Caledon, Ont. – There must be something in the water out east as the BDO National Golf League Championship is remaining in the Maritimes as father and son duo, Russell and Anderson MacDonald claimed the 2025 national championship at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. on Saturday.
The duo from the Riverside Country Club in Rothesay, N.B. won the championship on the first hole of the playoff when Anderson tapped in a short birdie putt to earn a net eagle and defeat the duo of Ryan Tsang and Howard Wang from Cedar Brae Golf Club in Scarborough, Ont.
As the MacDonald’s collected their trophy and championship belts on the 18th green, Russell reflected on the day and was complimentary of his son.
“Well, the wind played havoc with my game, for sure. I was all over the place, but Anderson played really well, but it was a cold, blustery day, and I mean, it was a great day to play but it was cold starting and then it got better, but a lot of wind. Everyone played great, though.”
The New Brunswick duo, who had been playing together for five years finished their round and waited to find out if their score of 43 stableford points would hold, but they weren’t aware of their place on the leaderboard at first.
“Actually, we didn’t until one of our friends from home sent us the updated leaderboard and then we kind of started watching after that.
“But yeah, it was it was nice that there was just two teams tied, and it was an actual tie, and both teams played amazing on the final hole, and Anderson just carried it for us,” said Russell.
On the playoff hole, both teams sat on 43 points. Anderson smashed his drive into the middle of the fairway and hit a perfect second shot to give himself a chance at an eagle, as did Tsang, both putts fell short, but Anderson’s birdie (net eagle) gave his team the win.
In addition to winning the national championship, the MacDonald’s will receive an all-expenses paid trip to represent Canada at The R&A 9 Hole Challenge set to take place at Royal Portrush in County Antrim, Northern Ireland on the eve of the 153rd Open Championship in July.
Russell described the feeling as “unreal” knowing that they’d be heading to Royal Portrush in July.
“It was kind of a dream since last fall when we qualified for the New Brunswick qualifier, so it was we’ve been talking about it, and now we got there, so it’s going to be a great time,” added Russell.
Launched by Golf Canada ahead of the 2023 season as a nationwide, season-long competition to enhance weekly recreational league experiences for men, women and junior golfers, the BDO National Golf League embodies over 130 leagues across Canada and occurs throughout a six-week period of a club’s league season.
Within those six weeks, the best four scores from a 9-hole net Stableford format were used to determine the individuals that would advance to their respective provincial championships with spots into the BDO National Golf League Championship up for grabs. On Saturday, 104 golfers, spilt across 52 teams competed on the same fairways that the stars of the PGA TOUR will walk next week in Caledon.
“The league’s amazing. I mean, it’s so well run in New Brunswick for sure. They keep us up to date on everything going on, it’s an equitable way to get some other people playing in this type of event at a national stage,” said Russell.
“My first time playing on a PGA course, so it’s pretty exciting,” added a smiling Anderson.
Those who participate in the NGL season play a lively role in growing the sport in their community as well, with 100 per cent of the league’s proceeds benefiting First Tee – Canada in their respective provinces around the country. To learn more about First Tee – Canada programming and ways to support, please visit firstteecanada.ca.
As for what may be in the water out east…“Captain Morgan Rum – moose meat, Moose light beer,” said Russell with a chuckle.
For the final standings from the 2025 BDO National Golf League finals, click here.
For more information on the BDO National Golf League or to register, please visit nationalgolfleague.ca.
ABOUT GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing 360,000 golfers and 1,522 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our vision is to be a world leader in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca/.
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