After a vote by members of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC), the inaugural Mackenzie Investments-Golf Journalists Association of Canada Player Bursary has been awarded to Chris Ross.

Ross, 29, was in his third year on the Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada in 2016. His best finish was a tie for 15th at the season-opening Freedom 55 Financial Open.

In 2015, the native of Dundas, Ontario captured his first Mackenzie Tour victory at the Wildfire Invitational.

"On behalf of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada, I would like to congratulate Chris Ross on being selected the first recipient of the first Mackenzie Investments-GJAC player bursary,” said GJAC president Grant Fraser. "Chris was selected by our members from across Canada and we wish him the best as he continues his professional career.”

Ross, a product of Eastern Michigan University, and his wife Stephanie have one daughter, Sami, and three cats.

“I’m so honoured to receive the Mackenzie Investments GJAC Player Bursary," said Ross. "As a player, I’ve made my own path to try and achieve my goal of making it to the PGA TOUR, and I’ve certainly seen highs and lows in my journey so far. This award will help me continue to chase my dream, and my sincere thanks to out to Mackenzie Investments and the GJAC members for making this possible.”

Ross will receive a cheque for $3,000.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Golf Journalists Association of Canada on this award, and continue our support to grow the game of golf in Canada", said Court Elliott, Vice President Sponsorships, Mackenzie Investments.  "Congratulations to Chris and we hope winning this award gives him the confidence he needs to strive to the next level."

In 2017, the player bursary will be awarded to a member of the Symetra Tour. The bursary will continue to be awarded to Mackenzie Tour/Symetra Tour members in alternating years.
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About the Golf Journalists Association of Canada:

The purpose of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) is to encourage and promote golf journalism in Canada, recognize excellence in Canadian golf and golf journalism through annual awards, bring together golf journalists from across the country to share ideas and common interests, and help develop better media relations between the Association's membership and various golf associations, sponsors, and golf companies across Canada. You can now follow GJAC on Twitter at @GJ_AC

For more information contact:

Grant Fraser, President
gfraser@golf-management.org

Adam Stanley, Director of Communications
adam@adamstanley.ca