By Christopher Powers/GolfDigest

The Masters can't get here soon enough, and it will always signal the beginning of golf season, specifically for those who live in cold-weather areas.

The sights and sounds at Augusta National kick off the year in a way that no other tournament can, and this year's edition of the Masters promises to be a special one. There are too many intriguing storylines to count, with Rory McIlroy's quest for the career Grand Slam leading the way following his Players Championship victory.

Of course, there's also Tiger Woods, who will be the main draw as long as he's still healthy enough to compete at Augusta National. Patrick Reed, whose game is beginning to trend in the right direction, is the defending champion.

To read the rest of Christopher Powers' column please click here. 

In Product Reviews by Rob Spellman

(January 29, 2021)

There is no doubt in my mind that COVD-19 has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the golf industry. Feel free to drop me a note if you disagree, and I will be happy to tell you why you’re wrong.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said when it comes to the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show. With social distancing, restrictions on travel, and plain ole common sense, it just wouldn’t be right to conduct the ordinary in-person people on top of people PGA Merchandise Show.

Enter the Virtual 2021 PGA Merchandise Show! Sherry Major and the team of professionals that work year long preparing for the most significant event in the industry did a stellar job making sure the show went on.

Click HERE to see complete article...

Courtesy Golf Canada

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA AND TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA – Due to logistical challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the PGA TOUR, title sponsor Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Golf Canada announced today that the 2021 RBC Canadian Open, scheduled for June 7-13 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Etobicoke, Ontario, has been cancelled.

“Even with an extensive health and safety plan in place, we faced a number of significant logistical challenges that led us to this decision,” said PGA TOUR President Tyler Dennis. “While we are disappointed to cancel Canada’s National Championship, we are thankful to our partners RBC and Golf Canada – along with our Canadian fans — for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout this process. We look forward to the RBC Canadian Open returning to our schedule next year.”

Adam Hadwin Is Tackled By A Security Guard Trying To Celebrate Pal Nick Taylor's RBC Canadian Open Victory - Photo Credit Bernard Brault/Golf Canada

BY BEN FLEMING / Golf Monthly

It's been a year unlike any other for golf, with the sport embroiled in legal battles, senate hearings, shock mergers and controversial changes – and that’s before even mentioning any of the on-course action.

While many fans have become sick and tired of the boardroom politics dominating the sport's airwaves, it hasn't all been doom and gloom. So, as the year draws to a close, let's take a look at some of the funniest, most viral and light-hearted moments that got people talking on social media this past year.

Click HERE for complete story...

North Pacific Junior Girls' Team British Columiba At This Year's CN Futue Links in Kamloops, From L-R: Shirin Anjarwalla, Esther Lee, Euna Han, Abigail Rigsby, Alisha Lau and Amanda Minni - Image Credit Paige Schappert

by Paige Schappert, Teams Coordinator, British Columbia Golf

British Columbia is proud to host the 2016 North Pacific Junior Ladies' Team Matches. This year marks the 30th anniversary of these team matches and will see squads from British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon and Washington competing Saturday, May 28th - Sunday, May 29th at Pitt Meadows Golf Club.

The event is patterned after the Curtis Cup Matches for amateur women (which stimulates friendly rivalry for women golfers from the United States, Great Britain and Ireland).

The Beautiful Bear Mountain Golf Resort Plays Host To The 2015 Pacific Northwest Men's Mid-Amateur - Image Credit Jeff Sutherland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2015 

Victoria, B.C. – The 31st Pacific Northwest Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will take place Sept. 1-3 at the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort in Victoria, B.C. The 54-hole stroke-play championship will be conducted by the Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA) and will be played on the resort’s Valley Course.

The Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) is hosting the 43rd-annual Junior America’s Cup July 26-30 at Pine Canyon Club in Flagstaff, Ariz.

The competition brings together an elite international field of 18 teams made up of the top four boys representing 12 Western States, Mexico and Canada (Click Here to see teams and rosters).

