Grandpa Jamie Hits 400 yard Drives
Watch as Grandpa Jamie (2-time long-drive champion and Albertan Jamie Sadlowski disguised as an 80-year man) hits the range and shows these country club members how it’s done. Hidden cameras capture hilarious hijinks as Grandpa Jamie gives swing lessons, pesters patrons, and uses his Launcher HB Driver to out-drive everyone on the course!
Learn and Play Opportunities Abound in Alberta
Make 2018 the year to get involved in the golf industry’s numerous grow-the-game programs
Golfers in Alberta have reason to be excited. After all, we’re talking about a golfers’ paradise. There’s a real optimism around the game right now all across the country and globally. Alberta Golf is focused on bringing new enthusiasts to the game and efforts to address affordability, accessibility and inclusiveness are areas of focus for both Alberta Golf and Golf Canada.
“Connecting with more of Alberta’s passionate golfer base isn’t just an opportunity, it’s a priority,” emphasized Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. There are many industry initiatives that aim to grow participation and passion for the sport. Opportunities abound for golfers to learn and play the game.
Brent Hutcheon, Alberta’s Regional Director of the National Golf Course Owner’s Association (NGCOA) Canada says that “as Owners and Operators in the wonderful industry of golf, it is in our best interest to invest time, money, and effort into all possible programs to encourage more people to take up, or to reintroduce them to the game of a lifetime! The NGCOA Canada thanks Alberta Golf in taking the initiative to inform its membership on these wonderful programs listed below.”
Alberta Golf’s Coordinator of Recreational and Community Events, Anthony Stirling, says that “we are thrilled to announce the pilot of the Alberta Golf Rec Series. For the average golfer, playing in organized golf can feel intimidating. Providing the opportunity for individuals to experience the game alongside friends and family allows for a more inclusive, relaxed, and enjoyable golfing experience.” The Rec Series features a line-up of single day events scheduled on weekends for $99, including a meal and a clinic.
Robert Rousselle, Executive Director of the PGA of Alberta adds that “the Alberta Golf Rec Series, along with other ‘learn and play’ initiatives, are a great way to advance your game. Go and enjoy the multitude of great golf courses and facilities in our Province. You will be welcomed by our Golf Professionals in each community. They are recognized as the “Most Trusted Resource in Golf”. We encourage you to go out with friends, be passionate, play the game and have fun.”
There is no shortage of opportunities and access for junior golfers in Alberta. Adam Hunter, Golf Canada’s Manager of Grow the Game says that “the Future Links, Driven by Acura junior golf program is a turn-key initiative to assist facilities in growing the game at their facility and surrounding area. All programs under the Future Links umbrella are Long-Term Player Development compliant and are provided to all facilities across the country, free of charge.”
Please browse through the following initiatives:
Get Golf Ready is designed to teach everything you’ll need to play golf in just a few lessons. PGA of Canada Professionals will show you that there are lots of ways to play by combining fun, friends and fitness. Each session will focus on the various golf skills you will use while playing. In addition to learning the basics, you will be guided onto the golf course to put your skills into action in a casual, friendly setting.
PGA of Alberta Club & Teaching Professionals
The 500 plus men and women who belong to the PGA of Alberta, are located at over 160 facilities throughout the province, and have chosen the game of golf as a career, promoting the game each and every day to Alberta’s golfers. These professionals are the number one resource in golf to help you get into the game at whatever level you wish.
Take A Kid To The Course is an initiative that was developed by the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada to encourage families and juniors to take up the game of golf. The program, supported by the PGA of Canada, is a cross-Canada campaign designed to illustrate how easy it is to improve both your score and your relationship with your children by bringing them out on the golf course. Every year, hundreds of courses offer free golf to children sixteen and under who are accompanied by a paying adult.
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 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 nights) with free prizing and event kits. Join the cause and sign up to run your own event.
Future Links, Driven by Acura gives children ages 6-18 the chance to enjoy and learn the game of golf via affordable and accessible programs that align and support the principles of golf’s long-term player development guide, which has been endorsed by Sport Canada. More than one million junior golfers have successfully participated in Future Links, Driven by Acura programming since its inception in 1996.
The focus of the series is to break down potential barriers in order to introduce new and recreational golfers to playing in organized golf. The single day events are scheduled on weekends throughout the season and are open to individuals of all ages and genders. Each event is priced to provide affordability and great value. The format will be a net stableford system for simplicity and enjoyment. All events will be flighted by Handicap Factor so you can compare yourself against other golfers of similar ability. We highly encourage you to bring a friend, group of friends or your family and request to be paired together. For $99, you can play 18 holes of golf, have access to a mini Learn & Play clinic, meal and prizes.
