• Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Jared du Toit’s worldwide golfing odyssey rolls on; Taylor ties for 12th at Bay Hill; Hadwin makes cameo appearance in Full Swing on Netflix; UBC sweeps Vegas tourney; Penticton GC first to open in Okanagan

    BC's Jared du Toit Is Seeing Some Promising Results From All His Hard Work - Golf Canada Photo

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    The plan was to take a couple of weeks off, return to his Arizona home and rest after a gruelling four-week stretch that saw Jared du Toit tee it up in Malaysia, Oman, New Zealand and Chile.

    But the Kimberley native had a change of heart. After tying for eighth at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Astara Chile Classic, he headed for the Santiago airport and instead boarded a flight to Hong Kong where he will play in this week’s International Series Macau event on the Asian Tour.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Leah John’s super senior season continues with another win; world traveller du Toit ties for 40th in New Zealand Open; Newlands Golf Course in Langley up for sale

    Leah John Is No Stranger To Winning, With 2 BC Women's Am Trophies Prior To Her Stellar College Career - Image Of Leah With Causeway Trophy Courtesy U of Nevada Athletic Communications

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Vancouver’s Leah John has played five events in her senior year at the University of Nevada and has won three of them.

    It’s obviously been a very good year and one that is setting the table for a professional career that is now just three months away.

    “I will turn professional immediately after graduation and hop on the Epson Tour,” John said in an interview after finishing as co-medalist at the Causeway Invitational in Sacramento last week.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Sagebrush alters green-fee structure and ups its food and beverage game; Macdonald top 25s in Mexico; UBC, SFU women begin their spring schedules; Amy Lee second at AJGA Stanford event

    Sagebrush Golf Club In Quilchena, BC - Image Credit Bryan Outram/BC Golf

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    If all goes as planned, the Sagebrush experience will cost a little less this season and taste much better.

    The highly regarded Merritt-area layout is moving to a more traditional fee green-fee structure for the 2024 season and new general manager Chris Hood is also focused on upping Sagebrush’s food and beverage game.

    “We did a survey at the end of last year of our players and one of things that came back from people is they wanted to see more simplified rate structure more in line with what other courses do,” Hood, a veteran of the B.C. golf industry, said in an interview.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Hadwin T4 at Riviera; Langley’s Chaewon Baek earns 1st collegiate win; Du Toit top-10s in Asian Tour debut; Macdonald earns spot in PGA TOUR’s Mexico Open; Vancouver GC to play host to U.S. Women’s Open qualifier

    Adam Hadwin Had A Solid Showing At Riviera CC - Image Credit Bryan Outram/BC Golf

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Another week, another British Columbian contends on the PGA TOUR. This time it was Adam Hadwin, who followed up fellow Abbotsford native Nick Taylor’s win at the WM Phoenix Open with a nice run of his own at the Genesis Invitational at storied Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

    Hadwin began his final round with three straight birdies en route to shooting 30 on Riviera’s front side. At one point, he was within two shots of the lead, but settled for a tie for fourth finish at 13-under par. That was four shots behind winner Hideki Matsuyama of Japan. Hadwin carded a six-under 65 on Sunday after firing a four-under 67 on Saturday.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Taylor rides hot putter to Phoenix Open playoff win; UBC, SFU golfers back on course; Du Toit to make Asian Tour debut at Malaysian Open

    BC's Nick Taylor Putted Brilliantly At The WM Phoenix Open - Image Credit Bryan Outram/BC Golf

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Nick Taylor did more than win the WM Phoenix Open in dramatic fashion by birdieing three of his final four holes and then adding two more in a sudden-death playoff with Charley Hoffman.

    Taylor served notice that he is right now Canada’s best male player and, quite frankly, a world-class talent who seems to have that ability to rise to the occasion and perform at his best in the big moments.

  • Red and White Reign Supreme: Canada's Nick Taylor and the Kansas City Chiefs Seize the Day

    It Was A Super Sunday For Nick Taylor And Patrick Mahomes Fans - Images Credit Shayain Gustavsp

    What a Sunday for the books! Our very own Canadian, Nick Taylor, waves the red and white high and proud, clinching the 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open in a heart-stopping playoff against Charley Hoffman. Taylor's putter was nothing short of magical, a testament to perseverance and precision under pressure.

