• 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.

  • Victoria's Patrick Coolican Awarded Western Golf Association’s Chick Evans Scholarship

    British Columbia Caddie Patrick Coolican Earns Full University Scholarship - Patrick Coolican Image: Dittoe Public Relations/Victoria GC 18th hole image courtesy Victoria GC

    GLENVIEW, IL – A student from British Columbia, Canada, has been awarded the Evans Scholarship — a full housing and tuition university grant offered to golf caddies — following a selection meeting interview held in December.

    Patrick Coolican of Victoria will begin university this fall as an Evans Scholar, where he plans to study music. He will attend one of the Program’s 24 partner universities, with a decision on his awarded school to be finalized by March 15. The Evans Scholarship is valued at more than $125,000 over four years.

  • 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.

  • The ModGolf Podcast: Season 14 Wrap-Up / Season 15 Preview

    Season 14 of The ModGolf Podcast wrapped up with episode 12 and the Brad Schweigert from PXG interview. The ModGolf team is currently working on the next twelve episodes for Season 15, which launches in February.

    Colin Weston and his team heard some amazing stories from a diverse group of guests who discussed how inclusion, technology, entertainment, music, celebrity, hospitality and community building intersect to shape the future of golf.

  • 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!

  • BC Golf Supports Right To Be’s Bystander Intervention Training

    HOLLABACK! HAS CHANGED ITS NAME TO RIGHT TO BE.

    "We believe a world that respects our right to be isn’t some far-off destination. It’s something we’re building every day. This is your call to power, to build a world free of harassment. How do you want to get started?"

    Right To Be started out as…a conversation in 2005 among seven young people: Lauren Larken Scuderi, Kaja Trejak, Samuel Carter, Anna Weichselbraun, Colin Weatherby, Emily May, and Elan Abrell. As the women told story after story of their experiences of harassment, the men became increasingly concerned. Collectively, they resolved to make change.

    Their work focuses on turning the care we have for each other into simple, creative, effective action. They want to build a world that’s free of harassment and filled with humanity. Every day, Right To Be trains hundreds of people to respond to, intervene in, and heal from harassment.

    For more information on the training, click here.

    Click HERE to learn more about Right To Be and their training programs...

  • 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: Lauren Kim has Georgia on her mind after receiving Augusta invite; Taylor repeats tie for seventh performance in Hawaii; Sloan set for PGA Tour return in La Quinta

    Lauren Kim With Her Augusta National Women’s Amateur Invite - (X-Formerly Twitter pic) / Augusta 16th Redbud credit Ryan Schreiber

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Lauren Kim was just 13 years old when she watched the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur back in the spring of 2019.

    The Surrey native was just beginning a promising junior golf career back then and as she sat in front of her television and watched Jennifer Kupcho, now a LPGA Tour regular, win that event at Augusta National Golf Club, Kim allowed herself to dream about one day playing in the tournament.

    That dream got real last week when Kim, now a freshman at the University of Texas and the reigning Canadian Women’s Amateur champion, received her invitation to this year’s event.

  • The ModGolf Podcast: Applying A Tech Startup Mindset To Innovate Golf Club Design

    In this episode of The ModGolf Podcast, show creator and host, Colin Weston, speaks with Brad Schweigert, PXG Chief Product Officer.

    "Mike Nicolette - who at that time worked for me at Ping - met Bob Parsons by chance playing nine holes of golf on a Friday afternoon. They had a good time and traded numbers afterwards and Bob would then call Mike all the time asking questions about golf equipment. Fast forward two years later, Bob had divested from GoDaddy and had an idea that he wanted to do something to change the golf industry."

    - Brad Schweigert, PXG Chief Product Officer

  • 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.

  • Ziemer's B.C. Golf Notes: New PGA TOUR season begins in Maui for B.C. trio; Stinson, Moffat and McDonald win PGA of Canada national awards; Martina Yu heading to Duke; Hadwin cautious on ball rollback

    The 11th Green At Kapalua GC In Maui, Site Of The Sentry TOC - Image Credit Bryan Outram/BC Golf

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Five Canadians, including British Columbians Nick Taylor, Adam Hadwin and Adam Svensson, are in the field for The Sentry, this week’s season-opening PGA TOUR event at Kapalua on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

    A $20-million purse will be up for grabs for the 59-player field. There is no cut in the 72-hole tournament, which is one of the PGA TOUR’s ‘Signature’ events. Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes are the other Canadians in the field.

    The Sentry will not have its 2023 winner back to defend his title as Jon Rahm has defected to LIV Golf. That move benefitted Hughes, who moved up one spot on the FedEx Cup points list to No. 50 and qualified to play in all of the Signature events this year.

  • 25 Viral Golf Moments That Sent Social Media Wild In 2023

    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 

    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...

  • 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.

  • The ModGolf Podcast: Working Through Trauma To Emerge More Resilient, Grateful And Happy

    In this edition of the ModGolf Podcast, show host and creator, Colin Weston, has a fascinating conversation with LPGA Tour veteran pro, Christina Kim.

    "Everybody has trauma, so being able to work through that has been huge for my golf game. Funnily enough, I need to remember that I'm a person before I'm a golfer."

    - Christina Kim, LPGA Tour pro

    On the LPGA Tour Christina Kim is known for her bubbly, fun, positive personality. After more than a decade of professional golf that veneer cracked, leaving Christina exhausted, depressed and contemplating suicide. On this compelling episode Christina and host Colin Weston share stories of trauma, rejuvenation and a newfound joy in both life and golf.

  • 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.

  • British Columbia Golf Wishes Everyone A Happy Hanukkah!

    Image Attribution: Yair Aronshtam from Israel, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    Hanukkah (also spelled “Chanukah”) is an eight-day winter “festival of lights,” which begins each year on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

    Because the Hebrew calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the dates of Jewish holidays according to the Gregorian calendar change from year to year. For this reason, the beginning of Hanukkah can range from late November to late December.

    In short, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a group of Jewish warriors defeated the occupying Greek armies. The festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and of spirituality over materiality. 

    In 2023, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Thursday, December 7th and continues through Friday, December 15th. The first candle is lit on the Chanukiah (menorah) on the first night of Hanukkah.