Golf Canada's 2020 National Amateur Championships cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
Tsawwassen, BC – 03 August 2018 – Canadian Junior Girls Championship at Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen, BC. (Chuck Russell/Golf Canada)
OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Due to continued health concerns as well as government restrictions on travel and group gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, Golf Canada has cancelled all of its amateur golf competitions for the duration of the 2020 season.
The National Sport Federation had previously announced the cancellation or postponement of a number of its junior and amateur competitions scheduled through mid-June.
“National amateur competitions have been a proud focus throughout our 125-year history and while we share in the disappointment of competitors, our host clubs and event volunteers, the most important consideration is the health and safety of the people who come together at our championships,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Ongoing travel restrictions—both international and across some provincial borders—in addition to continued restrictions on larger group gatherings and limitations on player training were significant contributors to this decision. We are also sensitive to the needs of our host clubs to ensure a safe and healthy environment for their staff and members.”
The 107th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, one of the top-ranked women’s amateur events in the world that attracts many international athletes, was scheduled to begin in five weeks at The Royal Montreal Golf Club from July 21-24. In addition, the 116th Canadian Men’s Amateur which features a 264-player field was scheduled to take place at The Glencoe Golf & Country Club in Calgary, Alta. from August 3-6 – marking the 125th anniversary of this storied championship. The cancellations will mark the first time since the second World War where these two national championships will not be conducted.
Golf Canada has also announced that the National Orders of Merit will not be awarded in 2020. The purpose of the points-based rankings is to identify and give recognition top-performing male and female amateur and junior golfers across Canada who have achieved success in the golf season. The decision to not award the Orders of Merit was made recognizing the varying access Canadian golfers will have to domestic and international competitions, and the resulting difficulty in running an equitable ranking system. Golf Canada will look to resume the Orders of Merit on September 1st, 2020 for the 2021 rankings. For more information, please visit the National Orders of Merit page by clicking here.
Golf Canada and Golf Ontario previously announced the cancellation of the 7th annual World Junior Girls Championship, scheduled for September 30 – October 3, 2020 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.
Golf Canada annually conducts more than 20 championships nation-wide which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf referees, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Sport Canada, Levelwear, Titleist and FootJoy. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/competitions.
all golf courses across Canada permitted to open, golfers are encouraged to post their scores when they tee it up this season.
Posting your scores is absolutely important to maintain a consistent Handicap Index as part of the unified World Handicap System.
As a safety measure under COVID-19 protocols, golfers are not permitted to use kiosks found at local clubs or pro shops until further notice to reduce social touch points.
Login at golfcanada.ca
Visit golfcanada.ca
Click “Post a Score”
Login using your member credentials
If you have forgotten your password, follow the prompts or click here
Post your score
Choose the golf course
Enter all applicable information
Members are encouraged to post scores hole-by-hole in order to ensure the correct adjustment of Net Double Bogey (your maximum hole score for handicap purposes)
Post using the Golf Canada mobile app
Open the mobile app on your Apple or Android device
Tap the Post a Score button
Choose the golf course
Members are encouraged to enter hole-by-hole scores
Post your score
How do I track my stats?
Members can enter their statistics for each game by selecting which stats they wish to maintain such as Fairways in Regulation (FIR), Putts, Penalty Strokes, Driving Distance etc.
Post their score Hole-By-Hole and select “Yes” in the “Track Stats” bar.
Enter in the statistical fields they wish to track and click “Post Score.”
How do I delete or edit a score?
Members can edit their scores at any time but can only delete an unedited score within 24 hours from the time the score was posted. After 24 hours or if an edit has been made, only the club administrator can delete a score. Scores that are edited will be denoted by a “#” beside the score in the scoring record.
Click on the “Pencil” icon to the right of the appropriate score.
Make the adjustment(s) to the score and click “Post Score.”
There may be some clubs that have changed their default setting (which may not allow golfers to edit or delete at all).
What if the course I played isn’t found in the directory?
If the club a golfer is looking for is not listed, please notify Golf Canada at members@golfcanada.ca or 1.800.263.0009 x4520. All member courses in Canada will appear in the course directory. Please note that courses that are not current members in Canada do not have valid course and slope ratings and scores from these courses cannot be entered for handicap purposes.
Not a member? Join Canada’s largest golf community here.
