VICTORIA – Keith Martin, of Kelowna, B.C., and Derek Barron, from Lakewood, Wash., both shot 5-under par-66’s to share medallist honours at Bear Mountain Resort, host of the first of three RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying events.

“I’ve been striking the ball really well the last two weeks,” said Martin. “At Mackenzie Tour Q-School last week I finished with a 70 on the last day and putted really well too, so I just carried that momentum through to today.”

Martin started off strong and never looked back. He finished the front-nine with a scorching 5-under par 30, making back-to-back birdies on holes three and four, another birdie on eight, and holing out for eagle on nine.

Riding the momentum of earning an exemption for the first four events of the season at Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada Q-School last week, Barron started off hot as well.

He birdied four of his first five holes and didn’t drop a stroke until recording back-to-back bogeys on 15 and 16. He then closed with consecutive birdies on 17 and 18.

Thirty-two local and international golfers in total competed for one of six spots to move on to the final RBC Canadian Open Qualifier at Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont., on July 24.

In addition to Martin and Barron, four others earned a spot at the final qualifier.

Lucas Herbert, who finished 32nd on the PGA of Australia Order of Merit in 2016, fired 2-under par 69, good for solo third.

Riley Wheeldon, the 2016 medallist from Comox, B.C., Danny Sahl, from Sherwood Park, Alta., and Chile’s Horacio Leon, who’s coming off a win at Mackenzie Tour PGA of Canada Q-School last week, all recorded 1-under par 70’s to round out the six golfers to advance.

In total, there are three regional qualifying events, each consisting of 18 holes of stroke play. Provided that there are 100 or more players in the field, the low qualifier receives an exemption directly into the 2016 RBC Canadian Open.

Otherwise, the top 15 percent of finishers at each qualifier become eligible to compete at the final qualifying event, as was the case at Bear Mountain.

A minimum of four players from the 18-hole stroke play Final Qualifier at Heron Point will gain entry into the RBC Canadian Open field.

There are two more regional qualifying events before the final qualifier:

May 15 – Blue Springs Golf Club in Acton, Ont.
June 5 – Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu on the Rouville Course in Sainte-Julie, Que.

Additional information regarding Tuesday’s RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Bear Mountain, can be found here.

By: Mark Williams/ PGA TOUR

When professional golfer Steve Alker climbed the steps to enter the Glen Abbey clubhouse upon arriving at the 2000 RBC Canadian Open, he didn’t know it, but he was a marked man.

“They knew I was from New Zealand,” Alker said with a cheeky smile, referring to Gordon and Nancy Dooley, the married couple who were volunteers welcoming competitors and their families at the main entrance to the clubhouse that has played host to the RBC Canadian Open 27 times in its 112-year history.

At the time, the 29-year-old Alker was traveling with Tanya, whom he had met nine months earlier and had given up her job as a cruise ship director to travel with him and caddie for him. The Alker’s, now married and have two children, currently reside in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Steve and Tanya asked us to keep an eye on his golf clubs while he went to register for the tournament,” Gordon Dooley said while recalling their first meeting. “We got to talking and while following him around the course during the week, Nancy mentioned our intention to travel to New Zealand.”

Alker could have said ‘great, thanks for your time and see you later’, but that’s not really his personality. As Gordon and Nancy continued to seek advice about New Zealand, it opened his eyes as to what his country really had to offer.

“I think the fact that they had the courage to approach me in the first place – many volunteers would be too shy or overawed to do that,” he said. “You’ve got to respect that. They were generally interested in my country and I was enthusiastic to tell them about it.”

Alker was at Canada’s premiere PGA TOUR event having qualified after winning the Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada Order of Merit. Like most Kiwi’s, he’s proud of his country and took the opportunity, when asked, to share all the wonders of the spectacular island nation where he grew up. The Dooley’s, from nearby Clarkson, and in their 60s at the time, listened intently to Alker before inviting him and Tanya to dinner.

Later that week, after accepting the Dooley’s invitation to dine with them, the young couple got to know the older couple and a friendship was formed. Alker felt comfortable enough to make the Dooley’s an offer they couldn’t refuse.

“Steve offered his home and car for the period we were planning to be in New Zealand as he was going to compete on the Asian Tour at that time,” Gordon said. “We accepted his kind offer, and since he was aware that we played golf, he organized guest playing privileges for us at his home club.”

