• Taylor Puts Family First As He Plots Return To PGA TOUR

    Abbotsford, BC's Nick Taylor Poses With His Wife Andie, Young Son Charlie, And The Pebble Beach Pro-Am Winner's Trophy From Earlier This Year - Image Courtesy @ntaylorgolf59/Twitter

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    Nick Taylor has a plan for his return to the PGA TOUR and it has everything to do with his family. 

    Taylor is not in the field for this week’s Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Tex., as the PGA TOUR resumes play after a three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Abbotsford native won’t be playing the following two weeks, either, at the RBC Heritage and Travelers Championship.

    Taylor instead plans to return for the first of two events at Muirfield Village in Columbus, Ohio in early July. Then he plans to play every week through, hopefully, the Tour Championship on Labour Day weekend in early September.

  • Kimberley’s Jared du Toit Intrigued By PGA TOUR’s Proposal For Late Summer Make-Up Events

    Jared du Toit Of Kimberley BC Is Intrigued By The PGA TOUR's Hint At Having Some 'Make-up' Events For Players Who Have Been Affected By The Shutdown. James Allenby Of Langley And Riley Wheeldon Of Comox Are Also Interested - Image Credit Bryan Outram/BC Golf

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    This year was supposed to be a golfing adventure of sorts for Jared du Toit, the former B.C. Junior Boys champion who has exempt status on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica circuit.

    But instead of visiting and playing in exotic locales like Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic, du Toit has been playing all of his golf in the East Kootenays near his Kimberley home. He returned home from his winter base in Arizona in late March and has tried to keep his game in shape, which wasn’t easy at first with snow still on the ground.

  • Mackenzie Tour Cancellation Puts Dreams Of Allenby And Wheeldon On Hold For Another Year

    Riley Wheeldon (Top Left) And James Allenby (RIght) Will Have To Wait Another Year To Get Back Out On The Mackenzie Tour - Images Credit BC Golf/Golf Canada (Chuck Russell)

    By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

    James Allenby and Riley Wheeldon were not surprised by the official word that the 2020 Mackenzie Tour - PGA Tour Canada season was being cancelled. Just profoundly disappointed.

    Their professional golf dreams are on hold for another year. Langley’s Allenby and Comox native Wheeldon both had exempt status for this year’s Mackenzie Tour, which was officially cancelled on Friday.

  • Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada Cancels 2020 Season

    The Full-Operational Focus For The Mackenzie Tour - PGA TOUR Canada Points Toward A 2021 Restart - Image Courtesy Mackenzie Tour/Golf Canada

    TORONTO, ONTARIO – Due to border restrictions, mandatory quarantines for those entering Canada and gathering restrictions in all provinces because of COVID-19, the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada announced Friday that it is canceling its 2020 season.

    “With growing uncertainty surrounding the border and the 14-day quarantine regulations, among other factors, we’ve weighed all of our options and concluded that it is not feasible to play this summer,” said Mackenzie Tour Executive Director Scott Pritchard.

  • Mike Weir Ready To Take On Champions Tour As 50th Birthday Approaches

    Image courtesy Jim Epler/Flickr

    Courtesy Golf Canada (Written by John Chidley-Hill/ Canadian Press)

    As far as Mike Weir is concerned, 50 is the new 20.

    The Canadian golfing legend will reach his half-century mark on Tuesday and qualify to join the PGA Tour Champions, the senior circuit for professional men’s golf. Although the date of the next tournament is still up in the air thanks to restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Weir is ready for a new beginning in his career.

    “The interesting thing about professional golf is that you look forward to your 50th birthday instead of dreading it,” said Weir. “I’ve been looking forward to this for quite a while.”

  • 2020 RBC Canadian Open Cancelled Due To Covid-19 Pandemic

    Image - Bernard Brault/Golf Canada

    MEDIA RELEASE

     – Golf Canada and RBC will now pivot all efforts towards planning for a celebrated return of the RBC Canadian Open in 2021 – 

    TORONTO – With continued public health concerns as well as international travel and government restrictions due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the PGA TOUR, in consultation with Golf Canada and RBC, has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 RBC Canadian Open.

