Jack Lane, Alberta Golf Director, Business Development & Brand, teeing off at The Links at Spanish Bay.

We still have a job to do, but this season Alberta Golf staff are committing to playing more golf. This month we asked how much you were planning to play golf in 2017. Over half of our responders had high hopes too. Out of 227 replies, 147 said “more than last season,” 21 said “less than last season” and 59 said “about the same as last season.”

What does it take to reach a golf more goal?

Extra time and money might come to mind, but the industry has learned that what distinguishes people who play the most golf from others is based on how they feel.

Statistically it was shown that playing more golf is attributed to the degree in which people are having fun, being social, surpassing challenges, feeling proud, becoming inspired and seeing themselves as leaders.

Those that are able to reach the “fully engaged” category, and have high levels of playing time, are not necessarily those that have the biggest pocket books or the most time on their hands: They are the ones that become emotionally engaged with the sport.

The most active golfers see the game as an outlet for self-expression and consider it to be a key component of their lives. Enthusiasm for the game is everything. The study states that eagerness is shown within golfer’s age groups. Younger golfers start off with high levels of joy and passion for the game but often gradually loose keenness over time.

The largest influx of players entering the sport were shown to be 18 to 25 year olds – with the greatest drop in players being 46 to 59 year olds. At 26, many golfers begin to lose their passion to participate as much, with 26 to 35 year olds showing “flattened” levels of enthusiasm.

How can we stay motivated to tee off more?  

Sometimes it can be hard to remember the days of when golf just meant being outside and having fun.  Golf in particular can cause quite the inner storm of emotions. Double, triple and even “I give up” bogey days can be rough. Practicing positivity and mental focus can not only progress your game, but it can also help you actually enjoy your round.

Coaches have long promoted the importance of “the mental game” played within golf. There are lots of ways golfers can improve their experience, but learning to block out interferences can be the difference between an amazing or disappointing day.

Often, the biggest distractions in golf are the ones in our heads. Common thoughts that impact a player are: fear of failure, unrealistic expectations and worrying about outcomes.

Trusting your swing and clearing your mind during shots are two techniques that may sounds simple but are often overlooked. The best players realize that keeping your cool is something that can be learned.

Jason Day, accredited his 2015 Championship to developing a winning mindset. Legendary players from all different kinds of sports say that a positive attitude is critical to achieving success.  The way we worry can affect our shots. Visualization and positivity could be your game changer.

With an optimistic outlook and a good group of teammates, you too can make your commitment to play more golf. Keep us updated on your progress and share your #ABgolf moments with us on social media.

The Golf Canada Score Centre was initially developed for golfers to post their scores and track their Handicap Factor. While that still remains its core use, additional features implemented have dramatically increased the portal’s popularity. In fact, each golf season Golf Canada members post more than seven million scores into the system from Canada and around the world.

With the vast number of users and significant number of scores, Golf Canada recognizes the importance of system development. That’s why we’ve worked hard to make the Score Centre available through three platforms: GolfCanada.ca, the Golf Canada mobile scoring app and at club kiosks nationwide. Each channel has been specifically designed to give golfers convenience in posting their scores.

It used to be that the only way to submit a round was through an adjusted gross score, where players had to make all the Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) adjustments themselves. However, in 2016, we added several new features, such as the ability to post scores hole-by-hole (HBH), where the system will automatically adjust for handicapping purposes based on a player’s current Handicap Factor.

This has greatly enhanced the experience for golfers tracking scores. Members can even add game statistics, and there are tools provided to also track birdies, pars and bogeys, so you can compare your rounds year-by-year and retrieve a performance report in your account. We’ve seen many golfers take advantage of these features, with more than one million rounds posted HBH in 2016.

Hole-by-hole posting also unlocks such things as an Ultimate Scorecard and Badging, where members are rewarded with achievements and personal bests via our system and membership. The Ultimate Scorecard allows a golfer to track their best possible round at a golf course throughout a season, simply by utilizing the HBH posting method. If a golfer plays at a course more than once during the year, the system will take the lowest HBH scores from each round and create the ultimate scorecard for the golfer. It gives a player the opportunity to let go of a bad hole here and there and see the overall best score they played at a course during the year. Some golfers may know this as a ringer card.

