Brendan MacDougall: A positive and patient approach
Brendan MacDougall was introduced to the game of golf during his early childhood and it’s become his biggest passion in life. Today, the 24-year-old is one of Canada’s top amateur prospects and has ambitions of competing professionally at the highest level one day.
“I was fortunate that my parents introduced me to the sport at a very young age,” recalled MacDougall, a fourth year member of Golf Canada’s National Team Program.
“When I was three I was hitting plastic golf balls in our backyard and a couple of years later I started hitting actual golf balls,” said MacDougall, who was born in Newport Beach, Calif., and moved to Calgary during his childhood years.
While California had consistent golf weather year round, when young Brendan moved to Alberta his love for the sport remained consistent.
In the seventh grade, MacDougall remembers having thoughts that he was going to be a professional golfer one day.
“It may have just been a pipe dream at the time because I was so young but having that goal made me work a bit harder and be a bit more disciplined.” he noted.
MacDougall says he didn’t spend much time socializing outside of school or going to parties. Instead, he realized golf was his hobby and passion and he was happy to be spending five or six days a week working on his game in practise.
“Everyday I was just trying to get one percent better. I was just trying to take a positive and patient approach and try to improve day by day.”
MacDougall’s talents on the golf course would earn him a Division I scholarship to High Point University in North Carolina.
“After I got to High Point University that’s when I really started thinking that my childhood dream of playing golf professionally could be a reality,” he said. “I was determined to put everything I had into and see where it took me.”
After completing his freshman year, he scored a big victory at the 2017 Alberta Match Play Championship. MacDougall beat out a talented field of amateurs to secure the most significant win of his career up to that point.
“Some of the guys in the field were older than me by a few years and I remember looking up to them in high school. So to win that tournament against those fantastic golfers it gave me confidence and made me believe that I could take golf as far as I wanted to take it,” said MacDougall, who would repeat as champion in 2018.
The talented young Canadian would score his first NCAA tournament victory in 2018 as he captured The Big South Championship.
“I started off a little slow but I got incredibly hot for the last 45 holes and I ended up winning the tournament by five or six shots,” he pointed out. “Some don’t get to win a tournament in college and to have my first win at a conference championship was something really special; and it got me into my first NCAA regionals.”
Another notable NCAA triumph came in March of 2020 when he won The Challenge at the Concession.
“We were in Florida for our spring break and it was the last tournament before everything shut down because of the pandemic,” he recalled.
“It was great to win the tournament but it was also super rewarding that as a team we came in second in front of a lot of great teams. And the best part was the bus ride back with the team.”
For his fifth year of NCAA eligibility, MacDougall transferred to the University of Nevada and played in all eight events during his final season of eligibility with the Wolf Pack.
MacDougall says his success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the National Team Program.
“I wouldn’t be close to where I am without the help from Golf Canada, the coaches, and the funding. The program has been amazing and is dedicated to getting players as far as they can go.”
National Team head coach Derek Ingram says the 5-foot-8-inch amateur standout has come a long way during his time in the program.
“Brendan is much more mature and professional in his approach to playing the game. He is longer off the tee and he had to add distance to compete at the highest level – it’s a work in progress but he’s made a lot of improvements,” Ingram noted.
“I love Brendan’s routines – quick, committed and athletic. His pre-shot routine reminds me of Corey Conners or Ricky Fowler. He rides positive momentum really well and is both aggressive and smart.”
For his part, MacDougall has nothing but praise for his National Team head coach.
“Derek is such a great coach and a great person and is dedicated to helping us be the best version of ourselves on the golf course and off. I truly appreciate everything Derek and Golf Canada has done for my game.”
MacDougall points out that one of his biggest short-term goals is to gain status on the MacKenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada.
Ingram says if the talented young Canadian amateur continues to apply himself and make the necessary adjustments, he likes MacDougall’s chances of competing professionally at the highest level one day.
