Canadian Golf Superintendents Association appoints chief operating officer
Brooke Henderson named CP female athlete of the year
TORONTO – Canadian golfer Brooke Henderson is barely out of her teens and her list of accomplishments on the LPGA Tour is already a long one.
She won her first LPGA Tour event in 2015, added her first major championship last year and picked up two more tournament titles in 2017. Henderson capped her latest impressive season Wednesday by winning the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as Canada’s female athlete of the year.
“I’ve always kind of felt like I belonged out there, which I think is a big part of why I’ve had so much success so early,” said Henderson, who turned 20 in September.
Henderson picked up 35 of 63 votes (56 per cent) in a poll of broadcasters and sports editors from across the country.
“Not only is the young golfer an international champion, but she’s also playing a monumental role in helping young children get into the game,” said Mitch Bach of CHAT TV news in Medicine Hat, Alta.
Swimmer Kylie Masse was a distant second with seven votes. Gymnast Ellie Black and soccer player Christine Sinclair were tied for third with four votes apiece.
Henderson, who also won the Rosenfeld award in 2015, is the first golfer to win the award on two occasions since Lorie Kane (1997, 2000). Swimmer Penny Oleksiak took the honour last year.
“(Henderson) captured the attention of Canadian golf fans in a way not seen since the adoration given previously to Mike Weir,” said Winnipeg Free Press sports editor Steve Lyons.
Henderson had a slow start to the season with just two top-10 finishes in her first 10 events. She found her form in June by winning the Meijer LPGA Classic and just missed out on a playoff at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship later that month.
Her second title came in September at the New Zealand Women’s Open.
“Patience I think is a key word that basically describes my whole season,” she said.
Henderson, from Smiths Falls, Ont., finished sixth on the money list at just over US$1.5 million and was 13th in the world rankings. She did it by relying on her impressive long game and consistent accuracy from the fairways.
She finished 20th on Tour in driving distance this season (263.58 yards) and was 10th in greens in regulation (75.10 per cent). That helped her average just under 70 strokes a round (10th at 69.88).
Another big moment for Henderson came in August at the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open in Ottawa. She nearly missed the cut before giving her army of fans something to cheer about on the weekend.
Henderson surged up the leaderboard before finishing in a tie for 12th place.
“I can’t even really put into words what it meant to me to see all that support and those people cheering me on,” Henderson said from Naples, Fla. “To get that 63 course record on Saturday in front of all those people in my hometown was truly amazing and one of the highlights of my year for sure.”
Henderson’s five career LPGA Tour victories leaves her only three behind Sandra Post for most wins by a Canadian.
“She knows how to score and she’s not afraid to go low,” Post said. “Some people, they get to 5 under, and they quit. She keeps going.”
Henderson, who had eight top-10 finishes, plans to focus on improving her short game as she prepares for the season opener next month at the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.
Her putting average of 29.77 per round was 58th overall and she sat 100th in sand saves at 42.67 per cent.
“I have big goals and hopefully in 2018 I’ll have my best year yet,” Henderson said. “But to have a year like 2017 to back up what I did in 2016 – which was really a miracle season for me, everything went perfect – so to grind it out in 2017 and to have the finishes that I did, I’m really proud of that.”
Tennis player Denis Shapovalov won the Lionel Conacher Award as Canada’s male athlete of the year on Tuesday. The CP team of the year will be announced Thursday.
Bobbie Rosenfeld, an Olympic medallist in track and field and a multi-sport athlete, was named Canada’s best female athlete of the half-century in 1950.
The first winner of the Rosenfeld award was golfer Ada Mackenzie in 1933. Marlene Stewart Streit leads all golfers by taking the honour on five occasions (1952, ’53, ’56, ’57, ’63).
“I’m extremely proud to be named Canada’s female athlete of the year,” Henderson said. “I was just looking at some of the names … Marlene Streit, Lorie Kane, Sandra Post, all golfers that have won this award. Even the last few years, I just saw Christine Sinclair, Hayley Wickenheiser, Eugenie Bouchard.
“Those names are huge names in all of sport and all of Canada. So to be amongst them is a great honour for me.”