St. George’s Golf and Country Club agrees to host 2021 RBC Canadian Open
Photo by Brent Foster
TORONTO – Golf Canada and title sponsor RBC have confirmed that the membership of St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto has agreed to host the 2021 RBC Canadian Open, with nearby Islington Golf Club housing the official practice facility for the tournament.
The two facilities were scheduled to host the 2020 RBC Canadian Open this week (June 8-14), prior to the event being cancelled because of international travel and government restrictions related to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
“Together with our partners at RBC and the PGA TOUR, we are very pleased with the overwhelming support by the members of St. George’s Golf and Country Club to host the RBC Canadian Open in 2021,” said Golf Canada CEO, Laurence Applebaum. “The cancelation of our 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic was disappointing and there is now a great enthusiasm as we pivot our full efforts alongside our partners and team of volunteers to making 2021 a great success. I want to thank the membership and the board of directors at both St. George’s and Islington for continuing in this journey towards what will be a truly special edition of the RBC Canadian Open.”
“We are thrilled to host the 2021 RBC Canadian Open at St. George’s Golf and Country Club,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “As one of the top five golf courses in Canada, and one of the top 30 in the world, St. George’s is not only an incredible golf course but a world-class venue. Building off of last year’s momentum, we look forward to working together with our partners at Golf Canada and the PGA TOUR to make next year’s event one to remember.”
A date for the 2021 RBC Canadian Open is not yet confirmed and will be made public as part of the PGA TOUR’s 2021-22 tournament schedule announcement.
St. George’s Golf and Country Club has previously hosted the RBC Canadian Open on five occasions, dating as far back as 1933 and most recently in 2010.
Part of the FedExCup and conducted by Golf Canada for more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open provides an opportunity for Canada’s top talents to compete against the world’s best golfers while also leaving a significant impact in the event’s host community. The RBC Canadian Open is proud to support the Golf Canada Foundation as the event’s official charity partner. Established in 1904, Canada’s national open golf championship is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Audi, Acushnet, Steam Whistle, Hilton, Levelwear, Coca-Cola and the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada.]]>
th, Golf Courses have been granted permission to operate at their own discretion as long as they have an Operations Plan in place that meets or exceeds the general guidelines from Public Health paving the way for Reduced Tee Time Intervals, Renting of Pull Carts, Opening of Retail Shops, and Expanded Food & Beverage Services.
The opening of Golf Courses across the province has been a fluid situation. With the introduction of the “Orange Phase“on May 8th, Golf Courses now have the ability to manage their facility and aspects of their operations as they see fit and with the health and well-being of members and staff as a top priority. During the provincial re-opening stages, Golf NB has provided clubs with recommendations and guidance on operations during COVID-19 along with select mandated requirements as implemented by the Province of New Brunswick. The Friends & Family Bubble was introduced when the province transitioned into the “Yellow Phase” of its COVID-19 Re-Activation Phases on May 22nd. The Yellow Phase presents facilities with the option to allow Bubble Family and Friends to share a cart together. While this option is now available, it is up to individual clubs to determine if they wish to make this option available to their members.* Please note that all areas of New Brunswick are currently in Phase Yellow, excluding ZONE 5 which remains in Orange Phase.
While golf clubs have been given flexibility, services will vary from club to club, and golfers should note that there are several restrictions that are still in place, which for the time being will be consistent across the province, including but not limited too;
Power Carts may only be used by one individual for the duration of the round. NOTE: Carts may be shared with members of a Friends & Family Bubble
Exemptions to the above apply if occupants reside in the same household and bubble families and friends. Be advised, each club will have their own policies surrounding whether members of “bubble families and friends” can share a power cart or not. Golfers should ALWAYS defer to the instructions and guidelines as set forth by the golf course.
Flag Sticks- Golfers can continue to expect to be asked not to touch the flagstick, and leave the flag still in the cup at all times.
Raised Cups- Raised cups are no longer required, but golfers can expect to see facilities continue to reduce a golfer’s ability to remove their ball from the hole. Clubs may choose to use a “hands-free” ball retrieval device or may continue to block the cup entirely.
TouchPoints- It is Golf NB’s recommendation that facilities continue to eliminate touchpoints on the course which includes but is not limited to Bunker Rakes, Ball Washers, and Benches.
Golf NB would like to thank all of our Member Facilities and Players for their continued support during these unprecedented times. Clubs across the province have been working tirelessly in order to safely operate and continue to keep players and staff health and safety as a top priority.
