Login
Post a Score

Big Changes Atop the Alberta Men’s Mid Amateur Leader Board, as McDermott Climbs to First in Round Two

NEWS RELEASE

BIG CHANGES ATOP THE ALBERTA MEN’S MID AMATEUR LEADER BOARD, AS MCDERMOTT CLIMBS TO FIRST IN ROUND TWO
   Jordan Irwin is not far behind, with one stroke separating him from the lead going into the final round.
72fb8b5c-9d9b-438b-b571-d2f2ef80f9ba

      Pictured: Levi McDermott

PONOKA, Alta. (Alberta Golf) – Round two saw a shuffle in the leader board, as different competitors top the rankings for the 2016 Alberta Men’s Mid Amateur Championship. All three leaders going into today’s round shot over par, opening the door for Levi McDermott to seize first place and Jordan Irwin to take second.
Levi McDermott had a low scoring round, carding birdies on each par 5 that Ponoka Golf Club had to offer. “I just hit driver a lot and my driver’s been my best club in my bag,” McDermott explained when asked about how he approached today’s round. His tournament score of -3, 141, leaves him in a great position heading into the final round tomorrow.
The consistent weather in round two also proved to be an advantage for Jordan Irwin from Banff Springs. “You almost throw out the window what happened earlier and just kind of start fresh,” he explained. Irwin, a past Pacific Coast Amateur Champion and three-time member of the Alberta Willingdon Cup team, credited his putting en route to second place, just a stroke behind the leader.

Senan Foley, a three-time Alberta Men’s Mid Amateur interprovincial team member, and Paul Briske share first place on the Alberta Mid Master Championship leader board going into the championship round.

TOP 10 LEADER BOARD – MID AMATEUR 

For the full leader board, click here.


TOP 10 LEADER BOARD – MID MASTER
For the full leader board, click here.

The Alberta Men’s Mid Amateur interprovincial team will include the winner of the 2016 Mid Master Championship and the two lowest finishers from the 2016 Alberta Mid Amateur Championship, who will then compete in the 2016 Canadian Men’s Mid Amateur Championship at Golf Château-Bromont in Bromont, Quebec from August 23-26.

The conclusion of round two has reduced the field to the low 71 and ties. The final round of the 2016 Alberta Men’s Mid Amateur Championship begins tomorrow, with tee times starting at 7:00 a.m. For final round pairings, click here. For photos from the championship, click here.

-30-

For more information: 

Chloe Mansfield
Manager, Member & Public Relations
Alberta Golf
(c) 587-435-6334

Tyler Kemp
Coordinator, Communications
Alberta Golf
c 403.852.4954
(e) tylerkemp@albertagolf.org

Butt, Ritson and McKinlay Jr. In a Three-Way Tie for First After Round One

For Immediate Release
June 28, 2016

NEWS RELEASE

BUTT, RITSON AND MCKINLAY JR. IN A THREE-WAY TIE FOR FIRST AFTER ROUND ONE
   A two-hour weather delay didn’t prevent low scoring, as the top players carded -3, 69, in the first day of the Alberta Men’s Mid Amateur Championship
PONOKA, Alta. (Alberta Golf) – The second provincial championship of the season commenced with the 2016 Alberta Men’s Mid Amateur Championship. The largest field of the year, 165 competitors, (including defending champion, Kevin Temple) took to Ponoka Golf Club, aiming for a low number under threatening weather for much of the day. Other notables competing included 2015 Alberta Mid Amateur interprovincial team members, Jeff Murdoch and Brandon Markiw. Past champions within the last five years Frank Van Dornick, David Schultz and Alan Stewart are also looking to claim another provincial title. However, it would be a few stand-out performances from Justin Butt, Alexander Ritson and Tom Mckinlay Jr. that stole the show in round one.
A thunderous weather delay rolling in shortly before noon halted play for over two hours, with the competitors restarting play in a light rain that promptly turned back to blue skies. While an abrupt suspension of play can often result in competitors losing focus and failing to complete a favorable round, the inclement weather couldn’t stop Justin Butt from powering his way into a three-way tie for first.
Butt, from The Canal at Delacour Golf Course, was pleased following his 3 under score on Tuesday. He stated, “usually I shoot even – maybe a few over – so to come in at 69 is pretty good.”

When asked if there were any changes or adjustments he would like to make to his game heading into round two, he laughed and replied, “I would like to shoot the exact same number tomorrow.”

Ritson and Mckinlay Jr., who each started their round after the weather delay had been lifted, played stellar golf and earned themselves a share of first. Ritson proved consistent throughout the late afternoon, lacing together three straight birdies. He felt the wet course after the delay contributed to his success and the way he approached his play, stating “it was definitely slower for us. I wasn’t worried about being bold above the hole.”

Veteran competitor Tom Mckinlay Jr., a three-time Alberta Men’s Mid Amateur interprovincial team member, will look to break free from the tie for first in tomorrow’s round.

TOP 10 LEADER BOARD  
For the full leader board, click here.
Round two begins tomorrow, with tee times starting at 7 a.m. A 36-hole cut will reduce the field to the low 70 and ties ahead of the final round to be contested on Thursday, June 30. For round two pairings,click here.
For photos from championship, click here.
-30-

About Alberta Golf:
The Alberta Golf Association was incorporated as a society in 1912 and continues today as a not for profit Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) operating as Alberta Golf. As the PSO, we are committed to realizing the positive impacts of golf on individuals and communities across Alberta. Our vision is that through golf, Albertans will enjoy a high quality of life, improved health and wellness, a strong sense of community, economic benefits and personal fulfillment. 

For more information: 

Chloe Mansfield
Manager, Member & Public Relations
Alberta Golf
(c) 587-435-6334
(e) chloe@albertagolf.org

Tyler Kemp
Coordinator, Communications
Alberta Golf
c 403.852.4954
(e) tylerkemp@albertagolf.org

 

Veteran Bests the Young Guns | The Alberta Golfer

Written by Todd Saelhof, The Calgary Sun

Untitled

Veteran Bests the Young Guns

This article was originally published in the 2016 edition of The Alberta Golfer Magazine. To view the full magazine, click here.

THE GOLF GODS HAVE OPENED UP NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR KEVIN TEMPLE.

Perhaps even a shot at one day playing in the RBC Canadian Open. At age 49, that’s nothing to sneeze at.

“That would be very good,” said Temple, chuckling at the thought of such a fantastic early 50th birthday gift from the sport he’s been playing since he was a teenager.

“My goal has always been to win the Canadian Mid-Amateur,” continued the Calgarian, a member of Country Hills Golf Club. “It’s a very big goal, but there isn’t a tournament I enter that I don’t think I can win.”

