The 2020 Golf Manitoba junior development program has come to a close. It was another fantastic year of learning and competition despite the challenges faced from COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s program was led by Golf Manitoba’s Director of Player Development and PGA of Canada professional, Garth Goodbrandson. Golf Manitoba intern Seth McMahon also assisted throughout the season.

The junior boys’ team season started in May with testing sessions led by Golf Canada men’s amateur and Olympic coach Derek Ingram.

The season continued with two teams competing in the 2020 Mundie Putter league. Team Gold lost in the semi-finals and team Black had a solid season as well.  Congratulations to all members of our boy’s development program!

2020 Junior Development Gold Team:

• Jacob Armstrong – St Boniface Golf Club/Southwood Golf & Country Club
• Braxton Kuntz – Breezy Bend Country Club
• Jordon McDonald – Breezy Bend Country Club
• Noah Fiks – Pine Ridge Golf Club
• Ryan Blair – Pine Ridge Golf Club
• Adam Ingram – Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
• Trey Ross – Rossmere Country Club
• Carter Johnson – Rossmere Country Club
• Lachlan Allerton – Rossmere Country Club
• Jack Taylor – St Charles Country Club
• Ryden Hargreaves – Wheat City Golf Course

2020 Junior Development Black Team:

• Grady Chuback – St Charles Country Club
• Nolan Watson – St Charles Country Club
• Jack Rudick – St Charles Country Club
• Dylan Moon – St Charles Country Club
• Thomas Scott – St Charles Country Club/Dauphin Lake Golf Club
• Scott Miner – St Charles Country Club/St Boniface Golf Club
• Tazio Ciaflone – Breezy Bend Country Club
• Hayden Deleloye – Neepawa Golf & Country Club
• Aaron Macdonell – Niakwa Country Club
• Eric Strick – Rossmere Country Club
• Austin Boge – Rossmere Country Club

The Juniors Girls Development Team also began practicing at the end of May and continued through the summer working with PGA of Canada professional Bri-Ann Tokariwski of the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club.

The team was also fortunate to work with PGA of Canada head professional Cory Kartusch of the St. Charles Country Club early in the season. Special thanks also to Golf Manitoba volunteer Lori Russell for her help throughout the year!

2020 Junior Girls Development Team:

• Crystal Zamzow – Swan River Golf & Country Club
• Cala Korman – Golf Manitoba
• Addison Kartusch – St Charles Country Club
• Sarah Farmer – St Charles Country Club
• Jeri Lafleche – Clear Lake Golf Course
• Jewel Lafleche – Clear Lake Golf Course
• Mackenzie Forsythe – Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
• Armaan Dhillon – Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
• Annika Russell – St Boniface Golf Club
• Elle Wood – St Boniface Golf Club
• Payton Oakden – Glendale Golf & Country Club

Congratulations to all team members and coaches and we look forward to doing it all again in 2021!

The new Golf Canada app sets the stage for a greatly enhanced digital experience

Canada’s largest golf community is about to become more connected with the launch of the new Golf Canada app.

The user-friendly app launched August 5 is now available to all golfers nationwide to record and track their scores, trace where they have played and provide detailed game statistics as a game improvement tool. The app is free to download and can be used by golfers at any level of skill.

“The app is designed to connect individual golfers and their friends with the more than the 1,400-member golf courses we have in Canada,” says Vanessa Morbi, Senior Director of Marketing at Golf Canada. “Among the many exciting features, golfers will be able to follow their favourite golf courses to stay connected and up to date. The app will also provide additional value to our member clubs as a platform to engage with golfers.”

All golfers will be able to enter their scores on the app as they play hole-by-hole or at the end of a round. They can track a variety of stats including driving accuracy, greens in regulation, putting strokes, sand saves and up & downs. Golfers will also be able to add friends, follow their favourite courses and track their scores throughout the round. As the app rolls out this summer, additional features will be added to enhance the user experience for Golf Canada members.

“We are proud to launch the new Golf Canada app with an enhanced user experience that anyone who plays golf in Canada can enjoy,” says Adam Helmer, Golf Canada’s Senior Director of Golf Services. “It has been developed with a fresh look and feel to allow app users to better understand their individual game and connect with other golfers and their favourite clubs across the country.”

With heath and safety being top of mind during COVID-19, the digital scorecard on your Smartphone replaces the need for a traditional scorecard and pencil. It may be a way of the future as many clubs across Canada have limited printed scorecard usage this year to reduce physical touchpoints at golf courses during the pandemic.