Badging brings about a mix of achievements a golfer might reach throughout their golf season and career as well as fun acknowledgements within the game. Badges are awarded each season, along with a career tally similar to a trophy case. Did you play your first round this season? By simply posting your score, your Opening Round badge will light up in your account. Once a golfer posts their first five 18-hole scores, their Handicap Factor badge will appear too. For those who play on weekends, they can earn a Weekend Warrior badge by playing three weekend rounds during the season. Other badges are dedicated towards scoring milestones and acknowledging golfers being Rules Certified. Each badge has a simple explanation on how you can unlock it through the season.

These features can be found on the main landing page of the Golf Canada Score Centre once logged in. If you are a social media buff, you also have the option to share your achievements via Facebook and Twitter to celebrate and socialize with fellow golfers. We encourage you to try posting hole-by-hole to experience some of these new features. In doing so you may see that you have played that pesky par 4 better than you thought. Or maybe you deserve a pat on the back for breaking 90 for the first time. The Golf Canada Score Centre does much more than crunch a Handicap Factor. It allows you to track your game in many ways, and helps you celebrate your golf achievements throughout the season and your career.

This article was originally published in the April 2017 edition of Golf Canada Magazine. Click here to view the full magazine.

The USGA and The R&A have issued a new Decision on the Rules of Golf to limit the use of video evidence in the game, effective immediately.

The two organizations have also established a working group of LPGA, PGA Tour, PGA European Tour, Ladies European Tour and PGA of America representatives to immediately begin a comprehensive review of broader video issues, including viewer call-ins, which arise in televised competitions.

New Decision 34-3/10 implements two standards for Rules committees to limit the use of video: 1) when video reveals evidence that could not reasonably be seen with the “naked eye,” and 2) when players use their “reasonable judgment” to determine a specific location when applying the Rules. The full language of the Decision can be found here.

The first standard states, “the use of video technology can make it possible to identify things that could not be seen with the naked eye.” An example includes a player who unknowingly touches a few grains of sand in taking a backswing with a club in a bunker when making a stroke.

If the committee concludes that such facts could not reasonably have been seen with the naked eye and the player was not otherwise aware of the potential breach, the player will be deemed not to have breached the Rules, even when video technology shows otherwise. This is an extension of the provision on ball-at-rest-moved cases, which was introduced in 2014.

The second standard applies when a player determines a spot, point, position, line, area, distance or other location in applying the Rules, and recognizes that a player should not be held to the degree of precision that can sometimes be provided by video technology. Examples include determining the nearest point of relief or replacing a lifted ball.

So long as the player does what can reasonably be expected under the circumstances to make an accurate determination, the player’s reasonable judgment will be accepted, even if later shown to be inaccurate by the use of video evidence.

Both of these standards have been extensively discussed as part of the Rules modernization initiative.  The USGA and The R&A have decided to enact this Decision immediately because of the many difficult issues arising from video review in televised golf.

The standards in the Decision do not change any of the current requirements in the Rules, as the player must still act with care, report all known breaches of the Rules and try to do what is reasonably expected in making an accurate determination when applying the Rules.

Video-related topics that require a deeper evaluation by the working group include the use of information from sources other than participants such as phone calls, email or social media, and the application of penalties after a score card has been returned.

USGA Executive Director/CEO Mike Davis said, “This important first step provides officials with tools that can have a direct and positive impact on the game. We recognize there is more work to be done. Advancements in video technology are enhancing the viewing experience for fans, but can also significantly affect the competition. We need to balance those advances with what is fair for all players when applying the Rules.”

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “We have been considering the impact of video review on the game and feel it is important to introduce a Decision to give greater clarity in this area. Golf has always been a game of integrity and we want to ensure that the emphasis remains as much as possible on the reasonable judgment of the player rather than on what video technology can show.”

The USGA and The R&A will consider additional modifications recommended by the working group for implementation in advance of Jan. 1, 2019, when the new code resulting from the collaborative work to modernize golf’s Rules takes effect.

The USGA and The R&A are working with golf’s handicapping authorities to develop a single World Handicap System for the sport.

More than 15 million golfers in over 80 countries presently have a handicap, a numerical index long used as a reference to gauge a golfer’s potential skill level. Handicaps are currently delivered through six different systems around the world.