“I just told them they were welcome to stay at my house in Hamilton,” Alker added. “It was helping them out and I wasn’t going to be there anyway so it made sense for them to use it as a base.”

Hamilton, in the central North Island of New Zealand, was where Alker learned the game. He spent hours honing his well-envied short game on the practice facilities at the St. Andrews Golf Club alongside the Waikato River under the watchful eye of his dad, Bill, who was an accomplished amateur golfer himself. Alker felt the city’s central location made it a good jumping-off point for the Dooley’s.

“It’s easy to get to the incredible geothermal activity in Rotorua, the lakes and mountains near Taupo, or the popular beaches at Mt. Maunganui,” he said. “It’s all within a couple of hours drive.”

The Dooley’s five-week trip to New Zealand in 2001 was all they’d dreamed of and their relationship with the Alker’s snow-balled from that point. Steve and Tanya stayed at the Dooley’s home the following year when he competed in the RBC Canadian Open. The Canadian couple returned to New Zealand for a second vacation the next year, this time renting a beachside condo at Mt. Maunganui as they wanted to enjoy the atmosphere of the popular holiday destination. The avid golfers even became temporary members at the Omanu Golf Club during their second visit.

The two couples stayed in contact and became family friends, exchanging Christmas cards each year. Sometimes they don’t talk for five or six months but they easily pick up from where they left off, like good friends do.

After missing the cut in his first RBC Canadian Open, the same year he first met the Dooley’s on the steps at Glen Abbey, Alker made three more starts in the tournament, tying for 55^th in 2001, posting a tie for 42^nd in 2003 and making the cut in 2015 but failing to advance to the final round after a 54-hole cut.

“They were still volunteering each time I played,” Alker said.

While reflecting on his relationship with the Dooley’s, Alker was asked why he thinks his bond with the Canadian couple is so strong.

“They are nice people, they are genuine,” he said. “Perhaps it’s the Commonwealth bond of Canada and New Zealand. Right from the start they were very interested in us. My wife is the chatty one. She got to know them really well.”

Alker admits that others may find the relationship that he and Tanya have with tournament volunteers like the Dooley’s is a little unusual.

“It’s kind of unique I guess, but I’m not sure if it’s just volunteers,” he added. “It’s no different than getting paired with people in pro-am events and exchanging cards and staying in contact. I think, deep down, the game of golf and what it offers, the bond with people, that’s the key here.”

Gordon thinks this year will be the 14^th he and Nancy have volunteered for the Toronto tournament. His favorite moment during that time was watching Tiger Woods hit the epic 6-iron from the fairway bunker on the final hole to win in 2000 by a single stroke over New Zealander Grant Waite.

“What we like most about volunteering is the proximity to the professionals,” he said. “Sometimes they will engage in chatter with us if they are so disposed.”

Alker will see the Dooley’s again at this year’s RBC Canadian Open. Tournament staff confirmed the couple registered as volunteers well in advance. Alker will be in the field, with the 2016-17 season his third full stint on the PGA TOUR. He was also exempt on TOUR in 2003 and 2015 and has bounced around the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Web.com Tour and the European Tour since turning professional in 1995. Along with 10 professional wins (four on the Web.com Tour, four on the Australasian Tour and two on the Canadian Tour), Alker has posted six top-25 results in 63 PGA TOUR starts before the 2016-17 season began. His claim to fame, and a guaranteed statistic to win you a bet, is defeating South Africa’s Dawie van der Walt on the 11^th playoff hole to win the 2014 Cleveland Open, a Web.com Tour record for longest playoff.

Regarded by his peers as one of the nicest guys on TOUR, Alker has made many friends through golf. He’s appreciative of the times he’s played in the RBC Canadian Open and says meeting the Dooley’s has influenced the way he reacts to volunteers at other tournaments.

“Not that I had disrespect for volunteers before, but it’s amazing what they do and how they give up their time to do it,” he said. “I definitely feel a responsibility to volunteers, especially on Sunday when you are playing your final nine holes. I make a point of saying ‘thanks guys, for your help this week’. I think just doing that goes a long way.”