2017 in review: Amateur golf
The year 2017 is drawing to a close and what a year it was for Canadian golf. Our pros won literally around the world and on just about every tour imaginable. Our amateurs of all ages made Canada proud at home and abroad. And, off the course, there were significant moments that are well worth memorializing as 2018 looms on the horizon. This is the second of a three-part series remembering most, if not all, of those memorable moments.(If we’ve unintentionally overlooked any—there were so many, after all!—please let us know on Twitter or Facebook.
January:
Grace St-Germain and Maddie Szeryk, members of Team Canada’s Amateur Squad, win the team title at the Mexican Amateur.
ICYMI – Canada’s @gracestgermain & @mszeryk combined scores to win team event at last week’s Mexican Amateur.
? | https://t.co/L7DwcwwfwK pic.twitter.com/2Wjz1g9qbe
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) January 14, 2017
February:
Jared du Toit of Kimberley, B.C., wins a U.S. collegiate tournament, The Prestige at PGA West, in California.
Naomi Ko of Victoria, B.C., a sophomore at North Carolina State, wins a playoff to claim her first NCAA title, the Lady Puerto Rico Classic.
A BIG congratulations to #TeamCanada‘s @naomiko_golf, who captured her first #NCAA win today at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic ?? pic.twitter.com/siqUgMslbI
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) February 14, 2017
March:
Maddie Szeryk, a third-year member of Team Canada’s Amateur Squad and a junior at Texas A&M, wins the NCAA’s Dr. Donnis Invitational in Hawaii.
April:
Emily Leung and Chris Crisologo, both B.C. natives and students at Simon Fraser University, win their respective NCAA Division II individual titles at the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championship in Idaho.
British Columbians Stuart Macdonald, the event’s medallist, and Lawren Rowe team up to win the Peruvian International Amateur Championship.
Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., wins her division at the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at Augusta National, home of The Masters in Augusta, Ga.
How about a BIG round of ? for Canada’s Savannah Grewal, winner of Girls 14-15 division @DriveChipPutt – congrats!! ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/LLustCgOUe
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) April 2, 2017
June:
Team Canada Amateur Squad member Maddie Szeryk, a junior at Texas A&M, wins the Western Women’s Golf Association Amateur Championship in Illinois.
The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds women, led by Kat Kennedy, claim their second consecutive Canadian University/College Championship at Tangle Creek GC in Barrie, Ont. Universite Laval wins the men’s title.
July:
Colorado’s Jennifer Kupcho wins the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ont.
The “Future Links, driven by Acura, Junior Skills Challenge” national event commences at Glen Abbey GC in Oakville, Ont. For the ninth consecutive year, the event crowns female and male champions from three age groups. The 2017 champions are Andre Zhu, Kelly Zhao, Felix Bouchard, Emily Zhu, Nathan Hogan and Mackenzie Morrison.
August:
Winnipeg’s Todd Fanning wins the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Wascana CC in Regina.
Congratulations to Todd Fanning, who won the 2017 Canadian Men’s Mid-Am in a playoff over Rank & Diack at @The_Wascana ! ????? #CDNMidAm pic.twitter.com/riAVIeC16W
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) August 25, 2017
Australian Sue Wooster wins the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship in a playoff over Mary Ann Hayward of St. Thomas, Ont., at Humber Valley Resort in Newfoundland and Labrador. Lauren Greenlief of Australia claims the Mid-Amateur title.
Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Mary Ann Hayward defeats reigning champion and fellow Canadian Judith Kyrinis in a playoff to win the Women’s North and South Senior Championship in Pinehurst, N.C.
Quebec wins all four medals at the Canadian Summer Games at Southwood G&CC in Winnipeg.
Zach Bauchou of Virginia wins the 113th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at Toronto GC.
Susan Xiao of Surrey, B.C., wins the Canadian Junior Girls Championship at Ottawa’s Camelot G&CC.
Calvin Ross wins the Canadian Junior Boys Championship at Cataraqui G&CC in Kingston, Ont., becoming the first New Brunswick native to claim that title.
September:
Team Spain wins the World Junior Girls Golf Championship in Ottawa in a playoff over Korea.
Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont., defeats fellow Canadian Terrill Samuel to win the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. Of the nine Canadians in the field, four advanced to the quarter-finals.