The aim of the proposed handicap system is to adopt a universal set of principles and procedures that will apply all over the world.

An extensive review of existing handicap systems administered by Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AGA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) has been undertaken. Golf Canada is licensed under the USGA handicap system to administer handicapping in Canada.

Golf organisations from different parts of the world have also been engaged with the current handicap authorities for the past two years to help shape the proposed system, which takes into account the many different golf cultures and most common formats of play. Research conducted to date has also reviewed systems and best practices inherent to handicapping, such as course rating and administration.

A joint committee led by the USGA and The R&A has been formed, including representatives from each handicap authority as well as the Japan Golf Association and Golf Canada. The joint committee plans to announce its proposal later this year.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “We have been concerned for some time that many golfers find the handicapping landscape to be complicated and can be frustrated when it is not always applied in the same way in different parts of the world.

“We are working closely with the existing handicapping bodies to benefit from their insights as we try to formulate a system that will be easy to understand and can be applied consistently on a global basis. We very much appreciate their support for this initiative.”

Mike Davis, Executive Director and CEO of the USGA, said, “One wonderful aspect of golf that separates it from other sports is the ability of players of differing abilities to play on an equitable basis through handicapping. With one global system, golf courses will be rated and handicaps calculated in a like manner everywhere in the world. Reducing borders or barriers to provide an easy way for all to play together is great for the game and golfers everywhere.”

Key quotes:

Roland Deveau (President, Golf Canada) said “Golf Canada is pleased to join our National and International Association partners in the formation of a unified handicap system that brings equity and consistency to score posting among golfers worldwide. Canadian golfers who track their game at home or abroad through the Golf Canada Score Centre will enjoy the consistency of a global handicap platform that allows for equitable score posting methodology, including with respect to international net competitions, about which Golf Canada and our provincial associations receive numerous inquiries annually.”

John Hopkins (Chairman, Golf Australia) said “Golf Australia believes that significant benefits will flow to players around the world by having a global handicap platform. We are already very encouraged by how the World Handicap System is coming together”.

Bob Carrick (Acting Chairman of CONGU) said, “The Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) welcomes the R&A / USGA’s initiative to develop a single Worldwide Handicapping System for the sport. We think that this is an exciting opportunity for standardising the system and for more players to obtain an official handicap. We will be delighted to work closely with other handicap authorities to ensure a smooth implementation.”

Jean-Marc Mommer, President of the EGA declared: “It has been acknowledged that the European Golf Association (EGA), comprising 47 member national golf federations representing over four million registered golfers, has achieved considerable success to date in bridging a culturally diverse membership, and assisting the development of emerging golfing nations, with the EGA Handicap System. We are looking forward to contributing our knowledge, expertise and experience in working with The R&A, USGA and golf’s other handicapping authorities in pursuing this most worthwhile task of uniting the golfing world under a single handicap system.”

Paul Feeney, Board Member of the AAG said: “The AAG is committed to assisting the development of a World Handicap System. We understand that golf has become a global sport and we are very enthusiastic about working together with many other associations in the development of WHS. A lot of work needs to be done; course ratings are one of the most significant challenges for Argentina, which we are trying to address”.

For more information contact Craig Loughry, Golf Canada’s Director of Handicap & Course Rating: cloughry@golfcanada.ca

Click here to read Q&A.

BANFF SPRINGS GOLF CLUB

Registration now open for the first annual Alberta 9-Hole Challenge

Alberta Golf is excited to introduce a new event for the 2017 season. The Alberta 9-Hole Challenge will be held on Sunday August 20 at the Banff Springs Golf Club.

The Alberta 9-Hole Challenge will offer three different shotguns on the Tunnel course at 9:00am, 12:30pm, and 4:00pm. Competitors are free to choose their preferred tees, as well as request pairings. “The Alberta 9-Hole Challenge is the first customizable event offered by Alberta Golf, meaning competitors have the choice of when they play, and what tees they play from.” said Alberta Golf Tournament Coordinator Stephen Wigington. “It is also inclusive to all ages, abilities, and genders, giving golfers the opportunity to play with family and friends while competing.”

The Banff Springs Golf Club provides the ideal setting for a fun day that will include net prizing for each individual shotgun, as well as a BBQ lunch that will run throughout the day. It is a great opportunity for golfers of all types to participate in an Alberta Golf competition.

