OTTAWA – Today, Canada’s national golf industry associations announced the first annual National Golf Day, May 29, an event aimed at raising awareness to the public and government decision makers on the many positive impacts of the golf industry.

“More Canadians play golf than any other participation sport and our industry is #1 in driving economic impact, employment and charity fundraising,” said Jeff Calderwood, National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) and We Are Golf Chair. “Combined with golf’s diversity, healthy fitness benefits and environmental stewardship, we really do have such a positive message to communicate.”

National Golf Day provides the opportunity for Canada’s golf industry leaders to discuss these wide-reaching benefits of the sport directly with MPs, Senators and policy advisors at Parliament Hill. A May 28 evening reception will also be held in Centre Block, and NAGA will be hosting a day of interactive golf activities on the front lawn where MPs and visitors will be able to participate. This day of outdoor golf activities will include a focus on junior golf.

“We are really looking forward to our time in Ottawa and expect that government officials from all parties will be impressed to learn about all the ways golf contributes in virtually every riding throughout Canada,” added Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “There are so many meaningful benefits that golf delivers in communities from coast to coast and it will be great to share all those insights on National Golf Day.”

Golf courses and all related stakeholders throughout Canada are encouraged to promote the same positive messages. NAGA will provide shareable social content.

NAGA is also announcing a rebranding of its public facing name to We Are Golf. This aligns with the same brand name used by the American golf industry for allied association activities such as National Golf Day. NAGA does carry on as the administrative body but will use the We Are Golf brand for all public communications.

Please watch for additional We Are Golf and National Golf Day communications over the coming weeks as we lead up to the May 29 event itself.

For more information on We Are Golf, visit wearegolf.ca  

For many of us trying to squeeze in the last few rounds of the season, or for those planning on heading south this winter, it’s important to note the “active season” in the region, province or country you’re playing in.

Golf Canada’s Handicap System stipulates every player is responsible for returning all acceptable scores into one’s scoring record from rounds played on courses observing their active season, which is part of the golf season when courses have acceptable playing conditions.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of authorized provincial golf association to declare active and inactive periods, and it is the responsibility of the area club and golfers to observe these dates for posting purposes.

Each year, provincial associations analyze numerous factors to determine their active seasons. This ensures consistency of when scores would be posted by the majority of golfers to help keep Handicap Factors accurate.

Scores made at any golf course observing an inactive season are not acceptable for handicap purposes. The rationale behind this is that posting scores during inactive seasons (periods of poor course conditions) could artificially increase a player’s Handicap Factor.

Scores made at a golf course in an area observing an active season must be posted for handicap purposes, even if the golf club from which the player receives a Handicap Factor is observing an inactive season. The club’s Handicap Committee must make it possible for a player to post these away scores at the beginning of the active season.

For example, if a player belonging to a golf club in Ontario plays golf in Florida during January, any scores made in Florida are acceptable and must be returned to the player’s Ontario golf club. If the player is also a member of a golf club in Florida, scores must be posted to the player’s Florida club.

In Canada, the active season in each province is as follows:

BC = Mar. 1 – Nov. 15
AB = Mar. 1 – Oct. 31
SK = Apr. 15 – Oct. 31
MB = Apr. 15 – Oct. 31
ON = Apr. 15 – Oct. 31
QC = Apr. 15 – Oct. 31
NS = Apr. 15 – Oct. 31
NB = May. 1 – Oct. 31
PE = Apr. 16 – Nov. 14
NL = Apr. 1 – Nov. 30

It’s also important to note that if you are travelling to other countries, you should determine their active seasons to prevent posting unacceptable scores. Your home club needs all acceptable scores from the “off-season” as well to ensure your Handicap Factor is accurate once recalculated at the beginning of the season.

For a detailed list of active and inactive schedule in the United States, click here.

For more information on handicapping, click here.

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

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

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

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

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.

Alberta Golf Rec Series

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.

Junior Associations and Tours

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.

Find A Course

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 Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum phoned in from Augusta National on Thursday to chat all things Masters with Bob McCown from Sportsnet Prime Time.