While enhancing the current benefits of being a Golf Canada member is a key component of the app, it has also been designed with the non-member, public player in mind to increase their engagement with the sport.

Golf Canada members will be able to enjoy a unique package of additional features that will be part of a three-stage rollout throughout the summer including, golf games like Wolf or Skins, as well as real-time Course GPS and Shot Tracer technology.

“What I think sets the new Golf Canada app apart from anything else in the marketplace is our ability to combine scoring, stats, Course GPS, Shot Tracer, and golf games, in one app. You won’t find that anywhere else in the world, so it truly is leading edge digital technology,” added Morbi.

Canada’s go-to golf app has been in development since the fall of 2019. It is a key component of Golf Canada’s digital marketing strategy designed to draw more people to the sport, improve the in-game experience and increase membership. It has also been developed in consultation with the provincial golf associations across Canada to ensure a grassroots connection.

The Golf Canada app has been designed in partnership with Mirego, a Quebec City-based company that is an expert in the app development space. It replaces the original Golf Canada app, a member-only app that featured handicapping and scoring as its primary function. Member profiles and previous scoring is being transferred to the new app, so there will be no loss of information for long-time members.

“Apps are commonplace today—all of us have our favourite apps and the majority of golfers bring a Smartphone to the golf course,” Morbi says. “We’re hoping golfers will fall in love with all of the great features of the new app and have a lot of fun with it. It will give us an opportunity to connect with more golfers and create a deeper connection to the sport they love.”

The app is available for download for both IOS and Android operating systems from both the App Store and Google Play at no cost.

An annual Golf Canada membership sells for $49.95. The benefits of being a Golf Canada member include handicapping, incident protection, personalized equipment labels, discounts on tickets for the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open savings from partners like Avis, Hilton and RBC, and some of the soon to be released features on the new app.

Golf Canada member features

Golf Canada members will enjoy a suite of additional features in the app as part of a three-stage rollout throughout the summer including golf games like Wolf or Skins, real-time course GPS and Shot Tracer technology.

• Click here to download and install the app from the App Store
• Click here to download and install the app from Google Play

You will definitely not see the best golfers in the world with tunes coming from their bags as they are trying to win a PGA or LPGA Tour title, but more and more you will hear music played at your local golf course.

Nearly 90 percent of Canadians own a smartphone, which means almost everyone who is playing golf has the ability to play music on the course these days. While it may not be for everyone, a trend is apparent.

At a great many clubs, golf has embraced its casual side – dress codes are relaxed, new golfers are emerging and places like TopGolf as well as short courses are popping up in the U.S. – and with that, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear notes of The Tragically Hip, Shania Twain, or Justin Bieber (depending on your preference, of course) floating over the sounds of birds chirping.

A recent survey from Golf Digest said 37 percent of respondents between 18-34 bring a portable speaker to the course. Others might prefer to keep their music to themselves and go the earphone route to avoid disrupting others.

what are some of your favourite songs to listen to while golfing?

— Golf Canada (@GolfCanada) July 2, 2020

“Golf is one of those sports where it takes up a good amount of time, so I have no issue with listening to music, even while playing, but I don’t think it should be 100 percent of the time,” says Golf Canada Men’s National Team Head Coach Derek Ingram.

He says for the athletes he works with, he’s training them to practice and play “under the gun” and they tend not to play tunes during the final round on the PGA Tour, he jokes. But while there may still be discomfort with cranking it up on the course, listening to music while practicing may have some benefits.

“I think it actually accesses part of the brain that allows us to be more creative and more athletic as well,” Ingram says. “There’s no issue with a portion of the practice listening to music and enjoying music, but I would say the right percentage depending on the individual.”

It’s nearly unavoidable to go a week on the PGA or LPGA Tour without having music be part of the tournament in some capacity.

The PGA and LPGA Tour have both introduced music into their tournament schedules over the last couple of seasons. Both tours have introduced team events (with Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes teeing it up in New Orleans while Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp got together in Michigan) and the Canadian duos arrived at the first tee to “walk-up music” not unlike what you see at a baseball game before a hitter steps into the box.

Music has become a key part of many successful PGA Tour events where DJs (not Dustin Johnson, in this case) will play sets or keep music going between groups if appropriate, and concerts have become a staple event during tournament week.

