As part of Canada 150 celebrations, the nation’s capital is hosting the stars of the LPGA Tour, including a strong Canadian contingent led by last week’s LPGA Tour winner Brooke Henderson. Golf Canada, in partnership with Canadian Pacific (CP), has announced many of the world’s top players have committed to play in the 2017 CP Women’s Open from August 21-27 at the Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club.

Defending champion Ariya Jutanugarn leads a stellar list of early commitments set to challenge for the $2.25 million USD purse, one of the largest prizes on tour. A six-time winner on the LPGA Tour, the Thailand native recently climbed to No. 1 in the Rolex World Rankings following her victory at the 2017 Manulife LPGA Classic in Waterloo, Ont.

Three-time CP Women’s Open champion and world No. 2 Lydia Ko of New Zealand will be searching for a record fourth Canadian Women’s Open title. Ko’s three Canadian titles (2012, 2013 and 2015) ties the 20-year-old with Meg Mallon and Pat Bradley for most victories at Canada’s National Women’s Open. A 14-time winner on the LPGA Tour, Ko held the No. 1 world ranking for 85 weeks prior to Jutanugarn.

World No. 3 So Yeon Ryu, who won the inaugural CP Women’s Open in 2014, will also compete at Ottawa Hunt. Jutanugarn and Ryu are among nine of the top-10 players on the LPGA Tour Official Money List who have confirmed their intention to compete in the nation’s capital later this summer.

Other top-10 commitments include In Gee Chun, Christie Kerr, Canada’s Brooke Henderson, Inbee Park, Anna Nordqvist, Sei Young Kim and Sung Hyn Park.

No player will generate more excitement this August in Ottawa than Canadian sensation Brooke Henderson of nearby Smiths Falls, Ont., who will compete in her seventh career National Open, this time in front of hometown crowds at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club.

Coming off her impressive come from behind win at last week’s Meijer LPGA Classic, the four-time winner and major champion has amassed 18 top-10s since joining the LPGA Tour in late 2015.

The graduate of Golf Canada’s National Team program is a former world No. 1 amateur and represented Canada at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where she finished T7.

A proud ambassador for CP, Henderson will lead the Canadian contingent into Ottawa as part of the Canada 150 celebration events being hosted in the nation’s capital. World No. 71 and Canadian Olympian Alena Sharp of Hamilton will look to improve on her top-five finish at the 2016 CP Women’s Open as she competes in her national

Open for the 13^th time. Canadian Golf Hall of Fame honoured member and CP ambassador Lorie Kane, a four-time winner on the LPGA Tour will be competing in Canada’s National Open Championship for a record 27^th consecutive time.

The world’s best will be at Ottawa Hunt to compete for the CP Women’s Open trophy, with a strong Canadian contingent led by Smiths Falls Brooke Henderson.

LPGA Tour members Jennifer Ha of Calgary and Maude-Aimée LeBlanc of Sherbrooke, Que., are also set to compete and will be joined by several more Canadians to be announced in the coming weeks.

Jutanugarn, Ko and Ryu will be among 10 past champions competing this year along with Brittany Lincicome (2011), Michelle Wie (2010), Suzann Pettersen (2009), Cristie Kerr (2007) and Katherine Kirk who won the event in 2008 when Ottawa Hunt last hosted the stars of the LPGA Tour.

The field of 156 golfers teeing it up at Ottawa Hunt is expected to again represent arguably the strongest field on the LPGA Tour, carrying over from the 2016 event which welcomed 96 of the top 100 players on the LPGA Tour money list.

“We are thrilled to bring the stars of the LPGA Tour back to Ottawa Hunt as part of the special Canada 150 celebrations happening in the nation’s capital and across Canada in 2017,” said Tournament Director Brent McLaughlin.  “Ottawa is a tremendous golf market with passionate golf fans and no doubt the global stars of the LPGA Tour and Canadian talents led by hometown hero Brooke Henderson will make for a truly special event in 2017.”

Information regarding tickets, volunteer opportunities and corporate hospitality for the CP Women’s Open can be found at www.cpwomensopen.com.

CP Has Heart Charity Campaign to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario…

Now in its fourth year, CP’s community investment program, CP Has Heart is committed to raising funds in support of children’s heart health in the host community of the CP Women’s Open. The 2017 edition of Canada’s National Women’s Open is proud to have the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) as the beneficiary charity.

