Rose wins HSBC Champions in stunning comeback over Johnson
SHANGHAI – Justin Rose posed with the trophy from the balcony high above the 18th green at Sheshan International, a moment that didn’t seem possible.
He started the final round eight shots behind Dustin Johnson, the No. 1 player in the world.
“The beginning of the day, I was playing for second,” Rose said.
The HSBC Champions turned into a shocker in Shanghai when Johnson went into the PGA Tour record books for all the wrong reasons.
Instead of becoming the first player to win three World Golf Championships in one year, he tied a record for losing the largest lead in the final round. Six shots clear of the field, Johnson didn’t make a single birdie on a wild, wind-blown Sunday for a collapse that even Rose didn’t see coming.
Only when he saw a leaderboard behind the 14th green and realized he was three shots behind did Rose think he might have a chance. He got up-and-down with a tough bunker shot for birdie. He made a 10-foot par save at the 15th to stay in the game. He birdied the next two holes.
As Rose was signing for a 5-under 67, he looked up and saw Johnson’s last hope for eagle on the 18th tumble off the side of the green and into the water.
“It’s the kind of day you certainly don’t expect,” Rose said after his two-shot victory. “It’s the kind of a day you hope for – dream for – but a lot of things need to go your way in order for a day like today to happen, coming from eight shots behind, especially going against a player like DJ.”
He overcame an EIGHT-shot deficit for his 8th win on the PGA TOUR! ?@JustinRose99 claims the WGC-HSBC Champions! #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/eo32mFc7OB
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 29, 2017
Johnson certainly did his part. He shot 77, his highest final round with the lead since an 82 at Pebble Beach in the 2010 U.S. Open.
“I just could never get anything going and didn’t hole any putts,” Johnson said. “It was pretty simple.”
It was simply stunning.
Johnson matched the record for losing a six-shot lead, most recently by Sergio Garcia at Quail Hollow in 2005, most famously by Greg Norman in the 1996 Masters.
The one-man show turned into a four-man race in the final hour, and Rose seized on it with a 31 on the back nine. He finished at 14-under 274. Johnson tied for second with Henrik Stenson (70) and Brooks Koepka (71), who also had their chances.
Only two other players in PGA Tour history have come from more than eight shots behind on the final day to win – Paul Lawrie (10 shots) in the 1999 British Open and Stewart Cink (nine shots) at Hilton Head in 2004.
“It was the perfect type of weather conditions to make a comeback,” Rose said. “This is the type of day when you are playing with a lead, every hole seems difficult. Obviously, someone is still capable of playing a special round of golf. And my back nine was just amazing today.”
The signature shot was a 5-iron he purposely threw up into the wind on the par-3 17th and watched it land some 3 feet behind the hole. That gave him the lead over Stenson, and no one caught him.
Stenson, who tied for the lead with a two-putt birdie from just short of the 16th green, ballooned his tee shot on the 17th and was well short and to the right, leading to a bogey. Koepka was within one shot of the lead until the wind switched on him at the 15th and deposited his shot into a plugged lie in the bunker. He blasted out to the fringe and took three putts from 30 feet for double bogey.
Rose won for the first time since capturing the gold medal at the Olympics last summer in Rio de Janeiro. He now has won every year since 2010.
The HSBC Champions sure didn’t look like a tournament where he would keep that streak going, not when he was eight shots behind going into the final round against Johnson, who has been No. 1 in the world since running off three straight victories against strong fields in the spring.
Nothing went right for Johnson.
He made bogey on No. 1. He drove into the water on the par-5 second and had to scramble for bogey. Still, he made the turn at 15 under and had a three-shot lead, and he was driving it down the middle and long on every shot. He fell apart on the par-5 14th, when he chunked a short iron for his second shot and had to get up-and-down for par, bogeyed the 15th from the bunker, and then hooked an iron into deep rough on the 16th.
His flop shot was a yard short of being perfect. Instead, it went into a bunker and he made another bogey.
“That wind was blowing hard,” Stenson said. “On this golf course, if you hit the wrong shot at the wrong time, it’s going to penalize you. Certainly it penalized DJ a number of times today. That’s why he came back to the rest of us. I played pretty strong, and then I hit one bad shot with possible the wrong club on 17. That kind of ended my chances to win the golf tournament.”
Rose won his second World Golf Championships title – the other was at Doral in 2012 – and moved to No. 6 in the world. Johnson gets a month off to consider one that got away from him in an ugly manner.
VIDEO: Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum discusses the future of Canadian golf
SCOREGolf’s Jason Logan sat down with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum to discuss Canadian golf championships, the sport’s accessibility for kids and the future of golf in Canada. Watch their interview below.
Handicapping: Active season in Alberta
For many of us trying to squeeze in the last few rounds of the season, or for those planning on heading south this winter, it’s important to note the “active season” in the region, province or country you’re playing in.
Golf Canada’s Handicap System stipulates every player is responsible for returning all acceptable scores into one’s scoring record from rounds played on courses observing their active season, which is part of the golf season when courses have acceptable playing conditions.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of authorized provincial golf association to declare active and inactive periods, and it is the responsibility of the area club and golfers to observe these dates for posting purposes.
