MEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

Chris Crisologo gained five places in the world rankings after finishing runner-up at the WWU Invitational. The senior and defending champion lost out to teammate Scott Kerr, who captured his first collegiate title by two strokes and makes his debut in the amateur world rankings. The pair helped power Simon Fraser University to an 11 stroke victory over rivals UBC.

Blair Bursey picked up 42 places in the world ranking after finishing in a tie for fifth at the Mark Simpson Colorado Invite. It was the first top-5 finish for the senior from Newfoundland. Bursey has gained 64 spots in the world rankings in last two weeks and moves up to take over the No. 8 ranking in Canada.

Matt Williams picked up another five places in the world rankings. The redshirt junior at Houston has gained 45 spots in the rankings over the last two weeks.

Honourable mention goes to Brendan Seys of Port Lambton, Ont., who makes his amateur world rankings debut after winning the Kyle Ryman Memorial in a playoff for win his second tournament win of the season and his third straight finish in the top three.

Biggest move: Perry Xin, a freshman from Vancouver, B.C., gained 379 spots in the world ranking after finishing in a tie for 17th at The Macdonald Cup, helping Yale University capture the team title.

Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.

WOMEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

Michelle Kim made the biggest move among the Top-10, picking up 18 places in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for sixth at the Coeur D’Alene Collegiate. It was the second consecutive top-10 finish for the Surrey, B.C. junior at Idaho and her 211 total is the best score to par of her collegiate career. It also enabled her to climb two spots up to No. 8 in Canada.

Top ranked Maddie Szeryk climbed two spots after finishing in a tie for ninth at The Schooner Fall Classic. It was the third straight top 10 finish for the Golf Canada National Team member and the 24th of her collegiate career.

Outside the Top-10, Golf Canada Development Squad member Mary Parsons climbed 15 spots to move up to No. 19 in the Canadian rankings after finishing in a tie for 20th at the Coeur D’Alene Collegiate.

Biggest Move: Emily Zhu climbed 141 places in the world rankings after finishing tied for 54th at the World Junior Girls Championship.

Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.

MEN’S TOP 10

Benjamin Silverman made the biggest gain among the Top-10, picking up 14 places in the world ranking after finishing in a tie for 20th at the season-ending Web.com Tour Championship. The result was worth 1.23 world ranking points for Silverman, who had already wrapped up his PGA Tour card for 2018 prior to the conclusion of the Web.com Tour Finals. It was his fifth top 20 result on the development tour in his last eight events, which included his first career victory.

Despite missing the cut at the Tour Championship, Corey Conners will be joining Silverman on the PGA Tour in 2018 after securing his card by virtue of finishing 20th on the Web.com Tour Finals money list.

Adam Svensson, No. 12 in the Canadian rankings, just missed out on securing a PGA Tour card after missing the cut at the Tour Championship. The former Golf Canada National Squad member came up just under $3,000 short of the goal.

Other notable results: No. 6 David Hearn withdrew from the Web.com Tour Championship; No. 8 Roger Sloan missed the cut at the Web.com Tour Championship; No. 9 Richard T Lee finished 49th at the Asian Tour Taiwan Masters;

Click here for Men’s Official World Golf Rankings.

WOMEN’S TOP 10

Brooke Henderson moved back inside the world top 10 after her fifth career LPGA victory, claiming the New Zealand Women’s Open by five strokes. It’s her second tour win in 2017 and was worth 13 world ranking points. Henderson climbed two places to No. 10 in the world rankings.

Despite slipping two spots in the world rankings, Alena Sharp finished tied for 13th at the New Zealand Women’s Open, which was worth a half a world ranking point.

Team Canada Young Pro Squad member Augusta James finished in a tie for 10th at the Symetra Tour event in Florida. It was the second top 10 result of the season for the No. 6 ranked golfer in Canada.

No. 4 Anne-Catherine Tanguay missed the cut at the Symetra Tour Florida event but she goes into this week’s final at No. 7 on the money list and a pretty good bet to secure an LPGA Tour card for next season.

No. 5 Brittany Marchand, who finished in a tie for 48th at the Symetra Tour event in Florida, sits 21st on the money list and needs to win the final in order to move into the top 10 and secure an LPGA card.