There are a multitude of opportunities for juniors to learn and play as they are introduced to competition. The Canadian Junior Golf Association, Maple Leaf Junior Tour, McLennan Ross Junior Tour, as well as city and regional associations are a tremendous breeding ground for the next generation of golfers.
From the majestic mountains to its sparkling turquoise lakes, Alberta is a golfers’ paradise. Alberta has the third largest golf supply amongst the Canadian provinces with 308 facilities, of which 92 percent are open to the public. Each of these facilities have club events and tournaments that are innovative and are breaking down barriers to the game.
ABOUT ALBERTA GOLF
Golf and business: A merger for success
If you’re a golfer who has been in the business world for any length of time, then the gist of this blog will be much like, as the old saying goes, preaching to the choir.
You understand the inestimable value of being able to spend a few relatively uninterrupted hours in a scenic setting with valued clients, co-workers or colleagues. For the most part, it’s less about golf than it is about building relationships.
But if you’re new to golf or the business world or both, then it’s well worth your time to read on.
Yes, golf is a sport but it can be as valuable a business tool as your smartphone. Perhaps more so, as it presents the opportunity to foster a personal bond as opposed to a virtual one.
Although it may seem more intimidating than your phone, golf comes with an owner’s manual, too. You just have to know how to find it. Consider this your “Quick Start Guide.”
First, get over the misconception that you have to be a good golfer. Everyone was a beginner at some point. Ask a golfing friend about where to take lessons or contact a local course. After just a few lessons, you’ll be good to go.
You don’t even have to buy your own clubs initially as just about every course has rental sets available. You might want to buy a decent pair of golf shoes and some balls, though. These are questions you can ask the PGA of Canada professional from whom you are taking lessons.
(Before we go any further, let’s be clear that this is intended for both men and women. If you’re a woman and remain unconvinced, then check out Leslie Andrews’ book, Even Par: How Golf Helps Women Gain the Upper Hand in Business or On Course for Business: Women and Golf by Suzanne Woo. There are many women-only golf clinics as well, so check with your local golf clubs or search them out online.)
There is no other activity like golf where you can connect socially to such an extent. This relates not only to the golf you may play with business associates but also to the relationships you will build when you play golf recreationally. If you join a club, you will meet lots of fellow members, some of whom may represent business opportunities.
There’s more to golf than swinging a club. If you’re going to golf for business as well as recreational purposes, you should know the basic lingo, rules and etiquette—Golf Canada’s easy guide is a great start. Another of the best and most reliable online sources for this essential information has been created by Brent Kelley at www.thoughtco.com.
That about wraps up your Quick Start Guide. Follow these few simple steps and, come next spring, you won’t shy away from playing in the company tournament or entertaining clients on the golf course. Who knows? You might even play for fun like the rest of us.
Golf Canada releases 2018 championship schedule
OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2018 championship schedule which includes a record-30 amateur and professional competitions plus qualifiers hosted at golf facilities in communities across Canada.
The 2018 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s premier professional championships—the RBC Canadian Open from July 23-29 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., and the CP Women’s Open at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask. from August 20-26.
The 2018 competition calendar includes eight National Amateur Championships, six Future Links, driven by Acura regional junior competitions and the World Junior Girls Championship.
Golf Canada will also host 11 qualifying events in 2018 including qualifiers for prestigious international competitions such as the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup and the U.S. Open (Local Qualifying), as well as the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur.
As the National Sports Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships as part of its mandate to promote the sport and support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.
“Competing in a national championship is an incredible accomplishment for each of the more than 3,000 talented Canadian and international golfers who take part in our competitions,” said Golf Canada’s CEO, Laurence Applebaum. “The depth of talent, engagement among thousands of volunteers, the quality of our host venues and the committed support of corporate partners who have aligned their respected brands with our properties have been core to our competitions for more than a century. We are excited to welcome the next wave of Canadian golf champions.”
Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off April 9-12 with the Toyota Junior Golf World Qualifier at Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, B.C. (home to Golf Canada’s National Training Centre) and concludes in September with the World Junior Girls Championship at Camelot Golf and Country Club in Cumberland, Ont.
“We’re proud to be working with many of Canada’s most renowned golf clubs from coast to coast,” said Adam Helmer, Director of Rules, Competitions and Amateur Status with Golf Canada. “Our 2018 venues are set to showcase an exciting season of competitive golf in communities across Canada and we thank our host clubs for their support.”
