Team RBC golfers team up for Online Charity Challenge
TORONTO – Whether you tweet, share, like, view or blog, #RBCGolf4Kids is looking to score a hole-in-one for kids through an online social media challenge to raise $500,000 for thirteen children’s charities around the world.
For the second year, Team RBC golfers are once again inviting the public to participate in the social media charity challenge by sharing the hashtag #RBCGolf4Kids on Twitter and Instagram, or joining in on Facebook or www.teamrbcgolf.com – the more shares of #RBCGolf4Kids, the more dollars raised for children’s charities. Three bonus challenges will provide opportunities for Team RBC players to win additional donations for their respective charities.
“One of the greatest investments we make is helping kids and youth succeed and our Team RBC players share this belief and go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of young people,” said Jane Broderick, chief brand and communications officer, RBC. “With the success of last year’s challenge, our players are excited to put on their game faces and take their best swing to raise awareness and funds for child and youth charities.”
Over a five week period from June 15 to July 19, Team RBC ambassadors will compete in a series of weekly challenges – photo trivia, predict an event or fill in the blank – encouraging fans to do the same and share the hashtag #RBCGolf4Kids. The challenge will have ‘share’ thresholds that will trigger increasing levels of donation from RBC each week. The challenge will end on Sunday July 19 at midnight, prior to the start of the 2015 RBC Canadian Open that takes place at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario.
“For my fans to help me win more than $135,000 last year for the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin in Ireland was amazing. I know how instrumental these funds are in supporting the tremendous work the hospital does for children,” said Graeme McDowell, PGA TOUR golfer and member of Team RBC. “This year’s competition promises to be better than ever and I challenge my fellow Team RBCers to step up their game with fun content that our fans will love to share.”
With charities from around the world benefitting from the challenge, these are the organizations Team RBC is supporting:
RBC GOLF
RBC proudly supports golf around the world through high profile relationships with the PGA TOUR and Golf Canada. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services partner of touring professionals Jason Day, Graeme McDowell, Brandt Snedeker, Luke Donald, Matt Kuchar, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Ryan Palmer, Mike Weir, Graham DeLaet, David Hearn, Nick Taylor, Adam Hadwin, Brooke Henderson and Morgan Pressel. As the title sponsor of both the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open, RBC also supports emerging Canadian golfers through Golf Canada’s grassroots developmental programming, their Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and high performance national team. RBC is one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization. Follow us on Twitter @RBC.
For more information, please contact:
Jackie Braden
Director, RBC Brand & Citizenship Communications
416-974-6286
National Junior Golf Skills Competition to be hosted at Glen Abbey Golf Club as part of 2015 RBC Canadian Open
OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada in partnership with title sponsor CN announced today that the CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge National Event will be hosted at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. on Saturday, July 18th leading into the 2015 RBC Canadian Open.
Now in its seventh season, the CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge National Event brings together Canada’s 24 top-scoring juniors in a competition that showcases putting, chipping, iron and driving skills on the national stage.
Delivered by Golf Canada in partnership with the PGA of Canada, CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenges are conducted throughout the year by facilities running CN Future Links programming across Canada. Scores from each Junior Skills Challenge are submitted online to a national leaderboard, from which top qualifiers are selected prior to the June 22nd deadline. Participants from six different age groups will be invited as follows:
• Girls 11 and under (5 players)
• Boys 11 and under (5 players)
• Girls 12 to 14 (4 players)
• Boys 12 to 14 (4 players)
• Girls 15 to 18 (3 players)
• Boys 15 to 18 (3 players)
For Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Jeff Thompson, hosting the CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge leading into the RBC Canadian Open will bring a heightened level of excitement for juniors looking to qualify for the National Event.
“CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge is an exciting platform to motivate junior golfers to want to improve both personally and against their peers across four fundamentally important areas of golf skill development,” said Thompson. “We are excited to host the National Event this year on the same grounds as the RBC Canadian Open just days before PGA TOUR stars vie for our National Open title.”
The winners of the CN Future Links Skills Challenge National Event in the boys and girls 15-18 age groups will receive an exemption into their local CN Future Links Championship in 2016. All other attending participants of the CN Future Links Junior Skills National Event will receive prizing courtesy of Titleist Footjoy.
“The CN Future Links Junior Skills Challenge is an excellent part of the entire CN Future Links suite of programs, of which PGA of Canada members are proud leaders in the delivery in the program,” said Gary Bernard, PGA of Canada CEO. “The partnership between the PGA of Canada and Golf Canada continues to grow, thus ensuring the continued growth of developing world-class programs for golf in this country.”
To celebrate the event being hosted for the first time leading into the RBC Canadian Open, junior participants will also have the opportunity to test the storied Glen Abbey layout in an exciting match play format on Sunday, July 19th prior to tournament week. Following that, junior participants will be provided weekly grounds passes and have an opportunity to be involved in Monday’s Pro-Am and secure a spot in Wednesday’s CN Future Links Walk with a Pro event during the Wednesday Pro-Am.
The Junior Skills Challenge is one of many program elements from the CN Future Links family of programming, dedicated to promoting the active, health and safety values of golf.
