Brooke Henderson, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Sue Kim, Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes and
Albin Choi will comprise the 2015 Team Canada Young Pro Squad

OAKVILLE, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the six athletes – three female and three male – who have been selected to the 2015 Team Canada Young Pro Squad for the program’s second year of operation.

Comprising the team for 2015 is: Brooke Henderson (Smiths Falls, Ont.); Rebecca Lee-Bentham (Toronto); Sue Kim (Langley, B.C.); Albin Choi (Toronto); Mackenzie Hughes (Dundas, Ont.) and Taylor Pendrith (Richmond Hill, Ont.).

Developed in partnership with the PGA of Canada and supported by founding partner Canadian Pacific, as well as supporting partners Citi Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation Women’s Fund, the Young Pro Squad program bridges the gap for top graduating amateurs transitioning into professional golf.

“We are very proud of the Team Canada Young Pro Squad initiative,” said Scott Simmons, Golf Canada’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’re well ahead of where we were just a couple years ago in terms of helping to make the transition from elite amateur to the professional ranks as seamless and successful as possible.”

Headlining the female contingent is Team Canada National Amateur Team graduate Brooke Henderson. The 17-year-old declared herself as a professional golfer in conjunction with signing on with IMG as her management group in December of 2014.

In September 2014, Henderson made history by becoming the first Canadian to occupy the world’s No. 1 spot on the Women’s World Amateur Ranking. Henderson earned spots in the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2015 ANA Inspiration Championship (formerly the Kraft Nabisco Championship) as a result of her tie for 10th at the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open. In addition, Henderson is able to accept up to a maximum of six LPGA sponsor exemptions and is also eligible for Monday qualifiers.

“It’s been an unbelievable journey the past few years and now I’m excited for what lies ahead as a professional,” said Henderson, who won her first event as a professional (Suncoast Series Tour) and this past week qualified for the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic where she finished T-33. “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the National Team program during my amateur career and now I’m proud to continue representing Team Canada as a pro.”

Joining Henderson are two returning members of the Team Canada Young Pro Squad – Rebecca Lee-Bentham and Sue Kim. Both Lee-Bentham and Kim are also graduates of Team Canada’s National Amateur Team and maintain conditional status on the LPGA Tour for the 2015 season.

Lee-Bentham, 22, was the second-highest earning Canadian on the LPGA Tour last season. She played 18 events on tour, highlighted by a tie for 12th at the Marathon Classic presented by Owens Corning & O-I. She earned conditional status on the LPGA Tour in 2015 by finishing inside the top 125 on the LPGA Tour’s Race to the CME Globe. 

“I’m grateful to be back with a program that is undoubtedly working and continues to be dedicated to developing players,” said Lee-Bentham. “Golf Canada has been with me for most of my golfing career and I am honoured to represent Canada each week on the LPGA Tour.”

Sue Kim, 23, finished as No. 120 on the LPGA Tour’s Race to the CME Globe to earn conditional status for 2015. Her best finish, a tie for 35th, came at the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic.

“The ongoing support from Golf Canada is a huge boost for me and my goals to improve my game and results on Tour,” added Kim. “I’m thankful to Head Coach Tristan (Mullally) and the rest of the support staff and really excited for what the future holds.”

Mackenzie Hughes and Albin Choi return as members of the Team Canada Young Pro Men’s Squad. They will be joined by newly turned professional Taylor Pendrith. 

All three athletes will attend PGA TOUR Canada qualifying school in April with hopes of earning full status. Hughes, 24, is a two-time former Canadian Amateur champion. This year he hopes to repeat the success he had in 2013, when he captured the No. 1 spot on PGA TOUR Canada’s Order of Merit.

“I’m thrilled to be back on the Young Pro squad and getting the support from those who share a passion for helping me become better,” said Hughes. “The program is a huge deal; it’s helped me to focus on my goal of being successful at the highest level.”

Choi, 22, is also a former Canadian Amateur champion. His 2014 season on the Web.com Tour was highlighted by four top-30 finishes and a tie for 19th at the United Leasing Championship presented by TPI. 

“Being with the Team Canada program for seven years now, it almost feels like a family,” said Choi. “Derek (Ingram), the coaching staff, and the other members of the squad are all so supportive of each other. Having that backing is a huge lift for the many challenges of competing professionally.”

Pendrith, 23, will look to hit the ground running after a successful amateur career which included winning the prestigious Monroe Invitational in 2014, as well as earning the Gary Cowan trophy (low amateur honours) at the 2014 RBC Canadian Open. 

“This is a big honour for me,” said Pendrith. “I have high goals and aspirations for my career and I couldn’t think of a better team to support me in my journey. The National Team program has done a lot for my amateur career and I’m excited to transition that success over to the professional ranks.”

Men’s National Squad coach Derek Ingram and Women’s National Team coach Tristan Mullally will provide coaching to their respective Young Pro players. In addition to funding as part of the program, the athletes will have access to Team Canada’s sport science staff which includes Psychologist Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood, Nutritionist Nicole Springle and Physiotherapist & Strength Coach Greg Redman.

“I’m excited to see these young athletes take the next stops as professional golfers,” said Gary Bernard, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Canada. “Golf Canada has shown great commitment in collaborating with the PGA of Canada in our world class teaching and coaching certification programs.”

Golf Canada’s ability to offer this program is due in large part to a focused fundraising effort on the part of the Golf Canada Foundation.

“Now in its second year, the board of the Golf Canada Foundation is excited to continue supporting these young athletes in their pursuit of golfing excellence,” said Golf Canada Foundation Chief Executive Officer Martin Barnard. “We are very proud to be behind this program and look forward to the future success of the Young Pro Squad.”