Other Notable Results: No. 3 Maude-Aimee Leblanc and No. 9 Jennifer Ha both missed the cut at New Zealand Women’s Open;  No. 7 Samantha Richdale and No. 10 Elizabeth Tong all missed the cut at Symetra Tour event in Florida;

Click here for full Women’s Rolex World Rankings.

BRANTFORD, Ont. – Heat and sunny skies greeted over 110 women on Tuesday at the 14th annual Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru National Event at the Brantford Golf & Country Club.

Corporate partners, individual participants and the top-three fundraising teams selected from over 160 participating sites over the course of the season were on hand to celebrate raising more than $300,000 for breast cancer research through individual Golf Fore the Cure events run coast to coast in 2017.

The National Event featured 18-holes of golf packed with raffles, prizing, and games, followed by an awards dinner to thank and recognize the fundraising efforts put forth by Golf Fore the Cure participants across Canada.

Through 160 events in 2017 and upwards of 14,000 women, Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru raised its fundraising total to-date to over $6 million—with all proceeds donated to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Québec Breast Cancer Foundation.

“The participants of Golf Fore the Cure provide a strong reminder of the power of sport and the health of women’s golf across the country,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. “The success of this program would not be possible without the leadership of our site coordinators and over 14,000 participants from coast to coast.”

Golf Canada also honoured this year’s top-three fundraising teams, listed below:

1. Sandy Hook Golf Club, Sandy Hook Manitoba ($29,518)
2. Elk Ridge Resort, Waskesiu Saskatchewan ($23,002)
3. Golf New Brunswick ($21,117)

“Golf Canada is very thankful for the collective efforts of our many volunteers and corporate sponsors—Subaru Canada, adidas Golf and WayPoint,” added Thompson. “Their dedication and support has led to the program’s continued success and we are thrilled to have such a great team behind Golf Fore the Cure.”

Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru was created in 2003 by Golf Canada to drive women’s participation in the game of golf through the use of fun, non-intimidating activities. Through a unique partnership structure with the Canadian Cancer Society (and Québec Breast Cancer Foundation), the program has women across the country participating in golf activities and raising money and awareness for a cause close to Canadian hearts—the fight against breast cancer.

Subaru Canada has been a proud partner of Golf Fore the Cure since 2007. The company’s extended commitment reaffirms their dedication to making a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Photos from Tuesday’s National Event can be viewed here.

To learn how to get involved with Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru, visit golfcanada.ca/golfforethecure

MEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

Matt Williams made the biggest move of the week, picking up 40 spots in the world rankings to move up to No. 6 in Canadian rankings, moving past Lawren Rowe, who finished runner-up at the Saint Martin’s Invite.

Blair Bursey climbed 22 spots in the world rankings after finishing tied for 12th at the Ram Masters Invitational. That result enabled him to climb up to No. 9 in the Canada rankings.

Outside the Top-10, Andrew Harrison climbed 60 spots in the world rankings and moved into the Top 20 after successfully defending his title at the Saint Martin’s Invite. He was the only player in the 72-golfer field to shoot three rounds in the 60s en route to his third career university win.

Honourable mention goes to Taylor Beckstead, who jumped 693 spots in the world rankings after winning the Junior Boys title in a playoff at the MJT International Team Challenge.

Biggest move: Freddy D’angelo gained 933 spots in the world rankings after finishing third in the Junior Boys portion of the MJT International Team Challenge. He, along with Beckstead, helped Golf Ontario WHITE to the team challenge title.

Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.

WOMEN’S AMATEUR TOP 10

Grace St-Germain made the biggest move of the week, climbing 60 spots in world rankings after finishing in a tie for 40th at the Lady Paladin Invitational. The result helped the Golf Canada National Squad member move up two places to No. 6 in Canada.

Jaclyn Lee moved up six places following her co-medalist honors at the East and West Match Play Challenge. The Team Canada National Squad member also earned Big Ten Golfer of the Week honours for the first time in her collegiate career.

Susan Xiao moves up 3 places in world rankings to take over the No. 9 spot in Canada.

Vanessa Ha’s tie for sixth at the Ram Classic helped her climb three places in the world rankings.

Outside the Top-10, Hannah Lee gained 74 places in the world rankings and moves into the Top 20, up to No. 18 in Canada.

Honourable mention to Hailey Mclaughlin, who gained 80 places in the world rankings after winning the Junior Girls title at the MJT International Team Challenge.

Biggest Move: Victoria Zheng of Markham, Ont. gained 348 spots in the world rankings after finishing runner-up in the Junior Girls portion of the MJT International Team Challenge.