At least year’s RBC Canadian Open the RBCxMusic Concert Series brought Canadian rockers The Glorious Sons and country mega-duo Florida-Georgia Line to Hamilton Golf and Country Club, which helped sell out both days of the event.

RBCxMusic Concert Series at the 2019 RBC Canadian Open featuring Florida Georgia Line and the Glorious Sons

And a couple of years ago while Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Smylie Kaufman, and Rickie Fowler went on their infamous buddies trip to the Caribbean all of their rounds of golf were filled with music (and were without shirts).

If you’ve got a Bluetooth speaker in your cart or dangling from your trolley, just be mindful of those around you.

While many come to the golf course for fun or frivolity, there’s a good portion of courses and golfers who prefer to have Mother Nature play her own music – so understand your golf environment and keep the volume to just what you and your group can hear.

But this summer while celebrating all of Canada’s fabulous layouts, why not experiment with listening to some of country’s finest musical acts?

Bands like The Tragically Hip, The Arkells, and Rush are perfect for the cottage, they’re great for the course, too – and who knows, you might even improve your game thanks to music.

Some Tune Tips

1. Always ask other players if you can play music and what they might want to hear
2. Understand your environment – not every course and golfer feel the same about music during a round
3. Make sure the music is at a manageable volume
4. Consider earphones to enjoy tunes without disrupting others
5. Have fun with it – music makes almost every situation (a BBQ, the beach, a backyard party) better. The golf course should be no different.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Introducing the new Golf Canada App – a free tool for Canadian golfers to enhance their course experience and go digital with their game!

The Golf Canada App is connecting Canada’s golf community with an engaging digital platform for golfers from coast to coast. It is an app for golfers to track their scores, manage their on-course experience and identify areas to improve their game.

The app is a powerful tool with a completely new look and feel that goes well beyond the handicap reporting and score posting system that was the central focus of the previous member-only Golf Canada App. It’s a totally new experience that connects golfers to their friends as well as 1,400+ golf courses across Canada.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

How to navigate the new Golf Canada App experience: 

• Home Screen NEW – features personalized content and updates from you and your golfing friends
• Golfer Profile – features number of rounds played, personal golfing statistics, recent scores, Golf Canada membership information and more
• Find a Course – search the Golf Canada course database to plan your next game or a golf holiday, as well as follow your favourite courses
• Start a Round – select the course, choose a tee based on your skill level and add friends to a digital course scorecard
• Track Your Stats – everything from driving accuracy, greens in regulation and putting strokes to bunker shots and up & downs

Click here for a full user guide[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_images_carousel images=”98984,98983,98982,98981″ img_size=”medium” onclick=”link_no” speed=”3000″ autoplay=”yes” hide_pagination_control=”yes” hide_prev_next_buttons=”yes” wrap=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Golf Canada member features

Golf Canada members will enjoy a suite of additional features in the app as part of a three-stage rollout throughout the summer including golf games like Wolf or Skins, real-time course GPS and Shot Tracer technology.

• Click here to download and install the app from the App Store
• Click here to download and install the app from Google Play

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation have joined together to launch the COVID-19 GOLF RELIEF FUND, to support golf courses in helping employees and golfers stay safe while also thanking front-line workers through encouraging additional play and welcoming juniors to further experience the game.

During the pandemic, golf has experienced a booming resurgence, emerging as one of the safest recreational activities for Canadians to enjoy and highlighting the physical and mental benefits that the sport provides.

Developed in consultation with key stakeholders, the RELIEF FUND will focus on two primary areas:

1) SAFETY: To help maintain the momentum of golf, the RELIEF FUND will subsidize non-medical PPE (personal protective equipment) for golf course employees, as well as sanitization, hygiene, and protective material expenses.

2) FUN: To thank front-line workers and help juniors increase social interactions and outdoor activity during the pandemic, the RELIEF FUND will subsidize rounds for both groups to enjoy playing golf.

“We find ourselves in a very surprising but special moment for golf and we wanted to show appreciation to the courses providing a safe golf experience and to all Canadians who are coming out and playing. We also wanted to thank our incredible front-line workers who are leading us through unprecedented adversity,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “We are sensitive to the ongoing pandemic and amongst the crushing impact, golf has been a bright spot. This has also been a difficult year for so many kids who have had their summers disrupted and we wanted to support our member clubs in providing youth a healthy outlet through golf.”

Golf Canada member clubs who apply for the RELIEF FUND will be eligible for subsidies up to a maximum of $1,000 per club, with applications opening on August 12 on a first-come, first-served basis.