Throughout the season, Golf Canada will closely monitor the performance of elite Canadian amateurs transitioning to professional golf with the possibility of program expansion.

Click here for Team Canada bios.

OAKVILLE, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada congratulates long-time Team Canada member Augusta James of Bath, Ont., for her decision to pursue a career in professional golf.

James, 21, makes the leap to the professional ranks following another strong season, highlighted by a six-stroke win at the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in July. The N.C. State senior will join the Symetra Tour with full-status for 2015—earned by way of LPGA Qualifying School. The sports management major plans to complete her degree by collecting credits periodically throughout the season.

The decision comes just months after James played a pivotal role in guiding Canada to a silver medal at the World Amateur Team Championship in Karuizawa, Japan. She will look to hit the ground running at the Symetra Tour’s first event of 2015—The Gateway Classic at Longbow Golf Club—from Feb. 20-22 in Mesa, Ariz.

James, a three-time all-ACC player, has already gained some valuable experience playing in professional events as an amateur; her best finish saw her come away T108 at the 2011 Canadian Women’s Open.

As her four-year stint with Team Canada comes to a close, James is grateful for the support she has received and reflects positively on her time with the national team program.

“Being a part of Team Canada has prepared me in the best way possible to make this important jump in my career,” said James. “I look back and am so thankful for all the experience I’ve gained and the relationships I’ve built with coach Tristan (Mullally), the supporting staff and of course the other girls on the team.”

At such an important juncture in her life, James is playing with focus and confidence as she prepares to transition into the professional ranks.

“I’ve been playing really strong golf of late, and have no doubts that I am ready to take on this challenge. Now is the right time for me.”

Dave Mills, Bob Weeks and the late Gordon Stollery to be honoured Saturday, February 14th during Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting in Mississauga, Ont.

Paul McLean of King, Ont. to be introduced as the 112th President of Golf Canada

Oakville, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Former Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) Executive Director Dave Mills along with SCOREGolf Editorial Director and television personality Bob Weeks, and the late (Arthur) Gordon Stollery of Markham, Ont. will be honoured for their contributions to the game of golf as the 2015 co-recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.

Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Awards will be presented on Saturday, February 14th as part of the National Sport Organization’s Annual General Meeting to be held at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conference Centre in Mississauga, Ont.

“Golf Canada is proud to acknowledge Dave Mills, Bob Weeks and Gordon Stollery and celebrate their outstanding contributions to the game of golf as our 2015 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said Golf Canada Chief Executive Officer Scott Simmons. “They’ve all made a significant impact on the game within their communities and across Canada. Their commitment and passion for our sport makes each of them a truly deserving recipient.”

Created in 1993, Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been awarded annually to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the game of golf in Canada.

Recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award are traditionally selected from within the province or region of the organization’s incoming President. On Saturday, February 14th, Paul McLean of King, Ont. will be sworn in as Golf Canada’s 112th President.

As President-elect, McLean will succeed 2014 President Doug Alexander of London, Ont.

Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting and presidential appointment will conclude four days of meetings, February 11-14 at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conference Centre in Mississauga, Ont.

DAVE MILLS

In January 2014, after 27 years of involvement with the Golf Association of Ontario (GAO), Dave Mills retired as the association’s executive director, a post he had held since 1997. He began playing golf in Peterborough, Ont. at Pine Crest Golf and Country Club and then Kawartha Golf and Country Club. Mills first became part of the association in 1986 as club representative for the Bay of Quinte Golf and Country Club in Belleville. His initial involvement with the association focused on the growth of junior golf throughout the province, with Mills chairing the Junior Development Committee for a number of years prior to joining the Board of Directors. After concluding a 27-year career with Ontario Hydro in 1997, Mills became executive director, leading the formerly male-only Ontario Golf Association through amalgamation with the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association in 2001 to form the Golf Association of Ontario. Since retiring as executive director, Mills has continued to serve the GAO in various activities as a proud volunteer.

BOB WEEKS

Bob Weeks has been with SCOREGolf since 1987 and is currently the Editorial Director, overseeing all content at the media company.  He was recently listed as the sixth most influential person and the No. 1 media person in the Canadian golf industry by the National Post.
Weeks is the host of SCOREGolf TV and the golf analyst for TSN, where he has covered more than 50 major championships as well as hundreds of top Canadian and international tournaments. For 20 years he has been the host of the SCOREGolf Show, a daily 90-second golf radio program heard in more than 70 markets across the country. An award-winning writer, Weeks also authors a highly popular blog on SCOREGolf.com, Canada’s leading golf web site, and has written for GOLF Magazine, Golf Digest, Golfweek, the Globe and Mail, Maclean’s as well as countless other publications throughout the world. Weeks, who began playing golf at the age of 11 in Prince Edward Island, has been a proud member of Weston Golf and Country Club in Toronto for more than 40 years. He is a member of the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame and winner of the Dick Grimm Award presented by the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.

GORDON STOLLERY (1947-2011)
Until his untimely accidental death, Gordon Stollery was a passionate golfer and dedicated supporter of the game in Canada. As a member of Rosedale Golf Club in Toronto, he won their club championship four times and was runner-up at the 1965 Canadian Junior Golf Championship. An all-round athlete, Stollery attended Princeton University and then the University of Toronto before moving to Alberta in 1979 to become involved in the oil and gas business.  In 1994, when his father Arthur passed away, he returned home and became involved in Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont., which his father had built. The club, which opened in 1995, saw the hosting of multiple championship events including the 2002 and 2007 RBC Canadian Opens. In 1996, following the opening of the golf club, he took the vision of his father one step further by building a community surrounding the Angus Glen Golf Club. In 2007, Goodwood Golf Club was completed—a course he enjoyed as his private sanctuary.

