Canadian Men's Senior Championship

Darren Ritchie wins 2021 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship

Darren Ritchie holding trophy
Golf Canada/Bernard Brault

LA MALBAIE, QUE. – The 59th playing of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship wrapped up today with Darren Ritchie securing the title to etch his name into the John Rankin Memorial Trophy.

The St. John, N.B. native from Hampton Golf Club held the lead for the majority of the tournament, finishing 2 over par 72 to become the first Senior Men’s Champion since Gene Elliot captured the title in 2019. It was the first Canadian Men’s Senior title for the 57-year-old Ritchie.

“I took a lot of years off to be with my family and to take care of them,” said Ritchie. “To get back to playing and to come up here and succeed the way that I did, it’s an unbelievable feeling.”

Ritchie is no stranger to excellence with Canadian Amateur Champion, World Amateur Team Member, New Brunswick Player of the Year, and New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame Member listed among other accolades in his resume. When asked about his recent success in the tournament, Ritchie pointed to experience and a great starting lead.

“It goes back to the start of the week. I hit the driver so good that I could stand there and just know that it’s going up the middle of the fairway. Whenever I had to make a 3-footer for par, I was fortunate. I made a lot of them this week and a lot of the other guys struggled with it. My golf game is good right now and I just can’t wait to play again.”

With the win, Ritchie receives an exemption into the 2022 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at the Kittansett Club in Marion, Mass.

Joe Miszk of Niagara Falls, Ont., and Luc Guilbault of Drummondville, Que. tied for runner up, each finishing with a score of 7 over.

A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship ran concurrently throughout the championship with Michel Roy securing the Governor’s Cup with a score of 13 over. The runner up was Mark Bennett from Toronto, Ont. who finished the tournament with a score of +17.

The 2022 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship will be held September 6-9 in Red Deer, Alta.

Additional information, including a full list of competitors and scores can be found here.

Canadian Men's Senior Championship

Club De Golf Le Manoir Richelieu set to host 2021 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship

Club de Golf de Manoir

LA MALBAIE, Que. – The 2021 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, conducted by Golf Canada, will be contested at Club de Golf Le Manoir Richelieu from Sept. 21-24, marking the 59th playing of the national championship.

A full field of 156 participants aged 55-and-over will compete in the 72-hole stroke play tournament in hopes of becoming the first Canadian Men’s Senior Champion since Gene Elliot captured the title in 2019. The tournament was not played in 2020 due to COVID cancellations.

“We have every expectation that Canada’s top senior golfers will provide for an exciting competition set against the backdrop of the St-Lawrence River and stunning Charlevoix region,” said tournament director Dan Hyatt. “The panoramic views coupled with significant course upgrades make Club de Golf Le Manoir Richelieu worthy of the associated accolades and will challenge the skills of our competitors.”

Practice rounds take place Monday, Sept. 20. Championship play will be conducted Tuesday, Sept. 21-24 with 18 holes of stroke play each day. Following the opening two rounds, the field will be reduced to the low 70 players and ties. The champion receives an exemption into the 2022 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at Saucon Valley Country Club, in Bethlehem, Pa.

A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship will run simultaneously throughout the championship, with a winner being crowned after 72 holes of play. In 2019, Lars Melander of Oakville, Ont., claimed victory after a final round of 1-under-par 70 helped him to secure the title and hoist the Governor’s Cup.

Interprovincial team competitions that are usually played concurrently with national championships will not be contested in 2021 due to the increased complexity involving group travel.

Club de Golf Le Manoir Richelieu was inaugurated by U.S President William Taft in 1925 and is known for having won numerous awards. Originally designed by English golf architect Herbert Strong, the course has since been significantly upgraded under renowned architect Darrell Huxham. The addition of a new nine brings the total to 27 world class holes of golf.

Additional information, including a full list of competitors, can be found here.

Amateur Canadian Junior Boys Championship Canadian Junior Girls Championship Canadian Men's Amateur Championship Canadian Men's Mid-Amateur Championship Canadian Men's Senior Championship Canadian University/College Championship Canadian Women's Amateur Championship Canadian Women's Mid-Amateur & Senior Championship NextGen Championships

Golf Canada’s 2020 National Amateur Championships cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

Golf Canada Tee Block
(Chuck Russell/ Golf Canada)

OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Due to continued health concerns as well as government restrictions on travel and group gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, Golf Canada has cancelled all of its amateur golf competitions for the duration of the 2020 season.

