Latest news with #GolfCanada
Daily Record
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Honest Rory McIlroy slaughters golf sheep and makes worrying admission over motivation
Grand Slam superstar confession over drive after Masters win Honest Rory McIlroy admits top golf stars are like sheep as he confessed struggles for motivation after his Masters high. The Northern Irish superstar is back after a fortnight off for the RDC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto having sidestepped golf since his chaotic PGA Championship. McIlroy was left fuming at the fact a leak revealed his driver had been non-conforming, but the bigger concern for his ardent fans during his pre-tournament speech at Caldeon was around the fact he's toiled during the break to feel a drive within his practice. Having won a career Grand Slam and fulfilled his lifetime goals, the push for the next target is going to be a tough one as he said: 'The last few weeks I've had a couple weeks off and grinding on the range for three or four hours every day is maybe a little tougher than it used to be. You have this event in your life that you've worked towards and it happens, sometimes it's hard to find the motivation to get back on the horse and go again. 'I think the last two weeks have been good for me just as a reset, just to sort of figure out where I'm at in my own head, what I want to do, where I want to play. I thought it was a good time to reset some goals. I've had a pretty good first half of the season and I want to have a good second half of the season now, too.' McIlroy has headed to Canada the week before the US Open at Oakmont with a clear focus on competing in National Opens through the year. The field is Toronto is strong and, asked for his reasoning on that, he opined: 'I think a lot of the European guys like to play the week before a major, I think there's that part of it. Look we play so much in the States anyway and, you come here, it feels a little different, but you're not that far away. 'I think when the tournament has been a little closer to the city and we've been able to stay in Toronto, it feels a little more I won't say European, but you know cosmopolitan and maybe different from what we do week in week out. But I think for the most part it's become a very very good tournament and I think because of that and you see you guys playing each and every year I think the field then starts to become stronger because you know you see your peers do something and we're we're all like sort of sheep out here, like once one person does something we all sort of try to do the same thing 'So I just think this tournament has grown from strength to strength over these last few years and that's a lot to do with Golf Canada and RBC and everyone behind it and they should be really proud of what they've done.'
USA Today
3 days ago
- General
- USA Today
RBC Canadian Open tournament director has a special father/son relationship
RBC Canadian Open tournament director has a special father/son relationship Like father, like son. Ryan Paul doesn't only share a physical resemblance to his father, Bill. This week, he steps into his shoes as tournament director for the first time at the RBC Canadian Open, a role his father once held for 23 years. He retired in 2019 after 43 years with Golf Canada. 'It's in the bloodlines, I guess,' Ryan said. Ryan Paul served as the tournament director for the CPKC Canadian Women's Open for the past seven years, and assumes the role previously held by Bryan Crawford, who left to become the commissioner of the Ontario Hockey League. When Paul, 37, attended a meeting of the PGA Tour tournament directors late last year, he realized he was one of the younger people in the room and had joined a fraternity with many of his father's former colleagues. 'It's one of those dream jobs that's almost impossible to get because no one wants to give it up,' he said. It would be easy to say that Ryan was born for this role but as he said, he didn't exactly like golf growing up. Hockey, baseball and team sports were his jam. But he grew up exposed to the golf business and clearly learned a few things through osmosis. In addition to overseeing the Canadian Open for more than two decades, his father served as tournament director of the Canadian Senior Open, the 1992 World Amateur Team Championships and helped secure an LPGA event, which became the CP Women's Open, under the Golf Canada banner. Ryan's earliest memories of the Canadian Open? Sitting on a hillside at Glen Abbey at about age 5 watching the pros float by and tooling around in a golf cart alongside his father as he put out fires. In 2000, when the national championship was held in September, his father took him out of school for the week and let him work the range when Tiger Mania was in full throttle. 'I sold a Sharpie to someone who was dying for his autograph for like 30 bucks,' he recalled. This was the year that Tiger clinched his 'National Open Slam' — U.S., British and Canadian in the same year — hitting one of his most memorable shots – 6-iron from 216 yards in a fairway bunker over water at the par-5 18th – and Ryan climbed the manual scoreboard behind the green to witness it. He would work in other unofficial capacities while his father called the shots but in 2007, his summer job consisted of being on the operations team for both the men's and women's national opens, setting up the signage and slinging ropes as his dad had done years before. He did that for four years and then joined Wasserman, honing his executive management skills from 2011-2016 as an account manager on the agency's key golf accounts for RBC, CN, Shaw, Manulife, and CPKC where he managed operations, experiential activities, and player relations. He returned to Golf Canada midway through 2016 in the championship management department as an assistant director for both events until 2018 when he became the tournament director for Canada's women's open. While father Bill is enjoying retirement, which includes a fair amount of 'Grandpa Daycare' for Ryan's three kids, he will be onsite this week for the first playing of the RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ontario, the 38th different venue to host the national championship in its 121-year history. Is Ryan calling his dad out from the bullpen to lend a hand and make sure things go smoothly? Not exactly but he does expect him to be riding shotgun with him around the course on the golf cart like old times. 'He'll probably be there for me when I'm putting out fires just on the other side of the wheel now,' Ryan said.