TORONTO – Brooke Henderson, the No. 1 ranked female amateur golfer in the world, has turned professional and signed with IMG for worldwide management and marketing representation.

A native of Smiths Falls, Ont., Canada, Henderson was assisted by her hometown Ottawa Senators hockey team and defenseman Mark Borowiecki in making today’s announcement. Video link: http://ottsens.com/brooketurnspro

Henderson has signed with PING and will continue to be supported by Golf Canada’s young professional program.

“I am really excited to begin my professional career in 2015 and proud to represent Canada along the way,” said Henderson. “I realize what a big step it is to play professionally and I think IMG and their partners at WME give me a competitive advantage on a global level.”

The 17-year-old was an integral member of Golf Canada’s National Amateur Team across the past three years. She won the individual title at the 2014 Women’s World Amateur Team Championship and led Canada to a silver medal. As a 16-year-old, she was runner-up at the 2014 U.S. Women’s Amateur and tied for 10th at the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

She boasts more than 50 victories as an amateur and has also won three professional tournaments including two Canadian Women’s Tour events and the 2014 PGA of Canada Women’s Championship. Henderson’s Canadian Women’s Tour victory in 2012 at the age of 14 years, 9 months and 3 days made her the youngest player (male or female) ever to win a professional golf event.

Guy Kinnings, Global Head of Golf at IMG, commented, “Brooke’s tremendous talent on the golf course is exceeded only by her positive and engaging personality. We are delighted to help Brooke make the transition into professional golf and very much look forward to helping her achieve all of her goals both inside and outside the ropes.”

Henderson joins former No. 1 amateurs Lydia Ko and Minjee Lee as recent IMG signees. Ko most recently earned 2014 LPGA Rolex Rookie of the Year honors, while Lee was co-medalist at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament earlier this month.

“Through outstanding competitive results and a commitment to excellence, Brooke has proven herself to be a special talent, demonstrating all of the necessary characteristics to make a successful transition to the professional golfing ranks,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “She has been a huge part of the Team Canada program which is designed to challenge our top athletes through exposure to the highest levels of training and competition. We are proud to have played a role in her development and will continue to support her in this next exciting stage of her career.”

Following today’s announcement, Henderson is now the top-ranked Canadian professional. 

OAKVILLE (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada has announced the names of the athletes who have been selected to represent Team Canada as part of the 2015 National Amateur Squad and Development Squad programs.

In all, eight athletes comprise Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad, including four players on the women’s team and four players on the men’s team while the National Development Squad will include 11 athletes (five women and six men).

Returning to lead the men’s squad is 2014 US Amateur runner-up Corey Conners, 22, of Listowel, Ont. (No. 17 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking). Conners, who recently made it to the match play semi-finals at the Argentina Amateur and helped Canada win the Tailhade Cup, earned 2015 exemptions to play in The Masters and U.S. Open by way of his runner-up finish at the 2014 U.S. Men’s Amateur. He was also part of Canada’s runner-up team at the 2014 Men’s World Amateur Team Championship.

Surrey, B.C., native Adam Svensson, 20, ranked No. 37 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking and winner of the 2014 NCAA Division II Jack Nicklaus Award also returns to the Men’s National Amateur Squad. In 2014 as a sophomore at Barry University, Svensson’s seven victories set the school record for NCAA Division II victories en route to the team repeating as NCAA Division II champions. He alsofinished as the low Canadian in 7th position at the 2014 World Amateur Team Championship where he helped Canada finished runner-up.

Joining Conners and Svensson will be Burlington, Ont. native Blair Hamilton, 21, a sophomore at the University of Houston who is a year removed from the National Program when he was a member of the Development Squad in 2013. Rounding out the squad is 18-year old rising star Austin Connelly of Irving, Texas, a dual citizen who is currently ranked No. 18 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Connelly recently paired with Conners to win the Tailhade Cup and was also a finalist in the Argentine Amateur.

On the women’s side, Team Canada Amateur Squad returning members include Brittany Marchand, 22, of Orangeville, Ont., (No. 67 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking) and Jennifer Ha, 20, of Calgary (No. 90 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking). A senior at N.C. State, Marchand helped Canada to a runner-up finish at the 2014 Women’s World Amateur Team Championship while Ha, a junior at Kent State, finished second at the 2014 Porter Cup.

A pair of rookies will join Team Canada’s Women’s Amateur Squad including dual citizen Maddie Szeryk, 18, of Allen, Texas, (No. 63 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking) who represented Canada at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games and Elizabeth Tong, 21, of Thornhill, Ont. (No. 210 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking). Szeryk, a freshman at Texas A&M, has had a solid start to her college career, finishing 3rd, 4th, 4th and 2nd in her first four starts while Tong competed in both the U.S. and Canadian Pacific Women’s Open in 2014 and advanced to the round of 32 at the U.S. Women’s Amateur.

“We are very excited about the group of young men and women selected as members of Team Canada for 2015,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “It is at the very core of what we do; supporting, developing and nurturing Canada’s future stars of the sport. Investing in future heroes for our sport has a ripple affect across all areas of what we do. We have no doubt that the athletes selected will represent Canada to the best of their abilities and we look forward to assisting them in achieving their goals.”

