Jason Day crowned 2015 RBC Canadian Open champion
Caribou Charity Ride, presented by Fresh Air, Celebrates New Look and New Route Length 2015 RBC Canadian Open set to be the greenest yet
Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada Very Optimistic About The State Of The Game
Miura Golf Debuts the KM 008 Small Blade Putter
2015 RBC Canadian Open set to be the greenest yet This year’s RBC Canadian Open was set to be the greenest yet. RBC, Golf Canada and other partners and suppliers have come together to ensure that environmental best practices are again being implemented. The tournament took place from July 20 to 26, 2015 at the Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. “We are committed to reducing the environmental impacts of the RBC Canadian Open every year,” said Brent McLaughlin, tournament director for the RBC Canadian Open. “Glen Abbey is a great foundation for our environmental initiatives, we have a solid track record of environmental programming here and the golf course has been certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary since 2004.” Earlier this year, the 2014 RBC Canadian Open was recognized for its environmental initiatives and named as a winner of the Sustainability Challenge. For 2015, there are new initiatives that will help to divert more waste from landfill. Two zero-waste sorting stations will be introduced, operated by trained volunteers and overseen by Halton Region’s waste experts. With the 2016 RBC Canadian Open also taking place at Glen Abbey, this year will be a baseline to help set targets for next year. “RBC is excited to continue to work with Golf Canada and our partners to lead by example and improve our environmental impact year over year.” says Sandra Odendahl, director, Corporate Sustainability, RBC. “Winning this award further motivates all of us – tournament sponsors, organizers and partners – to
ensure that this year’s event is even greener.” Here are the 2015 RBC Canadian Open key environmental initiatives:
friendly alternative to conventional, polluting natural gas, and is sourced from the Rive-Nord green natural gas facility in Quebec, a unique, ground-breaking
located across the grounds. In 2013, (the last time the Canadian Open was held at Glen Abbey) more than 42,000 bottles were filled at the water stations.
methane-capture project. • GHG emissions associated with the use of diesel generators and event vehicles will be neutralized through the purchase and retirement of high quality carbon offsets. The carbon offsets will be acquired through RBC’s carbon emissions trading group in RBC Capital Markets.
Collapsible water bottles will be available for purchase at the tournament with proceeds benefiting the official charity partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada. • Concession service provider Bingeman’s is reducing waste by using compostable or recyclable food packaging and condiments will be served in bulk where possible. • Unused food will be donated to local food bank Food for Life.
Hosting a carbon-neutral event RBC and Golf Canada have taken responsibility for GHG emissions where possible through the following initiatives: • The event will be bullfrogpowered with 100 per cent green natural gas and green electricity. Across Canada, Bullfrog Power’s green electricity comes exclusively from a blend of wind and low-impact hydro power sourced from new Canadian renewable energy facilities.. Bullfrog’s green natural gas is a climate-
Reducing waste sent to landfill The event’s goal is to divert waste from landfill using the following initiatives:
• Two zero waste sorting stations located in high traffic concession areas will improve waste sorting at the point of disposal and increase waste diversion. • Visible and well-marked recycling and organics collection receptacles throughout the course will reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill. • For the fifth consecutive year, Event Water Solutions is providing free filtered water at four water stations
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• Food items not suitable for donation will be separated for composting. • Volunteers, including a large contingent from the Burloak Canoe Club, will ensure waste is properly sorted and that the golf course remains litter free.
August 2015
www.golfingnews.ca Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada Very Optimistic About The State Of The Game BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Golfing News The 2015 RBC Canadian Open was held at Glen Abbey and proved to be a great success. I sat down in the media centre with Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada to talk about the event, the state of the game in Canada and it’s future.
