PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – The PGA TOUR and its tournaments generated more than $180 million for charitable causes in 2017, surpassing last year’s record amount by approximately $14 million. This total includes donations made by tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Web.com Tour, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica and PGA TOUR-China.

The announcement brings the all-time total generated for charity by the PGA TOUR to $2.65 billion. The TOUR surpassed $1 billion in 2005 and $2 billion at the beginning of 2014.

“The entire PGA TOUR family takes tremendous pride in the positive impact that we continue to make each year through the millions of dollars that are raised for very deserving charitable organizations,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “As we often note, beyond the sheer dollar amount, the real story is in the hundreds of thousands of lives that benefit from these contributions every year. Thank you to all of the tournaments, players, sponsors, volunteers and fans who make all of this possible.”

In 2017, five PGA TOUR events raised more than $10 million for charity – the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Valero Texas Open, DEAN & DELUCA Invitational, the John Deere Classic and the Waste Management Phoenix Open. In addition to those tournaments, the biennial Presidents Cup announced a record donation of more than $10.7 million as a result of the 2017 event held at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The PGA TOUR’s flagship event, THE PLAYERS Championship, generated $8.7 million in 2017, a large portion of which benefits local children’s charities as part of the tournament’s commitment to generate $50 million for youth-related charities over 10 years. Since that commitment was made in April of 2011, $45 million has been raised toward that goal.

Six PGA TOUR Champions events generated more than $1 million to charity in 2017, with the Shaw Charity Classic leading the way at more than $6 million. Three Web.com Tour events generated more than $1 million, led by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational at more than $2.1 million.

Since coming on board as title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open in 2008, RBC along with Golf Canada have raised $8.78 million for charitable organizations across Canada. Throughout its history, Canada’s National Open Championship has generated more than $50 million in charitable proceeds for important causes.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada has been the official charity of the RBC Canadian Open since 2013. The 15 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada provide a place for out-of-town families to stay while their sick child is being treated at a nearby hospital.

Ronald McDonald Houses provide families of sick children with a home to stay at while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital. As well, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms provide a comfortable place for families to rest and recharge, right inside hospitals. And through Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles, they help to bring basic medical care to vulnerable communities. So families can stay together and kids can heal better.

Unlike other professional sports organizations, the PGA TOUR relies on more than 100,000 volunteers annually to run its tournaments, and the vast majority of its tournaments are structured as non-profit organizations designed to donate 100 percent of net proceeds to charity. Community beneficiaries include a broad range of organizations such as hospitals and shelters; youth development programs; food banks; groups that support the military and their families; organizations that support senior citizens; those that help abused women and children, and growth-of-the-game initiatives.

The PGA TOUR co-sanctions more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Web.com Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR-China. Members on the PGA TOUR represent the world’s best players, hailing from 25 countries (84 members are from outside the United States). Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to more than 1 billion households in 226 countries and territories in 23 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2017, tournaments across all Tours generated a record of more than $180 million for local and national charitable organizations, bringing the all-time total to $2.65 billion.

Levelwear confirmed today that it has resigned Adam Hadwin to a multi-year deal and the PGA TOUR member will continue to be a global brand ambassador for their brand moving into 2018.

“I absolutely loved working with Levelwear last season to ensure that each week I was dressed with high-performance and top quality apparel that enabled me to continuously compete at the top level; I’m thrilled to continue to wear their apparel moving into this season,” says Hadwin. “The fact that I can not only work with a Canadian brand but feel great in their apparel week after week means a lot, and I look forward to playing in some new styles this season on TOUR.”

. @Levelwear, our apparel partners for the @RBCCanadianOpen & @CPWomensOpen, confirmed today that they’ve resigned @ahadwingolf to a multi-year deal as a global brand ambassador. pic.twitter.com/W1Hw2uVPPx

— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) January 4, 2018

Hadwin had a breakout season during the 2016-2017 PGA TOUR campaign, making history at the CareerBuilder Challenge, becoming the 4th player in PGA TOUR history and first Canadian ever to shoot sub-60 on a par 72 course. Seven weeks after his impressive performance at the CareerBuilder, Hadwin then went on to capture his first PGA TOUR title at the Valspar Championship, defeating Patrick Cantlay in a tightly fought battle. To conclude his third season on TOUR, Hadwin earned a spot to compete in the Presidents Cup, making him the third Canadian in history to do so. Hadwin is in a great place right now both on and off the course, and hopes to continue this momentum into the 2017-2018 season.

Levelwear works with roughly 80 of the top 100 golf clubs in both Canada and the US, as well as continuously growing their portfolio of top tier golfers joining Adam Hadwin.