Click here for more information.

The most reliable rankings in golf are based on merit—best on best athletes competing over the course of a season offers a definitive snapshot of performance consistency.

With that in mind, Canadian golf’s Order of Merit will be getting an overhaul beginning in 2017. Golf Canada set out to enhance Canada’s National Golf Ranking System to improve the accuracy of the rankings used to evaluate player performance at all levels of competition.

In addition to improving on the accuracy of Canada’s Amateur and Junior Orders of Merit, the evaluation system will be more closely aligned with the R&A’s World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).

The improved system and evaluation criteria will award points based on the quality of the event combined with the numbers of participants in the field.

The revamped Order of Merit was tested in a BETA environment during the summer of 2016 to test the changes and determine how they would impact player rankings; to identify and correct perceived flaws in the new proposed system; and ensure that the changes were equitable to all competitors hailing from large, medium and small provinces.

The review and overhaul of the Order of Merit was tasked to a committee that included representatives from Golf Canada and the provincial golf associations along with Canadian Golf Hall of Fame honoured members Doug Roxburgh and Mary Ann Hayward, a duo well versed in amateur and high performance golf. The final recommendations of the Order of Merit Review Committee were presented to, and approved by, the Provincial Golf Associations prior to the start of the 2017 competitive golf season.

“We went through a very comprehensive review process in evaluating the changes to the National Orders of Merit,” said Dave Stockton, Director of Sport Programs with Golf Canada.  “The BETA testing phase last summer gave us some tremendous insight that we used to make some additional adjustments to the evaluation criteria. At the end of the day, you want the Order of the Merit to be a truly reflective measure of player performance and we think we’ve done that.”

Among the changes are a revised tournament listing for junior and amateur competitions adjusted for quality of event and strength of field as well as a reduction in the number of Order of Merit counting events from 12 to 10 (reduction from 12 to 8 on the Junior Orders of Merit). The Order of Merit point breakdown will now be tiered based on field size with seven tiers that range from 10 or less participants all the way up to 81 or more competitors. As well, Canada’s Men’s and Women’s Orders of Merit will no longer have Junior counting events, regardless of WAGR ranking.

“Reducing the number of counting events and the tiered points breakdown will really challenge players to put a focus on scheduling and choosing events that best meet their age and/or stage of development.  Obviously, higher ranking events will yield the most points,” added Stockton. “As well, removing junior counting events from the Amateur Order of Merit eliminates a perceived advantage from competitors who were additionally counting those events towards our Junior Order of Merit.

Jared du Toit of Kimberley, B.C. and Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont. topped the respective National Men’s and Women’s Orders of Merit in 2016 while A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C. and Mary Parsons of Delta, B.C. topped the Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Boys and Junior Girls Orders of Merits.

A link to the 2017 Canadian Golf Order of Merit including points breakdown and tournament standing is available here.

Click here for a full summary of changes.

With Canada 150 celebrations happening in communities from coast-to-coast all year long, the Canadian golf industry has partnered with ParticipACTION in designating Sunday, May 28 as Get Out and Golf Day.

The ParticipACTION 150 Playlist—introduced this year in honour of Canada 150—invites Canadians to participate in 150 activities throughout 2017 to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. As part of Get Out and Golf Day, avid players and new enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in a round of golf (No.14 on the Play List), learn more about the sport or take part in golf related activities at golf facilities in their community.

Canadian golf industry partners including the National Golf Course Owners Association of Canada (NGCOA), PGA of Canada, Canadian Society of Club Managers, Canadian Golf Superintendents Association and Golf Canada in addition to Canada’s 10 provincial golf associations are all proudly supporting Get Out and Golf Day.

“Partnering with the ParticipACTION 150 Play List in designating May 28 as Get out and Golf Day is a great way to celebrate the tremendous health, social, charity and economic benefits golf delivers in communities from coast-to-coast,” said Golf Canada Interim CEO Jeff Thompson. “We’re proud to work with ParticipACTION and our Canadian golf industry partners to encourage heathy living through sport in honour of this great country.”

Participating golf facilities across Canada will be offering fun golf activities including tournaments, clinics, free golf for juniors, skills contests and more. For NCGOA Canada CEO Jeff Calderwood, the day provides an opportunity for golf facilities to build a connection with golfers and community sport enthusiasts.