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Stalk&Barrel Whisky Named Official Partner of Golf Canada
Proudly Poured for the Fairway: A Partnership Toasting Canadian Golf TORONTO, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Stalk&Barrel Whisky and Golf Canada are raising a glass to Canadian sport and spirits. The Ontario-based distillery has renewed its role as the Official Canadian Whisky of Golf Canada, cementing its presence at Canada's premier tournaments: the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women's Open. This partnership brings together two proudly Canadian institutions as golf in Canada booms. With six million players hitting the fairways annually, rising TV viewership, and homegrown talent on the PGA and LPGA Tours, Stalk&Barrel's continued investment is a celebration of the game's momentum and the communities behind it. "With Canadian TV audiences for the Masters on the rise and a record seven Canadians teeing up at THE PLAYERS, Canadian golf has never been stronger," said Karen Lai Drake, Senior Brand Manager, at Stalk&Barrel Whisky. "The partnership is a celebration of Canadian excellence - on the green and in the glass - and we're proud to be a part of it." The partnership draws a natural parallel between golf and whisky - both rooted in heritage, refined in craft, and built around moments that bring people together. From post-round toasts at the clubhouse to quiet pours at home, Stalk&Barrel is becoming a staple for Canadian golf. At both National Opens, the brand will have an on-site presence with signage, broadcast integrations, and whisky tastings. Off the course, a content-first campaign - including social coverage, storytelling, and influencer collaborations - will amplify the brand's presence and deepen its connection with golf fans online. Stalk&Barrel's focus on craft and cultural alignment reflects a broader shift in the Canadian beverage space. With over $14 billion in annual golf-related consumer spending - on par with the domestic beer market - there is a growing appetite for alternatives at the 19th hole. Stalk&Barrel's small-batch roots and Canadian identity make it uniquely positioned to lead that charge. About Stalk&Barrel Whisky Stalk&Barrel is a small-batch Canadian whisky brand, proudly distilled in Ontario. Crafted with care, Stalk&Barrel brings bold character to every pour. Available at LCBO. About Golf Canada Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing 360,000 golfers and 1,522 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada's mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our vision is to be a world leader in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit
CBC
22-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Canada's Aphrodite Deng learns from Nelly Korda at junior golf event
Aphrodite Deng got to live out the dream of every competitive golfer, playing two rounds with the best in the world and excelling on the course, and she's just 15 years old. Deng played alongside Nelly Korda of the United States at the Mizuho Americas Open, winning the junior tournament on May 11 while the American tied for fifth in the LPGA Tour's event of the same name. "It was a really fun experience," said Deng, who also won the American Junior Golf Association's Junior Invitational in March by six strokes. "I was trying not to think too much about who's watching stuff, but it was fun." Deng was born in Calgary and her family lived in Montreal before moving to New Jersey for her dad's work. She mostly lives in Orlando now but remains a Canadian citizen and plays for Golf Canada's junior program. She said that she learned a lot from observing Korda, who won five consecutive tournaments and seven total last season to return to world No. 1 in the women's world golf rankings and earn the 2024 LPGA Tour's Player of the Year award. "It was really cool to see how (Korda) carries herself on the course and in her game," said Deng on Wednesday. "I think she takes more time and puts in a lot of thought for each shot. "I think I need some of that in my life." Jeff MacDonald, head coach of Golf Canada's NextGen team, said that Deng has grown stronger over the course of the season and it's helped her improve her game. "She's hitting the ball quite a bit further," said MacDonald. "She's always been a really consistent player, drives it great, but just in the last few months she's been getting a little bit of extra distance. "That's helping her out a ton. She's just super steady." Both Deng and MacDonald were at Weston Golf and Country Club in Toronto for Team Canada's media day, where media and other stakeholders could train like Golf Canada players for a day. Deng, who has taught golf to younger children, said she was looking forward to instructing adults. Golf Canada announced at the media day at Weston that it was adding 11 Canadians to the field at the RBC Canadian Open. Korn Ferry Tour players Sudarshan Yellamaraju and Matthew Anderson, both from Mississauga, Ont., headlined the group. Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont., earned his exemption as the top Canadian amateur player on the world rankings and Calgary's Hunter Thomson earned his exemption by finishing first on the individual leaderboard at the inaugural Canadian Collegiate Invitational last September at Öviinbyrd Golf Club in MacTier, Ont.