    Parallel to our golfing triumph, the red and white Kansas City Chiefs staged a comeback reminiscent of a Hollywood script in the Super Bowl, turning a game of "butterfingers" into a victory dance in overtime against the 49ers. It's a red and white double-header that'll be etched in the annals of sports history.

  • Oh, Canada, Amidst the Cacti: A Day At The WM Phoenix Open

    It Was A Very Canadian Atomosphere On Day Two At The WM Phoenix Open - Image Credit Shayain Gustavsp

    Editor's Note:This week, BC's Golf contributor, Shayain Gustavsp ('Coach Shayain' to many of her students and social media followers), has flown south to take in the very unique spectacle that is the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. Shayain will be posting daily observations from the 'Greatest Show on Grass' offering a wide-eyed Canadian's perspective on both the golf and the party-like atomosphere that surrounds the TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course.

    By Shayain Gustavsp (Special To BC Golf)

    Stepping into the grounds of the WM Phoenix Open on a bustling Friday felt like a Canadian reunion in the heart of Arizona. With an estimated 115,000 attendees, it seemed as though a sea of Canadian accents and cheerful 'eh's filled the air, creating a familiar echo amidst the desert landscape.

    From New Brunswick to Vancouver, the Canadian spirit was unmistakable, proudly donned in attire that ranged from nostalgic Vancouver Grizzlies jackets to the vibrant hues of a bachelor party from North Vancouver.

  • From Tuques to Tee Times: A Canadian's Tale at the WM Phoenix Open

    Shayain Gustavsp Is In Scottdale To Experience The WM Phoenix Open -  Image Credit: Shayain Gustavsp

    Editor's Note:This week, BC's Golf contributor, Shayain Gustavsp ('Coach Shayain' to many of her students and social media followers), has flown south to take in the very unique spectacle that is the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. Shayain will be posting daily observations from the 'Greatest Show on Grass' offering a wide-eyed Canadian's perspective on both the golf and the party-like atomosphere that surrounds the TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course.

    By Shayain Gustavsp (Special To BC Golf)

    Heading to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, I was buzzing with the excitement of a snowbird fleeing the chill, ready to soak up Scottsdale's desert sun. Yet, Mother Nature had a twist in store, swapping my sunhat for a tuque as Vancouver's signature drizzle followed me to Arizona.

    Who knew the desert could feel like a brisk day by the Pacific? Thank goodness for my stash of Lululemon layers – a shoutout to my Canadian roots and a lifesaver for weather-whiplashed golf enthusiasts like me. Lesson learned: even in the land of cacti, layering is key!

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Du Toit earns Asian Tour card and now tries to sort out his schedule; Another strong showing in desert by Hadwin; Zhang fourth at Annika Invitational

    Jared du Toit Tees Off In 2022 RBC Canadian Open - Bernard Brault/Golf Canada Photo

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Jared du Toit has his Asian Tour card and now just has to sort out what that means.

    On the surface it looks like a terrific opportunity for the 28-year-old Kimberley product, who tied for 12th at the final stage of the Asian Tour qualifying school last week in Hua Hin, Thailand. “I think it’s a good opportunity,” du Toit said over the phone from Thailand.

    “I don’t really know how it is all going to shake out.”

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Desert debut for Sloan; Hadwin T14 in Maui; du Toit, Lane off to Thailand for Asian Tour Q-school finals; Dry December helps courses finish year strong

    Merritt, BC's Roger Sloan - Image Credit Bernard Brault/Golf Canada

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s a necessity for players like Roger Sloan who are joining the PGA TOUR via the Korn Ferry Tour or qualifying school.

    The addition of eight lucrative Signature events to this season’s schedule has created a two-tier tour of sorts. Those Signature tournaments, with $20-million purses and limited fields, are off limits to the rank and file members of the PGA TOUR, who now must play when they can.