Team Canada wins a total of five medals in the inaugural adaptive golf competition of the Invictus Games in Toronto.
Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee, a junior at Ohio State, wins her first NCAA collegiate tournament, the East & West Challenge in Wisconsin.
Gene Elliott of Iowa wins the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship at Kanawaki GC in Quebec.
October:
University of the Fraser Valley wins both the men’s and women’s titles at the Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association national championships in Oshawa, Ont.
November:
Team Canada—Joey Savoie of La Prairie, Que., and Josh Whalen of Napanee, Ont.—win the Tailhade Cup in Argentina.
December:
Josh Whalen of Napanee, Ont., and Maddie Szeryk, a dual citizen of London, Ont., and Allen, Texas, recognized as Canada’s top male and female amateur golfers for 2017 by Golf Canada.
Hats off to @JWhalen8 and @mszeryk, Golf Canada’s amateur players of the year for 2017 ????
? https://t.co/AKnPwTRzI1 pic.twitter.com/ZcX4hQ9TtV
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) December 12, 2017
2017 in review: Milestones
The year 2017 is drawing to a close and what a year it was for Canadian golf. Our pros won literally around the world and on just about every tour imaginable. Our amateurs of all ages made Canada proud at home and abroad. And, off the course, there were significant moments that are well worth memorializing as 2018 looms on the horizon.
This is the third of a three-part series remembering most, if not all, of those memorable moments.(If we’ve unintentionally overlooked any—there were so many, after all!—please let us know on Twitter or Facebook.
February:
Roland Deveau of Nova Scotia returns as president of Golf Canada for a second one-year term.
Judy Darling Evans and Bob Vokey elected to the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
More on Bob Vokey and Judy Darling Evans, our 2017 inductees into the @CGHF: https://t.co/moub4WZWyb pic.twitter.com/3cTksnSV9B
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) February 28, 2017
Bill Klein of Parkville, B.C., and George McLeod of Brandon, Man., named co-recipients of Golf Canada’s Volunteer of the Year award.
March:
Mike Weir, a five-time competitor in the event, is named assistant captain of the international team at the Presidents Cup.
Scott Simmons resigns as CEO of Golf Canada after 10 years.
May:
Laurence Applebaum succeeds Scott Simmons as Golf Canada’s chief executive officer.
Toronto’s Bruce Mitchell is named the first Canadian to serve as captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
June:
Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada publish the 2017 Golf Facilities in Canada Report.
September:
Golf Fore The Cure presented by Subaru announces it raised more than $300,000 for breast cancer research through more than 160 events from coast to coast in 2017.
A BIG thank you to all #GolfForetheCure participants for helping us reach $6M raised for breast cancer research??
? https://t.co/Ea7KnwH3jd pic.twitter.com/FK4L30HGn0
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) September 28, 2017
Following Adopt a School Week, Golf Canada announces an additional 240 school adoptions, representing an additional 28,800 elementary, intermediate and high-school students being introduced to the sport through the Future Links driven by Acura program.
#GolfinSchools totals 240 adoptions to date in 2017 thanks to collective efforts during Adopt a School Week ????
? https://t.co/inaE5cF4ln pic.twitter.com/fAHZ10hpre
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) September 27, 2017
The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association appoints Jeff Calderwood as its executive director, a post he will hold concurrently with his position as CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada.
October:
Golf Canada announces that in 2018, for the first time, the National Development Squad program will feature a centralized component which will be based out of Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, B.C.
Kevin Thistle is named CEO of the PGA of Canada to replace the retiring Gary Bernard.
New PGA of Canada CEO Named to Lead Association to a New Era of Success https://t.co/N7lQrg3GYd
— PGA of Canada (@pgaofcanada) October 10, 2017
November:
The 2017 CP Women’s Open, held in Ottawa, wins the Best Charity/Community Engagement award from the LPGA Tournament Owners Association.
A crowd-funding initiative by the Canadian Golf Museum and Hall of Fame raises thousands to digitize and preserve irreplaceable volumes of Canadian Golfer magazine.
Craig Loughry, Golf Canada’s director of handicap and course rating and Golf Ontario’s director of golf services, is named president of the International Association of Golf Administrators.
Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Mike Weir is inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
December:
Calgary’s Shaw Charity Classic wins the PGA TOUR Champions President’s Award for the third time in its five-year history.
Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada announce a partnership committed to the principles of the Responsible Coaching Movement, endorsed by the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.
Canadian golf mourns the loss of legendary railroader & golf champion Hunter Harrison
It is with great sadness and the highest regard that Golf Canada mourns the loss of former CP CEO Hunter Harrison who passed away suddenly on December 16, 2017.
“On behalf of the entire Canadian golf community as well as our partners at CP and the LPGA Tour we are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Hunter Harrison and extend our most sincere condolences to his wife Jeannie and all of his family, friends and colleagues,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “We are proud to celebrate and remember Hunter as a champion for women’s golf, high performance and junior golf during his career as the greatest railroader and one of the greatest supporters of Canadian golf during his long history with CP and other railroads. His leadership, passion for excellence and vision to support so many facets of the game had an immeasurable impact on Canadian golf.”
Under Mr. Harrison’s leadership with CP and other railroads prior, the CP Women’s Open evolved into one of the premier events on the LPGA Tour which has contributed millions to children’s charities in the event’s host communities dating back to 2006.
His legacy as an extensive partner and friend to Golf Canada also touched high performance initiatives including Golf Canada’s National Team program, the (former) Canadian Women’s Tour and national amateur competitions as well grassroots golf through the Future Links national junior golf program.
Hunter Harrison was legendary railroader who will be ceaselessly remembered for his leadership, friendship, generosity and enormous contributions to the game of golf in Canada.
What others are saying:
CP family mourns loss of legendary railroader and former CEO, Mr. E. Hunter Harrison https://t.co/RmI4d9V5R4
— Canadian Pacific (@CanadianPacific) December 16, 2017
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Hunter Harrison, longtime supporter and friend of the LPGA and women’s golf. Hunter was instrumental in the expansion and growth of the Canadian Women’s Open. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will miss him! pic.twitter.com/vNkcD7q67S
— LPGA (@LPGA) December 17, 2017
VERY hard to read about Hunter Harrison passing. HUGE supporter of women’s golf & someone that truly lifted the @LPGA – RIP to our friend & partner!!
CSX Corp. Chief Executive Hunter Harrison died Saturday, a day after the surprise announcement that he was placed on medical leave— Michael Whan (@LPGACommish) December 16, 2017
Deeply saddened over Hunter Harrison’s passing earlier today. An inspirational friend to the @LPGA, golf in Canada & someone who was never too busy for me. #RIP Sir. You will be missed ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/loSE2pVJpW
— Rick Young (@RickSCOREGolf) December 16, 2017
Mackenzie Tour holds on to win Aruba Cup
With T.J. Vogel providing the exclamation point for the third straight day, Team Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR prevailed in a thrilling finish to win the second annual Aruba Cup on Saturday at Tierra del Sol Resort and Golf in Aruba.
Vogel’s half point in the final match to finish gave his team a 10.5 to 9.5 tally over Team PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, allowing the Mackenzie Tour team to survive a furious charge by their opponents and giving the Canadian side their first win in the two-year history of the annual team competition.
“It feels amazing,” said Mackenzie Tour Team Captain Ben Silverman, who saw his team begin the day with a 6.5 to 3.5 lead but quickly found his side trying to hold off a late rally. “The Latinoamérica Team really pushed hard at the end, and you’ve got to give them a lot of credit for the way they fought back today.”
Needing just four points to secure the cup, Team Mackenzie Tour secured an early point as Kramer Hickok defeated José de Jesús Rodríguez 3 and 1 in a battle of each Tour’s Player of the Year. Max Rottluff and Robby Shelton also notched decisive victories, winning their matches 6 and 4 and 6 and 5, respectively, putting the Mackenzie Tour just one point from victory.
???
Let the #ArubaCup celebration party begin! pic.twitter.com/fQEWAhRnDn
— Mackenzie Tour (@PGATOURCanada) December 16, 2017
Every time it seemed victory was at hand, however, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica clawed closer to a remarkable comeback. Oscar Fraustro drained a 30-foot birdie putt at 18 to halve his match with Johnny Ruiz and keep hope alive, while Jared Wolfe turned a 1 down deficit into a 1 up win over Lee McCoy, putting the pressure squarely on the shoulders of Vogel.