Current CN Future Links programming includes the Learn to Play program as well as mobile clinics, PGA Jr. League, Girls Club, Field Trip and the CN Future Links Championships. As part of its investment in Canadian junior golf, CN is also a proud supporter of Golf in Schools.
In 2014, CN Future Links junior golf activities were conducted at 455 golf facilities with more than 7,000 juniors registered in the Learn to Play program. In addition, 160 golf facilities took part in the Junior Skills Challenge running more than 3,200 juniors through qualifying events. More than 56,000 youngsters participated in more than 1,200 mobile golf clinics across the country. Since 2006, more than 1.2 million children have been introduced to golf through the CN Future Links program.
ABOUT CN
CN is a true backbone of the economy, transporting more than C$250 billion worth of goods annually for a wide range of business sectors, ranging from resource products to manufactured products to consumer goods, across a rail network spanning Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico. CN – Canadian National Railway Company, along with its operating railway subsidiaries — serves the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the metropolitan areas of Toronto, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information on CN, visit the company’s website at www.cn.ca. (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI).
ABOUT CN FUTURE LINKS
CN Future Links is Canada’s national junior golf program conducted by Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada and Canada’s provincial golf associations. The program is designed to forge a link between Canada’s youth and golf to ensure the future of the game in Canada. Since the inception of the program in 1996, more than 1.2 million young Canadians have taken part in CN Future Links. A number of new initiatives, including Field Trips and Learn to Play, have succeeded through CN’s sponsorship of the program. For more information, visit www.cnfuturelinks.com.
Golf Canada’s CN Future Links program is proudly sponsored by CN, Acura, Cobra Puma Golf and supported by ClubLink, Heritage Canada and the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA).
ABOUT THE PGA OF CANADA—THE LIFEBLOOD OF THE GAME OF GOLF:
Established in 1911, the PGA of Canada is the second oldest and third largest professional golf association in the world. The PGA of Canada is a non-profit Association comprised of 3,700 golf professionals across the country. The Association’s mandate is to develop, promote and support our Members as experts in the game and business of golf and, in so doing, serve both its Members’ needs and those of the golfing public through the Association’s varied programs and events. The Association consists of the National Office located in Acton, Ont., and nine Zone Offices across the country.
GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.
Golf Canada is the National Sports Organization and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
For more information, contact:
Golf Canada:
Dan Pino
Director, Corporate Communications
Phone: 1-800-263-0009 ext.: 406
Cell: 416-434-5525
Email: dpino@golfcanada.ca
PGA of Canada:
Chris Fry
Managing Director, Corporate Communications & Digital Media
PGA of Canada
1-800-782-5764 EXT. 234
Lindsay Wilson and Dillon Rust claim medallist honours at RBC Canadian Open Qualifying events
OAKVILLE, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Many of Canada’s top golfers took part in RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying events today in Quebec and British Columbia in hopes of punching their tickets to final (Monday) qualifying July 20 at Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton, Ont.
The Quebec qualifier was contested at Club de golf St- Raphaël’s Blue Course in Île-Bizard, Que., where hometown talent Lindsay Wilson finished at 2-under par 70 to claim medallist honours.
Jesse Smith (71) of Ohsweken, Ont., finished runner-up at 1 under, while Sonny Michaud of Neuville, Que., took third after an even-par 72 while six more players finished T4 at 1 over (73). In total, nine players from the Quebec Qualifier will advance to the final qualifier in July.
Squamish Valley Golf and Country Club in Squamish, B.C., hosted Monday’s other regional qualifying event where Dillon Rust of Edmond, OK, claimed victory with a round of 5 under 67.
Seann Harlingten of West Vancouver, B.C., earned runner-up honours with a 2 under 70.
Five players shared third after even-par 72s to round out the 16 players who have earned their way today into the RBC Canadian Open final qualifying round on July 20.
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 2015 RBC Canadian Open. Otherwise, the top 15 per cent of finishers at each qualifier become eligible to compete at the final qualifying event.
The third and final 2015 RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier will be held June 29 at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton, Ont.