Each year, provincial associations analyze numerous factors to determine their active seasons. This ensures consistency of when scores would be posted by the majority of golfers to help keep Handicap Factors accurate.
Scores made at any golf course observing an inactive season are not acceptable for handicap purposes. The rationale behind this is that posting scores during inactive seasons (periods of poor course conditions) could artificially increase a player’s Handicap Factor.
Scores made at a golf course in an area observing an active season must be posted for handicap purposes, even if the golf club from which the player receives a Handicap Factor is observing an inactive season. The club’s Handicap Committee must make it possible for a player to post these away scores at the beginning of the active season.
For example, if a player belonging to a golf club in Ontario plays golf in Florida during January, any scores made in Florida are acceptable and must be returned to the player’s Ontario golf club. If the player is also a member of a golf club in Florida, scores must be posted to the player’s Florida club.
In Canada, the active season in each province is as follows:
BC = Mar. 1 – Nov. 15
AB = Mar. 1 – Oct. 31
SK = Apr. 15 – Oct. 31
MB = Apr. 15 – Oct. 31
ON = Apr. 15 – Oct. 31
QC = Apr. 15 – Oct. 31
NS = Apr. 15 – Oct. 31
NB = May. 1 – Oct. 31
PE = Apr. 16 – Nov. 14
NL = Apr. 1 – Nov. 30
It’s also important to note that if you are travelling to other countries, you should determine their active seasons to prevent posting unacceptable scores. Your home club needs all acceptable scores from the “off-season” as well to ensure your Handicap Factor is accurate once recalculated at the beginning of the season.
For a detailed list of active and inactive schedule in the United States, click here.
For more information on handicapping, click here.
CCAA announces 2017 golf All-Canadians
The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) announced the golf All-Canadian award recipients on Monday for the 2017 season.
20 student-athletes (10 women, 10 men) were selected ahead of this week’s national championship at Royal Ashburn Golf Club in Ashburn, Ont.
The following were named as All-Canadians:
| 2017 Women’s All-Canadians | 2017 Men’s All-Canadians |
| Emery Bardock, UFV Cascades (PACWEST) In her first season with the Cascades, Bardock was victorious in two of the PACWEST’s four tournaments en route to the conference’s individual crown. She also led UFV to a team championship. Bardock made a return to the varsity golf scene this season after suiting up for the SFU Clan several years ago. Bardock was a positive presence on the Cascades roster this season. |
Daniel Campbell, UFV Cascades (PACWEST) In his first season with the Cascades, Campbell won two of the PACWEST’s four tournaments en route to the conference’s overall men’s individual title. In addition to his victories at the VIU and UFV Invitationals, he also paced UFV to the PACWEST team championship. Campbell joined the Cascades this season as a transfer from Skagit Valley College and has fit in seamlessly. |
| Hannah Dirksen, UFV Cascades (PACWEST) Dirksen won the Camosun Invitational on her way to a second-place overall finish in the PACWEST women’s individual standings. She also captained the Cascades to a dominating team conference title. Dirksen is now a three-time CCAA All-Canadian. The four-year veteran at UFV sets a tremendous example to her teammates with her work ethic. |
Ben Whiton, UFV Cascades (PACWEST) Whiton put together a rookie season to remember, winning the PACWEST men’s individual silver medal. He placed second at the UFV Invitational and third at the Camosun Invitational. Whiton also helped the Cascades men’s team win the PACWEST overall title. He is an upbeat presence on the UFV roster and has been a great addition to the team as a rookie. |
| Shaye Leidenius, Red Deer Queens (ACAC) Leidenius captured the individual title at the ACAC Championships and was also victorious at the South Regionals event. The Queens co-captain led Red Deer to a bronze medal at the conference championships. Leidenius is a team player who leads by example. She is an intense competitor but has a high level of integrity, honesty and fair play morals. |
Braden Clarkson, Augustana Vikings (ACAC) Clarkson was a member of the Vikings team that earned a silver medal at the ACAC Championships. He placed fourth overall individually in Alberta. He has shown tremendous improvement in his game during his three years at Augustana and has developed into a team leader. Clarkson assisted in the training and development at Our Lady of Mount Pleasant School’s golf academy in Camrose, Alta. |
| Elizabeth Stewart, MacEwan Griffins (ACAC) Stewart led the Griffins to a team title at the ACAC Championships. MacEwan captured four ACAC team banners in her five seasons with the institution. Stewart was victorious at the South Regional event with the lowest round in Griffins history (74). The team captain is now a two-time CCAA All-Canadian. Stewart is a vocal leader on and off the course and is a great mentor to the younger student-athletes. |
Michael Harrison, Augustana Vikings (ACAC) Harrison, now a two-time CCAA All-Canadian, captured individual gold at the ACAC Championships and led the Vikings to a second-place finish in team play. He was also victorious at the ACAC South Regional and tied for second at the ACAC North Regional. Harrison’s dedication and desire to improve have vaulted him up the ACAC leaderboards. He has also assisted at the junior high golf academy. |
| Sheila McKeen, Humber Hawks (OCAA) McKeen captured team gold and individual silver at the OCAA Championships. The fourth-year player has been one of the most consistent golfers in Humber history, contributing individual podium finishes and having her scores count in numerous team successes, including team gold in 2015 at CCAA Nationals and silver last year. McKeen has the respect of all coaches, teammates and opposition she meets. |
