PGA Tour Means Business With Canadian Tour Deal

The mere mention of the PGA Tour tends to trigger fluttering hearts and swooning, but any talk of it taking over the Canadian Tour or setting it up as a feeder system for the Nationwide Tour is premature to say the least and really not worth discussing right now.

As you can see in this News Now story, the PGA Tour has agreed to float the Canadian Tour a loan to deal with a financial crunch that, according to the scuttlebutt, has the tour in debt anywhere from half a million to $750,000.

As usual, nobody will admit how much the tour is in debt, nor how much the PGA Tour is sending its way, but you can bet it isn’t coming into this deal with any decision made beyond next year.

Part of this deal is that the PGA Tour gets involved with tournament development and sponsorship and while the party line is that Canadian Tour will benefit from working with such a well-recognized brand in golf, this is a fact-finding mission for the PGA Tour. Read more

Deal With PGA Tour Might Just Be A Short-Term Reprieve

The PGA Tour will provide the Canadian Tour with an operating loan and will lend assistance in the areas of tournament development and sponsorship in 2012, but any involvement beyond next year will depend on an evaluation between both groups over the course of next season.

“Our goal is to help lend stability to the Canadian Tour, which we believe plays an important role in professional golf and has proven to be a valuable system for developing players over the years,” stated Ed Moorhouse, co-chief operating officer of the PGA Tour.

Although no financial details were disclosed, it’s no secret that the Canadian Tour was struggling financially, with some speculating that it may not make it to the 2012 season without financial help. Whether this will be anything more than a short-term reprieve remains to be seen.

Commissioner Rick Janes admitted the onus was on the Canadian Tour to make the new agreement more than a short term deal.

“Whether this leads to more direct involvement by the PGA Tour beyond 2012 will depend on a number of factors, including our ability to strengthen and grow the Canadian Tour across Canada from coast to coast,” said Janes.

“In the meantime, it is a great opportunity to work with the preeminent brand in golf and we can only benefit from that experience,” he added.

Hometown Boy Makes Good

Byron Smith came into the Desert Dunes Classic in Palm Springs, Calif., feeling disappointed after not advancing through the first stage of PGA Tour Q-School.

Smith finished the week with his fourth Canadian Tour victory after winning the 2011 Desert Dunes Classic in his hometown.

He rode a hot putter and solid ball-striking, posting his best round of the week at six-under-par 66 in Sunday’s final round.

Early in the day, however it looked as if Regina’s Kent Eger was going to derail Smith as Eger made a hole-in-one on the par three fifth hole to tie Smith for the lead.

“Before we teed off I told (Eger) lets give them a show today and boy, he did that with his hole-in-one and two chip ins,” said Smith, who took home $24,000 U.S. for his efforts.

“The crowd got a show and I’m elated that I was able to win, especially against a field this strong,” added Smith, who moved to 11th on the final Canadian Tour Order of Merit.

Smith also gave the hometown crowd a show of his own, making a clutch chip-in to save par on the second hole and keep the momentum going from his opening birdie.

He added three straight birdies on holes 9,10 and 11.

“That chip-in was huge for my round,” admitted Smith who made at the turn at two-under-par on for his round.

“The birdies on 9,10 and 11 really got me going and I knew I had to stay aggressive with the way Kent was playing,” added Smith, who lives 15 minutes from Desert Dunes Golf Club.

For final scores from the Desert Dunes Classic, click here.

Eastern Ontario Prepares For Canadian Tour

Scott MacLeod of Flagstick Magazine outlines how preparations and the search for a title sponsor is on in the hopes of bringing a Canadian Tour event to Eastern Ontario.

To read Scott’s story, click here.

Canadian Tour Reportedly In Discussions With PGA Tour

Not that financial challenges are anything new at the Canadian Tour, but things may be more daunting than ever as the tour winds down its season this weekend, according to a recent blog from Robert Thompson.

That blog consists of questions as much as answers and is definitely speculative, especially the part about the Canadian Tour potentially partnering with the PGA Tour, but such discussions are traditionally shrouded in secrecy.