“Brendan needs to continue to gain more distance and be more explosive. This will give him shorter clubs in on holes and allow him to play out of the rough much more effectively. He also needs to continue to work on not getting too down and beating himself up – as golf tends to do. I like a positive and patient Brendan MacDougall’s chances,” said Ingram.
“Brendan is fun to be around, witty and humble. I love that he is so coachable and still learning and getting better.”
Derek Ingram
As he prepares for a transition from amateur to the professional ranks, the fourth year member of the National Team Program is motivated by the success of others who have gone through the program such as Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes, and Corey Conners – just to name a few.
“Its inspiring to know that these players have all been where I am. And I know if I’m working hard and doing what I should be doing, there’s a chance that I could be where they are in five or six years,” said MacDougall.
“It’s a credit to them for being able to pave the way for players like me coming up. And one day I would really like to be able to do that for the younger players also.”
2021 Newsletter: The Winter Wrap
WRAPPING UP THE 2021 GOLF SEASON
At the start of the year Alberta Golf was busy planning our Spring Launch, Family Golf Festivals, Recreational Series, Junior Golf initiatives, Championship Tournaments and much more. In May, tighter COVID-19 restrictions for courses were put in place which lasted 3 weeks. While our Spring Launch was once again held virtually, we were able to run the rest of our season as planned. Once again the tireless efforts of the NAGA-AB Coalition in the spring working with the provincial government, golf courses were established as one of the safest places to be and tee times were full this summer across the province. The McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour saw another season of high registration, the Youth on Course program continued to offer affordable golf to juniors and we were able to run our Championship Schedule across the province all summer and unveil our new UpSwing recreational brand. Golfers were once again happy to get outside, see their friends, connect, enjoy, compete and have fun on the golf course. Please enjoy the following content outlining what Alberta Golf has been up to the past few months as the golf season ended and planning for 2022 commenced. Happy holidays!
Alberta Golf sees 5 of our own (Jaclyn Lee, Brendan MacDougall, Max Sekulic, Jared du Toit, Ethan Wilson) make 2022 Team Canada Squads
Golf Canada is pleased to announce the group of 46 junior and amateur athletes selected as part of the Team Canada player development program for 2022. Professional players who will be part of Team Canada in 2022 will be determined and announced in January.
The announcement marks a significant roster increase, adding 17 additional male and female athletes to the previous year’s Team Canada amateur and junior squads. The larger program size will increase the number of top developing players who receive nationally supervised coaching and support and will grow the pool of future high-potential Canadian professional golfers.
The athlete roster expansion reflects a restructuring to accommodate the growing talent pool in Canadian golf and is financially supported by contributions from Golf Canada Foundation’s network of Trustees, Golf Canada corporate partners, and a slight reallocation of Golf Canada resources. Golf Canada will also expand its group of Team Canada coaches to effectively support the larger roster of athletes.
“This is an exciting period for Canadian golf, and we are intensifying the National Team Player Development Program,” said Kevin Blue, chief sport officer with Golf Canada. “We are in the process of additional analysis and strategic planning, and we look forward to further system enhancements in 2022 with the goal of helping more Canadian players reach the LPGA and PGA TOUR.”
Team Canada’s 2022 National Amateur Squad consists of 21 athletes, including eight women and 13 men. The Junior Squad totals 25 athletes including 12 female and 13 male U19 athletes ages 14-18.
The athletes representing Team Canada have all achieved impressive results at regional, provincial, national, and international competitions, including NCAA tournament wins and victories at prestigious amateur and junior competitions. The athletes have also benefited in their development from support though their respective provincial golf associations, personal coaches, home golf clubs and families.
“Supporting the Team Canada program and the next generation of Canadian golf talent is a major priority of the Foundation and our Trustee donors,” said Martin Barnard, Golf Canada Foundation CEO. “Together with program partners we are proud to provide a network of support for the continued growth of Canadian golf at the highest levels.”Athletes named to the Team Canada Amateur Squad who are expected to turn professional in 2022 will continue to receive support from Golf Canada during their transition.
Click here to view the full roster.
National Junior Squad
The National Junior Squad features 25 athletes (12 women and 13 men).