To view Golf Canada’s 2018 championship schedule including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities please click here.
Golf Canada’s Championship Season at a Glance…
British Columbia will be a hotbed for Canadian golf in 2018, with the province hosting 11 Golf Canada events including the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian University/College Championship and the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
The 114th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship will be contested at Duncan Meadows Golf Course in Duncan, B.C. and Pheasant Glen Golf Resort in Qualicum Beach, B.C., August 4-9. A field of 240 players will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes, with the final two rounds contested at Duncan Meadows. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2018 U.S. Amateur Championship. Additionally, the winner will receive an exemption into local qualifying for the 2019 U.S. Open, and if applicable, the U.S. Junior, U.S. Mid-Amateur or USGA Senior Amateur Championships.
The 105th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship takes place July 23-27 at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver with the champion earning an exemption into the 2018 CP Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2018 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. Additionally, the winner will receive exemptions into the U.S. Girls’ Junior, U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championships, if applicable.
The 16th Canadian University/College Championship will be held May 28 to June 1 at Chilliwack Golf Club in Chilliwack, B.C. The national championship features both a team and individual component and will serve as the Canadian team qualifier for the 2018 FISU World University Golf Championship.
The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur will be held August 20-24 at Victoria Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. with the champion earning entry into the 2019 RBC Canadian Open.
On Saturday, July 21, as a kick-off event to the 2018 RBC Canadian Open, Glen Abbey will also open its fairways to junior competitors from across Canada for the 10th annual Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge National Event. Click here for qualifying info.
The 2018 RBC Canadian Open on the PGA TOUR will be contested July 23-29 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. and will mark the 109th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. As part of a two-stage qualifying process, a trio of RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers will take place in British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. The regional qualifying event in B.C. will be held at Ledgeview Golf Club, home course of Canadian PGA TOUR stars and Team Canada alumni Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor.
The CP Women’s Open will make its first-ever stop in Saskatchewan as Wascana Country Club in Regina will host the stars of the LPGA Tour from August 20-26.
At the junior level, the 80th Canadian Junior Boys Championship will be contested from July 29 to August 2 at Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club in Medicine Hat, Alta., with the winner earning an exemption into the 2018 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. That same week the 64th Canadian Junior Girls Championship will be contested at Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen, B.C.
Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst, N.B., will host the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship September 3-7 with the winner earning an exemption into the 2018 USGA Senior Amateur. The Canadian Women’s Mid-Am and Senior Championship will be held August 27-30 at Lookout Point Country Club in Fonthill, Ont., with the champion earning an exemption into the 2018 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.
Ottawa’s Camelot Golf & Country Club will open its fairways to elite talent from across the globe when it plays host to the World Junior Girls Championship from September 9-14, 2018. This year marks the fifth playing of the annual event. Camelot has previously hosted the Canadian Junior Girls Championship as well as qualifying for the CP Women’s Open. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.
For the second straight year, Golf Canada, in collaboration with the USGA, will host a U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont. The 18-hole event conducted on May 7 will be one of 112 local qualifiers across 45 states and Canada which serve as the first of a two-step process to qualify for the U.S. Open.
The U.S. Women’s Amateur Local Qualifier will run June 27 at the Weston Golf & Country Club in Toronto, while the U.S. Amateur Local Qualifier will take place July 16 at Pitt Meadows Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, B.C.
The Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru National Event will be held at The Thornhill Club on September 24. The one-day event is a celebration of the success of all Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru events held nationwide during the 2018 season. To date, the fundraising efforts of thousands of golfers have totaled more than $6 million for breast cancer research since the program’s inception in 2003. The program’s goal is to drive women’s participation in the game of golf through the use of fun, non-intimidating activities. Click here to learn more about Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru.
GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts championships nation-wide which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships, as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Sport Canada, Levelwear, Titleist and FootJoy. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/competitions.
FUTURE LINKS, driven by Acura
Future Links, driven by Acura is Canada’s national junior golf program conducted by Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada and Canada’s provincial golf associations. Proudly supported by Acura, Puma, The R&A, NGCOA Canada, ClubLink and Sport Canada, the program is designed to forge a link between Canada’s youth and golf to ensure the future of the game in Canada. The program features three core areas of focus—in-school programming, facility programming and community outreach—including elements such as Golf in Schools, Learn to Play, Girl’s Club, Mobile Clinics, Junior Skills Competition and Community Golf Coach, along with six regional Future Links Junior Championships. Since the inception of the program in 1996, more than 1.3 million young Canadians have taken part in Future Links. For more information, visit golfcanada.ca/futurelinks.