After securing points thanks to clutch closing birdies in both Four-Ball and Foursomes play on Thursday and Friday, Vogel was once again put in position to decide the outcome, and he delivered yet again, making birdie at the 17th to square his match before halving the 18th to set off a celebration for the Mackenzie Tour squad.
“I’m just so happy for the team. It was a lot closer than we anticipated, but a win’s a win and I’m just happy for the guys,” said Vogel, who added that his experience early in the week helped him come through in the clutch again. “I think the first match really helped, coming down the stretch and winning the last two holes with Rico (Hoey). That really helped. I felt like as long as I was within reach, I was going to be able to close strong.”
The win caps a thrilling week and a memorable season for all 10 players on the team, especially those who earned promotions to the Web.com Tour.
“It was a great way to celebrate our success throughout the year,” said Hickok. “The year is such a grind, and the Aruba Cup a great way to reward the players who played well. It was great to get to know these guys better and spend a week with them, and I’m glad it ended the way it did.”
RBC PGA Scramble returns to Cabot Links in 2018
The RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company returns to the magnificent Cabot Links in 2018.
After a successful campaign in 2017, the scramble’s national final will once again grace the town of Inverness, N.S. from Oct. 11-13, 2018.
“The 2017 RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final at Cabot Links was a huge success with participants from all over Canada enjoying a golf trip-of-a-lifetime,” said PGA of Canada president Steve Wood. “In 2018 we look forward to more golfers from across the country sharing the world-class experience of Cabot Links.”
Taking place Oct. 11-13 at the world-famous Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, N.S., the national final will feature 20 teams—comprised of four amateurs and one PGA of Canada professional—playing in a 54-hole Ambrose-style format.
“We’re thrilled to return to Cabot Links and experience the best of Cape Breton golf for the 2018 RBC PGA Scramble National Final,” said Matt McGlynn, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “Together with the PGA of Canada, we’re providing even more unique and memorable opportunities that support the game of golf and its continued growth in Canada.”
Located in Inverness, N.S., Cabot Links is Canada’s first and only authentic links golf resort. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque town of Inverness, the Cabot Links course represents a dramatic departure from the typical golf excursion.
With six holes playing directly alongside the water and every hole offers an ocean view, Cabot Links is where traditional links-land golf comes to life against the spectacular Nova Scotia landscape.
The Cabot Cliffs course, designed by the decorated team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is the newest addition to Cabot. Exquisitely carved out of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard-worthy panoramas vying for your attention and every hole calling out to the sea, it is links-land golf at its best.
Cabot Cliffs ranked No. 1, while Cabot Links ranked No. 4 on SCOREGolf’s 2016 Best Golf Courses in Canada list. Cabot Cliffs also debuted 19th on the World’s Top 100 Courses list by Golf Digest.
“We are thrilled to be able to host the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company again in 2018 here at Cabot,” said Andrew Alkenbrack, General Manager of Cabot Links. “Our team thoroughly enjoyed the week and the fact that the sponsors and competitors liked it enough to make a return visit is the highest compliment. We are greatly looking forward to welcoming the winning teams from across the country again next year.”
The RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final, however, is as much about the off-course activities as the on course. In addition to the three rounds of golf, participants will be treated to a number of special events, prizes, meals, activations and much more.
As if it were scripted, the 2017 RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company National Final came down to a nerve-inducing putt.
Needing to make a four-foot par putt for the win on the final hole at Cabot Links, team Cordova Bay amateur player Rodney Webber stepped up and made the biggest putt of his life.
“I’m no professional golfer, but standing over that putt I definitely felt like one,” Webber said. “That was definitely the most pressure-packed putt I’ve ever had in my life.”
Webber, along with his Cordova Bay teammates—Phil Kondrak, Eric Smith, Eric Watson and PGA of Canada professional Nate Ollis—finished the three-day national championship at Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs at 46-under-par, mere 0.8 better than the squad from The Landings.
“Honestly, we couldn’t have asked for a better week,” Cordova Bay said. “We can’t thank RBC and The Lincoln Motor Company enough for supporting this amazing event,” they said, adding, “the experience from the very beginning has been world class—from the golf courses to the meals and the lodging—everything has been the best.”