The 2015 RBC Canadian Open takes place July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Full results of RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier – Quebec:
• 1. Lindsay Wilson, Ile Bizard, QC, *34-36-70 -2
• 2. Jesse Smith, Ohsweken, ON, *35-36-71 -1
• 3. Sonny Michaud, Neuville, QC, *37-35-72 E
• 4. Mathieu Perron, St. Hubert, QC, *36-37-73 +1
• 4. John YounSung Kim (a), Toronto, ON, *33-40-73 +1
• 4. Louis-Pierre Godin, Trois-Rivieres, QC, *33-40-73 +1
• 4. Keven Fortin-Simard, Chicoutimi, QC, *35-38-73 +1
• 4. Matthew McMahon, Brockville, ON, *36-37-73 +1
• 4. Nicolas Fortin, Lévis, QC, *36-37-73 +1
— DID NOT ADVANCE —
• 10. Julien Goulet, St-Roch de l’Achigan, QC, *36-38-74 +2
• 10. Sun Kim (a), L’Île-Perrot, QC, *37-37-74 +2
• 10. Clément Herviou, Quebec, QC, *37-37-74 +2
• 10. Adam Graham (a), Sarnia, ON, *36-38-74 +2
• 14. Benoit Boudreau, Longueuil, QC, *35-40-75 +3
• 14. Jean-Philippe Paiement, Mont-Laurier, QC, *37-38-75 +3
• 14. Iannick Lamarre, St-Lambert, QC, *35-40-75 +3
• 17. Maxime Barre, Granby, QC, *40-36-76 +4
• 17. A.J. McKenzie, Kitchener, ON, *39-37-76 +4
• 19. Lucas Duperre Vanden Hecke, Dolbeau-Mistassini, QC, *38-39-77 +5
• 19. Marc Bourgeois, Dieppe, NB, *40-37-77 +5
• 19. Sean Carlino (a), Hamilton, ON, *38-39-77 +5
• 22. Oliver White (a), Lower Gwynedd, PA, *41-37-78 +6
• 23. Daniel Santerre, Côteau du Lac, QC, *41-38-79 +7
• 23. Josh Whalen (a), Napanee, ON, *38-41-79 +7
• 23. Pitre Louis-Alexandre, Québec, QC, *40-39-79 +7
• 26. Sebastien Neron, Saguenay, QC, *39-41-80 +8
• 26. Pascal Beaumier, Saint-Constant, QC, *38-42-80 +8
• 26. Massimo Roch (a), Montreal, QC, *43-37-80 +8
• 29. Dane Ellerton, Hemmingford, QC, *39-42-81 +9
• 30. Mark Craik (a), Rothesay, NB, *42-40-82 +10
• 31. Jack Boyd (a), Beaconsfield, QC, *43-40-83 +11
• 31. Lucas Greco, Montreal, QC, *39-44-83 +11
• 33. Raphael Even-Hen (a), Cote-Saint-Luc, QC, *42-43-85 +13
• 33. James Colin Davis (a), Montreal, QC, *40-45-85 +13
• 35. Denis Roy, Boischatel, QC, *43-45-88 +16
• 36. Jess Esposito (a), Saratoga Springs, NY, *43-46-89 +17
• 37. Ross Feldman (a), Belleville, NJ, *46-46-92 +20
• 38. Di Giovanni Jordan (a), St Lazare, QC, *51-49-100 +28
— DID NOT FINISH —
• NS. William Theofilopoulos, Saint Laurent, QC, *
• NS. Étienne Brault (a), Mercier, QC, *
Full results of RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier – B.C.:
• 1. Dillon Rust, Edmond, OK, *32-35-67 -5
• 2. Seann Harlingten, West Vancouver, BC, *34-36-70 -2
• 3. Peter Campbell, Windermere, FL, *35-37-72 E
• 3. Thomas Hay (a), Langley, BC, *34-38-72 E
• 3. Stuart MacDonald (a), Vancouver, BC, *37-35-72 E
• 3. Kaleb Gorbahn (a), Smithers, BC, *32-40-72 E
• 3. Bill Hole (a), Vancouver, BC, *34-38-72 E
— DID NOT ADVANCE —
• 8. Ethan Tracy, Galloway, OH, *35-38-73 +1
• 8. Kevin Spooner (a), West Vancouver, BC, *35-38-73 +1
• 10. Joel Thelen, Fort Worth, TX, *38-36-74 +2
• 10. Ian (Jae Hoon) Kim (a), Vancouver.BC, *35-39-74 +2
• 12. Jordan Lu (a), Vancouver, BC, *33-42-75 +3
• 12. Matt Matheson (a), West Vancouver, BC, *35-40-75 +3
• 12. Michael Gligic, Kitchener, ON, *38-37-75 +3
• 12. Jean-Philip Cornellier, Granby, QC, *35-40-75 +3
• 16. Robert Bird, West Vancouver, BC, *37-39-76 +4
• 16. Ben Silverman, Concord, ON, *38-38-76 +4
• 16. Christopher Ross, Dundas, ON, *39-37-76 +4
• 19. Brendan Dillon, Port Moody, BC, *38-40-78 +6
• 19. Dan Endacott, Surrey, BC, *36-42-78 +6
• 21. Ollie Rizun (a), Garibaldi Highlands, BC, *37-42-79 +7
• 21. Bryan Bessant (a), Surray, BC, *41-38-79 +7
• 21. Scott Sellers (a), Squamish, BC, *41-38-79 +7
• 24. Brett Arseneault (a), Kenora, ON, *40-40-80 +8
• 24. Wylder Kohne, Lions Bay, BC, *41-39-80 +8
• 24. Scott Cameron, Langley, BC, *40-40-80 +8
• 24. Christopher Heesung Ro, North Vancouver, BC, *40-40-80 +8
• 28. Donald (Dong) Qiu (a), Surrey, BC, *38-43-81 +9
• 28. Samuel Rowan (a), Vancouver, BC, *40-41-81 +9
• 30. Tyler Leclair (a), North Vancouver, BC, *40-45-85 +13
• 30. Pierce Kamensek (a), Vancouver, BC, *41-44-85 +13
• 32. Shawn Keough, St. John’s, NL, *46-42-88 +16
• 33. Cassidy Hritzuk, Kelowna, BC, *47-42-89 +17
— DID NOT FINISH —
• WD. Sadiq Jiwa (a), Vancouver, BC, *
• WD. Paul McNamara III, Palos Verdes Estates, CA, *
• NS. Khan Lee (a), Surrey, BC, *
• NS. Tony Mak (a), Vancouver, BC, *
ABOUT THE 2015 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
Part of the FedExCup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.8 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26, 2015 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. Conducted by Golf Canada for more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open provides an opportunity for Canada’s top talents to compete against the world’s best golfers while also leaving a significant impact in the event’s host community. The RBC Canadian Open is proud to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada as the event’s official charity partner. Established in 1904, Canada’s national open golf championship is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Shaw Direct, BMW Group Canada, Molson Canadian 67, WestJet, TaylorMade adidas Golf, Boston Pizza, Ballantine’s, Santa Carolina Wines and The Globe and Mail. For tickets or tournament information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-6736.
ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES CANADA
In 1982, Ronald McDonald House Charities® Canada was founded to be the everlasting organization that would support Ronald McDonald Houses and their programs in Canada. Ronald McDonald Houses provide a place for out-of-town families to stay while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital. Today, 14 Ronald McDonald Houses serve more than 20,000 families each year. Through 2015, that support is expected to grow to serve over 25,000 families. Completing the circle of support for Canadian families are 11 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms®, which provide an oasis of calm and support right inside the walls of the pediatric children’s hospital, as well as the 2 Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® programs in Calgary, Alberta. Follow @RMHCCanada and visit rmhc.ca for more information.
RBC GOLF
RBC proudly supports golf around the world through high profile relationships with the PGA TOUR and Golf Canada. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services partner of touring professionals Jason Day, Graham DeLaet, Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, David Hearn, Brooke Henderson, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ryan Palmer, Morgan Pressel, Nick Taylor, Brandt Snedeker and Mike Weir. As the title sponsor of both the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open, RBC also supports emerging Canadian golfers through Golf Canada’s grassroots developmental programming, their Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and high performance national team. RBC is one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization. For more information, visit www.rbc.com/golf.
GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.
Golf Canada is the National Sports Organization and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
For more information:
Herb Fung
Coordinator, Media and Public Relations
Golf Canada
(t) 1-800-263-0009 x 258
(c) 647-709-3167
Glen Abbey Golf Club to host 2016 RBC Canadian Open
OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., has been selected to host the 2016 RBC Canadian Open, as announced today by Golf Canada and RBC.
With the venue confirmed, the Jack Nicklaus-designed, Oakville, Ont. layout will host back to back RBC Canadian Opens, beginning this July 20-26 with the 2015 RBC Canadian Open and then again July 18-24, 2016.
For Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons, a two-year commitment to Glen Abbey will allow the tournament to build multi-year momentum in the community and deliver innovative activities to enhance the championship experience for players and spectators alike.
“Together with our partners at RBC, we are proud to announce the RBC Canadian Open will be contested at Glen Abbey Golf Club in 2016.” said Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons. “Glen Abbey has always been a terrific host venue for this championship and we look forward to reconnecting with fans and volunteers from Oakville and the Greater Toronto Area who have embraced the RBC Canadian Open over the years.”
“With its storied history, beautiful greens and central location, Glen Abbey has proven to be a premiere venue to host players and golf fans alike,” noted Jane Broderick, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, RBC. “We, along with Golf Canada have worked hard to make the RBC Canadian Open a best-in-class tournament with a strong competitive field and fan engagement opportunities, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to this prestigious course.”
The RBC Canadian Open was last contested at Glen Abbey in 2013, when Team RBC’s Brandt Snedeker picked up his sixth PGA TOUR victory. That year’s event was selected as the “Most Fan-Friendly Event” by the PGA TOUR as part of their annual year-end awards.
The return to Glen Abbey through 2016 marks the first time since 2008 and 2009 that the club has hosted back to back RBC Canadian Opens.
“Since the Canadian Open was first played on this Jack Nicklaus Signature course in 1977, Glen Abbey has produced many worthy champions including Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Greg Norman, Lee Trevino, Curtis Strange and Brandt Snedeker,” said Rai Sahi, ClubLink President and CEO. ‘The Abbey’ and the Canadian Open share a special connection and we look forward to adding to that legacy through 2016.”
The 2015 edition of the event will once again raise money in support of national charity partner – Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada. To help welcome the RBC Canadian Open back to Glen Abbey, the Town of Oakville has declared July as Oakville’s Month of Sport.
Glen Abbey was owned and operated by Golf Canada from 1982 to 1998 before the property was sold to ClubLink in the fall of 1998. As the longtime home of Canada’s National Open Championship, ‘The Abbey’ hosted 22 Canadian Opens between 1977 and 2000, as well as, those in 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2013. Golf Canada’s head office and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum are located on the grounds of Glen Abbey Golf Club.
For information about tickets, free 17-and-under junior passes, volunteer opportunities or corporate hospitality for the 2015 RBC Canadian Open, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com.