We also have a great partnership with PGA Tour Canada and have three of their player play in our event including JJ Spaun who won Staal Open. There are also the RBC Ambassadors which help our field so
associations yesterday. Rounds are up 27% this year over last year and rounds are up 14% over the three year running average. It has been driven by the west which had a strong early start. The east
“ In the high performance side we have great men and women coming up which drives participation. We are the number one sport in Canada with more participation than any other sport. We are a $14 billion industry and employ 350,000 people. It's massive. I am incredibly positive about the future of golf in Canada.”
How has this years RBC Canadian Open gone? “I couldn’t be happier with this event. The venue itself is so conducive to this event and give Nicklaus so much credit as he designed such a great golf course but also one of the best spectator courses in the world. People embrace this site. This year the course has never been in greater shape. RBC has been a great supporter and everything looks great. Our sales are up significantly over the last time we were here in 2013.” “ Royal Montreal hosted the first Canadian Open in 1904 and have hosted it 10 times . Last year the late July time frame didn't work well because of the Quebec holiday situation including the construction break.”
people say the game is in trouble. Certain course might be in trouble but like any business, people will compete for the entertainment dollar. No where is it written that a golf course will be successful. I am really encouraged with the state of the game and all we have done with our youth programs and getting kids into the game that weren't there 5 or 10 years ago.”
Currently you are looking at the upcoming Canadian Opens?
much.
You have a great field at his years event?
How do you view the state of the game of golf in Canada today?
Jason Day, Bubba Watson and with David Hearn in contention, we have a great field.
“The state of golf today in Canada is fantastic. We met with our allys and other
coast has suffered this year with a late spring but overall the Canadian numbers are fantastic. We just issued a facilities report and have 2,346 facilities in Canada, more than any country in the world outside of the US. We have more courses and players per capita than any country in the world. It makes me chuckle when I hear
Our deal with RBC ends in 2017 and we are negotiating for our 2017 Canadian site. In 2016 the RBC Canadian Open will be back at Glen Abbey again. Right now our focus is working with RBC and the PGA Tour to get the 2017 venue and sponsorship in place.”
Miura Golf Debuts the KM 008 Small Blade Putter Miura Golf has debuted the KM 008 putter that signifies a new chapter for the next generation of "the very best blade putter" made of a forged, milled mild steel.
In 2014, Miura retired one of its most popular putters ever, the KM 350 (Small Blade Putter). Since that time, master clubmaker Katsuhiro Miura has been busy designing the next generation of this classic. Like all Miura products, there had to be an improvement on the original design or it wouldn't make it to the production stage. Enter the KM 008, which has a suggested retail price of $450. Like its predecessor,
"Miura san stands by his statement that the putter has been designed for players who are seeking the very best," says Bill Holowaty, Miura's Executive Vice President of Product Strategies. "This toeweighted beauty confirms that it's possible to match looks with performance. The milled face is extremely forgiving and produces a strike that transmits to the feel, distance control and in achieving the truest of rolls from reduced skid. We invite you
for all players, including the Tournament Blade and Small Blades (muscleback models), MB001 Blade and the Passing Point 9003 and CB-501 (cavity backs). Forged wedges include the Wedge Series (in silver nickel chrome and black) and the Series 1957 By Miura Custom Grind Wedges. There are also three models of putters, and the SIT-460 driver and fairway woods, plus Miura MG Hybrids. Miura golfers buy more than clubs. All Miura clubs are custom fitted by authorized Miura dealer/fitters with each individual golfer getting not only properly fitted clubs, but a partner in his or her game. Miura dealers are famous for service after the sale and continuing relationships with players they fit, from informal discussions about equipment, practice, and technique to hands-on monitoring of loft, lie, weight and all the crucial golf club metrics. Miura golfers don't just play Miuras - they entrust their games to the clubs, and to the company. It's an honor and an obligation Miura never forgets.
Miranda Bolt Graphic Designer
Sonia Rutter @ 807-631-4244
the KM 008 is forged from a single billet of soft carbon steel. The Miura forging process creates the industry's tightest grain structure, with similarly tight manufacturing tolerances.
to discover what we deem to be perfection on the green."
