features a spectacular stay-and-play experience at Cabot Links and Cliffs. Tickets for the sweepstakes can be purchased at www.golfcanadasweeps.com and will be available for sale until August 27.
Currently at close to $350,000 before launching to the public, the RELIEF FUND is proudly and graciously supported by the R&A, PGA TOUR, USGA, PGA of Canada, Bear Mountain Resort, Cabot Cape Breton, and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.
Team Canada alumni and PGA TOUR winner Adam Hadwin has personally supported the RELIEF FUND, as part of his effort to give back once the RBC Canadian Open had been cancelled.
RBC Ambassador and three-time PGA TOUR winner Ryan Palmer also has donated to the RELIEF FUND through a fundraising challenge specifically created to help the charities of tournaments that were cancelled due to the pandemic.
Donations to the RELIEF FUND will be accepted throughout the golf season and more contributions will be announced over the course of the campaign as partners and donors join in supporting the cause.
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Melanson Captures NB Senior Men's & Super-Senior Championship Crowns
Gary Melanson, 2020 Champion
For Immediate Release:
Established in 1925, the Miramichi Golf & Country Club has proved to be one of New Brunswick’s many premier championship venues and most recently hosted the 2018 NB Ladies Provincial Championships. The Par-71 6,100-yard T.F Robinson design features tight fairways that require immense accuracy off the tee. The 54-Hole Competition has provided the ultimate test for players as 99 of the provinces most elite golfers aged 55 years and older met in Miramichi to prove their worth in the race for New Brunswick’s 2020 Senior Men’s Championship.
This year’s championship event would be a tale of 3 days and 3 very different rounds as players were greeted with high humidity and fair scoring conditions on Monday’s opening round, then transitioning into Tuesday’s second round which saw the low score of the day restricted to an Even-Par 71. Players took to the course on Wednesday for the final round of the 2020 NB Senior Championship which saw the field compete for both the Senior Championship Title and the Super-Senior Championship.
The overnight leader, Darren Ritchie of the Hampton Golf Club was joined in Wednesday’s final pairing by Gary Melanson of Covered Bridge and Bob Brown of West Hills who were both hopeful to apply pressure to Ritchie’s lead during Wednesday’s round. A hot and humid afternoon set the tone for a friendly, yet competitive final round between the three players.
Players were met by a challenging Miramichi Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, fitting final day conditions after the first two rounds of the championship. Covered Bridge’s Gary Melanson was unphased by the heat and humidity that faced the field and relied on his consistent swing and the use of his trusty hickory golf clubs to record an impressive 1-Under Par 70 performance in his final round- tournament total 3-Over Par, 216 (75, 71, 70). A short-sided birdie chip stood between Melanson and the 2020 NB Senior and Super-Senior Titles on the 18th hole which he casually rolled into Miramichi’s COVID-19 altered cups to secure his two championship crowns. An impressive run of play over three rounds was sealed with composure as a small group of players watched the Woodstock native add to his already impressive record of New Brunswick Provincial Championships. Finishing the event in second is Dan Coulombe of West Hills Golf Course who carded a final round 1-Under Par 70 – tournament total 4-Over Par, 219 (76, 73, 70). Hampton’s Darren Ritchie finishes the event in third after a final-round score of 7-Over Par 78 – tournament total 8-Over Par, 219 (71, 72, 78).
Melanson’s impressive play during the championship has led to the Covered Bridge member leaving with two championships. In addition to the 2020 NB Senior Men’s Championship, Melanson has also won the Super-Senior Title, eligible for players aged 65 and over. Fredericton’s Sonny Phillips places second in the Super-Senior Division, the 2019 Champion completed a final round of 7-Over Par (78)- tournament total 14-Over Par, 227 (70, 79, 78). Fox Creeks’ Jean Leblanc joins Melanson and Phillips ontop of the Super-Senior Leaderboard after recording a 4-Over Par (75) in Wednesday’s final round – tournament total 23-Over Par, 236 (77, 84, 75).
Known for his unique style on the course and his use of replica hickory golf clubs, Melanson is coming off of 40 plus days of consecutive rounds, including his victory at the 2020 PEI Amateur Championships where he captured the Senior Title on Sunday. Adding to his accolades this week, Melanson captured the Golf NB Dormie Workshop Par-3 Challenge. The challenge was created to reward the player who performs the best on the Par-3’s during the course of the championship. After three rounds of play, Melanson was 2-Under on Miramichi’s Par-3’s which secured the challenge title over West Hills’ Dan Coulombe. Gary will receive a custom prize from Dormie Workshop for his victory.
NB SENIOR MEN’S LEADERBOARDGOLF NB DORMIE WORKSHOP PAR-3 CHALLENGE LEADERBOARD
The 2020 NB Men’s Senior Championship marks the end to Golf NB’s Championship Schedule for the 2020 season. The support from clubs and players has allowed Golf NB to carry on with three of its Championship Events and leaves hope for a closer to normal 2021 schedule for golfers and clubs in the province.
