We Are Golf (The National Allied Golf Associations/NAGA) are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our members, golfers, staff, volunteers and industry stakeholders as well as every Canadian in the communities where we live, work and play.

The COVID-19 crisis is an unprecedented and difficult time for Canadians. We Are Golf fully supports the recommendations and guidelines of Health Canada, the World Health Organization and regional public health experts to stop the community spread of the virus. As leaders in an industry that employs more than 300,000 Canadians and includes nearly six million golfers from coast to coast, our priority above all else is the health and safety of our people and our communities.

Where governments have not mandated the temporary closure of golf courses, operators of those facilities should take every health and safety precaution. We Are Golf also advocates for the essential need for golf course property maintenance during any of the temporary closures to be ready for operation while taking every health and safety precaution.

We look forward to better and healthier days and when the time is right for Canadians to return to recreational normalcy, clubs and courses will be ready to welcome golfers back to the tee.

WINNIPEG – Golf Manitoba is excited to announce that the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation has again committed to support junior golf programming and the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame in 2020.  The Foundation has agreed to make a $70,000 donation with the proceeds to benefit grassroots and high-performance junior golf programs, the University of Manitoba Bison Golf program and the annual induction ceremony conducted by the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum.  In 2019, the Foundation made a $60,000 donation with the proceeds also targeted to the above mentioned programs.

In 2018, the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation was established with a mandate to support junior golf in the province of Manitoba. The Foundation will eventually commit a total of $3 million dollars to an endowment that will aid in supporting the development of new generations of golfers through grassroots golf initiatives and high-performance programming.

“We are delighted that the Foundation has again provided us with a tremendous opportunity for the coming year” said Ken Warwick, President of Golf Manitoba. “With the donation, we will look to continue with the momentum from 2019 and further expand our ability to grow the sport and support our high-performing athletes.”

In 2019, the donation made an immediate impact in the grow-sport programming offered by Golf Manitoba. A significant portion of the proceeds were directed to the Golf in Schools program where over 9,800 early years students were introduced to the golf through clinics conducted at over 40 schools across Manitoba. Additionally, the donation provided enhanced funding to Golf Manitoba inter-provincial junior teams with 18 juniors representing Manitoba in national championships and inter-provincial competitions.

In addition to the above, Golf Manitoba provided funding to external junior golf programs including the Boys and Girls Club program at Bridges Golf Club, the PGA of Canada Manitoba Zone Future Pros program and junior development programs provided by Golf Mentor.  Again for 2020, existing junior golf programs will be able to apply for funding which will be evaluated by Golf Manitoba to determine eligibility with further announcements to follow.

Additionally, proceeds from the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation donation will provide support to the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame which recognizes and celebrates those who have made extraordinary contributions in the Manitoba golf community as well as nationally and internationally. A goal of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame is to make known the achievements of its Honoured Members and Teams to serve as inspiration to future generations which is consistent with the goals of the Alex and Peggy Colonello Foundation to support junior golf. The 2020 induction ceremony is scheduled to take place in late September.

The donation from the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation will again be made through the Manitoba Fund within the Golf Canada Foundation, a fund dedicated to providing development opportunities for juniors in the province of Manitoba. For more information about the Manitoba Fund and how your contribution can help to grow the sport of golf, please contact Jared Ladobruk, Executive Director for Golf Manitoba at jared@golfmb.ca or at 204.925.5729.

About Alex & Peggy Colonello: Peggy Colonello served as president of the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association in 1974 – 76 and was an active participant at her home course, the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club, where she and husband Alex had been members since the 1940s.

Peggy also served a two-year term as president of the Canadian Ladies’ Golf Association from 1982-83. During her time on the national executive, Peggy attended World and Commonwealth championships in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Columbia, Britain and Switzerland, including the various Canadian events in which she participated. Peggy was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and was an inaugural inductee into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame on September 29, 2003.