British Columbia Golf Is Well Represented At The 50th Pacific Coast Amateur Championship. From L-R: Jack Croucher (Past President), Chuck Gage (Past President), Stuart Macdonald (Team Member), Kevin Kwon (Team Member), Chris Crisologo (Team Member) And David Atkinson (Immediate Past President) - Image Courtesy PNGA

via press release

PACIFIC COAST GOLF ASSOCIATION (Seattle, Wash)- The 50th Pacific Coast Amateur Championship, hosted by the Washington State and Pacific Northwest golf associations, will take place at historic Seattle Golf Club from July 26-29, 2016.

Founded in 1900 with a 1996 redesign by Arnold Palmer, Seattle Golf Club has a history well deserving of hosting the Pacific Coast Amateur's 50th installment, including the 1952 U.S. Amateur, 1961 Walker Cup, 1981 U.S. Senior Amateur and three Pacific Coast Amateurs (1967, 1987, 1999).

A world-class roster of amateur competitors will be taking part in the 72-hole, four-day stroke play competition in the hopes of raising the Dr. Ed Updegraff Trophy as champion. Without a defending champion, following Aaron Wise's departure to the professional ranks, the trophy and accolades coupled with victory are up for grabs.

Chambers Bay, The Robert Trent Jones Jr. Layout, Will Host A Sensational Amateur Field Of 84-Players Competing To Raise The Dr. Ed Updegraff Trophy On The U.S. Open Tested Venue - Image Courtesy PNGA

For Immediate Release: Monday July 17 2017

PACIFIC COAST GOLF ASSOCIATION (University Place, Wash )- The 51st Pacific Coast Amateur Championship, hosted by the Washington State and Pacific Northwest golf associations, will take place at Chambers Bay from July 18-21, 2017. 

Opened in 2007, Chambers Bay has played host to a number of high-profile amateur and professional events in its short history, including the 2010 U.S. Amateur Championship and most recently, the 2015 U.S. Open Championship.

This is the first time Chambers Bay has hosted the Pacific Coast Amateur and the second year-in-a-row the prestigious event will be held in the state of Washington, having been contested last year at the Seattle Golf Club.

via press release

PENDLETON, Oregon — The 61st Pacific Northwest Junior Boys' Amateur Championship heads to Wildhorse Resort in Pendleton, Ore.

The championship, conducted by the Pacific Northwest Golf Association (PNGA), will be held August 10-14, hosting some of the most talented junior golfers in the Pacific Northwest.

Augusta National Image Courtesy Wikipedia

By Kevin Cunningham/golf.com

Every April — well, every April except this one — the top pro golfers, avid golf fans and hordes of media members make a mass migration to Augusta, Ga., and descend upon exclusive and private Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters. Thanks to this annual televised celebration of golf, diehard Masters fans may feel like they know the grounds and history of ANGC as well as their local muni.

But how much do you really know about Augusta National? The truth is, despite the fact that 83 Masters tournaments have been contested there, the hallowed grounds of the club are still shrouded in mystery — and history.

With everyone stuck at home this Masterless-Masters weekend, we compiled a selection of some truly strange and lesser-known stories about Augusta, so you can get a small peek at the club’s history beyond what it reveals every April. From hostage situations, to radical course redesigns, here are some of the most bizarre but true stories about Augusta National.

Click HEREfor complete story....

By JORDAN SCHWARTZ, USGA

When Nick Karnazes, then age 72, told his cardiologist about his plan to play 96 rounds of golf over 96 days across the 48 contiguous United States, he was warned that he might be coming home in a pine box.

“No one lives forever,” Karnazes, now 82, told his doctor at the time, fully aware that he was a candidate for heart surgery. “I have a daughter in heaven, so if something happened to me, I’d be with her. I had already mailed out letters to all the courses. I love golf. I’m going on the trip.”

Karnazes began doing some research and found that 18 people had played 48 rounds in 48 states, but no one had played two rounds in each state over 96 days. While others had circuited the country in small planes, Karnazes drove – mostly by himself – from one tee time to the next in an RV.

Dubbed “The Happy Golfer” by Callaway, the brand supplied him with clubs, balls, and apparel.

Click here for the full story.

