FedEx and Junior Achievement Worldwide have announced the return of the FedEx Junior Business Challenge, a program in conjunction with the PGA TOUR and its tournaments that provides the next generation of entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch original business concepts during the 2017-18 season.

The RBC Canadian Open is proud to play host one of the FedEx Junior Business Challenge qualifying events this season, while the first will take place at the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, March 20. The full schedule of four events is below.

FedEx Junior Business Challenge Qualifying Events Schedule:

• WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play (Austin, Texas) – Tuesday, March 20

• THE PLAYERS Championship (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.) – Wednesday, May 9

• RBC Canadian Open (Oakville, Ont.) – Wednesday, July 25

• Dell Technologies Championship (Norton, Mass.) – Wednesday, August 29

JA students ranging from 15 to 18 years old will pitch their team’s business, innovative products or services to a panel of high-profile judges. One JA student company from each qualifying event will be selected to move on to the FedEx Junior Business Challenge finals at the TOUR Championship and 2018 FedExCup finale at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta for a chance to receive a $75,000 donation to their local JA chapter from FedEx.

“We were inspired by JA students who participated in last year’s FedEx Junior Business Challenge and presented innovative, dynamic thinking with real-world solutions,” said Patrick Fitzgerald, senior vice president, Integrated Marketing and Communications, FedEx. “We’re honored to bring the program back for its second season and look forward to working alongside the PGA TOUR and JA to help empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.”

The judging panels throughout the FedEx Junior Business Challenge program will comprise an eclectic mix of personalities and diverse backgrounds, including PGA TOUR players and other professional athletes, business leaders and media personalities, providing JA students with a broad range of perspectives and signifying that no two paths to success are the same.

2003 U.S. Open (tennis) and former ATP World No. 1 Andy Roddick and three-time PGA TOUR tournament winner Pat Perez are slated to join the panel at the first qualifying event being held at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play on Tuesday, March 20.

Since 1996, FedEx has donated nearly $14 million to JA Worldwide in support of small businesses and the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

“It’s great to see the program return for a second season and expand its reach by hosting a qualifying event in Canada,” said Bill Paul, Golf Canada’s Cheif Championships Officer. “We’re looking forward to hosting the students and eagerly await to see what terrific ideas they come bring to light.”

Follow the FedEx Junior Business Challenge all season long on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter via @FedEx and join the conversation by using #FedExJuniorBiz.

This video below highlights the 2017 FedEx Junior Business Challenge final, held at the TOUR Championship in Atlanta.

Mike Weir has been inspiring Canadian junior golfers his entire career.

Now the former Masters champion and eight-time PGA TOUR winner will deliver the golf experience of a lifetime to four aspiring young golfers who will participate in the inaugural Major Champions Invitational.

Led by Sir Nick Faldo, the 2018 Major Champions Invitational invites Major champions to sponsor a team of junior golfers and provide the unforgettable experience of being mentored by world-class champions and renowned golf professionals.

The inaugural event will be played at Bella Collina, in Montverde, FL near Orlando from March 11-14. Teams consist of four (4) top-tier junior golfers (male or female) sponsored by a major champion, their sponsor or an affiliated non-profit organization.

For Weir, sponsoring juniors from his home and native land to play alongside competitors from around the globe was a natural extension of his commitment to help support and develop the next generation of golfers.

“I am excited to support this great event put on by Sir Nick Faldo and to give this experience to the next generation of Canadian golfers,” said the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member and recent inductee into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. “I hope these junior athletes will be exposed to lots of great talent and quality people in the golf world, all while raising funds for a great cause.”

Team Weir will include sponsored Canadians Jeevan Sihota, of Victoria, BC (13), Taylor Kehoe of Strathroy, Ont. (14) and Luca Cimoroni of Toronto (13) along with 14-year old Berlin Long of Lehi, Utah, the state where Weir currently resides.

The Major Champions Invitational is an extension event of the Faldo Series, whose mission is to provide global opportunities to young people through golf and help identify and nurture the next generation of champions.  Past participants of the Faldo Series include Rory McIlroy, Yani Tseng, Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley.

Participating and/or represented Major Champions supporting the inaugural Major Champions Invitational include:

• Seve Ballesteros
• Tony Jacklin
• Jerry Pate
• Henrik Stenson
• Keegan Bradley
• Dustin Johnson
• Justin Rose
• Payne Stewart
• John Daly
• Nancy Lopez
• Adam Scott
• Tom Watson
• Nick Faldo
• Rory McIlroy
• Annika Sorenstam
• Mike Weir
• Jim Furyk
• Jack Nicklaus
• Jordan Spieth

Led by Faldo, a six-time Major winner who will be onsite all three days to host the junior participants, the legends of golf will share advice from years of experience at the highest level of the game.

All net proceeds will go toward the Faldo Trust for Tomorrow’s Children Inc., a U.S. 501c3 organization.

The Major Champions Invitational will also be featured in a one-hour special on CBS leading into Saturday’s coverage of the PGA Championship with a focus on players and their foundations giving back through the game of golf.

For more information visit www.majorchampionsinvitational.com.