Alex Colonello first moved to Winnipeg in 1941 where, in 1949, Bay Bronze Company asked him to start a machinery division for them. Alex eventually bought control of the company in 1973 becoming President until his retirement in 1996. In 1998, Alex purchased the golf accessory line from Bayco Industries to form Bayco Golf Inc. Alex Colonello passed away in 2013 at the age of 93.

About Golf Manitoba: Golf Manitoba is recognized by Sport Manitoba as the Provincial Sport Organization and governing body of amateur for golf in the province. Its mission is to develop, promote, govern and service the sport of golf in Manitoba and North West Ontario for the benefit of all participants.

About Golf Canada Foundation:  Founded in 1979 with the purpose to raise and grant funds for the advancement of golf in Canada. As a registered Canadian Amateur Association, the Foundation delivers this mandate by awarding scholarships to Canadian student golfers and distributing grants to support initiatives that fall into five key areas:

• Junior Golf
• Collegiate Golf
• Women’s Golf
• High Performance Golf
• Heritage

In 2019, the Foundation granted $1.5 million to programs nationwide which brings our total to more than $8.9 million since 2012, and $10.3 million invested in the sport since the Foundation’s inception.

For more information:
Jared Ladobruk
Executive Director
Golf Manitoba
204.925.5729
jared@golfmb.ca

Golf Canada Foundation and the Canadian Seniors Golf Association (CSGA) announced today the introduction of a golf scholarship named in honour of long-time golf supporter and 2017 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame honouree, Jim Fraser.

Continuing the CSGA’s tradition of honouring those who have made significant contributions to the game, the Jim Fraser Scholarship will be awarded to students participating in recognized golf programs at university or college in Canada.

A scholarship presented in his honour is a fitting legacy for the former Executive Director of the Canadian Golf Foundation (now the Golf Canada Foundation) and long-time member of the CSGA. Jim is passionate about assisting young Canadian golfers pursuing post-secondary opportunities in Canada and in the United States. The creation of the Canadian University College Championship and Canadian University Golf Support Program are two of the meaningful initiatives launched during his tenure with the Foundation.

“Jim Fraser’s contributions to the game—as a volunteer and administrator as well as a fundraiser and donor—have been outstanding and we are extremely grateful to Jim and the CSGA,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO Martin Barnard. “It is fitting that the Jim Fraser Scholarship will connect his many contributions with the CSGA and Golf Canada Foundation to aspiring Canadian student athletes pursuing post-secondary opportunities.”

In a 2016 profile for LondonOntarioGolf.com, Fraser reflected – “Golf has been an important part of my life, and it has given back to me so much more than what I have done for the game. I owe so much to golf, as it has provided me with a lifetime of pleasures.”

Fraser, a member at Toronto Golf Club and Beaconsfield Golf Club in Montreal, has held several positions as a volunteer and then an employee of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) over a career spanning nearly 40 years. He volunteered with the Association as a governor for a decade prior becoming a full-time staff member in 1993. During his tenure with the National Sport Federation, he served various Director roles with portfolios that included Rules, Handicapping and Amateur Status; Player Development and Junior Golf; Member Programs; Handicap and Course Rating; and Amateur Competitions. Following retirement, he remained active as a volunteer in a rules capacity and later supporting the library archives of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

Among a multitude of accolades, Fraser has been honoured with the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) Distinguished Service Award (2007); Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award (2007); elected as a Patron of the Canadian Seniors Golf Association; was made a Golf Journalist’s Association of Canada honorary member; and was voted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in the Builder category.

Over his tenure, Fraser held a special regard for helping students and institutions through the Foundation’s collegiate scholarships and grants program, serving on the scholarships and grants committee for 34 years.

A native of Montreal, Fraser served as club president of Beaconsfield Golf Club in Point-Claire, Que. in 1976 and 1977. The club was founded in 1902 by Fraser’s great grandfather, Benjamin Tooke.