    Sloan, who is rejoining the PGA TOUR after graduating from the Korn Ferry Tour this past summer, had hoped to begin his season at this week’s Sony Open in Hawaii.

    The Sony is not a Signature event, but follows one and the fact that several players who competed at last week’s season-opening Sentry tournament at Kapalua on Maui have made the short hop to Oahu to play in the Sony, means Sloan did not draw into the field.

  • Following A Career Year, Nick Taylor Has Some Major Goals Heading Into 2024

    Abbotsford, BC's Nick Taylor Became The First Canadian To Win Our National Men's Open In 69 Years - Image Credit Bernard Brault/Golf Canada

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    It would be understandable if Nick Taylor was a tad reluctant to turn the page on 2023, which was a career-defining year for the Abbotsford native.

    Who will ever forget that dramatic win at the RBC Canadian Open, sealed on the fourth hole of a sudden-death playoff at Oakdale Country Club by a putt from somewhere just north of Hamilton.

    And Taylor was anything but a one-tournament wonder in 2023. In February, he almost won the WM Phoenix Open, finishing second to Scottie Scheffler. He and Abbotsford buddy Adam Hadwin were a solo second at the two-man team event in New Orleans. Taylor had six top-10s, 15 top-25s, finished 25th on the FedEx Cup points list and earned just over $6.2 million.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Disappointing week at Q-school finals for Macdonald and du Toit; Hadwin-Cruz partnership enters second decade; Taylor a finalist for Canada’s athlete of the year; Goodfellow 3rd in Spain

    PGA TOUR Hopefuls Jared du Toit (L) & Stuart Macdonald Came Up Short At Q-School - File Photo

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    They each began their week with a double-bogey and that seemed to set the tone for British Columbians Jared du Toit and Stuart Macdonald at the final stage of the PGA/Korn Ferry Tour qualifying school.

    Both had headed to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., full of optimism after surviving the second stage of qualifying and dreaming about securing one of the PGA TOUR cards that were handed out to the top five and ties.

  • Adam Hadwin Pumped About Getting Pumped

    Adam Hadwin Has Been Hitting The Gym As He Prepares For The 2024 PGA TOUR Season - Golf Canada Photo/Bernard Brault

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    He won’t be mistaken for The Incredible Hulk, but Adam Hadwin has used the longest break of his professional golf career to try and add a little muscle.

    After a highly successful 2023 season that ended in early October with a runner-up finish at the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas, Hadwin could have rested on his laurels.

    And he’s certainly enjoyed plenty of down time with his wife Jessica and their soon to be four-year-old daughter Maddox. But Hadwin has also been hitting the gym harder than he ever has.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Hadwin uses lengthy break to bulk up; Big week for du Toit, Macdonald; Taylor and partner eighth at Grant Thornton Invitational; Former B.C. Women’s Amateur champion Maddie Szeryk re-earns LPGA Tour status

    Adam Hadwin Is Pumped About Getting Pumped - Golf Canada Photo/Bernard Brault

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    He won’t be mistaken for The Incredible Hulk, but Adam Hadwin has used the longest break of his professional golf career to try and add a little muscle.

    After a highly successful 2023 season that ended in early October with a runner-up finish at the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas, Hadwin could have rested on his laurels.

    And he’s certainly enjoyed plenty of down time with his wife Jessica and their soon to be four-year-old daughter Maddox. But Hadwin has also been hitting the gym harder than he ever has.

  • Defending Champion Nick Taylor And World No.2 Rory McIlroy Early Headliners For 2024 RBC Canadian Open

    Select tickets now available for 113th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship

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    Media Release via Golf Canada

    ________________________________________________________________________________________

    Oakville, Ont. – Golf Canada, in partnership with RBC is pleased to announce that select tickets are now available for the 2024 RBC Canadian Open taking place May 28 – June 2 at the historic Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont.

    Leading the charge for the 113th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship will be defending champion Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. along with two-time RBC Canadian Open champion and world no.2 Rory McIlroy.

    Taylor, a three-time PGA TOUR winner will become the first Canadian in nearly 70 years to compete as defending champion coming off a historic four-hole playoff victory over Tommy Fleetwood this past June at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto.