In September, Golf Canada hosted a selection camp at TPC Toronto in Caledon, Ont., for additional training and performance opportunities for junior golfers in contention for the National Junior Squad. In partnership with the Provincial Golf Associations and personal coaches, all golfers participated in a series of testing modules followed by a 54-hole competition.
National Junior Squad players will be supported with coaching from the Golf Canada national coaching staff and by experts in the areas of mental performance, physiotherapy, biomechanics, and nutrition.
From March through early May, some Junior Squad members will practice out of Golf Canada’s National Training Centre at Bear Mountain—the fifth year that the program has provided spring training for athletes during the second semester of their school year.
Click here to view the full roster.
Team Canada Coaching Staff Announced
Golf Canada is pleased to announce the 2022 Team Canada coaching staff that will support both the National Amateur and Junior Squads.
For the amateur squads, Derek Ingram of Winnipeg, Man., returns as men’s head coach with support from new assistant coaches Benoit Lemieux of Montréal, Qué., and Louis Melanson from Moncton, N.B. On the women’s side, Tristan Mullally of Dundas, Ont., returns as head coach, supported by assistant coach Salimah Mussani of Vancouver as well as an additional women’s assistant coach to be named in the coming weeks.
On the junior side, Robert Ratcliffe of Comox, B.C., will lead the Junior Squads, supported by assistant coach Jennifer Greggain, of Langford, B.C.
Athletes will also access Team Canada’s sport science team, which includes physiotherapists Greg Redman and Andrea Kosa, psychologist Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood, and strength and conditioning coach Bryan Katz. Junior athletes will also receive supplemental support from the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific in the areas of mental performance and nutrition.
Ingram, Mullally, Ratcliffe, Greggain, Mussani, Lemieux and Melanson are all PGA of Canada members.
Golf’s modernized Rules of Amateur Status published
Golf’s new Rules of Amateur Status have been published by The R&A and the USGA ahead of coming into effect on January 1, 2022.
The work was the latest step by the governing bodies to make the Rules easier to understand and apply, and follows the modernization process of the Rules of Golf in 2019. The new Rules were informed by golfer and golf industry feedback as a part of a comprehensive review, to ensure they continue to reflect how the modern game is played by millions of golfers around the world.
This review, along with the global feedback received when the proposals were publicly shared earlier this year, reaffirmed amateur golf’s important position in the game and the value in maintaining amateur status Rules.
The result is a set of Rules that removes many of the restrictions that previously applied to amateur golfers, while ensuring that the integrity of the game is protected by limiting the form and value of the prizes an amateur golfer can accept.
As part of the modernisation effort, the new Rules identify only the following acts that will result in a golfer losing their amateur status:
- Accepting a prize in excess of the prize limit ($1200 CAD) or accepting prize money in a handicap competition.
- Playing as a professional.
- Accepting payment for giving instruction (although all current exceptions still apply, such as coaching at educational institutions and assisting with approved programs).
- Accepting employment as a golf club professional or membership of an association of professional golfers.
To achieve this simplified approach, the following key changes have been introduced:
- Distinguishing between scratch and handicap competitions in terms of the prizes that may be accepted.
- The prize rule applies only to tee-to-hole competitions played on a golf course or a simulator, but no longer apply to long-drive, putting and skills competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-hole competition.
- Eliminating all advertising, expense-related and sponsorship restrictions.
The new opportunities provided by lifting sponsorship restrictions and the ability to accept prize money up to the increased limit of $1200 CAD in scratch only competitions will be of significant benefit to elite amateur golfers looking for ways to fund golf-related expenses.
Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, said, “We are delighted to be rolling out the modernised Rules of Amateur Status today. These Rules play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport but the code must evolve to meet the needs of the modern game. This is particularly important for modern elite amateur golf, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential. The new Rules give them this opportunity and will help to make the game even more inclusive.”