Conner Watt, Humber Hawks (OCAA) Watt was the individual gold medalist at the OCAA Championships and had first-place finishes at Mercyhurst and Georgian. He also led the Hawks to the conference team title. The third-year student-athlete is one of the most gentlemanly and respected players on the course, but one that plays with a fire inside that drives him to want to put in his best performance for the team and himself. |
| Emilie Tyndall, Georgian Grizzlies (OCAA) Tyndall fired a hole-in-one in the second round of the OCAA Championships en route to the individual gold medal. In her fifth and final year, she led Georgian to team victories at the Fanshawe, Lakehead and Niagara Invitationals. Tyndall, now a two-time CCAA All-Canadian, is the definition of what a varsity student-athlete should be. Her sportsmanship, dedication and positive attitude are unmatched. |
Cameron Brennan, Humber Hawks (OCAA) In his second season, Brennan’s game continued to elevate with the Hawks as he earned an individual silver medal at the OCAA Championships. His scoring in all three rounds at the conference championships was key in Humber’s gold-medal team victory. In incredibly windy conditions at the OCAA Championships, Brennan battled his way through by playing intelligent golf within his skill set. |
| Sarah-Eve Rheaume, St. Lawrence Lions (RSEQ) The Lions rookie was the RSEQ individual champion with a five-round average score of 72. She also led Champlain St. Lawrence to the team title in the conference. Rheaume finished third at the Quebec Provincial Junior Championship and was a member of the gold-medal winning team at the Canada Games. Her calm attitude and personal drive are her biggest attributes. |
Charles Eric Bélanger, St. Lawrence Lions (RSEQ) Bélanger was crowned the RSEQ individual champion and led the Lions to the conference team title as well. He shot a season-best round of 68 on the first day of the conference championships. Bélanger was also victorious at the Graham Cooke Junior Invitational. His consistency has improved this season along with his short game, which has helped him in high-pressure situations. |
| Audrey Côte, St. Lawrence Lions (RSEQ) Côte finished fifth in the RSEQ individual standings and paced the Lions to the team title in Quebec. The third-year player fired a season best 74 on Day 1 at the conference championships. Côte’s easygoing attitude was a key component to Champlain St. Lawrence’s success this year. Her positivity is contagious and helps her teammates during difficult times. |
David Tweddell, St. Lawrence Lions (RSEQ) Tweddell earned an individual silver medal in the RSEQ with a five-round average score of 71. He led the Lions to five conference team victories by an average margin of 10 strokes. Tweddell, who began playing competitively only three years ago, has shown plenty of potential at Champlain St. Lawrence. His game continues to make giant strides as he shredded off five strokes per round this season. |
| Darcy Fuller, UNB Varsity Reds (ACAA) Fuller was the individual runner up at all three ACAA events, including the conference championship. The first female member of the Varsity Reds program, she continues to develop each season. Fuller has a positive attitude and a strong desire to compete. She brings an infectious enthusiasm to the team, always encouraging her teammates. |
Corey McMinniman, UNB Varsity Reds (ACAA) McMinniman captured the individual title at the ACAA Championships with a two-day total of 151. He led the Varsity Reds to team victories at all three ACAA events, including the conference championships. McMinniman always has a good attitude on and off the course and sets a great example for his teammates. He has a competitive edge that allows him to thrive under pressure. |
| Daria Leidenius, Holland Hurricanes (ACAA) In her second season with the Hurricanes, Leidenius captured the individual title at the ACAA Championships for her fifth career win. She led Holland to a team conference title as a rookie in 2016. Leidenius’ biggest attribute is her drive to always improve. She approaches her game like a tour pro in her practice methods as she strives to take her game to the next level. |
Sebastien Peterson, UNB Varsity Reds (ACAA) Peterson was a key contributor in UNB’s sweep of the team events in the ACAA. He was also the runner-up individually at the ACAA Championships. As a senior member of the team, Peterson embraced a leadership role this season with the Varsity Reds. He leads by example on and off the course with his practice and study habits as well as his preparation for competition. |
VIDEO: Who is Bob Vokey?
Born in Montreal and raised in Verdun, Que., Bob Vokey has become one of the world’s foremost wedge designers and trusted short game advisor to many of the modern game’s greatest golfers. His innovative designs have made Titleist Vokey wedges a trusted brand among golfers of every age and skill level. Over his illustrious career, Vokey has designed wedges for many of golf’s notable players.
Earlier this year, as part of the 2017 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club, the legendary club maker officially entered the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame as an honoured member.
Watch the video teaser below for a glimpse into the life of Vokey and click here to watch the video in full.
Golf Canada announces 2018 Team Canada
Golf Canada is pleased to announce the 18 athletes who have been chosen to represent Team Canada as part of the 2018 National Amateur Squad and Development Squad.
In all, eight athletes comprise Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad including four players on the men’s team and four on the women’s. The 10-member Development Squad will include five women and five men.