Conducting championships has been core to Alberta Golf’s mandate since our inception in 1912. Each year, over a thousand competitors participate in provincial championships. Registration is now open.

Compete Schedule

We are excited to be introducing a recreational series of Learn & Play opportunities in 2018. The focus of the series is to break down potential barriers in order to introduce new and recreational golfers to playing in organized golf. Registration is now open.

Recreational Schedule

The R&A and the USGA have completed the annual review of driving distance in golf, producing a research report that documents and evaluates important findings from the 2017 season.

Introduced in 2015, the annual report examines driving distance data from seven of the major worldwide professional golf tours, based on nearly 300,000 drives per year. The data from studies of male and female amateur golfers is also included.

The 2015 and 2016 editions of the distance report presented the increases in driving distance since 2003 as a slow creep of around 0.2 yards per year. The 2017 data shows a deviation from this trend. The average distance gain across the seven worldwide tours was more than 3 yards since 2016.

As noted in previous annual reports, variability in driving distance of 4 or more yards from season to season on any one tour is not uncommon. However, this level of increase across so many tours in a single season is unusual and concerning and requires closer inspection and monitoring to fully understand the causes and effects.

As the review of this issue progresses, The R&A and the USGA remain committed to the spirit of the 2002 Joint Statement of Principles which recognise that distance impacts many aspects of golf and that any further significant increases in hitting distances at the highest level are undesirable.

Increases in distance can contribute to demands for longer, tougher and more resource-intensive golf courses at all levels of the game. These trends can impact the costs to operate golf courses and put additional pressures on golf courses in their local environmental landscape. The effect of increasing distance on the balance between skill and technology is also a key consideration. Maintaining this balance is paramount to preserving the integrity of golf.

Building on the extensive research we have undertaken in recent years, we will conduct a thoughtful conversation about the effects of distance prior to making any specific proposals. We remain open-minded and our absolute priority is to ensure that all key stakeholders are involved in an open and inclusive process and that we move forward together in the best interests of golf at all levels. There is no fixed timetable but we will commence this process immediately and endeavour to reach a conclusion as promptly as possible.

In conjunction with the publication of the 2017 distance research report, The R&A and USGA are carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of increased distance on both the playing and overall health of golf.

The R&A and the USGA intend to consolidate previous work conducted by the two organisations, as well as others in the golf industry, regarding the effect of distance on the footprint and playing of the game, conduct new research on these same topics to augment the current state of knowledge of the issues, and, most importantly, in the coming months, engage with stakeholders throughout the golf industry to develop a comprehensive understanding of perspectives on distance. Additional information on this stakeholder engagement will be made available in due course.

Ultimately, The R&A and the USGA remain steadfastly committed to ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable future for golf.

Download the 2017 Distance Report.

The USGA and The R&A have unveiled the new Rules of Golf, to be implemented on 1 January 2019.

The USGA and The R&A finalised golf’s new Rules this month after an extensive review that included a request for feedback from the global golf community on the proposed changes. Golfers can now access the official 2019 Rules of Golf by visiting www.RandA.org or www.usga.org/rules.

The process to modernise the Rules began in 2012 and was initiated to ensure that the Rules are easier to understand and apply for all golfers and to make the game more attractive and accessible for newcomers.

As the National Sport Federation and governing body, Golf Canada worked alongside The R&A and the USGA on the Rules modernisation initiative.

The process to modernise the Rules began in 2012 and was initiated to ensure that the Rules are easier to understand and apply for all golfers.#GolfRules2019⛳️ pic.twitter.com/q0qbAZ9GLa

— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) March 12, 2018

While the majority of proposed Rules remain intact in the final version, several important changes to the initial proposals and further clarification of many Rules were incorporated.