Toronto, Ontario (Golf Canada) – The Good Beer Folks at Steam Whistle, Canada’s Premium Pilsner, have announced a new partnership to become the Official Beer of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

Through the multi-year partnership, Steam Whistle will work alongside Golf Canada to encourage more enthusiasts to enjoy a cold Steam Whistle Pilsner during a round of golf with friends and at Canada’s National Men’s and Women’s Open Championships. The agreement represents Steam Whistle’s largest partnership in their history, a significant milestone for the independent Canadian brewer.

“We are thrilled to be the Official Beer of Golf Canada and align our brand with a sport that delivers a deep social, charitable, entertainment and environmental impact to communities nationwide,” said Cam Heaps, Chief Executive Officer of Steam Whistle Brewing. “The RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open are iconic events that Canadian golf enthusiasts are extremely passionate about. As an independent Canadian brewery, we are excited to become part of the experience and for our world-class Pilsner to be enjoyed on more of Canada’s world-class golf courses.”

Spectators at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open will have the opportunity to engage with Steam Whistle ambassadors—known as The Good Beer Folks—and enjoy Canada’s Premium Pilsner served from one of Steam Whistle’s fleet of Vintage Vehicles on the course.

“We are thrilled to have Steam Whistle as Golf Canada’s Official Beer Partner,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Canada. “Steam Whistle’s unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and proud Canadian identity are well positioned as the perfect beer to enjoy at our National Open Championships and after a round of golf at one of Canada’s 2,300 incredible courses.”

The Steam Whistle story began in the spring of 1998, when three friends—Greg Taylor, Cam Heaps, and Greg Cromwell—were on a canoe trip in Ontario. The trio had been colleagues at one of Canada’s premier microbreweries producing quality beer in the late 1980’s and 90’s before it was bought out by a national brewer and closed down. As they sat around the campfire, the self-named “Three Fired Guys” dreamed of one day running their own brewery and making a Pilsner that would compete with the best in the world. Over the past 18 years Steam Whistle has grown to become one of Canada’s leading premium beers enjoyed coast to coast.

As the National Sport Federation, Golf Canada operates the RBC Canadian Open, set to run July 23-29, 2018 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario, as well as the CP Women’s Open which takes place August 20-26, 2018 at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Spanish Bay, CA, February 7, 2018 — Today, RBC is announcing its newest brand ambassador – professional golfer Dustin Johnson. Ranked #1 in the world and sitting 5^th in all-time PGA TOUR Career earnings, Johnson is the latest high profile golfer to join Team RBC, including players Matt Kuchar, Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk, Brandt Snedeker and Brooke Henderson.

Johnson has had an incredible career to-date, including 17 tournament wins on the PGA TOUR, and being named 2016 PGA Player of the Year. He is also only the third player in PGA TOUR history to win a title in all of his 11 seasons since his debut.

Team RBC was established in 2009 and is now comprised of 14 elite male and female golfers who embody the pinnacle of golf performance. Along with wearing the RBC branding on his apparel and golf bag, Johnson and his RBC teammates support many of the bank’s marketing initiatives and client experiences.

In addition to being the title sponsor of the RBC Heritage and RBC Canadian Open, RBC is also proud to be the Official Banking and Financial Services partner for all Team RBC ambassadors.

“My goal is to be the best in the game and win as many championships as possible, and I’m grateful for RBC’s support and belief in me. I have enjoyed getting to know them better over the past few years through playing in the RBC Canadian Open. Now that my relationship with RBC has expanded to brand ambassador, I can’t wait to achieve more milestones together.”

– Dustin Johnson, PGA TOUR Golfer

“RBC is a longstanding supporter of golf and we celebrate the traditions and passion of the game. We’re proud to welcome Dustin to Team RBC as our newest ambassador. He’s an exciting player that has thrilled fans around the world and a great asset to the RBC brand.”

– Dave McKay, President and CEO, RBC

“Dustin’s unique and natural talent on the course, combined with his high caliber of play, makes him an ideal Team RBC ambassador. He shares our commitment to hard work, strength and determination – and we’re happy to have him on our team.”

– Mary DePaoli, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA AND TORONTO – Starting with the opening round of the Farmers Insurance Open, leading live-streaming sports service DAZN Canada will carry live coverage of more than 30 PGA TOUR events on its expanding platform.

The one-year deal gives DAZN the rights to broadcast PGA TOUR LIVE’s early round coverage of the opening two rounds of each tournament, covering the two most compelling featured groups on the golf course. After the morning rounds are complete, coverage will switch to ‘Featured Holes’ coverage.

DAZN distribution begins January 25 with the return of Tiger Woods at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course. This year’s event boasts a strong field which includes: defending champion Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed, Jason Day, Xander Schauffele, Phil Mickelson, Charley Hoffman and Canadian Adam Hadwin.

“Our sports menu in Canada continues to grow and we are excited to be offering Canadian golf fans access to some of the best golf competitions of the year,” said Alex Rice, Managing Director for Rights and Strategic Development, at DAZN. “We made a commitment to keep adding more sports in the Canadian market and we are proud to be delivering on that promise today with some top-notch PGA TOUR golf action.”