“We’re excited to collaborate with our industry partners, ParticipACTION and most importantly the thousands of golf courses across the country as Canadians celebrate our nation’s 150^th Anniversary,” stated Jeff Calderwood, CEO, NGCOA Canada. “There is no better way to develop sense of community than hitting the links with family and friends.”

For new enthusiasts thinking about taking up the game or getting a loved one involved, PGA of Canada professionals at facilities across the country are ready to deliver a quality golf experience to players of all interests and abilities.

“The PGA of Canada is happy to join our Canadian golf industry partners in supporting ParticipACTION’s 150 Play List with Get Out and Golf Day,” said PGA of Canada CEO Gary Bernard. “I encourage everyone from coast-to-coast on May 28 to celebrate golf in Canada and take part in this great initiative.”

The sport of golf is proudly listed on the ParticipACTION 150 Play List in addition to other golf-related activities, disc golf and mini-putt. Whether it’s golf or other recreational activities, ParticipACTION wants Canadians of all ages to get active while celebrating our great country.

“The ParticipACTION 150 Play List is a physical-activity movement, inspiring and motivating Canadians everywhere to move more and sit less, and we are thrilled to have the Canadian golf industry’s support,” said Elio Antunes, President and CEO of ParticipACTION. “Modern life, with busy schedules, sedentary jobs, hours spent in front of screens and a love affair with convenience, has left little room for physical activity in everyday life. The ParticipACTION 150 Play List is helping Canadians sit less and move more by reminding us that being active is part of who we are.”

A snapshot of the Canadian golf landscape reveals an industry worth more than $14.3 billion annually to the Canadian economy. These numbers reinforce the massive financial, charitable, social, tourism and environmental impact golf has in communities across Canada.

As Canada’s most played sport, nearly 5.7 million Canadians enjoy more than 60 million rounds of golf annually at 2,346 golf facilities from coast-to-coast.

Visit golfcanada.ca/golfday for information on golf events occurring across the country on May 28 or use the hashtag #golfdaycanada to share your experiences on Get Out and Golf Day.

For Immediate Release
April 6, 2017

LES SWELIN AND MARTIN BLAKE TO BE INDUCTED INTO ALBERTA GOLF HALL OF FAME

Hall of Fame’s 33^rd and 34^th inductees to receive highest honour in Albertan Golf for distinguished service.

CALGARY, Alta. (Alberta Golf) — The Alberta Golf Hall of Fame is proud to announce that two long-time volunteers will be inducted during a ceremony at the Sundre Golf Club on May 17, 2017.

“The two individuals being inducted into our Hall of Fame this year have a storied history of giving back to the game,” said Alberta Golf Executive Director/CEO Phil Berube. “Mr. Swelin and Mr. Blake have combined to contribute 55 years of service to making Alberta Golf a better organization. Since 1989, these gentlemen have spent countless hours planning, executing and supporting the Association’s mission to enhance our Rules & Competitions offering which now serves as a model for the rest of the country.”

Les Swelin and Martin Blake will be inducted under the distinguished service category. With their inductions, the duo will become the 33^rd and 34^th honoured members of the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame.

About Les Swelin…

Les Swelin entered the Alberta Golf Association as a board member in the fall of 1989 from the small town of Hughenden, before moving to Sundre Golf Club. His passion for the game as a player and devotee to the Rules of Golf was evident early on. Les would quickly become a respected operational and governance trailblazer. His influence would reach provincially, nationally and internationally. His voice of reason, calm demeanor and reach for high standards of excellence helped set the course for amateur golf for three decades.

His early contributions were in junior golf. He quickly became the chair of the junior committee and with his fellow members truly modernized the provincial junior golf program. New camps, tournaments and team events would soon be producing elite golf talent never before seen in Alberta. Being a visionary, Les was instrumental in influencing the direction of junior golf at the national level as well, working to enhance the quality of junior golf in Canada. His efforts would pay great dividends as players from his program would go onto to win the Canadian Junior Team championship for the first time in 1997. Perhaps most impressively, players who began their junior careers under the leadership of Les Swelin won for the first and only time the prestigious Junior America’s Cup team championship in 2002.