These days, such a dream is hardly out of reach for Temple. He’s the owner of three Alberta Men’s Mid-Amateur Championships – in 2007, ’10 and ’15 – each of which gave him an exemption to the national mid-am event later that same year. The winner of the annual Canadian Mid-Am earns a spot in the next RBC Canadian Open.

Armed with his trusty driver and the unconditional support of his wife Jennifer, who sometimes doubles as his caddie, Temple is arguably playing the best golf of his life.

His latest push to appear on the national stage saw him top not only the best of Alberta golfers aged 40 and over, but also talents as young as 25. Alberta Golf has lowered its age minimum to participate in the provincial mid-am from 40 to 25 to fall in line with the mid-am age eligibility of other provinces and governing bodies, including that of Golf Canada and the USGA. At age 48, Temple put together his best finish in beating all swingers – young and old – to capture the Alberta Mid-Am crown at Sundre’s Coyote Creek Golf & RV Resort last July.

Temple carded a final-round bogey-free 7-under-par 64, tying the course record. His 54-hole total of 12-under-total 201 was two shots better than both Brandon Markiw of the Edmonton Petroleum Club and Stony Plains’ Jeff Murdoch.

IMG_5022

We sat down with Kevin Temple to ask him about his win last year.

Q: Looking at your scores of 70-67-64, you consistently got better as the week went on, and not a lot of guys there could say that. Did you feel that?
A: Yeah. I made my last bogey on the 27th hole there, and I seemed to find something on the back nine of the second day – I shot 29. And I just carried it on through the third day.

Q: So the old dog showed the young guys some old tricks?
A: It did come down to that. I was very aggressive. On the first hole, a par-5, I hit a good drive and then a hybrid from 230 yards over water to the back of the green and made a two-putt birdie. On second hole, a par-3, I hit it to three feet to start birdie-birdie.

Q: After making birdies on 11, 12, 13 and 15 in the final round, is that when you thought, ‘This is where I’m winning this thing’?
A: On the final day, we had to wait on the tee-box of No. 16, a drivable par-4, for about 15 minutes, and a lot of things were going through my head. I decided I would hit iron off the tee and try to make them catch me rather than me make a mistake and come back to the field. So that’s where I really started thinking about winning.

Q: So is that your crowning achievement in golf?
A: Previously, some people might say, ‘It’s a 40-and-over tournament, so it’s not that big of a deal.’ Now that it has changed it to ages 25-and- over, I think it is my best accomplishment.

Temple then took his game to the 2015 Canadian Mid-Am at Abercrombie Country Club in New Glasgow, NS and finished tied for 12th with a 15-over 295.
But it’s the outright win he’s looking for to get him into the RBC Canadian Open.

“This year I’m hoping to qualify for the Canadian Amateur (with the winner also earning a berth in the RBC Canadian Open), so I’m going to play the Sun Life Financial Alberta Men’s Amateur in Innisfail for the first time since 2008,” Temple said. “I just want to see if I still have it at that level,” even though age just doesn’t seem to be an issue for Temple.

“Just like a fine wine, I guess.”

Untitled

Veteran Bests the Young Guns

This article was originally published in the 2016 edition of The Alberta Golfer Magazine. To view the full magazine, click here.

Jack Wood Crowned 2016 Alberta Match Play Champion After Gruelling Final

For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

RISING STAR JACK WOOD DELIVERS CLUTCH PERFORMANCE TO CAPTURE THE 2016 ALBERTA MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

The 21 year-old from Banff defeated top seeded Matt Williams in 19 holes. Evan Holmes defeated Jared Nicolls 3 and 1 in the consolation match.

EDMONTON (Alberta Golf) – The Banff Springs Golf Club phenom needed one extra hole in the final match to claim victory at the 2016 Alberta Match Play Championship. The UBC Thunderbird and tenth seeded player took down the number one seeded University of Houston Cougar, Matt Williams.

Williams sported a 1 up advantage on the final hole when play was suspended due to dangerous weather conditions while the players were in the fairway. When play resumed, Wood was able to save par while Williams bogeyed, sending the match to extra holes. Wood made a solid par three on the extra hole while Williams again bogeyed, leaving Wood victorious after four gruelling matches over the past two days at RedTail Landing Golf Club. Wood went 1 up, 2 and 1, 3 and 1, 1 up (19 holes) in his victories over Max Sekulic, Brett Pasula, Jared Nicolls, and Matt Williams, respectively.

By virtue of competing in the final match both Wood and Williams have earned quota positions into the 2016 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship taking place at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club, August 8-11th. Wood has also punched his ticket into the 2017 Pacific Coast Amateur Championship. He becomes the second member selected to Team Alberta after Emmett Oh of Calgary earned the first spot last week at The Glencoe Invitational where he finished as the low Albertan.

A special thanks goes to Head Professional Joshua Davison and Head Superintendent Brad Eshpeter, as well as their entire staff at RedTail Landing Golf Club for a fantastic week of compelling golf.

Final Match Results:

Scorecard

For the full leaderboard, click here.

Photos from the 2016 Alberta Match Play Championship are available here.

-30-

Four Advance to Semi Final of the Alberta Match Play Championship

For Immediate Release
June 23, 2016

NEWS RELEASE

FOUR ADVANCE TO SEMI FINAL OF THE ALBERTA MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Holmes, Williams, Nicolls and Wood face off in semi-final match play 

EDMONTON (Alberta Golf) – Day one of the Alberta Match Play Championship took place today at RedTail Landing Golf Club. With weather cooperating and minimal wind the round of 16 battle for the remaining semi-final positions. The field for Match Play was determined using the best 16 amateur scores from the Alberta Open Championship a day prior. Matt Williams of Calgary, Alberta wins his match against Scott Scord by one. Jared Nicolls secured his victory over Alex Large on the 18th hole. Evan Holmes of Earl Grey Golf Club moves on to the semi finals after going 5 and 3 against Brendan MacDougall. Jack Wood takes the victory over Brett Pasula on the 17th hole after a 3 and 1 win.

Holmes, Williams, Nicolls and Wood face off in the semi final and finals tomorrow, with tee times at 7:30 a.m. and 7:39 a.m.

The winner of the Match Play Championship will receive will earn a spot on the 2017 Pacific Coast Amateur Team.

Both the winner and runner up at the 2016 Alberta Match Play Championship will also earn quota positions into the 2016 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship taking place at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club in Gatineau, Quebec August 5th, 2016.