    Last week, Golf Canada and RBC also announced a revised brand identity for the 2024 RBC Canadian Open logo that pays tribute to Taylor’s iconic 72-foot putt that secured the first Canadian win at the RBC Canadian Open in 69 years.

    Click HERE to see complete story...

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Macdonald, du Toit move on to Q-school finals; Golf Canada’s new collegiate event won’t have much Canadian content; PNGA adds Montana as fifth member

    BC's Jared du Toit (L) And Stuart Macdonald (R) Are Off To Q-School Finals - Golf Canada Player Photos

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    It was one of the toughest weeks of their golfing lives, but Jared du Toit and Stu Macdonald both survived to play another day.

    Another week, actually, as both players have earned the right to play in the finals of the Korn Ferry/PGA TOUR qualifying school later this month. It did not come easy.

    “It was probably the hardest week for me in my career,” Vancouver native Macdonald said of surviving a second-stage qualifier in Valencia, Calif.

  • RBC Canadian Open Is Back With A Refreshed Brand Identity In Celebration Of Nick Taylor’s Historic Win

    MEDIA RELEASE

    (December 1, 2023) – In celebration of Nick Taylor’s historic victory in becoming the first Canadian to win Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship in 69 years, Golf Canada in partnership with title sponsor RBC, have reimagined the tournament logo for the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf & Country Club in celebrating one of the most iconic moments in Canadian sport.

    The updated brand identity depicts a silhouette of Taylor’s now legendary putter toss following his 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole at Oakdale Golf and Country Club to defeat Tommy Fleetwood and become the first Canadian in seven decades to win Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Macdonald, Ewart and du Toit prepare for Stage 2 of Q-school; Svensson ties for 5th at RSM Classic; PGA Tour Americas Q-school headed to Crown Isle; Shaughnessy stop named top tourney by LPGA Tour

    L-R: Stuart Macdonald, AJ Ewart & Jared du Toit - Macdonald/du Toit Courtesy Golf Canada

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    He won his most recent qualifying school by 10 shots, but that doesn’t mean Jared du Toit is looking forward to his next one.

    Q-school is not something you savour as a pro golfer. It’s all about survival, moving on to the next stage and finding a place to play. All that is on the line is your career. Try draining a five-foot putt for par with those kinds of thoughts racing through your head.

    “I don’t care who you are, if you are a PGA TOUR winner or you’re a guy coming out of college, whatever, Q-school is just hard,” du Toit, a Kimberley native, said over the phone from Arizona.

  • CPKC Women’s Open Held At Vancouver's Shaughnessy Named LPGA Tour’s Tournament Of The Year

    Shaughnessy G&CC Hosted The 2023 CPKC Women's Open - Image Credit Bryan Outram/BC Golf

    The CPKC Women’s Open has won the LPGA Tour’s highest tournament honour for the second consecutive year.

    The event, hosted Aug. 22-27 at Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, was named the back-to-back winner of tour’s tournament of the Year at the LPGA’s annual year-end tournament awards Wednesday night.

    “We really have a secret sauce,” tournament director Ryan Paul told The Canadian Press at the CME Group Tour Championship, the final event of the LPGA Tour season. “It’s really an incredible golf tournament. You’ve got the best players in the world a rope-line away from you, but outside the ropes there are so many great things that you can see and do.”

    Click HERE to see complete story...

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: Victoria stop leads Canadian swing of new PGA Tour Americas circuit; du Toit wins Asian Tour Q-school by 10; Several B.C. juniors commit to NCAA Division I schools; Former Rivershore, Tobiano GM Don Brett-Davies passes at age 60

    Uplands Golf Course In Victoria, BC - Image Courtesy Uplands GC

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Keith Dagg has been a key organizer of Victoria’s annual pro golf tourney for more than 40 years and he will tell you it hasn’t always been easy to secure enough corporate sponsorship to keep the tournament running.

    “I started this in 1981 and we’re still going,” Dagg says with a hint of pride in his voice. The tournament that has been a labour of love for Dagg will kick off the Canadian portion of the new PGA Tour Americas circuit early next summer.