The National Sport Federation had previously announced the cancellation or postponement of a number of its junior and amateur competitions scheduled through mid-June.

“National amateur competitions have been a proud focus throughout our 125-year history and while we share in the disappointment of competitors, our host clubs and event volunteers, the most important consideration is the health and safety of the people who come together at our championships,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Ongoing travel restrictions—both international and across some provincial borders—in addition to continued restrictions on larger group gatherings and limitations on player training were significant contributors to this decision. We are also sensitive to the needs of our host clubs to ensure a safe and healthy environment for their staff and members.”

The 107th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, one of the top-ranked women’s amateur events in the world that attracts many international athletes, was scheduled to begin in five weeks at The Royal Montreal Golf Club from July 21-24. In addition, the 116th Canadian Men’s Amateur which features a 264-player field was scheduled to take place at The Glencoe Golf & Country Club in Calgary, Alta. from August 3-6 – marking the 125th anniversary of this storied championship. The cancellations will mark the first time since the second World War where these two national championships will not be conducted.

Golf Canada has also announced that the National Orders of Merit will not be awarded in 2020. The purpose of the points-based rankings is to identify and give recognition top-performing male and female amateur and junior golfers across Canada who have achieved success in the golf season. The decision to not award the Orders of Merit was made recognizing the varying access Canadian golfers will have to domestic and international competitions, and the resulting difficulty in running an equitable ranking system. Golf Canada will look to resume the Orders of Merit on September 1st, 2020 for the 2021 rankings. For more information, please visit the National Orders of Merit page by clicking here.

Golf Canada and Golf Ontario previously announced the cancellation of the 7th annual World Junior Girls Championship, scheduled for September 30 – October 3, 2020 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 20 championships nation-wide which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf referees, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Sport Canada, Levelwear, Titleist and FootJoy. For more information and scheduling visit dev-www.golfcanada.ca/competitions.

Amateur Canadian Men's Senior Championship

Gene Elliott wins 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship

Gene Elliott (Golf Canada/ Jeff Vogan)

TORONTO – It turns out Friday the 13th isn’t an unlucky date for American Gene Elliott. The West Des Moines, IA, native, carded a 3-over par 74 today to capture the 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship title at Cedar Brae Golf Club.

At No. 294, Elliott is the top ranked senior aged golfer (55+ years) on the World Amateur Golf Rankings. He finished the event 6-under (278) for a comfortable 5-stroke victory.

“I’m relieved more than anything,” said Elliott. “Even with a six-shot lead coming into today, it’s still hard to win. I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Elliott wasn’t just battling the field, as winds were gusting up to 35 km/h Friday at Cedar Brae.

“You’ll find fourth-round scores are much higher than the rest of the week. It played very tough today, which is another reason I’m relieved,” added Elliott. “Because on a cold and windy day a guy can go out and shoot 80. I’m glad that it didn’t happen. I’m very excited.”

This is the second Canadian Men’s senior title for Elliott. The 57-year-old previously had his name etched on the John Rankin Memorial Trophy when he won the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship in 2017. He also finished third in 2018.

“I’ve always liked Canada, since I was a small boy. My parents and I used to go fishing in Lake of the Woods, Ontario,” added Elliott. “I’m thrilled to be able to compete up here. I’ve just always been a big, big fan of Canada.”

With the win, Elliott receives an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at The Country Club of Detroit, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.

There will be little time for Elliott to catch his breath, as he’s leaving Toronto this evening in order to make his 1 p.m. tee-time tomorrow at the U.S. Mid-Amateur, which is taking place in Colorado.

Ashley Chinner of Brooklin, Ont., finished runner up at 1-under (283), while Lars Melander of Oakville, Ont., finished third at even-par (284).

A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship ran concurrently throughout the championship. Melander’s final round 1-under par 70 helped him win the title and hoist the Governor’s Cup.

“This is something I’ve worked towards for 13 years,” stated Melander. “Last year I finished third and this year I got it done. It was exhilarating to finally win another Canadian championship. The last one I won was the PGA of Canada’s Assistant’s Championship in Vancouver in 1974.”

Finishing runner-up in the Senior Division was Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C. Simson won the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship in 2010 and the Super Senior title in 2017. He finished the event 3-over (287), 3-shots back of Melander.

Frank Van Dornick of Camrose, Alta., finished third at +8 (292).