The 2018 edition of RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company will see thousands of golfers from across the country participate in the series of local and regional events next summer.
For more information about the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company, click here.
Alberta pro’s among PGA of Canada national award winners
Congratulations to national award winners from Alberta – Sean Murray, Sean Thompson, Mike Matuch and Paul Horton!
Murray Tucker Golf Professional of the Year Award winner Andrew Steep headlines an impressive contingent of PGA of Canada National Award recipients.
Steep, along with his fellow national award winners and two new PGA of Canada Hall of Fame inductees, will be honoured at the association’s annual PGA of Canada Night on Thursday, Jan. 25 at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla.
This year’s winners are:
Murray Tucker Golf Professional of the Year
Andrew Steep, Southwood Golf & Country Club, Manitoba
Moe Norman Candidate for Membership of the Year
Sean Murray, Bearspaw Country Club, Alberta
Stan Leonard Class “A” Professional of the Year
Sean Thompson, Calgary Golf & Country Club, Alberta
Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year
Mike Matuch, Bearspaw Country Club, Alberta
George Knudson Teacher of the Year
Matthew Robinson, Rideau View Golf & Country Club, Ontario
Tex Noble Professional Development Award
Jason Schneider, Wildwood Golf Course, Saskatchewan
Ben Kern Coach of the Year
Paul Horton, Heritage Pointe Golf Academy, Alberta
Jack McLaughin Junior Leader of the Year
Kevin Haime, Kevin Haime Golf Centre, Ontario
Mike Weir Player of the Year
Pierre-Alexandre Bedard, Club de Golf Cap Rouge, Québec
“This year’s PGA of Canada national award winners are wonderful golf professionals and on behalf of the national board of directors’ and the association’s 3,700 members, I’m proud to congratulate them today on their achievements,” said PGA of Canada president Steve Wood.
Steep, the head golf professional at Southwood Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg is the 42nd recipient of the golf professional of the year award. This award is the highest honour paid to a golf professional and is designed to recognize the contribution to developing and improving the game of golf, education, instruction, playing ability and dedication to the PGA of Canada.
“It’s truly an honour to be recognized as the Murray Tucker Golf Professional of the Year award winner,” Steep said. “I can’t thank the PGA of Canada enough for the honour.”
The 31-year-old is a former winner of the Moe Norman Candidate of the Year Award winner and son of PGA of Canada Life Member James Steep.
Additionally, Sam Young and James (Jim) Collins will be inducted into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame during PGA of Canada Night.
“We will proudly induct two more great PGA of Canada professionals into the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame at PGA of Canada Night,” said Warren Crosbie, PGA of Canada Hall of Fame Chair. “I would greatly encourage those interested in learning more about the members of the Hall of Fame, as well as the history of the association to visit the PGA of Canada Hall of Fame website.”
The PGA of Canada Hall of Fame nomination process is available here and members of the association, industry partners and the general public are encouraged to submit the names of individuals they feel are worthy of induction.
PGA of Canada Night takes place in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at the PGA Merchandise Show (Orange County Convention Centre) at 5 p.m. in room W109A.
Golf Canada names 2017 Amateur Players of the Year – See where the Albertans finished
Albertans Matt Williams, Emmett Oh, Jaclyn Lee and Ethan Choi finish top 10 in respective rankings
OAKVILLE, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Josh Whalen of Napanee, Ont. and Maddie Szeryk, a dual citizen from London, Ont. and Allen, Texas, have been recognized as Canada’s top male and female amateur golfers for 2017 as Golf Canada announced the final standings for its National Orders of Merit.
Whalen claims top spot in the men’s National Order of Merit ranking after an impressive season highlighted by a 3rd place finish at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. The 22-year-old also posted a T6 finish at the Sunnehanna Amateur and recorded six NCAA top-20s in his senior year with the Kent State Golden Flashes, including a runner-up finish at the Boilermaker Invitational.
Hugo Bernard, 22, of Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que., finished second on the Order of Merit thanks in part to earning medallist honours at the USGA’s U.S. Amateur Qualifying event in Maine, as well as strong showings at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship (T4), the French Open (T3) and the Mackenzie Investments Open (T7).