Congratulations to our 2020 Champions:
NB Junior Girls Under-19 Champion- Julie Gauvin, Fox Creek Golf Club
NB Junior Girls Under-17 Champion- Stéphanie Roy, Fox Creek Golf Club
NB Junior Girls Under-15 Champion- Addison McClune, The Riverside
NB Junior Boys Under-19 Champion- Daniel Kirby, JH Sports
NB Junior Boys Under-17 Champion- Julien Babineau, Fox Creek Golf Club
NB Junior Boys Under-15 Champion- Jacob LeBlanc, Fox Creek Golf Club
NB Men’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Champion- Alex Palmer, The Riverside
NB Men’s Mid-Master Champion- Stu Musgrave, Country Meadows
NB Men’s Senior & Super-Senior Champion- Gary Melanson, Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club
Dormie Workshop Par-3 Challenge Champions:
Mackenzie Deveau, Royal Oaks Golf Club
Keegan Miller, Hampton Golf Club
Alex Palmer, The Riverside
Gary Melanson, Covered Bridge Golf & Country Club
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 6,800 members include 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.
Ritchie leads the NB Senior Men's Championship heading into Wednesday's Final Round
For Immediate Release:
A pristine venue for a field full of New Brunswick’s top players aged 55 years and older, Miramichi plays host to the 2020 NB Senior Men’s Championships. 99 of the provinces most elite players converged at the T.F. Robinson design to test their skills on one of the provinces’ most challenging championship courses.
Tuesday saw the conclusion of round two as players were treated to more calming temperatures with lower humidity levels in Miramichi. Leading the field on Tuesday morning were the overnight leaders- Bob Brown of West Hills Golf Course, Sonny Phillips of the Fredericton Golf Club, and Darren Ritchie of the Hampton Golf Club.
Hampton’s Darren Ritchie took full advantage of the scoring conditions he was presented in the morning. Miramichi’s tight fairways and complex green structures paired with the firm and fast conditions led to higher than average scores during Tuesday’s second round. Ritchie’s 1-Over Par 72 performance would go on to be one of the lower rounds on the day as the course presented obscure challenges for which it is known for. A tournament total of 143, 1-Over Par sees Ritchie hold the lead in the NB Senior Men’s Championship as the competition transitions into Wednesday’s final round. Sitting three strokes behind Ritchie is Covered Bridge’s Gary Melanson. Melanson’s second round 71, Even-Par was the low round of the day as the Woodstock Native was able to add to his first-round 4-Over Par 75 to carry a tournament total of 4-Over Par, 146 into the final round. Bob Brown of West Hills Golf Course rounds out the Senior Division top three and will join Ritchie and Melanson in Wednesday’s Final Pairing.
In the Super-Senior Division which is comprised of field players aged 65 and over, Gary Melanson of Covered Bridge leads the chase of the 2020 Championship title. At 4-Over Par, 146 through 2 rounds, Melanson holds a 3 stroke lead over the Fredericton Golf Club’s Sonny Phillips who’s trying second round saw him record an 8-Over Par 79. The 2019 Champion will be looking to complete a comeback against Melanson on Wednesday as the two players will provide no shortage of entertainment in their hunt for the 2020 crown. Melanson who is known for his unique style on the course and his use of replica hickory golf clubs is coming off a victory at the PEI Senior Men’s Provincial Amateur Championship on Sunday at Andersons Creek. Robert Smith of Restigouche finds himself in third place in the Super-Senior Division after rounds of 82 and 76 making him 16-Over Par for the event and 9 strokes off of Phillips.
Leading the Golf NB Dormie Workshop Par-3 Challenge is Fox Creek’s Mike Jeffery and Gary Melanson of Covered Bridge. After two rounds of play, the pair are both 2-Under Par on Miramichi’s Par-3’s. The player who performs the best on the Par-3’s during the course of the championship will receive a custom prize from Dormie Workshop.
The third and final round play of the 2020 NB Men’s Senior Championship begins at 7:30 AM on Wednesday. The final pairing will see the leaders take to the course in their quest for the 2020 NB Senior & Super-Senior Championship titles.
NB SENIOR MEN’S FINAL ROUND PAIRINGSNB SENIOR MEN’S LEADERBOARDGOLF NB DORMIE WORKSHOP PAR-3 CHALLENGE LEADERBOARD
Established in 1925, the Miramichi Golf & Country Club has proved to be one of New Brunswick’s many premier championship venues and most recently hosted the 2018 NB Ladies Provincial Championships. The Par-71 6,100-yard T.F Robinson design features tight fairways that will require immense accuracy off the tee. The 54-Hole Competition will provide the ultimate test for players as they look to prove their worth in the race for New Brunswick’s 2020 Senior Men’s Champion.
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 6,800 members include 12 provincial events, rules of golf education, course rating and handicap services, junior golf development programs and member club marketing initiatives.