The 2020 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship will be held September 8-11 at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort in Qualicum Beach, B.C.

2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL SCORES

  1. Gene Elliott, West Des Moines, IA, *71-66-67-74-278 -6
    2. Ashley Chinner, Brooklin, ON, *75-67-72-69-283 -1
    3. Lars Melander, Oakville, ON, *74-67-73-70-284 E
    4. Paul Simson, Raleigh, NC, *76-71-72-68-287 +3
    4. Sandy Harper, Nanaimo, BC, *72-69-69-77-287 +3

2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SUPER-SENIOR DIVISION FINAL SCORES

  1. Lars Melander, Oakville, ON, *74-67-73-70-284 E
    2. Paul Simson, Raleigh, NC, *76-71-72-68-287 +3
    3. Frank Van Dornick, Camrose, AB, *75-69-74-74-292 +8
    4. Doug Roxburgh, Vancouver, BC, *74-75-77-73-299 +15
    5. John Gallacher, Burnaby, BC, *78-77-73-73-301 +17

Additional information, including a full list of competitors and scores can be found here.

Amateur Canadian Men's Senior Championship

Elliott takes 6-shot lead into final round of 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship

Gene Elliott (Golf Canada)

TORONTO – American Gene Elliott edged closer to winning his second Canadian Men’s Senior Championship title on Thursday. The West Des Moines, IA, native fired a 4-under par 67 to sit 9-under (204) at Cedar Brae Golf Club and take a commanding 6-shot lead into tomorrow’s final round.

Elliott, who plays out of Glen Oaks Country Club, has enjoyed great success north of the border. The 57-year old won the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship in 2017 and finished third in 2018.

“Well, there’s still a lot of golf left – 18 holes – and no lead is big enough as far as I’m concerned,” said Elliott following his round. “Cedar Brae is a tough golf course; you’ve got to stay below the hole. If you can putt well, you can do well.”

Elliott is playing better than “well”. He’s one of just two players to sit under par after three rounds. Sandy Harper of Nanaimo, B.C., shot 69 Thursday and sits second at -3 (210).

Tom Cameron of Oromocto, N.B.; Ashley Chinner of Brooklin, Ont.; Doug Hanzel of Savannah, GA,; and Lars Melander of Oakville all have a share of 3rd at 1-over par.

A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship is running concurrently throughout the championship. After 54 holes of play, Melander leads the pack at +1 (214).

“I’ve kept my head down this week and just tried to play as good as I can. Not get too excited or too down,” stated Melander. “That’s why I am where I am. Overall, I’m pretty pleased.”

Melander holds a 4-shot lead over Frank Van Dornick ofCamrose, Alta., who is 5-over (218). Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C. is third at 6-over (219).

The final round will begin Friday at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

The individual champion receives an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at The Country Club of Detroit, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.

2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 3 LEADERS

  1. Gene Elliott, West Des Moines, IA, *71-66-67-204 -9
    2. Sandy Harper, Nanaimo, BC, *72-69-69-210 -3
    3. Tom Cameron, Oromocto, NB, *70-73-71-214 +1
    3. Ashley Chinner, Brooklin, ON, *75-67-72-214 +1
    3. Doug Hanzel, Savannah, GA, *74-70-70-214 +1
    3. Lars Melander, Oakville, ON, *74-67-73-214 +1

2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SUPER-SENIOR DIVISION ROUND 3 LEADERS

  1. Lars Melander, Oakville, ON, *74-67-73-214 +1
    2. Frank Van Dornick, Camrose, AB, *75-69-74-218 +5
    3. Paul Simson, Raleigh, NC, *76-71-72-219 +6
    4. Doug Roxburgh, Vancouver, BC, *74-75-77-226 +13
    4. Alan Stewart, Grande Praire, AB, *78-74-74-226 +13

Additional information, including a full list of competitors and scores can be found here.

Amateur Canadian Men's Senior Championship

Cameron leads after opening-round of 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship

TORONTO – Tom Cameron of Oromocto, N.B., carded a 1-under 70 that included five birdies to take sole possession of the lead following the opening-round of the 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship at Cedar Brae Golf Club.

There was no doubting Cedar Brae proved itself a solid test as Cameron was the lone competitor in the stellar 156-player field to sit under par. The average score on the day was 8-over 79.

