Golf in Schools totals 70 adoptions during Adopt a School Week
Golf Canada is proud to celebrate the 70 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 8,400 elementary, intermediate and high school 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 and the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA).
A matching program for the first 30 adoptions was made possible by the Canadian Seniors Golf Association (CSGA), who continue to be a leader in supporting Adopt a School Week. In the campaign’s three years of running, the CSGA has helped to adopt over 78 schools in Canadian communities from coast-to-coast.
Golf Town, the official retailer of Future Links, driven by Acura, will continue to collect funds until June 30 as part of a fundraising initiative at retail locations across the country.
Since the program’s inception in 2009, adoptions have accounted for close to 50% of over 3,500 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, our hope is 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.”
Golf Canada names 2019 Team Canada Young Pro Squad
Golf Canada is pleased to announce the 10 athletes—six female and four male—who have been selected to the 2019 Team Canada Young Pro Squad.
Comprising the 2019 Women’s Young Pro Squad is Brittany Marchand (Orangeville, Ont.) , Anne-Catherine Tanguay (Quebec City), Maddie Szeryk (London, Ont.) Augusta James (Bath, Ont.), Jennifer Ha (Calgary) and Jaclyn Lee (Calgary). Lee, 21, makes the transition from the Amateur Squad after turning professional in December.
The Men’s Young Pro Squad will be represented by Jared du Toit (Kimberley, B.C.), Hugo Bernard (Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que.), Taylor Pendrith (Richmond Hill, Ont.) and Stuart Macdonald (Vancouver).
The Team Canada Young Pro Squad—now in its sixth year—helps bridge the gap for top-performing amateurs transitioning into the professional ranks. Since the inception of the Young Pro Squad in 2014, current and former team members have accounted for 35 wins across various professional golf tours including LPGA Tour and PGA TOUR wins by Young Pro graduates Brooke Henderson, Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Conners, respectively.
“The quality of talented athletes is a strong representation of the future of Canadian golf competing on the world’s major tours in the years to come,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. “Golf Canada continues to support athletes who are demonstrating the capacity to compete at the highest levels of golf in an effort to cultivate heroes for our sport. We are proud to extend the world-class services of the Team Canada program which include coaching support, sport science and financial assistance as this group strives for success in the professional ranks.”
Men’s and Women’s National Squad coaches Derek Ingram and Tristan Mullally—both PGA of Canada members and Ben Kern Coach of the Year past recipients—will provide coaching to their respective Young Pro athletes. In addition to funding and coaching support, the athletes will have access to Team Canada’s sport science staff which includes Psychologist Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood along with Physiotherapist and Strength Coach Greg Redman.
Funding for this program, in large part, comes from the Golf Canada Foundation with generous contributions from founding partners Canadian Pacific and RBC, as well as supporting partners Citi Canada and Bear Mountain Resort—the Official Training Centre of Golf Canada’s National Team program.
“The Young Pro program has achieved tremendous success with Canada’s up-and-coming stars and their ascension through the pro ranks,” said Martin Barnard, CEO of the Golf Canada Foundation. “Fundraising for Canada’s top athletes will remain a priority for the Foundation as we continue to mold and support the future of Canadian golf.”
Throughout the season, Golf Canada will closely monitor the performance of elite Canadian amateurs transitioning to professional golf with the possibility of program expansion.
Click here to read Team Canada Young Pro Squad player bios.
LPGA launches new “Drive On” brand campaign
The LPGA is unveiling its new brand positioning that embraces its history and pushes toward the future with two simple words: Drive On.
Drive On is clearly rooted in golf, but it’s a bigger idea. It captures the power and potential in each of us and celebrates the hard work, focus, and tenacity that it takes to achieve our goals.
That the LPGA has refined its brand positioning isn’t remarkable. What is remarkable is the process that led us here.
Over the past few years, the LPGA has had more new corporate partners come on board than at any time in its history. The growth of the LPGA and the strength of these partnerships reflects the quality of our Tour, the approachability of our athletes, the expertise of our Teaching and Club Professionals and the relentless dedication of everyone that is connected through our networks and associations.
In a very real sense, our sponsors, players and fans have led us to “Drive On.” More and more companies want to be associated with what the LPGA and its members stand for – on and off the golf course. They see our athletes as positive, visible leaders and role models who represent the important values of diversity, authenticity, a commitment to excellence and fierce determination. And they appreciate our nearly 70-year track record of “driving on” to break barriers and provide opportunities for women.
Drive On isn’t just about golf and it isn’t just about women. For girls and boys, women and men. It’s about the fire that burns inside you when you discover your passion. It’s about the motivating power of big dreams and the resolve to defy convention and stereotypes. It’s about finding the vision to see beyond what has already been done and to believe something greater is possible.
We think the time is right to celebrate that spirit of determination – that drive – within. This is the moment to shine a light on the stories of dedication, resilience and sheer grit that it takes to excel.