Complete World Amateur Golf Rankings can be found here.

MEN’S TOP 10

Corey Conners made the biggest gain among the Top-10, picking up 39 spots in the world rankings after finishing in a tie for 11th at the Web.com Tour’s DAP Championship. It was his second top 15 result in three Finals tournaments and it was enough for the Team Canada Young Pro squad member to secure a PGA Tour card for next season.

Roger Sloan moved back past Richard T Lee, up into No. 8 in the Canadian rankings. Sloan finished tied for 45th at the Web.com Tour’s DAP Championship and he is just on the outside of the Top 25 needed to secure a PGA Tour card for next season.

Top ranked Adam Hadwin finished 23rd in his first ever Tour Championship, garnering 3.48 world ranking points. The B.C. golfer picked up points in three of the four FedEx Playoff events and ends the official golf season at No. 47 in the world rankings.

Other notable results: No. 4 Austin Connelly missed the cut at the European Tour Portugal Masters; No. 6 David Hearn and No. 7 Benjamin Silverman both missed the cut at the Web.com Tour DAP Championship; No. 9 Richard T Lee finished tied for 31st at the Korean Tour Genesis Championship;

Click here for Men’s Official World Golf Rankings.

WOMEN’S TOP 10

Only No. 6 Augusta James maintained her standing as the rest of the Top-10 lost ground in the world rankings this past week. No. 1 Brooke Henderson slipped down to No. 12 in the world, falling behind Korean Kim Sei-young.

With just two events to go, Anne-Catherine Tanguay appears a lock to secure her LPGA Tour card for next year. At No. 6 on the money list, the Team Canada Young Pro player is almost $25,000 ahead of the No. 11 ranked player.

No. 5 Brittany Marchand is just over $22,000 behind No. 10 on the list in the race for a Tour card in 2018.

Other Notable Results: No. 4 Anne-Catherine Tanguay finished tied for 23rd at Symetra Tour event in Alabama; No. 5 Brittany Marchand finished tied for 42nd at Symetra Tour event in Alabama; No. 7 Samantha Richdale finished tied for 28th at Symetra Tour event in Alabama; No. 10 Elizabeth Tong missed the cut at Symetra Tour event in Alabama;

Click here for full Women’s Rolex World Rankings.

Following the week-long celebration of Adopt a School Week, Golf Canada is proud to announce an additional 240 adoptions occurred in 2017 thanks to the efforts of corporate sponsors, industry partners, and golf enthusiasts across the country.

In total, the figure translates to an additional 28,800 elementary, intermediate and high school students being introduced to the sport through the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program.

With support from industry partners—the Provincial Associations, PGA of Canada and the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA)—Golf in Schools was donated to 30 schools during Adopt a School Week. This figure was further made possible through the donation of the Canadian Seniors Golf Association, who helped Golf Canada create a matching program to essentially double the impact of those helping grow the sport.

Presenting sponsor Acura donated an initial 10 schools, followed by a Facebook contest to select five additional schools in the coming weeks.

Golf Town, the official retailer of Future Links driven by Acura, adopted 93 schools as part of a fundraising initiative at retail locations across the country.

RBC continued their support to all levels of Canadian golf by adopting five schools into the program.

Since the program’s inception in 2009, adoptions have accounted for close to 50% of over 3,200 registered schools delivering the curriculum. For Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer, that number presents a great opportunity to build community relationships.

“With Golf in Schools adoptions, we hope to help establish a connection between facilities and schools in respective communities across Canada,” said Thompson. “Establishing that link can enhance the school’s delivery of the program, while also contributing towards future membership numbers at the corresponding facility.”

Click here to learn how you can help grow that trend.

Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools was created to introduce Canadian elementary and high school students to the game of the golf. Developed by Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) in partnership with Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada and Canada’s provincial golf associations, the program is designed to deliver physical education learning outcomes through fun golf related activities. With 10,000 elementary schools and 4,600 high schools representing close to 4.5 million students across the country, the Canadian school system and its physical education curriculum represents the single most concentrated opportunity to introduce children of all backgrounds to the sport of golf. The Golf in Schools program is proudly supported by Acura, Puma, Heritage Canada, ClubLink, Golf Town, the R&A and the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA). For more information, visit
www.golfcanada.ca/golfinschools

The indomitable spirit will be par for the course at the 2017 Invictus Games.

