‘Fore Words’ from the Inbox

In an announcement 40 years in the making, the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) confirmed recently that the historic St. George’s Golf and Country Club will host the 2010 RBC Canadian Open.

The venerable Toronto club – consistently ranked one of Canada’s best – has previously hosted four Canadian Opens in its storied history, but none since 1968. The championship’s return to the traditional Stanley Thompson-designed course represents the next step in the RCGA’s commitment to making the RBC Canadian Open a “best in class” event on the PGA TOUR.

“We are tremendously excited about bringing the RBC Canadian Open to St. George’s,” said Scott Simmons, CEO of the RCGA. “Time and time again we hear that the quality of the golf course is of utmost importance to PGA TOUR players. There are few courses in the world as fine as St. George’s and I’m delighted the membership has agreed to host the championship in 2010.”

Designed by Stanley Thompson and opened in 1929, the Royal York Golf Club was planned as a weekend retreat for clients of the Royal York Hotel. In 1946 it left the Royal York connection behind and was renamed St. George’s Golf and Country Club. The club is consistently rated in the top three in Canada and the top 100 in the world, a fact which generates a great deal of pride among St. George’s members.

“St. George’s Golf and Country Club is proud to have hosted some of the most prestigious events and storied players in Canadian golf history,” said Ken Field, president of St. George’s Golf and Country Club. “Our members are honoured to have the opportunity to help write the next chapter in Canadian Open history on our fairways.”

“It’s a great honour for Toronto to host the 2010 Canadian Open,” said Toronto Mayor David Miller. “This prestigious tournament will add even greater excitement to Toronto’s roster of events for the summer of 2010. Visitors from around the globe will have the opportunity to enjoy our hospitality as we showcase our diversity and the city’s proven ability to host international sports competitions.”

The Rock becomes Audubon Certified

The Rock Golf Club in Muskoka has now achieved sanctuary status through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.

The ACSP is an award winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect our environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf. By helping people enhance the valuable natural areas and wildlife habitats that golf courses provide, improve efficiency, and minimize potentially harmful impacts of golf operations, the ACSP serves as vital resource for golf courses.

There are now 39 courses in Ontario designated as certified and 144 currently in the program.

For a full listing of those with certification pick up a copy of our summer print issue.

Wayne Gretzky Classic begins with a winning combination

Wayne Gretzky’s inaugural event finished recently with Justin Hicks earning the first Nationwide Tour victory in Canada in three years. Hicks finished with a 16-under 269 score, taking the $144,017 prize purse and is the first-ever recipient of Gretzky champion’s ring.

According to Hicks though, his Gretzky moment started as soon as he showed up the first day.

“I guess I can let you all in on the secret now,” said Hicks to the crowd. “When I showed up, and got registered, I went in to the locker room and looked at my locker number, and it was number 99.”

Other winners were Brett Hull, taking the celebrity win with a 13-under 235 score, and Tom Turner taking the amateur title with a score of 7-under 239. Both receive a brand new 2009 Ford Flex from Ford of Canada.

“Congratulations to Justin, Brett and Tom – they all played an impressive couple of rounds this week,” said Wayne Gretzky, host and fellow player in the tournament. “We had a lot of great golfers out which I think made for an exciting tournament and competitive finish.”

Spectator turnout for the tournament exceeded all expectations with an estimated 10,000 fans of all ages passing through the gates of The Georgian Bay Club and The Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay where the tournament was held. Fans who walked the course had the opportunity to see some of their favourite sporting and entertainment heroes tee off with a number of talented professional golfers, 25 of whom will likely play on the PGA Tour next year.

“It’s been a great experience for the Nationwide Tour,” said Jim Duncan, Nationwide Tournament Director. “We’re thrilled to be back in Canada, and with Wayne involved and the community as strong as it is here, I think we’ll be here a long time.”

Other highlights from the week included ceremonial demonstrations and official trophy procession by the Canadian Armed Forces who took part in the opening and closing ceremonies for the tournament. Family was also a key theme throughout the tournament. Multiple members of the Gretzky family, including Wayne, his wife Janet, his son Ty, his daughter Paulina and his brother Brent Gretzky played in the event. Another hockey great, Mark Messier, also played and was joined by his son and father.

“We’ve had such a great week here with everyone and have been treated so well by the volunteers, staff and fans,” said Gretzky. “We’re really looking forward to coming back next year and hopefully make the tournament a tradition for years to come.”

As with any major event, sponsor involvement has been heavy since the beginning, with Ford and Samsung participating as title and presenting sponsors respectively. Other sponsors include Scotiabank, Corona, Marquis Jet, Boston Pizza, Tim Hortons, PepsiCo and the Westin Trillium House.

“I can’t say enough about our sponsors – these events can’t be done without corporate backing,” said Gretzky. “Ford and Samsung jumped on board right away, and so many others followed as well – my foundation and I are extremely grateful for all their help.”

Proceeds from the tournament go to the Wayne Gretzky Foundation whose mission it is to provide less fortunate youth with the opportunity to experience the sport of hockey.

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