Final Pairings for day two:
Evan Holmes vs Matt Williams at 7:30 a.m.
Jared Nicolls vs Jack Wood at 7:39 a.m.
Round of 16 results:
 

For the full leaderboard, click here.
Photos from the 2016 Alberta Match Play Championship will be available here.
-30-

A Thrilling Finish for Brett Hogan Earns Him the Win at the 2016 Scott Venturo Alberta Open

For Immediate Release
June 22, 2016

NEWS RELEASE

A THRILLING FINISH FOR BRETT HOGAN EARNS HIM THE WIN AT THE 2016 SCOTT VENTURO ALBERTA OPEN

Heffernan establishes an early lead, Hogan chips-in on 18 to win by two strokes

EDMONTON (Alberta Golf) –  Brett Hogan of The Glencoe Golf & Country Club took the win with a tournament total of 134 (-10) for the Scott Venturo Alberta Open Championship at RedTail Landing Golf Club. After losing the lead to Calgary’s Wes Heffernan early in the round, Hogan chipped-in on the 18t to win by two strokes.

Hogan started his front nine with off two bogey’s and two birdies giving Heffernan the early lead. Not knowing of Heffernan’s lead, Hogan proceeded to make five more birdies on the back nine, finishing with his one-hop chip in on the 18th green. “I knew I had to do something special” Hogan Explained “I hit it a lot harder than what I wanted to, and it one-hopped into the pin. Crazy thing’s happen I guess”. With this win, Hogan earns him spot an exemption into the Mackenzie Tour 2016 Syncrude Oil Country Championship.

Wes Heffernan finished his round with a tournament total of 136 (-8), two strokes behind Hogan. Heffernan had a strong start with four consecutive birdies on the first four holes giving him the early lead. “It was pretty flawless for 15 and a half holes, one of the best rounds I’ve ever played in a tournament.” said Heffernan. “To get back into contention at the Alberta Open was awesome”. After a double bogey on the difficult par 3 17th hole, and a bogey on 18, Heffernan lost the lead to Hogan in what he called a “Choke finish”. Heffernan comments “I guess I’ll have to try to win an Alberta Open again”.

Wes Heffernan is awarded $5000.00 for being the low professional.
 
Top 10:

For the full leader board, click here.

Photos from the 2016 Scott Venturo Alberta Open Championship will be available here.

Following the 2016 Scott Venturo Alberta Open Championship, the top 16 amateur contenders will move on to compete in the Alberta Match Play Championship from June 23-24. For more details on the 2016 Alberta Match Play Championship, click here. Follow the action all week long on Twitter using the official hashtag #ABOpen.

-30-

About Alberta Golf:
The Alberta Golf Association was incorporated as a society in 1912 and continues today as a not for profit Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) operating as Alberta Golf. As the PSO, we are committed to realizing the positive impacts of golf on individuals and communities across Alberta. Our vision is that through golf, Albertans will enjoy a high quality of life, improved health and wellness, a strong sense of community, economic benefits and personal fulfillment.About Scott Venturo LLP:
Scott Venturo LLP is a multi service law firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Since its establishment in 1986, Scott Venturo LLP has become one of Calgary’s leading legal service providers, focusing on delivering high quality, efficient solutions for clients. The partners, associates and staff of Scott Venturo LLP come from a wide range of backgrounds, and this experience enables us to offer responsive, effective and creative legal solutions to our clients.For more information:

Landon Jones
Manager, Communications & Digital Media
Alberta Golf
(c) 519-504-4314
(e) landon@albertagolf.org

Play Suspended Overnight in Round One of the 2016 Scott Venturo Alberta Open

For Immediate Release
June 21, 2016

NEWS RELEASE

PLAY SUSPENDED OVERNIGHT IN ROUND ONE OF THE 2016 SCOTT VENTURO ALBERTA OPEN

 Hogan leads by two, Risdon, Heffernan, Beaupre and Stiles tied for second at -4 with a competitive field close behind

 

EDMONTON (Alberta Golf) – With overcast skies, ninety-six of Alberta’s best professionals and amateurs contend in a low-scoring battle in the first round. Brett Hogan of The Glencoe Golf & Country Club establishes a two-stroke lead to finish round one. The second and final round will continue tomorrow at RedTail Landing Golf Club.

Hogan, the 2015 Sun Life Financial Alberta Amateur Champion proved to have excellent ball striking in the first round, hitting 16 of 18 greens. Finishing with a 66, Hogan delivered six birdies with a bogey free round. Crediting the low winds early on, Hogan was able to attack the pins leaving him with short four to six foot putts for birdie. Speaking after his round, Hogan said “I made a lot of putts when I had the opportunity, but it was a really good ball striking day for me”.

After a second place finish in the 2015 Alberta Open, Dustin Risdon finds himself in a four-way tie for second, heading into round two. “Started off a little slow, had a few good looks on the first few holes, couldn’t get one to fall, then I made a couple quick ones.” explained Ridson

Wes Heffernan joins Risdon, Stiles and Beaupre in the second place battle. Heffernan of Silver Springs Golf & Country Club had a strong front nine with three birdies. With one bogey and two birdies on the back nine Heffernan looks strong headed into the final round.

PLAY SUSPENDED!

After a two hour delay due to lightening, play has been suspended overnight. Round 1 of the 2016 Alberta Open will resume at 6:30am tomorrow morning. In an effort to try and finish the Championship tomorrow, the 2nd round format will be a crossover from 9:30am-11:45am. The 2nd round pairings will not be posted until completion of the 1st round.

The top 48 players heading into tomorrow’s final round will tee off #1, with players positioned 46th, 47th & 48th teeing off at 9:30am and the leaders teeing off last around 11:45am. The bottom 48 players will tee off of #10, with players positioned 49th, 50th, and 51st teeing off at 9:30am and the highest scores teeing off at 11:45am.

The top professional of the 2016 Scott Venturo Alberta Open will be awarded $5000.00.
 
Top 10:
Pos Player Today Thru Total R1 R2 Total
1 Brett Hogan (a)  Glencoe Golf & CC -6 F -6 66 66
T2 Dustin Risdon (p) -4 F -4 68 68
T2 Wes Heffernan (p)  Silver Springs Golf & CC -4 F -4 68 68
T2 Tyson Beaupre (p)  The Dunes GC -4 F -4 68 68
T2 Scott Stiles (p)  Bearspaw -4 F -4 68 68
T6 Tyler Saunders (a)  Glendale Golf & C C -3 F -3 69 69
T6 Jeff Murdoch (a)  Stony Plain -3 F -3 69 69
T6 Alex Large (a)  Stewart Creek -3 F -3 69 69
T6 Riley Fleming (p)  Collicutt Siding -3 F -3 69 69
T10 Daniel Pow (p)  Glencoe Golf & CC -2 F -2 70 70
T10 Scott Smith (p)  Bearspaw -2 F -2 70 70
T10 Craig Gibson (p)  Sirocco Golf Club -2 F -2 70 70
T10 Nicholas Vandermey (p)  The Links at Spruce Grove -2 F -2 70 70
T10 Brett Pasula (a)  Red Deer Golf & C C -2 F -2 70 70
T10 Matt Williams (a)  Glencoe Golf & CC -2 F -2 70 70
T10 Todd Halpen (p)  RCGA Golf Learning Centre -2 9 -2 34 34
T10 Troy Butterfield (p)  Pheasantback -2 9 -2 34 34

For the full leader board, click here.