Four players share second including three Canadians and an American. Garth Collings of Matlock, Man., Toronto’s Robert Gibson, Ken Griffith of Red Deer, Alta. and Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, IA all carded even par 71s to sit a single shot off the lead.

A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship is running concurrently throughout the championship, crowning a champion after 72 holes of play. After 18 holes of play, Ken Warwick of Winnipeg led the field after a 1-over par 72.

Warwick, a member of Niakwa Country Club who is President-elect of Golf Manitoba, holds a 2-shot lead over Vancouver’s Doug Roxburgh and Oakville, Ont.’s Lars Melander. Roxburgh – a Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and the reigning Canadian Super Senior Champion – and Melander shot matching 74s Tuesday.
An inter-provincial team competition is also being contested over the tournament’s first two rounds.

Team Alberta combined for a team score of 144 (+2) to share the lead with Team Ontario.

Team Alberta is comprised of Red Deer’s Ken Griffith, Edmonton’s Brian Laubman and Frank Van Dornick of Camrose, while Team Ontario consists of David Greenaway from Barrie, Robert Gibson of Toronto and Ashley Chinner of Brooklin.

The team title will come down to the wire Wednesday afternoon as Team British Columbia and Team Quebec are just two-shots back of the leaders at 146 (+4).

Following the opening two rounds, the field will be reduced to the low 70 players and ties.

The individual champion receives an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at The Country Club of Detroit, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.

2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1 LEADERS

  1. Tom Cameron, Oromocto, NB, *37-33-70 -1
    2. Garth Collings, Matlock, MB, *35-36-71 E
    2. Gene Elliott, West Des Moines, IA, *35-36-71 E
    2. Robert Gibson, Toronto, ON, *35-36-71 E
    2. Ken Griffith, Red Deer, AB, *35-36-71 E

2019 CANADIAN MEN’S SUPER-SENIOR DIVISION ROUND 1 LEADERS

  1. Ken Warwick, Winnipeg, MB, *36-36-72 +1
    2. Lars Melander, Oakville, ON, *35-39-74 +3
    2. Doug Roxburgh, Vancouver, BC, *36-38-74 +3
    4. Frank Van Dornick, Camrose, AB, *35-40-75 +4
    5. Lance Lundy, Pemberton, BC, *40-36-76 +5
    5. Bruce McEwen, Scarborough, ON, *37-39-76 +5
    5. Michel Roy, Québec, QC, *37-39-76 +5
    5. Paul Simson, Raleigh, NC, *35-41-76 +5

INTER-PROVINCIAL FIRST ROUND LEADERS

  1. Team Alberta – Ken Griffith (Red Deer), Brian Laubman (Edmonton), Frank Van Dornick (Camrose) * 70-74-144 +2
    1. Team Ontario – David Greenaway (Barrie), Robert Gibson (Toronto), Ashley Chinner (Brooklin) * 71-73-144 +2
    3. Team British Columbia – Doug Roxburgh (Vancouver), Jim Shaw (Sooke), Sandy Harper (Nanaimo) *71-75-146 +4
    3. Team Quebec – Jean-Guy Garnier (Lévis), Peter Harrison (Ottawa), Serge Amyot (St. Constant) *73-73-146 +4
    5. Team Manitoba – Mike Walker (Winnipeg), Bruce North (Carman), Garth Collings (Matlock) *73-76-149 +7

Additional information, including a full list of competitors and scores can be found here.

Amateur Canadian Men's Senior Championship

Cedar Brae Golf Club set to host 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship

Cedar Brae Golf Club

– Winner receives exemption into USGA’s 2020 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship –

– Eight past champions and three Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Honoured Members in the field –

TORONTO – The 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, conducted by Golf Canada, will be contested at Cedar Brae Golf Club from September 10-13, marking the 58th playing of the national championship.

A full field of 156 competitors aged 55-and-over will take to Cedar Brae in hopes of joining the championship’s stellar list of notable winners. Returning to defend his Canadian Men’s Senior title is Brady Exber of Las Vegas, who cruised to a 7-stroke victory in 2018 with a score of 10-under par (278).

Also looking to hoist the John Rankin Memorial Trophy at Cedar Brae are seven additional past champions, including Canadian Golf Hall of Fame honoured members Gary Cowan of Kitchener, Ont., Graham Cooke of Hudson, Que. and Doug Roxburgh of Vancouver. Other past champions in the field include Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C.; David Schultz of Calgary; Jack Hall of Savannah, Ga; Michael Mercier of Juno Beach, Fla.; and Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Ill.

