Golf’s new Rules have been published by the The R&A and USGA in partnership with Golf Canada ahead of their effective date on Jan. 1, 2019.

For the first time, a new Player’s Edition of the Rules of Golf is being introduced to provide a shorter, more user-friendly version of the Rules for golfers at all levels of the game. This version, which will serve as the primary publication for all golfers, features:

• A more intuitive organization with 10 simplified topical groupings
• A “Purpose of the Rule” description at the top of each Rule, to better define why the Rule exists
• Easy-to-follow, full-colour diagrams and charts to aid in understanding
• A simpler, more direct writing style

The Player’s Edition is being launched alongside the modernized full Rules of Golf book, which includes some of the most significant changes made to the Rules in more than 60 years.

Adam Helmer, director of Rules, competitions and amateur status at Golf Canada said, “We are embarking on one of the most significant changes to the Rules of golf in the history of our sport. Today marks the start of the education process to communicate the modernized Rules with additional resources and publications available to all golfers, member facilities and referees in Canada and worldwide.”

Thomas Pagel, senior managing director, Governance for the USGA, said, “From the project’s inception, our one goal was to make the Rules easier to understand and apply for all golfers. It sets a new standard in the way we write and interpret the Rules and is central to our efforts to ensure a healthy future for golf. We look forward to continuing that process in the years to come.”

David Rickman, executive director – Governance at The R&A, said, “We are delighted to be rolling out the modernized Rules of Golf today. This is the biggest set of changes to the Rules in a generation and a major step forward in our efforts to make the Rules, and the sport itself, more accessible and more in tune with the way the modern sport is played.”

A new Official Guide to the Rules of Golf is also available in digital format and official apps today, with a printed version to be released in November. Designed for golf administrators and club officials, the Guide features Interpretations on specific Rules (which replace the current Decisions) and includes the first jointly-produced Committee Procedures document, providing practical guidance to Committees for running competitions and overseeing general play.

Another key feature is the Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities. This document is released alongside the Rules of Golf and enables players with disabilities to play fairly with other players with the same or different types of disability and, importantly, with those without disabilities. The Modified Rules were developed in close consultation with the community of players with disabilities and disability organizations.

All of the new books are available in digital formats online and a range of explanatory videos and resources is available on and websites to enable all golfers to learn about the 2019 Rules.

Extensive educational programs are being conducted around the world, with the assistance of national and regional associations, to ensure that golfers and administrators throughout amateur and professional golf are ready for the new Rules when they take effect on Jan. 1.

The process to modernize the Rules began in 2012 with the aim of making the Rules easier to understand and apply for all golfers and to help make golf more appealing and accessible for newcomers.

Some of the key changes in the new Rules include new procedures for dropping the ball when taking relief, the elimination or reduction of several penalties, relaxed putting green and bunker rules, and rules that encourage improved pace of play.

Golfers are reminded that the current Rules of Golf remain in effect for the remainder of 2018. The Rules of Amateur Status and the Rules of Equipment Standards were not part of the review process.

As an extension of its support of the Rules of Golf worldwide, Rolex has made a commitment to support The R&A and the USGA’s efforts to modernize golf’s Rules. The Swiss watchmaker’s contribution to excellence in golf is based on a rich heritage stretching back more than 50 years, forged through pivotal partnerships at every level of the sport, from the leading professional and amateur competitions and organizations to players at the pinnacle of their sport worldwide.

“Where Champions Are Crowned”

Although it’s the marketing tagline for Duncan Meadows Golf Course on Vancouver Island, site of the recent men’s Canadian Amateur Championship, it could be adopted by any of the scores of courses across Canada that play host each year to provincial and national championships.

Ming Hui, owner of Duncan Meadows, says the course hosted its first event, the B.C. Mid-Amateur Championship, in 1999. Since then, the course and its members have welcomed a veritable spectrum of tournaments: provincial junior and amateur championships, Future Links events, the Canadian University/College Championship, the Canadian Women’s Tour, and even an American Junior Golf Association tournament where, says Hui, a young Paula Creamer set the women’s competitive course record before heading off to LPGA Tour stardom.

“The overall experience is fabulous,” Hui says. “Although the members have to give up their course for a few days, it’s a positive experience for everyone. It’s good for our course because it gives us exposure and visibility and it’s good for the game overall.”

At any given time, Golf Canada is in contact with hundreds of courses in order to secure sites over the next three to five years for the 30 or so tournaments they conduct each year, says Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s director of rules, competitions and amateur status.