For nearly 70 years, the LPGA has been “driving on” to create greater opportunity for women. Standing on the shoulders of our 13 Founders and the other outstanding women who came before them, the members of the LPGA today are fully prepared to carry the future on their shoulders. Crushing it everyday so that today’s youth can crush it for the next generation.
Youth on Course announces partnership with Golf Canada
Youth on Course – the non-profit organization providing young people with subsidized golf, college scholarships, caddie programs and paid internships, in partnership with Golf Canada and Alberta Golf – breaks international ground and brings affordable junior golf to Canada.
Initially, Youth on Course will be launching as a two-year pilot in the province of Alberta and will be recognized under the umbrella of Canada’s National Junior Golf Program – Future Links. With 17,000 junior member golfers and nearly 1,400 Golf Canada member clubs from coast to coast, Golf Canada will evaluate the results of the pilot prior to expanding the program nationwide.
In Alberta, the list of courses offering junior golf rounds for $5 or less are:
Goose Hummock Golf Resort
Westlock Golf Course
RedTail Landing Golf Club
Whitetail Crossing Golf Club
Eagle Rock Golf Course
Olds Golf Club
River Spirit Golf Club
Heatherglen Golf Course
Serenity Golf Club
McCall Lake Golf Course (18 & par 3)
Shaganappi Golf Course (18 & 9)
Banff Springs Golf Club (Tunnel 9)
“Golf Canada and Alberta Golf continually inspire and nurture a new generation of golfers by providing access to affordable rounds,” says Adam Heieck, CEO of Youth on Course. “With the highest per-capita golf participation in the world, Youth on Course’s expansion will benefit the sport’s sustainability.”
Youth on Course will be a significant addition to the existing Future Links suite of programs and offers an on-course application for facilities to offer to youth, eliminating golf’s barrier of affordability and providing more opportunities for kids to play golf. Golfers, ages 6-18 will be able to join the Youth on Course international network, getting access to 1,000 golf courses in 27 different states.
“When first introduced to Youth on Course, we felt it was a very strong initiative to advance junior golf and we are pleased to be involved in this pilot stage for the program in Canada,” says Jeff Thompson, Chief Sport Officer of Golf Canada. “Together with Alberta Golf and our participating partner courses, we are eager to give community access to golf at an unprecedented level of affordability.”
Golf Canada runs a variety of grassroot level programs under the Future Links brand, aimed at introducing and developing the game of golf amongst Canadian youth. A national junior program conducted in partnership with the PGA of Canada and Canada’s 10 provincial golf associations, Future Links is focused on three primary pillars of engagement – an in-school program, facility programs and outreach programming, all of which have contributed to the success of Future links, which has eclipsed the mark of 1.7 million youth engaged in golf.
Operating in every U.S. region, Youth on Course has more than 50,000 active members. Since 2006, juniors have played more than 10 million holes and 765,000 rounds while the organization has helped generate more than $5.2 million in tee-time revenue reimbursed back to individual golf courses. In addition to subsidized rounds, Youth on Course also facilitates paid internships, a caddie program and nationwide scholarships. They have awarded 223 students with college scholarships totaling more than $1.4 million in financial support. The current Youth on Course scholarship retention rate is ninety-four percent, with 80 students already graduated.
Florida Georgia Line and The Glorious Sons set to headline new RBCxMusic concert series at 2019 RBC Canadian Open
HAMILTON, March 19, 2019 — RBCxMusic, in partnership with Golf Canada, is pleased to announce a new concert series, featuring Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed duo, Florida Georgia Line (FGL), and JUNO award winners and homegrown rock band, The Glorious Sons, taking place at the 2019 RBC Canadian Open.
The concert series will be held on the iconic grounds of the Hamilton Golf and Country Club on June 7 and 8, 2019, and will offer an enhanced experience for golf fans, music lovers and players alike.
Global entertainers Florida Georgia Line are well known for their innovative artistry and chart-topping songs – including their 16th #1 hit “Simple” and breakout 11X-PLATINUM smash “Cruise.” Their fourth studio album CAN’T SAY I AIN’T COUNTRY (BMLG Records) recently arrived, racking up over 473,000 album consumption globally to date, and debuting at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The project features current chart-rising single “Talk You Out of It.” The pair will launch their North American 2019 CAN’T SAY I AIN’T COUNTRY TOUR this summer. Canadians will have the opportunity to see FGL live in concert at the RBC Canadian Open on June 7, 2019 – their only Canadian stop this year.
“We’ve always had an epic time performing in Canada,” says FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. “Our Canadian fans sure know how to bring the party!”
FGL’s Brian Kelley adds, “We just can’t wait to be back and play our new songs!”
“This is exciting news”, said Team RBC ambassador and PGA TOUR professional Dustin Johnson. “I’m a big fan of Florida Georgia Line, and this concert series is a great opportunity to open up this tournament to a whole new fan base.”