“We are thrilled Adam will be continuing to wear Levelwear on TOUR this season after his stellar performance last year. His attitude on and off the course reflects the core values Levelwear boasts internally and externally,” said Hilton Ngo, Levelwear’s CEO. “We can’t wait to further grow our relationship with him as he competes on TOUR this season and watch him continue to reach new heights.”

In March of 2017, Levelwear was named official apparel and headwear partner for the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.

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. The company holds licensing partnerships with some of the top global brands, including the NHL and NHLPA, NBA and NBPA, 140 US Colleges, Hockey Canada and various soccer properties (Bayern Munich, Paris St. Germain, Juventus, Celtics, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, etc.) globally. At the PGA Merchandising Show in Orlando later in the month, Levelwear is unveiling its 2018 collection 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.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – The PGA TOUR has announced that ZTE Mobile Devices, a subsidiary of ZTE Corporation in China, has signed a three-year marketing agreement to become the TOUR’s first-ever Official Smartphone.

The deal, which includes global rights through 2020, was officially signed today by PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and ZTE Mobile Devices CEO Lixin Cheng. The signing ceremony took place at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California, where the Safeway Open begins the 2017-18 PGA TOUR Season.

“The PGA TOUR is delighted to introduce ZTE Mobile Devices as a new marketing partner as we enter the smartphone category for the first time,” said Brian Oliver, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, Sponsorship & Partnership. “Mobile devices have become such a critical means by which fans watch and get updates on our competition, find information about their favorite players and share PGA TOUR-related content.  In ZTE, we are partnering with a global leader in the telecommunications industry.”

ZTE already has a presence on the TOUR. As a hospitality partner at this year’s Farmers Insurance Open, ZTE brought its interactive “ZTE Experience Tour” on-site, where fans could test a variety of its products. ZTE also recently became the Official Smartphone of the RBC Canadian Open and partners with Danny Lee, a PGA TOUR member, as its ZTE Axon global brand ambassador.

“Becoming the first Official Smartphone of the PGA TOUR is a historic moment for ZTE,” Cheng said. “The TOUR, with its prestigious brand and global fan base, brings a tremendous opportunity for ZTE to connect directly with golf fans around the world and demonstrate our prowess in mobile technology with our premium line of Axon smartphones.”

Beyond having an on-site presence at select tournaments, ZTE will promote and activate around the new relationship in a variety of ways. In addition to utilizing the PGA TOUR’s online digital assets, select ZTE smartphones will be pre-loaded with PGA TOUR LIVE, the TOUR’s Over-The-Top subscription service that features exclusive early-round coverage of featured groups. ZTE customers will receive a free 30-day trial for the service.

Following Sunday’s conclusion of the TOUR Championship and the FedExCup Playoffs, nominees for PGA TOUR Player of the Year and PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year were finalized by the PGA TOUR Player Directors and members of the Player Advisory Council (PAC).

The nominees for the Jack Nicklaus Award as the PGA TOUR Player of the Year are (alphabetically) Dustin Johnson, Hideki Matsuyama, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. The nominees for PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year are Wesley Bryan, Patrick Cantlay, Mackenzie Hughes, Grayson Murray and Xander Schauffele.

The Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards are determined by a member vote, with PGA TOUR members who played in at least 15 official money events during the 2016-17 season eligible to vote. The voting will close on Monday, October 2, with the winners to be announced that week.

Five nominated for PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year:

Wesley Bryan, 27
Augusta, Georgia (University of South Carolina)

• Entered 28 events with one victory at the RBC Heritage.
  Finished 41st in the FedExCup.
  Finished 113th in Adjusted Scoring Average (71.062).
  Recorded a total of five top-10 finishes with 19 made cuts.
  2016 graduate of the Web.com Tour.

Patrick Cantlay, 25
Jupiter, Florida (UCLA)

• Entered 13 events with a season-best runner-up finish at the Valspar Championship.
  Finished 29th in the FedExCup.
  One of two rookies to qualify for the season-ending TOUR Championship in 2017.
  Finished 15th in Adjusted Scoring Average (69.971).
  Recorded a total of four top-10 finishes with 13 made cuts.

Mackenzie Hughes, 26
Dundas, Ont. (Kent State University)

• Entered 31 events with one victory at The RSM Classic.
  Finished 36th in the FedExCup.
  Finished T109th in Adjusted Scoring Average (71.044).
  Recorded a total of two top-10 finishes among 22 made cuts.
  2016 graduate of the Web.com Tour.