“Golf is unique in its broad appeal to both recreational and competitive golfers,” said Craig Winter, USGA Senior Director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. “This was emphasized in the feedback we received earlier this year and we believe these updates will help simplify these Rules and ensure the long-term health of the amateur game, not only to those who compete at the highest level of amateur golf, but for the millions of golfers at every age and skill level who enjoy competitive events at their home courses.”
“A great amount of work has gone into making the Rules easier to understand and apply for both the recreational and competitive golfer,” said Kevin Blue, Chief Sport Officer of Golf Canada.
“As our sport evolves, it’s paramount the Rules remain relevant to provide fair competition for all. We are confident that the changes reflect the modern game and will help with our continued efforts to grow the game.”
Kevin Blue
The new Rules are accompanied by guidance notes, an overview document and explanations that detail the rationale for why changes have been made and, in some instances, why they have stayed the same. These materials can be found here.
2021 Newsletter: The Summer Review
Shiro Mani wins Alberta Mens Mid Master Championship
Alberta Golf (Calgary) – The final round of the final event on the Alberta Golf 2021 calendar provided the type of drama fitting to end the season. Shiro Mani from The Canal at Delacour Golf Course fended off 4 competitors for a one shot victory at The Alberta Mens Mid Master Championship at Inglewood Golf and Curling Club to win his first Alberta Golf event.
“Awesome man, it was a grind,” Mani admitted. “It sounds so good to be champion, it’s my first win playing many years of Alberta Golf events, I’m just blown away.”
Shiro Mani: 2021 Alberta Mens Mid Master Champion
Mani shot a final round 1 over 72 with 3 birdies and 4 bogeys but said his best moment of the day was a clutch up and down from the bunker on the par 3 17th hole, his par saver a slick downhill putt that he committed to and made. After a par on 18 there was one more group to watch to see if his 2-over-par for the 2 days would hold up. John Deering, playing on his home course at Inlgewood, had a 20-foot dowhill putt for the victory but it just missed. It looked like Deering and Mani were headed to a playoff but Deering lipped out on the short comebacker and fell one shot shy. 73-year-old Howard Broun beat his age by 1 shooting 72 to finish one shot off the lead and finished 2nd in the overall competition and won the 60+ category.
WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW: 1 ON 1 WITH CHAMPION SHIRO MANI
Lanny Seefried won the 40-49 flight, shooting a final round 73 and finished 1 shot back of Mani.
Lanny Seefried, 40-49 Champion
Michael Baldwin from The Pinebrook Golf and Country Club won the 50-59 flight, shooting a final round 72 to finish 2 shots back.
Michael Baldwin: 50-59 Champion
73-year-old Howard Broun finished 2nd overall and won the 60+ flight, shooting 72, one shot lower than his age and one shot behind Shiro Mani.
Howard Broun: 2nd overall and 60+ Champion
Michael Baldwin, Shiro Mani, Howard Broun and Lanny Seefried
78-year-old Kent Gillingwater was a volunteer 1st tee starter for the championship, he’s been a member at Inglewood for an amazing 65 years, since he was 13-years-old in 1956.
WATCH VIDEO: Interview with Kent Gillingwater
FULL SCORES IN ALL FLIGHTS HERE
Matthew Kern leads Alberta Mid Master Championship heading to final round
Alberta Golf (Calgary) – Matthew Kern from Speargrass Golf Course poured in 5 birdies to offset 4 bogeys to lead the 2021 Alberta Mid Master Championship heading to the final round at Inglewood Golf and Curling Club. John Deering, playing on his home course, had 3 birdies and 3 bogeys to sit one shot back along with Grant Lee from the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. Shiro Mani from The Canal at Delacour shot 31 on the back 9 to sit 2 shots back.
WATCH: 1 ON 1 WITH GENERAL MANAGER JASON STANIER
Alberta Golf mourns the passing of legend Robert L. Wylie
Alberta Golf (Calgary)
Honoured Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Robert L. Wylie (Bob Wylie) passed away Sunday, September 19th. Bob, a member of the Calgary Golf and Country Club, was inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 1995. He not only represented Canada on numerous international competitions but won 7 Canadian Senior titles and won the Mexico Amateur title in 1960.