Photos from the 2016 Scott Venturo Alberta Open Championship will be available here.

Following the 2016 Scott Venturo Alberta Open Championship, the top 16 amateur contenders will move on to compete in the Alberta Match Play Championship from June 23-24. For more details on the 2016 Alberta Match Play Championship, click here. Follow the action all week long on Twitter using the official hashtag #ABOpen.

-30-

About Alberta Golf:
The Alberta Golf Association was incorporated as a society in 1912 and continues today as a not for profit Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) operating as Alberta Golf. As the PSO, we are committed to realizing the positive impacts of golf on individuals and communities across Alberta. Our vision is that through golf, Albertans will enjoy a high quality of life, improved health and wellness, a strong sense of community, economic benefits and personal fulfillment.About Scott Venturo LLP:
Scott Venturo LLP is a multi service law firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Since its establishment in 1986, Scott Venturo LLP has become one of Calgary’s leading legal service providers, focusing on delivering high quality, efficient solutions for clients. The partners, associates and staff of Scott Venturo LLP come from a wide range of backgrounds, and this experience enables us to offer responsive, effective and creative legal solutions to our clients.For more information:

Landon Jones
Manager, Communications & Digital Media
Alberta Golf
(c) 519-504-4314
(e) landon@albertagolf.org

A Resilient Love | The Alberta Golfer

Written by Wes Gilbertson, The Calgary Sun

Untitled

A Resilient Love

This article was originally published in the 2016 edition of The Alberta Golfer Magazine. To view the full magazine, click here.

THERE WAS NO RECAP IN GOLF DIGEST AND NO HIGHLIGHT PACKAGE ON GOLF CHANNEL’S MORNING DRIVE, BUT IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG FOR WORD OF JAMES LOVE’S EMOTIONAL WIN AT THE 2015 ALBERTA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP TO SPREAD AMONG SOME OF THE BEST IN THE BIRDIE-MAKING BUSINESS. WANT PROOF? CHECK HIS IPHONE.

There was an incoming call from Saskatchewan’s Graham DeLaet, a close friend and arguably Canada’s brightest star on the PGA Tour. Love also received shout-outs from B.C. buddy Nick Taylor, who just months earlier had joined the exclusive list of guys from the Great White North to triumph on the PGA Tour, and from Ontario’s David Hearn, who a few weeks later would come oh-so-close to ending the lengthy home drought at the RBC Canadian Open.

There were many more messages, too.

“Just the texts and the emails that I got from guys around golf that I hadn’t talked to in a long time… It’s nice to know that I still have people in my corner that follow me and still care about me doing well,” Love said.

“Golf is definitely a lonely game and sometimes you feel like the game has passed you by or all your peers have moved on to bigger and better things. So when you can win any professional event, it means a lot when world-class players shoot you a text or call to say ‘congrats’ and ‘keep it up’”

Truth be told, it had been a long while since Love had received any congratulatory texts from his pin-seeking pals. The past couple of seasons have been a struggle for the Calgary-raised, Denver- based golfer. He was bothered by a nagging neck injury and his tournament results were often painful, too.

But during Alberta Golf’s marquee event last summer, Love proved he’s again healthy and still capable of leaving a lot of circles on a scorecard. He mixed three birdies and a bogey en route to a 2-under 69 in the opening round of the Alberta Open at Carnmoney Golf & Country Club in De Winton, leaving him two shots off the pace at the midway mark of the 36- hole shootout.

IMG_2274

 

His only blemish during the final round was a double bogey on the second hole. He erased that damage – and then some – with seven birdies, including a string of five in a row, registering a grand total of 15 strokes from the tee box at No. 9 until he scooped his ball out of the cup at No. 13.

Just as important, Love drained a 60-yard shot to save par – he pulled his drive into a bunker and then chunked his second from a horrible lie into the water – on No. 16.

He had to sweat for a few minutes after missing a short birdie putt on the finishing hole at Carnmoney, but the contenders in the last group couldn’t force a playoff . Strathmore’s Dustin Risdon and Tyler Saunders of Glendale shared second, one shot shy of matching Love’s two-day tally of 7-under 135.

“It was a really good, fun couple of days,” Love said. “It was nice to win, obviously. It’s been a while since I had had a win. The one thing that just sticks out is that it was really cool to win an event in Calgary and have some family there to share it with.”

Unfortunately, his personal cheering section at Carnmoney didn’t include his biggest fan – his father. Rod Love, a prominent political strategist and right- hand man to long-time premier Ralph Klein, passed away in October, 2014 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

His son choked up outside the clubhouse at Carnmoney when a TV reporter asked how Rod would have reacted to his triumph. James later admitted, “He would have enjoyed it more than I would.” The 2005 Sun Life Financial Alberta Amateur champion is certain his proud pops would have enjoyed the victory party, too – a low-key family gathering at a nearby watering hole.

“We just went to a pub and had some beers and talked about the shots and talked about the tournament and how it transpired. That’s exactly what my dad would have wanted to do,” Love said. “He was my biggest fan. He never missed an event that I played in anywhere close to Calgary, and he was the first guy that I would call or email after any round – good or bad – anywhere in the world.”

IMG_2462

Love called his parents, Rod and Charlene, immediately after working overtime to win the 2009 Canadian Tour Championship in St. Catharines, ON, defeating Brazil’s Lucas Lee in a playoff. Other notable names in his rear view mirror that week included DeLaet and James Hahn, all now regulars on the PGA Tour. Love, who turns 33 in July, is determined to join them.

It was great to hear from his pals and peers after his victory at the Alberta Open Championship at Carnmoney, but he would prefer to be chatting with them on a weekly basis on the practice range or in the locker room at Colonial, Harbour Town or Torrey Pines.