Breathe, re evaluate, slow down: Advice for the golfer when a hole goes awry
Almost everyone who has picked up a golf club knows the feeling.
Shanking shot after shot into the woods. Approach shots continuously landing in the drink. Repeatedly trying to get your ball out of the bunker from hell.
Many a weekend hacker could relate to what Sergio Garcia went through during his disastrous turn on the 15th hole in his opening round at the Masters. The defending champion put five balls into the water on the par-5 hole and took a whopping 13 on the scorecard.
“I think that was a very, very unique situation yesterday where we witnessed one of the best players in the world kind of looking like a 30-handicapper for a minute there,” said former PGA Tour player Ian Leggatt.
Clearing hurdles that the golf gods put in place can be a stiff challenge on the local nine-hole track or in the bright spotlight at Augusta.
Either way, when emotions and stress levels run high, decision-making and performance can be affected. Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood, a sport psychologist with Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba, said it’s important to back away a little when things start to go sideways.
Her advice for Garcia in that situation would be to get the mind and body in tune.
“If he’s able to breathe and calm his body down, then he’ll be able to think more rationally and slow things down on the course,” she said Friday from Winnipeg. “So I would definitely just tell him to breathe and calm your body down. We want to buy him some time to let him think of different options.”
Canadian women’s team head coach Tristan Mullally also preaches a mindset of re-evaluation over persistence.
“Good players naturally go to try and make up for their mistake,” he said from Westover, Ont. “That can lead to trying to hit the same perfect shot again and again.”
After Garcia’s first shot went in the water, he took a sand wedge from inside 100 yards and watched four more balls get wet. The Spaniard said he didn’t miss his shots – the ball just simply didn’t stop on the green.
Make no mistake: this wasn’t a duffer’s display with balls being sprayed in every direction. Garcia was burned by a pool table-fast green and just a little too much spin.
“Even the best players, having a mistake like that, there’s a little bit of shock,” Mullally said. “Their natural instinct and why they’re probably so good in the first place is to hit the next shot closer and move on.
“In an attempt to hit it really close, the margin for error is smaller especially at a place like Augusta.”
There comes a point for many players – whether you’re a top pro or just playing a casual round – where you simply have to try a different club or change the approach.
But as Leslie-Toogood notes, armchair quarterbacks aren’t living in that moment on the course.
“It just happens so quickly and he’s in such a different place as he’s processing it,” said Leslie-Toogood, who has worked with Golf Canada for years. “It’s not until later when he reflects back and realizes what other people are seeing, because we can see it very differently when we’re from afar.”
When Garcia eventually got a ball to stick, he hit the 10-foot putt for a rare octuple bogey.
“I think great players are guilty of the same things as an amateur,” Mullally said. “Sometimes the situation can take over and decisions get harder.”
Leggatt, a native of Cambridge, Ont., who won the Tucson Open in 2002, said players avoid laying up on that hole because they know the pitch shot can be very difficult.
“Sergio didn’t really hit any bad shots into that green,” he said from Richmond Hill, Ont. “It’s just the severity of it and being able to pick and choose the right type of shot you need to hit on that particular hole is going to be the most important (thing). But it was all set up by ultimately hitting that second shot in the water and then having to play that pitch shot into the green.
“It’s probably the most difficult shot on the whole golf course.”
Fort McMurray Grounds Guru Off To Ryder Cup
Jeff Hacior, The Superintendent At The Fort McMurray Golf Club, Was The Only Canadian Selected To Join The North American Grounds Crew For The 2018 Ryder Cup To Be Held In Paris, France.
FORT McMURRAY, Alberta (Inside Golf) — Many apply but few are chosen. As it turns out, Jeff Hacior (@JeffHacior) was one of those chosen few.
Hacior, the superintendent of the Fort McMurray Golf Club, has been named as one of the North American grass groomers for the 2018 edition of the Ryder Cup. and is the only Canadian involved in the event. In all, there were 374 members of the Golf Course Superintendents’ Association of America eligible for the selection process based on membership status and work experience with 10 chosen.
The honour comes on the heels of the devastating wildfire that destroyed much of his hometown two years ago, including damaging buildings on his golf course. Now though, Hacior gets the chance to work alongside some of the best turf tenders in the world for the popular event.
