Rebecca Lee Bentham has been named the 2021 GJAC Women's Player Bursary recipient, sponsored by Mackenzie Investments, and Jared du Toit has been named the 2021 GJAC Men's Player Bursary recipient, sponsored by Golf Town.
Lee Bentham, 29, and du Toit, 26, were each given the $3,000 award after a vote of the membership of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.
“I am very happy and grateful to receive the bursary from GJAC and Mackenzie Investments for the 2022 season," said Lee Bentham. "Overall, 2021 was a challenging year so it means a lot to go into this season with the extra help and support.”
“Thank you GJAC and Golf Town for the very unexpected and very meaningful bursary," said du Toit. "Both Golf Town and GJAC have become synonymous with Canadian golf. Myself, as well as many other Canadian golfers, are very thankful for all they have done for the growth of the game in Canada.”
Lee Bentham, from Richmond Hill, Ontario, turned professional in 2011 after winning both the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and the Canadian Amateur Championship in 2010, and made a return to professional golf in 2019 following a brief hiatus, and quickly won the DCM PGA Women's Championship of Canada, shooting a final-round 63.
“Partnering with the Golf Journalists Association of Canada on this bursary is something we’re very proud of,” said Court Elliott, Vice President Corporate & Community Engagement, Mackenzie Investments. “Congratulations to Rebecca. As a company we hope this award helps her achieve greater heights in her professional career and supports her dreams of playing on the LPGA Tour.”
Meanwhile, du Toit, born in Kimberley, BC, won on the PGA TOUR Canada this past summer, claiming the ATB Financial Classic in Calgary, Alberta, where he was raised and learned to love the game. Most recently, du Toit Monday qualified for the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA TOUR in late January.
“Canada’s ranks on professional golf tours worldwide continue to grow each year,” said Chad McKinnon, President of Golf Town. “As a company we’re proud to support the game’s future and want to congratulate Jared on being named recipient of the 2021 GJAC Male Bursary. We look forward to watching his continued journey in professional golf.”