As a natural leader, Les was called upon to chair committees, tournaments and eventually the entire association as President in 2006. His dedication to the game was untiring and he would always be sought after for strategic guidance. Never being one to follow trends, he could always be relied on for formalizing plans that would be beneficial at all levels. Les served as President during the vote to build a new, permanent office for Alberta Golf – ‘Golf House’.

Alberta Golf owes a great deal of gratitude to the vast array of volunteers that have propelled the game forward to such popularity over the past 30 years. At the front of the wave are captains of industry such as Les Swelin. He stands apart for his energy, enthusiasm, longevity and leadership. His impact has resulted in a better game but more importantly has positively enhanced an army of young men and women ready to take on the world in all aspects of life.

About Martin Blake…

Martin Blake came to the Alberta Golf Association in 1990 after a professional career in the banking industry and a volunteer career within the hockey community. Almost immediately after he joined Alberta Golf he became a much-respected tournament rules official which would soon lead him into the highly technical aspects of the Rules of Golf. His calm demeanor under pressure would make him the ideal Rules Official. He would soon be asked to adjudicate the rules at local, provincial and national events at almost a full-time level. His wife Norma would joke that she would pack his bag in May and look forward to seeing him again in September.

Martin’s understanding and expertise with the Rules of Golf would eventually lead him to being named the chair of the Royal Canadian Golf Association’s (Golf Canada) Rules Committee. This would open the door to being a Rules Official at many Canadian Men’s and Women’s Opens as well as the RCGA’s amateur championships. One of the crowning achievements was being called upon to be a Referee at the President’s Cup Matches held at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in 2007. Internationally, Martin attended rules of golf meetings with the R&A and USGA and was certified as one of the world’s leaders on the Rules of Golf at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews. Always one to share his knowledge on the Rules of Golf, Martin became a professor of the topic again for all levels. Many of today’s top officials were influenced by Martin Blake’s teachings and mentorship.

His eternal source of energy, dedication and goodwill could only come from a deep-rooted passion for sport that very few in a community ever have. The hours Martin Blake contributed to the leadership of the game of golf can only be explained as a calling. He was a calm, respected resource at all levels of the game. Never was there a more loyal, confident gentleman who could inspire those around him to be better. He held many varied roles within the organization such as executive committee member and tournament and committee chairman. If golf was a game designed for gentlemen, then Martin Blake was the prototype gentleman for whom it was so designed.

Martin also served as an Alberta Golf board and executive committee member. He was voted by his peers to be their RCGA Governor for many years where he represented his province’s best interests on the game of golf. His strong leadership and team skills made him a highly esteemed member locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. His long and lasting legacy has left an indelible mark on the game of golf.

ABOUT THE ALBERTA GOLF HALL OF FAME
The Alberta Golf Hall of Fame honours the legacies of men and women who have made a difference on the Alberta golf scene either as a skilled player, through distinguished service, or as a builder. The Alberta Golf Hall of Fame celebrates excellence and recognizes notable achievements by honouring individuals. The Alberta Golf Hall of Fame builds pride and a sense of community around golf by chronicling great Alberta golf moments. For more information, please visit www.albertagolf.org/halloffame

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Contact:

Alberta Golf
(t) 403-236-4616
(e) info@albertagolf.org

For Immediate Release
April 3, 2017

ALBERTA GOLF ANNOUNCES 2017 CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE 

13 provincial amateur championships to be conducted from Lethbridge to Grande Prairie

Registration opens Monday, April 3^rd at 7:00 a.m. MT

CALGARY, Alta. (Alberta Golf) — Alberta Golf is pleased to announce its competition schedule including host clubs and dates for the 2017 championship season. A total of 13 provincial amateur championships that serve as qualifiers for national amateur championships will be conducted in 2017.

“With outstanding venues throughout the province that will both welcome and test all competitors, we are pleased to announce our 2017 championship schedule,” said Alberta Golf Executive Director/CEO Phil Berube. “As we continue to broaden our competition offering and explore additional formats to attract new competitors, we hope to see more players take advantage of the great value and high caliber events being organized by Alberta Golf.”

Alberta Golf’s provincial amateur championships are proudly supported by Sun Life Financial, Guardian Capital, Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP, Alberta Sport Connection, adidas Golf Canada, and Titleist & FootJoy.