Hacior said his desire to take part grew after attending the Ryder Cup in 2015 at Hazeltine. There he toured the course and saw for himself how important the maintenance staff is to such an event, where 36 holes a day are played. While there, he got a first-hand look-see at what was being done in preparation for the world’s top players.
“It wasn’t necessarily volunteering (as the reason for going in 2015) but the superintendent did such a great job of letting everyone in on the goings-on of such a big tournament. I thought what a cool way to be involved.”
Even though he hadn’t really considered being a hands-on guy at one of these birdie hunting spectaculars, Hacior said he noticed in a GCSAA newsletter about the opportunity to take part.
“It was an offering of 10 superintendents being selected from the GCSAA and (another 10) the European Golf Superintendents’ Association. They had a questionnaire to fill out so I filled it out, and ended up being one of the lucky chosen.”
Hacior noted there wasn’t any real criteria a wanna-be had to meet to be in the running. Rather, it was a series of five general questions about his home track. “The biggest question they asked was why you wanted to go.”
“The Ryder Cup only happens once every two years, so to be named as part of the team is the opportunity of a lifetime. After all our course has been through since 2016, with the rebuild of our clubhouse and returning the course to the shape it was in before the Horse River wildfire, this is such incredibly good news for me and for the Fort McMurray Golf Club.”
Another big factor in this is “the learning opportunities and the networking,” that will encompass him during his brief, but busy, tenure in France. “It’s a pretty cool stage. You’ll never find a better place to find all that information in one place.”
As of right now, he doesn’t know what his duties will be at the Ryder Cup. Responsibilities will likely be assigned closer to the actual date and it’s very likely that each grass guru will handle different duties over the course of the event.
“All I know is I have to get to New York on a certain date and from there, I’ll just follow along with what the itinerary calls for.”
Hacior also isn’t sure of how much of the golf he’ll get to see, or what sort of hours he’ll be expected to be on the job. It is likely he’ll get so see some of the action, but again, that’s up in the air until he gets there.
“I have a feeling there will be a few different shifts per day. I know at the Hazeltine one, the guys had to be on the golf course around 3 a.m. get it prepped prior to any player starting. Because it’s 36 holes (a day) I know they prep it two or three times a day. Again before the second round goes out and then again in the evening once the play’s over.”
As for his takeaway, Hacior seems quite happy to take what comes his way, sort of like the invite to head to Paris.
“I just want to take away a great experience. Some knowledge that I can use for the rest of my career, whether it’s in Fort McMurray or wherever. Just the experience in general, just being part of the tournament is an amazing feeling. This is on a higher level than what I’ve experienced in the past.”
About being one of the “chosen few,” Hacior noted, “I’m honoured. I’m shocked at even being selected. After I filled it out, I never once thought that anything would happen so it’s truly amazing. I’m honoured. Excited. It’s once in a lifetime,” which is sort of like winning the lottery but without the big financial payday.
But then again, the pay Hacior receives in knowledge and experience that will be, as they say, priceless.
The 2018 Ryder Cup will be held in Continental Europe for only the second time in its history. Le Golf National in Paris, France will be hosting the biennial match on its spectacular L’Albatros course, from Sept. 25-30.
Augusta National to host women’s amateur tournament
AUGUSTA, Ga. – A new women’s amateur tournament will be played partially at Augusta National the week before the Masters.
Masters chairman Fred Ridley announced the tournament Wednesday, calling it a move to help grow the game of golf. It will be called the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
The tournament will be played over three rounds, with the first two at the Champions Retreat outside Augusta and the final round played on the Saturday before the Masters at the famed Augusta National course.
Ridley said Masters officials believe it will be the most widely attended amateur tournament in the world, and by a large margin. The field will consist of 72 women invited by the Masters.
The Masters also hosts a youth putt, chip and drive contest on the Sunday before the Masters.
Team Canada’s Jaclyn Lee breaks school record en route to 2nd NCAA victory
PEORIA, Ariz. – Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee wrote a chapter in history on Monday, breaking an Ohio State school record with a 64 at the Westbrook Spring Invite, collecting her second NCAA victory in the process.
Lee, a Team Canada National Amateur Squad member, marched to the tune of seven birdies accompanied by an eagle on the par-5 8th hole, finishing at 8 under par for the day on the Westbrook Village Golf Course.
The 20-year-old junior finished at 19 under par in the 36-hole event, two strokes clear of runner-up Kaitlin Milligan of Oklahoma State.