ABOUT THE 2015 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
Part of the FedExCup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.8 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26, 2015 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. Conducted by Golf Canada for more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open provides an opportunity for Canada’s top talents to compete against the world’s best golfers while also leaving a significant impact in the event’s host community. The RBC Canadian Open is proud to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada as the event’s official charity partner. Established in 1904, Canada’s national open golf championship is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Shaw Direct, BMW Group Canada, Molson Canadian 67, WestJet, TaylorMade adidas Golf, Boston Pizza, Ballantine’s, Santa Carolina Wines and The Globe and Mail. For tickets or tournament information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-6736.
ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES CANADA
In 1982, Ronald McDonald House Charities® Canada was founded to be the everlasting organization that would support Ronald McDonald Houses and their programs in Canada. Ronald McDonald Houses provide a place for out-of-town families to stay while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital. Today, 14 Ronald McDonald Houses serve more than 20,000 families each year. Through 2015, that support is expected to grow to serve over 25,000 families. Completing the circle of support for Canadian families are 11 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms®, which provide an oasis of calm and support right inside the walls of the pediatric children’s hospital, as well as the 2 Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® programs in Calgary, Alberta. Follow @RMHCCanada and visit rmhc.ca for more information.
RBC GOLF
RBC proudly supports golf around the world through high profile relationships with the PGA TOUR and Golf Canada. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services partner of touring professionals Jason Day, Graham DeLaet, Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, David Hearn, Brooke Henderson, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ryan Palmer, Morgan Pressel, Nick Taylor, Brandt Snedeker and Mike Weir. As the title sponsor of both the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open, RBC also supports emerging Canadian golfers through Golf Canada’s grassroots developmental programming, their Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and high performance national team. RBC is one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization. For more information, visit www.rbc.com/golf.
GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.
Golf Canada is the National Sports Organization and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
Media Contacts:
Dan Pino
Director, Corporate Communications
Golf Canada
(t) 1-800-263-0009 ext. 406
(c) 416-434-5525
Jackie Braden
Director, Brand & Sponsorship Communications
RBC
(t) 416-974-1724
Ryan Palmer joins Team RBC
TORONTO, May 4, 2015 – Today, RBC announced a new relationship with 2010 Sony Open Champion Ryan Palmer who will become a golf ambassador and represent the RBC brand globally.
RBC is the official banking and financial services partner for Palmer. As part of Team RBC, all players will showcase the RBC logo on their golf bags and apparel and be featured in RBC marketing and advertising campaigns planned for the U.S., Canada, and international markets. Palmer joins a group of world-class golf professionals including Jason Day, Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Brant Snedeker, Mike Weir, Graham DeLaet, David Hearn, Nick Taylor, Adam Hadwin, Morgan Pressel and Brooke Henderson as RBC’s ambassadors.
This announcement builds on RBC’s ongoing commitment to golf as the title sponsor of the 2015 RBC Heritage held at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and the 2015 RBC Canadian Open, which will be played at Glen Abbey Golf and Country Club from July 20 to 26 in Oakville, Ontario. RBC also provides support for the PGA of Canada, Canadian Amateur Golf Championships, Golf Canada’s development program and high performance national team.
About Ryan Palmer
- Currently #23 on the Official World Golf Ranking
- Three-time PGA Tour winner including the 2010 Sony Open, 2008 Ginn sur Mer Classic and 2004 FUNAI Classic
- Won the 2003 Clearwater Classic on the Web.com tour (formerly the Nationwide Tour)
For further information, please contact:
Jackie Braden, Director, RBC Brand Communications, 416 974-6286
Molson Canadian 67 tees up with Golf Canada as official beer sponsor of 2015/2016 golf seasons
TORONTO, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Molson Canadian 67 and Golf Canada officially announced today the renewal of their partnership for the 2015 and 2016 golf seasons that will see Molson Canadian 67 return as the official beer of both the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.
Molson Canadian 67 will be made available at the host courses, including on-site sampling and beer gardens. Molson Canadian 67 has been the lead beer sponsor of Golf Canada’s National Men’s and Women’s Open Golf Championships since 2011, and is renewing the partnership for the next two years.
“We are pleased to partner with Golf Canada this season, for the fifth year in a row,” says Jeff Harrop, Senior Marketing Director, Molson Coors Canada. “There is a natural synergy between Molson Canadian 67 and golf as one of our favourite summer activities with a strong social element. Golf Canada is the perfect partner to help bring this connection to life.”
As part of the partnership package, Molson Canadian 67 will be supporting Golf Canada’s two marquee events this summer as official beer sponsor, including:
RBC Canadian Open
This world-class PGA TOUR event, which is part of the Triple Crown of national golf championships, will host many of the best golfers in the world at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. from July 20-26. www.RBCCanadianOpen.com
Canadian Pacific Women’s Open
The women of the LPGA Tour will compete for a prize purse of 2.25 million USD at The Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam, B.C. from August 17-23. www.CPwomensopen.com
“Molson Canadian has a rich history of supporting golf in Canada and continues to be a tremendous partner for Canada’s National Open Golf Championships,” says Gavin Roth, Chief Commercial Officer at Golf Canada. “Golf, summer and a cold Molson Canadian 67 go perfectly together, and with the golf season set to gear up, we’re excited to renew our partnership for 2015 and 2016.”
Molson Canadian 67 is a premium light beer with a clean, crisp, fresh taste that is specially brewed to 3% ABV and 67 calories per 341ml, and is the perfect complement to any round of golf, especially on the 19th hole.