In the dark of night, at 9:33 p.m. on Oct. 2, 1994, a high-powered sniper bullet was fired from an enemy-held position in the Bosnia and Herzegovina town of Ilijas. It travelled some 800 metres and pierced the armoured vehicle in which Canadian Forces warrant officer Tom Martineau was riding. The bullet ripped through Martineau’s left triceps and ricocheted through his internal organs, splitting his left kidney, detaching his spleen and fracturing his thoracic 12 vertebrae, immediately paralyzing him from the waist down.

“I knew right then and there that this was going to affect my golf swing,” muses the resident of Kingston, Ont., who turns 57 in June.

One of Team Canada’s estimated 12 golf participants at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto this September, Martineau can joke about it now. But the physical injuries for wounded warriors often pale in comparison to the psychological demons that accompany them. Martineau, who fell victim to drugs and alcohol addiction in the aftermath of his injury, contemplated suicide on more than one occasion.

“I had a loaded rifle in my mouth,” he recalls. “For whatever reason, the thought occurred to me: ‘Who will look after my dog?’”

Martineau withdrew his weapon and began the journey back into the light — an arduous road shared by military veterans the world over as they learn to keep those demons at bay and reintegrate into society.

Double amputee Bernie Broad from Team UK is more than a match for most players (photo: Terry D. Cuffel)

For many, sports have provided an opportunity to find renewed focus and purpose. Nowhere is that more evident than the Warrior Games, a U.S.-based multi-sport event originated in 2010 for seriously wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans. The 2013 edition in Colorado was officially opened by Prince Harry, who was a captain and helicopter pilot in the British Army at the time. Inspired by the efforts of participants in the international Paralympics-style event, the prince was motivated to launch an expanded international version in 2014 — the Invictus Games.

Latin for “unconquered,” this year’s Invictus Games will feature 550 competitors from 17 allied nations and will debut golf among its dozen adaptive sports. Five-time Canadian Open host St. George’s Golf and Country Club will provide the venue for the one-day golf competition on September 26 that is expected to field around 60 competitors. Offering free entry for all spectators, the low-net event will employ the points-based Stableford scoring system, including a double-bogey maximum to assist with pace of play. Ground rules will also be implemented to address severe bunkers and other hazards for players with limited mobility.

“When (the Invictus organizers) said they’d like to have the golf event at St. George’s, I thought, ‘Well yeah, who wouldn’t?’ says Jim Clark, chair of the golf competition’s organizing committee. “But after we met with general manager Jason Clarke, the St. George’s board’s vote was a unanimous yes. And then they asked, ‘What else can we do to make it better?’”

Clark, who has served as chairman of the RBC Canadian Open since 2002 and of the 2015 Pan Am Games golf competition, is experiencing a lot of that type of support in preparation for golf’s launch at Invictus.

“We needed 60 volunteers, but were quickly oversubscribed,” he explains. “I’ve never seen anything like it. We’ve had to turn away more than 100 of these amazing, experienced Canadian Open volunteers.”

The royal, red-haired gentleman who will be handing out the medals on the 18th green is also worthy of mention.

“These Games have shone a spotlight on the unconquerable character of servicemen and women, their families and the invictus spirit,” says Prince Harry.

Karyne Gélinas, a 37-year-old Moncton native and Country Meadows GC member, is another Canadian hopeful. She suffered a lower back injury in a 1998 car accident, and after it was re-aggravated, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) captain was forced to retire from her air traffic controller role last fall. Now she’s training 10 to 12 hours weekly to hopefully walk all 18 holes at St. George’s.

“Invictus has given me a new purpose,” notes Gélinas, a multi-sport competitive athlete prior to her injury. “It has been an amazing experience and I’ve met incredible people. But honestly, it will be great to represent our country and wear the Canadian flag again.”

“You’re willing to give your life for each other so there’s a sense of failure when you’re removed from that equation,” adds Martineau, who now helps fellow service vets navigate the road to physical and emotional recovery with the Department of National Defence’s Operational Stress Injury Social Support services. “Some athletes on the team have never re-socialized. They’re being brought together as part of a team again. You cannot measure the positives of these Games that could be life altering.”

Martineau has recovered to the point that he can now stand on his own two feet, play to a 12 handicap and pummel drives nearly 240 yards at his home course — albeit never knowing if his left leg might buckle. It’s a long way from being wheelchair-bound for three years after the shooting.