The RELIEF FUND will launch to the public July 28, across Golf Canada’s digital network, throughout Golf Canada member clubs, Ascend Fundraising Solutions’ marketing platforms, and the Provincial Golf Associations.

In addition to welcoming donations to support the RELIEF FUND, golfers and golf fans across the country will be able to support by participating in a four-week digital sweepstakes campaign featuring significant prizing across Canada and the U.S. in 2021.

“We have taken the challenge of the pandemic to pivot our donation efforts as a rallying point for the Canadian golf community,” said Martin Barnard, CEO of the Golf Canada Foundation. “Golf has always been a driver for significant charitable giving and the cancellation of so many fundraising events through the pandemic has been difficult. Partners and donors have embraced the idea of a golf specific relief fund that supports front-line workers and juniors, and also helps to keep industry employees safe throughout the season.”

The Grand prize includes a VIP hospitality experience at the 2021 RBC Canadian Open at St. Georges Golf and Country Club. The early-bird prize package to be drawn on August 12 features a spectacular stay-and-play experience at Cabot Links and Cliffs. Tickets for the sweepstakes can be purchased at www.golfcanadasweeps.com and will be available for sale until August 27.

Currently at close to $350,000 before launching to the public, the RELIEF FUND is proudly and graciously supported by the R&A, PGA TOUR, USGA, PGA of Canada, Bear Mountain Resort, Cabot Cape Breton, and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

Team Canada alumni and PGA TOUR winner Adam Hadwin has personally supported the RELIEF FUND, as part of his effort to give back once the RBC Canadian Open had been cancelled.

RBC Ambassador and three-time PGA TOUR winner Ryan Palmer also has donated to the RELIEF FUND through a fundraising challenge specifically created to help the charities of tournaments that were cancelled due to the pandemic.

Donations to the RELIEF FUND will be accepted throughout the golf season and more contributions will be announced over the course of the campaign as partners and donors join in supporting the cause.

Golf Manitoba (Carman, MB) – The conditions were absolutely perfect in Carman for the third and final round of the 2020 Senior Women’s & Men’s Championships, the final major of the Golf Manitoba event season.

In the women’s championship event, Rhonda Orr of the Southwood Golf & Country Club went wire-to-wire to win her fifth straight senior women’s championship and her seventh in the past eight years. Orr, started the day with a two shot lead over Tammy Gibson of the Niakwa Country Club. Orr put together her best round of the 54-hole event with a 8-over par score of 79 for a three day total of 240. Gibson posted an 86 for a 249 total to finish alone in second place while Gail Kennedy of the St. Charles Country Club also posted 86 to move her into solo third at 261.

In the forward tee division, Karen Saarimaki of the Kenagomisis Golf Club took top honours by shooting a final round 81 to close her tournament with a 248 total. Nancy Porth of the Niakwa Country Club started the day in second place where she finished closing with an 88 and a 261 total.  Saarimaki also took top spot in the Super Senior (60+) division.

Senior women’s leaderboard >>

In the men’s championship event, Bruce North of the Carman Golf & Curling Club came back from a two shot deficit to capture his second senior title. North, carded an even par round of 71, the low of the day, to edge defending champion Mike Walker of the St. Boniface Golf Club by a single shot. It was a tight finish with North and Walker coming to the last hole tied after Walker dunked his approach shot on the 53rd hole for an eagle two.  On the 54th hole, North holed a 12-foot birdie putt to take the title and the second senior championship that he has won while playing on his home course.

Rounding out the top five was John Multan of the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club who finished alone in third, Allan Wheeler of the Rossmere Country Club took fourth spot, and Al Briscoe of the St. Boniface Golf Club finished in fifth.

In the forward tee division, Barry Minish of the Niakwa Country Club finished with his best round of the event shooting 75 for a 232 total to win by a single shot over Steve Wallace of the Transcona Country Club. Minish also captured the Super Senior title (65+).

Senior men’s final leaderboard >>

The 9th hole at the Carman Golf & Curling Club on day three of the 2020 Senior Women’s & Men’s Championships

Golf Manitoba wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the membership, management and staff at the Carman Golf & Curling Club for being incredible hosts over the past three days. Thank you to PGA of Canada head professional Dean North, MGSA superintendent Rob Hamm and Food and Beverage Manager Robynn Salter.