The CSGA has similarly honoured fellow CSGA member and executive director John Powell for his impact on the game. The CSGA’s executive director Ian Gibson said, “Jim Fraser has made a significant contribution to golf and the CSGA. Jim is a patron of our Association working tirelessly on projects like our recently published Centennial book and directing our charitable donations, and we’re proud to continue the tradition of honouring those who have given back so much to the sport.”

To donate to the Jim Fraser Scholarship Fund, please click here.

***with files from LondonOntarioGolf.com

TORONTO (September 12, 2019) –Golf Canada Foundation in partnership with Golf Canada are proud to announce that Gord Nixon has been named the 2019 recipient of the Legacy Award for exceptional contribution to the sport of golf in Canada. The award was presented to Nixon, the inaugural recipient, at Golf Canada Foundation’s signature annual donor event, the Trustee Cup on Monday, September 9.

A truly transformative leader in golf as former chief executive for RBC, Nixon led the resurgence of the RBC Canadian Open and an unprecedented investment in the sport across North America. More than $20 million was donated to charity through the RBC Canadian Open as well as the RBC Heritage during his tenure. RBC’s investment in the game also helped drive growth in Golf Canada’s National Team Program and was the catalyst for Team RBC—a roster of global ambassadors including Canadian and international stars on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour.

“It was through Gord’s leadership that RBC set the groundwork to become the most invested corporate supporter of Canadian golf and it is deserving that his vision and commitment to the game be recognized with as our inaugural recipient of the Legacy Award,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO Martin Barnard. “It is special individuals like Gord, either as corporate leaders or philanthropic champions, that have truly made an impact through their investment in the game.”

Held at Nixon’s home course, Rosedale Golf Club in Toronto, Nixon was joined by PGA TOUR star and RBC Ambassador Graeme McDowell, along with more than 100 Foundation donors and 25 amateur and professional golfers representing Team Canada and all levels of the professional game including the Mackenzie Tour/PGA Tour Canada, Symetra Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA TOUR. The event raised more than $600,000 to support grassroots programs and develop the next generation of Canadian players.

Recipients of the Legacy Award, as selected by Golf Canada Foundation, are to be housed within the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum as “Golf Canada Foundation Legacy Honourees” ─ a separate distinction from those individuals inducted as “Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame” who are elected by the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

The 2019 Trustee Cup at Rosedale was the third iteration of Golf Canada Foundation’s signature fundraising event which was previously held at Calgary Golf and Country Club in 2018 and Memphremagog Golf Club in 2017.

Kent Grice of Richmond Hill  is the lucky winner of the 2019 CP Women’s Open 50/50 prize of $30,000. On Saturday, August 24th, Kent attended the national women’s event at the beautiful Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario where he purchased his winning ticket from a Golf Canada Foundation 50/50 volunteer.

From Wednesday afternoon through Sunday of tournament week, Golf Canada Foundation volunteers sold 50/50 tickets on-site at Magna Golf Club. Proceeds from on-site and online sales for the raffle will benefit junior golf initiatives, and help to grow the game in Ontario and across the nation. Thank you to everyone who participated and bought a 50/50 ticket.

Stay tuned for information on 2020 Golf Canada Foundation 50/50 raffles!

Golf Canada Foundation and Angus Glen Golf Club are thrilled to invite you to attend the 2019 Swing at the World Junior Girls Championship, on Sunday, September 22^nd.

This women’s-only afternoon will feature:

• Three golf clinics for all levels of ability;
• The Swing Marketplace with some awesome shopping;
• Complimentary beverages and snacks.

We are also offering FREE Junior Clinics for up to 2 children with a registered adult. Best of all, participants are given FREE access to attend the Opening Ceremonies for the World Junior Girls’ at Angus Glen that same afternoon.

Join us to grow your game, make new friends, and support girls in golf from around the world!

Please visit www.theswing.ca for all the details and to get your tickets today!