“We have exceptionally talented and accomplished golfers who are ready to take on a stellar golf course in Cedar Brae,” said Tournament Director Akash Patel. “Our hosts at Cedar Brae Golf Club have pulled together a great team of volunteers and the course is sure to provide North America’s best senior golfers with a solid test of their skills. The 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship will undoubtedly be an exciting competition.”

Practice rounds take place Monday, September 9. Championship play will be conducted Tuesday, September 10 through Friday, September 13, with 18 holes of stroke play each day. Following the opening two rounds, the field will be reduced to the low 70 players and ties. The champion receives an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at The Country Club of Detroit, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.

A 65-and-over Super Senior Championship will run concurrently throughout the championship, crowning a champion after 72 holes of play. In 2018, Doug Roxburgh claimed a two-shot victory in the division over Quebec City’s Michel Roy.

An inter-provincial team competition for the Phil Farley Memorial Trophy will also be contested over the tournament’s first two rounds. In 2018, Team British Columbia captured the inter-provincial team championship with a score of 9 over par. Team Alberta and Team Quebec finished a single shot back to tie for second.

Originally opened in 1922, Cedar Brae has proven itself a revered destination for golfers seeking one of the best golf course experiences in Toronto. The club has evolved from its early beginnings, moving locations and changing its name before spreading its roots at its current location. The course was designed by Mr. C.E. (Robbie) Robinson.

Visiting golfers regularly praise Cedar Brae’s layout, course conditioning and large fast greens that require a deft putting touch.

“Cedar Brae is proud and excited to host the 2019 Canadian Men’s Senior Golf Championship,” said Cedar Brae’s General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, Martin Piché. “Our staff and member-based volunteer team have been working hard to prepare for the event. We know the players will enjoy the amenities and pure golf experience Cedar Brae has to offer.”

Additional information, including a full list of competitors, can be found here.

NOTABLE COMPETITORS

Gary Cowan of Kitchener, Ont.
Cowan, 80, was named the Canadian Male Golfer of the 20th Century in 2000 by Golf Canada – then known as the Royal Canadian Golf Association. A former Canadian Junior Boy’s (1956) and Canadian Amateur (1961) Champion, Cowan went on to win the United States Amateur Championship on two occasions (1966 and 1971). He turned professional at age 52 and played on the PGA TOUR Champions where he earned three top-10 finishes. Cowan’s amateur status was reinstated in October, 2018.

Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Ill.
The 57-year-old won five titles in 2018. In addition, he finished 3rd at last year’s Canadian Men’s Senior.

Brady Exber of Las Vegas, Nev.
The 63-year-old is back north of the border to defend his Canadian Men’s Senior Championship title. Exber, a member of the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame, was a quarterfinalist at the 2019 U.S. Senior Amateur.

Graham Cooke of Hudson, Que.
The 72-year-old is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and has won the event four times (2001, 2002, 2008 and 2009). Cooke holds the record number of wins at the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship with seven.

Jack Hall of Savannah, Ga.
The 62-year-old won the event in 2015 and finished 4th last year. In 2018, he won both the National Senior Amateur Hall of Fame and the Georgia Senior Match Play Championships.

Doug Roxburgh of Vancouver B.C.
The 2014 winner of the event is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and was the Super Senior Champion in last year’s tournament. The 67-year-old won the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship four times (1972, 1974, 1982 and 1988). He also has the record for most wins at the B.C. Men’s Amateur Championship with 13.

FAST FACTS
Conducted since 1962.

Golfers must be 55 and over to be eligible.

In 1995, the 70 and over Canadian Super Senior division was added and is contested through the first two rounds.

The 2018 playing marked the first time this competition was contested over 72 holes.

The inter-provincial competition, which began in 1977, occurs concurrently over the first two rounds.

The champion is awarded the John Rankin Memorial Trophy.

The winner of the Super Senior division is awarded the Governor’s Cup.

Calgary’s Bob Wylie has won the event seven times since 1985.

Nick Weslock won the event six times between 1973 and 1983.

Paul Simson became the first person to win the British, U.S. and Canadian senior titles in the same year in 2010.

The winner receives an exemption into the 2020 U.S. Men’s Senior Amateur Championship.

ABOUT THE COURSE
Located in the scenic Rouge Valley in the north east part of Toronto, Cedar Brae boasts a challenging and award winning 18-hole course designed by renowned golf course architect and Stanley Thompson disciple, CE (Robbie) Robinson.

