OAKVILLE, Ont. – Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced a new multi-year integrated partnership with Golf Canada as the official hotel partner for the National Sport Federation and its members.

Hilton is proud to support Canada’s legendary National Open Golf Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open. As a result of the partnership, Hilton is now also the official hotel partner for Golf Canada’s National Team Program, Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and the World Junior Girls Championship.

As part of the partnership, Golf Canada members receive access to an array of travel benefits through Hilton including exclusive discounts and special offers.

“We are thrilled to partner with Golf Canada and their world-class golf programs, national team and championships,” said Andrew Flack, vice president, regional marketing & eCommerce Americas, Hilton. “Canada offers golf enthusiasts some of the most pristine courses in the world and we look forward to welcoming golfers from all over the destination with our signature Hilton hospitality.”

“Hilton is deeply engaged, and we are pleased to integrate their commitment to Canadian golf across so many pillars of our organization,” said Laurence Applebaum, CEO of Golf Canada. “Hilton represents the highest quality in hospitality with premium offerings for both serious and recreational golfers. Our robust partnership has a touchpoint with so many levels of Canadian golf and its exciting for our members across Canada to begin accessing a meaningful suite of travel and lifestyle benefits.”

To plan a Canadian getaway, guests can click here.

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J., and ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (Nov. 4, 2019) – The World Handicap System (WHS) is ready to be launched in January 2020 and will provide golfers with a unified and more inclusive handicapping system for the first time.

Though many countries are planning to adopt the new system in January, the system will go live in other parts of the world throughout the year to accommodate different implementation plans and variations in the golf calendar.

Developed by the USGA and The R&A in close coordination with existing handicapping authorities, the WHS will provide all golfers with a consistent measure of playing ability, with handicaps calculated in the same way wherever they are in the world.

A key objective of the initiative was to develop a modern system, enabling as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index. Golfers will be able to transport their Handicap Index globally and compete or play a casual round with players from other regions on a fair basis. It will also indicate the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving the next time they go out to play.

The table lists the estimated implementation timeframes for a selection of countries:

The WHS has two main components – the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System. The Rules of Handicapping are encompassed within seven Rules to inform administrators and golfers on how an official Handicap Index is calculated and administered, with some flexibility given to national associations based on how the sport is played and enjoyed in their region. The Course Rating System, based on the USGA Course Rating System first adopted nearly 50 years ago and already adopted on nearly every continent, sets out a consistent method of determining a course’s difficulty. Together, these components become the foundational elements in determining a golfer’s Handicap Index.

“When the golf community works together, everyone benefits,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA.  “We have seen the benefit that handicapping has provided for decades, providing greater enjoyment for all who play. To have a single set of Rules of Handicapping for the game will connect golfers from country to country, and we are excited to bring the best of all worlds together through this initiative.

“It is one of the many ways we are investing in golf’s future, to strengthen and foster growth of the entire game for years to come.”

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “The game of golf is transforming to meet the needs of the modern-day golfer; modernizing the Rules this year was an important step forward in that regard and the World Handicap System will be another.

“Our hope is that the launch of the WHS will be a catalyst for change; signalling the start of a new era of golfer engagement, being inclusive by embracing all golfers, whatever their level of ability, and broadening its appeal to a much wider audience.”

“Change also means opportunity and, managed appropriately, this can only be good for the game. It does mean there will be a period of adjustment, as we saw with the new Rules, but once it beds in golfers and golf clubs will benefit in many ways from the new system.”

In preparation for the launch of the WHS, more than 3,000 golf courses have been rated for the first time and an extensive education program has been delivered. By the end of 2019, more than 90 National Associations will have attended an educational seminar and a robust library of resources is hosted on WHS.com to support regional education.

Rules of Handicapping books are being produced and will be translated and delivered through national associations.

In addition, the USGA and The R&A have developed a series of golfer-focused materials, including videos, infographics and posters, which can be used by national associations and shared with golf clubs for the benefit of golfers.

This includes a promotional video which can be seen here featuring Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player and voices of recreational golfers from around the world to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a handicap.