Decide for yourself. You can read Thompson’s blog here.

Tour Headed To Gananoque?

Mike Koreen of the Kingston Whig-Standard reports that the Canadian Tour may be headed to Gananoque, Ont., in 2012.

For Mike’s report, click here.

Hadwin Jumps To Final Stage

A standout season for Adam Hadwin will be rewarded.

The 23-year-old from Abbotsford, B.C., drew national attention in July with his charge at the top of the leaderboard at the RBC Canadian Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, where he eventually tied for fourth.

He also qualified for and made the cut at the U.S. Open, where he tied for 39th.

Those two finishes not only made Hadwin the pleasant surprise of the 2011 tour season for Canadians, but also had him in the race for the top 125 on the tour money list who earn playing privileges next year.

A tie for seventh at the Frys.com Open earlier this month, where he earned $130,312.50, drew him even closer, but he eventually finished outside the top 125.

Hadwin’s $440,753 in earnings from five events was enough, however, to place him 145th if he was a tour member, so his agent, George Sourlis of Landmark Sport Group, successfully lobbied on his behalf for an exemption into the final stage of Q-school.

Hadwin had expected to take part in the second stage next month, where he would have needed to qualify for the final stage. The direct step to final stage Nov. 30 to Dec, 5 in La Quinta, Calif., takes a big grind out of the process of earning his tour card.

The top 25 from the final stage will earn full-time status on the PGA Tour, but failing that, Hadwin will at least end up on the Nationwide Tour next season after spending most of this season on the Canadian Tour.

New Latin Circuit May Benefit Canadian Tour Players

There is no concern on the part of the Canadian Tour about the new PGA Tour Latinoamerica, which will see 11 events played in seven countries across Latin America, beginning next fall.

Commissioner Rick Janes says he’s seen it coming for 10 years through discussions with Henrique Lavie, his counterpart with the Tour de Las Americas.

The Canadian Tour is involved with events in March and April in Colombia and Mexico, but Janes points out that the new set-up could have considerable upside for players who toil here during the summer.

“We’ll be lobbying for exemptions for our top players into this circuit,” said Janes. “It probably creates a better opportunity for our players.”

There is one concern, however.

“The suggested timing for the qualifying school is, perhaps, July or August when we’re still in full swing. That’s something that needs to be addressed,” he said.

That aside, it’s conceivable that a promising, developing player from any country will be able to move directly from the Canadian Tour to the new loop to extend the season.

“The idea of this is to spur on the development of golf in Latin America and one of the ways to do that, of course, is to give these young, developing players an opportunity to play at a higher level,” he said.

“I would like to see our top players get a bye into these events. That’s something to shoot for and that’s what we’re going to be lobbying for,” said Janes

The Apprenticeship Of Adam Hadwin

It’s a moving target, but Adam Hadwin will need to make about $250,000 over the next couple of weeks to earn his PGA Tour card through the money list and, as it stand right now, he is only assured of teeing it up in this week’s McGladrey Classic.

The 23-year-old from Abbotsford, B.C., who captured this nation’s attention with a tie for fourth at the RBC Canadian Open in July, accepts that the wild ride his career has taken this season may not necessarily conclude with the ultimate graduation to the tour.

He’s nicely balancing the expectations and dreams of a young man with the reality that his outstanding part-time results, including a tie for seventh at last week’s Frys.com Open, may only be about experience and confidence as he prepares for Q-school. Read more

A Win For The Home Side

Michael Gligic of Bulington, Ont. earned medalist honours at Canadian Tour Qualifying School after posting five-under 66 to finish 15 under par for the tournament.

Gligic finished ahead of Thomas Hay of Langley, B.C., and Ryan Corbin of Rockwood, Ont., who both finished 12-under-par at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington.

Gligic, who calls Hidden Lake home, posted four birdies, one bogey and an eagle on the final hole of the day, where he drained a 60-footer.
“It was pretty special to end the day in style like that in front of the fans,” admitted Gligic, a past club champion at Hidden Lake.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out on the Canadian Tour, I feel like I’m better prepared to play well,” admitted Gligic who made only three cuts in 15 events through 2009-2010 as a member of the tour.