    The event was scheduled for June 8-14 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club with Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. The cancellation of the 2020 RBC Canadian Open also includes the RBCxMusic Concert Series which was scheduled to take place June 12-13 at Richview Collegiate Institute, featuring headline performances by The Chainsmokers and Keith Urban.

    “The RBC Canadian Open has always been a rallying point for Canadian golf and while we share in the crushing disappointment with our fans, players, volunteers and many event partners, our primary responsibility is the safety of our people and our communities,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum.

    “It is now our full intention to push forward together with RBC, the PGA TOUR, the City of Toronto and our host clubs with the goal to bring the 2021 RBC Canadian Open to St. George’s Golf and Country Club with Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility.”

  • PGA TOUR Announces Schedule For Remainder Of 2019-20 Season, Fall Portion of 2020-21 PGA TOUR

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Korn Ferry Tour aims to restart in mid-June;

    Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada postpones first six events of its season

    April 16, 2020 – With additional time needed to ensure PGA TOUR tournaments are staged in the most safe and responsible manner possible given the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the PGA TOUR is announcing further schedule modifications for the remainder of the 2019-20 season, as well as plans for the opening portion of the 2020-21 PGA TOUR Regular Season, the restart of the 2020 Korn Ferry Tour season and updates regarding the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada schedule.

    The PGA TOUR had previously targeted the week of the Charles Schwab Challenge (May 18-24) as the restart of the TOUR season, which has been suspended since THE PLAYERS Championship was canceled on Thursday, March 12. For health and safety reasons due to COVID-19, today’s announcement delays that timeline three weeks – to June 8, starting with the Charles Schwab Challenge – with additional tournaments being repositioned between then and the season’s conclusion, which is the TOUR Championship, ending on Labor Day (September 7).

    At this time, the TOUR plans to resume play with the first four events closed to the general public but will continue to monitor the situation and follow the recommendations of local and state authorities in order to determine the most appropriate on-site access in each market. As such, the TOUR will continually review available COVID-19-related protocols that could be implemented at PGA TOUR events to ensure the health and well-being for all involved.

  • Video: THE MASTERS: Greatest Shots and Moments, 'Dear Masters'

    Courtesy Golf Focus and YouTube

    Over the years, The Masters has become a tradition unlike any other, taking place every April. This year however, it has been postponed to November. In lieu of an April 2020 Masters, we present this video of some of the greatest shots and moments from The Masters over the years.

    The Masters was started by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, and was first played at Augusta National (designed by Jones and Alister MacKenzie) in 1934. In 1949, the tournament began giving out a Green Jacket to the champion.

    Enjoy.

  • 7 Bizarre But True Stories About Augusta National Golf Club, Home Of The Masters

    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....

  • Statement From The R&A On The Covid-19 Pandemic

    We are closely monitoring the constantly-moving situation in the COVID-19 pandemic and carefully following the advice issued to us by the UK Government, relevant health authorities and our medical consultants. 

    We have decided to cancel two of our international amateur events – The R&A Student Tour Series Final at St Andrews and Carnoustie and The R&A Girls’ U16 Amateur Championship at Fulford, which were both due to take place next month. We have contacted all those involved. We will keep the status of the rest of the amateur championship season under review.

  • PGA TOUR STATEMENT Regarding Additional Tournament Cancellations

    March 17, 2020 – 5:30 p.m. ET

    The health and safety of everyone associated with the PGA TOUR and the global community is and will continue to be our No. 1 priority as we navigate the ongoing health crisis related to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

    On March 12, the PGA TOUR made the announcement to cancel or postpone four weeks of events on all six Tours through the week of the Valero Texas Open (March 30-April 5). Augusta National Golf Club also announced the postponement of the Masters Tournament (April 6-12).

    With the most recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and the Office of the President of the United States, the PGA TOUR will now cancel four additional events: RBC Heritage (April 13-19); Zurich Classic of New Orleans (April 20-26); Wells Fargo Championship (April 27-May 3); and AT&T Byron Nelson (May 4-10).