Special thanks also to Golf Manitoba performance partners Eric Johnson of TaylorMade Golf Canada and Paige Lawrence of adidas golf Canada for their support of our provincial championships.

And last but not least, thank you to all the competitors for your support and your fine play this past week!!!

Golf Manitoba (Carman, MB) – It was another sunny but windy day at the Carman Golf & Curling Club for round two of the 2020 Senior Women’s & Men’s Championships.

In the women’s overall championship event, defending champion Rhonda Orr of the Southwood Golf & Country Club was able to protect her first round lead by posting a 10-over par round of 81 for a 161 two-day total. Tammy Gibson of the Niakwa Country Club countered with the low round of the day with an 8-over par score of 79 and good enough for solo second place at 163. Cathy Adams of the Carman Golf & Curling Club sits in solo third at 173.

In the all new forward tee division, Karen Saarimaki of the Kenagomisis Golf Club continues her hold on first spot at 167 and Nancy Porth of the Niakwa Country Club is in second place and just six shots back of Saarimaki at 173.  Both Saarimaki and Porth are also in first and second respectively in the Super Senior (60+) division.

Senior women’s leaderboard >>

In the men’s overall championship event, Garth Collings of the Breezy Bend Country Club moved into first place after carding a second round score of 73 for a 147 total. Mike Walker of the St. Boniface Golf Club slipped down a spot and into second place after shooting a 78 for a 148 total. There is a three-way tie for third at 149 that includes Russel Slobodian of the Rossmere Country Club, defending champion Bruce North of the Carman Golf & Country Club and John Multan of the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club. North had the move of the day by posting the day’s lowest score with an even-par round of 71.

In the forward tee division, Mike Berney of the Transcona Country Club continues to hold his lead after shooting 77 for a 151 total. Berney also leads in the Super Senior Division (65+).

Senior men’s leaderboard >>

The final round of the 54-hole championships resumes tomorrow at Carman with the men’s field starting at 10am.

TORONTO —With the official Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada sidelined this season due to issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tour announced Friday that it will hold a series of four tournaments for players residing in Canada. The tournaments are set for Langford, British Columbia, and Caledon, Ontario, in August and September, all events contested under the direction of the Mackenzie Tour and its staff.

The Canada Life Series will feature two 54-hole events at Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community in Langford on Vancouver Island and two more at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. Fields will consist of Canadian professionals and elite amateurs, as well as Mackenzie Tour members, regardless of citizenship, who are already in Canada. Officials anticipate field sizes between 90 and 120 players, with purses set at $50,000 (CAD) per event.

Exempt players for the Canada Life Series will include any Canadian professional who has held status on any of the PGA TOUR’s International Tours since 2018 (Mackenzie Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica and PGA TOUR Series-China). In addition, six sponsor exemptions will be used by Golf Canada for its national team members. Canada Life will receive two sponsor exemptions, while both host facilities will have two sponsor exemptions each. The Tour will fill the fields on a first-come-first-served basis if the exempt categories don’t reach their limits.

“It was certainly disappointing when circumstances surrounding COVID-19 required us to cancel the 2020 Mackenzie Tour season. We were poised for a great summer of golf, but we never lost sight of the purpose for this Tour, which is to give players opportunities to play tournaments on quality golf courses,” said Scott Pritchard, Mackenzie Tour Executive Director. “Canada Life has been an incredible partner in helping us put this together, and with two terrific venues—Bear Mountain and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley—we will stage four exceptional tournaments.

“To be able to promise the top player from the Canada Life Series additional playing opportunities next season on the Mackenzie Tour only enhances what we’re trying to do, and we’re extremely pleased that will happen,” Pritchard continued.

The player who earns the most points during the four tournaments will be granted conditional Mackenzie Tour status and guaranteed six tournament starts on the 2021 Mackenzie Tour. In addition to those playing opportunities, Golf Canada will also award the top player a spot in the 2021 RBC Canadian Open. The players finishing in the second-through-fifth positions on the final points standings earn conditional 2021 Mackenzie Tour status along with two guaranteed Mackenzie Tour tournament starts. The players finishing between Nos. 6-10 earn a discounted rate into one of the 2021 Mackenzie Tour Qualifying Tournaments.

“At Canada Life, we believe in helping Canadians achieve their potential. The Canada Life Series is one way we can do that,” said Jeff Macoun, President and Chief Operating Officer, Canada, at Canada Life. “We’re very proud to be able to provide Canadian-based players the opportunity to advance their careers.”