Miura Golf Inc. markets Miura brand products exclusively around the world (except for Japan) from its headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. For more information, visit www.MiuraGolf.com. Follow Miura on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MiuraGolf and on Twitter at @MiuraGolfInc.
About Miura Golf Miura's broad forged iron line has choices
August 2015
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Jason Day crowned 2015 RBC Canadian Open champion Jason Day captured his fourth PGA TOUR victory at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. The Australian shot a final round 4-under 68 with six birdies, including a string of three to conclude the round, to finish 17under. “For this to be the third oldest tournament, and to come off what happened last week and be able to get the putt to the hole this time and come out as a winner, it just feels fantastic,” reflected Day on today’s victory. The 28-year-old narrowly missed out on a playoff at The Open Championship the week prior to making the trip to his third RBC Canadian Open appearance. The resilient Day bogeyed holes 8 and 9, but roared back with three consecutive birdies across the three final holes to secure the title. The Canadian crowds throughout the competition have shown a clear affection for the champion. “I've never felt so much at home, and I'm not even from Canada,” he added. “True golf fans, they understand what a good shot is and what a bad shot is. It was just amazing to play in front of the crowd that we had out there this week. Some of the nicest people you've ever met. It's amazing.” Entering the final round of competition, Day was tied for second with Bubba Watson behind leader David Hearn of Brantford, Ont. Watson tallied eight birdies, including four straight across holes 15 to 18. Despite a runner-up finish at 16-
under, Watson remained positive on his return to the RBC Canadian. “I take confidence from this. I take pride that I fought back with the birdies,” he said. “I think Canada and the crowd were treating me just as fair as David (Hearn). Since my wife's Canadian, I still have a little positivity going my way.” The Day victory ends David Hearn’s bid to become the RBC Canadian Open’s first Canadian champion in 61 years. Hearn became the first Canadian to hold a 54hole lead at the RBC Canadian Open since Mike Weir in 2004. Despite coming up just short in his 13th bid for Canada’s National Open Championship, he reflects on the
experience with pride and appreciation. "I played great golf. I gave myself a chance right until the very end, even though I didn't quite have my best stuff today,” said Hearn. “The support and the way that the Canadian crowds were, it was truly incredible. I've never experienced anything like that before. It was pretty special." With the third place finish at 15-under, Hearn earned the Rivermead Cup as low Canadian. It was the third time he claimed the honour. The Gary Cowan Medals for low amateur honours were presented to Team Canada National Amateur Squad members Austin Connelly of Irving, Texas and Burlington, Ont., native Blair Hamilton. The co-recipients finished at 1under and were two of the three amateurs alongside Ryan Ruffels to advance to weekend play.
“I'm looking forward to coming back and defending the title here next year because I know when I get here, it's going to be the same. It's great to feel like a Canadian for a week. They did a good job out there and I'm so glad to play in front of them.” The RBC Canadian Open will return to Glen Abbey Golf Club for a record 28th time to build upon the continued partnership and legacy between the storied club and Canada’s National Open Championship.
The champion now sets his sights on the 2016 RBC Canadian Open.
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Glen Abbey Golf Club to host 2016 RBC Canadian Open Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., has been selected to host the 2016 RBC Canadian Open, as announced today by Golf Canada and RBC. With the venue confirmed, the Jack Nicklaus-designed, Oakville, Ont. layout will host back to back RBC Canadian Opens, beginning this July 20-26 with the 2015 RBC Canadian Open and then again July 18-24, 2016.