“Based on their outstanding performances this year, we are pleased to announce the young men and women chosen to represent Canada as part of the national team program,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. These talented athletes are a product of a circle of support that includes personal coaches, parents and provincial high-performance programs and will proudly represent Canada on the global golf stage.”
The following athletes have been selected to Team Canada’s 2018 Amateur Squad:
WOMEN’S NATIONAL AMATEUR SQUAD
- Maddie Szeryk, Allen, Tex., Ontario Public Player (21)
- Naomi Ko, Victoria, B.C., Olympic View Golf Club (20)
- Jaclyn Lee, Calgary, Alta., Glencoe Golf & Country Club (20)
- Grace St-Germain, Ottawa, Ont., Camelot Golf & Country Club (19)
MEN’S NATIONAL AMATEUR SQUAD
- Hugo Bernard, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que., Laval sur-le-Lac Club (22)
- Josh Whalen, Napanee, Ont., Napanee Golf & Country Club (22)
- Joey Savoie, La Prairie, Que., Pinegrove Country Club (23)
- Chris Crisologo, Richmond, B.C., Marine Drive Golf Club (21)
Complete National Amateur Squad bios can be found here.
The following athletes have been selected to Team Canada’s 2018 Development Squad:
WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
- Céleste Dao, Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Que., Summerlea Golf & Country Club (16)
- Monet Chun, Richmond Hill, Ont., Summit Golf & Country Club (16)
- Ellie Szeryk, Allen, Tex., Ontario Public Player (16)
- Alyssa DiMarcantonio, Maple, Ont., Station Creek Golf Club (14)
- Euna Han, Coquitlam, B.C., Morgan Creek Golf Course (15)
MEN’S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
- Christopher Vandette, Beaconsfield, Que., Summerlea Golf & Country Club (16)
- Johnny Travale, Stoney Creek, Ont., Hamilton Golf & Country Club (16)
- Nolan Thoroughgood, Victoria, B.C., Royal Colwood Golf Club (17)
- Peyton Callens, Langton, Ont., Delhi Golf & Country Club (17)
- Thomas Critch, Cedar Park, Tex., Ontario Public Player (17)
Complete Development Squad player bios can be found here.
Development Squad to Feature Centralized Program out of Bear Mountain Resort
New in 2018, the National Development Squad program will feature a centralized component, which will be based out of Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, B.C.—Team Canada’s official training centre since 2015.
The program will send Development Squad athletes to Bear Mountain from February through to early June to be immersed in a focused centre of excellence, surrounded by world-class technical coaching staff and experts in the areas of mental performance, physiotherapy, biomechanics and nutrition.
The change in program structure and commitment to a centralized training environment over four and a half months of the year are designed to better support emerging talents as part of Golf Canada’s next generation strategy.
The number of days that Development Squad athletes will spend in a world-class training environment will increase from approximately 30 (in the current structure) to 120 in the new program.
“We felt that this change was necessary to deliver a significant impact to targeted athletes aged 18 and under in this crucial stage of their development,” said Thompson. “An increased number of contact days with our expert high-performance coaches and sport science staff will provide our next generation athletes with a true world-class training environment.”
In addition to the world-class facilities available at Bear Mountain, athletes will have access to one of the best training centres in the country just 10 minutes away – the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence.
For accommodation, Development Squad members will be paired with billet families in the region to provide safe, supportive home environments for training and study throughout the program. All potential billet candidates will undergo a screening process with Golf Canada.
Athletes will be enrolled at Belmont Secondary School in Langford, B.C., where they will attend classes in the morning, followed by training in the afternoon. Team members will also be assigned a teacher from West Shore Distributed Learning Centre, where they will take online courses and receive advanced credits for their sports training. Academic commitment will remain a cornerstone of the Team Canada program with Golf Canada coaches and support team working closely with the teaching staff to ensure success in and out of the classroom.
Bear Mountain Resort has served as Golf Canada’s national team training centre since 2015. In addition to world class amenities and accommodations, the resort features a 36-hole Nicklaus design golf course located on 836 acres with spectacular mountain vistas and views of British Columbia’s seaside capital city.
Team Canada Coaching Staff Announced….
Golf Canada is pleased to announce the 2018 Team Canada coaching staff that will support both the National Amateur and Development Squads.
On the women’s side, Tristan Mullally of Waterdown, Ont returns as Women’s Amateur Squad Head Coach. Matt Wilson, from Newmarket, Ont., will oversee the Women’s Development Squad. Wilson, who also works as Golf Canada’s director of next generation performance, takes over for long-serving Women’s Development Squad coach Ann Carroll who will be taking a new step in her coaching career.
Derek Ingram of Winnipeg, Man. returns as Men’s Amateur Squad Head Coach. Robert Ratcliffe of Comox, B.C. will be leading the Men’s Development Squad.
“Derek and Tristan have had tremendous success with Team Canada athletes and the evolution of our national team program will see Robert and Matt play a more significant role through the centralized training environment at Bear Mountain,” added Thompson. “We also want to express our sincere thanks to Ann Carroll on her tremendous contributions to our Women’s Development Squad over the past six years.”
Mullally, Ingram, Ratcliffe and Wilson are all class “A” professionals with the PGA of Canada.