The CP Has Heart fundraising activities tied to the CP Women’s Open and CHEO are part of CP’s overarching “Beautiful Hearts” campaign across the Ottawa region which will also run during the CFL regular season, playoffs and Grey Cup

The “Beautiful Hearts” campaign will support the refurbishment of facilities that patients use every day at CHEO and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and celebrate the resiliency and spirit of the human heart.

“At CP, we take great pride in our history of connecting Canada and are thrilled to be in Ottawa for this celebration connecting Canadians with the world’s best golfers – including our CP Ambassadors Brooke Henderson and Lorie Kane – and connecting CHEO with opportunities to further its important work,” said Keith Creel, CP President and CEO.

“Our family of 12,000 railroaders is excited about the tournament, but more than that, we are excited to leave a charitable legacy in the nation’s capital. CP Has Heart’s ‘Beautiful Hearts’ campaign will bring crucial support to both CHEO and the Ottawa Heart Institute this year.”

Each year, CHEO touches the lives of more than 500,000 infants, children and youth from Eastern and Northern Ontario, Western Quebec and Nunavut. To better care for these patients, CHEO will be embarking on a $1.8 million project to upgrade the hospital’s Catheterization Lab and Interventional Suite. A redesigned space, specialized equipment and pediatric specific training will be critically important elements in the health and wellness of CHEO’s patients.

Through August 27, 2017, CP will match all donations made towards pediatric cardiac care and research at cheoheart.com. CP will also donate $5,000 to CHEO for every birdie made by a player on the 15th hole at Ottawa Hunt during this year’s championship.

The 15^th hole will also feature the 15^th Green CP Fan Zone where golf fans can donate $20 to upgrade their grounds pass to access a covered greenside bleacher and viewing area with all proceeds to benefit CHEO.

Since 2014, the CP Has Heart charity campaign has raised more than $4.5 million in support of children’s heart health.

Kids 17-and-under Get in Free…
Golf Canada and CP are committed to offering a fan friendly, family event with the CP Women’s Open. To introduce more juniors to the sport, children aged 17-and-under get FREE admission to the CP Women’s Open for the entire week.

Tickets…
Juniors – 17 & Under Free
Early Week (Mon-Wed) $11.30
Anyday Grounds (Thurs-Sun) $39.55
Weekly (Mon-Sun) $90.40
Clubhouse Badge (Mon-Sun) $169.50.

Visit www.cpwomenspen.com for more information.

The Province’s top male Mid-Amateur competitors are set to compete in the Peace Country.

Over the span of three days, 107 players, aged 25 and over, will compete at the Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club in the 2017 Alberta Mens Mid-Amateur Championship.

The championship runs June 26-28th at the Peace Country’s premier golf facility. Players will compete in two contests. The Mid Amateur division is open to all competitors and the Mid Master is open to those aged 40 and over. Unable to attend this year’s championship, defending champion Jordan Irwin will pass along his trophy to a new champion. The championship serves as a qualifier for quota positions in to the 2017 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.

“We are excited to head up to Grande Prairie for the 2017 Alberta Mens Mid Amateur Championship”, said Stephen Wigington, the event’s tournament director. “The Grande Prairie G&CC is a tremendous facility and we know the competitors are going to enjoy themselves next week. The course presents a stern test and it will be interesting to see if some of the Mid Master competitors will challenge for the Mid Amateur trophy.”

Round one kicks off on Monday at 8:00 AM with a crossover draw.

NOTABLES

• Paul Briske 2017 Mid Master Champion
• Gerry Macdonald – 2016 Alberta Mid-Amateur second place
• Howard Broun – 2 time Alberta Mens Mid-Amateur Provincial Team member
• Brian Laubman – 2005 Alberta Mens Mid-Amateur Champion
• Brandon Markiw – 2015 Alberta Mens Mid-Amateur Provincial Team member
• Tom Mckinlay Jr. – 3 time Alberta Mens Mid-Amateur Provincial Team member
• Jeff Murdoch – 2015 Alberta Mens Mid-Amateur Provincial Team member
• Neil Thomas – 2012 Pacific Coast Amateur Alberta Morse Cup Team member