“I think I struggled a little bit over the last few years, especially the years after everybody kind of moved on. I wasn’t really sulking but I was also not necessarily looking at it from the best perspective,” admitted Love, who made a dozenWeb.com Tour starts in 2012 but has mostly teed it up on what’s now known as the Mackenzie Tour- PGA Tour Canada.

“I should have looked at it as, ‘That’s how close I am.’ I wasn’t resentful, by any means, that they were there and I wasn’t. It was more like, ‘I should be there, too.’

“To be honest, it’s hard at times keeping the faith,” he added. “You’re only as good as your last round, but I know how well I can play. For whatever reason, over the last little while, it hasn’t happened for me in the events in which I needed it to. I’m still enjoying trying to get better and doing the things I need to do on and off the course to make it.

“The desire hasn’t gone away at all. It’s just a matter of doing it at the right time.”

Untitled

A Resilient Love

This article was originally published in the 2016 edition of The Alberta Golfer Magazine. To view the full magazine, click here.

UBC Thunderbirds Make History In Sweeping Team and Individual Titles at Canadian University/College Championship

Thunderbirds Kat Kennedy and Scott Secord claim individual honours

PARKSVILLE, B.C. – The University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds claimed team and individual honours on both the men’s and women’s sides at the 2016 Canadian University/College Championship at Morningstar Golf Club. All four titles have never been captured by the same school in the competition’s 14-year history.

UBC Coach Chris MacDonald who was named the Golf Coaches Association of Canada’s Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s teams, reflected positively on his team and the state of Canadian collegiate golf. “This means a lot. It’s an exciting time and we’re going in a better direction. It’s just nice to see consistent golf and to see how much this tournament has grown – not just from our team, but the entire field.”

For the second time since this tournament’s inception in 2003, UBC earned both team titles – a feat that has not been match by another school. UBC came just shy of sweeping the four honours in 2009, only missing out on the women’s individual title. Kat Kennedy of Okotoks, Alta., ensured this year’s team would not suffer the same fate, carding a 1-over 73 en route to a four-stroke victory.

“Before we went out today, as a team, we talked about staying in our own bubble and taking it one shot at a time,” said the 21-year-old. “I think I went out there with that mindset and it helped me today. I’ve put in a lot of time and practice after some injuries this year. This was a big win for me and to see my hard work pay off is a big push for next year and for the rest of my golf career.”

The significance of the victory was not lost on the third-year science student. “Golf Canada has been a big part of my life. I have played a lot of junior golf with Golf Canada. This is a big title to have and I’m not used to it yet. It’s great to be a national champion.”

Alexandra Pelletier of the Université Laval Rouge et Or claimed runner-up honours. The Montréal native tallied two birdies and finished the competition at 16-over-par. UBC’s Barbara Neto Bradley, of Porto, Portugal, claimed third-place with a four-day total of 22-over 310.

The UBC women claimed a 19-stroke victory over the defending champions, the Université de Montréal Carabins, and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, who tied for second at a combined 79-over-par.

Kennedy beamed when asked about wearing the blue and gold of the UBC Thunderbirds. “It is a big honour. We have a great team. I feel like everyone is very supportive. We help push each other to be more competitive. Everywhere I go, I wear the T-bird with pride. I couldn’t be more proud of both the women’s and men’s teams.”

For the second straight year, UBC’s men’s team claimed a wire-to-wire victory. It was the fifth team title for the men’s side and their third in the past four years. The fivesome finished 2-over on the day to complete the tournament at 18-under 1134 – 45-strokes clear of the competition. The University of Victoria Vikes were 1-under on the day and placed second, while the Queen’s University Gaels finished third.

The men’s Thunderbirds were again led by Scott Secord, who registered a wire-to-wire win of his own. The Calgarian finished with rounds of 67-67-73-70 to reach 11-under 277 in the competition. All five members of the quintet finished in the Top-10 with Andrew Harrison of Camrose, Alta., taking 9th, Victoria’s Nate Ollis finishing T7, Evan Holmes of Calgary claiming 6th and fellow Albertan Jack Wood of Banff placing 4th.

Secord spoke of the tight-knit group when asked about his tenure as ad Thunderbird. “It’s meant a lot. I’m glad I could finish (my career with UBC) like this and as a team, as well. I’ve known Jack since he was a little tyke. We’ve had a different kind of relationship – like brothers. But that’s what it’s like with everyone. We’re such good friends with each other.”

Despite gusty conditions at times, Secord tallied four birdies on the day, including two back-to-back in a bogey-free back nine. “I was kind of steady throughout the front,” commented the champion. “It was pretty windy and it was shifting. The trees were playing tricks on us and we weren’t really certain which way it was going.”

The 23-year-old withstood the impressive play of Lawren Rowe of the University of Victoria Vikes. The Sophomore who hails from Victoria notched four birdies on the day to finish 2-under – four shots shy of the champion. Taking third was Connor McLellan of Chilliwack, B.C., who carded the day’s low round – a four-birdie 4-under 68 showing – to finish 5-under in the competition.

Additional information regarding the championship can be found here.

A selection of images from the championship is available for download here. When making use of the images, please credit Chuck Russell/Golf Canada.

2016 CANADIAN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
– WOMEN’S DIVISION

  • 1. University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, *237-225-232-230-924 +60
  • 2. Université de Montréal Carabins, *242-225-239-237-943 +79
  • 2. University of Toronto Varsity Blues, *242-238-232-231-943 +79
  • 4. Université Laval Rouge et Or, *234-236-247-233-950 +86
  • 5. University of Victoria Vikes, *236-248-241-241-966 +102
  • 6. Queen’s University Gaels, *259-256-249-263-1027 +163

DID NOT ADVANCE

  • MC. Western University Mustangs, *256-266-246-0-768 +120
  • MC. University of Waterloo Warriors, *255-262-257-0-774 +126
  • MC. Humber College Hawks, *268-244-265-0-777 +129
  • MC. University of Alberta Pandas, *262-267-262-0-791 +143
  • MC. University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, *274-284-277-0-835 +187
  • MC. Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, *291-272-291-0-854 +206