  • PGA TOUR statement regarding cancellation of THE PLAYERS Championship and upcoming PGA TOUR events

    It is with regret that we are announcing the cancellation of THE PLAYERS Championship.

    We have also decided to cancel all PGA TOUR events – across all of our Tours – in the coming weeks, through the Valero Texas Open.

    We have pledged from the start to be responsible, thoughtful and transparent with our decision process. We did everything possible to create a safe environment for our players in order to continue the event throughout the weekend, and we were endeavoring to give our fans a much-needed respite from the current climate. But at this point – and as the situation continues to rapidly change – the right thing to do for our players and our fans is to pause.

    We will be prepared to answer additional questions on Friday at 8 a.m.

  • PGA TOUR Statement By Commissioner Jay Monahan On THE PLAYERS And Upcoming Events As It Pertains To The Coronavirus

    PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan Has Made A Statement Regarding Play On The PGA TOUR And The Coronavirus Issue Going Forward - Image By Screen Capture

    Let me preface my remarks by reinforcing that the health and safety of our players, employees, partners, volunteers, fans and everybody associated with the PGA TOUR is our top priority.

    I’ve spoken to President Trump this morning, and I spoke to Governor Ron DeSantis a few hours ago as well.

    Our team is in constant communication with local health authorities in each market in which our tournaments are played, and we are tracking and monitoring the health information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization in addition to the travel advisories provided by the U.S. State Department.

    Both the White House and the Governor’s office have been and are supportive of the precautionary measures we have taken to this point.

  • PGA TOUR Statement Regarding Novel Coronavirus COVID-19, March 3, 2020

    The PGA TOUR has been closely monitoring all available information related to the continued spread of the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19.

    We conduct more than 175 tournaments across our six Tours, and the health and safety of our players, employees, fans, partners, volunteers and everyone associated with the PGA TOUR continues to be our No. 1 priority.

    After reviewing the relevant positions from the Centers of Disease Control and the World Health Organization, there are no planned schedule changes beyond what has already been decided with PGA TOUR Series-China (a delay to the start of the season).

    However, we are establishing additional protocols to promote the health and safety of all participants and fans at our tournaments, and we will regularly review our schedule in light of revised CDC and WHO reports and make any updates as necessary.

  • Video: Mickey Wright's Timeless Technique Tip For Hitting It Longer

    Mickey Wright At The Top Of Her Backswing - YouTube Image

    The golf world lost a legend recently with the passing of Mickey Wright, a 13-time major champion and winner of 82 LPGA Tour events. Wright passed away in Florida on Monday, February 17th at the the age of 85.

    Many, including the great Ben Hogan, have said that Mickey Wright may have had the best swing of any golfer - man or woman - the game has ever seen. Her powerful swing was especially impressive during the era she was so dominant.

    Here's a video from a televised match against Brigitte Varangot broadcast in 1964 that demonstrates a technique she used to develop the power in her wonderful golf swing. The tip is shared with us at the 3:36 mark of this video, in a chat with Gene Sarazen, a legendary player himself, immediately after Wright had hit a tee shot 310 yards. In 1964. With a persimmon wood. 

     

     

  • Canada’s Adam Hadwin Excited To Be A Father, Enjoying Return To PGA TOUR

    Adam Hadwin Is A New Dad And It's Helped Put Golf In Perspective For Him - Image Courtesy Inside Golf

    Courtesy Golf Canada

    To say it’s been a busy start to 2020 for Adam Hadwin is an understatement. Hadwin took a break from golf after his wife Jessica gave birth to their daughter Maddox on Jan. 8, insuring he could spend time with his young family before returning to the PGA TOUR. He was back in time for the Waste Management Open in Phoenix, near his Arizona residence, on Jan. 30.

    Hadwin then played in last week’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am in Southern California before joining the field for this week’s Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles. “This is only my third tournament back and we’re still trying to get used to being parents,” Hadwin said. “It’s still a bit chaotic at home. It’s definitely a change in our life, but it’s very exciting.”