“Not only am I excited to see these young athletes represent Team Canada in 2018, but I’m also thrilled for their PGA of Canada coaches as well,” PGA of Canada President Steve Wood. “The commitment Golf Canada has shown in collaborating with the PGA of Canada in our world class teaching and coaching certification programs is exemplary.”
The 2018 Young Pro Squad team selection is expected in December.
Weekly Top-10 Rankings powered by RBC
MEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10
Emmett Oh continued to climb up the Canadian rankings, making the biggest leap among the Top-10. The Calgary golfer climbed eight places in the world rankings to move up to No. 7 in Canadian rankings. Since joining the Top-10, Oh has gained 94 places in the world rankings over the last 10 weeks
No. 5 ranked Chris Crisologo won his first tournament of the season at the Concordia Invitational, marking his third consecutive top-5 result and coming off a runner-up finish two weeks ago.
Outside the Top-10, Travis Fredborg climbed 51 spots in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for sixth at the Southern Dunes Invitational. The Selkirk, Manitoba junior at Arizona moved up to No. 16 in the Canadian rankings.
Biggest move: Daniel Racioppa from Mount Albert, Ont., jumped 1,223 spots in the world rankings after a nine-shot victory in the Collegiate Challenge – Bluffs tournament. The Alcorn State senior and defending SWAC champion shot a career-best 212 over three-rounds including a career-best 65 in round three.
| HOMETOWN | SCHOOL | WR | + / – | ||
| 1. | Garrett Rank | Elmira, ON | – | 83 | – |
| 2. | Hugo Bernard | Mont St-Hilaire, QC | Univ. of Montreal | 95 | +2 |
| 3. | Josh Whalen | Napanee, ON | Kent State | 204 | +3 |
| 4. | Joey Savoie | St-Jean, QC | Middle Tennessee | 231 | +6 |
| 5. | Chris Crisologo | Richmond, B.C. | Simon Fraser Univ. | 364 | -3 |
| 6. | Matt Williams | Calgary, AB | Houston | 379 | -4 |
| 7. | Emmett Oh | Calgary, AB | – | 424 | +8 |
| 8. | Lawren Rowe | Victoria, BC | Univ. of Victoria | 427 | -14 |
| 9. | Charles Corner | Cayuga, ON | UTEP | 452 | -5 |
| 10. | Blair Bursey | Gander, NFLD | Utah Valley | 461 | -15 |
Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.
WOMEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10
Vanessa Ha made the biggest move among the Top 10, picking up 19 places in the world rankings after finishing 10th at the UW Edean Ihlanfeldt Invite. It was the second top-10 result in three tournaments for the senior from Montreal.
Two of Canada’s up and coming junior golfers both made moves up the Canadian rankings. Susan Xiao climbed one spot up to No. 7 while Golf Canada Development Squad member Monet Chun moved up to No. 9.
After nine weeks of being on the outside, Valerie Tanguay rejoins the Top-10 at No. 10.
Julia Champion climbed 84 spots in the world rankings after her wire-to-wire win at the Shirley Spork EMU Invitational, the third collegiate tournament win for the senior from Markham, Ont. The result earned her Mid-American Conference Golfer of the Week honours and moved up to No. 20 in Canadian rankings.
Biggest Move: Michelle Ruiz vaulted 268 spots in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 14th at the NSU GolfRank Invitational. It was her second straight Top-20 finish and helped the Mississauga, Ont., senior at Nova Southeastern University to settle in at No. 13 in the Canadian rankings.
| HOMETOWN | SCHOOL | WR | + / – | ||
| 1. | Maddie Szeryk | Allen, TX | Texas A&M | 30 | -1 |
| 2. | Jaclyn Lee | Calgary, AB | Ohio State | 126 | – |
| 3. | Naomi Ko | Victoria, BC | NC State | 142 | -6 |
| 4. | Vanessa Ha | Montreal, QC | San Francisco | 275 | +19 |
| 5. | Grace St-Germain | Ottawa, ON | Daytona St. | 327 | +1 |
| 6. | Jisoo Keel | Coquitlam, BC | Stanford | 378 | -30 |
| 7. | Susan Xiao | Surrey, BC | – | 410 | -5 |
| 8. | Jessica Ip | Richmond Hill, ON | Iowa | 417 | -23 |
| 9. | Monet Chun | Richmond Hill, ON | (Team Canada) | 458 | -7 |
| 10. | Valerie Tanguay | St-Hyacinthe, QC | Oklahoma | 467 | -7 |
Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.
MEN’S TOP 10
Nick Taylor gained 15 places in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 13th at the PGA’s CIMB Classic. The result was worth 4.74 world ranking points, which was the sixth best points-paying finish of his career. It was also the third consecutive event where he has collected world ranking points. Over the last two weeks, the No. 4 ranked Canadian has gained 29 spots in the world rankings.
Austin Connelly picked up 12 spots in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 21st at the Italian Open. The result was worth 2.46 world ranking points for the former Golf Canada National Team member and it was his second biggest payday on the European Tour.