Cedar Brae’s layout boasts mature trees and natural tranquility bordered to the east by Rouge National Urban Park – Canada’s only Urban National Park.

The club hosted the 1976 CP Women’s Open, then known as the Peter Jackson Classic, as well as other provincial championships and qualifiers.

Cedar Brae, par 71, will be set up to play 6,463 yards. Par 3s will average 192 yards, par 4s will average 380 yards and the par 5s will average 520 yards.

Canadian Men's Senior Championship

Brady Exber captures 2018 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship

Brady Exber
Brady Exber (Golf Canada)

BATHURST, N.B. – American Brady Exber closed out a strong performance with a final-round 73 (+1) on Friday to claim the 2018 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club.

Exber held a share of the lead in the opening round and never looked back, extending his advantage to capture a 7-stroke victory and hoist the John Rankin Memorial Trophy. The 62-year-old Las Vegas native finished the 72-hole event at 10 under par (278) ahead of Canadian runner-up Peter Detemple.

“It was just amazing when I made that last putt,” said Exber, who becomes the ninth American to win the Canadian Men’s Senior. “Everybody started clapping, and I looked around, I couldn’t believe how many people were watching.”

“I was really nervous starting today, because I had a big lead, and I was thinking ‘OK try to not screw this up’ instead of playing the golf course. You can’t win on the first tee you gotta play all the holes.”

The Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame member held a third-round lead of nine strokes, thanks in part to a tournament course record 66 (-6) in the third round. With the victory, Exber adds another trophy to a well-decorated shelf over a stellar amateur golf career throughout the years. Among his many accolades, Exber is nine-time recipient of the Southern Nevada Golf Association Player of the Year Award.

 

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Having played many different Nevada courses over his career, Exber shared high praise for the conditions at Gowan Brae.

“It’s a really fun course, the two nines are very different. If you drive it in the fairway here, you can make some birdies. The hospitality here is fantastic.”

Exber earns an exemption into the 2019 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at the Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham, N.C., from Aug. 24-29, 2019.

He’s also committed to returning to Canada to defend his title at next year’s Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, which will take place Sept. 10-13 at Cedar Brae Golf Club in Scarborough, Ont.

“Absolutely I’m going to defend my title, I’m looking forward to it. I really do look forward to coming to Canada—it’s one of three tournaments in the world for senior amateur golf.”

Detemple, a Vancouver native currently residing in Lexington Park, Md., couldn’t quite match Exber after the two shared the 18-hole lead. Instead, he was battling 2017 champion Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Ia., who finished in solo third at 1 under for the tournament, two back of Detemple.

Doug Roxburgh, an honored member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, hung on to capture the Super Senior Division (ages 65+) by two strokes. The Vancouver native finished tied for 11th at 11 over par (299). Quebec’s Michel Roy was in position to win but finished bogey, double-bogey to open the door for Roxburgh.

“It was one my goals and it’s really nice to have accomplished it,” said Roxburgh. “I turned things around and played pretty steady on the back. It was a good day of golf and Michel is just a tremendous player.”

On Wednesday, Team British Columbia captured the inter-provincial team championship with a score of 9 over par. Team Alberta and Team Quebec finished one stroke back with a share of second.

Additional information, including complete scoring info for the 2018 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship can be found here.

Canadian Men's Senior Championship

Brady Exber takes commanding lead into final round of Canadian Men’s Senior Championship

Brady Exber
Brady Exber (Photo by: Golf Canada)

Bathurst, N.B. – Brady Exber edged closer to winning his first Canadian Men’s Senior title on Thursday, firing his third-straight round in the red at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club to take a 9-shot lead heading into tomorrow’s final round.

Exber carded a 6-under-66 to tie the tournament course record at Gowan Brae, which was originally set in 2005. His bogey-free round  was highlighted by an eagle and four birdies.

“I’m very happy, it was an unreal round,” smiled Exber. “I got off to a good start, birdied one, chip in for eagle on two, so that was a good start. I just kind of felt really good today off the tee, with the driver and three-wood. I think I only missed one fairway.”

The Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame member’s only miss hit was on hole 18. He hit a 7 iron off the fairway and the ball bounced off the cart path, about 30 feet in the air, and landed on the green about 8 feet back of the hole.