Winnipeg Free Press
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada's Aphrodite Deng learns from Nelly Korda at junior golf event
Aphrodite Deng got to live out the dream of every competitive golfer, playing two rounds with the best in the world and excelling on the course, and she's just 15 years old. Deng played alongside Nelly Korda of the United States at the Mizuho Americas Open, winning the junior tournament on May 11 while the American tied for fifth in the LPGA Tour's event of the same name. 'It was a really fun experience,' said Deng, who also won the American Junior Golf Association's Junior Invitational in March by six strokes. 'I was trying not to think too much about who's watching stuff, but it was fun.' Deng was born in Calgary and her family lived in Montreal before moving to New Jersey for her dad's work. She mostly lives in Orlando now but remains a Canadian citizen and plays for Golf Canada's junior program. She said that she learned a lot from observing Korda, who won five consecutive tournaments and seven total last season to return to world No. 1 in the women's world golf rankings and earn the 2024 LPGA Tour's Player of the Year award. 'It was really cool to see how (Korda) carries herself on the course and in her game,' said Deng on Wednesday. 'I think she takes more time and puts in a lot of thought for each shot. 'I think I need some of that in my life.' Jeff MacDonald, head coach of Golf Canada's NextGen team, said that Deng has grown stronger over the course of the season and it's helped her improve her game. 'She's hitting the ball quite a bit further,' said MacDonald. 'She's always been a really consistent player, drives it great, but just in the last few months she's been getting a little bit of extra distance. 'That's helping her out a ton. She's just super steady.' Both Deng and MacDonald were at Weston Golf and Country Club in Toronto for Team Canada's media day, where media and other stakeholders could train like Golf Canada players for a day. Deng, who has taught golf to younger children, said she was looking forward to instructing adults. Golf Canada announced at the media day at Weston that it was adding 11 Canadians to the field at the RBC Canadian Open. Korn Ferry Tour players Sudarshan Yellamaraju and Matthew Anderson, both from Mississauga, Ont., headlined the group. Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont., earned his exemption as the top Canadian amateur player on the world rankings and Calgary's Hunter Thomson earned his exemption by finishing first on the individual leaderboard at the inaugural Canadian Collegiate Invitational last September at Öviinbyrd Golf Club in MacTier, Ont. Toronto's Richard T. Lee, Calgary's Wes Heffernan, and Roger Sloan of Merritt, B.C., also accepted exemptions. Three other Canadians earned exemptions through Canadian Open regional qualifying including Cougar Collins of Mono, Ont., Matt Scobie of Oshawa, Ont., and Brett Webster of Chilliwack, B.C. An additional exemption will be awarded at the Quebec regional qualifier, taking place at Griffon des Sources — Aigle Lion in Mirabel, Que., on Wednesday. LPGA TOUR — Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., leads a group of four Canadians into the Riviera Maya Open at El Camaleon Golf Course at Mayakoba this week. She's 104th in the Race to CME Globe standings heading into play in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Hamilton's Alena Sharp (119th), as well as Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., and Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., — both unranked — are also in the field. PGA TOUR — Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., is ranked 43rd on the FedEx Cup standings heading into this week's Charles Schwab Challenge. Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., is 160th and Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., is 164th heading into the tournament at Colonial County Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. DP WORLD TOUR — Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., is the lone Canadian in the field at the Soudal Open. He is 127th in the Race to Dubai Rankings, the points list for the European-based tour, heading into play at Rinkven International Golf Club in Antwerp, Belgium. CHAMPIONS TOUR — Calgary's Stephen Ames and Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., will represent Canada at this week's Senior PGA Championship. Ames is 21st in the Schwab Cup standings and Weir is 57th heading into play at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. KORN FERRY TOUR — Yellamaraju, Anderson and Sloan are all in action at the Visit Knoxville Open at Holston Hills Country Club in Knoxville, Tenn. Yellamaraju is 11th in the second-tier tour's points list, Anderson is 43rd and Sloan is 112th. They'll be joined by Vancouver's Stuart Macdonald (31st), Myles Creighton (56th) of Digby, N.S., Etienne Papineau (137th) of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. PGA TOUR AMERICAS — Joey Savoie, also from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, is the top-ranked Canadian playing in the Inter Rapidisimp Golf Championship. He's 616th in the official world golf rankings and one of nine Canadians in the field at Club el Rincon de Cajica in Bogota, Colombia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 21, 2025.