2016 CANADIAN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

– INDIVIDUAL WOMEN

  • 1. Kat Kennedy, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, *80-70-77-73-300 +12
  • 2. Alexandra Pelletier, Université Laval Rouge et Or, *71-72-85-76-304 +16
  • 3. Barbara Neto-Bradley, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, *79-72-78-81-310 +22
  • 4. Laura Upenieks, University of Toronto Varsity Blues, *77-79-79-76-311 +23
  • 4. Caroline Ciot, Université de Montréal Carabins, *75-73-83-80-311 +23
  • 6. Sarah Dunning, University of Toronto Varsity Blues, *82-77-76-80-315 +27
  • 7. Veronique Fortin-Latreille, Université de Montréal Carabins, *83-78-80-75-316 +28
  • 7. Sarah-Andréa Landry, Université de Montréal Carabins, *84-74-76-82-316 +28
  • 9. Elizabeth Asselin, Université Laval Rouge et Or, *84-79-79-75-317 +29
  • 10. Quinn Fitzgerald, University of Victoria Vikes, *76-81-82-80-319 +31
  • 11. Avril Li, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, *78-84-84-76-322 +34
  • 12. Ana Peric, University of Toronto Varsity Blues, *83-83-82-75-323 +35
  • 12. Kelsey Fuchs, University of Toronto Varsity Blues, *83-82-77-81-323 +35
  • 14. Eunice Hong, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, *80-83-77-85-325 +37
  • 15. Cadence Hellmann, University of Victoria Vikes, *87-81-81-80-329 +41
  • 15. Melissa Ramnauth, Queen’s University Gaels, *84-81-83-81-329 +41
  • 17. Laura Ferreira, University of Victoria Vikes, *77-91-82-81-331 +43
  • 18. Michaela Abey, University of Victoria Vikes, *83-86-78-86-333 +45
  • 19. Robyn Campbell, Queen’s University Gaels, *82-84-80-91-337 +49
  • 20. Julie Brossoit, Université de Montréal Carabins, *85-98-85-86-354 +66
  • 21. Marianne Gagnon, Université Laval Rouge et Or, *93-94-87-88-362 +74
  • 21. Samantha Gold, Queen’s University Gaels, *93-92-86-91-362 +74
  • 23. Jennifer Kates, Queen’s University Gaels, *103-91-93-95-382 +94

DID NOT ADVANCE

  • MC. Claire Konning, University of Waterloo Warriors, *79-82-82-0-243 +27
  • MC. Samantha Coates, Carleton University Ravens, *86-78-83-0-247 +31
  • MC. Sheila McKeen, Humber College Hawks, *83-80-84-0-247 +31
  • MC. Kristen Lee, University of Alberta Pandas, *78-88-83-0-249 +33
  • MC. Jordon Newlands, Western University Mustangs, *84-83-83-0-250 +34
  • MC. Lorelle Weavers, Niagara College Knights, *84-96-74-0-254 +38
  • MC. Sara Holland, Western University Mustangs, *82-95-79-0-256 +40
  • MC. Lisa Reid, University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, *84-85-87-0-256 +40
  • MC. Tasha MacDonald, Western University Mustangs, *90-88-84-0-262 +46
  • MC. Kristyn Kurio, University of Alberta Pandas, *85-89-89-0-263 +47
  • MC. Michaela DiMarcantonio, Humber College Hawks, *92-82-89-0-263 +47
  • MC. Laura Luna, University of Waterloo Warriors, *84-90-92-0-266 +50
  • MC. Sonia Nagindas, Humber College Hawks, *93-82-92-0-267 +51
  • MC. Elanna Lachaine-DeMarchi, University of Waterloo Warriors, *95-93-83-0-271 +55
  • MC. Skylar Turkiewicz, Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, *89-92-94-0-275 +59
  • MC. Alex Garcia, University of Waterloo Warriors, *92-90-94-0-276 +60
  • MC. Brianna Bruni-Bossio, University of Alberta Pandas, *99-90-90-0-279 +63
  • MC. Sarah Geurten, Western University Mustangs, *95-96-94-0-285 +69
  • MC. Kaitlyn Benoit, University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, *94-100-93-0-287 +71
  • MC. Jamie Wood, Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, *103-92-94-0-289 +73
  • MC. Aly Medeiros, Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, *99-88-103-0-290 +74
  • MC. Emma Degenhardt, University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, *96-99-97-0-292 +76
  • MC. Lindsay Voogt, Humber College Hawks, *106-98-93-0-297 +81
  • MC. Kathleen McLean, University of Alberta Pandas, *112-114-109-0-335 +119
  • MC. Erin Lee, University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, *122-115-114-0-351 +135
  • DQ. Catherine Gariépy, Université Laval Rouge et Or, *79-85-83-82-329 +41

2016 CANADIAN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

– MEN’S DIVISION

  • 1. University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, *278-280-286-290-1134 -18
  • 2. University of Victoria Vikes, *303-291-298-287-1179 +27
  • 3. Queen’s University Gaels, *298-294-295-306-1193 +41
  • 4. University of the Fraser Valley Cascades, *300-301-290-310-1201 +49
  • 5. Camosun College Chargers, *298-308-298-299-1203 +51
  • 6. Niagara College Knights, *301-300-299-315-1215 +63
  • 7. University of Waterloo Warriors, *301-309-302-304-1216 +64
  • 8. University of Toronto Varsity Blues, *301-316-300-307-1224 +72
  • 9. Concordia University Stingers, *302-302-309-323-1236 +84
  • 10. University of Alberta Golden Bears, *318-304-295-307-1224 +92

DID NOT ADVANCE

  • MC. Georgian College Grizzlies, *307-307-305-0-919 +55
  • MC. Université de Montréal Carabins, *308-303-309-0-920 +56
  • MC. University of Manitoba Bisons, *305-303-312-0-920 +56
  • MC. Western University Mustangs, *313-300-307-0-920 +56
  • MC. Wilfred Laurier University Golden Hawks, *310-310-301-0-921 +57
  • MC. Université Laval Rouge et Or, *309-314-306-0-929 +65
  • MC. University of Guelph Gryphons, *310-307-312-0-929 +65
  • MC. University of Calgary Dinos, *308-309-313-0-930 +66
  • MC. École de Technologie Supérieure, *315-314-314-0-943 +79
  • MC. University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, *320-325-328-0-973 +109