FAST FACTS

• First contested in 1986
• 107 players are set to compete
• 54 hole stroke play competition, top 60 and ties advance to a third and final round
• Mid Master contest for those aged 40 & over as of the first day of the Canadian Mid Amateur Championship
• The top two players, along with the top player aged 40 & over will form the Alberta Mens Mid-Amateur Interprovincial Team. They will compete in the 2017 Canadian Men’s Mid Amateur Championship at the Wascana Country Club in Regina, SK, August 22-25th

ABOUT THE COURSE

• Championship tees – 6,784 yards, par 72

MEDIA

• Monday’s pairings
• Full event information
• @Alberta_Golf
• #ABMidAm
• flickr albums

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ABOUT ALBERTA GOLF
Alberta Golf hosts 13 annual provincial championships in order to identify the best golfers in various age and gender catergories. A mix of nearly 1,500 pro and amateur golfers compete on high quality member facility courses across the province. Championships are hosted by a core team of staff and over 100 volunteers. The tournaments promote competition, build pride in the community, support charitable giving and inspire future generations of golfers. They also serve as an opportunity for golfers to qualify for national amateur championships.

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

MORE INFORMATION
Stephen Wigington
Tournament Director
Alberta Golf
(p) 403-860-7425

Brendan MacDougall defeats Emmett Oh 2 up in the 2017 Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP Alberta Match Play Championship final.

The top seed from the Alberta Open Championship defeated four opponents on the way to his eventual victory.

The talented 19-year-old from the Glencoe G&CC has been on a hot streak of late. He finished in fourth place at the Glencoe Invitational a week ago and took low amateur honours at the Alberta Open earlier this week. When asked about his feelings once he won the final match, he said “it was awesome. It was kind of just a wave of relief that went over me that said ‘it’s finally over. I can go take a break.’”

The 2017 Team Alberta High Performance Squad member enjoyed the competition this week and the challenge of the match play format. MacDougall said “my opponents were fantastic. This morning, I had an awesome match with Logan. So much fun. Then in the afternoon, Emmett and I just grinded it out. Luckily, I came out on top.”

Matt Williams of the Glencoe G&CC defeated Logan Carver of the Calgary G&CC in the consolation final 2 up.

MacDougall becomes the second member of the 2018 Pacific Coast Amateur Championship Alberta Morse Cup Team. He joins Emmett Oh on the team, who he defeated in the final. Oh claimed the first team position by finishing as the low Albertan at the Glencoe Invitational. The third and final member of the team will be the Alberta Men’s Amateur Champion. The squad will compete at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California next July. MacDougall said “I’m very excited. I have heard great things about the tournament. I know that it’s a wonderful field with amazing players. I’m happy to go to San Francisco and play the Olympic Club.”

For the full leaderboard, click here.

For photographs from the championship, click here.

Follow along using #ABGolf.

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ABOUT ALBERTA GOLF
Alberta Golf hosts 13 annual provincial championships in order to identify the best golfers in various age and gender catergories. A mix of nearly 1,500 pro and amateur golfers compete on high quality member facility courses across the province. Championships are hosted by a core team of staff and over 100 volunteers. The tournaments promote competition, build pride in the community, support charitable giving and inspire future generations of golfers. They also serve as an opportunity for golfers to qualify for national amateur championships.

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

ABOUT SCOTT VENTURO RUDAKOFF LLP
Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP is a multi service law firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Since its establishment in 1986, the firm has become one of Calgary’s leading legal service providers, focusing on delivering high quality, efficient solutions for clients. The partners, associates and staff of Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP come from a wide range of backgrounds, and this experience enables us to offer responsive, effective and creative legal solutions to our clients.

Top four players advance to semi-finals of the 2017 Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP Alberta Match Play Championship

Carver carves up the greens in his quarter-final match, with top seed MacDougall still in contention

It was a battle of the best on day two of the Alberta Match Play. The sixteen lowest scoring Alberta Open amateurs went head to head in a match play bracket challenge at the Sundre Golf Club. The top eight then played this afternoon, for their chance to play in the semi-final and finals tomorrow.

First time Alberta Match Play contender, Logan Carver, won his semi-final match 5 and 3, as he fought to the end against his UBC teammate, Evan Holmes. With an eagle on the second hole, and a five-up lead at the turn, the 18-year-old Calgarian’s putter was on fire.