????????Lee used seven birdies and an eagle en route to an Ohio State-record 64, breaking @JPorvasnik‘s opening-round 65 at the Westbrook Spring Invite in 2014.#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/bvWRhtt07n
— Ohio State W Golf (@OhioState_WGOLF) February 25, 2018
Lee’s first NCAA victory of her career came in 2017 when she split medallist honours at the East & West Match Play.
The former Alberta Ladies Amateur champion paced the Buckeyes to a 2nd place finish, one stroke behind Oklahoma. She was named as the Big Ten Conference Golfer of the Week for her efforts in Arizona.
Congrats to @JaclynLee57 on her second Big Ten Golfer of the Week honor of the 2017-18 season!#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/xpOjDDxKgz
— Ohio State W Golf (@OhioState_WGOLF) February 28, 2018
In her sophomore season, Lee led the Buckeyes in scoring average as well as total finishes in the top-5, earning her a selection to the All-Big Ten Second Team.
Click here for full scoring.
Leslie Dunning: Golf is a game for everyone
If ever there was a right person at the right time, it must be Leslie Dunning.
Dunning, Golf Canada’s new president, couldn’t have constructed a more appropriate resume for the position if she had started with it in mind all her life.
Golf credentials? Check.
She was introduced to the game by a forward-thinking teacher at her high school in Mississauga, Ont., who wanted to provide her students with skills they could use throughout life. Unlike team sports, golf could be enjoyed as an individual.
“That gave me confidence,” she recalled during a conversation following her ascendance to the presidency in February. “I don’t think I would have ever stepped on a golf course if I hadn’t had that early exposure to the game.”
Based on her experience, Dunning understandably is a strong proponent of Golf Canada’s Future Links and Golf in Schools program. “I would like to see a [Golf in Schools] kit in every school in the country and that every golf course is connected to at least one school.”
After moving to Calgary with her husband Neill in 1991, she became involved in the junior program at Earl Grey Golf Club where they are members.
Appropriate related background? Check.
Dunning holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Queen’s University. She is a chartered professional accountant and certified management accountant. She was selected to the Governor-General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, was Canada’s representative on the World Health Organization’s study to the Navaho Reserve, and was named an honoured alumna by the University of Waterloo.
Volunteerism? Check.
Dunning first volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross as a high-school student. That continued as she moved on to the University of Waterloo. After graduation, she joined the international humanitarian organization full-time, serving more than 36 years in various senior positions. When she retired in 2014, she was Director General, Violence and Abuse Prevention, for Canada.
Her involvement at Earl Grey led to positions on the club captain’s committee and subsequently various roles as a volunteer with Alberta Golf, including serving as president in 2007 and 2008. It was during 2008 that she was asked to assist in Golf Canada’s governance reform efforts. The following year, she was elected to Golf Canada’s Board of Directors as the first Provincial Council Chair. Since then, she has served on and chaired many of the national association’s committees.
Since achieving her national Rules of Golf certification, she has officiated at numerous local, provincial and national events.
Understanding of golf’s challenges? Check.
While with the Canadian Red Cross, Dunning championed significant initiatives such as Indigenous engagement and cross-cultural training. That experience stood her in good stead as she was selected to lead a Golf Canada working group to develop the association’s new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
“There is tremendous diversity among golfers and there are numerous diverse groups that have organized themselves to play golf,” she said in her speech to the Golf Canada annual general meeting in Calgary. “We want to engage with these groups, learn what they are doing, how we might support them and what we might do together. As we identify these groups, we will reach out to build relationships with them, helping us to understand their needs and interests. It is our aim to create greater relevancy to more golfers and ensure welcoming environments for all.”
This outreach is not just to golfers, prospective Golf Canada members who want to play the game, Dunning said in our interview, but to welcome those who would like to get involved as volunteers, officials, on provincial and national committees and Boards, etc.
“Two of our Board’s main objectives are to make sure that Golf Canada is relevant and sustainable. Inclusion will help to ensure that programs and services are relevant to all golfers and financial health will help to ensure sustainability for the future. We understand that our focus on priorities such as diversity and inclusion isn’t just like flicking a light switch. It’s a real cultural shift. And we are committed to that purpose.”
When we spoke, Dunning was in Florida getting ready to head to a meeting. When asked if that meeting was on the first tee at a nearby golf course, she chuckled. “No, it’s not.”
Actually, she was heading out to tour a golf development centre and then attending the annual meeting of the United States Golf Association.