In addition, The Glorious Sons, hailing from Kingston, ON, will be performing on Saturday June 8th, 2019 at the concert series. The band have ten consecutive top-10 songs on Canadian Rock radio including the Gold-certified single “Everything Is Alright”, and recently enjoyed four weeks at #1 on the U.S. rock charts with their hit single “S.O.S. (Sawed Off Shotgun)”. They are currently on their headline “S.O.S. Tour” in the United States, which has included sell-out performances in Philadelphia, Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver and Buffalo.”
“It’s very exciting to have Florida Georgia Line and The Glorious Sons perform at this year’s RBC Canadian Open,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “We are committed to creating an unforgettable fan experience, and our new concert series is a unique opportunity to connect golf and music fans of all ages.”
Tickets are all-inclusive: your tournament day pass is your concert ticket.
“Adding the Concert Series is another special moment in continuing to elevate the RBC Canadian Open experience, and welcoming new audiences to the golf course,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “We are thrilled that RBC has integrated the RBCxMusic platform with their incredible support of the RBC Canadian Open.”
The RBC Canadian Open’s return to the historic Harry Colt designed course in 2019 is timed perfectly – marking the 100-year anniversary since the renowned club originally first hosted the Open. This year will be the sixth time the Hamilton Golf and Country Club has played host to Canada’s National Open Championship (1919, 1930, 2003, 2006 and 2012).
In addition to the concert series, the tournament will feature new spectator enhancements, including a local foodie and patio experience, junior initiatives, the RBC Hall of Fame Day celebration and the return of The Rink, awarded 2018 best-in-class element by the PGA TOUR.
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m and will be available for purchase at RBCCanadianOpen.com. Tickets are $75 (plus taxes and service charges). The event is General Admission / All Ages. Your tournament day pass is your concert ticket.
Rory McIlroy to make first-ever start in 2019 RBC Canadian Open
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 15: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the second tee during the second round of The PLAYERS Championship on The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 15, 2019 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
OAKVILLE, ON (Golf Canada) – Today, RBC and Golf Canada announced that world ranked No. 4 – Rory McIlroy – will compete in the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, June 3-9 at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
Fresh off an impressive victory at the 2019 PLAYERS Championship, McIlroy joins an already strong field of players, including world No. 1 and Team RBC Ambassador Dustin Johnson, alongside team members Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker.
“I‘m really excited to play in my first RBC Canadian Open,” said McIlroy. “There continues to be a lot of momentum around this historic tournament, with a new date, new location and now a new concert series. I’ve had the opportunity to see the passion that Canada has for our sport and I look forward to seeing the energy of Canadian golf fans first hand. I’m also looking forward to squaring off with DJ, Adam and the rest of Team RBC for Canada’s National Open Championship.”
The 29-year old international superstar from Northern Ireland currently holds the No. 1 spot on the 2019 FedEx Cup Ranking. His results also include:
Four-time Major Champion (US Open 2011, PGA Championship 2012, 2014, and The Open Championship 2014)
Two-time WGC Champion (2014, 2015) and 2019 The PLAYERS Champion
15-time PGA TOUR Winner including 2016 FedEx Cup Champion, 24 worldwide wins overall
Five appearances (four Team Europe wins) in the biennial Ryder Cup
Two-time PGA TOUR Player of the Year (2012 and 2014)
Three-time Race to Dubai Champion (2012, 2014 and 2015)
Held world #1 in Official World Golf Ranking for 95 weeks over his career
“Rory is one of the game’s most accomplished and iconic young stars – his win at THE PLAYERS Championship this past weekend was incredible,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “We are so pleased that he has added the 2019 RBC Canadian Open to his schedule and are looking forward to giving him a warm welcome to Canada for his first-ever start at the tournament. I’m sure that Canadian golf fans, young and old, will show him our enthusiasm for this great sport.”
McIlroy’s commitment to play in his first RBC Canadian Open builds on an earlier announcement this week introducing a two-night RBCxMusic Concert Series at the tournament. The concerts will feature Grammy nominated and internationally acclaimed duo Florida Georgia Line on Friday, June 7, and JUNO award-winning homegrown rock band The Glorious Sons on Saturday, June 8.
“We have seen incredible momentum for the 2019 RBC Canadian Open with the move to our new June date,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “The exciting news that Rory McIlroy will be joining the field at Canada’s National Open Championship will be really special for golf fans at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club. Together with RBC, our goal has always been to continually elevate this tournament, for players and golf fans alike. Having Rory join other big names like Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson and Jim Furyk will no doubt make this a ground-breaking year at our Open.”
In the coming weeks, additional players, including Canadians and tournament exemptions, will be announced. PGA TOUR players have until Friday, May 31 to commit to the field of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open.
More information about the 2019 RBC Canadian Open including tickets, corporate hospitality and volunteer information is available at www.rbccanadianopen.com.