“Today was 100 percent putting, I wasn’t hitting it exceptionally. I would either miss a green or chip it to like five feet and make it or I’d hit a green and it would somehow die on the front edge. I got it going from the start, and just never looked back.”

Carver, the 13th seeded player, will tee off against the first seed Alberta Open low amateur, Brendan MacDougall, tomorrow at 8AM. The two are friends, and Carver knows that he will have to keep his short game momentum going if he’s to beat MacDougall.

“Brendan and I go way back, we’ve been playing in these events since we were like 13 or 14. I know his game. He hits his driver well. He’s not going to make too many mistakes, so I’ll have to definitely bring it again tomorrow.”

MacDougall closed out his match on 16 after three straight birdies, finishing 4 and 2 against UCLA Bruin, Patrick Murphy. Matt Williams won his match with Chris Horton in convincing fashion, 5 and 3. He went bogey-free and made five birdies in tough, swirling conditions. It took Emmett Oh 19 holes to defeat Alex Large. He will face his University of Houston teammate Williams in the semi-finals.

Semi-final victors will advance to the final tomorrow afternoon. The Alberta Match Play Champion will become the second member of the 2018 Pacific Coast Amateur Championship Alberta Morse Cup Team.

For the full leaderboard, click here.

For photographs from the championship, click here.

Follow along using #ABGolf.

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ABOUT ALBERTA GOLF
Alberta Golf hosts 13 annual provincial championships in order to identify the best golfers in various age and gender catergories. A mix of nearly 1,500 pro and amateur golfers compete on high quality member facility courses across the province. Championships are hosted by a core team of staff and over 100 volunteers. The tournaments promote competition, build pride in the community, support charitable giving and inspire future generations of golfers. They also serve as an opportunity for golfers to qualify for national amateur championships.

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

ABOUT SCOTT VENTURO RUDAKOFF LLP
Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP is a multi service law firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Since its establishment in 1986, the firm has become one of Calgary’s leading legal service providers, focusing on delivering high quality, efficient solutions for clients. The partners, associates and staff of Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP come from a wide range of backgrounds, and this experience enables us to offer responsive, effective and creative legal solutions to our clients.

36 year-old pro tops the Province’s strongest field of the year

SUNDRE, Alta. (Alberta Golf) – You could call it a case of Dustin being Dustin. The Strathmore native who has virtually been on a winning tear since last year continued his dominant play into today’s final round of the 2017 Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP Alberta Open Championship.

Risdon shot a final round 69 to win by one shot over Calgary’s James Love. Professional, Ryan Werre, of Redcliff finished tied for third and five-time champion, Wes Heffernan, of Calgary finished at even par in a tie for seventh.

In his winning speech, Risdon said “I always wanted to win this one and now I’ve got my hands on it.” Risdon has been a top player since his junior days, winning the Alberta and Canadian Junior Championships, along with three Canadian Tour wins (Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada). He now enjoys the game more than ever as he has found teaching the game to be both rewarding and a benefit for his own competitive game. Risdon will put the first-place cheque of $5,000.00 towards expenses for the rest of his competitive 2017 schedule, which now includes his exemption into the ATB Financial Classic on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada.

Evan Holmes, of the Glencoe G&CC, had a one-shot lead in the championship after five holes before making a 10 on the par five, sixth hole when his drive hung up in the trees and was forced to head back to the tee and struggled to get it home.

Low Amateur honours went to Brendan MacDougall of the Glencoe G&CC. The 19-year-old Team Alberta High Performance Squad member made a clutch 5-foot par putt on the eighteenth hole to go bogey-free in the final round. When asked about his accomplishment, MacDougall said “I think it’s awesome. It just really shows that all the work I’ve put in, over the last few years, is really coming together. It shows that I can compete with just about anyone in Alberta.” He will be the number one seed in the Alberta Match Play Championship which starts tomorrow morning.  The Match Play Champion will become the second teammate on the 2018 Pacific Coast Amateur Alberta Morse Cup team.

For the full leaderboard, click here.

For photographs from the championship, click here.

Follow along using #ABOpen.

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ABOUT ALBERTA GOLF
Alberta Golf hosts 13 annual provincial championships in order to identify the best golfers in various age and gender catergories. A mix of nearly 1,500 pro and amateur golfers compete on high quality member facility courses across the province. Championships are hosted by a core team of staff and over 100 volunteers. The tournaments promote competition, build pride in the community, support charitable giving and inspire future generations of golfers. They also serve as an opportunity for golfers to qualify for national amateur championships.