The following athletes have been selected to Golf Canada’s 2015 Team Canada:

WOMEN’S NATIONAL AMATEUR SQUAD

–       Brittany Marchand, Orangeville, Ont. (22)

–       Jennifer Ha, Calgary, Alta. (20)

–       Elizabeth Tong, Thornhill, Ont. (21)

–       Maddie Szeryk, Allen, Texas (18)

Orangeville, Ontario’s Brittany Marchand

MEN’S NATIONAL AMATEUR SQUAD

–       Corey Conners, Listowel, Ont. (22)

–       Adam Svensson, Surrey, B.C. (20)

–       Blair Hamilton, Burlington, Ont. (21)

–       Austin Connelly, Irving, Texas (18)

As part of the National Amateur Team Program, Golf Canada also named the 22-and-under Development Squad that includes five female and six male athletes. The Development Squad is designed to help facilitate the continued development of Canada’s top young talents.

The following athletes have been selected to Team Canada’s 2015 Development Squad Program:

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

–       Naomi Ko, Victoria, B.C. (17)

–       Jaclyn Lee, Calgary, Alta. (17)

–       Grace St-Germain, Ottawa, Ont. (16)

–       Michelle Kim, Surrey, B.C. (17)

–       Alisha Lau, Richmond, B.C. (15)

Ottawa, Ontario’s Grace St-Germain

MEN’S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

–       Tony Gil, Vaughan, Ont. (16)

–       Tyler Saunders, Sturgeon County, Alta. (19)

–       Patrick Murphy, Crossfield, Alta. (17)

–       Trevor Ranton, Waterloo, Ont. (17)

–       AJ Armstrong, St. Albert, Alta. (17)

–       Étienne Papineau, St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. (18)

Waterloo, Ontario’s Trevor Ranton

Complete National Amateur and Development Squad player bios can be found here.

Golf Canada also announced the 2015 Team Canada coaching staff with Derek Ingram returning as Men’s Squad Head Coach and Tristan Mullally returning as Women’s Squad Head Coach.  Robert Ratcliffe returns as Lead Development Squad Coach and will be supported by Women’s Development Team Coach Ann Carroll.  Ingram, Mullally, Ratcliffe and Carroll are all Class A level coaches with the PGA of Canada.

ABOUT CANADA’S NATIONAL AMATEUR TEAM PROGRAM

Canada’s National Amateur Team program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. Golf Canada allocates over $1.5 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Teams represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.

Team Canada, the pinnacle of Golf Canada’s High Performance Program, provides access to world-class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment and elite competitive opportunities. The program builds on the support team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations. Golf Canada’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Titleist, FootJoy, ClubLink and Heritage Canada.

 For more information, please click here or contact Dan Hyatt at dhyatt@golfcanada.ca or by phone at 1-800-263-0009 ext. 322.

Americans finish with team-total, 17-under par 559 for wire-to-wire gold medal finish at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.

Team USA’s Mika Liu (-9) wins individual gold medal by three shots over teammate Megan Khang (-6) with Sweden’s Emma Svensson (-3) capturing the bronze medal 

MARKHAM, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Team USA got out to an early lead and never let it go, finishing with a team-total score of 17-under par 559 for the wire-to-wire victory at the inaugural World Junior Girls Golf Championship at Angus Glen Golf Club (South Course) in Markham, Ont.

The Americans (137-141-137-144—559) began Wednesday’s final round with a commanding 16-shot lead and went on to shoot a team-total, even-par 144 to capture top spot on the medal podium.

Team USA counted matching rounds of even-par 72 by 16-year old Megan Khang (67-73-70-72—282) and 15-year old Angel Yin (73-72-73-72—290) while 15-year old Mika Liu (70-69-67-73—279), who finished as individual gold medalist, rounded out the scoring with a round of 1-over 73.

For Team USA non-playing captain Courtney Myhrum, the victory capped a special week that left her beaming with pride for her young squad.

“They’re my dream team, it’s been wonderful it’s been a great week and a real team effort; I couldn’t be more proud of the three of them, the way they conducted themselves on the course and off the course,” said Myhrum. “Go play and have fun, there is really not much else I can say to these three. They had great course management and are really easy to captain because they know how to get around the golf course – they didn’t really need me this week.”

Sweden, which began the day tied for fifth, five shots back of a podium placing, vaulted into the silver medal by counting the low team-total of the final round – 5-under par 139. Leading the way for the Swedes was 18-year old Emma Svensson (76-70-72-67—285) who counted the low round of the day on the South Course at Angus Glen, a sizzling 5-under 67. Seventeen year old Filippa Mork (81-75-77-72—305) saved her best round – even-par 72 – for the final day to count the second score while 18-year old Michaela Finn (74-72-72-75—295) rounded out the scoring for Sweden.

Team Canada (144-146-141-149—580) was looking to build on their team-best score from Tuesday but it wasn’t meant to be as the host country shot a final-round, team-total 5-over 149 to claim the bronze medal. The Canucks counted final-round scores of even-par 72 by Brooke Henderson (17) of Smiths Falls, Ont. (70-73-71-72—286) and 5-over 77 by Grace St-Germain (16) of Ottawa (74-73-78-77—302) while teammate Naomi Ko (17) of Victoria (77-79-70-81—307) completed the scoring with a non-counting 81.

Rounding out the top-five in the team competition at the inaugural World Junior Girls Team Championship was Team Denmark (149-143-141-150—583) in fourth at 7-over 583 followed by Spain in fifth (147-146-142-152—587) at 11-over 587.