ABOUT MOLSON COORS CANADA
Molson Coors Canada is the Canadian division of Molson Coors Brewing Company, a global brewer with operations in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Asia. The company proudly offers some of the most popular brands in Canada with an award-winning brand portfolio that includes Molson Canadian, Coors Light, Molson Export, Rickard’s and Molson Canadian 67.
Molson Coors Canada employs 3,000 Canadians, operates seven breweries, including boutique breweries Creemore and Granville Island, and invests in communities from coast-to-coast through its various charitable initiatives and sports and entertainment sponsorships. Molson Coors Canada is committed to promoting its products and events in a responsible manner as part of an active, healthy lifestyle.
GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.
Golf Canada is the National Sports Organization and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
For more information:
Catherine Flint
Harbinger Communications
(t) 416-960-5100
Dan Pino
Director, Corporate Communications
Golf Canada
(t) 1-800-263-0009 x 406
(c) 416-434-5525
Jason Day joins Team RBC
TORONTO, March 5, 2015 — RBC continued to deepen its commitment to the game of golf with the signing of a multi-year deal with one of the game’s most talented players, Australian sensation Jason Day.
Joining an impressive roster that includes 2014 RBC Heritage champion Matt Kuchar, No. 7 world-ranked Jim Furyk and recent AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro Am champion Brandt Snedeker among other top golfers, Day will add an increased global dimension to RBC’s stable of brand ambassadors.
“Jason is one of the most exciting professionals playing right now on the PGA TOUR,” said Jane Broderick, chief brand and communications officer, RBC. “The calibre of talent he displays on the golf course combined with his commitment to help families in need off the course make him a dynamic ambassador, and one who is helping to shape the future of the game. We are thrilled to have Jason join Team RBC and we look forward to working together.”
“I’m proud to partner with organizations that place an emphasis on and share my interest in giving back to the community,” stated Jason Day. “RBC has a rich history of doing this through their sponsorship of golf and the extensive ambassadorial program they have in place. It’s an honour to join this fantastic team of touring professionals wearing the RBC brand week to week.”
The 27-year-old Day is a three-time PGA TOUR winner including the 2015 Farmers Insurance Open and the 2014 WGC- Accenture Match Play Championship. He’s had seven top ten finishes at major championships, including runner-up at the 2011 Masters Tournament and the 2011 and 2013 U.S. Open. When not playing on tour, Day and his wife Ellie run The Brighter Days Foundation, dedicated to providing funding and resources to deserving projects and organizations, with a focus on helping families in need.
The sponsorship kicks off at the WGC Cadillac Championship in Miami, Florida, where Day will begin to wear the iconic RBC shield on his golf apparel and golf bag, just like the other 13 members of Team RBC. As well he will participate in future marketing initiatives and client events for RBC, and act as a global brand ambassador, particularly in support of charitable initiatives that demonstrate RBC’s commitment to kids and youth such as the #RBCGolf4Kids online charity challenge.
Other recent additions to Team RBC include Canadian golfers Adam Hadwin, Brooke Henderson and Nick Taylor in a nod to the bank’s Canadian roots. RBC acts as the Official Banking and Financial Services partner to all members of Team RBC.
RBC Golf
RBC proudly supports golf around the world through high profile relationships with the PGA TOUR and Golf Canada. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services partner of touring professionals Jason Day, Graham DeLaet, Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, David Hearn, Brooke Henderson, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Morgan Pressel, Nick Taylor, Brandt Snedeker and Mike Weir. As the title sponsor of both the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open, RBC also supports emerging Canadian golfers through Golf Canada’s grassroots developmental programming, their Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and high performance national team. RBC is one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization. For more information, visit www.rbcmakeyourmark.com and rbc.com/golf.
RBC signs three emerging Canadian golf pros to new sponsorship deals
TORONTO — RBC deepened its commitment to Canadian golf with the addition of three of Canada’s next generation of golfers – Smiths Falls, Ontario native Brooke Henderson, and Abbotsford, British Columbia natives Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin – to Team RBC, strengthening its impressive roster of touring professionals.
With promising careers ahead of them, all three golfers embody the spirit of determination and hard work that will inspire the next generation of fans. This announcement further demonstrates RBC’s support of Canadian golf talent poised to make their mark on the world stage. Henderson, a member of Team Canada’s Young Pro Squad, joined the professional ranks last month after an impressive amateur career that saw her become the first Canadian ever sit number-one on the women’s World Amateur Ranking. Both Hadwin and Taylor also represented Team Canada earlier in their careers. RBC is a long-standing sponsor of Golf Canada’s National Team program.
“We are thrilled to add Brooke, Adam and Nick to Team RBC,” said Jane Broderick, chief brand and communications officer, RBC. “We are proud of our record of supporting golf at the grassroots level in Canada, through our partnership with Golf Canada and the National High Performance Team. It’s gratifying to see players like them rise through the ranks and make it to the highest levels of competition – we can’t wait to see how their careers develop.”