    Fellow Canadian Nick Taylor joins Hadwin at the Genesis Invitational this week. They often played together as teenagers at Ledgeview Golf and Country Club in their hometown of Abbotsford, B.C., and remain friends on the PGA TOUR.

  • Nick Taylor Leads Phil Mickelson By One Heading Into Final Round At Pebble Beach

    Abbotsford's Nick Tayler, Seen Here Teeing Off In A Vancouver Golf Tour Event At His Home Course Ledgeview, Is Leading By One Going Into The Final Round Of The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - VGT Photo

    By Alfie Lau

    Nick Taylor has never played a round of golf with Phil Mickelson. On Sunday, at Pebble Beach, that will change, as Taylor tries to hold off the defending champion who is trying to add a sixth title at Pebble Beach.
    “I’m sure I won’t be the crowd favourite,” said Taylor. “I just have to keep my head down, do my thing and keep playing, because I’ve been playing well.”

    Taylor will be trying to win his second PGA TOUR event, with his lone victory at Sanderson Farms six years ago a distant memory. He’ll also be trying to go wire-to-wire, which won’t be easy, because chasing him is the Prince of Pebble Beach, an overwhelming fan favourite who shot a (-5) round of 67 to get to (-16) to pull within a stroke of Taylor, who shot a (-3) round of 69 at Spyglass Hill to get to (-17).

  • Nick Taylor Leads AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am After Opening Round 63

    Abbotsford, BC's Nick Taylor Carded An 8-under 63 To Take The First Round Lead In The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - File Image

    By Alfie Lau

    In a place where the pre-tournament storylines were all about Peyton and Eli Manning playing together and six possible NFL Hall of Fame quarterbacks playing (Eli, Peyton, Matt Ryan, Steve Young, Aaron Rodgers and Tony Romo), Abbotsford’s Nick Taylor went out, in relative anonymity on the Shore Course at Monterey Peninsula Country Club, to shoot a (-8) round of 63 on the par-71 track to take a two-shot lead after round 1 of the 2020 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

    Taylor started the day in a dream fashion, making eagle on the par-5 18th hole. His perfect day would continue with birdies at 15, 16, 1, 2 and then his final two holes, at 8 and 9. Taylor leads Patrick Cantlay and Chase Seiffert by two strokes. (Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill each have a par of 72, so while Cantlay (Spy) and Seiffert (Pebble) both shot 66, they are at (-6).

  • Phil Mickelson Dropping Bombs At AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

    Prior To The Start Of The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Phil Mickelson's Comments About The U.S. Open Caused Some Intrigue. Lefty Is Seen Here At The 2015 U.S. Open Held At Chambers Bay In WA. - Image Credit Bryan Outram/BC Golf

    By Alfie Lau

    This was supposed to begin with some notes on how 5 Canadian golfers are making a big impact at the 2020 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. From being paired with celebrity chefs to a famous entertainer to the editor-in-chief of one of golf’s most important publications, this was going to be a Canadian-centric article.

    And then Phil Mickelson walked into the media centre early Wednesday morning and dropped some bombs.

  • BC Children’s Hospital Foundation Named Official Charity Partner For 2020 CP Women’s Open

    BC Children's Hospital In Vancouver Has Been Chosen As The Primary Charity For The 2020 CP Women's Open - Image Courtesy Golf Canada 

    Courtesy Golf Canada

    Vancouver, January 31, 2020 – Canadian Pacific (CP) and Golf Canada announced today that BC Children’s Hospital Foundation has been chosen as the primary charity partner for the 2020 CP Women’s Open. Fundraising initiatives will occur leading up to the tournament and a month-long public match campaign starts February 1st, in recognition of Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Month.

    “The CP Women’s Open is an amazing opportunity to draw attention to the important work being done by doctors to mend the hearts of the future,” said Keith Creel, President and CEO of CP. “Partnering with BC Children’s Hospital Foundation again is a natural fit and progression from our first partnership in 2015. I look forward to seeing the lasting legacy this brings to the hospital, children and families who need it.”