“Lots of advance notice and excellent communication is key,” he says. “Once a course hosts an event, they realize it is a positive and lasting experience for all concerned. Some courses want to showcase major changes, celebrate a significant anniversary or get more recognition. Others may target a specific championship because they have strong players in that category and it never hurts to have local knowledge.”

Phil Berube, executive director and CEO of Alberta Golf, agrees. “We are very fortunate in that many clubs in Alberta see this as an opportunity to showcase their facility and demonstrate good will for the golf community.” He says the key is a “partnership” between the golf association, the members and staff of the host club, and the players themselves.

Finding the appropriate number and type of facility is a formidable task for Golf Canada and the provincial associations. Although smaller provinces conduct a relative handful of competitions, Ontario runs more than 50 qualifying events and two dozen championships.

“It’s a very compact season and it’s difficult to schedule them all in during Ontario’s short summer,” says Rob Watson, Golf Ontario’s coordinator of next generation and competitions.

Some provincial associations offer nominal remuneration to host clubs and that has made the experience more palatable for some courses, but there’s much more to the equation. While British Columbia, for example, does so, the association “works with host clubs to help them understand the local economic impact of hosting an event as well as revenue opportunities for food and beverage as well as local sponsorship,” according to Kris Jonasson, CEO of British Columbia Golf.

Golf Canada, says Helmer, is working toward a new hosting model that would leave behind a “lasting legacy” commemorating their contribution to the game. That legacy could include donating Golf In Schools kits to local schools or some other support for growing the game locally.

One of the most memorable events during my 30 years at my club was when I volunteered last year for a Future Links tournament that had a Special Olympics component. We have hosted a men’s Ontario Amateur and some other events over the years and, with our centennial coming in 2019, our club is pursuing another significant championship. An unspoken motivation could be that we’ve got a very good golf course that we’re sick of being referred to as a “hidden gem.”

No matter what your motivation, reach out to your provincial association or Golf Canada to see what’s involved in hosting an event.

If for nothing else, do it for golf.

For twenty-five years, the Alberta Golf Association Foundation (AGAF) has provided financial assistance to students throughout the province in support of their academic endeavors.

Since the Foundation’s inception in 1994, more than 500 scholarships totaling over $700,000 have been awarded to students.

The AGAF was pleased to receive a high number of scholarship applications this year. Candidates are selected based on financial need, academic standing, as well as volunteer work and references.

A special thanks are extended to all of the patrons who support the scholarship program on an annual basis and to the volunteers who assist with the casino fundraiser. This support enables us to maintain our strong scholarship program.

Listed below are the 2018 recipients:

Individual and corporate donations are greatly appreciated and charitable tax receipts are provided. Supporters of the game of golf are invited to contact the AGAF for more information on how to establish a legacy of their own. Thank you to the following patrons:

• Charles C. Reid Foundation
• Frank Lindsay Memorial Foundation
• McLennan Ross Sun Junior Golf Tour
• R.E. Courage Memorial Fund
• Christa Spahmann Memorial Fund
• Lola Rozsa Fund
• Jeff Llewellyn Memorial Fund
• Sun Life Financial
• Bob Rintoul Memorial Fund
• Carol Stevens Memorial Fund
• Mike Bower Memorial Fund

Read more about supporting Alberta Golf

Please visit www.usga.org/play9

OAKVILLE, Ont. – No. 7 at Glen Abbey Golf Club has become the featured hole at the RBC Canadian Open the past two years. With hockey boards surrounding the tee, goalie masks being used as tee blocks, and officials wearing referees’ stripes, it’s a distinctly Canadian experience.

But with the RBC Canadian Open moving to Hamilton Golf and Country Club in 2019 and Glen Abbey possibly slated for redevelopment by course owner ClubLink, there were questions about the fate of the so-called Rink.

“The rink is on wheels, the rink’s going to go where we go,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum on Sunday. “The rink’s going to move with us. We’ve already got those officials from that hole, they want to go with it. The players love it.”

In particular, Applebaum loves how fans pound their fists on the boards after players tee off. Although it caused some confusion among players in 2017 when the Rink was first unveiled, they’re now on board with it too.

“Bring the noise, bring the thunder,” said Applebaum from the media centre in the bowels of Glen Abbey’s clubhouse.