As a young up-and-coming player, Bob Wylie tested his mettle on the PGA Tour in 1957 before returning to the amateur ranks where some of his greatest accomplishments were still ahead of him. After being reinstated as an amateur in 1960, Wylie won the first of his five Alberta Amateur Championships and his second Alberta Open. The affable Wylie had attacked senior golf with the same intensity he showed throughout his career, winning four consecutive Senior Golf Championships of Canada from 1985 to 1988.
Provincial Titles:
- Alberta Open Champion: 1956, 1960
- Alberta Amateur Champion: 1960, 1962, 1967-1969
- Alberta Senior’s Champion: 1985-1990, 1994
- 1962 Saskatchewan Open Champion
On July 27th, 2021, Wylie along with fellow Calgary Golf and Country Club member Doug Silverberg were honorary starters for the 2021 Alberta Mens Amateur Championship.
Doug Silverberg (L) & Bob Wylie (R)
WATCH INTERVIEW WITH BOB WYLIE AND DOUG SILVERBERG
Bob Wylie’s golfing accomplishments here
December 2018 Q & A with Bob Wylie
Bob Wylie would have been 92 years old on Saturday, September 25th.
Earl Grey GC and Inglewood G&CC win 2021 Alberta Interclub Championship
Alberta Golf (Kananaskis) – Alberta Golf’s Championship season is winding down, on a glorious hot day at Kananaskis Country Golf Course on Tuesday, 45 Men’s & Ladies teams from across the province represented their home club in the 2021 Alberta Interclub Championship. The annual host Kananaskis Country Golf Course put on a best in class show and mother nature was stunning as well. The 36-hole layout west of Calgary had one of it’s warmest days of the season and the competitors were treated to great competition and breath taking scenery.
On the Ladies side Diane Jones, Allison Carter, Karen Saunders & Stephanie Chelack from the Inglewood Golf and Curling Club took the low gross honours and the title. Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club we’re runner up 2 shots back with Willow Park Golf and Country Club finishing 3rd.
In the Men’s low gross competition Earl Grey Golf Club comprised of Jimmy Cowan, Mark Schurer, Rob Heynen and Scott Walker were run away winners after posting 20-under-par. Country Hills Golf Club shared runner-up honours at 12-under-par with The Glencoe Golf and Country Club, Country Hills named runner-up on a count back.
Woodside Golf Course comprised of Allison Coffin, Celina Lam, Cindy Ellard and Jodi Quantz won the Ladies low net competition.
National Junior Skills Challenge crowns eight champions at TPC Toronto
CHRIS HUMENIUK OF TPC TORONTO, GIRLS 9-11 CHAMPION ALEXIS CARD, LAURENCE APPLEBAUM OF GOLF CANADA (JEFF VOGAN/ GOLF CANADA)
Golf Canada (Caledon, Ontario) – By Lukas Weese
The 12th edition of the Junior Skills Challenge National Event is in the books.
Played at the picturesque TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont., a selection of top Canadian junior golfers showcased their skills in one of Golf Canada’s signature events. In partnership with the PGA of Canada and Cobra-Puma Golf, this event saw participating golfers compete in putting, chipping, and driving competitions. It culminates a year-long process, which consisted of 80 qualifying events across Canada and 1,500 junior golfers.
The winners of the Junior Skills Challenge National Event received prizing courtesy of Cobra-Puma Golf with the winners of the 15 to 18 age groups receiving exemptions into their local NextGen Championship in 2022.
Below are the winners in each of the age groups:
Boys 8 and under:
Carrick Frizzell (Hartlen Point Golf Club) captured the Boys 8 and under title honours. Hailing from Halifax, N.S., Frizzell recorded a score of 140. South Surrey, B.C. native Benjamin Hannela (Peace Portal Golf Club & Langley Junior Development Program) finished second posting 100 while Borden Nicholson of Brule Point Golf Course placed third with a score of 80.