Communications Officer, RBC. “We, along with Golf Canada have worked hard to make the RBC Canadian Open a best-inclass tournament with a strong competitive field and fan engagement opportunities, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to this prestigious course." The RBC Canadian Open was last contested at Glen Abbey in 2013, when Team RBC’s Brandt Snedeker picked up his sixth PGA TOUR victory. That year’s event was selected as the “Most Fan-
Glen Abbey was owned and operated by Golf Canada from 1982 to 1998 before the property was sold to ClubLink in the fall of 1998. As the longtime home of Canada’s National Open Championship, ‘The Abbey’ hosted 22 Canadian Opens between 1977 and 2000, as well as, those in 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2013. Golf Canada’s head office and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum are located on the grounds of Glen Abbey Golf Club. For Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons, a two-year commitment to Glen Abbey will allow the tournament to build multi-year momentum in the community and deliver innovative activities to enhance the championship experience for players and specta-
Friendly Event” by the PGA TOUR as part of their annual year-end awards. The return to Glen Abbey through 2016 marks the first time since 2008 and 2009 that the club has hosted back to back RBC Canadian Opens.
For information about tickets, free 17-andunder junior passes, volunteer opportunities or corporate hospitality for the 2015 RBC Canadian Open, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com. ABOUT THE 2015 RBC CANADIAN OPEN Part of the FedExCup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.8 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26,
2015 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. Conducted by Golf Canada for more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open provides an opportunity for Canada’s top talents to compete against the world’s best golfers while also leaving a significant impact in the event’s host community. The RBC Canadian Open is proud to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada as the event’s official charity partner. Established in 1904, Canada’s national open golf championship is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Shaw Direct, BMW Group Canada, Molson Canadian 67, WestJet, TaylorMade adidas Golf, Boston Pizza, Ballantine’s, Santa Carolina Wines and The Globe and Mail. For tickets or tournament information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800571-6736.
tors alike. “Together with our partners at RBC, we are proud to announce the RBC Canadian Open will be contested at Glen Abbey Golf Club in 2016.” said Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons. “Glen Abbey has always been a terrific host venue for this championship and we look forward to reconnecting with fans and volunteers from Oakville and the Greater Toronto Area who have embraced the RBC Canadian Open over the years.” "With its storied history, beautiful greens and central location, Glen Abbey has proven to be a premiere venue to host players and golf fans alike,” noted Jane Broderick, Chief Brand and
August 2015
“Since the Canadian Open was first played on this Jack Nicklaus Signature course in 1977, Glen Abbey has produced many worthy champions including Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Greg Norman, Lee Trevino, Curtis Strange and Brandt Snedeker,” said Rai Sahi, ClubLink President and CEO. ‘The Abbey’ and the Canadian Open share a special connection and we look forward to adding to that legacy through 2016.” The 2015 edition of the event will once again raise money in support of national charity partner – Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada. To help welcome the RBC Canadian Open back to Glen Abbey, the Town of Oakville has declared July as Oakville’s Month of Sport.
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IMPERIAL HEADWEAR ANNOUNCES SPRING 2016 COLLECTION Imperial Headwear, the leader in customized headwear for the golf maket, debuts its Spring 2016 collection. 2016 marks the company's 100th anniversary and Imperial celebrates this milestone with a special catalog and the most extensive and diverse headwear collection in the golf market. "The new One 9 One 6 Collection, along with our new WeatherSTRONG Collection -- highlighted by Coolcore® chemical-free cooling technology, and our new Keep Warm Knits -- have positioned us with our strongest product offering in the company's 100-year history," com-
Imperial knows how demanding the elements can be on the golf course and when you feel your best, you play your best," continued Shaffer. Imperial's specialty headwear styles are now all under the umbrella of the new "WeatherSTRONG Collection". This collection includes: - COOLCORE®: To fight the heat and help golfers stay cool. - SUN PROTECTION: To protect golfers from harmful UV rays. - WATERPROOF: To keep golfers dry in wet weather. - ULTIMATE STORMCHASERS: Waterproof and wind-resistant fleece-lined
mented David Shaffer, director of marketing at Imperial. "The Lafayette"
caps to help golfers stay warm and dry. - KEEP WARM KNITS: To keep golfers warm in the cold weather.