Martineau, who will also be competing in wheelchair basketball at the Games, espouses the virtues of the Soldier On program — a CAF initiative that helps currently serving veterans and members overcome illness or injury through physical activity — as well as its support for those competing at the Invictus Games.

“But’s not about the medals,” he assures. “It’s the individual journey.”

To find out more information about the event or tickets, visit invictusgames2017.com

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

If you’re taking some nationalistic pride in watching Brooke Henderson, Adam Hadwin and the other Canadians on the pro tours enjoy unprecedented success, then it’s time to ask yourself, “What can I do to support upcoming generations of Canadian golfers? How can I give back to the game?”

Surprise! I have the answer: Support the second annual Adopt a School Week from Sept. 18 to 22.

Adopt a School is a component of Future Links Golf in Schools driven by Acura, an umbrella junior development initiative created by Golf Canada in conjunction with the PGA of Canada and PHE Canada with support from the National Golf Course Owners Association of Canada as a program partner. It provides golf facilities, companies and individuals with the opportunity to “adopt” one or more schools of their choosing to introduce the Golf in Schools program at that school. (Schools can also enroll in the program on their own.)

Since the program’s inception in 2009, adoptions have accounted for almost half of the more than 3,200 registered schools delivering the Future Links Golf in Schools driven by Acura curriculum. Last year, 234 new schools were adopted, introducing golf to an average of 120 students per school. Currently, the Golf in Schools program is in more than 3,200 schools with more than 380,000 students coast to coast.

While each of the preceding partners has a vital role, much rests on the country’s golf facilities and golfers to make this program succeed. Why? Because, ideally, each school is linked with a green-grass facility like a course or a range and none of this is feasible without financial support from donors like you.

Facilities that have linked to schools have reported significant increases from the business side, such as memberships, lessons and food and beverage, as well as the long-term gratification of enhancing the ongoing vitality of the game. Participating teachers at “adopted” schools laud the program for its emphasis not just on golf but on developing affiliated values such as perseverance, etiquette, character and honesty.

So whether your support helps develop the next Brooke Henderson or Adam Hadwin or just gets kids in your community interested in the game you love, you can take justifiable pride in the fact that you’ve given back to the game.

Invest in the future of golf in Canada. Support Adopt a School Week.

To support Adopt a School Week, visit www.golfcanada.ca/adoptaschool/ or call 1-800-263-0009 ext. 475.

The USGA and The R&A have received comments on the proposed new Rules from more than 22,000 golfers in 102 countries, as well as representatives of golf organizations throughout the world, providing valuable feedback as the organizations work toward their implementation on January 1, 2019.
With the worldwide survey and evaluation period now complete, the USGA and The R&A and their respective committees will continue to review all comments received with the goal of finalizing the new Rules next spring and beginning a comprehensive education program later in 2018.

The USGA and The R&A began an extensive review of the Rules starting in 2012, with the intent of making them easier to understand and apply. A draft of the new Rules – reduced from the current 34 to a proposed 24 Rules – was released in March, beginning the six-month feedback period that was open to the entire golf community.

“After listening to golfers and reviewing the extensive comments, one thing is very clear – we all share a passion for the game and are eager to be a part of this process,” said Thomas Pagel, USGA senior director of Rules and Amateur Status. “We appreciate everyone who took time to provide their thoughts and insights. They have been very helpful and encouraging.”

David Rickman, Executive Director – Governance at The R&A, said, “It is pleasing to see that so many people from different parts of the world have taken this opportunity to engage with the process of modernizing the Rules. We have received insightful comments and suggestions from throughout the professional and amateur game and will take time to consider the feedback in detail. We will then work on finalizing the changes ahead of their implementation in 2019.”

While the feedback will continue to be analyzed over the next few months, several common themes emerged, including:

Golfers are enthusiastic about the scope and direction of the overall changes, such as pace-of-play improvements, the elimination of penalties and streamlined procedures.

Golfers provided the most feedback on the proposed Rules changes focused on the putting green (such as putting with the flagstick left in the hole, repairing spike marks and eliminating the penalty for accidentally moving a ball); the creation of “penalty areas” (extending water hazard type relief and eliminating penalties for moving loose impediments and grounding a club); and the new dropping procedures (including the size of “relief areas”).