The materials explain the system’s key features, including:

• Flexibility in formats of play, allowing both competitive and recreational rounds to count for handicap purposes and ensuring that a Handicap Index reflects demonstrated ability
• A minimal number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap; with the number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap being 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds (with some discretion available for national or regional associations)
• An average-based calculation of a handicap, taken from the best eight out of the last 20 scores and factoring in memory of demonstrated ability for better responsiveness/control
• A calculation that considers the impact that abnormal course and weather conditions might have on a player’s performance each day
• Timely handicap revisions
• A limit of Net Double Bogey on the maximum hole score (for handicapping purposes only)
• A maximum handicap limit of 54.0, regardless of gender, to encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game
• The formation of a World Handicap System was first conceived in 2011 between the USGA and The R&A in an effort to engage more golfers in the game and promote equity, no matter where golf is played. The effort unites six existing handicapping systems into one, while embracing the many ways the game is played across cultures.

Beginning in 2020, the new WHS will be governed by the USGA and The R&A and administered by national and regional golf associations around the world.

The existing six handicapping authorities, Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the USGA, represent approximately 15 million golfers in 80 countries who currently maintain a golf handicap.

As an extension of their support of the Rules of Golf worldwide, Rolex has made a commitment to support the USGA’s and The R&A’s efforts to implement the World Handicap System.

Whether you’re a club member, an avid public player or a new enthusiast to the game, spending on the sport of golf drives massive benefit to communities across Canada.

The impact of golf on the Canadian economy is enormous—an economic impact in excess of $14B is only part of the story. Golf courses and the industry at large account for hundreds of thousands of jobs. Canadians and international visitors plan golf vacations to communities that market themselves as golf destinations and resorts offer golf packages that result in millions of tourism dollars. Tens of thousands of charitable causes use golf as the platform to general $500M annually for worthwhile causes. The golf industry—including more than 5M golfers, nearly 2,300 facilities and local retailers plus countless superintendents, PGA of Canada professionals and industry stakeholders—play a vital role in the continued growth and health of the sport.

Understanding the full scope of Canadian golf including the economic, employment, environmental, tourism and charitable impact of the game in communities from coast to coast is critical. Evaluating that impact is why We Are Golf, a coalition of Canadian golf associations, are inviting Canadians to participate in the latest iteration of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

The survey, which takes approximately 12-15 minutes to complete, will generate incredible insights, spending trends and meaningful data towards understanding the current impact of golf in Canada.

As part of the survey, We Are Golf wants to know how much you have or expect to spend on golf and golf related activities or purchases. From green fees and equipment to trips or other golf related spending, the confidential information and insights you share will help estimate the economic impact of golf in your community.

The Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study will be carried out by Group ATN Consulting and your privacy as well as any personal or proprietary information shared will be protected in strict confidence. Results of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study will be reported in early 2020 and the information gathered will only be used to report aggregate results both at the national and provincial level.

We Are Golf includes Golf Canada, the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada, the PGA of Canada, the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association and the Canadian Society of Club Manager. The results of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study will be shared across the Canadian golf community and used to advocate the benefits of our sport.

Thank you for your participation in the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study.

Round 2 Parings & Tee Times.

The 2019 Atlantic Golf Championships got underway today at the Humber Valley Resort in Western, NFLD. Competitors from across Atlantic Canada enjoyed a beautiful day at the Doug Carrick designed course, ranked 8th in Canada by ScoreGolf in 2019.

Originally contested in 2014, this years’ championship marked the sixth year of the Atlantic Golf Championships where teams from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador compete for both the “Atlantic Cup” as well as eight (8) exemptions into 2020 National Championships in their respective divisions. Exemptions include men’s and women’s Canadian Amateur, Mid-Master, Senior and Super Senior.

After the first round, New Brunswick leads the team competition with a cumulative team total of 19 points. In second place in the team competition is Newfoundland & Labrador with a total of 17 points. Prince Edward Island is currently in third place with 14 points and Nova Scotia is in fourth position with 8 points.

Bathurst, NB native, Molly MacDermaid and Kathleen Jean from Stephenville, NFLD are tied for the lead in the women’s amateur competition after recording rounds of 89. Sitting one stroke behind the leaders is Taylor Cormier from Blomidon Golf & Country Club in Corner Brook, NFLD.