The first two Canada Life Series tournaments will be at Bear Mountain’s two courses, both designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Jack Nicklaus and his son Steve. The Canada Life Series at Bear Mountain: Mountain Course is from August 10-12, while The Canada Life Series at Bear Mountain: Valley Course is August 17-19.

The Mountain Course has twice hosted PGA TOUR-affiliated golf, the PGA TOUR Champions’ 2016 and 2017 Pacific Links Bear Mountain Championship. Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie won the 2016 event, while American Jerry Kelly prevailed a year later.

“Bear Mountain’s two courses are quite diverse, and Jack and Steve designed them in such a way that we think the tournaments will certainly have different feels to them while at the same time providing excellent tests of golf,” said Rob Larocque, Bear Mountain Director of Golf.

The Series will observe a one-week break, allowing players to travel to the other side of the country for the final two events, outside Toronto. The Canada Life Series at TPC Toronto’s links-style Heathlands course is set for September 2-4. The following week, September 9-11, the players will once again tackle the Heathlands, one of three signature Doug Carrick courses at TPC Toronto, for the Series’ closing event, the Canada Life Series Championship.

TPC Toronto is also no stranger to PGA TOUR-affiliated tournament golf. It has been home to the Mackenzie Tour’s Osprey Valley Open presented by Votarantim Cimentos – CBM Aggregates since 2018, with the eventual Mackenzie Tour Player of the Year in each season winning both editions of the tournament—Tyler McCumber in 2018 followed by Paul Barjon in 2019. McCumber is currently a PGA TOUR member, and Barjon is playing on the Korn Ferry Tour.

“The Mackenzie Tour is a familiar and important partner of ours, and we’re thrilled to be hosting two Canada Life Series tournaments here in September. We look forward to seeing some outstanding players compete on the Heathlands and follow in the footsteps of Tyler, Paul and the other champions who have played here over the last two years,” said TPC Toronto President Chris Humeniuk.

“It was gratifying to see TPC Toronto enthusiastically embrace this concept. We planned to play the Heathlands for the 2020 Osprey Valley Open, and we will now use the Canada Life Series events as a chance to showcase this spectacular course to these players,” Pritchard added.

TORONTO – The Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM) is pleased to announce and congratulate the recipients of CSCM’s 2020 Awards Program. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, October 5, 2020, at CSCM’s first-ever virtual national conference.

The award recipients are:

President’s Award
Cameron Gray, CCM, St. Charles Country Club, Winnipeg, MB

Club Manager of the Year
Jim Hope, CCM, CCE, Derrick Golf & Winter Club, Edmonton, AB

Club of the Year (Medium)
Cedar Brae Golf Club, Toronto, ON (Martin Piché, CCM, General Manager/COO)

Club of the Year (Large)
Terminal City Club, Vancouver, BC (Peter Jackman, General Manager)

In addition, the following members will be honoured for recently receiving their Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation:

• Dan Campbell, CCM, St. Andrew’s East Golf & Country Club, Stouffville, ON
• Rob Cheevers, CCM, Buffalo Canoe Club, Ridgeway, ON
• Jennifer Cox, CCM, The Glencoe Golf & Country Club, Calgary, AB
• Molly Jagroop, CCM, Oakdale Golf & Country Club Ltd., Toronto, ON
• Steven Pert, CCM, Kanawaki Golf Club, Kahnawake, QC
• Martin Piché, CCM, Cedar Brae Golf Club, Toronto, ON
• Shendal Yalchin, CCM, The Hamilton Club, Hamilton, ON

The following member will be honoured for recently receiving their Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation:

• Paul Morrell, CCM, CCE, Ontario Racquet Club, Mississauga, ON

Moreover, the following member will be recognized for recently achieving Honour Society status:

• Mary Elizabeth Sullivan, CCM, Granite Club, Toronto, ON

The annual awards program honours members who have made a significant contribution to the Society and the profession of club management in Canada, supporting CSCM’s mission to offer quality education and networking opportunities. Annually, members are invited to nominate peers in the industry. All nomination submissions are carefully reviewed by the Awards Committee and recipients are selected based on specific criteria.

Michael Hearse, CCM, Member of the CSCM National Board of Directors and Chair of the Awards Committee remarked, “We thank all those who participated this year. I am delighted to congratulate the award recipients, each of whom are wonderful representatives of the club management industry and the professionalism of the Society.”