“You’re the president for only one year so I am trying to make sure that every day I’m doing something to grow the game of golf in Canada. That’s my mantra.”
Dedicated? Driven? Absolutely.
Alberta Golf Announces Key Changes Within the Compete & Excel Department
Competitive golfers in Alberta can look forward to expanded events, eligibility changes, format enhancements, team selection and recognition changes in 2018
11 provincial amateur championships to be conducted across the province culminating in the return to Kananaskis Country Golf Course for the Interclub championship in September
Registration opens Tuesday, April 3rd at 7:00 a.m. MT
Alberta Golf is delighted to announce its competition schedule including host clubs and dates for the 2018 championship season. A total of 11 provincial amateur championships that serve as qualifiers for national amateur championships will be conducted this year. In addition, the Canadian Junior Boys Championship will be held at the Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club this July.
“We are thrilled with the high quality of member facilities on our schedule this year, beginning the season with our expanded Match Play Championship at Silver Springs and ending with a much anticipated return to Kananaskis Country for the Interclub Championship,” said Alberta Golf Manager of Competitions, Stephen Wigington.
“Throughout 2017 we listened to player and stakeholder feedback and equipped with that information our team, including staff and our operating committees have made significant strides towards an enhanced compete and excel program offering.”
In addition, a careful review of Alberta Golf’s High Performance strategy to drive athlete performance and professional coaching to the highest levels in our province has been completed in coordination with Golf Canada. It became evident that providing more support directly to member facilities and to participants who are striving to excel in local markets will produce tremendous results for the long-term. For the past eighteen months, the focus of this intensive review has been on two primary objectives: to expand our program offering to every corner of the province and to ensure long term sustainability.
Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer, Jeff Thompson, said “we are thrilled to be able to work closely with Alberta Golf as they continue to evolve, improve and invest in their sport programs – both grass roots/entry level and high performance. It is critical to have system alignment between the provinces and national to ensure we are as efficient and impactful as possible and Alberta Golf has been a leader nationally in this regard.”
A balanced approach to skill building that includes repetition, periodization and exposure to higher levels of competition are keys to continued development in athletes. Using the resources at our disposal, including sharing knowledge, expertise and best practices amongst our coaches and athletes, we intend to support all local markets. We want to impress upon the entire industry throughout the province that the next Brooke Henderson or Mackenzie Hughes is already part of the club’s junior program or they might be involved with another sport in the community – this is our potential and the opportunity.
Developing all junior programs to unlock this potential, using the tools and support available through Alberta Golf and Golf Canada, is the responsibility of each member club. The guidance and networking provided to coaches and to athletes by connecting with one another through the Canadian golf community serves to reinforce this message to all local clubs. The more often this formula can be repeated and the more comfortable junior golfers become at each level of competition, the more often we will witness quality results. As we achieve better results at the club level and regionally, we will soon find Alberta at the top of National and International leaderboards.
Alberta Golf Executive Director/CEO, Phil Berube, adds that “the association has dedicated a significant amount of internal resources to improve all program administration and we have acquired the necessary control of all elements of our high performance program. This aligns with our business plan and includes a more comprehensive approach to the recommendations being brought forward to our Board of Directors as well as the methodology in which athletes are supported and recognized. We are confident that we are on a path forward that will yield great results for all athletes and all coaches involved with Alberta Golf.”
Jennifer Davison, Alberta Golf’s Director of Sport Development & High Performance said that “one of the biggest findings during this internal review of our program has been the lack of administrative oversight for all programming. As this program has developed over the past decade, at times we have relied too heavily on third party input and information. While we have been successful in recognizing excellence amongst all players during this time, the information we have been providing to athletes and to parents has proven to be confusing, inconsistent and at times unreliable.”
Alberta Golf is proud to highlight a number of our key changes for 2018 in the notes section below.
COMPETE & EXCEL NOTES:
- The SVR Alberta Open has been expanded to a 54-hole stroke-play competition permitting it to be eligible for World Amateur Golf Ranking points. There will be a 36-hole cut to the low 60 players and ties for the final round. A Pro/Am event will be held the day prior for Professionals (club and touring) to bring a team and compete for prizes. The low amateur from the SVR Alberta Open will receive a team position for the 2019 Pacific Coast Amateur Championship.
- The Alberta Match Play Championship is now a stand-alone event open to both male and female competitors who will compete in separate 16-player brackets. The first day of competition will be a shotgun stroke-play qualifier to determine the seeding for the matches the following two days. The qualifying field is open to 90 men and 30 women. The men’s Match Play Champion will receive a team position for the 2019 Pacific Coast Amateur Championship.