Other notable results: No. 1 Adam Hadwin and No. 9 Richard T Lee both finished tied for 51st at PGA CIMB Classic; No. 2 Graham DeLaet finished tied for 54th at PGA CIMB Classic.
| HOMETOWN | TOUR | WR | + / – | ||
| 1. | Adam Hadwin | Abbotsford, BC | PGA | 50 | – |
| 2. | Graham DeLaet | Weyburn, SK | PGA | 103 | -9 |
| 3. | Mackenzie Hughes | Dundas, ON | PGA | 117 | -5 |
| 4. | Nick Taylor | Abbotsford, BC | PGA | 186 | +15 |
| 5. | Austin Connelly | Irving, TX | EUR | 193 | +12 |
| 6. | David Hearn | Brantford, ON | PGA | 249 | -6 |
| 7. | Benjamin Silverman | Thornhill, ON | PGA | 272 | -2 |
| 8. | Roger Sloan | Merritt, BC | WEB | 491 | -3 |
| 9. | Richard T Lee | Toronto, ON | ASIA | 502 | -8 |
| 10. | Corey Conners | Listowel, ON | PGA | 592 | -13 |
Click here for Men’s Official World Golf Rankings.
WOMEN’S TOP 10
Brooke Henderson moved back into the world top 10, picking up one spot in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for eighth at the LPGA’s KEB Hana Bank Championship. The result saw the top ranked Canadian gain 3.45 points in the world rankings. It was also her seventh top 10 result of the season and the third in the last four events.
Maude-Aimee Leblanc made the biggest gain among the Top-10, picking up six places in the world rankings.
Other Notable Results: No. 2 Alena Sharp finished tied for 46th at the LPGA’s KEB Hana Bank Championship.
| HOMETOWN | TOUR | WR | + / – | ||
| 1. | Brooke Henderson | Smiths Falls, ON | LPGA | 10 | +1 |
| 2. | Alena Sharp | Hamilton, ON | LPGA | 101 | -2 |
| 3. | Maude-Aimee Leblanc | Sherbrooke, QC | LPGA | 243 | +6 |
| 4. | Anne-Catherine Tanguay | Quebec City, QC | LPGA | 345 | -1 |
| 5. | Brittany Marchand | Orangeville, ON | SYMT | 392 | +2 |
| 6. | Augusta James | Bath, ON | SYMT | 448 | -1 |
| 7. | Samantha Richdale | Kelowna, BC | SYMT | 555 | +2 |
| 8. | Jessica Wallace | Langley, BC | – | 695 | -6 |
| 9. | Jennifer Ha | Calgary, AB | LPGA | 708 | -4 |
| 10. | Elizabeth Tong | Thornhill, ON | SYMT | 787 | -4 |
Click here for full Women’s Rolex World Rankings.
Scotty Cameron introduces new online custom shop
In keeping with the idea that the putter is the most personal club in a golfer’s bag, Master Putter Maker Scotty Cameron today introduced his new Custom Shop Creator – a state-of-the-art online putter customizer accessible through ScottyCameron.com.
The Custom Shop Creator (www.scottycameron.com/customshop) allows golfers to virtually personalize their Scotty Cameron putters like never before, instantly bringing their ideas to life through realistic high-resolution image renderings. Golfers then send their putters to Scotty’s Custom Shop, housed at the Putter Studio in Southern California, where their customizations become a reality.
“I created the Custom Shop to give passionate players a way to preserve, personalize and protect their putters for life,” Cameron said. “The Custom Shop Creator really takes the creative process to another level. From your desktop or mobile device, you can easily experiment with custom stampings, sight lines, different weights and paintfill. You can change the finish from silver to black. It just gives you that feel of a Tour-like experience and creating a one-of-a-kind design.”
All putter models since 2014, plus many of Scotty’s most popular prior models, are available in the new customizer for photo-realistic customization. Owners of older putter models will be seamlessly linked to Scotty Cameron’s Classic Form, where an additional 100 putter models may be customized.
Since 2004, Scotty Cameron has offered personalization, customization, authentication and restoration services in the Custom Shop. From specialty grips, headcovers and authentic accessories to stamps, initials, engraved weights and full restoration of years old, game-worn Scotty Cameron putters, the Custom Shop has provided golfers with a resource to not only customize an already-purchased putter, but to also authenticate and refurbish these valuable clubs.
The new Custom Shop Creator introduces several new features:
• Realistic renderings display vibrant representations of custom stamps, initials, sight lines, weights, finishes and more – including accurate depictions of Scotty’s translucent and opaque paintfill colors – all in real-time as a user moves through the application.
• Responsive design adapts to mobile and desktop devices providing users the flexibility to enter a Custom Shop order from anywhere.
• Seamless workflow presents customization choices in an improved sequence more aligned with the way a customer would logically move through the process.
• Quick links to popular models allow users to easily search and choose from existing putter types to move immediately into the customization process.
• Save customizations feature – provides users with the option to create their custom putter at their own pace, saving within the application to finish later.
• New Custom Shop-only accessories – added to the Custom Shop include new stamps, as well as 12 new headcovers, shaft bands, 15 new paint-filled shaft rings and new grips.
Learn more at www.scottycameron.com/scottys-custom-shop
Weekly Top-10 Rankings powered by CP
MEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10
Emmett Oh (pictured above) made the biggest move among the Top-10, picking up 30 places in the world ranking to move up to No. 8 in Canada.