Suzanne Godbehere, Chief Executive Officer of CSCM, said, “While our awards ceremony will be held virtually this year – make no mistake – it will be just as triumphant. We will be working to incorporate video highlights and live award presentations to the online event. The format will allow members from across the country to participate.”

For further details regarding the CSCM Awards Program & Application Process, please visit: CSCM Awards Program

Information about CSCM’s first-ever virtual national conference can be found here: Flatout

About The Canadian Society of Club Managers

Established in 1957, CSCM is the national professional society representing the club management profession in Canada. Of our approximately 600 members, over 70% are from golf clubs, and the remainder from a variety of city, recreation, fitness, curling and other types of clubs.

The Society’s members hold position titles that include General Manager, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer as well as Assistant Manager, Clubhouse Manager, Controller and Food and Beverage Manager.

Chafing about the restrictions on your activities during the coronavirus pandemic?

One option that thousands of Canadians are taking advantage of in these difficult times is golf. Some are taking up the game for the first time while others are rediscovering its pleasures. Families who can’t go on vacation are enjoying golf outings together. Kids whose other sports are unavailable are loving the opportunity to learn the game. “Nine and dine” at the course is a great date night. Seniors can reconnect with their friends at the course.

Although there are necessary protocols that must be followed (these are outlined on just about every course’s web site), you still have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery, socialize (while observing physical distancing) and get some exercise.

Here are nine tips to help you enjoy the game. On that note, nine holes is just the right number for beginners.

1. Go online

There are lots of sites that offer helpful tips for beginners on every topic from the basic rules and etiquette to the fundamentals of the swing and basic golf attire.

2. Go to a course

Even before you head to the tee for the very first time, do a little online research about the courses in your area. You will want to find a public or “semi-private” course (one that has members but also welcomes the public golfer). Drop into the golf shop, introduce yourself as a new golfer and have a look around. Ask if they have a program to introduce new golfers to the game. If they do, sign up!

3. Go to a pro

Just about every course has a PGA of Canada professional. They’re helpful and knowledgeable. Even a half-hour lesson with a pro will get you started on the right path. Many courses offer lesson packages and some include playing a few holes as well. Taking a lesson is the best investment you can make if you want to enjoy the game and improve your skills.

4. Go get some clubs

Although most courses have clubs you can rent, you may want to have your own set. Most golf course pro shops carry equipment and gear to get you started. Chain stores and other major sporting goods retailers also have inexpensive sets that include irons, woods, putter and a carry bag. They also sell inexpensive balls and tees. As long as you follow the course’s dress code (often published on their web site), you don’t even need golf shoes at this point. Running shoes will suffice.

5. Go to the driving range

If you’re taking lessons at a course, you no doubt have taken advantage of the practice facility, also called the driving range. If not, head for a local public driving range with a friend and hit some balls. Many facilities also have a practice putting green. As you will find out, putting is a very important part of the game!

6. Go to the first tee

You’ve hooked up with some friends or new acquaintances from your introductory program. You’ve asked the folks in the golf shop from which tees you should play as a beginner (generally, the most forward set of tees is appropriate).

7. Go hit the ball

Assuming you’ve followed these first few tips, you should be hitting the ball in the right general direction. Don’t be discouraged if you’re not as proficient as your more experienced companions. Just relax, swing, and don’t forget to breathe! From a safety perspective, make sure you are aware of where your friends are and when they are hitting. From a “pace of play” viewpoint, always be ready to hit your next shot when it’s your turn. Most importantly, don’t get frustrated if you’re not proficient immediately. You will improve the more you play and practise. Remember, the object of the game is to have fun.

8. Go to the clubhouse

Much of the appeal of golf is the social aspect following a round. Reliving the game, good shots and not-so-good, with friends and family is an integral part of the game.

9. Go back

Golf has been called “the game for a lifetime.” You can play this game at whatever level you wish, from recreational to competitive, for years and years. It’s healthy, fun and a great way to meet new friends.

So there you go.

Nine tips, just like the nine holes you will likely play the first few times you’re at the course.

But there is so much more!

Although you can learn the fundamentals of the swing, course etiquette and rules online, GolfCanada.ca is the best resource for anyone who enjoys the game at any level.

As you play more golf, you’ll want an official handicap index and the other benefits that come with a Golf Canada membership.

But you have to start somewhere. So, like so many of your fellow Canadians are doing these days, start now!