Golfers strongly welcomed the new Player’s Edition of the Rules and found it much easier to read and understand.

The current 2016 edition of the Rules of Golf remains in effect when playing, posting scores or competing until the Jan. 1, 2019 adoption of the new Rules.

For more information on the proposed new Rules of Golf, see usga.org or randa.org.

On behalf of the almost 6 million golf enthusiasts from coast-to-coast, Golf Canada is absolutely thrilled to congratulate Adam Hadwin on earning his spot in the 2017 Presidents Cup, Sept. 28 – Oct. 1 at Liberty National Golf Club.

Adam showed tremendous consistency all season long and it is a testament to his commitment and hard work that he achieved this important goal in becoming only the third Canadian ever to compete in the biennial team event. 2017 has been a momentous year for this proud Canadian, from his historic 59 at the CareerBuilder Challenge and first-ever PGA TOUR win at the Valspar Championship to his top-15 finish this past weekend to lock up his spot on the International Team. Adam has given golf fans nation-wide, a season’s worth of incredible performance and we look forward to supporting his continued strong play representing Canada at the Presidents Cup.

As well, our very best wishes go out to five-time Presidents Cup competitor Mike Weir in his role as an assistant captain on this year’s Presidents Cup International Team. Mike’s leadership and experience will no doubt be a positive influence to help drive the collective performance of the International Team.

Both Mike and Adam are tremendous ambassadors for Canadian golf and we wish them continued success representing Canada on one of the game of golf’s greatest stages.
– – –
Laurence Applebaum
CEO
Golf Canada

Pictured: Champions Bonny Leenstra and Mike Ross

Forty-five golfers teed it up at the Lacombe Golf & Country Club for a fun-filled two days of flighted net stableford competition

‘There is something for everyone.’

That’s the mindset that Alberta Golf is using when looking at competitions.

The Alberta Net Amateur Championship is that provincial opportunity for any golfer with an official Golf Canada Handicap Factor to compete. No matter your skill level you can sign up and experience that same provincial championship feel that comes with competition.

The net stableford format makes for a fun environment where it’s ok if you are struggling on a hole because you can pick up and move on to the next one.

Perhaps the best part of these net events is the social aspect. From friends who live in different cities and are looking for an opportunity to reunite on the golf course, to couples that like to get out and play with other couples, the ‘net am’ has fit into that niche very well.

This year, Mike Ross and Bonny Leenstra took home the hardware. But all of the participants were the real winners. “It’s great to see Alberta Golf putting on events like this. Being from Lacombe and having the chance to play host to all these players who have come in from everywhere is a really nice thing to see.” – Tom McKinlay Sr.

• Full results
• Photo album

A special thanks to Kevin Broderson and the staff at Lacombe G&CC for hosting the 2017 edition of the Alberta Net Amateur Championship.

From September 18–22, Golf Canada will be celebrating all those who donate towards a Golf in Schools kit this year during the second annual Adopt a School Week.

The week will represent a coast-to-coast celebration to mark the efforts of all Golf in Schools adoptions taking place during that week, in addition to all adoptions that occur throughout the year.

In 2016, 234 new schools were adopted, introducing an average of 120 students per school to the game of golf.

Since the program’s inception in 2009, adoptions have accounted for close to 50% of the over 3,200 registered schools delivering the curriculum. As a result, Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and all provincial partners have aligned to celebrate the generosity of golf enthusiasts across the country.

“As partners, we recognize the value of Golf in Schools adoptions—getting Canada’s youth exposed to the sport of golf in the regular school curriculum is critical to the continued growth of our sport at the entry level,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “At the same time, adopting a school into this program presents a great business opportunity for facilities as well. Through the process of adopting a school, a connection is established between the school, its students and the golf facility. After experiencing golf at school, the natural transition to an established golf facility will ideally result in more young golfers.”

Every student should experience the wonders of golf. With each school adoption, facilities can help make this vision a reality. By adopting a school, the donor donates the full program kit which includes age-appropriate golf clubs and a teacher-friendly learning resource. Developed in conjunction with the PGA of Canada and Physical Health Education (PHE) Canada, the learning resource now incorporates Life Skills into the curriculum—placing added focus on transferrable skills both on and off the golf course.

Following Adopt a School Week, Golf Canada will be announcing all elementary, intermediate and high school adoptions conducted in 2017.

Find out more or adopt a school in your community at golfcanada.ca/adoptaschool