Hay, who led or had a share of the lead for most of the week, was pleased with his finish despite not winning.

“My main goal coming into the week was to get my card, so I’m pretty excited I was able to do that,” said Hay, who along with David Byrne of Essex, Ont., were the only players to post four rounds in the 60s.

“Michael played extremely well today and he deserved the win. Hopefully we’ll have some more battles like that on tour next season,” added Hay, 21.

Canadian Tour members Brad Revell (Exempt), Nathan Leonhardt (Exempt), Robert McRae (Non-Exempt) and Calvin Kupeyan (Non-Exempt) all retained their playing privileges for 2012.
A total of 15 players earned status on the 2012 Canadian Tour. Eight Canadian’s will have playing privileges next year as well, as eight Americans. For a final leaderboard, click here.

Hay Hanging In At Q-School

Thomas Hay of Langley, B.C., fired a two-under 69 on day three of Canadian Tour Q-School and shares the lead with Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont.

A former Canadian Tour member, Gligic matched the round of the tournament, with a six-under 65 to join Hay at 10-under-par for the tournament.

Gligic, a past Hidden Lake club champion, took advantage of his home course knowledge en route to posting seven birdies and one bogey. The 21-year-old is not new to going low, having set the course record in the second round of the Seaforth Country Classic at 10-under-par 60.

“I got off to a good start with birdies at one and three,” said Gligic, who leads the Great Lakes Tour money list.

“Those are tough holes, so any time you can start that way, it helps the confidence,” added Gligic, who tied for third in 2009 when the Canadian Tour Q-School was played at Hidden Lake.

Hay, 21, posted his third consecutive round in the 60s. The Drury College graduate, who led after two rounds, posted four birdies to go along with two bogeys.

“Today was a little less consistent then the previous two rounds, but all in all, I am happy with my position,” said Hay. “My short game really helped me out, so that was a big confidence booster.”
Joining Gligic and Hay in the final group on Thursday will be Ryan Corbin of Rockwood, Ont. Corbin matched Gligic’s 65 to move up the leaderboard and into a good position to get his exempt Canadian Tour card. Coincidently Corbin and Gligic happen to be good friends.

David Byrne of Essex, Ont., posted his third consecutive sub-70 round with a 68 that puts him at eight-under for the tournament. He will be joined on Thursday by Nathan Leonhardt of Richmond, B.C. and Kyle Stough of Silver Springs, Md.
 

A minimum of 14 Canadian Tour cards will be available at the conclusion of the Fall Qualifying School. The top seven players after four rounds will earn exempt cards, while the following seven players plus ties will receive non-exempt cards for 2012.

For a leaderboard, click here.

Q-School Feeling Some Hay Fever

Thomas Hay of Langley, B.C. stayed on top of the leaderboard after day two of the Canadian Tour’s Fall Qualifying School at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington, Ont.

Hay, who turned pro this past summer in June, shot a five-under par 66 and is eight under heading into the third round.

“I’m hitting the ball really well off the tee and not missing many fairways, which has helped,” said Hay who has played four events as a professional on the Vancouver Golf Tour.

“I have been playing well coming into Q-School, so I think it calmed my nerves down a little bit,” added Hay, who had a share of the first round lead.

One shot behind Hay is Canadian Tour Member Nathan Leonhardt and Calgary native Scott Stiles. Both players shot 67s.
David Byrne of Essex, Ont., is fourth after posting a 68 to move him to five-under for the tournament.

For a complete leaderboard, click here.

Westerners Take Charge At Tour Q-School

Nathan Leonhardt of Richmond, B.C., shares the first round lead at Canadian Tour qualifying school after firing a first round, three-under-par 68.

Leonhardt shares the lead at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington, Ont., with Calgary’s Scott Stiles and Thomas Hay of Langley, B.C.