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

ABOUT SCOTT VENTURO RUDAKOFF LLP
Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP is a multi service law firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Since its establishment in 1986, the firm has become one of Calgary’s leading legal service providers, focusing on delivering high quality, efficient solutions for clients. The partners, associates and staff of Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP come from a wide range of backgrounds, and this experience enables us to offer responsive, effective and creative legal solutions to our clients.

In the midst of its 14th season, Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru boasts over 100,000 participants since 2003 raising over $5.9 million dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society and Québec Breast Cancer Foundation in support of breast cancer research during that period.

Golf Fore the Cure presented  by Subaru offers a seamless addition to an existing event (such as ladies night) with free prizing and event kits.

In 2017 Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru has a fundraising goal of $500,000.

In just one month over $15,000 has already been raised. The below infographic outlines six easy steps to planning your own Golf Fore the Cure event:

Past Champion, James Love, holds a slim one shot lead after day one

SUNDRE, Alta. (Alberta Golf) – The 2017 Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP Alberta Open Championship is feeling like a flashback as James Love sits on top of today’s leaderboard. In 2015, Love made a second day charge to win the event in dramatic fashion. This year it’s a different story. “I got off to a good start. I birdied my first two holes. So that sets the tone pretty easily for the day,” Love said.

It took four birdies on the front nine and three more on the back to secure a one stroke lead over Evan Holmes. The conditions today made for good scoring with 15 players at even par or better.

Love said the course was just working for him, having not played the track since the renovations 10 years ago. “This is a good course here. You want to keep hitting it in front of you, and you want to keep out of the trees. I pretty much did that today.”

A practice round wasn’t even needed, as the Calgarian travelled in from the Kelowna area after playing in the GolfBC Championship on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada event held last week. Love said that he is hoping to keep his momentum going into round two. “You know, I’ve been playing well most of the year. So there isn’t a lot of stuff that I need to do differently. I will hopefully get off to a good start again and keep that rhythm going.”

TOP 10 – ALBERTA OPEN LEADERBOARD

For the full leaderboard, click here.

Evan Holmes is looking for some redemption at the Sundre GC. Having narrowly missed at the Alberta Men’s Amateur four years ago at this same course, he is proving to be a notable contender, as he sits alone in second place and only one shot back of Love.

PGA of Alberta Professional, Craig Gibson, from the Sirocco Golf Club, is in third place at three under par. Notably, Dustin Risdon had it to five under par through 12 holes before a double bogey on 13 stalled his round. He sits three shots back and will surely be a player to keep an eye on in the final round.

Tomorrow’s champion will earn a spot in the ATB Financial Classic on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada. The top 16 amateur players will advance to the Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP Alberta Match Play Championship the following two days. The Match Play Champion will become the second teammate on the 2018 Pacific Coast Amateur Alberta Morse Cup team.

For photographs from round one of the championship, click here.

The final group will tee off at 1:10 PM.

Follow along using #ABOpen.

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ABOUT ALBERTA GOLF

Alberta Golf hosts 13 annual provincial championships in order to identify the best golfers in various age and gender catergories. A mix of nearly 1,500 pro and amateur golfers compete on high quality member facility courses across the province. Championships are hosted by a core team of staff and over 100 volunteers. The tournaments promote competition, build pride in the community, support charitable giving and inspire future generations of golfers. They also serve as an opportunity for golfers to qualify for national amateur championships.

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

ABOUT SCOTT VENTURO RUDAKOFF LLP

Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP is a multi service law firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Since its establishment in 1986, the firm has become one of Calgary’s leading legal service providers, focusing on delivering high quality, efficient solutions for clients. The partners, associates and staff of Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP come from a wide range of backgrounds, and this experience enables us to offer responsive, effective and creative legal solutions to our clients.

A few special guests could be seen at the Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP Alberta Open and Match Play Championships Media Day. Seven event competitors’ dads were at the Sundre Golf Club to get in a round with their sons for Father’s Day, including Bob – the father of 2016 Alberta Junior Boys Player of the Year, Brendan MacDougall.

As a Team Alberta High Performance athlete, currently on the High Point University golf team, Brendan explains that even though some days are harder than others, having his family and dad behind him has really helped his career.