Canada’s second team in the competition comprised of Jaclyn Lee (17) of Calgary (72-77-75-75—299), Selena Costabile (16) of Thornhill, Ont. (78-74-74-76—302) and Alisha Lau (14) of Richmond, B.C. (83-80-75-74—312) shot a final-round, team-total 5-over 149 (150-151-149-149—599) to finish tied for 13th position.

In the individual competition, 15-year old American standout Mika Liu (70-69-67-73—279) shot a final-round, 1-over 73 to win the gold medal by three shots over her USA teammate Megan Khang (67-73-70-72—282). Liu came into Wednesday’s final round with a four-shot lead over Khang and was more excited to contribute to the team victory than capturing individual gold.

“Yes, I am extremely happy that my team won first and that I did too – it is a total celebration,” said Liu, the no. 48 ranked player on the World Amateur Golf Ranking. “To be able to share the podium with my teammates who were out there on the course with me and my captain and manager makes me extremely happy and proud because we came here together and we are able to leave as champions together.”

Sweden’s Emma Svensson (76-70-72-67—285) saved her best play for the final round, firing a 5-under 67 and tournament-total 3-under 285 to edge out Canada’s Brooke Henderson (70-73-71-72—286) by a single stroke and capture the bronze medal. Team USA’s Angela Yin Angel Yin (73-72-73-72—290) and Ireland’s Olivia Mehaffey (77-67-74-72—290) tied for fifth at 2-over for the tournament.

The following are final team scores from the World Junior Girls Golf Championship at Angus Glen Golf Club (South Course / par 72 / 6,298 yards):
1. United States of America – Megan Khang, Angel Yin, Mika Liu *137-141-137-144-559 -17
2. Sweden – Emma Svensson, Filippa Mork, Michaela Finn *150-144-144-139-577 +1
3. Canada 1 – Brooke Henderson, Naomi Ko, Grace St-Germain *144-146-141-149-580 +4
4. Denmark – Puk Thomsen, Line Hansen, Marie Lund-Hansen *149-143-141-150-583 +7
5. Spain – Nuria Iturrios Servera, Alejandra Pasarin Olalla, Ana Pelaez Trivino *147-146-142-152-587 +11
6. Czech Republic – Kristýna Frýdlová, Karolína Kohoutová, Hana Ryškova *153-143-143-149-588 +12
7. Ireland – Mary Doyle, Olivia Mehaffey, Annabel Wilson *155-140-149-147-591 +15
7. England – India Clyburn, Alice Hewson, Inci Mehmet *148-149-143-151-591 +15
7. Belgium – Diane Baillieux, Clarisse Louis, Elodie Van Dievoet *150-145-146-150-591 +15
10. Italy – Lucrezia Colombotto Rosso, Martina Flori, Carlotta Ricolfi *147-145-146-154-592 +16
11. Australia – Hannah Green, Karis Davidson, Soo Jin (Jenny) Lee *154-145-144-153-596 +20
12. Finland – Anna Backman, Ellinoora Moisio, Sandra Salonen *145-149-152-152-598 +22
13. Canada 2 – Jaclyn Lee, Selena Costabile, Alisha Lau *150-151-149-149-599 +23
13. Mexico – Isabella Fierro, Maria Fassi, Monica Dibildox Hassaf *151-154-147-147-599 +23
15. New Zealand – Alanna Campbell, Julianne Alvarez, Wenyung Keh *156-147-157-148-608 +32
16. Norway – Sandra Nordaas, Dorthea Charlotte Forbrigd, Renate Grimstad *151-153-149-156-609 +33

The following are final individual scores from the World Junior Girls Golf Championship at Angus Glen Golf Club (South Course / par 72 / 6,298 yards):
1. Mika Liu, United States of America, *70-69-67-73-279 -9
2. Megan Khang, United States of America, *67-73-70-72-282 -6
3. Emma Svensson, Sweden, *76-70-72-67-285 -3
4. Brooke Henderson, Canada 1, *70-73-71-72-286 -2
5. Olivia Mehaffey, Ireland, *77-67-74-72-290 +2
5. Angel Yin, United States of America, *73-72-73-72-290 +2
7. Hana Ryškova, Czech Republic, *74-71-70-76-291 +3
7. Ana Pelaez Trivino, Spain, *73-73-71-74-291 +3
7. Puk  Thomsen, Denmark, *73-76-69-73-291 +3
10. Michaela Finn, Sweden, *74-74-72-75-295 +7
11. Kristýna Frýdlová, Czech Republic, *79-72-73-73-297 +9
11. Clarisse Louis, Belgium, *74-73-76-74-297 +9
11. Alejandra Pasarin Olalla, Spain, *74-74-71-78-297 +9
14. Diane Baillieux, Belgium, *76-76-70-76-298 +10
15. Martina Flori, Italy, *76-70-75-78-299 +11
15. Jaclyn Lee, Canada 2, *72-77-75-75-299 +11
15. Line  Hansen, Denmark, *76-67-72-84-299 +11
18. Hannah Green, Australia, *78-72-70-80-300 +12
18. Anna Backman, Finland, *71-73-73-83-300 +12
18. Carlotta Ricolfi, Italy, *74-75-74-77-300 +12
21. Alice Hewson, England, *78-73-68-82-301 +13
22. Inci Mehmet, England, *76-76-78-72-302 +14
22. Lucrezia Colombotto Rosso, Italy, *73-80-72-77-302 +14
22. Selena Costabile, Canada 2, *78-74-74-76-302 +14
22. Wenyung Keh, New Zealand, *76-75-79-72-302 +14
22. Grace St-Germain, Canada 1, *74-73-78-77-302 +14
27. India Clyburn, England, *72-77-75-79-303 +15
27. Isabella Fierro, Mexico, *76-78-76-73-303 +15
29. Soo Jin (Jenny) Lee, Australia, *77-77-74-76-304 +16
30. Karis Davidson, Australia, *77-73-78-77-305 +17
30. Filippa Mork, Sweden, *81-75-77-72-305 +17
30. Renate Grimstad, Norway, *78-73-74-80-305 +17
33. Elodie Van Dievoet, Belgium, *77-72-76-82-307 +19
33. Mary Doyle, Ireland, *78-73-75-81-307 +19
33. Alanna Campbell, New Zealand, *80-72-79-76-307 +19
33. Naomi Ko, Canada 1, *77-79-70-81-307 +19
37. Annabel Wilson, Ireland, *82-76-76-75-309 +21
37. Maria Fassi, Mexico, *75-87-71-76-309 +21
37. Sandra Nordaas, Norway, *73-80-77-79-309 +21
40. Ellinoora Moisio, Finland, *82-76-79-73-310 +22
40. Monica Dibildox Hassaf, Mexico, *84-76-76-74-310 +22
42. Alisha Lau, Canada 2, *83-80-75-74-312 +24
43. Nuria Iturrios Servera, Spain, *81-73-81-78-313 +25
44. Sandra Salonen, Finland, *74-82-79-79-314 +26
45. Julianne Alvarez, New Zealand, *80-79-78-79-316 +28
46. Dorthea Charlotte Forbrigd, Norway, *84-83-75-77-319 +31
46. Marie Lund-Hansen, Denmark, *79-80-83-77-319 +31
48. Karolína Kohoutová, Czech Republic, *86-98-85-89-358 +70