Outside the Top-10, Henry Lee climbed 30 places in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 38th at the Nike Golf Collegiate Invite. Lee just missed breaking into the Top-10, moving up to No. 11 in the Canadian rankings.
Honourable mention to Brandon Lacasse, a sophomore at Wallace State who hails from Chateauguay, Que. He gained 156 places in the world rankings after claiming medalist honors to win the NJCAA District 4 Fall Preview. Lacasse was one of only three players to finish the tournament under par.
Biggest move: Raphael Lapierre-Messier, a freshman from Quebec playing at University Missouri-Kansas City, gained 700 places in the world rankings after finishing tied for 37 at The Jackrabbit – his first collegiate tournament of the year.
| HOMETOWN | SCHOOL | WR | + / – | ||
| 1. | Garrett Rank | Elmira, ON | – | 83 | -4 |
| 2. | Hugo Bernard | Mont St-Hilaire, QC | Univ. of Montreal | 97 | -2 |
| 3. | Josh Whalen | Napanee, ON | Kent State | 207 | +3 |
| 4. | Joey Savoie | St-Jean, QC | Middle Tennessee | 237 | – |
| 5. | Chris Crisologo | Richmond, B.C. | Simon Fraser Univ. | 361 | -6 |
| 6. | Matt Williams | Calgary, AB | Houston | 375 | -16 |
| 7. | Lawren Rowe | Victoria, BC | Univ. of Victoria | 413 | +2 |
| 8. | Emmett Oh | Calgary, AB | Houston | 432 | +30 |
| 9. | Blair Bursey | Gander, NFLD | Utah Valley | 446 | -6 |
| 10. | Charles Corner | Cayuga, ON | UTEP | 447 | – |
Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.
WOMEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10
A minor reshuffling up and down the Top-10 this past week.
Jaclyn Lee climbs 15 places in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for ninth at the Windy City Collegiate Championship. Coming off her win last month, it was her ninth-career top 10 finish and moves her up to the No. 2 spot in Canada, replacing fellow Team Canada National Squad member Naomi Ko, who had held that position for the last 10 weeks.
Grace St-Germain climbs one spot in the world rankings and takes over the No. 5 spot in Canada. It was double duty for the the Team Canada National Squad member, who finished in a tie for fifth at the Xavier Invitational before posting an 11th place finish at the Jacksonville Classic, missing out on the top 10 by just two strokes.
Canada’s top-ranked junior Susan Xiao moves past Michelle Kim and into the No. 8 spot in the Canadian rankings.
Outside the Top-10, Golf Canada Development Squad member Mary Parsons jumped 48 spots in the world rankings after her eighth place finish at the Bettie Lou Evans Invitational. The freshman from Delta, B.C. who plays at Indiana set a new school single round score of 66 in the third round, which ended up being the lowest round of the tournament. The result helped move her up to No. 16 in the Canadian rankings.
Biggest Move: Alexandra Naumovski gained 219 spots in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 13th at the Jacksonville Classic.
| HOMETOWN | SCHOOL | WR | + / – | ||
| 1. | Maddie Szeryk | Allen, TX | Texas A&M | 29 | -2 |
| 2. | Jaclyn Lee | Calgary, AB | Ohio State | 126 | +15 |
| 3. | Naomi Ko | Victoria, BC | NC State | 136 | -1 |
| 4. | Vanessa Ha | Montreal, QC | San Francisco | 294 | -69 |
| 5. | Grace St-Germain | Ottawa | Daytona St. | 328 | +1 |
| 6. | Jisoo Keel | Coquitlam, BC | Stanford | 348 | -35 |
| 7. | Jessica Ip | Richmond Hill, ON | Iowa | 394 | -11 |
| 8. | Susan Xiao | Surrey, BC | – | 405 | -5 |
| 9. | Michelle Kim | Surrey, BC | Idaho | 415 | -24 |
| 10. | Monet Chun | RIchmond Hill, ON | (Team Canada) | 451 | -24 |
Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.
MEN’S TOP 10
Nick Taylor gained 14 spots in the world rankings with a tie for ninth at the Safeway Open, the first event of the new PGA calendar season. The result was worth 3.51 world ranking points and his second consecutive points-paying finish. Taylor’s fifth top 10 result of the year helped move him up to No. 4 in the Canadian rankings.
Graham DeLaet picked up 8 spots in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for fifth at the Safeway Open. The result was worth 5.72 world ranking points and was his biggest points-paying finish since June, not counting major championships. It was his sixth top 10 result this season and second in his last four tournaments.