As a player, you can assist clubs in creating a safe environment by doing the following:
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MARKHAM, ONT. – With continued public health concerns due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario has cancelled the 2020 World Junior Girls Championship, scheduled to take place September 28 to October 3 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.
“The well-being of all athletes, international delegates, host club staff and volunteers is our top priority and while we share in the disappointment felt by all, cancelling the 2020 World Junior Girls Championship is the most sensible and safest course of action to take at this time,” said Golf Canada CEO, Laurence Applebaum.
In addition to ongoing health concerns and uncertainty around the pandemic, a number of physical barriers contributed to the cancellation including international travel restrictions, limitations on mass gatherings, the inability for all participants to prepare and train equally, and the financial capacity of participating national golf bodies during this difficult time.
The 2020 event was expected to welcome 78 athletes from 25 countries including two Canadian teams.
“We understand that all of our athletes, coaches and international delegations continue to be impacted by the pandemic and the only course of responsible action was a cancelation,” said Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario Executive Director. “We would like to thank Angus Glen along with all of our proud event partners and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the championship when it is safe to do so.”
The 2021 World Junior Girls Championship will be contested at Angus Glen Golf Club from September 27 to October 2.
“We share in the disappointment felt by all members of the international golfing community, especially the athletes who have worked so hard to compete at this level of competition,” said Cailey Stollery, Chief Executive Officer of Angus Glen and Kylemore Group of Companies. “Ultimately, the health and safety of everyone involved in the championship is most important and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Angus Glen for the 2021 championship.”
The World Junior Girls Championship is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the R&A and the International Golf Federation. Recognized as an ‘A’ ranked event by the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), the 2020 World Junior Girls Championship would have marked the 7th playing of the event.]]>
Golf NB Finalizes 2020 Event & Championships Schedule
For Immediate Release:
With the ongoing uncertainty and global concern related to COVID-19, Golf NB has continued to evaluate all aspects of its business to operate and make informed and responsible decisions within the best interests of our athletes, staff, volunteers, host clubs, partners and other stakeholders health and well-being.
Further to the already announced event cancellations (CLICK HERE) and after great deliberation, the Golf NB Executive Committee announces the following changes and amendments to its 2020 Golf NB Event & Championships Schedule;
Golf NB Event Confirmations – Golf NB is pleased to announce that the following Golf NB Events & Championships have been confirmed for the 2020 golf season and will be operated under a revised set of guidelines and protocols that will be announced in the coming weeks.
As part of its ongoing COVID-19 response, Golf NB has cancelled the 2020 East Coast Junior Championship, NB Pee Wee (U-12) Boys & Girls Championships, NB Family Classic & Adult Junior and the Jim Connolly “Little Swingers” events. Additionally, the NB Bantam (U-15), Juvenile (U-17) and Junior (U-19) Boys & Girls Championships and Men’s Mid-Master Championship will be contested as part of their respective 2020 NB Ladies and Men’s Amateur Championships, as outlined below;
NB Ladies Provincial Championships – July 5 to 7, 2020
Lakeside Golf & Country Club
The NB Ladies Provincial Championship will consist of the following divisions resulting in the naming of the following 2020 Provincial Champions;
NB Bantam Girls (Under 15) Provincial Championship
NB Juvenile Girls (Under 17) Provincial Championship
NB Junior Girls (Under 19) Provincial Championship
NB Women’s Amateur (All ages) Provincial Championship
NB Women’s Mid-Amateur (25+) Provincial Championship
NB Women’s Senior (50+) Provincial Championship
NB Women’s Super-Senior (60+) Provincial Championship
Women’s Platinum Division (70+) NOT a Provincial Championship (Divisional Prizing Only)
NB Men’s Amateur Championship – July 10 to 12, 2020
Royal Oaks Golf Club
The NB Men’s Amateur Championship will consist of the following divisions resulting in the naming of the following 2020 Provincial Champions;
NB Bantam Boys (Under 15) Provincial Championship
NB Juvenile Boys (Under 17) Provincial Championship
NB Junior Boys (Under 19) Provincial Championship
NB Men’s Amateur (All ages) Provincial Championship
NB Men’s Mid-Amateur (25+) Provincial Championship
NB Men’s Mid-Master (40+) Provincial Championship
Senior Men’s Division NOT a Provincial Championship & played from a forward tee
NB Senior Men’s Championship – July 20 to 22, 2020