The 17-year-old Brooke Henderson vaulted to the top of the world amateur rankings with six tournament wins in 2014, a runner-up finish at the U.S. Women’s Amateur, and low amateur honours with a T-10 finish in the U.S. Women’s Open. Henderson also claimed low amateur honours at the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open and led Canada to a runner-up finish at the Women’s World Amateur, where she placed as low individual. Currently the highest ranked Canadian female golfer in the world, she was voted Female Amateur of the Year by the Golf Journalists Association of Canada, for the third year in a row. Brooke makes her LPGA professional debut this week at the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic.
“I’m excited to grow my partnership with one of Canada’s top brands,” said Brooke Henderson. “I’ve been fortunate to have received support from RBC for several years through their ongoing assistance of Golf Canada’s development program, but to now have an official relationship with RBC is very exciting and I look forward to working closely with them as I take the next step in my career.”
A former Canadian Amateur champion and the number-one ranked amateur in the world, Nick Taylor had an impressive career at the University of Washington before turning pro in 2010. He had a swift and impressive ascent to the PGA TOUR from the Web.com Tour in 2014. He then became the first Canadian in five years to win a PGA TOUR event at the 2014 Sanderson Farms Championship, solidifying his PGA TOUR card through the 2016/17 season. ”RBC’s support of golf, particularly in Canada, is widely noticed and greatly appreciated by the players,” stated Nick Taylor.
“I am proud to join the impressive group of individuals who have had the privilege of representing the RBC brand on the PGA TOUR.”
Adam Hadwin won twice on the Web.com Tour, finished first on the Tour’s money list, and earned full status for the PGA TOUR in 2014-15. A graduate of PGA TOUR Canada, Hadwin has been a rising star in Canadian golf since finishing T-4 at the 2011 RBC Canadian Open. He was named the 2014 Male Professional of the Year by the Golf Journalists Association of Canada, narrowly beating fellow Team RBCers Graham DeLaet and Nick Taylor. “It’s an honour to represent RBC along with some of the world’s most iconic players,” said Adam Hadwin. “I’ve admired many of these guys for years, so having this connection with them in addition to the opportunity to compete against them week to week is an exciting opportunity for me.”
Henderson, Hadwin and Taylor join fellow Canadians Graham DeLaet, David Hearn and Mike Weir on Team RBC, along with seven of golf’s international greats: Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Morgan Pressel and Brandt Snedeker. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services provider to all Team RBC members. As well, they participate in marketing initiatives for RBC, and act as ambassadors for the brand. When they aren’t playing in tournaments, they often participate in a variety of functions as RBC ambassadors. These include employee events and charitable initiatives that support RBC’s commitment to kids and youth.
In 2014 this was highlighted by a social media campaign, #RBCGolf4Kids that raised awareness and $312,000 for children charities around the world.
RBC Golf
RBC proudly supports golf around the world through high profile relationships with the PGA TOUR and Golf Canada. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services partner of touring professionals Graham DeLaet, Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, David Hearn, Brooke Henderson, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Morgan Pressel, Nick Taylor, Brandt Snedeker and Mike Weir. As the title sponsor of both the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open, RBC also supports emerging Canadian golfers through Golf Canada’s grassroots developmental programming, their Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and high performance national team. RBC is one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization. For more information, visit rbc.com/golf.
For more information, please contact:
Shauna Cook
RBC Brand Sponsorship Communications
RBC
416-974-6286
Changing of the guard
Talk about having big shoes to fill.
When Bill Paul worked his first RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club 38 years ago, his boss, the tournament chairman, was a man… no, a legend … known as “Mr. Canadian Open”—Richard (Dick) Grimm.
At the time, Paul was a Grade 12 student in Oakville, Ont., and was painting for Grimm’s son, Bob. Dick asked Bill to consider working at the first Canadian Open in 1977. He pounded in stakes, strung gallery ropes, hung signs and did all the other grunt work. When Paul, a varsity athlete, graduated from University, he declined an offer from the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League and came on board full-time at Golf Canada, learning the ropes (excuse the pun) about every detail of conducting a PGA Tour event under Grimm’s tutelage.
When Grimm left his post in 1992, Paul assumed the role of tournament director. Since then, he has indefatigably overseen much more than the convoluted logistics involved in putting on Canada’s only tour event, Canada’s national open championship. Starting in the mid-1990s, he ran our country’s first entry on the Champions Tour for several years, was the Tournament Director at the World Amateur in 1992, and ensured the LPGA Tour went off without a hitch when Golf Canada took on the event in 2001. As golf grew, so did the scope of his job. Pounding stakes and stringing rope became the least of his worries. It was a whole new world with millionaire players, TV contracts, partnerships, sales, venue changes and more.
Now, four decades later, Paul and Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons have determined that another transition is in order. As Chief Championship Officer, Paul’s evolving responsibilities have become enormous: liaison with players, the tour, sponsors, government, clubs, arranging for future tournament venues, assisting with business development, and much more. Inevitably, the ground-level logistics of both the RBC Canadian Open and the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open needed more constant and consistent attention.
Bill has played such an important role in championships and with our organization for so many years; now we have an opportunity to focus his experiences towards strategic activities that can impact the long term success of our championships,” said Simmons. “Succession planning is important and what allows us make this change with confidence is the quality of experts within our championship division ready to take on a larger role.”