Alex Palmer from The Riverside Country Club in Rothesay, NB had the round of the day after carding a six under par 66 during today’s first round. The 32 year old carded 2 eagles, 4-birdies and 2-bogeys to tie the competitive course record at the Humber Valley Resort. Sitting in second place in the amateur men’s competition is Michael Furlong, the 2019 Atlantic Champion (NFLD). The Bally Haly Country Club member fired a two-over par 74.

Cameron King from Georgetown, PE carded a four-over par 76 today and has a two stroke lead in the men’s mid master division over Stu Musgrave from Moncton, NB and a member of Country Meadows Golf Club. Musgrave carded 6 over par 78.

Melissa Castle from the Belvedere Golf Club in Charlottetown is leading the women’s mid-master competition after carding a first round total of 83. There is a two-way tie for second place between Erin Musgrave from the Country Meadows Golf Club in Moncton, NB and Anderson Creek member Myrna Millar from Ellerslie, PE who each carded first round 87’s.

Eddie Bearns from Paradise, NL and member of Bally Half Country Club is leading the senior division with two-over par 74. Garry Jenkins from the Fredericton Golf Club is one stroke behind Bearns.

Mary Walton-Rossingnol from the Fredericton Golf Club is leading the senior women’s division with a first round total of 83. One stroke behind in second place is Paula Napke-Flanagan from the Miramichi Golf & Country Club.

Sharon Case also from the Miramichi Golf & Country Club is leading the women’s super-senior division with a first round total of 88.

Blomidon member Wayne Ford from Corner Brook, NL is leading the men’s super senior division with a first round total of 74.

For more information on the Atlantic Golf Championship please click HERE

For more information on the Provincial Golf Association please click below:

Golf Newfoundland & Labrador

Prince Edward Golf Association

Golf New Brunswick

Nova Scotia Golf Association

About Humber Valley Resort

The beautiful Humber Valley Resort is located in Western Newfoundland. Ranked the 8th in Canada by ScoreGolf Magazine, the Resort features an 18-Hole Championship Golf Course, Wellness Spa, Luxury Vacation Condominiums and Luxury Chalets all in the heart of Humber Valley. The Eagles Perch Clubhouse sits 400 feet above the Humber River offering a panoramic view of Deer Lake and The Appalachian Mountains. This spectacular setting is a premier facility for weddings, golf tournaments, conventions, business meetings and social events.

The 2019 Atlantic Golf Championship will return to Newfoundland and Labrador, as Humber Valley Resort in gets set to host the 6th Annual Atlantic Golf Championship on September 14 & 15, 2019.

The Atlantic Golf Championship, which brings together the region’s best amateur golfers, will come to the Humber Valley Resort for the first time next week. This best in class championship is host to top golfers from across Atlantic Canada. Amateur, Mid-Master and Senior golfers will compete over 36 holes for both individual and team titles.

The four Atlantic Golf Associations will conduct qualifying tournaments to select 20 players from their respective provinces’ to compete at Glen Arbour in September.

The Atlantic Golf Championship will see male and female golfers in amateur (under 40) Mid-Master (male 40-54 & female 40-49), Senior (male 55+ and female 50+) and Super-Senior divisions for one male (over 65) and one female (over 60) competing for both provincial teams and individual titles.

Similar to the format used at national tournaments the Championship will include two rounds that will determine champions in the team competition and individual competition. Through an agreement with Golf Canada the winners of each division will receive an exemption into respective national championships for the following year.

About the Humber Valley Resort

Humber Valley Resort is located in Western Newfoundland, just 20 minutes from the Deer Lake Airport. The Resort features an 18-Hole Championship Golf Course, Wellness Spa, Luxury Vacation Condominiums and Luxury Chalets all in the heart of Humber Valley. The Eagles Perch Clubhouse sits 400 feet above the Humber River offering a panoramic view of Deer Lake and The Appalachian Mountains. This spectacular setting is a premier facility for weddings, golf tournaments, conventions, business meetings and social events

For more information on Humber Valley Resort please Click Here

For more information on Golf Newfoundland Labrador please Click Here

For more information on the Prince Edward Island Golf Association please Click Here

For more information on the Nova Scotia Golf Association please Click Here

For more information on Golf New Brunswick please Click Here

Curtis Hall of the Belvedere Golf Club is the 2019 Cooke Insurance PEI Amateur Champion.  He shot rounds of 68, 72 & 75 at Eagles Glenn of Cavendish to win by 5 shots over Tyler Hashmi, also of Belvedere.