Girls 8 and under:
Four participants competed in the Girls 8 and under division. Emily Joy (The Glencoe Golf & Country Club) of Calgary finished in first place with a score of 115, dominating the putting portion with a 40 on the 5-feet and 30 on the 10-feet.
Eily Kim (Pitt Meadows Golf Club) of Burnaby, B.C., placed second, with a total of 100. Kim, like Joy, also had a strong putting performance, posting a 40 on the 10-feet competition.
McKinley Stewart (Sawmill Golf Course) of Fenwick, Ont., placed third (75) while Barrie, Ont., native Brynlee Chappell (Vespra Hills Golf Club) finished fourth (65).
Boys 9 to 11:
One of the closest competitions during the Junior Skills Challenge was the Boys 9 to 11 division. Calgary native Luke MacDonald (The Glencoe Golf & Country Club) secured the title with a 185 score, thanks in large part to his driving (multiple 30 scores) and putting (40 on the 5-feet).
Noah Moreau (Club de golf Lotbinière) of Saint Gilles, Que., placed second, only 20 points shy of first with a score of 165. Dutton, Ont., product Andrew Sudicky finished with 100+ points in third, recording a score of 115.
Girls 9 to 11:
Former Drive, Chip and Putt champion Alexis Card (Galt Country Club) continued her strong play with a complete performance, winning the Girls 9 to 11 division with a score of 205. The Cambridge, ON native shined in the driving portion of the event, posting 30+ point scores in the first, second and third driving competitions.
Claira Frizzell (Hartlen Point Golf Club) also shined with her driving, finishing in second place (145). Brooke Halbauer (Leduc Golf Club) of Edmonton, Alta., placed third registering 100 points.
Boys 12-14:
Jager Pain (Eagles Nest Golf Club) recorded the best score out of any golfer at the Junior Skills Challenge on Sunday, posting a score of 265. Winner of the 2018 MJT Ontario Series tournament, Pain delivered impressive scores in the driving and putting portions, recording 30 and above with the driver and all ’40s with the putter.
Robin Benoit (Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac) placed second with a score of 160 while Calgary, Alta., native Andrew Leon (Lakeside Golf Club) finished third with 120 points.
Girls 12-14:
The Girls 12-14 division came down to the wire, with all four golfers separated by just 25 points.
Tatum Lohnes (Osprey Ridge Golf Club) came out on top with 160, which included a 40 on the 5-feet putting portion. Sitting in second just five points back of Lohnes was Claire Hu (Whitlock Golf and Country Club), who demonstrated her impressive driving abilities with two scores in the 30’s.
Just 20 points back of first, Sophie Dhaliwal (Wingfield Golf Club) placed third with a score of 140. Rosemere, Que., native Alexandra Botsis (Club de Golf Rosemere) finished fourth recording 135 points.
Boys 15-18:
Like Jager Pain in the Boys 12-14 category, John Kingdon (Sawmill Golf Course) had multiple 40 scores en route to winning the Boys 15-18 competition. The Grimsby, Ont., native recorded scores of 40 in two of the driving events and the 5-feet putting competition. Last season, Kingdon won two tournaments on the Golf Ontario circuit; the US Kids Niagara—Southbrook and U15 NDJT Bridgewater.
Finishing second was Jackson Wingert (The Willow’s Golf & Country Club) with a score of 175. Toronto amateur Griffin Patterson (Centennial Park Golf Course) placed third with 140 points.
Girls 15-18:
Fresh off of winning the 2021 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls Championship Title in Windsor, Ont., Joline Troung (Trafalgar Golf & Country Club) captured top honours in the Girls 15-18 event at the Junior Skills Challenge. The Mississauga, Ont., native posted a score of 230, the best among the Canadian girls competing at TPC Toronto. Troung’s best individual score was a 40 in the 5-feet putting competition.
In second place was Ava MacDonald (Antigonish Golf Club) with a score of 175. MacDonald, like Troung, also recorded a 40 in the 5-feet putting portion.
Sarah Maude Lefebvre (Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac) placed third posting 115 points. The St-Prime, Que., native showcased her powerful driver, recording a 40 in the second driving event.