Miramichi Golf & Country Club
The NB Senior Men’s Championship will consist of the following divisions resulting in the naming of the following 2020 Provincial Champions;
NB Senior Men’s (55+) Provincial Championship
NB Senior Men’s (65+) Provincial Championship
Golf NB Event Cancellations – With the continued closures of provincial borders, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the availability of hotels, restaurants and general food & beverage options, combined with Golf NB’s desire to limit any unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 for staff and volunteers the Golf NB Executive Committee regretfully announces the cancellation of the following 2020 Events & Championships;
East Coast Junior Championship (Cancelled) – June 23 & 24, 2020
NB Pee Wee Championships (Cancelled) – June 30 & July 1, 2020
NB Junior Championship (See Amateurs) – June 30 to July 2, 2020
See NB Ladies Provincials & NB Men’s Amateur Championship for more information
NB Mid-Master Championship (Men’s Amateur) – July 20 to 22, 2020
See NB Men’s Amateur Championship for more information
NB Family Classic & Adult Jr. (Cancelled) – August 10, 2020
Jim Connolly “Little Swingers” (Cancelled) – August 10, 2020
ServiceMaster NB Golf Fore The Cure (Cancelled) – August 19-2020
Golf NB Event Restrictions and Operational Changes – In addition, the event postponements, confirmations, and cancellations noted above, Golf NB will be implementing the following event restrictions and operational changes for all 2020 events and championships;
1. Golf Only – All Golf NB events and championships will be “Golf Only”. Golf NB will not be providing any food and beverage or hosting any social functions as part of its 2020 events or championships. Additionally, any gatherings at or around the club will be subject to the respective golf course “Operational Plan” and mandated Public Health Guidelines as set forth by the Province of New Brunswick.
2. Tee Times – All Golf NB events will consist of a 1st tee start only. “Split tees” or “Shotgun” starts will not be used at any point.
3. Maximum Field Sizes – In an effort to ensure efficient movement of participants around the property, as well as to provide the greatest opportunity to meet all required physical distancing measures, the maximum field size for the NB Ladies Provincials and NB Senior Men’s Championships will be reduced to 99 participants. The maximum field size for the NB Men’s Amateur Championship will be reduced to 144 participants.
4. Protected Field Sizes – In an effort to ensure the integrity of all field sizes and championships, Golf NB will be implementing “Protected Field Sizes” for both the 2020 NB Ladies Provincial Championships and Men’s Amateur Championships. The fields for 2020 Golf NB Events & Championships will be protected as follows
5. No Spectators or Caddies – In an effort to limit the number of individuals on, and around, the golf course at any given time, Golf NB will be implementing a strict no spectator or caddies policy for all events. Players found to have spectators following their group or choosing to use a caddie during their round will be subject to discipline under Golf NB’s Player Code of Conduct.
6. Player Residency Requirements – 2020 Golf NB events and championships will be restricted to New Brunswick residents only. Out of province participants, MAY be granted exemptions provided they have been living within the province of New Brunswick for a minimum of 14 days prior to the first round of competition (ex. Individuals who have summer properties in NB and are living in NB at the time of the championship).
7. Prize Presentation – There will be no prize presentation following the completion of the competition. Prize winners will be posted on the Golf NB Tournament Information Page and Golf NB Gift Certificate will be mailed to all winners following the completion of the event. A complete list of 2020 Golf NB Championship Guidelines will be distributed to competitors prior to each event and championships.
2020 Provincial Teams– While Golf Canada has yet to make any announcements regarding the status of its various 2020 National Championships, given the association’s uncertain financial situation due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Golf NB Executive Committee has decided that no Provincial Teams will be named for Golf Canada National Championships in 2020. Additionally, Golf NB will provide no financial or human resources support to players choosing to attend a National Championship as an exempt player.
National Championship Exemptions– Golf NB will continue to allocate available exemptions into Golf Canada events and championships, should they proceed, based on player’s result at the applicable Provincial Championships.
Golf NB Event Cancellation Policy – All Event & Championship protocols, as published on March 17, 2020, will remain in effect, until further notice, for all other 2020 Golf NB Events & Championships;
Golf NB strongly recommends that competitors enter any events scheduled in which they intend to play this season. In the event, Golf NB cancels the event or the competitor needs to withdraw, entry fees will be 100% refunded.
