Golf Away Tours ‘Attention to Detail’ PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada presented by GOLFTEC
By: Brendan Stasiewich, PGA of Canada
Quick Facts:
First-Place Cheque: $7,500
Field Size: 63 players
Course Details: Parcours Du Vieux Village
Par 72/6,468 yards (m), 5,263 (w)
Dates: July 29-August 1, 8 AM ET first tee time, 11:30 AM ET final tee time
2024 PGA Seniors’ Champion presented by GOLFTEC champ: Alan McLean
Format: 54-hole individual stroke play, cut to 60+ ties following second round
Schedule of events, pairings and results
For the third time in four years, the PGA of Canada brings a National Championship to Bromont, QC, as the PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada presented by GOLFTEC returns to Parcours du Vieux Village three years after Dennis Hendershott’s thrilling victory over Danny King in 2021, when he fired a final-round 64 to win by one stroke.
The tournament has a history of nail-biting finishes. At last year’s event, Alan McLean won in a playoff over Hendershott at Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford, BC, and in 2019 at Carleton Golf & Yacht Club, Jim Rutledge managed a one-stroke win over King.
This week, the winner will likely be the player that pays attention to the game’s little details – just like how Golf Away Tours takes care of all the details when planning golf getaways – let’s take a deep dive into what players are in store for this week at Parcours du Vieux Village
Can Rutledge match Moe?
Last month, Canadian great Moe Norman would have turned 95. Part of his legend included a record eight PGA of Canada Seniors’ Championship titles.
Jim Rutledge, who knew Moe personally and has frequently been quoted referring to him as a ‘legend’, has a chance at history this week. With his win at the event in 2022, Rutledge now has his name on the trophy seven times. Doing some quick math; that puts Rutledge just one win shy of matching the record.
The whispers of this story coming to fruition have been well documented. When he claimed his fourth Seniors’ title in 2015, he was asked about the prospect of matching Moe – his response, “As long as I can keep healthy, I’ll keep playing in this championship and keep chasing Moe.”
Well, three wins later, he has a chance at it. And while that eighth title is the end goal, Rutledge has said time-and-time again that spending time playing golf with his long-time PGA of Canada friends is what makes the championship so special to him.
The Field
The 2024 PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada presented by GOLFTEC features a strong field including each of the past three tournament champions: McLean, Rutledge and Hendershott.
McLean and Rutledge are paired together on Tuesday at 9 AM, while Hendershott is set to tee off at 9:20 AM with Kent Strong and Chris Callihoo.
Parcours du Vieux Village Head Professional Marc Hurtubise hopes to feel the hometown love this week as he tees off at 8:50 AM.
Tee times run from 8 AM ET until 11:30 AM ET, with a cut to the low 60 players and ties coming after the second-round.
Click here to see the full field
The ‘TJ Rule(s)’ of the Week
With support from Golf Away Tours founder (and great player in his own right) TJ Rule, here are a few of the local ‘rules’ and things to watch for from a competitions standpoint.
- Officials will be using a few different teeing areas on select holes this week. The 323-yard 8th hole will likely be moved up to 295 yards during one of the competition days, giving some players the opportunity to drive the green, while a pair of par-5s will also likely be moved up throughout the week giving players good eagle opportunities.
- With out-of-bounds lurking on several holes, keeping the ball in play will be a primary focus for players this week in Bromont.
- The tournament also features a ‘Super-Senior’ division, consisting of players aged 60 and older. Players in Super-Seniors also compete in the main competition, so they have the opportunity to claim both titles as Rutledge did when he won the championship in 2022.
- Keep your eyes on the PGA of Canada’s Instagram account, where we will keep you apprised of all the action.
What Else is Going On?
Thanks to our tournament partners, we are excited to elevate the experience this week for both players and fans alike.
The 5th hole has been chosen as the ‘E-Z-GO ‘It’s Good to Go’ hole of the week. All players who make eagle on the par 5 throughout the week will be put into a draw for a $250 cash prize.
Fans can follow along by selecting a player to be their Wesko e-Locks ‘Lock-of-the Week’, prior to the tournament beginning on Wednesday morning. Head to Instagram and comment your ‘Lock of the Week’ for the chance to win a PGA of Canada prize pack.
The leaderboard will be available throughout the week here.