Accomplished Executive, Administrator, Coach And high-performance golfer, Kevin Blue, Returns To Canada After Serving The Past Five Years As NCAA Division I Athletics Director At UC Davis - Image Courtesy Golf Canada

Via Press Release

(December 3, 2020) — Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Kevin Blue has joined the National Sport Federation as its new Chief Sport Officer.

A dynamic and accomplished executive, coach, and high-performance golfer, Blue joins the Executive Team of the National Sport Federation after serving nearly five years as Director of Athletics for the University of California, Davis, an NCAA Division I institute.

Written by Brent Long/ Courtesy Golf Canada

Canadians golfers are playing golf and adapting to new technology such as the Golf Canada App like never before.

In a year where record numbers of recreational rounds were registered with Golf Canada through June (1.2 million), July (1.6M), August (1.5M), September (1.5M) and October (618,500) embracing technology and new apps has become a way of life for most Canadians who have spent much of 2020 learning to deal with COVID-19 lockdowns, quarantines and social distancing measures.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the names of the 29 athletes, male and female, who have been selected to represent Team Canada as part of the 2021 National Amateur and Junior Squads.

Fifteen athletes will compete on Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad, consisting of eight players on the men’s squad and seven on the women’s squad.

The announcement marks a significant increase in roster size, adding six athletes to the previous year’s team. The roster expansion is due in large part to a restructuring of team resources in addition to increased funding support from the Golf Canada Foundation’s network of Trustee partners.

In Flanders Fields...

BY JOHN MCCRAE

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields. 

obituary courtesy Times Colonist

SANDERSON, James Richard "Jim" February 24, 1933 - November 5, 2020

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, James (Jim) Richard Sanderson. Jim passed away peacefully at age 87 on November 5, 2020, with his family close. He is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Margaret, son William (Deborah), grandchildren Timothy, Sophie and Trevor, and his niece Patty Bonacorsi (Chris and family of Chico, CA).

Jim was born in Holden, AB to Bertha (Dorin) and Alfred Sanderson. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering. In 1957 he married Helen Bramley-Moore and they moved to Stoney Creek, ON, as Jim had accepted a job in Hamilton with Proctor & Gamble where he worked for 33 years, holding various management positions. Jim's passion was golf, playing at Glendale Golf and Country Club and serving as Director and Rules Official with the Ontario Golf Association for 11 years.

In 1991 Jim and Helen retired and moved to Duncan B.C. where Jim was a member of the Cowichan Golf Club, volunteering in some capacity in every club activity. Jim was a "volunteer extraordinaire" with the British Columbia Golf Association, working as a tireless leader in golf for 16 years. Jim was an active and diligent Canadian Certified Rules Official for 25 years. Jim was honoured with the B.C. Golf Association's Distinguished Service Award in 2008, and also the Sport B.C. President's Award in recognition of dedication to sports in British Columbia.

Jim was a gentleman who had the respect of all players and volunteers alike. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave a tournament site. Throughout his long life, Jim and Helen enjoyed many road trips, cruises and 25 years of wintering in Hawaii. He was a faithful member of the United Church of Canada. Jim and Helen moved to Victoria in 2007, and he enjoyed the last year of his life at Berwick House.

At the age of 35 Jim suffered a severe heart attack. The family is grateful for all the amazing years of care from Jim's many cardiologists. We also wish to thank Dr. Caroline Stigant for the care she provided to Jim when he had kidney disease. A private celebration of life was held at McCall's.

Donations remembering Jim may be made to a charity of your choice or to First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Road, Victoria, B.C. V8T 1A8.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com.

Written by National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA)/Courtesy Golf Canada

The Canadian golf industry generated $18.2B in economic benefits across our nation in 2019, according to a recent economic analysis conducted by Group ATN Consulting Inc. on behalf of the National Allied Golf Associations (We Are Golf).

According to The Economic Impact of Golf in Canada (2019), the Canadian golf industry employs the equivalent of nearly 249,000 people through direct and spin-off effects and contributed to $10.6B in household income. The industry also contributed $4.5B in government tax revenue ($1.8B federal and $2.1B provincial) used to support a variety of programs for all Canadians.

By Golf Canada

The World Handicap System stipulates every player is responsible for returning all acceptable scores into one’s scoring record from rounds played on courses observing their active season, which is part of the golf season when courses have acceptable playing conditions.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of authorized provincial golf association to declare active and inactive periods, and it is the responsibility of the area club and golfers to observe these dates for posting purposes.

Each year, provincial associations analyze numerous factors to determine their active seasons. This ensures consistency of when scores would be posted by the majority of golfers to help keep Handicap Indexes accurate.

Courtesy Golf Canada

As the golf season begins to wind down across Canada, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the educational opportunities available to you as a Golf Canada member.

RULES OF HANDICAPPING
With the release of the World Handicapping System (WHS) in January, it is important to understand the changes and how it impacts you – the golfer!

For those that are interested in learning more about the World Handicapping System, we have created an online presentation that highlights the major changes to the Rules of Handicapping.

images courtesy Golf Canada/RBC Scramble

By John Gordon/Courtesy Golf Canada

My wife and I have played together in many events over the years but this summer we tried a new one: the RBC PGA Scramble presented by The Lincoln Motor Company. 

Now in its fifth year, the national series survived myriad challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, it experienced its most successful year to date.