Rain showers affected the 6,743-yard, par 71 layout for the majority of the first round with steady 20 km. winds.

“I played well today, it was a really solid round and I managed to keep everything in check for the most part,” said Leonhardt who earned a non-exempt 2011 Canadian Tour Card last winter in California.

“I learned a lot this past year, but it has been difficult especially when you miss a couple of cuts in a row,” he added.

Stiles and Hay, who played together in the lead group, took advantage of their position in the draw. Stiles recorded six birdies and three bogeys, while Hay posted four birdies and one bogey.

Other notable scores from day one included a round of two-under-par 69 by David Byrne of Essex, Ont.

A minimum of fourteen Canadian Tour cards will be available at the conclusion of the fall qualifying school. The top seven players after four rounds will earn exempt cards, while the following seven players plus ties will receive non-exempt cards for 2012.

For a complete leaderboard, click here.

Life Takes A.J. In A Different Direction

Former Canadian amateur champion A.J. Eathorne of Penticton, B.C., always looks forward to getting back home to Canada, but her latest return ended in victory for the 10-year LPGA Tour veteran turned caddie for Brittany Lincicome, who won the CN Canadian Women’s Open Sunday at Hillsdale Golf and Country Club in Mirabel, Que.

Below is my Monday column for Sun Media on Eathorne, plus a look at how the Canadian event, despite its quality reputation on tour, has no need to be designated with the major status it held until 2000, when federal anti-smoking legislation snuffed what was the du Maurier Classic. Read more

Tour Championship Decided In Playoff

Stuart Anderson of Victoria, B.C., drained a 25-footer on the second playoff hole to clinch a victory over Richard Scott at the 2011 Canadian Tour Championship in Windsor, Ont.

Anderson fired a final round six-under-par 65 to post 21-under for the tournament, which was enough to force a playoff at the Ambassador Golf Club.

Anderson. just moments earlier, missed a 16-inch putt on the first playoff hole. With the victory, Anderson picks up his fourth Canadian Tour win and second Tour Championship of his career.

“It feels wonderful to win this championship again,” said Anderson who won the inaugural Tour Championship in 2006. “I love playing this game and I hope I can play it for a living for the rest of my life.”

For most of the final round, Scott held the lead. The turning point of the day came when Anderson dropped a 70-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole. That putt moved Anderson to 21-under-par, which tied Scott at the top of the leaderboard.

Scott wasn’t able to move back into the lead after posting pars on his final three holes. The third round co-leader went on to bogey both playoff holes. Scott took home just over $19,000 for his efforts.

“Overall I’m happy with how I played, I shot 21-under-par and it was a solid showing,” said the Kingsville, Ont., native.

“It never ceases to amaze me how supportive the Windsor area fans are to me and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart,” added Scott who grew up a mere 45 minutes from Windsor.

 
Hugo Leon clinched international honours in the Canadian Bursary race, while Roger Sloan and Dustin Risdon split Canadian honours.

The Canadian Bursary is a fund designed to recognize the consistent performance of players on the Canadian Tour based on top-10 finishes, using a point system similar to that used for the US Ryder Cup team selection.

Jose Rodriguez and Hugo Leon secured the coveted first stage bypass exemptions for PGA TOUR Q-School by virtue of their first and second place showings on the Order of Merit following the Tour Championship.

For a complete leaderboard from the Tour Championship, click here.

Gillespie Rises From The Wreckage

It’s almost four months to the day since Derek Gillespie of Oshawa, Ont., was laying in the desert in the Phoenix area with a broken right femur, collapsed lung and five broken ribs following a vehicle rollover, which threatened his golf career.

You can read the details of that accident here, but for somebody busted up so badly, Gillespie made a pretty impressive showing at the Canadian Tour’s Seaforth Country Classic last week, where he tied for 49^th at two-under for the tournament.

“I don’t know why or how (recovery has) been this quick. I was pushing myself in the gym and just things went really well. I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d be playing the last couple of events of the year. I thought maybe six months,” said the winner of the Big Break Prince Edward Island in 2009. Read more

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