Golf NB will require 25% of the maximum field as outlined in the Tournament Information Page for each event. If Golf NB cancels the event as a result of insufficient registrations, entry fees will be 100% refunded.
Championships will be cancelled not postponed.
A complete list of Golf NB Events and Championships is available by CLICKING HERE.
The decision to cancel competitions, implement new restrictions, and amend event operations as noted above was not taken lightly. However, given these unprecedented times, Golf NB believes it is the best course of action. The safety and well-being of our championship competitors, tournament staff and volunteers along with your club’s members and staff are paramount to Golf NB and we feel it is incumbent upon the organization to do everything in our power to name our Provincial Champions while limiting any unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 for all involved.
Golf NB shares in the disappointment of clubs, players, and volunteers and we thank the New Brunswick golf community for its patience and understanding during this extraordinary time.
Please direct any questions by email to:
Tyson Flinn
Golf NB Executive Director
tflinn@golfnb.ca
Luke Lacey
Golf NB Director of Promotions & Member Services
llacey@golfnb.ca]]>
Golf Canada is pleased to announce the formation of the Golf Industry Advisory Council, a volunteer group comprised of experienced professionals who will bring a golf industry voice to support Golf Canada’s Board of Directors and management team.
Reporting to Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, the Golf Industry Advisory Council will be composed of eight to 13 members with backgrounds, skill sets and experiences from across the golf landscape. The Council will include course owners and operators; club general managers; golf course superintendents; PGA of Canada professionals; and executives from the golf equipment, apparel and footwear industry.
“Deepening our engagement, dialogue and collaboration with course operators and the Canadian golf industry at large is core to Golf Canada’s strategic plan and the catalyst to forming the Golf Industry Advisory Council,” said Golf Canada President Charlie Beaulieu. “The expertise of the Council will be extremely impactful in providing the Board and our management team greater understanding of the priorities and critical activities of our golf industry partners with whom we share a commitment to the overall health of the sport. ”
The Council Chair will be designated by Golf Canada’s Board of Directors and may serve a maximum of two one-year terms. Members of the Council will be nominated by the Officers of Golf Canada (President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice-President and Immediate Past President) along with CEO Laurence Applebaum in consult with the Chair and staff representative of the Council.
Golf Canada Adjusts Composition of its Board; Welcomes Two New Directors
In addition to the formation of the Golf Industry Advisory Council, Golf Canada’s Board of Directors has also adjusted the composition of the Board from a fixed number of 11 members to a more flexible model of eight to 13 members which will include the new Industry Advisory Council Chair as well as an additional Director at Large.
With this adjustment, Golf Canada is pleased to welcome two experienced golf industry leaders as new Directors on the Board—Clublink Chairman and CEO Rai Sahi as well as Shawn Evans, President and CEO of Golf North Properties. Between Clublink and Golf North, Sahi and Evans collectively represent 85 of Golf Canada’s member clubs.
Sahi and Evans join the Board of Golf Canada which includes Charlie Beaulieu of Lorraine, Que. (President); Liz Hoffman of Thornhill, Ont. (1st Vice-President); Dale Jackson of Victoria (2nd Vice-President; Rob MacDonald of Winnipeg; Susan MacKinnon of Calgary; David McCarthy of Toronto; Adam Daifallah of Montreal; Jean Stone-Seguin of Ottawa; Patrick Kelly of Vancouver; Paul Beaudry of Calgary; and Alison Chisholm of Miramichi, N.B.]]>
Rules of Handicapping under golf's World Handicap System | Webinar Series
Golf Canada is the Authorized National body that is responsible for implementing and administering the Rules of Handicapping in Canada in co-operation with the provincial golf associations.
The purpose of the World Handicap System (WHS) is to make the game of golf more enjoyable for golfers by providing a consistent means of measuring one’s performance and progress and to enable golfers of differing abilities to compete or play a casual round, with anyone else on a fair and equal basis.
With the return to golf, it is important that our golfers understand the WHS changes. To help with that, we have created an online presentation that highlights the major changes to the Rules of Handicapping. By comparing the Rules of Handicapping to the previous system, and providing explanations as to the reasons for the change, our golfers will have a better understanding and be able to feel confident as they continue to post scores.
The videos can be accessed in both English and French.