Grayson Murray, 23
Raleigh, North Carolina (Arizona State University)

• Entered 30 events with one victory at the Barbacoa Championship.
  Finished 66th in the FedExCup.
  Finished 114th in Adjusted Scoring Average (71.064).
  Recorded a total of two top-10 finishes among 18 made cuts.
  2016 graduate of the Web.com Tour.

Xander Schauffele, 23
San Diego, California (San Diego State University)

• Entered 28 events with wins (2) at The Greenbrier Classic and TOUR Championship; first-ever rookie to win the TOUR Championship.
  Finished third in the FedExCup.
  One of two rookies to qualify for the season-ending TOUR Championship in 2017.
  Finished 27th in Adjusted Scoring Average (70.163).
  Recorded a total of four top-10 finishes among 20 made cuts.
  2016 graduate of the Web.com Tour.

Player of the Year nominees

Dustin Johnson, 33
Jupiter, Florida (Coastal Carolina University)

• Entered 20 events with victories (4) at the Genesis Open, World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship, World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play and THE NORTHERN TRUST.
  Finished fourth in the FedExCup.
  Finished seventh in Adjusted Scoring Average (69.549).
  Finished the season with eight top-10 finishes among 17 made cuts.

Hideki Matsuyama, 25
Sendai, Japan (Tohoku Fukushi University)

• Entered 22 events with victories (3) at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions, Waste Management Phoenix Open and World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational
  Finished eighth in the FedExCup.
  Finished 10th in Adjusted Scoring Average (69.624).
  Recorded a total of seven top-10 finishes among 20 made cuts.

Jordan Spieth, 24
Dallas, Texas (University of Texas)

• Entered 23 events with victories (3) at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Travelers Championship and The Open Championship.
  Finished second in the FedExCup.
  Finished first in Adjusted Scoring Average (68.846) to earn the Byron Nelson Award.
  Recorded 12 top-10 finishes (tied with Justin Thomas for most this season) among 20 made cuts.
  Top-10 finishes in all four FedExCup Playoffs events in 2017: THE NORTHERN TRUST (P2), Dell Technologies Championship (2), BMW Championship (T7), TOUR Championship (T7).

Justin Thomas, 24
Jupiter, Florida (University of Alabama)

• Entered 25 events with victories (5) at the CIMB Classic, Sentry Tournament of Champions, Sony Open in Hawaii, PGA Championship and Dell Technologies Championship.
  Winner of the 2017 FedExCup.
  Finished first on Official Money List to earn the Arnold Palmer Award with $9,921,560.
  Finished third in Adjusted Scoring Average (69.359).
  Recorded 12 top-10 finishes (tied with Jordan Spieth for most this season) among 19 made cuts.
  Became just the fourth player since 1960 to capture five wins, including a major, in a season before the age of 25 (Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth).

Corey Conners of Litowell, Ont., got off to a quick start during the Web.com Tour’s Regular Season with back-to-back top-10s in challenging conditions in the Bahamas, but eventually finished 49th on the money list.

But, with just one week left in the Web.com Tour Finals, he sits at 11th on The Finals 25 and has made enough money to all but secure his first PGA TOUR card for the 2017-18 season.

“It feels good,” said Conners of his chance to make it to the TOUR. “Still got some work to do, try to have another good week next week and see what happens. But it’s a nice feeling to have a good chance.”

Conners graduated from Kent State with Mackenzie Hughes, who, after winning on the Web.com Tour a year ago and finishing in The 25, won on the PGA TOUR last fall and is in the conversation for Rookie of the Year on TOUR.

Conners said it would be ‘awesome’ to get on TOUR with his close friend Hughes.

“Really good friends with Mackenzie and I’m sure he’s following along and cheering me on,” said Conners.

The pair are also alum of Golf Canada’s Natinal Amateur Team program.

Congrats on earning your card, Corey. We look forward to welcoming you to Glen Abbey in 2018 as a member of the PGA TOUR.

Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., has been selected to host the RBC Canadian Open in 2018, as announced today by Golf Canada and RBC.

Renowned as the longtime home of Canada’s National Men’s Open Golf Championship, the return to Glen Abbey in 2018 will mark the 30^th time the venue has played host to the stars of the PGA TOUR. The 2018 championship will run July 23-29 on the PGA TOUR schedule.

“Together with our partners at RBC, we are excited to announce the RBC Canadian Open will be contested at Glen Abbey Golf Club again in 2018,” said Laurence Applebaum, chief executive officer of Golf Canada. “Glen Abbey has proven to be one of the world’s premier stadium courses for spectators and fan engagement. With our 2018 venue secured, we will continue to work towards finding a permanent home that serves our needs for Canada’s National Open Championship well into the future.”