The most significant adjustments made following the review of feedback received from golfers around the world, includes:

• Dropping procedure: When taking relief (from an abnormal course condition or penalty area, for example), golfers will now drop from knee height. This will ensure consistency and simplicity in the dropping process while also preserving the randomness of the drop. (Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 suggested dropping from any height).
• Measuring in taking relief: The golfer’s relief area will be measured by using the longest club in their bag (other than a putter) to measure one club-length or two club-lengths, depending on the situation, making for a consistent process for golfers to establish their relief area. (Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 suggested a 20-inch or 80-inch standard measurement).
• Removing the penalty for a double hit: The penalty stroke for accidentally striking the ball more than once in the course of a stroke has been removed. Golfers will simply count the one stroke they made to strike the ball.  (Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 included the existing one-stroke penalty).
• Balls Lost or Out of Bounds: Alternative to Stroke and Distance: A new Local Rule will now be available in January 2019, permitting committees to allow golfers the option to drop the ball in the vicinity of where the ball is lost or out of bounds (including the nearest fairway area), under a two-stroke penalty. This Local Rule addresses the concerns raised at the club level about the negative impact on pace of play when a player is required to go back under stroke and distance. The Local Rule is not intended for higher levels of play, such as professional or elite level competitions. (Key change:  this is a new addition to support pace of play)

“We’re thankful for the golfers, administrators and everyone in the game who took the time to provide us with great insight and thoughtful feedback,” said USGA Senior Director of Rules & Amateur Status, Thomas Pagel. “We couldn’t be more excited to introduce the new Rules ahead of their education and implementation.”

David Rickman, Executive Director – Governance at The R&A, said, “We are pleased to be introducing the new Rules of Golf after a collaborative and wide-ranging review process which has embraced the views of golfers, rules experts and administrators worldwide. We believe that the new Rules are more in tune with what golfers would like and are easier to understand and apply for everyone who enjoys playing this great game.”

“The approach and process to modernise the Rules was critical to make meaningful changes that are relevant to all golfers worldwide beginning in 2019,” said Golf Canada Director of Rules, Competitions & Amateur Status, Adam Helmer. “We are confident that the outcome of this important initiative will be well received and we will work closely with our club, provincial and national partners to inform and educate Canadian golfers.”

Major proposals introduced in 2017 that have been incorporated into the modernised Rules include:

• Elimination or reduction of “ball moved” penalties: There will be no penalty for accidentally moving a ball on the putting green or in searching for a ball; and a player is not responsible for causing a ball to move unless it is “virtually certain” that he or she did so.
• Relaxed putting green rules: There will be no penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits an unattended flagstick in the hole; players may putt without having the flagstick attended or removed. Players may repair spike marks and other damage made by shoes, animal damage and other damage on the putting green and there is no penalty for merely touching the line of putt.
• Relaxed rules for “penalty areas” (currently called “water hazards”): Red and yellow-marked penalty areas may cover areas of desert, jungle, lava rock, etc., in addition to areas of water; expanded use of red penalty areas where lateral relief is allowed; and there will be no penalty for moving loose impediments or touching the ground or water in a penalty area.
• Relaxed bunker rules: There will be no penalty for moving loose impediments in a bunker or for generally touching the sand with a hand or club. A limited set of restrictions (such as not grounding the club right next to the ball) is kept to preserve the challenge of playing from the sand; however, an extra relief option is added for an unplayable ball in a bunker, allowing the ball to be played from outside the bunker with a two-stroke penalty.
• Relying on player integrity: A player’s “reasonable judgment” when estimating or measuring a spot, point, line, area or distance will be upheld, even if video evidence later shows it to be wrong; and elimination of announcement procedures when lifting a ball to identify it or to see if it is damaged.
• Pace-of-play support: Reduced time for searching for a lost ball (from five minutes to three); affirmative encouragement of “ready golf” in stroke play; recommending that players take no more than 40 seconds to play a stroke and other changes intended to help with pace of play.