Glen Abbey was the first course designed solely by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and was completed in 1976. It’s become the home of Golf Canada and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, which holds its induction ceremony the same week as the Canadian Open, as long as the tournament is being held at Glen Abbey that year.

Applebaum thinks this year’s RBC Canadian Open – which saw a four-way tie atop the leaderboard between world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, Whee Kim, Byeong Hun An and Kevin Tway heading into the fourth round – is the perfect sendoff for the storied course.

“Beer sales are up, food sales are up, merchandise sales are up and attendance will be up,” said Applebaum, who predicted that total attendance for the week would be over 80,000. “For me, it’s a win across the board. Spectacular.”

Hamilton will host the 2019 and 2023 events, with Applebaum believing the host for 2020 will be announced within the next two or three months. His intention is to keep the men’s national championship in the Greater Toronto Area, while the CP Women’s Open will continue to move back and forth across the country.

In addition to changing locations, the RBC Canadian Open will occupy a new spot on the PGA TOUR’s calendar beginning in 2019.

Historically, the RBC Canadian Open was held in September, but starting in 2007 it was played in late July, the prime golf season. But starting in 2019 it will be held in early June, the week before the U.S. Open, essentially turning it into a tune-up event for some of the biggest names in golf.

“The guys that have traditionally played our event seem like they will continue, but all the new people that haven’t played in the past, are talking about it,” said Applebaum. “The Phil Mickelsons, the Rory McIlroys, the Rickie Fowlers, it’s great to have that grouping of players who haven’t played it.”

As Laurence Applebaum marked his first year as Golf Canada’s CEO on July 10, it would have been easy to point to a couple of recent announcements as early anniversary presents.

On July 3, it was revealed that the RBC Canadian Open would vacate its logistically problematic date the week immediately after The Open Championship in July and shift to the week prior to the U.S. Open, taking place the first week of June starting next year.

On July 9, Canadian Pacific and Golf Canada announced that CP had extended its title sponsorship of the CP Women’s Open, the only LPGA Tour event in Canada, for five years through 2023. The announcement was made at Magna Golf Club, the opulent and outstanding facility in Aurora, Ont., which will host the 2019 CP Women’s Open.

Just as significant was the news that the event’s charity, CP Has Heart, has raised almost $6.5 million for heart health initiatives in just four years. CP’s sponsorship also supports Golf Canada’s National Team Program (Team Canada) and the Young Pro Program which aids emerging Canadian professionals as they transition to the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. CP is also the title sponsor of the CP Women’s Leadership Summit which will make its debut on Aug. 21 during the CP Women’s Open at Wascana Country Club in Regina.

But in an interview after the CP Women’s media conference at Magna, Applebaum was quick to deflect the credit for these notable accomplishments.

“We are extremely fortunate to have great partners like CP and RBC and so many others who support the game of golf in Canada. Without them and a supportive Board of Directors and our talented and hard-working team of staff and volunteers, I doubt very much would get accomplished at all, much less in a year.”

So giving credit where credit is due, it must be noted that the past 12 months have been, if not tumultuous, at least a “whirlwind,” according to Applebaum.

“One of the biggest highlights and I have to admit, one of the biggest surprises, was the reception I enjoyed from the golf community both within our borders and outside. I was overwhelmed by how much Canadians love their golf and also by how welcoming the global golf community, like the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, the USGA and the R&A, has been to a newcomer.”

Building relationships was a keystone of Applebaum’s priority list when he came on board to lead Golf Canada. He traversed the country, listening to golfers to determine how Golf Canada could become “more relevant,” in his words.

One of the positives he noted was the reaction to Golf Canada’s new membership model. The hope is to transition all member clubs to the Gold Level by the end of next year. The Gold Level comes with a laundry list of benefits from an official handicap factor to incident protection (up to $2,500 reimbursement for damaged, lost or stolen equipment, plus other unfortunate golf-related events), discounts on merchandise and event, tickets, and more).

“I had many golfers come up to me and say ‘I’ve been a Golf Canada member for a long time but I’ve never really seen the value. But now I do.’”

Another thing Applebaum noted during his travels was that the “Canadian golf community” is anything but. It’s fragmented, to say the least.

But the good news is that when he joined Golf Canada, work was well underway on the organization’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy (by a task force headed by current Golf Canada President Leslie Dunning. Published last winter, it is a leading-edge document that, says Applebaum, “shows that we welcome all of Canada’s almost six million golfers with open arms. It’s a great outreach initiative that we are determined to live up to.”