MORE: http://www.golfcanada.ca/handicapping]]>
Woods, Manning win a TV charity match as good as real thing
HOBE SOUND, FLORIDA - MAY 24: Tiger Woods and former NFL player Peyton Manning celebrate defeating Phil Mickelson and NFL player Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the 18th green during The Match: Champions For Charity at Medalist Golf Club on May 24, 2020 in Hobe Sound, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images for The Match)
golf to TV, this exhibition was as entertaining as the real thing.
Woods lagged a long birdie putt close enough that his partner, Peyton Manning, didn’t have to putt. That secured a 1-up victory over Mickelson and Brady in “The Match: Champions for Charity.”
The goal was to raise $10 million or more for COVID-19 relief funds, and online donations sent money climbing toward about twice that much.
This made-for-TV exhibition would have been worth pay-per-view, the model Woods and Mickelson used for a $9 million winner-take-all match in Las Vegas over Thanksgiving weekend in 2018 that Mickelson won in a playoff under lights. It felt forced, lacked banter and turned out to free because of technical issues.
Throw in two NFL greats in Brady and Manning, and this allowed viewers to ride along for 18 holes at Medalist Golf Club among four of the biggest stars in sports.
Justin Thomas pitched in as an on-course reporter, bringing a mixture of humour and insight with the right amount of words.
Woods and Manning took the lead on the third hole and never trailed, building a 3-up lead in fourballs on the front nine, with Manning making two birdies (one was a net par).
Brady, whose six Super Bowl titles are more than any NFL quarterback in history, took a beating on social media and in the broadcast booth from Charles Barkley, who twice offered $50,000 of his own money toward charity if Brady just hit the green on a par 3. He missed so far right it would be comparable to a pass that landed three rows into the stands.
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton weighed in on Twitter, noting Brady signing as a free agent with Tampa Bay by saying he liked the “Florida” Brady much better.
Brooks Koepka offered $100,000 if Brady could just make a par.
https://twitter.com/BKoepka/status/1264663710867623936
One shot shut everyone up.
Never mind that Brady had to take a penalty drop before getting back to the fairway on the par-5 seventh. With his fourth shot, with Barkley needling him relentlessly, Brady’s shot landed beyond the pin and spun back into the cup.
“Shut your mouth, Chuck,” said Brady, whose microphone piece dangled off the back of his pants.
Woods still thought he won the hole with a 25-foot eagle putt that instead spun hard off the back of the lip. All that, and they ended up halving the hole.
Donations for COVID-19 relief funds kept piling up, and the entertainment didn’t stop even as the rain returned. It caused a 45-minute delay at the start, and as Woods said on the practice range, “I don’t normally play in conditions like this.”
Mickelson brought out his “Tiger Slayer” putter that he used to shoot 64 at Pebble Beach in 2012, the last time they were in the final group on the PGA Tour. Woods shot 75 that day. It didn’t help Lefty with a few critical birdie putts to square the match, though he rolled in a 15-foot par putt to stay 1 down with two to play.
The back nine was modified alternate shot – all players hit tee shots, and it was alternate shot from there. It was key for the quarterbacks to find the fairway for the pros to hit shots into the green, and Brady came through until the 18th.
Woods was playing for the first time since Feb. 16 when he finished last at Riviera in Los Angeles. He chose not to play the next four weeks with his back not feeling just right, and then the pandemic shut down golf and sports worldwide.
Woods looked sharp for the most part, with his game and his words. Mickelson on the fifth hole asked Woods to mark his ball from some 80 yards away.
“You want me to mark with a U.S. Open medal?” said Woods, a three-time champion of the only major Mickelson hasn’t won.
“Do you have one? I have some silver ones,” Mickelson said, referring to his record six runner-up finishes.
Mickelson boasted about taking Woods down on his home course at Medalist, and now their TV matches are tied at 1, even with each getting a little help. Mickelson says he was a little nervous on the front nine until he found his groove, driving the green on the par-4 11th with Brady making a 20-footer for eagle that began their rally.
“Phil said he was nervous. I know Tom and I were comparing notes,” Manning said. “To be behind the ropes in these guys’ worlds, to be in the arena with them, it was really a special experience. I was not comfortable the entire time. Knowing $20 million was raised and helping people going through tough times, it was an honour to be invited.
“It’s something I’ll always remember.”]]>