Presented in digital, text-based form today, the new Rules will also now be translated into more than 30 languages and readied for final delivery via print and digital formats, including searchable Rules of Golf official apps developed by The R&A and the USGA. The full version of the new Rules of Golf in French will be available soon and posted on Golf Canada’s Rules of Golf website at  http://golfcanada.ca/rules-of-golf/

Introducing the new Rules of #golf. Effective Jan. 1, 2019 #GolfRules2019

A post shared by Golf Canada (@thegolfcanada) on Mar 12, 2018 at 7:58am PDT

Three important publications, to be distributed this September, will help players and officials, who regulate the game, and provide interpretation and guidance in how the Rules are applied:

• The Player’s Edition of the Rules of Golf: An abridged, user-friendly set of the Rules with shorter sentences, commonly used phrases, and diagrams. Written in the “second person,” The Player’s Edition is intended to be the primary publication for golfers.
• The Rules of Golf: The full edition of the Rules will be written in the third person and will include illustrations. The Rules of Golf is intended to be the primary publication for officials.
• The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf: This “guidebook” replaces the Decisions book and will contain information to best support committees and officials. It includes interpretations on the Rules, Committee procedures (available local rules and information on establishing the terms of the competition), and the Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities. It is a “long-form” resource document intended as a supplementary publication.

More than 30 “how-to apply” videos and a summary of the principal changes are now available at www.RandA.org and www.usga.org/rules.  Additional education tools will be released in September.

Players are reminded that the current edition of the Rules of Golf (2016) must be applied when playing, posting scores or competing for the remainder of 2018. The Rules of Amateur Status and the Rules of Equipment Standards were not part of this review process.

As an extension of their support of the Rules of Golf worldwide, Rolex has made a commitment to support The R&A and the USGA’s efforts to modernise 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 game, from the sport’s leading professional and amateur competitions and organisations, to players at the pinnacle of their sport worldwide.

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 2^nd. 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 22^nd. 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

– Steam Whistle partners with Golf Canada to enhance the experience at Canada’s National Open Championships and on courses across the country –

Toronto, Ontario (Golf Canada) – The Good Beer Folks at Steam Whistle, Canada’s Premium Pilsner, have announced a new partnership to become the Official Beer of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

Through the multi-year partnership, Steam Whistle will work alongside Golf Canada to encourage more enthusiasts to enjoy a cold Steam Whistle Pilsner during a round of golf with friends and at Canada’s National Men’s and Women’s Open Championships. The agreement represents Steam Whistle’s largest partnership in their history, a significant milestone for the independent Canadian brewer.

“We are thrilled to be the Official Beer of Golf Canada and align our brand with a sport that delivers a deep social, charitable, entertainment and environmental impact to communities nationwide,” said Cam Heaps, Chief Executive Officer of Steam Whistle Brewing. “The RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open are iconic events that Canadian golf enthusiasts are extremely passionate about. As an independent Canadian brewery, we are excited to become part of the experience and for our world-class Pilsner to be enjoyed on more of Canada’s world-class golf courses.”

Spectators at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open will have the opportunity to engage with Steam Whistle ambassadors—known as The Good Beer Folks—and enjoy Canada’s Premium Pilsner served from one of Steam Whistle’s fleet of Vintage Vehicles on the course.

“We are thrilled to have Steam Whistle as Golf Canada’s Official Beer Partner,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Canada. “Steam Whistle’s unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and proud Canadian identity are well positioned as the perfect beer to enjoy at our National Open Championships and after a round of golf at one of Canada’s 2,300 incredible courses.”

The Steam Whistle story began in the spring of 1998, when three friends—Greg Taylor, Cam Heaps, and Greg Cromwell—were on a canoe trip in Ontario. The trio had been colleagues at one of Canada’s premier microbreweries producing quality beer in the late 1980’s and 90’s before it was bought out by a national brewer and closed down. As they sat around the campfire, the self-named “Three Fired Guys” dreamed of one day running their own brewery and making a Pilsner that would compete with the best in the world. Over the past 18 years Steam Whistle has grown to become one of Canada’s leading premium beers enjoyed coast to coast.

As the National Sport Federation, Golf Canada operates the RBC Canadian Open, set to run July 23-29, 2018 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario, as well as the CP Women’s Open which takes place August 20-26, 2018 at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Saskatchewan.