“About 10 years ago, I saw that Brent McLaughlin was the one to succeed me in those responsibilities,” said Paul, 56. “He conducted himself so well with clubs and volunteers and has great attention to detail. He was the ideal choice.”
And so, in an orderly, seamless and predetermined transition of responsibilities, McLaughlin has been tabbed to be responsible for the successful operation day-to-day of both the RBC Canadian Open and the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open, an LPGA event. Big shoes to fill again.
For McLaughlin, it is a natural progression. For the past 15 years, McLaughlin has proven himself invaluable in various portfolios including Rules, amateur championships and handicapping, and for the past two years, has been Tournament Director for the CP Women’s Open.
“Conducting world class golf competitions is a big part of Golf Canada’s mandate and I’ve been fortunate over the past 15 years to tap into some incredible expertise,” said McLaughlin. “It’s an exciting time; we’ve got a solid tournament operations team in place ready to continue a legacy of championship excellence driven by Bill and Dick Grimm before that.”
For McLaughlin, this evolution means Paul will continue to mentor him in the increasingly demanding role of conducting professional championships. For Paul, it means he can take a longer-term view of these tournaments.
But no matter how big the shoes, there is no doubt that all concerned have hit the ground running.
RBC Canadian Open recognized for environmental and sustainability initiatives
PHOENIX – Waste Management has announced that the RBC Canadian Open was named the winner of the second annual Sustainability Challenge, a contest sponsored by Waste Management to encourage all PGA TOUR tournaments to engage in and advance sustainable practices at their respective events. With this distinction, the RBC Canadian Open joins the ranks of the Sustainability Challenge inaugural winner, the Shell Houston Open and the Waste Management Phoenix Open as PGA TOUR tournaments that demonstrate the value of responsible sustainability practices.
The RBC Canadian Open received the highest cumulative score for Materials Management, Natural Resources Tracking and Conservation, Economic Impact and Overall Sustainability. Waste Management sustainability experts scored participating tournaments’ submissions and were pleased to note that ninety-one percent of the 22 PGA TOUR tournaments that submitted applications have a recycling program in place and track their diversion of waste from landfills. As the winner, RBC Canadian Open leadership will attend the upcoming Waste Management Phoenix Open and Waste Management’s fifth annual Executive Sustainability Forum.
RBC Canadian Open employs numerous sustainable practices at the carbon-neutral tournament including: diverting waste from landfills through recycling and organics collection; providing free filtered water at water stations located across the grounds; donating unused food to local food banks; offering sustainable transportation options and more. The Royal Montreal Golf Club, home of the 2014 RBC Canadian Open, is also certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary golf course, a designation earned for its certification in six categories: Environmental Planning, Chemical Use Reduction & Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, Wildlife & Habitat Management, and Outreach & Education.
“We are committed to making the RBC Canadian Open a green event,” said Bill Paul, Chief Championship Officer for Golf Canada. “We are proud to work with RBC and all of our partners to ensure our tournament continues to be a positive example of best practices to reduce the event’s environmental impact within the markets we conduct the championship.”
“RBC is proud of our work with Golf Canada and our other event partners to ensure that the RBC Canadian Open continues to be a positive example of best practices to reduce the event’s environmental impacts,” says Sandra Odendahl, Director, Corporate Sustainability, RBC.
“As a zero waste event, the award-winning Waste Management Phoenix Open has set the ‘green’ standard for sustainability in sports,” said Jim Trevathan, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Waste Management. “The Sustainability Challenge provides Waste Management the opportunity to recognize the successes of a growing number of PGA TOUR tournaments like the RBC Canadian Open that are expanding their green initiatives so that others will continue to be encouraged to ‘green’ the game of golf.”
ABOUT THE 2015 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
Part of the FedExCup, stars of the PGA TOUR will compete for $5.8 million (US) at the RBC Canadian Open, July 20-26, 2015 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. Conducted by Golf Canada for more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open provides an opportunity for Canada’s top talents to compete against the world’s best golfers while also leaving a significant impact in the event’s host community. The RBC Canadian Open is proud to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada as the event’s official charity partner. Established in 1904, Canada’s national open golf championship is the third-oldest national open golf championship worldwide next to the British Open and the U.S. Open. The RBC Canadian Open is proudly sponsored by RBC, Shaw Direct, BMW Group Canada, Molson Canadian 67, TaylorMade adidas Golf, Ballantine’s, Santa Carolina Wines and The Globe and Mail. For tickets or tournament information, please visit www.rbccanadianopen.com or call 1-800-571-6736.
RBC GOLF
RBC proudly supports golf around the world through high profile relationships with the PGA TOUR and Golf Canada. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services partner of touring professionals Luke Donald, Brandt Snedeker, Graeme McDowell, Matt Kuchar, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Mike Weir, Graham DeLaet, Nick Taylor, David Hearn and Morgan Pressel. As the title sponsor of both the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open, RBC also supports emerging Canadian golfers through Golf Canada’s grassroots developmental programming, their Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and high performance national team. RBC is one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization. www.rbc.com/canada.html
GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.
Golf Canada is the National Sports Organization and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 322,000 golfers at nearly 1,500 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
Media Contact:
Dan Pino
Director, Corporate Communications
Golf Canada
(416) 434-5525