Joey Savoie, 23, of La Prairie, Que., rounded out the top-3 after recording runner-up finishes at the Duke of Kent, the USGA’s U.S. Amateur Qualifying event in Maine and the Monroe Invitational.
Whalen, Bernard and Savoie were all recently named to the 2018 Team Canada National Amateur Squad.
The 2017 season marks the third straight year that Maddie Szeryk has finished atop the women’s National Order of Merit. The 21-year-old recorded three victories this season—the B.C. Women’s Amateur and Women’s Western Amateur Championships, as well as the NCAA’s Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational as part of the Texas A&M Women’s Golf Team.
Naomi Ko of Victoria, B.C., finished runner-up on the Order of Merit for the second consecutive time. In February, the 20-year-old picked up her first NCAA win at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic. Other notable showings included third place finishes at the Canadian Women’s Amateur and B.C. Women’s Amateur Championships, as well as the Women’s Porter Cup.
Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee finished third on the National Order of Merit. In 2017, the 20-year-old earned a runner-up finish at the B.C. Women’s Amateur Championship and two NCAA top-5s.
Szeryk, Ko and Lee are all returning members of Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad for 2018.
On the Future Links, driven by Acura National Junior Order Merit, Christopher Vandette of Beaconsfield, Que. and Céleste Dao of Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Que., took home top honours in their respective divisions.
Vandette, 16, tallied five victories this season, including the Quebec Men’s Amateur Championship, Canada Summer Games and the Future Links, driven by Acura Ontario Championship. He also finished third at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship.
Rounding out the top three on the Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Boys Order of Merit are Nolan Thoroughgood (17) of Victoria, B.C. and Ethan Choi (15) of Pincher Creek, Alta.
Vandette and Thoroughgood were recently named to the 2018 Team Canada Development Squad which will train out of Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria.
Dao topped the junior girl’s Order of Merit after a prolific 2017 season where she picked up wins at the Canada Summer Games, Quebec Junior Girls Championship, NIVO Quebec Women’s Provincial Championship, U.S. Junior Girls Qualifier at Fitchburg, Ma., Future Links, driven by Acura Quebec Championship and the CJGA Quebec Junior Open. The 16-year-old also represented Canada at the World Junior Girls Championship in late September.
Finishing runner-up behind Dao is 16-year-old Monet Chun from Richmond Hill, Ont., while Susan Xiao, a 15-year-old from Surrey, B.C., rounded out the top-3.
Dao and Chun were recently named to the 2018 Team Canada Development Squad.
Golf Canada’s National Orders of Merit are used to identify and give recognition to top-performing amateur golfers from across Canada. They also provide an objective national comparison and ranking system, enabling Canada’s top players to compare themselves to counterparts across Canada.
Golf Canada also uses the National Order of Merit to assist with the Team Canada player selection and International event player selection process. For full Order of Merit standings and a points breakdown, please visit www.golfcanada.ca/nationalordersofmerit/.
The following are top-10 National Order of Merit finishers from each respective division:
Men’s National Order of Merit Top-10
| Name | Hometown | Counting Events | Points | |
| 1. | Josh Whalen | Napanee, ON | 10 | 51,223.34 |
| 2. | Hugo Bernard | Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC | 10 | 48,162.93 |
| 3. | Joey Savoie | La Prairie, QC | 10 | 42,250.58 |
| 4. | Matt Williams | Calgary, AB | 10 | 32,472.50 |
| 5. | Garrett Rank | Elmira, ON | 8 | 31,795.00 |
| 6. | Henry Lee | Coquitlam, BC | 10 | 30,040.83 |
| 7. | Chris Crisologo | Richmond, BC | 9 | 27,766.25 |
| 8. | Luke Moser | Waterloo, ON | 10 | 27,010.14 |
| 9. | Blair Bursey | Gander, NL | 8 | 21,675.00 |
| 10. | Emmett Oh | Calgary, AB | 8 | 21,517.86 |