In 2016, RBC announced it was continuing its investment in golf by signing a six-year extension as title sponsor of both the RBC Canadian Open and RBC Heritage. The new agreements take effect in 2018 and run through 2023.

“RBC is proud to partner with Golf Canada to ensure the RBC Canadian Open remains a best-in-class event for golf fans across Canada,” said Mary DePaoli, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for RBC. “Glen Abbey is a premiere location to showcase our National Open Championship and host the world’s top golfers, including our Team RBC players.”

Glen Abbey Golf Club hosted 22 Canadian Opens between 1977 and 2000 and after a brief hiatus the tournament returned in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Golf Canada’s head office as well as the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum are located on the grounds of Glen Abbey Golf Club.

“ClubLink is proud to again partner with Golf Canada as host of the RBC Canadian Open – the crown jewel of Canadian golf,” said ClubLink chief executive officer Rai Sahi. “We continue to be a committed and vested partner in Canadian golf and we look forward to working closely with Golf Canada and RBC to grow golf in Canada and work on opportunities for a permanent home for the RBC Canadian Open.”

Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, a seven-time runner-up at the event, Glen Abbey is playing host to this year’s championship from July 24-30. The 2017 RBC Canadian Open is once again raising funds in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada – along with the Golf Canada Foundation in support of junior golf initiatives.

Charley Hoffman of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., is the 54-hole leader at the RBC Canadian Open after carding a 7-under-par 65 in Saturday’s third round at Glen Abbey Golf Club.

Hoffman recorded eight birdies and just one bogey on the day, building a one-shot lead over fellow American Kevin Chappell.

“You know the birdies are out there,” said Hoffman. “A perfect day here to make some birdies and have some fun in front of the fans.”

A four-time winner on the PGA TOUR, Hoffman’s last victory came at the 2016 Valero Texas Open.

Starting the day in a tie for fourth, Chappell, from in Fresno, Calif., posted a 6-under-par 66 in round three to enter the final grouping with Hoffman.

“We are good friends. Our caddies are staying together,” said Chappell. “We’ll have some laughs and it will be a comfortable pairing, that’s for sure.”

Chappell has three top-10 finishes on the PGA TOUR this season, including a win at the Valero Texas Open. He came to Glen Abbey ranked 32nd in the Official World Golf Rankings.

Robert Garrigus, from Scottsdale Ariz., tied the Glen Abbey course record with a 10-under-par 62 in the morning wave, moving him to 15 under par for the tournament—a 43 spot climb up the leaderboard into a tie for third place with Gary Woodland.

It’s a great confidence builder,” said Garrigus. “I know it’s hard to follow up a good round with a really good one but I’ve done it before, so hopefully I can do it again.”

Woodland, from Topeka, Kans., had seven birdies on Saturday but carded a 4-under-par 68 due to a double-bogey on the par-4 third. He is searching for his third career PGA TOUR victory.

Defending champion Jhonattan Vegas is part of a group of six players tied for fifth at 14 under par. Vegas carded a 5-under-par 67 in round three and knows he’ll have to go low again tomorrow to defend his title.

“You have to stay super aggressive. There’s nothing else you have to be thinking of,” said Vegas. “There’s a lot of birdies out here. We have to find a way to make a few more birdies than everyone tomorrow and see what happens.”

World. No. 1 Dustin Johnson was 5-under-par on the front nine Saturday but a double-bogey on No. 11 derailed his round, and he posted a 4-under-par 68 in round three to finish at 12 under par.

Johnson is seeking his PGA TOUR leading fourth win of 2017.

After 54 holes, Graham DeLaet is the top Canadian at 7 under par in a share of 41st place.

The Weyburn, Sask., native made the turn at 1 under par and went on to post a 1-over-par 73.

“I turned it under par which is solid play without making any putts and I just hit four bad tee shots in a row on 11, 12, 13, 14,” said DeLaet. “All of as sudden I’m a couple over par and 50th place or whatever it was.”

Mackenzie Hughes – the other Canadian playing the weekend at Glen Abbey – posted a 2-over-par 74 in round three to sit T55.

Tee times for the final round can be found here.

A look at the best photos from Friday’s second round of the 2017 RBC Canadian Open. Images via: Golf Canada/ Bernard Brault

Fort Worth, Tex., product Martin Flores fired a 66 for the second consecutive day at Glen Abbey Golf Club to move to 12-under-par and take the 36-hole lead at the RBC Canadian Open.

Flores was bogey-free on Friday with four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 second hole to build a one-shot advantage over Matt Every, Gary Woodland and Brandon Hagy, who are 11 under.