2016 CANADIAN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

– INDIVIDUAL MEN

  • 1. Scott Secord, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, *67-67-73-70-277 -11
  • 2. Lawren Rowe, University of Victoria Vikes, *71-69-71-70-281 -7
  • 3. Connor McLellan, University of the Fraser Valley Cascades, *76-73-66-68-283 -5
  • 4. Jack Wood, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, *69-73-69-74-285 -3
  • 5. Chris Crisologo, Simon Fraser University Clan, *68-76-71-71-286 -2
  • 6. Evan Holmes, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, *72-71-72-72-287 -1
  • 7. Brady Stead, Camosun College Chargers, *69-74-74-72-289 +1
  • 7. Nate Ollis, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, *72-71-72-74-289 +1
  • 9. Andrew Harrison, University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, *70-71-73-79-293 +5
  • 10. Ryan Tsang, University of Toronto Varsity Blues, *72-76-70-77-295 +7
  • 11. Alexander Cartwright, University of Victoria Vikes, *77-73-74-72-296 +8
  • 11. Josiah Dixon, Niagara College Knights, *71-76-73-76-296 +8
  • 11. Charles Fitzsimmons, Western University Mustangs, *75-72-75-74-296 +8
  • 14. Arthur Heinkele, Université Laval Rouge et Or, *76-75-70-76-297 +9
  • 14. Chris Murray, Queen’s University Gaels, *74-75-73-75-297 +9
  • 14. Jason Martens, University of Alberta Golden Bears, *74-73-71-79-297 +9
  • 17. Andrew Funk, University of Victoria Vikes, *79-74-77-69-299 +11
  • 17. Evan Littlefield, Niagara College Knights, *73-72-78-76-299 +11
  • 17. Jordan Gregoris, Queen’s University Gaels, *72-69-82-76-299 +11
  • 17. David French, University of Waterloo Warriors, *71-76-72-80-299 +11
  • 21. Eric Flockhart, Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, *77-73-72-79-301 +13
  • 21. Connor O’Dell, University of the Fraser Valley Cascades, *78-70-71-82-301 +13
  • 21. Jake Adams, University of Waterloo Warriors, *76-78-72-75-301 +13
  • 24. Bruce Tomie, University of Victoria Vikes, *76-75-76-76-303 +15
  • 24. Zach Olson, University of the Fraser Valley Cascades, *71-76-76-80-303 +15
  • 26. Matt Matheson, Camosun College Chargers, *73-79-75-77-304 +16
  • 26. Ian Wilson, Queen’s University Gaels, *76-76-77-75-304 +16
  • 26. Matt Lemay, Georgian College Grizzlies, *73-71-74-86-304 +16
  • 26. Trevor Corner, Queen’s University Gaels, *76-74-74-80-304 +16
  • 26. Rodney Morgan, Concordia University Stingers, *78-73-75-78-304 +16
  • 31. Truman Tai, University of Toronto Varsity Blues, *78-81-75-72-306 +18
  • 32. Grant Maskiewich, Camosun College Chargers, *76-80-74-77-307 +19
  • 32. Jeremy Rose, Queen’s University Gaels, *79-76-71-81-307 +19
  • 34. Devin Bartlett, University of Waterloo Warriors, *76-80-80-72-308 +20
  • 34. Ryan Mitchell, Concordia University Stingers, *72-77-77-82-308 +20
  • 36. Mac Keats, Camosun College Chargers, *80-81-75-73-309 +21
  • 37. Scott Merriam, Camosun College Chargers, *81-75-75-80-311 +23
  • 37. Thomas Fuhr, University of Alberta Golden Bears, *76-73-74-88-311 +23
  • 39. Dylan Cave, University of Waterloo Warriors, *82-75-78-77-312 +24
  • 39. Jacob Peterson, Concordia University Stingers, *75-77-81-79-312 +24
  • 41. Marcus Lam, University of Toronto Varsity Blues, *79-85-79-73-316 +28
  • 42. Gordon Gibson, University of Toronto Varsity Blues, *75-76-79-87-317 +29
  • 43. Nick Schepens, Niagara College Knights, *80-80-76-82-318 +30
  • 43. Zackery Secord, Concordia University Stingers, *79-75-80-84-318 +30
  • 45. Quinn Bunten-Walberg, University of Alberta Golden Bears, *84-78-72-85-319 +31
  • 46. Tyler Miehe, University of Toronto Varsity Blues, *76-83-76-85-320 +32
  • 47. Mitchell van Gameren, Concordia University Stingers, *77-83-77-84-321 +33
  • 47. Sam DiPinto, University of Alberta Golden Bears, *84-80-78-79-321 +33
  • 49. Nathan Bahnman, University of the Fraser Valley Cascades, *75-82-82-83-322 +34
  • 50. Michael Griffin, University of Victoria Vikes, *80-83-79-82-324 +36
  • 51. Kaleb Fisher, University of the Fraser Valley Cascades, *84-85-77-80-326 +38
  • 52. Logan Lammerant, Niagara College Knights, *83-85-80-81-329 +41