Toronto, Ontario (March 22, 2017) – Levelwear, a global sport and lifestyle apparel brand, announced today it has been named official golf apparel and headwear sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open, beginning with the 2017 Championships.

Sponsoring both of Canada’s National Open Golf Championships, Levelwear deepens its presence in the golf industry in Canada and provides a platform to demonstrate the company’s golf and licensing apparel expertise.

Levelwear becomes the exclusive provider of RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open volunteer uniforms as well as branded apparel and headwear both on the event grounds and at select off-site retail locations. The product offering will include its polos, mid-layer and lightweight outerwear garments, as well as pieces from their lifestyle collection of casual cottons and their wide assortment of premium headwear. Known for innovative design and treatment, each piece of apparel will be carefully crafted by the Levelwear in-house design team to create memorable pieces of commemorative merchandise for the spectators and fans.

Levelwear’s investment in these two quintessential properties further enhances its commitment within the golf marketplace in Canada. In January, Levelwear signed ‘Mr. Northern 59,’ Adam Hadwin as a global brand ambassador for its golf and lifestyle apparel. In addition, Levelwear also sponsors fellow PGA TOUR member and Canadian, Brad Fritsch as a Global Brand Ambassador. Levelwear has established business relationships with roughly 80 of the top 100 golf courses in both Canada and the U.S.

Golf Canada owns and operates the RBC Canadian Open, set to run July 24-30, 2017 at Glen Abbey Golf Club, as well as the CP Women’s Open which takes place August 21-27, 2017 at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club.

The RBC Canadian Open is the third-oldest national open golf Championship next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. Golf Canada will also be bringing the CP Women’s Open back to the nation’s capital in Ottawa to coincide with Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations.

“We have a deep heritage in golf and in Canada. These are the two most iconic golf Championships in Canada. With the history, heritage and connection these properties have with golf fans, we are excited to leverage that equity to build some truly unique Levelwear offerings,” stated Hilton Ngo, President of Levelwear.

Levelwear has established enduring business verticals in licensed and team sports, golf apparel, and men’s and women’s lifestyle wear, with core strengths of innovation, decoration and industry leading service.

“We are extremely excited to have Levelwear as our new apparel and headwear partner this upcoming season,” said Brent McLaughlin, Tournament Director for the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.  “Levelwear’s depth of innovation, decoration and service will be able to provide consumers with quality licensed merchandise to commemorate Canada’s most historic golf championships.”

Levelwear holds licensing partnerships with some of the top global brands, including the NHL and NHLPA, NBA, 150 US Colleges, the CFL, Hockey Canada and various soccer properties globally. At the PGA Show in Orlando, Levelwear unveiled its fall 2017 collection featuring a new women’s transitional activewear line –  Levelwear Verve, a modern collection of men’s polos, and the Insignia Program, a highly innovative logo treatment collection, that gives a rich gloss metallic like finish with custom embellishments. For more information, please visit www.levelwear.com.

OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Parents can credit the imagination and artistic creativity of a 3rd grade student this summer when their children, ages 17-and-under, gain free admission to see the stars of the PGA TOUR.

The RBC Canadian Open has unveiled its new Junior Ticket design for this year’s event which takes place July 24-30, 2017 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. The ticket design was selected from entries received from five local elementary school classes who singed on to participate in the first-ever RBC Canadian Open Ticket Design Contest.

“I’d like to thank and congratulate all the students who took part in our RBC Canadian Open Junior Ticket design contest,” said Brent McLaughlin, Tournament Director of the RBC Canadian Open. “We were thrilled with the creativity and quality of all entries we received.”

The winning illustration was selected out of more than 100 entries received. Eight finalists were identified by the tournament’s marketing team and then Golf Canada staff voted the winner. When the pencil crayons were put away, the design of Emma Hapelt, a 3rd grade student from St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School in Oakville, Ont., was selected the winner.

The contest is a new initiative that reinforces the tournament’s commitment to being an event for fans of all ages.

“Family and junior engagement is very important to the RBC Canadian Open and we’re proud to be considered among the PGA TOUR’s most fan-friendly events,” McLaughlin added. “We pride ourselves on making sure the entire family can enjoy themselves onsite. It’s about bringing everyone together to celebrate community and Canadian golf.”

Last year, nearly 45,000 free RBC Canadian Open Junior Tickets were printed and distributed. Free Junior Tickets were also available online for download and printing.