NOTES FROM ROUND 4:
•    Angus Glen’s 10th hole – a 380-yard par 4 – played as the most difficult hole Wednesday, with players averaging more than a 1/2 (0.58) of a stroke above par (4.58).
•    The 325-yard, par 4 15th and the 485-yard, par 5 16th holes played as the easiest holes Wednesday, with players averaging 0.03 of stroke below par.
•    Team USA’s Mika Liu and Emma Svensson of Sweden led the field in birdies this week with 18 each.
•    All three members of Team USA finished in the top-5 in the individual competition.
•    Wednesday’s low round of 5-under 67 was recorded by Emma Svensson of Sweden.
•    Wednesday’s final-round scoring included 2 eagles; 105 birdies; 499 pars; 210 bogies; 36 double bogies; and 12 other scores.
•    The average final-round score among the 48 competitors was 76.31, up from the third-round scoring average of 74.41.
•    Weather in Markham, Ont. today: High of 15°, low of 14° (Celsius). Fog, overcast with winds gusting up to 13 km/h.
•    Angus Glen Golf Club hosted the World Junior Girls Golf Championship as a test event for the 2015 golf competition of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games. The Pan Am Games will run July 10-26, 2015 with the golf competition running July 16-19, 2015.

TRANSCRIPTS & PHOTOS:
•    Audio and video transcripts from the World Junior Girls Golf Championship are available online.
•    Photo galleries from the World Junior Girls World Championship are also available online.

ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP:
The inaugural World Junior Girls Golf Championship – contested on the South Course at Angus Glen Golf Club – was conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with the Golf Association of Ontario. The championship featured three-player teams of athletes under the age of 19 representing 15 countries. As host country, Canada fielded two teams in the competition.

The 16-team field competed over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The event – which is supported by the International Golf Federation, received grant funding by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Other funding partners include the Golf Canada Foundation (Women’s Golf Fund) and the R&A as well as Central Counties. Funding was also provided from the Federal and Provincial governments in preparation for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.

For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

25 players from across Canada to compete in the Skills Challenge at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont., site of the 2014 World Junior Girls Championship

Markham, Ont. (Golf Canada) – The World Junior Girls Golf Championship won’t be the only major junior golf competition taking place this week at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.

Twenty-five competitors from across Canada will converge at Angus Glen Golf Club on Saturday, September 27^th for the sixth annual CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge National Event.

The Junior Skills Challenge National Event is one of the many activities planned around the inaugural World Junior Girls Golf Championship which runs September 26 to October 1 at Angus Glen Golf Club.

WHAT:

CN, Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada will host the national finals for the 2014 CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge on Saturday, September 27^th at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.

The National Junior Skills Challenge event is delivered in the same format as the CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge Qualifiers. As determined by their standing on the National Leaderboard, the top 25 juniors in the country will compete in a four part skills challenge (putting, chipping, driving and iron play) with one overall winner per age group and gender.

WHO:    

CN Future Links participants who qualified from various golf facilities across Canada – boys and girls qualifiers within each age group (age groups: 9-11; 12-14; and 15-18).

A total of 25 competitors who achieved the highest skills challenge scores from events across Canada during the 2014 golf season will travel to Angus Glen with the hope of becoming a CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge National Champion.

Ages 9-11

Ages 12-14

Ages 15-18

WHEN:                   

Saturday, September 27, 2014

9:00am – 10:30am: Practice & Warm-up

10:45am – 11:00am: Opening Address

11:00am – 1:00pm: Skills Challenge

Following completion of skills challenge will be a complimentary BBQ and awards presentation.

* All times EDT

WHERE:

Angus Glen Golf Club

10080 Kennedy Road

Markham, Ont.