About the same time as the Diversity and Inclusivity Policy was released, Applebaum appeared at a media conference with PGA of Canada CEO Kevin Thistle to announce that the two national organizations have teamed up to combat and prevent abuse, bullying and harassment in golf by adopting Respect in Sport and Respect in the Workplace as part of a deepened commitment to the Responsible Coaching Movement.

Laurence Applebaum and PGA of Canada CEO Kevin Thistle signing the Responsible Coaching Movement for golf in Canada

After such a hectic yet rewarding first year, Applebaum might be excused if some of the memories are a touch hazy. But that’s not the case in at least one instance.

“It had to be at last year’s CP Women’s Open at Royal Ottawa,” he recalls as his face lights up with a smile. “To see Brooke Henderson make the cut on the number and then go out on Saturday and shoot a course-record 63, well, what a great moment for Canadian golfers! It’s something I’ll never forget.”

And with that, he stands up, shakes hands, and heads into Year Two.

With the Rules Modernization Initiative set to take effect in January 2019, Golf Canada is in the midst of preparing resources and educational material for all golfers, member clubs and referees. Our Rules Education will begin in the fall of 2018 to prepare everyone for the changes for next year.

New for 2019, Golf Canada will be adopting the R&A’s Rules Education system. One of the main objectives of the Rules Modernization Initiative was to create consistency around the world in many facets of the Rules of Golf, including educating and training referees. The exams that Golf Canada will use and the designation by marks achieved will be consistent throughout the countries allied to the R&A, such as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

While Golf Canada traditionally has employed a four-level system, the R&A’s Rules Education program consists of a three-tiered approach. In order to align the programs, Golf Canada’s current Levels 1 and 2 will be consolidated into just one level (the new Level 1). We will maintain separate programs for individuals to continue through our Rules Education Pathway at the provincial and national level, which will be the new Level 2 and Level 3.

The chart below compares the Levels from 2018 to what will be in place for 2019:

Level 1 provides an interesting and easy way to learn the basics of the Rules of Golf. This level will focus on Etiquette, the principle definitions and commonly encountered situations on the course. As part of the Level 1 program, students will be able to test their knowledge by taking the review questions at the end of each section before attempting the online Level 1 Exam.

Level 2 (Provincial) seminars will be conducted by provincial golf associations, and the curriculum will begin to look at the more important playing Rules in detail. Some of the complexities that are found in the Decisions book are introduced along while also implementing on-course demonstrations. Level 2 (Provincial) will be designed for individuals with an involvement in tournament administration, or a desire to have such an involvement.

Level 3 (National) will consist of a three-day seminar run by Golf Canada, also called Tournament Administrators and Referees School (TARS). It serves to give guidance and advice on running tournaments and refereeing by including sessions on course set-up, course marking, pace of play, suspension of play, and starting and recording.

The Shaw Charity Classic is a family friendly event with several activities for the junior spectator! Visit the Junior Series.

The Junior Drive, Chip & Putt presented by West Island College is a youth development initiative providing a free opportunity for young golfers to showcase the three fundamental skills of golf.

Play like a legend and learn from the legends! On August 19, 2018, the Shaw Charity Classic will host the third annual Junior Drive, Chip & Putt Challenge presented by West Island College! Calgary juniors come out to compete and showcase their golf skills to win a chance to walk inside the ropes as an Honorary Observer during one of the championship rounds and to receive their trophies on the 18th green on Sunday from the 2018 Shaw Charity Classic Champion!

Divisions: Jr. Boys (ages 8-11), Sr. Boys (ages 12-15), Jr. Girls (ages 8-11), and Sr. Girls (ages 12-15).

Date: Sunday, August 19, 2018

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Golf Canada Centre Calgary | 7100 15 St SE

Cost: Free to participate (includes a free bucket of balls to warm-up courtesy of Golf Canada Centre)

No registration is required for this event, you can drop in anytime between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The four winning juniors will be presented with the following:

• Presentation of a trophy alongside the winner of the 2018 Shaw Charity Classic
• A once in a lifetime opportunity to go under the ropes with the legends of golf in an Honorary Observer spot
• One Champions Club ticket for a parent or guardian to attend the tournament with them (Juniors 17 and under are admitted free)

This is a provincial performance benchmaring event

The MEG Energy Junior Clinic is a free opportunity for juniors aged 5 to 17 to engage with golf on-site.