“I was really pleased with my day,” said Flores. “Starting on the back, I sprinkled in some birdies and was able to capitalize on 16 and 18 – two par 5s.”

The 35-year-old is looking for his first career PGA TOUR victory this weekend.

Second-round interview with 36-hole leader Martin Flores #Golf_Canada_Network_Leaderboard_BigBox pic.twitter.com/jVxRekzpcu

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) July 29, 2017

Every—one of five players who shared the opening-round lead at 7 under par—posted a 4-under-par 68 in the second round to climb to 11 under par.

A two-time PGA TOUR winner, the Daytona Beach, Fla., native is happy to be in contention heading into the weekend.

“I definitely feel like I’ve made big strides the last few months, because it sucks to suck,” said Every. “I’m playing well right now. It’s not like a surprise to me. But I feel good with where I’m at.”

Hagy, a Santa Monica, Calif., native, had seven birdies on Friday to put himself in position to chase his first career PGA TOUR win this weekend.

The lowest score of the day belonged to Woodland. Hailing from Topeka, Kans., Woodland fired a 9-under-par 63, matching his career low round on the PGA TOUR—one shot away from tying the course record.

“Today I drove it well. Obviously, the ball-striking was good and I saw some putts go in,” said Woodland. “That adds up to a pretty good number.”

Graham DeLaet and Mackenzie Hughes were the lone Canadians to survive the 36 hole cut at Glen Abbey. The pair sit at 8 under par and hold a share of 14th.

DeLaet carded a 4-under-par 68 for the second consecutive day.

“I know the crowds will probably be big tomorrow and fun, and I need to try to embrace that,” said DeLaet. “I’m within striking distance, so another solid round tomorrow or something really low, I think I’m going to need two really good ones or like one really special one to get the win.”

The Weyburn, Sask., native had his best RBC Canadian Open finish in 2014, where he tied for 7th.

“I’m in the mix, and I’m excited about it.” – Graham DeLaet after carding a 68 to get to 8-under at the #Golf_Canada_Network_Leaderboard_BigBox. pic.twitter.com/J7IPVudosy

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) July 28, 2017

Already a winner in his rookie season on the PGA TOUR, Hughes started the day in a tie for 17th at 5 under par. The Dundas, Ont., native poured in seven birdies in round two, but added four bogeys to card a 3-under-par 69.

“You’re going to have those kind of rounds. I did well to manage it,” said Hughes. “It was kind of tricky out there. The winds were kind of swirling and a little bit gusty at times. So, 3 under was a good score.”

Three-time major champion Vijay Singh made a move up the leaderboard on Friday. The Fijian carded a 4-under par 66 to move into a tie for fifth two shots back of Flores at 10-under par.

Singh, 54, passed on playing in the Senior Open Championship this weekend to return to the site of his 2004 victory over Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member and Brights Grove, Ont., native Mike Weir.

“I know the golf course. The people are very friendly and they know golf,” said Singh. “I’ve played here so many times. Very, very familiar with it.”

Defending champion Jhonattan Vegas is part of a group of four players at 9 under par. The Venezuelan doesn’t plan on changing his game plan on the weekend as he tries to repeat.

“I was playing with Dustin (Johnson) today, which was a good thing because we were both firing at everything,” said Vegas. “You have to stay aggressive out here, because these guys are making a lot of birdies.”

Tee times for the third round can be found here.

CANADIANS AT THE 2017 RBC CANADIAN OPEN

• T14 Graham DeLaet – Weyburn – 68-68 -8
• T14 Mackenzie Hughes – Dundas – 67-69 -8

— DID NOT ADVANCE —

• Nick Taylor – Abbotsford – 69-72 -3
• David Hearn – Brantford 69-72 -3
• Bryn Parry – Vancouver 70-71 -3
• Drew Nesbitt – Shanty Bay – 72-69 -3
• Hugo Bernard (a) – Mont-Saint-Hilaire – 71-70 -3
• Austin James (a) – Bath – 71-72 -1
• Adam Hadwin – Abbotsford – 75-69 E
• Mike Weir – Brights Grove – 72-73 +1
• Daniel Kim – Toronto – 73-72 +1
• Riley Wheeldon – Comox – 74-72 +2
• Matt Hill – Brights Grove – 71-76 +3
• Brad Fritsch – Manotick – 72-75 +3
• Jared du Toit – Kimberley – 71-79 +6
• Ryan Williams – Surrey – 78-77 +11
• Garrett Rank – Elmira – 74-81 +11

(a) denotes amateur

A look at the best photos from Thursday’s opening-round of the 2017 RBC Canadian Open. Images via: Golf Canada/ Bernard Brault