L6C 1N9
Tel: 905-887-0090

www.angusglen.com

FORMAT:

• Driving: Each competitor receives three drives. Points are awarded and dependent on distance and aim of the drive. The drive must land within the 30-yard width to qualify for points. The number of points is dependent on the distances completed.
• Chipping: Each competitor receives three shots from their distance. Points are awarded and dependent on the distance of the iron shot from the target.
• Putting: Each competitor receives two putts each from each distance of 3, 5 and 8 feet. Points are awarded for holing the putt.
• Iron Play: Each competitor receives three shots from their distance. Points are awarded and dependent on the distance of the iron shot from the target.

Prizing for CN Future Links Junior Skills National Event is provided by Titleist and Footjoy. In addition, the winner of the male and female 15-18 categories will earn an exemption into their local 2015 CN Future Links Championship events.

Championship field to feature 48 players from 15 countries including the world’s no. 1 ranked amateur golfer, Brooke Henderson from Smiths Falls, Ont.

 Practice round scheduled for Saturday, September 27^th with tournament rounds running Sunday September 28^th to Wednesday October 1^st

 CN Future Links Skills Challenge National Event to take place on Saturday, September 27^th

Markham, Ont. (Golf Canada) – The world’s best female junior golfers are set to compete in a showcase international competition as the inaugural World Junior Girls Golf Championship will run September 26^th to October 1^st at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario Canada.

An elite field of female junior golfers will compete at the inaugural World Junior Girls Golf Championship which will be conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with the Golf Association of Ontario.

In all, 48 of the world’s top female junior golfers representing 15 different countries worldwide will compete in both a team and individual competition on the South Course at Angus Glen.

The championship features three-player teams of athletes under the age of 19. As host country, Canada will field two teams in the competition.

In addition to a 72-hole competition, the World Junior Girls Golf Championship will include an international golf coaches’ summit, golf clinics and a fundraising golf tournament conducted by the Golf Canada Foundation in partnership with TORONTO 2015. The World Junior Girls Golf Championship will also include the sixth annual CN Future Links Skills Challenge National Event.

Everything you need to know about the World Junior Girls Golf Championship:

The Event:

The inaugural World Junior Girls Golf Championship

Where:

Angus Glen Golf Club (South Course)

10080 Kennedy Road, Markham, Ont., L6C 1N9

www.angusglen.com

When:

Friday, September 26^th to Wednesday, October 1^st 

Admission: 

Free for spectators all week.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, September 26^th  Golf Canada & TORONTO 2015 Fundraising Golf Event (2:00pm)

Coaching Summit – Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO)

Skill Development Clinic (3:00pm-5:00pm)

Saturday, September 27^th  Championship Practice Round (7:30am – 9:00am)

CN Future Links National Junior Skills Challenge Final (11:00am)

Official Opening Ceremony (5:30pm)

Sunday, September 28^th  Round 1 / Team & Individual (8:00am – 9:17am off 1^st & 10^th tee)

Monday, September 29^th  Round 2 / Team & Individual (8:00am – 9:17am off 1^st & 10^th tee

Tuesday, September 30^th Round 3 / Team & Individual (8:00am – 9:17am off 1^st & 10^th tee

Wednesday, October 1^st  Final Round / Team & Individual (8:00am – 9:17am off 1^st & 10^th tee

Closing Ceremony (immediately following the completion of play –approximately 2:00pm)

Format:

Team Competition: 3 players per country (best 2 out of 3 scores count each day); 72 holes of stroke play; no cut

Individual Competition: 72 holes of stroke play; no cut

Countries represented: 15

(Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden and USA)

Click here for a full listing of team rosters.

Notables Players Set to Compete:

• Brooke Henderson (Canada) – no. 1 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; Runner-up at 2014 US & Canadian Amateur; Low Amateur at 2014 US Women’s Open; Low Individual at 2014 World Amateur
• Megan Khang (USA) – no. 40 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; two-time US Open competitor
• Mika Liu (USA) – no. 48 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking
• Karis Davidson (Australia) – no. 53 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; 2014 Australian Amateur runner-up
• Angela Yin (USA)– no. 57 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; medalist at 2014 US Junior Girls
• Nuria Iturrios Servera (Spain) – no. 61 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; 2012 silver medal & 2013 bronze medal at European Girls Team Championship
• Alice Hewson (England) – no. 75 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; quarter-finalist at 2014 British Amateur
• Alejandra Pasarin Olalla (Spain) – no. 108 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking
• Inci Mehmet (England) – no. 113 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking
• Puk Lyng Thomsen (Denmark) – no. 129 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking
• Ana Pelaez Trivino (Spain) – no. 131 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking
• Hannah Green (Australia) – no. 156 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking
• So Jin (Jenny) Lee (Australia) – no. 179 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking
• Olivia Mehaffey (Ireland) – no. 227 on World Amateur Golf Ranking; Irish Girls U18 Open Stroke Play champion
• Julianna Alvarez (New Zealand) – no. 260 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; T10 at the 2014 Youth Olympics
• Naomi Ko (Canada) – no. 279 on World Amateur Golf Ranking; 2014 British Columbia Junior champion
• Jaclyn Lee (Canada) – no. 423 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; 2014 Alberta Amateur & Junior champion
• Selena Costabile (Canada) – no. 426 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking; 2014 GAO Spring Classic champion
• Maria Fassi (Mexico) – no. 459 on World Amateur Golf Rankings; T13 at the 2014 Youth Olympics
• Sandra Salonen (Finland) – T20 at the 2014 Youth Olympics
• Grace St-Germain (Canada) – no. 472 on World Amateur Golf Ranking; 2014 Canadian Junior Girls champion

Canadians in the Field:

• Brooke Henderson, Smiths Falls, Ont. (17)
• Naomi Ko, Victoria, B.C. (17)
• Grace St-Germain, Ottawa, Ont. (16)
• Jaclyn Lee, Calgary (17)
• Selena Costabile, Thornhill, Ont. (16)
• Alisha Lau, Richmond, B.C. (14)

As the host country, Canada will field two team in the competition – one team will featuring Brooke Henderson, Grace St-Germain and Naomi Ko while the second team includes Jaclyn Lee, Selena Costabile and Alisha Lau. Click here for a listing of Team Canada player bios.