Jordan Schwartz is the creative and content lead for the USGA Foundation. Email him at jschwartz@usga.org.

Adam Stanley/ Golf Canada

Golf continues to provide a record number of Canadians safe refuge during the COVID-19 global pandemic as a proven activity that benefits physical and mental health.

As we look ahead to 2022, there is comfort in knowing golf can continue to be a haven for safe gathering and fitness – for all.

And beyond just the ability to continue to play the game, the world of golf has given Canadians much to be excited about as we look ahead to a new year!

Courtesy Golf Canada

The idea for a new, unified system was conceived by the USGA and The R&A and developed following an extensive review of systems administered by six existing handicapping authorities, going into effect on January 1, 2020.

Disclaimer: The following guest blog is written by Colin Weston and wholly represents his thoughts and ideas and are not intended to be indicitive of British Columbia Golf's opinions or position on this subject. Weston is the host and creator of The ModGolf Podcast, where he speaks with entrepreneurs, innovators, disruptors, and influencers who are shaping the future of the golf industry. You can listen in at www.mod.golf -  ed.

By Colin Weston/ModGolf Podcast

Lots of listeners have asked me “why aren’t you talking more about LIV Golf since The ModGolf Podcast is about entrepreneurship and innovation in the golf industry?”

The main reason why I haven’t is that I’m playing the long game on this story. I believe coexistence is attainable as has been proven out in other pro sports leagues with alternative playing formats such as cricket and volleyball. The NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, English Premiership and La Liga understand the value of team brands and so does LIV.

Free Image Courtesy Pixnio

By Shawn Allen/Morningread.com

Parents naturally take pride in their child's accomplishments as a golfer, but experts say the goal should be to develop the skills needed to form a well-adjusted adult. And if the kid happens to become a good golfer along the way, then consider it to be a bonus

This has been anything but a typical year in golf. Not just on the PGA TOUR, which resumed play in early June and only recently held its first major championship. The junior-golf season has been turned inside out, as well.

Around the country, young golfers got a late start on their events and are preparing for the new school year amid the uncertainty of the global coronavirus pandemic. Golf is a safer sport to play than contact sports, but the question is begged, What is the goal of pushing juniors into competition so early? The answer reveals a pernicious side to the junior game.

See full story here...

The Inter-Club Matches Between Seattle GC And Victoria GC Have Been Taking Place For Over A Century - Images Courtesy Facilities

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

It’s not so much about winning or losing, but playing the game, which is something members of Victoria Golf Club and Seattle Golf Club have been doing at one another’s course for more than a century.

This weekend, 40 male members from each club will gather in Victoria to continue a tradition that began way back in 1903. That’s how long the annual inter-club matches between the two golf clubs have been going on.

Abbotsford, BC's Adam Hadwin Watches Friend & Fellow Ledgeview Clubmate, Nick Taylor During The Famed Par 3 Contest Prior To The Masters. Hadwin Is Joined By His Daughter Maddox And Wife Jessica, While Taylor's Young Son Charlie Tends The Flag As Mom Andie Also Looks On - All Images Credit Shayain Gustavsp

By Shayain Gustavsp

As the Augusta National Golf Club buzzed with anticipation during the iconic Par Three Contest, the presence of Canadian golfers Mike Weir, Nick Taylor, Adam Hadwin, and Corey Conners added an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings. But what truly stole the show was the heartwarming sight of these talented athletes sharing the moment with their families, as they brought their children and spouses along for a memorable day on the course.

Kevin Stinson Tees Off During A VGT Event - Image Courtesy Vancouver Golf Tour

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

Kevin Stinson has collected something much more valuable than a bunch of frequent-flier points the past three weeks. He has stored away some precious golfing memories that will last a lifetime. 

It has been a September to remember for Stinson, a Mission resident who plays and teaches out of Cheam Mountain Golf Course in Chilliwack. He’ll never forget the camaraderie he had with his three teammates at the inaugural Four Nations Cup in South Africa and the immense pride he felt when they won the competition for Canada. 

“Probably one of the coolest golf experiences I have ever had,” Stinson said in an interview.