“I just tried to hit a little easy 7 iron and I caught it thin and you know it just hit the cart path,” said the 62-year-old. “You know what, I have to say, with as good as I played today, sometimes it’s just your day. Today was just my day.”

Exber sits 11 under for the tournament (205) and heads into the final round with a 9-stroke lead over Peter Detemple of Lexington Park, MD., and 2017 Canadian Senior Champion, Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Ia. Elliott and Detemple sit 2 under for the tournament (214) both with a share of second.

Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, Doug Roxburgh, maintained his lead in the Super Senior division despite carding a 79 on Thursday.

“I didn’t really play very well on the back nine, missed some short putts, and totally lost focus. I’ve got to re-group for tomorrow,” the Vancouver native sighed. “I gave back nine shots in the last 14 holes.”

Sitting one stroke back of Roxburgh is Michel Roy from Québec City, who sits 9-over-225 for the tournament.

On Wednesday, Team British Columbia captured the inter-provincial team championship with a score of 9-over-par. Team Alberta and Team Quebec finished one stroke back of Team British Columbia with a share of second.

The 2018 Canadian Men’s SeniorChampion will earn an exemption into the 2019 U.S. Men’s Senior Amateur Championship at the Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham, N.C., on Aug. 24-29, 2019.

The Canadian Senior Men’s Championship continues Friday with the final round beginning at 8 a.m. ADT.

Canadian Men's Senior Championship

Team British Columbia wins provincial title at Canadian Men’s Senior Championship

Team British Columbia
Team British Columbia (Photo by: Golf Canada)

Bathurst, N.B. – The second round of the 2018 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship concluded Wednesday at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club with Team British Columbia emerging as provincial team champions.

The trio of Doug Roxburgh (Vancouver), John Gallacher (Burnaby, B.C.) and Al Jensen (Nanaimo, B.C.) posted a combined second-round score of 2-over-146 to capture the Phil Farley Trophy with a total of 297 (+9).

It was a close finish between Team British Columbia and Team Alberta, which was comprised of John Festival (Calgary), Brian Coston (Calgary) and Ken Griffith (Red Deer, Alta.). The Alberta trio, who are defending champions,finished a single-shot back of Team British Columbia, sharing runner-up honours with Team Quebec, comprised of Shawn Farrell (St-Anne-de-Bellevue, Que.), François Bissonnette (Mirabel, Que.) and Michel Roy (Québec, Que.). Team Alberta and Team Quebec finished with a total of 10-over-298.

Team British Columbia member and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, Doug Roxburgh, walks away from the second round with his team winning the inter-provincial competition and holding the lead in the Super Senior Division.

“It’s great,” when asked how it feels to be leading the Super Senior Division, “I just want to go out and play golf while representing B.C. and see how our team did, and now we have the individual side of it, and so we just keep plugging away.”

The Vancouver native leads the Super Senior by 5 stokes after carding a 1-under-71 on Wednesday to sit 1-over for the tournament.

“I played fairly steady and missed a couple of short ones, but other than that you have to be pretty happy with it, I’ll take a 71,” Roxbugh laughed.

The 2014 Canadian Men’s Senior champion holds a five-shot lead on Lars Melander from Oakville, Ont. and Lance Lundy from Pemberton, B.C., who share second with a total score of 150 (+6).

Brady Exber took the solo lead Wednesday in the Senior Division after recording a tournament low round of 4-under-68.

The Las Vegas native teed off on hole 10 and fired two birdies against two bogeys on his front nine making the turn at even for the day. He continued to record four more birdies on the back nine to take a three-shot lead.

“It’s always good to make six birdies,” Exber smiled. “I had two mistakes, I bogeyed 17 and just missed the green a little bit and flubbed a chip. I three putted 18, that was very disappointing.”

Exber enters the third round Thursday without having made a bogey on the front nine.

“I played the front nine well, the front nine is a little easier than the back nine. But I haven’t made a bogey on the front yet, knock on wood,” added the 62-year-old.

Peter Detemple from Lexington Park, MD., initially from Vancouver, moved one spot back into second after sharing the lead with Exber after Tuesday’s round. Detemple carded another 71 to sit 2-under for the tournament.

Not far behind is 2017 Canadian Senior champion Gene Elliott who fired a 3-under 69 to sit alone in third, just one stroke behind Detemple.

A total of 74 players finished 156-or-better to advance past the 36-hole cut. The third round will begin Thursday at 8 a.m. ADT.