Expert craftsmanship and superior materials have been a tradition at Imperial for 100 years. The Company pays close attention to every detail on every piece of headwear produced. Small but important features are not overlooked, and every-
The "Keep Warm Knit" category includes a new low-minimum import program with a golf club's name woven into the hat. All styles are fleece-lined and available with or without a pom-pom. At a 24-piece minimum, every shop will be able to take
thing that goes into Imperial caps is put there with a definitive purpose of making a better product. The "One 9 One 6 Collection" celebrates the values upon which Imperial Headwear was founded in the year 1916; it's classic headwear with a modern twist.
advantage of this unbelievable offering.
"The Centennial" is also a new style that pays tribute to the company's past. Available in "The Centennial" two sizes and three colors, it features a sixpanel driver cap silhouette with heather wool fabric. The Centennial is completed with a leather-debossed patch with the Imperial logo, and club logo can be added to the back of the cap. "In addition to these exciting new commemorative items, we've also expanded our specialty headwear items because
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In addition Imperial is the only company using the award-winning chemical-free Coolcore technology in their fabrics. The Coolcore chemical-free innovation is THE BEST cooling technology in the world as validated by being the only recipient of the Hohenstein Institute’s Innovative technology award for “Cooling Power.” The Coolcore technology uses multiple fibers and cross sections to ensure users that the products are biologically safe.
bilities, Imperial offers its products using the most innovative digital design, logo and embroidery technologies. For further information please visit imperialsports.com or call 800-950-1916. About Coolcore® Coolcore®, the global leader in chemicalfree cooling fabrics, has partnerships to develop fabrics for consumer brands throughout the world. The patented, chemical-free Coolcore® materials deliver three distinct functions - wicking, moisture circulation and regulated evaporation going far beyond traditional moisture-management textiles by reducing surface fabric temperature up to 30 percent. Coolcore® fabric formulations have earned the prestigious "Innovative Technology" recognition from the Hohenstein Institute, a first for a U.S. company, and the only company globally to be awarded this recognition for "Cooling Power".
Coolcore fabrics have three essential functions: wicking (to move sweat from your body), moisture transportation (to avoid saturation and accelerate drying), and regulated evaporation (for a consistent cooling effect). Combined, these three functions are paving the way for the next generation of performance fabrics. The unique moisture circulation properties help evaporate moisture across the entire garment. Imperial is the EXCLUSIVE provider of this technology to the golf market in headwear. The chemical-free cooling technology will NEVER degrade and will be up to 30% cooler than skin temp when wet. But if you don't overheat or intentionally get the hat wet, it’s just a great looking hat with the signature Imperial fit.
Imperial is the first company to bring the Coolcore technology into the golf market.
Imperial Headwear - 100th Anniversary Video For more information or to place an order for Imperial products, please call (800) 950-1916 or log onto Imperialsports.com
About Imperial Headwear Founded in 1916, Imperial Headwear is the leading manufacturer and marketer of premium quality headwear for the golf market. Imperial is committed to style, functionality and perfection in fit and comfort. It is this commitment that has allowed the creation of a wide variety of headwear with quality that is second to none. Renowned for its superior customer service and art customization capa-
August 2015
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh Stand up for our cherished waterways (NC) Did you know that no matter where you live in Canada, you are connected to water? Whether it's an ocean, river, lake or watershed, there's a waterway impacting your life. In fact, 71 per cent of our planet is covered with it – and Canada is home to one-fifth of the world's fresh water. Thousands of interconnected lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands nourish and sustain us — so in 2015 and beyond, this gives us a perfect reason to focus on the health of such a valued natural resource. Why not participate in The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup? By getting litter out of our aquatic ecosystems, this action is a valuable way to make a difference year round. It is the country's largest direct-action conservation initiative, organized by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and WWF-Canada, and presented by Loblaw Companies Limited. “Litter and debris have become a critical issue in all of Canada's waterways, from lakes and rivers to every ocean coastline, so the need for action has
August 2015
never been more urgent,” says Kate Le Souef, manager of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. “This year, we're expanding our program and encouraging everyone to 'adopt' a shoreline. This means registering a particular location that connects to water in your community and cleaning it up with the turn of each season.”
salmon caught by a B.C. fisher, to name only a few. “The problem of shoreline litter and its impact on our aquatic environments is one that only continues to grow,” Le Souef points out. “Human activity is causing the problem, so it's up to each of us to help.” Last year the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup mobilized more than 54,000 Canadians at over 1,800 cleanup sites from coast to coast. Volunteers picked up almost 140,000 kilograms of debris — enough trash to fill 70 dump trucks.