DID NOT ADVANCE

  • MC. Kyler Bourgeault, Vancouver Island University Mariners, *80-69-74-0-223 +7
  • MC. Mackenzie Dasti, UOIT Ridgebacks, *73-75-76-0-224 +8
  • MC. Jack Werhun, University of Manitoba Bisons, *76-74-75-0-225 +9
  • MC. Olivier Daneau, Université de Montréal Carabins, *76-76-74-0-226 +10
  • MC. Devon Schade, University of Manitoba Bisons, *73-69-84-0-226 +10
  • MC. Austin Ryan, Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, *77-76-74-0-227 +11
  • MC. Robbie Potesta, Vancouver Island University Mariners, *80-69-78-0-227 +11
  • MC. Scott Banks, University of Guelph Gryphons, *77-74-76-0-227 +11
  • MC. Daniel Gosselin, École de Technologie Supérieure, *76-79-73-0-228 +12
  • MC. Étienne Dumas, Université de Montréal Carabins, *78-74-77-0-229 +13
  • MC. Jake Hamilton, University of Victoria Vikes, *76-74-79-0-229 +13
  • MC. Mac Carter, Western University Mustangs, *81-74-75-0-230 +14
  • MC. Joshua Polisuk, University of Guelph Gryphons, *75-80-76-0-231 +15
  • MC. Christian McCullough, Humber College Hawks, *75-78-78-0-231 +15
  • MC. Greg Billingsley, University of Calgary Dinos, *76-76-79-0-231 +15
  • MC. Josh Neufeld, University of Manitoba Bisons, *80-78-74-0-232 +16
  • MC. Brady Zordan, Georgian College Grizzlies, *78-78-76-0-232 +16
  • MC. Jean-Simon Ross, Université Laval Rouge et Or, *85-75-73-0-233 +17
  • MC. Baptiste Mory, Université Laval Rouge et Or, *75-79-79-0-233 +17
  • MC. Gabriel Trempe, Université de Montréal Carabins, *75-74-84-0-233 +17
  • MC. Jonathan Collins, Georgian College Grizzlies, *75-80-78-0-233 +17
  • MC. Peter Slade, University of Calgary Dinos, *78-78-77-0-233 +17
  • MC. Callum Biehn, Western University Mustangs, *78-77-79-0-234 +18
  • MC. John Shoreman, University of Guelph Gryphons, *78-74-82-0-234 +18
  • MC. Philippe Sauvageau, École de Technologie Supérieure, *79-78-78-0-235 +19
  • MC. Michael Forbes, University of Ottawa Gee Gee’s, *78-76-81-0-235 +19
  • MC. Scott McNichol, University of Calgary Dinos, *75-82-78-0-235 +19
  • MC. Curtis O’Reilly, Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, *78-77-81-0-236 +20
  • MC. Mathieu Caron, École de technologie supérieure Piranhas, *77-80-80-0-237 +21
  • MC. Matthieu Kennis, Université de Montréal Carabins, *82-79-76-0-237 +21
  • MC. Adam Migur, Western University Mustangs, *79-80-78-0-237 +21
  • MC. Matt Kadatz, University of Calgary Dinos, *85-73-79-0-237 +21
  • MC. Ben Whiteside, Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, *78-84-76-0-238 +22
  • MC. Jeff Bleue, University of Manitoba Bisons, *76-83-79-0-238 +22
  • MC. Trevor Whiton, University of Guelph Gryphons, *82-79-78-0-239 +23
  • MC. Matthew Ritchot, University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, *73-78-89-0-240 +24
  • MC. Denver Dafoe, Georgian College Grizzlies, *81-78-82-0-241 +25
  • MC. Marc-Olivier Cyr, École de technologie supérieure Piranhas, *83-77-83-0-243 +27
  • MC. Christopher Lao, Western University Mustangs, *86-77-81-0-244 +28
  • MC. Alex Gagnon, Université de Montréal Carabins, *79-84-82-0-245 +29
  • MC. Connor Wilks, Wilfred Laurier University Golden Hawks, *83-84-79-0-246 +30
  • MC. Mitchell Taylor, University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, *82-82-82-0-246 +30
  • MC. Gabriel Gingras, University of Ottawa Gee Gee’s, *78-95-73-0-246 +30
  • MC. Daniel Knapp, Georgian College Grizzlies, *83-86-77-0-246 +30
  • MC. Alexis Rispal, Université Laval Rouge et Or, *78-86-84-0-248 +32
  • MC. Matthaus Taylor, University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, *85-83-80-0-248 +32
  • MC. Frédéric Matthey, Université Laval Rouge et Or, *80-85-85-0-250 +34
  • MC. Noel Ngo, University of Manitoba Bisons, *84-82-84-0-250 +34
  • MC. Nicholas Striker, University of Guelph Gryphons, *80-89-82-0-251 +35
  • MC. Benjamin Taylor, University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, *91-82-80-0-253 +37
  • MC. Brett Sheridan, University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, *80-87-86-0-253 +37
  • MC. Jeremy Parisien, École de Technologie Supérieure, *86-86-83-0-255 +39
  • MC. Drew Dougherty, University of Calgary Dinos, *79-84-92-0-255 +39
  • DQ. Alex Rakowski, University of Alberta Golden Bears, *93-99-87-101-380 +97

– 30 –

ABOUT CANADIAN PACIFIC

Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is a low-cost provider that is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit www.cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.

TITLEIST

From the game’s top Tour players to PGA and LPGA teaching and club professionals to accomplished amateurs everywhere, Titleist is committed to providing golfers worldwide with golf equipment of superior quality and performance. The industry leading Pro V1 and Pro V1x, NXT Tour, NXT Tour S, Velocity and DT SoLo golf balls provide real performance differences to meet the wide range of golfers’ needs. From tee-to-green, Titleist golf clubs are also performance driven. The 915 D2 and D3 drivers, 915 F and Fd fairway metals and 915 H1 and H2 hybrids along with the Vokey Design SM6 wedges and Scotty Cameron putters can be found at the top of the leaderboards and in the bags of serious golfers across the globe. In addition, the 716 AP1 and AP2 irons are the most technologically advanced irons ever produced by Titleist, and are complemented by the CB and MB Forged series. PGA of Canada Club Professionals devote their careers to helping you play better golf. And when it comes to choosing the highest performing equipment for their own games, more choose Titleist. It’s the brand they recommend and the brand they trust themselves. www.titleist.ca

FOOTJOY

FootJoy. It’s about comfort. It’s about performance. It’s about tradition. For nearly 150 years, FootJoy has been committed to creating superior golf footwear, gloves, apparel, socks and accessories that will enhance your on-course experience. Second to none, FootJoy is the choice of those who love the game, from young to old, from amateur to top professional. For more than 55 years, FootJoy has been the leading golf shoe on the PGA Tour. This proves, when given a choice, the best golfers in the world choose the best golf shoes in the world. www.footjoy.ca

GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.

Golf Canada is the National Sports Organization and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

For more information:

Herb Fung

Coordinator, Media and Public Relations

Golf Canada

(t) 1-800-263-0009 x 258

(c) 647-709-3167

(e) hfung@golfcanada.ca

Team Alberta, The Game Before the Game

On the score card, the game begins at the first tee box. For the players however, it starts long before that. Team Alberta has been performing phenomenally well to start the 2016 season. The CN Future Links Pacific Championship in Kamloops turned out to be one of the best all-around tournaments in recent history for Alberta players, and the PGA Junior Masters was won by Team Alberta members on both the girls and boys sides. All of this considered, it is easy to get lost in the magic that seems to be happening on the course during tournament play. Although, if you asked the players, they’d tell you that magic has nothing to do with it.

openinground-38
Brendan MacDougall (left) and

Christopher Horton (right) take a minute to read the green on 9 during the practice round at The Dunes at Kamloops.

Tournament preparation for the budding Alberta Golf Team starts long before tee time, days before in fact. Competing in national events means extensive travel, often times all over the country. For the CN Future Links Pacific Championship in Kamloops, it was an eight hour bus ride through the Rockies that brought Team Alberta to the tournament. Once the team arrives at their destination, their pre-competition routine has all but begun. The day before official play begins, the team is up with the sunrise and on course for an early shot gun start. During their practice round, players need to fine tune their game, discuss strategy with their coaches, and familiarize themselves with a course that is miles from home.

practiceround-15
Team Alberta Coach

Randy Robb discusses strategy with two of his players during the practice round at The Dunes at Kamloops.

Team Alberta’s day is far from over when they step off the course. Team meetings, healthy meals, and an evening yoga session are awaiting them upon arrival back at the hotel. Amongst this extensive routine, the players find support in each other in order to relax and mentally prepare for the busy few days of competition ahead of them. Finally, last minute adjustments are put in place at early driving range and putting green sessions the morning of the opening round. With that, the game before the game comes to an end, and the competitors make their way to the tee box with the hope that all their hard work will translate to low scores for themselves and their teammates. The video (below) chronicles the events discussed above, providing a behind the scenes look into Team Alberta’s early success so far this season.