Other notable results: No. 3 Mackenzie Hughes and No. 10 Corey Conners both missed the cut at PGA Safeway Open; No. 5 Austin Connelly missed the cut at European Tour Alfred Dunhill Links Championship; No. 6 David Hearn finished tied for 54th at PGA Safeway Open; No. 7 Benjamin Silverman finished tied for 43rd at PGA Safeway Open; No. 9 Richard T Lee missed the cut at Asian Tour Yeangder Tournament Players Championship;
| HOMETOWN | TOUR | WR | + / – | ||
| 1. | Adam Hadwin | Abbotsford, BC | PGA | 50 | -2 |
| 2. | Graham DeLaet | Weyburn, SK | PGA | 94 | +8 |
| 3. | Mackenzie Hughes | Dundas, ON | PGA | 113 | -3 |
| 4. | Nick Taylor | Abbotsford, BC | PGA | 201 | +14 |
| 5. | Austin Connelly | Irving, TX | EUR | 205 | -3 |
| 6. | David Hearn | Brantford, ON | PGA | 243 | -2 |
| 7. | Benjamin Silverman | Thornhill, ON | PGA | 270 | -6 |
| 8. | Roger Sloan | Merritt, BC | WEB | 489 | +1 |
| 9. | Richard T Lee | Toronto, ON | ASIA | 494 | -2 |
| 10. | Corey Conners | Listowel, ON | PGA | 579 | -10 |
Click here for Men’s Official World Golf Rankings.
WOMEN’S TOP 10
Samantha Richdale made the biggest move of the week, picking up eight places in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 18th at the Symetra Tour Championship. The result saw her pick up .13 world ranking points for her fourth top 20 finish on the development tour this year.
Despite slipping seven places in the world rankings, Anne-Catherine Tanguay secured her LPGA Tour card for next season with a tie for 12th at the Symetra Tour Championship. The Team Canada Young Pro Squad member had six top 10 results, including her first career victory, and finished eighth on the tour’s money list to capture one of 10 cards up for grabs.
Despite missing the cut at the Symetra Tour Championship, Brittany Marchand earned an exemption into Stage III of Q-School after claiming the 25th and final qualifying spot on the money list. Marchand had two top 10 finishes including her first career victory.
Coming off her latest LPGA victory, top ranked Brooke Henderson slipped a spot to No. 11 in the world rankings, pushed out of the top 10 by Inbee Park.
Other Notable Results: No. 6 Augusta James finished tied for 26th at Symetra Tour Championship; No. 10 Elizabeth Tong missed the cut at Symetra Tour Championship;
| HOMETOWN | TOUR | WR | + / – | ||
| 1. | Brooke Henderson | Smiths Falls, ON | LPGA | 11 | -1 |
| 2. | Alena Sharp | Hamilton, ON | LPGA | 99 | -1 |
| 3. | Maude-Aimee Leblanc | Sherbrooke, QC | LPGA | 249 | -2 |
| 4. | Anne-Catherine Tanguay | Quebec City, QC | LPGA | 344 | -7 |
| 5. | Brittany Marchand | Orangeville, ON | SYMT | 394 | -7 |
| 6. | Augusta James | Bath, ON | SYMT | 447 | -2 |
| 7. | Samantha Richdale | Kelowna, BC | SYMT | 557 | +8 |
| 8. | Jessica Wallace | Langley, BC | – | 689 | -7 |
| 9. | Jennifer Ha | Calgary, AB | LPGA | 704 | -3 |
| 10. | Elizabeth Tong | Thornhill, ON | SYMT | 783 | -1 |
Click here for full Women’s Rolex World Rankings.
New PGA of Canada CEO named to lead association
Following an extensive search of accomplished business and marketing leaders, the PGA of Canada has selected one of its own to lead the association to a new level of sustainable growth and success, its President announced Tuesday.
“Considering the large number of highly accomplished business leaders who entered this competition, I am excited to announce that our Board of Directors has selected Kevin Thistle to lead the PGA of Canada into an exciting new era of success,” Steve Wood, President of the Board of Directors of the PGA of Canada announced Tuesday.
Mr. Thistle, former President of Golf Operations for the Windmill Group in Calgary, has held leadership positions at some of Canada’s most recognized golf clubs including Angus Glen.
“I want to emphasize that while he was, until Wednesday of last week, an active member of our Board of Directors, he was chosen because of his track record in business, his demonstrated leadership skills, his proven marketing acumen and his ideas about sustaining growth and profitability in our business through innovation,“ Mr. Wood said.
“Kevin is extremely well-known and respected in our business across Canada, not only because of his extensive professional accomplishments but because of his ethics, his energy, his ideas and his ability to work with others to achieve common goals. The number of high calibre leaders who expressed interest in this challenge should have made a difficult choice. In the end, Kevin’s knowledge of our industry and experience as a marketing innovator made him a clear and unanimous choice of our Board,” Mr. Wood said.
“Thanks to the work of Gary Bernard, our former Chief Executive Officer, we are in a strong position, with the means to identify and pursue exciting new directions. The transition process towards those new directions will require vision, leadership and strong people skills. We are confident Kevin has those skills. “
“To me, this is a dream come true,” Mr. Thistle said. “I have been part of the PGA of Canada throughout my career. I have been active in both Ontario and Alberta zones of the PGA of Canada and I have close friends across the country. Our members value the PGA of Canada and the brand credibility it offers. I think they realize change is inevitable. I look forward to working closely with our Board and our members across Canada to help our association and its members enjoy a robust and exciting future.”
Founded in 1911 the Professional Golfers Association of Canada is the oldest professional golf association in North America and the second oldest PGA in the world. The PGA of Canada is a non-profit association comprising 3,700 golf professionals across the country and has evolved to become one of the most innovative and respected in the world.
Read Thistle’s full biography at the PGA of Canada’s website.