Championship notes:

Alberta Golf’s championship season kicks off with regional qualifiers throughout May and early June for the Alberta Open, Junior & Juvenile, Mens Amateur and Senior Mens championships. Competitors can also register to qualify for the Glencoe Invitational.

The first championship of the season is the Scott Venturo Alberta Open & Match Play Championships at the Sundre Golf Club, June 19-22^nd. The season will wrap up at the Alberta Mens Interclub Championship at the Canmore Golf & Curling Club on September 7^th. The complete 2017 championship schedule as well as registration information can be found here.

The Alberta Net Amateur Championship will be held at the Lacombe Golf & Country Club, August 30-31^st. This fun two-day competition is a net stableford format and a fantastic introduction to the competitive experience.

The Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru Provincial Event, the Alberta Ladies Team Classic, will be held at Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club on August 1^st. The one-day event is a celebration of the success of all Golf Fore the Cure events held province-wide during the 2017 season. To date, the program’s fundraising efforts have totaled more than $5.9 million for breast cancer research nationwide.

PROVINCIAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Alberta Golf conducts 13 provincial amateur championships for annual competition to identify the best golfer in various age and gender categories, welcoming nearly 1,500 competitors each year. Provincial amateur championships are conducted at member facilities on a variety of high quality courses across the province to provide a best in class experience for competitors. Championships service as an opportunity for golfers to qualify for national amateur championships and are delivered by a committed and passionate group of staff and volunteers. Provincial amateur championships are conducted to promote competition, build pride in the community, support charitable giving an inspire future generations of golfers.

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TORONTO – Golf Canada, along with leading fan engagement company Stadium Digital, today announced the re-launch of golfcanada.ca.

The new platform introduces the roll out of a responsive national website network across Canada’s provincial golf associations, beginning with albertagolf.org. The digital home for the national sport federation is the go-to destination for millions of Canadian golfers and 1,400-member golf clubs across the country.

Developed and powered by Canadian sports technology leader, Stadium Digital, the bilingual platform features a dynamic new content hub to share Canadian golf news, information and highlights of Golf Canada’s slate of championships, programs and services for golfers and member clubs. The sites also feature original content to showcase the next generation of Canadian rising stars as well as informative articles for golf enthusiasts from coast to coast.

“The launch of our new bilingual digital network is an important evolution in golfer engagement for Golf Canada and our provincial associations, allowing us to go well beyond our previous capabilities,” said Golf Canada Interim CEO Jeff Thompson. “Stadium Digital’s network infrastructure platform gives us the much-needed scale so we can connect with our golfers, fans, partners and sponsors in a much more meaningful way.”

The digital network development was supported in part by a grant through the Canadian Olympic Committee’s (COC) National Sport Federation (NSF) Enhancement Fund. The program was devised to assist NSFs in the creation of efficiencies and enhancements that could benefit other sport federations.

“We are thrilled to see Golf Canada develop this innovative digital network to engage with golf enthusiasts across Canada,” says Chris Overholt, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “The insights learned through this initiative can now be shared with other national sport federations who look to build their own platforms. This is a great example of how sport organizations can work to strengthen the system as a whole.”

The infrastructure, hosted on the Microsoft Azure Cloud Platform, allows for a streamlined interface for users across devices. While all Golf Canada digital content lives on a single network managed by Stadium Digital, the infrastructure allows provincial golf associations to customize the look of their sites and develop their own unique content and sponsorship opportunities to serve local golfers and clubs.

Highlights of the new digital network include:

• New content hub & video player with full integration of on-demand video
• Standardized look for teams & championships
• Content sharing across all provincial golf associations
• Improved member & golf club services
• New national & local sponsorship opportunities
• Bilingual engagement
• Improved discovery of original content – video, photos & stories
• Enhanced navigation capabilities

“This is an exciting new era for golf in Canada with so many dynamic young players and a growing number of members and marquee events,” said Mark Silver, President of Stadium Digital. “It has been wonderful working with the team at Golf Canada and the provincial golf associations to develop a new platform and content hub to serve golf lovers and fuel Canada’s passion for golf for years to come.”

Stadium Digital has confirmed that work is already underway to build other Canadian provincial golf associations into the platform and that they are ultimately planning to extend the model to other national sports associations.