“There was so much uncertainty at the start of the season,” says Adam LeBrun, managing director of championships and foundation for the PGA of Canada. “The pandemic affected everything and we were reacting to new developments every day it seemed. At one point early on, we thought we would be happy if we had 3,000 participants.”

As it turned out, my wife and I were two of about 11,000 participants who signed up to play in one of the team scramble’s 140 local qualifiers.

Recently two of British Columbia Golf's Performance Team coaches, Jennifer Greggain and Colin Lavers, were recognized by the PGA of BC for their outstanding contributions to the advancement, education and betterment of junior golf. 

by Golf Canada

PGA of Canada member Jennifer Greggain has been named coach of the National Junior Squads by Golf Canada.

Working alongside head coach Robert Ratcliffe, Jennifer Greggain will help guide mental performance, physiotherapy, biomechanics and nutrition for the Canada’s top athletes.

Coaching will be based at the national training centre at Bear Mountain in Victoria, B.C., featuring a centralized component from March through June which provides accommodation and education for athletes during their high school second semester.

bigsky_hole_5_chomlackphoto

Courtesy Golf Business News

BASEL, Switzerland — New members at golf clubs say stress relief has been an important reason to join during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Ahead of World Mental Health Day (October 10), a snapshot survey of 250 golfers in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom, indicated that more than half (55%) of those who had joined a club in the past six months cited ‘mental wellbeing’ as their primary reason for joining.

courtesy Golf Canada/PGGCC Board of Directors

Golf Canada is saddened to share the news that former President and Honorary Life Governor Findlay Young of Prince George, B.C. passed away suddenly on Friday, October 9, 2020 at the age of 92.

For many of our volunteers and past Presidents, Findlay was a great friend and mentor whose passion for golf and contributions to the game left a lasting impact on our organization and our sport.

image credit Brad Ziemer/BC Golf

Written by Leslie Dunning/Courtesy Golf Canada & CSCM

The Invictus Games, held in Toronto in September 2017, included a golf event hosted by St. George’s Golf Club where spectators were treated to outstanding performances by the athletes. Those of us fortunate enough to attend the event could not help but imagine the opportunities of engaging more people with disabilities in golf.

“This was the most memorable and inspirational event we have been a part of,” said Jason Clarke, CCM, who was general manager at St. George’s during the Games.

image courtesy Golf Canada/R&A 

Written by The R&A/Courtesy Golf Canada

An international research study backed by The R&A has found new evidence to suggest golf can provide significant health benefits to older participants in the form of improved muscle strength and balance.

Muscle strength and balance exercises form an important part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended guidelines to tackle physical inactivity in older people about which little was previously known for golf.

The Strength and Balance Study, carried out with two sample groups over two years by Professor Maria Stokes OBE at the University of Southampton and Dr George Salem at the University of Southern California (USC), has indicated that older golfers have and develop strength and balance benefits.

Ruby and Pals is a fun read where children, parents and grandparents can relate to different characters. This series is for children of all ages. Ruby and Pals has 25 Book titles with different concepts in each. Of course, golf lingo, golf rules and etiquette will be described and explained.

This book not only teaches the values of etiquette, manners, and sportsmanship, but also demonstrates conflict resolution and instills problem solving techniques that readers can use in their everyday life.

The creators/writers of this series believe that learning to be a good friend and competitor is just as important as learning the rules and options of golf.

Written by Adam Stanley/ Golf Canada

Golf is both thrilling and maddening, a way to have a singular escape or meet with friends, and a game for a lifetime that can be played by both the health-conscious and those who take it as an opportunity to raise a Steamwhistle and crush a hot dog.

But, when you’re looking for something even more for your next 18 holes, we’ve got you covered with an explainer of some fun games you could play with your group.

By 2021 Canada Games Host Society

The Canada Games Council and the 2021 Canada Games Host Society have decided to postpone the 2021 Canada Summer Games until the summer of 2022

September 16, 2020 (Niagara, ON) – The Canada Games Council (CGC) and the 2021 Canada Games Host Society, after consulting with the Niagara Region, the Province of Ontario and the Federal Government, have made the difficult decision to postpone next year’s Niagara 2021 Canada Summer Games.

The Games were originally scheduled to take place in August 2021 but, due to continued public health concerns relating to the coronavirus pandemic, they will be rescheduled to the summer of 2022.

ANY PLAYERS WHO HAVE COMMITTED TO ATTENDING THE BRITISH COLUMBIA GOLF CANADA SUMMER GAMES ID CAMPS, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LETTER FROM PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, DEBBIE PYNE, ADDRESSING THOSE CAMPS, WHICH ARE BEING SCHEDULED TO GO AHEAD ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH.

The Legends On The Niagara Was Slated Play Host To The Golf Competition In The 2021 Canada Summer Games, Now Postponed To 2022 - Image Courtesy Facility

BC Golf is inviting provincial athletes to apply to attend one of three Canada Summer Games ID Camps taking place across the Province of BC.

They will be held in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Interior on Sunday, September 27^th, 2020. A total of 12 athletes will be accepted into each camp. Selection will be done by a committee of three.

These camps are the first step in getting accepted to the Canada Summer Games Team BC squad.

PLEASE NOTE THE CANADA SUMMER GAMES HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY POSTPONED UNTIL 2022. BC GOLF IS STILL SCHEDULING THEIR SELECTION CAMPS - PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE LETTER FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA GOLF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, DEBBIE PYNE WITH REGARD TO HOW THE CAMPS WILL BE UTILIZED FOR SELECTION AND THE OPTIONS PLAYERS HAVE.