“There are always rounds where I know I could have done better. He’s always there after saying, ‘You know what, go get it next time. You’ll be alright.’ He just helps me through.”

Bob has been there to support Brendan and his golf game since the early days.

“He was always a pretty happy kid. He picked up plastic golf clubs pretty much as soon as he could walk. He would spend hours hitting balls in the backyard, and when they went over the fence, I would have to go and track them all down and bring them all back. He thought that was great fun.”

Golf has given this pair a lot of unforgettable times.

“He always just been there for me. He’s always been willing to drive me to practice or tournaments whenever I need to. It’s always fun to spend time with him on the road, and it’s always some of the greatest memories that I have.”

Bob, a recreational golfer himself, loves to get out on the course with his family. Even though he may not always win against Brendan, he got his once in a lifetime chance to shine a few years ago against the all-star.

“I was playing with Brendan, my wife and Jon Fisher who at the time was the general manager at the Willow Park Golf and Country Club. I hit my tee shot, and it was right into the sun. We couldn’t really see it. The people who had vacated the green in front of us, and who were on the next tee box, knew we couldn’t see it because they knew that we weren’t really reacting to it. One of the players came off the tee and said, ‘It’s in the hole! It’s in the hole!” They were yelling back at us. My wife hugged me, Jon gave me a high five and Brendan did nothing. Then my wife said, ‘Aren’t you going to congratulate your dad?’ and he said, “Yeah, I guess so…but I would have rather have had the hole in one myself.’”

Brendan has still yet to get his hole in one, but with the way he’s been playing over the past two years, his dad may not hold the title much longer. Placing 1st at the 2016 CN Future Links Western Championship, T2 at the 2016 Alberta Junior Championships and 4th at the 2017 Glencoe Invitational, Bob says Brendan’s top ranking ability comes from his attention to detail.

“He is a thoughtful player he’s a smart player. So he understands risk and reward. He’ll play a course in a very thoughtful manner.”

The talent runs in the McDougall family. Brendan’s 16-year-old sister, Madison, is a World Class Competitive Irish dancer. With both of his children living an active life, Bob is always there to watch them grow and do what they love.

“It’s lots of fun. We’ve always encouraged both the kids to have fun at the pursuits that they have and to do their best. If they’re doing their best they are probably having fun, and if they’re having fun they’re probably going to do their best. It’s really that simple.”

Happy Father’s Day from Alberta Golf to all of the dads out there.

Today the City of Calgary hosted 70 unique events, ranging from roller derby to a military inspired activity called winterguard, for All Sport One Day. Kids between the ages of 6 to 12 were able to try a new activity for free at 12 unique sporting facilities across the city. The PGA of Alberta pros, Alberta Golf staff and City of Calgary representatives were at Glenmore Athlete Park to help inspire the next generation of golfers.

Kids had the chance to play fun interactive games with the assistance of golf professionals through the PGA on Wheels Program. Participants got to go through a series of introductory skill building activities. There was a spinning mini golf course, driver target practice and a netted golf range, all equipped with a variety of practice gear.

Many of the visitors had never picked up a club before, but it didn’t take them long to start to get into the swing of things. Big smiles could be seen as little rookies made their first big hits. The newly converted were then able to learn about all of the fun and affordable golf options across the city and province.

Families can find a range of golf options like free junior nights and take a kid to the course weeks through the City of Calgary. New golfers of any age can also arrange for trial runs and personal instruction. See what’s available this summer and view the City of Calgary’s golf information brochure.

Parents also got to learn about Alberta Golf/Golf Canada memberships as well as local, provincial and national PGA of Alberta and Golf Canada offerings. Members and member clubs help fund programs like Future Links. As Canada’s national junior golf platform, Future Links Driven by Acura has hosted affordable and fun programming for over 1.4 million kids so far. From competitive to new junior players, Future Links offers a range of activities from Golf in Schools to mobile clinics such as the one hosted today. Golf Canada’s online search option allows those interested to find junior golf opportunities in their area all year round.

Specific programming for women and girls is also offered by Alberta Golf. She Swing She Scores if specifically designed to introduce girls currently participating in other sports from ages 6 to 12 to try golf. Community Golf Coaches and PGA of Alberta Professionals provide pop-up elements like “boom rooms” for young athletes to test out the game. View all of Alberta Golf’s development programs.