- For the first time, the Alberta Mid-Amateur Championship will feature dual hosts – The Glendale Golf & Country Club and the Stony Plain Golf Course. Alberta Golf’s largest event from a participation standpoint can now accommodate up to 200 competitors who will play one round at each venue. There will be a 36-hole cut to the low 60 players and ties for the final round at the Glendale G&CC.
- For the first time since 2013, the Alberta Junior Girls Championship will be conducted at a separate venue from the Junior Boys competition. This decision was taken after several seasons of conducting a joint Alberta Junior Championship. While this endeavor was successful from a logistical and promotional standpoint we feel strongly that a distinct championship for girls only will promote participation and camaraderie among young golfers with a focus on growing a competitive culture among junior girls.
- 2018 marks the return of the Alberta Interclub Championship to Kananaskis Country Golf Course. We are excited to return to K-country following a five-year hiatus from the perennial host due to the devastating flood in 2013. We wish to thank the Canmore Golf & Curling Club for admirably stepping up to fill the void over the last four seasons. For the first time, the Interclub Championship will be open to both male and female teams of four. The first 36 member club teams to register will make up the field.
- The Canadian Junior Boys Championship will be held at the beautiful Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club this July 30 – August 2nd. Look for a strong contingent of young Albertans at the top of the leaderboard this summer.
- We are thrilled to be working more closely with our fellow associations and tours this year by providing varied event management services including a full listing of all in-province events on our website schedule. We feel strongly that participation levels and value will increase for all golfers by working collaboratively. You can view the full schedule and toggle to future venues here.
- We are very proud to name our 2017 Players of the Year in each category:
Matt Williams, Mens – Glencoe G&CC
Jaclyn Lee, Ladies – Glencoe G&CC
Ethan Choi, Junior & Juvenile Boys – Pincher Creek G&CC
Kehler Koss, Junior Girls – Glencoe G&CC
Annabelle Ackroyd, Juvenile Girls, Silver Springs G&CC
Hunter Thomson, Bantam Boys, Calgary G&CC
Kaitlyn Wingnean, Bantam Girls, The Derrick G&WC
- In December of 2017, Alberta Golf announced an expanded high performance athlete development program. This is part of an organization-wide culture of commitment to supporting players, coaches and facilities committed to high performance athlete development. It features a tiered program offering that increases access to world-class support to a growing number of athletes across the entire province. More information can be found here.
- The Tier 2 Regional Player Development Program schedule for 2018 can be found here. The program is $600 and includes a variety of camps. Applications are continuing to be accepted until April 22nd. Players who have already applied will be contacted to confirm their acceptance into this program.
- For 2018, we will be transitioning away from a provincial order of merit to the national Golf Canada Order of Merit rankings. We will be recognizing the top Albertan on the national rankings at the end of the season at the amateur and junior level only. Information on the National Order of Merit can be found here. Our focus remains on celebrating results in our provincial championships and encouraging a competitive environment that is healthy from a training, competition and rest standpoint.
- Updated information on exemptions for provincial championships, quota positions for national championships, and historical records can be found here. Information on selection for multi-sport games and teams can be found here. Athlete Assistance funding of over $25,000 in total will be awarded to those players who have met the criteria for the high-performance squad and provincial teams.
ALBERTA GOLF AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Alberta Golf conducts 11 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, and inspire future generations of golfers. Alberta Golf’s provincial amateur championships are proudly supported by Sun Life Financial, Scott Venturo Rudakoff LLP, Alberta Sport Connection, Adidas Golf Canada, and Titleist & FootJoy.
ALBERTA GOLF HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT
Alberta Golf’s High Performance Athlete Development program is designed to support athletes across the province by providing programs and services that ultimately help them reach their competitive goals in the sport. Support is provided to athletes, coaches and facilities who are committed to high performance. Alberta Golf invests nearly $300,000 annually in sport development programming. Team Alberta, the pinnacle of Alberta Golf’s High Performance program, provides access to world-class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment and elite competitive opportunities. The program builds on the support team members have received in their development years from their family, clubs, personal instructors, and coaches. Alberta Golf’s High Performance Athlete Development program and Team Alberta are proudly supported by Golf Canada, Titleist, FootJoy, and Alberta Sport Connection.
ABOUT ALBERTA GOLF
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 committed 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.
CONTACT
Jack Lane, Director, Business Development & Communications
jack@albertagolf.org