Event Details

1:30pm-2:30pm – Registration & Marketplace open

2:30pm-4:00pm – Golf Clinics (& Junior Clinic – see below!)

4:00pm – 5:30pm – Swing Marketplace

5:30pm – Opening Ceremonies – World Junior Girls

JUNIOR CLINICS & FUN!

While our Swing participants (16 years old+) enjoy themselves, the younger golfers in your life are welcome to participate in a Golf Ontario Future Champions Golf Clinic for FREE! Your kids may also have the opportunity to be flag bearers for the World Junior Girls Opening Ceremonies.

Open to children ages 5-15, must be registered with a paying participant of The Swing. Maximum 2 children per participant. Children MUST be registered while purchasing your Swing ticket please.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Congratulations to Allyson Teodoridis of Ancaster, Ontario, the winner of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open 50/50 sponsored by GOLFTEC! From Wednesday afternoon through Sunday of tournament week, Golf Canada Foundation volunteers sold 50/50 tickets on-site at Hamilton Golf & Country Club.

With the addition of pre-tournament online 50/50 ticket sales, over $100,000 was raised; Golf Canada Foundation’s highest 50/50 draw to date! Proceeds from the raffle will benefit junior golf initiatives, and help to grow the game in Ontario and across the nation.

Thank you to everyone who participated and bought a 50/50 ticket. Stay tuned for the CP Women’s Open 50/50 online ticket sales announcement coming soon!

Golf Canada is proud to celebrate the 66 adoptions that occurred during Adopt a School Week thanks to the efforts of golf enthusiasts and industry partners across the country.

In total, the figure translates to an additional 7,920 students being introduced to the sport through the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program. The coast-to-coast campaign was elevated by support from Canadian industry partners—the Provincial Associations, PGA of Canada, the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), Canadian Society of Club Managers and Canadian Golf Superintendents Association.

A matching program for the first 30 adoptions was made possible by the Canadian Seniors Golf Association, who continue to be a leader in supporting Adopt a School Week. In the campaign’s four years of running, the CSGA has helped to adopt over 100 schools in Canadian communities from coast-to-coast.

Since the program’s inception in 2009, adoptions have accounted for close to 50% of over 3,800 registered schools delivering the curriculum. For Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer, that number presents a great opportunity to build community relationships.

“The vision is to help establish a connection between golf facilities and schools in respective communities across Canada through the Golf in Schools program,” said Thompson. “Nurturing these relationships will enhance the delivery of the program and build a connection that will last for many years to come.”

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GOLF IN SCHOOLS.

As the 2019 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Regionals gets underway today, we are thrilled to follow seven Canadian golfers have qualified for their respective regional competitions.

Four regional tournaments will be conducted from May 6-8 to determine the field for the season ending Final Championships. A total of 384 participants have been selected for regional competition. Of these players, 132 will advance to the Championships. Six teams and three individuals will advance from each regional.

Here is the official list of Canadians playing, represented in three of four regional sites:

• East Lansing Regional
  • Mary Parsons, 19 years old (Indiana University)
    Delta, BC
  • Sydney Naro, 19 years old (Michigan State University)
    Toronto, ON
  • Phoebe Yue, 19 years old (UCLA)
    West Vancouver, BC

• Norman Regional
  • Kathrine Chan, 19 years old (Pepperdine University)
    Richmond, BC
  • Naomi Ko, 21 years old (North Carolina State)
    Victoria, BC

• Auburn Regional
  • Brigitte Thibault, 20 years old (Fresno State) *Individual Qualifier
    Rosemère, QC
  • Sarah-Eve Rhéaume, 18 years old (Furman)
    Québec, QC

The national championships will be May 17-22 at The Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville, Arkansas hosted by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. The final three days of the championships will be televised live by the Golf Channel.

Click on the event site above to access the tournament leaderboard and follow our Canadian golfers during the week.