The Canadian teams will be coached by Team Canada Development Squad Women’s Coach Ann Carroll, alongside Reggie Millage, the provincial Head Coach for the Golf Association of Ontario.

Supporting Partners:

A special thank you to our partners who have aligned their brand with the World Junior Girls Golf Championship including the International Golf Federation; the R&A; Sport Canada; the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport; Central Counties; TORONTO 2015; the PGA of Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation.

Conducted by:

Golf Canada in partnership with the Golf Association of Ontario URL: www.worldjuniorgirls.com

Brooke Henderson, Grace St-Germain and Naomi Ko to represent Team Canada along with Jaclyn Lee, Selena Costabile and Alisha Lau

Inaugural international junior girls’ championship to be conducted September 26^th to October 1^st at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.

Markham, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada in partnership with the Golf Association of Ontario is pleased to announce the six players who will represent Team Canada’s two squads at the inaugural World Junior Girls’ Golf Championship September 26^th to October 1^st at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.

Representing the first of two Canadian squads competing are Brooke Henderson, 16, of Smiths Falls, Ont., Grace St-Germain, 16, of Ottawa, Ont. and Naomi Ko, 17, of Victoria, B.C. Canada’s second team in the event will include Jaclyn Lee of Calgary, Selena Costabile of Thornhill, Ont. and Alisha Lau of Richmond, B.C.

The Canadian contingent will be coached by Team Canada Development Squad Women’s Coach Ann Carroll, alongside Reggie Millage the provincial Head Coach for the Golf Association of Ontario.

The inaugural international junior girls championship – which will be contested on the South Course at Angus Glen Golf Club – will be conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with the Golf Association of Ontario.

The championship features three-player teams of athletes under the age of 19 representing 15 countries. As host country, Canada will field two teams in the competition. A full listing of rosters for each country can be found here. and full bios for the Canadians selected can be found below.

The 16-team field will compete over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. Qualifying countries for the inaugural championship were invited based on their performances at the 2012 World Amateur in Turkey.

The 2014 World Junior Girls’ Golf Championship will mark the first official playing of a female junior championship of its kind – the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup is a boys’ only event that has been contested for almost 20 years.

The event – which is supported by the International Golf Federation, received grant funding by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Other funding partners include the Golf Canada Foundation (Women’s Golf Fund) and the R&A as well as Central Counties.  Funding was also provided from the Federal and Provincial governments in preparation for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.

In addition to a 72-hole competition, the championship will include skills competitions, an international golf coaches’ summit and golf clinics outside of tournament play in the spirit of establishing an interactive junior golf festival around the championship.

The Angus Glen Golf Club will also play host to the debut of golf at the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games from July 16-19, 2015. The World Junior Girls’ Golf Championship will provide training opportunities for officials and volunteers registered for the historic event that is set for the south course at Angus Glen.

The event gets underway with Opening Ceremonies at Angus Glen beginning at 5:30pm on Saturday, September 27^th.

Admission to the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free for all spectators for the duration of the championship. For more information visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com

TEAM CANADA PLAYERS BIOS

Squad # 1

Brooke Henderson

As the No. 1 ranked amateur in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, the Smiths Falls, Ont. native has captured seven amateur titles this season and two professional titles (Canadian Women’s Tour Ontario and PGA Women’s Championship of Canada). A member of Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad, Henderson recently won the individual medal at the World Amateur Championship. Additionally, she finished runner-up at the 2014 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and also finished T10 at the U.S. Women’s Open. She also earned Low Canadian and Low Amateur honours at the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open where she finished T46 and while also finishing T45 at the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic.

Grace St-Germain

A native of Ottawa, Ont., St-Germain captured the 2014 Canadian Junior Girls Championship by seven strokes. The 16-year-old was also victorious at the Quebec Women’s Amateur Championship and earned medalist honours at the GAO’s Junior Girls’ Match Play Championship. Recently she added another win to her season at the Graham Cooke Junior Invitational.

Naomi Ko

A member of Team Canada’s National Development Squad, Ko is the reigning 2014 B.C. Junior Girls champion. Additionally, the 17-year-old Victoria, B.C. native won the CN Future Links Ontario title and finished fourth at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

Squad # 2

Jaclyn Lee

Lee is a three-time winner this season after victories at the CN Future Links Prairie Championship, Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship and Alberta Junior Girls Championship. The Calgary native is also a member of Team Canada’s National Development Squad.

Selena Costabile

A native of Thornhill, Ont., Costabile captured the 2014 GAO Junior Spring Classic and the CJGA World Junior Challenge. The 16-year-old also finished runner-up at the CN Future Links Ontario Championship and notched a pair of third place finishes at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and the AJGA/CJGA’s Junior Championship.

Alisha Lau

A native of Richmond, B.C., Lau was victorious at the CJGA’s Nike Golf Junior Series at Hazelmere, finished second at the CN Future Links Prairie Championship and fourth at the CN Future Links Pacific Championship. Additionally, the 15-year-old posted a third place finish at the B.C. Women’s Amateur Championship.