Women’s National Order of Merit Top-10
| Name | Hometown | Counting Events | Points | |
| 1. | Maddie Szeryk | London, ON | 10 | 63,646.67 |
| 2. | Naomi Ko | Victoria, BC | 10 | 54,018.33 |
| 3. | Jaclyn Lee | Calgary, AB | 10 | 44,576.10 |
| 4. | Grace St-Germain | Ottawa, ON | 10 | 43,812.50 |
| 5. | Valérie Tanguay | St-Hyacinthe, QC | 10 | 33,613.75 |
| 6. | Jessica Ip | Richmond Hill, ON | 9 | 29,417.50 |
| 7. | Sabrine Garrison | Calgary, AB | 9 | 20,751.72 |
| 8. | Michelle Kim | Surrey, BC | 8 | 19,592.17 |
| 9. | Sophie Liu | Surrey, BC | 9 | 18,423.50 |
| 10. | Vanessa Ha | Montreal, QC | 5 | 17,361.00 |
Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Boys Order of Merit Top-10
| Name | Hometown | Counting Events | Points | |
| 1. | Christopher Vandette | Beaconsfield, QC | 8 | 28,985.00 |
| 2. | Nolan Thoroughgood | Victoria, BC | 8 | 24,565.00 |
| 3. | Ethan Choi | Pincher Creek, AB | 8 | 23,430.00 |
| 4. | Tristan Mandur | Mill Bay, BC | 6 | 21,850.00 |
| 5. | Callum Davison | Duncan, BC | 8 | 21,115.00 |
| 6. | Calvin Ross | Fredericton, NB | 7 | 19,977.50 |
| 7. | Kelvin Lim | Thornhill, ON | 8 | 19,562.06 |
| 8. | Louis-Alexandre Jobin-Colgan | Québec, QC | 8 | 18,967.08 |
| 9. | Taylor Beckstead | Alliston, ON | 8 | 18,330.00 |
| 10. | Jeevan Sihota | Victoria, BC | 6 | 18,319.00 |
Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Girls Order of Merit Top-10
| Name | Hometown | Counting Events | Points | |
| 1. | Céleste Dao | Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Que. | 8 | 32,840.00 |
| 2. | Monet Chun | Richmond Hill, ON | 8 | 31,156.88 |
| 3. | Susan Xiao | Surrey, BC | 8 | 28,262.00 |
| 4. | Ellie Szeryk | London, ON | 8 | 28,170.00 |
| 5. | Hannah Lee | Surrey, BC | 8 | 23,378.88 |
| 6. | Alyssa DiMarcantonio | Maple, OnN | 8 | 21,220.00 |
| 7. | Mary Parsons | Delta, BC | 7 | 21,115.00 |
| 8. | Euna Han | Coquitlam, BC | 8 | 18,160.00 |
| 9. | Emily Zhu | Richmond Hill, ON | 8 | 17,535.00 |
| 10. | Brigitte Thibault | Rosemère, QC | 7 | 17,445.00 |
Remembering Alberta Golf Hall of Famer Bill Tait
March 3, 1922 – December 5, 2017
E. William “Bill” Tait passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the age of 95 years.
Bill was born in the Elbow Park community of Calgary on March 3, 1922. Following his graduation from Western Canada High School, like many people his age, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces to serve in WWII. During his military service Bill was stationed in England, Belgium, France and The Netherlands before crossing the Rhine in 1945.
Upon returning to Calgary he joined his father C.E. Tait in the insurance brokerage business. He and his business partner George Morrison later formed Morrison & Tait Insurance Agency, which was eventually acquired by a large national firm.
Those who knew Bill know that he had a passion for the game of golf. He was an accomplished amateur golfer. Bill was one of the few Albertans to win the Alberta Amateur Golf Championship, The Alberta Open and The Alberta Senior Championship. He was a member of the Alberta Willingdon Cup Team, several Alberta Senior Men’s teams, and was a runner up in the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship. Bill also served as president of the Alberta Golf Association and was inducted into the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame in 2008.
A life-long member of the Calgary Golf & Country Club, Bill holds the rare distinction of having eagled every hole on the golf course over the span of the eighty plus years he played at the club.
Bill was also active in the Calgary business community; he served as the President of the Downtown Calgary Rotary Club and was a past director of the Calgary Foundation.
Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years Valerie; his children, Peter, Barbara, Gordon and Carolynn and grandsons Kevin and Ryan Wisener. At his request, a private funeral service was held and a celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to make a donation please do so to the charity of their choice. In living memory of Bill Tait, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.