Woods’ comeback live on DAZN will take place at the course where he last won a major tournament — the 2008 U.S. Open — and where he also won the Farmers Insurance Open in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013.

“With the ongoing evolution of PGA TOUR LIVE, we continue to look at innovative ways to spotlight and promote our players to fans in core golf markets like Canada,” said Rick Anderson, PGA TOUR Chief Media Officer. “We’re excited to partner with DAZN Canada to provide access to golf fans on their preferred platforms and in the new ways they are consuming content.”

The new partnership between DAZN and the PGA TOUR will result in hundreds of hours of live coverage from 30 PGA TOUR events streamed on the DAZN Canada platform all year long, including the RBC Canadian Open in July.

Golf fans now have a choice of subscribing directly to DAZN Canada for a monthly fee of $20/month or $150/year with one month free for new customers which includes access to PGA TOUR LIVE, all NFL games, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, FIBA Basketball among other sports properties. Canadian residents can register at www.dazn.com. Alternatively, Canadians can subscribe directly to PGA TOUR LIVE for $5.99
per month or $39.99 per year.

OAKVILLE, Ont. –  Months have passed since Jhonattan Vegas bested Charley Hoffman in a playoff to become just the sixth golfer in history to successfully defend their RBC Canadian Open title. Since that final putt dropped, Golf Canada, along with partners RBC and the PGA TOUR, have been working diligently enhancing our spectator experience and corporate hospitality offerings for next year’s championship, taking place July 23-29th, 2018 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

For more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open has been one of the country’s most iconic sporting events. These new corporate hosting opportunities and fabulous viewing experiences ensure the 109th playing of the RBC Canadian Open will be an event not to be missed and that you’ll be able to host your clients in style.

The RBC Canadian Open is an opportunity to captivate guests, colleagues, or clients with a premium entertainment experience never short on drama.  With live golf, anything can happen – and it usually does – and watching the story unfold is only enhanced by tremendous food and beverage services.

There are a ton of experiences to take in before arriving at your special viewing area, including the bustling Spectator Village, where, during tournament week, the Opening Ceremony will take place with legends of the sport. And, you’re not going to want to miss the return of The Rink at the 7th green.

Arguably the most popular activation at Glen Abbey, authentic hockey boards from tee to green encircle the par-3 7th. It’s the embodiment of Canadiana, and is complete with referees and a Zamboni ® ice resurfacing machine.

Once you’ve had a chance to wow your guests with the activations at Spectator Village and banged on the boards while cheering on a great shot on No. 7, it’s time to head to your viewing oasis for the week, and the RBC Canadian Open is proud to announce an all-new lineup of corporate opportunities for 2018.

Hall of Fame Club

The Hall of Fame Club is the premium hospitality product at the RBC Canadian Open. It features 50 tickets per day during competition, all-inclusive food and beverages at your suite, the ability to customize your space, and the best view of the action on the 18th hole at Glen Abbey.

Nicklaus Skybox

Named after golf’s greatest champion, the Jack Nicklaus Skybox gives you a private viewing experience beside the 18th green and down the fairway, along with the practice facilities. You’ll receive 25 tickets per day, all-inclusive food and beverages in your suite, and you can customize your box with your company’s logo.

Champions Club

The Champions Club features great sightlines down the 18th fairway and a view of the 18th green as well. You’ll receive 15 tickets per day and have a designated table with all-inclusive food and beverage service.

Cottages

Inspired by our home and native land, the cottages on No’s 16 and 18 will be your sanctuary. The Cottages on No. 18 feature 12 tickets per day, all-inclusive food and beverage and views of the 18th green and practice area. The Cottages on No. 16 feature 10 tickets per day, all-inclusive food and beverage, and views of the 16th green plus approach shots as the best in the world take on this par five and make a move late in their rounds.

18th Green Club Seats

Located behind the iconic finishing hole at Glen Abbey, Club Seats offer an incredible view of the 18th hole from your reserved seat. Club seats include four tickets per day during competition and food and beverages included with in-seat service.

Trophy Club

Enjoy an upscale hosting opportunity for smaller groups in an air-conditioned suite, and a rooftop viewing deck. You’ll get all-inclusive food and beverage and indoor & outdoor seating with views of five (5) different holes.

1904 Club

As part of our enhancements, we are excited to rename “Golf Canada House” as the “1904 Club”. This evolution reflects the long and storied history of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship first contested in 1904. Celebrate the history of the RBC Canadian Open at an upscale area located between the 16th and 17th fairways. You pick the days that suit your entertainment needs, with reserved washrooms, amazing views, and food and beverages available.

Sign up for the Championship Pro-Am!

An experience unlike any other at the RBC Canadian Open: it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to tee it up with PGA TOUR professionals. You and three colleagues, clients, or guests will play with two (2) PGA TOUR professionals (one per nine holes) and can enjoy an invitation for eight to the Draw Party – an evening not to be missed! Not only that, but Pro-Am participants also receive four (4) special gift packages and eight (8) 1904 Club passes per day, Monday-Sunday.

Click here to learn how you can join us for one of the PGA TOUR’s most fan-friendly events.

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.

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.