Emma’s contest-winning submission earned her entire class a pizza party. As well, her family received two VIP Passes for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open. Emma and her family are also invited to take part in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the golf tournament.

Complimentary Junior Tickets, applicable to kids 17-and-under, are ideal giveaways for sports teams, schools, golf tournaments and summer camps. They are available for download online here. They can also be ordered through Golf Canada’s sales department at 1-800-263-0009 ext. 320 or via email at rbccanadianopen@golfcanada.ca.

Information regarding tickets, volunteer opportunities and corporate hospitality for the 2017 RBC Canadian Open can be found at www.rbccanadianopen.com.

OAKVILLE, ONT. – The RBC Canadian Open has launched a new VIP corporate hospitality offering for this year’s championship, which runs July 24-30, 2017 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. The Courtyard Cabanas, located between No. 16 and 17 fairways and adjacent to the new Courtyard Games area, are all-inclusive private cabanas featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as full lunch and afternoon hors d’oeuvres.

The Courtyard Cabanas offer a private, Vegas-style venue featuring a sheltered interior with plush seating and outdoor patios. Available on a per day or weekly basis, hospitality buyers must pre-book Courtyard Cabanas, which includes 10 tickets per day, preferred parking, as well as wait staff for food and beverage delivery.

“The Courtyard Cabanas feature VIP amenities and are paired with views of some of the most exciting golf Glen Abbey has to offer,” said Dave Kay, Director of Business Development for Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open. “Whether you want to take in the action on the reachable par 5, 16th hole, enjoy sightlines of the tricky tee-shot on No. 17, Courtyard Cabana patrons can be sure terrific golf is never too far away.”

Courtyard Cabana attendees can also enjoy friendly rivalry at the new Courtyard Games area, where guests can challenge each other to cottage-style games such as Giant Jenga, Bean Bag Toss, Washers and more.

Kay has no doubt Courtyard Cabana customers and their guests will enjoy this fresh hospitality offering.

“The initial response to our RBC Canadian Open corporate hospitality offerings for 2017 has been tremendous – from both past and new partners,” noted Kay. “The cabanas are a hip addition to our corporate hospitality product line up and I’m sure this limited opportunity will sell out. If companies are interested in acquiring one, I encourage them to secure theirs soon.”

To reserve a Courtyard Cabana call Dave Kay at 1-800-263-0009 ext. 228 or email dkay@golfcanada.ca.

For more information on RBC Canadian Open Corporate Hospitality options, please click here.

MISSISSAUGA, ON – Landmark Sport Group Inc. and Golf Canada today announced the second annual RBC Canadian Open 5K Golf Run will be held Saturday, July 22nd, 2017 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

The RBC Canadian Open 5K, which is open to golf fans, runners and walkers, takes participants through a five kilometre route of the Glen Abbey Golf Club layout. The route begins at the first tee of Glen Abbey’s championship course set up and finishes alongside the iconic 18th green.

All registered participants receive a 2017 RBC Canadian Open Anyday ticket, a race t-shirt, medal and the opportunity to experience a PGA TOUR event venue just days prior to tournament week

“The RBC Canadian Open 5K Run exposes our sport and the golf course to a completely new audience of non-golf, health enthusiasts,” said Brent McLaughlin, RBC Canadian Tournament Director. “Last year was a terrific starting point to engage a new audience and create a longer celebration window for Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. We look forward to welcoming even more participants in 2017.”

Walk and running enthusiasts can take part in a timed running event, while passionate golf fans can enjoy the atmosphere of the Glen Abbey Golf Club just days prior to the arrival of top PGA TOUR players. The event welcomed more than 350 participants in 2017 and organizers are bullish that number will increase for the second rendition of the event.

“We are extremely excited to work with Golf Canada to bring back the RBC Canadian Open 5K Golf Run for a second year,” said Race Director, Brody Coles. “This event is such a fun way to kick off the tournament and give runners and golfers alike the chance to experience Glen Abbey Golf Club in a truly unique way.”

In addition to the 5K run, participants are invited to enjoy live coverage of The Open Championship on large screens, and relax post-race in the Coors Light Beer Gardens.

Early bird registration begins at $50. Participants can register and find more information by visiting www.golfrun.ca.