In the Women’s Division Fiona Thompson of Countryview shot rounds of 76, 77 & 81 to win by 6 shots over Sherry White of Belvedere.

Full results can be found HERE

Women’s Amateur Winner – Fiona Thompson

Division Winners

Men’s Mid Amateur Champion
Tim Yorke

Women’s Senior Champion
Sherry White

Men’s Senior Champion
Ernie Corrigan

Men’s Super Senior Champion
Gary Melanson

Junior Boys Champion
Cam White

Junior Girls Champion
Jacquelyn Taylor

Hole on One!

Congrats to Junior competitor Grace Yeo who flew one directly into the cup on the 6th hole during round #2

Adam Constable of Glen Afton Golf Club won the 2nd annual Countryview Open with a two day total of 139 (68-71).  Constable held off Connor Shea of Green Gables by a shot and Mackenzie Clow (Mill River), Tyler Hashmi (Belvedere) and  Stephen Anderson (Green Gables) by two shots (141 total).

In the Women’s Division, Melissa Castle of Belvedere won with a two day total of 162 (85-77).  She finished one shot ahead of Sherry White of Belvedere and Fionna Thompson of Countryview.

The 6229 yard Countryview layout was in great shape for the event and the tournament had another great turnout with 76 registered player.

Full results can be found HERE

2019 Player of The Year Points can be found HERE

2019 Division Points can be found HERE

The first event of the 2019 PEI Amateur Tour finished up over the weekend with Curtis Hall (Belvedere) & Jason Poley (Belvedere) winning the Avondale Open Four Ball with a two day total of 136 (66 – 72).  They finished four shots ahead of the second place team of Jeremy Brown (Avondale) & Saul Lanigan (Avondale) who shot team rounds of 66 – 74.

Saturday’s conditions were fantastic with sunshine and warm temperatures but Sundays round was almost the opposite of that.  Cool temperatures, rain and high winds made for difficult playing conditions through the tree lined Avondale layout.

Women’s Division

In the Women’s division the team of Melissa Castle (Belvedere) and Cassandra Paynter (Fox Meadow) won their division with a two day total of 147 (72 – 75 ), 11 shots ahead of the second place team of Sherry White (Belvdere) & Brenda McIlwaine (Belvedere).

1st Division

PEI Junior Development Team members (and cousins) Caleb Drake (Avondale) and Isaac Drake (Avondale) won the 1st Division with a two day total of 149 (73 – 76), six shots ahead of Brandon Power & Tyler Collette (76 – 79).

2nd Division

In the 2nd Division the team of Greg Bryant & Bobby Savidant won with a two day total of 151 (72 – 79) over 2nd place finishers Leonard Doyle & Brian Duffey (77 – 77).

Full Results can be found HERE

Prince Edward Island Golf Association Junior Development Team member, Sam McNeill, has officially signed with the Glenville State Pioneers  to play NCAA Division II golf in the fall of 2019.

McNeill has signed with The Glenville State Pioneers who represent Glenville State College, located in Glenville, West Virginia, in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports. The Pioneers compete as members of the Mountain East Conference for all 12 varsity sports.

They are 12 time WVIAC Champions and the program has a roll call of outstanding players and Hall of Famers plus 12 league titles and 10 runner-up finishes.

McNeill started playing at the Summerside Golf Club (now called Oceanview Resort) in the award winning junior program run by Dallas Desjardins.  His competitive career got started by playing the PEI Junior Golf Tour for several years and has been part of the PEI Golf Associations Junior Development Team for the last four years that travels both regionally and nationally.

McNeil joins Tyler Hashmi in the US on NCAA Division II scholarships.  Hashmi just finished up his 1st season with Lenoir Rhyne University in North Carolina.

The PEI Junior Development Team gets their 2019 season started May 18th with the CJGA Spring Classic at Eagles Glenn.

Click HERE for a full story in the Journal Pioneer.

McNeil (pictured on the left)  won the 2018 PEI Junior Championship with rounds of 70 & 76.