Lone Canadian finishes in a tie for 41st

Jessica Shepley, the only Canadian to make the cut, drained a 40-foot birdie putt on the Vancouver Golf Club’s 18th hole Sunday to wind up her 2012 CN Canadian Women’s Open on a high note.

She finished with a 73 for a 290 total, a tie for 41st and a paycheque worth $9,477.

But 15 Canadians started this tournament and only Shepley made it to the 72nd hole.

“I’m disappointed,” Golf Canada chief executive director Scott Simmons said Sunday.

Simmons said work needs to be done to make the road a little easier for Canada’s pro players.

Golf Canada has a solid program for amateurs. And many Canadians develop through the NCAA program. But there’s a need for more help for Canadian women — and men, for that matter — in the early stages of their pro careers.

Golf Canada started its Team Canada amateur national team five years ago. Some of them played here this week through exemptions.

“I’m thrilled with the progress,” Simmons said. “While the girls didn’t make the cut this week, it’s a tremendous experience for them.

“I think where there’s a gap in this country is what we do with young professionals that were on our national team. ... I think as a country we can do a far better job helping them as they transition into the pro ranks.”

That requires more sponsors and more money. Golf Canada is looking.