Calling all future golf stars! Visit the upper driving range to refine your skills with the pros in this interactive skill session! Watch PGA TOUR Champions professionals share their best tips and tricks for a great golf swing. Then, grab a club and try out a few shots of your own as local golf instructors help you learn the basics! All golf abilities and ages are welcome! A complimentary BBQ lunch will be served to all juniors.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP AND RECEIVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Upper Driving Range, Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club

Parking Information: THERE IS NO PARKING ONSITE FOR THE JUNIOR CLINIC. Please park at St. Mary’s University (14500 Bannister Road SE) and take the Shaw Charity Classic shuttle to Canyon Meadows G&CC. Shuttles will be running continuously from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. between Canyon Meadows G&CC and St. Mary’s. You will not need a parking pass to park at St. Mary’s. The shuttle is approximately a 10 minute bus ride, so no need to arrive at St. Mary’s before 12pm.

Junior clubs will be provided on-site, please do not bring your own clubs. No food or drinks will be permitted into the grounds.

Indigenous youth in the area got an introduction to golf with some of the country’s best golfers as their coaches.

“We’ve been looking at how can we help connect indigenous youth with sport,” Executive Director of Lethbridge Sport Council Susan Eymann said.

“The PGA tour being in Lethbridge was a great opportunity to say ‘let’s have some of our youth benefit from an event like this.’”

READ MORE: Ammolite trophy sets Lethbridge apart on the Mackenzie tour

The Indigenous youth golf clinic ran on Wednesday as one of the additional events associated with the Lethbridge Paradise Canyon Open.

Golf pros are in Lethbridge for the PGA Canada’s Mackenzie tour. They helped coach youth ages 13 to 17 during a free one hour session.

“I enjoy helping out and watching the kids and watching them enjoy it,” winner of PGA Tour Canada’s GolfBC Championship in Kelowna George Cunningham said.

“It helps me kind of get away from my golf a little bit, take the time and relax.”

Thirty-nine teens received tutorials on how to hold and swing a club, as well as received tips and stories from the pros themselves.

“They told me to hold it lower, bend my knees and whatever way you’re going to hit it, like ‘say you’re hitting it that way, your body being that way,’” first time golfer Christa Healy said.

“Have good posture, and always be on the balls of your feet and to have good weight when you shoot,” Malackhi Pagan said.

The clinic was well received by participants and some even made future plans.

“Yeah I’d definitely suggest it [to other youth],” Pagan said. “It’s fun. It’s another hobby in your life you get to do, and maybe even get good at it and go pro.”

The clinic coincided with Indigenous sport and wellness month, with this week specifically for youths.

Organizers said if there is more interest for the program, Paradise Canyon will look into hosting a beginners clinic at the course.

View the article from Global News here.

After a long school year, young golfers across Canada have earned some free time on the golf course. Nine Central Alberta golf courses are participating in Take A Kid To The Course initiative.

The National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA) has teamed up with close to 700 courses across the country to provide free golf for kids under the age of 16 starting on July 3. Nine courses in Central Alberta will offer the program.

The initiative is called “Take a Kid To The Course” and it’s designed as a way to help promote the game at the grassroots level.

River Bend Golf and Recreation Area GM Brian Miller said they’ve been participating in the program for years and it usually draws a big crowd of kids.

He noted they even try and compete with other clubs to see who can get the most kids on the course. Miller added on top of growing the game, it’s a really good way to get the whole family out on the course.

“It’s a program across Canada to develop junior golf and we’re a big part of that with the mini links and driving range. We do a lot of junior lessons here. That’s why we’re part of it,” he said.

“If they bring dad out, the son can play (for free). Or if they brought out mom and dad, daughter and son can play for free. It’s a one adult, one kid type thing. It’s a good program, drives people to the door…We’ve had good numbers in the past.”

River Bend will run the program for kids from ages 9-16, with rounds available from July 3-10. Monday to Thursday are available any time and Friday, Saturday and Sunday after 3 p.m.

Other Central Alberta courses participating in the program include Balmoral Golf Course, Bashaw Golf and Country Club, Gull Lake Golf Course, Lacombe Golf and Country Club, Meadowlands Golf Club at Sylvan Lake, Olds Central Highlands Golf Club, Ponoka Community Golf Club and Red Deer Golf and Country Club. For the full list of courses and what they offer with the program, check out kidsplaygolf.ca.

This year will be the 16th for the program and since its inception, it has helped more than 350,000 golfers an opportunity to golf for free.

View the article from the Red Deer Advocate here.