Photo caption: A team of Shoreline Cleanup participants scour the shorelines for litter in Quebec.
“We've picked up an astounding amount of litter since we first began cleaning shorelines in 1994, over 1.4 million kilograms, but there's always more to do,” adds Le Souef.
Be part of the solution by organizing a cleanup at your local shoreline today via ShorelineCleanup.ca. www.newscanada.com
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The impact of trash on our waterways is plentiful, such as: the pygmy sperm whale that washed up in Halifax Harbour last fall with plastic lodged in its stomach; plastics, including microplastics that threaten fish and birds in the Great Lakes; marine debris entangling sea lions on the B.C. coast; and a plastic debris-filled
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Caribou Charity Ride, presented by Fresh Air, Celebrates New Look and New Route Length It’s been taking place since the Fall of 2009, and in that time organizers of the Caribou Charity Ride, presented by Fresh Air have made it one of Northwestern Ontario’s premiere cycling events. Knowing they wished to continue to host the event, they were also aware that it needed some changes to ensure its ongoing success. Recently, the Ride committee unveiled a brand new look for the 2015 Caribou Charity Ride, presented by Fresh Air, that brings together the funky and fun vibe of the event, along with the look of the Northern Cancer Fund, where Ride proceeds are directed.
Those interested in signing up for this year’s Caribou Charity Ride, presented by Fresh Air, should visit cariboucharityride.com. Registration is $75 and includes a $25 gift certificate to the Caribou Restaurant and Wine Bar if signed up prior to August 15. “The Ride is very inclusive and I invite everyone, regardless of their cycling ability, to join us in September,” said Sims. “It’s a great way to meet some new friends, enjoy a beautiful bike ride through some of the most magnificent scenery in our area, and raise funds for our cancer centre.”
“We really wanted to take this Ride to the next level and keep it spinning,” said Organizing Committee Member John Sims. “I think this new looks shows the community we are dedicated to this event and we see the growth it can have. It was important to us that the new look follow some of the elements of the Northern Cancer Fund brand, because all the proceeds of this event have always supported our local cancer centre, and will continue to do so. Part of our mandate is to help our riders understand exactly how their donations are making a difference to cancer patients and families in our community.” Since 2009, the Caribou Charity Ride, presented by Fresh Air, has raised $190,000, which has directly funded cancer care equipment in Thunder Bay, such as the newly-installed Cyclotron, Linear Accelerators (for radiation therapy), and chemotherapy chairs and equipment in 14 sites across the region.
“The Ride’s contributions to our cancer program are significant,” said Andrea Docherty, Program Director, Regional Cancer Care Northwest. “We’re very grateful for the ongoing support of the committee, participants, and sponsors that make this Ride a priority and who recognize the importance of having exceptional cancer care equipment in Northwestern Ontario.” Organizers were happy to announce that, this year, they’ve added a new, 75 km route option to the existing route options of 50 km and 100 km. “We’re really excited about the 75 km option,” said Sims. “It’s going to be a challenging ride for those who want to up their game from the 50 km route.” Registration is now open for the 2015 event, which takes place on Sunday, September 13. All routes begin at the Best Western Nor’Wester Hotel and Conference Centre on Highway 61 and then take to the hills of the surrounding Oliver Paipoonge Township. Following the Ride, cyclists return to the hotel to enjoy a well-deserved post-ride lunch.
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August 2015