The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) has announced their golf story of the year, as well as various Player of the Year awards for the 2025 season.

Below are the GJAC’s selections for the 2025 season.

Brooke Henderson’s Victory at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open Named Golf Story of the Year

Brooke Henderson’s memorable win at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club was named the GJAC Canadian Golf Story of the Year. Henderson captured her second CPKC Canadian Women’s Open title in August, prevailing by one stroke in a dramatic final round over Minjee Lee. The victory marked a special moment for Canadian golf, as Henderson once again claimed the national championship in front of a home audience.

Corey Conners Named Male Professional Player of the Year

Corey Conners earned Male Professional Player of the Year honours following one of the most consistent seasons of his PGA TOUR career. Conners finished fourth in the FedEx Cup standings and recorded three top-five finishes despite not securing a tournament victory. He also posted top-20 finishes in all three major championships he completed during the season. Conners concluded the year ranked 30th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Brooke Henderson Named Female Professional Player of the Year

Brooke Henderson was also named Female Professional Player of the Year, continuing her leadership among Canadian players on the LPGA Tour. Her season included a top-10 finish at the CPE Group Tour Championship and her historic victory at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open. Henderson finished the year ranked 24th in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

Hunter Thomson and Isaiah Ibit Named Male Amateur Players of the Year

The GJAC selected co-winners for Male Amateur Player of the Year.

Isaiah Ibit enjoyed an impressive freshman season at Kent State University, earning MAC Freshman of the Year honours. He also made the cut at a PGA TOUR Americas event and finished runner-up at the Can-Am Championship. Ibit concluded the year ranked 359th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Hunter Thomson, who attended the University of Michigan, won his NCAA Regional, finished 24th on PGA TOUR U, and turned professional during the season while retaining his Amateur Ranking status for 2026. Despite competing as an amateur for only part of the year, his accomplishments earned strong recognition from voters. Thomson turned professional ranked 68th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Aphrodite Deng Named Female Amateur Player of the Year

Aphrodite Deng was named Female Amateur Player of the Year following a standout season that included a tie for 20th and low amateur honours at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open, along with a strong showing at the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and multiple junior victories throughout the year. Deng also captured Rolex Junior Player of the Year honours and finished the season ranked 14th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

“It is an exciting time in our calendar where we share the results of our Association vote for our year end players and Canadian golf story of the year awards,” said Mike Johnny, President of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. “While the competitive golf landscape in Canada continues to thrive, it is nice to see new names emerge, reflective of the competition within Canada to compete on the world stage.  At home, participation in the game remains high and grassroots initiatives to expand engagement in golf are flourishing.  A Canadian winning our national open is always exciting. Canada is always proud to showcase the best players coming to compete on the world stage.”

One day. One hundred holes. A commitment that leaves a lasting mark. Across the country, participants in Youth on Course’s annual 100 Hole Hike closed out a demanding day on the course with a shared sense of achievement and a clear view of the difference they are making in junior golf accessibility.

Golf Canada offers affordable access to the sport through Youth on Course, which provides members aged six to eighteen with subsidized green fees of $5 or less at over one hundred participating courses. The 100 Hole Hike is the program’s flagship fundraising initiative. Golfers walk one hundred holes in a single day to raise funds for local Youth on Course programs. Since 2019, over 120,000 rounds have been subsidized. This season alone, 8,154 members played nearly 50,000 subsidized rounds across the country.

Four Youth on Course 100 Hole Hikes took place from August to October at Silverwood Golf Club in Saskatoon, Sask.; Bic sur Mer in Rimouski, Que.; Mill Run Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ont.; and Cabot Cape Breton in Inverness, N.S. This included the second international Youth on Course Premier 100 Hole Hike, a three-day event.

A total of 44 Hikers participated this year, raising $92,800 to expand Youth on Course access in communities across Canada.

Each event showcased stories of resilience, purpose, and personal motivation.

Honouring a loved one

At the Ontario event, a foursome traveled from Collingwood early that morning to honour the late David Moser, a husband, friend, and avid supporter of junior golf.

“Golf played an instrumental role in David’s life,” said his wife, Janet. “He strongly believed in affordable junior golf, so Joy, Derek, Danielle and I were thrilled to honour him through this fundraiser.”

Support from media and influencers

At Cabot Cape Breton, media personalities and influencers joined the Premier Hike, lending their voices to the program’s mission.

“Golf is an incredible game that teaches different life lessons,” said Adam Scully, host and producer of Golf Talk Canada at TSN. “To support such an amazing cause that gives back to others who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play, at one of the greatest facilities in Canada, means the world to me.”

A challenge with purpose

From the first tee at sunrise to the final putt at dusk, participants embraced both the physical challenges and the purpose behind their efforts. Many shared the satisfaction that comes from helping to lower financial barriers for young golfers while taking on a test of endurance.

“For me personally, access to junior golf provided an opportunity to grow as a young man on and off the course,” said Hiker Chris Bowman, who took part to support his son’s continued involvement in the game. “There is so much value in what the game can teach our youth, and providing these benefits to juniors who normally would not have the chance makes a real impact.”

Impact on host facilities

For host clubs, the event underscored the tangible influence of Youth on Course and the enthusiasm of communities committed to growing the game.

“We have seen firsthand how Youth on Course benefits our junior golfers. Just this year, nearly 500 subsidised five-dollar rounds were provided to Youth on Course members at our facility,” said Matt Savage, general manager at Mill Run Golf Club. “Hosting the Hike was an easy decision, and our members were fully supportive.”

Looking ahead

The success of this year’s events shows both the dedication of participants and the ongoing demand for affordable junior golf opportunities. Golf Canada aims to build on this momentum next season by increasing the number of subsidised rounds offered through Youth on Course initiatives.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took on the challenge this season,” said Nathalie Mihalek, Golf Canada’s National Manager of Youth on Course. “Their efforts directly help more youth get out on the golf course, and we look forward to welcoming even more Hikers next year.”

For more information or to take part in a Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike next season, visit golfcanada.ca/youthoncourse/.

The Golf Canada App and website now allow golfers to record their rounds and practice sessions at member simulator facilities, with stats and goals automatically syncing throughout the year.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada has released the latest update to the Golf Canada App, now supporting indoor simulator integration. Whether playing on a course or practicing at a simulator in a Golf Canada member facility, golfers can easily track and log rounds and practice sessions in one centralized location, providing a comprehensive view of their performance both indoors and outdoors. Golfers can easily find participating simulator facilities on golfcanada.ca/findacourse/ or directly through the App on their mobile devices. This update also adds the average number of putts per round to your stats, along with bug fixes and other enhancements to improve the overall app experience.

What this means for you

• Complete round tracking, including indoor sessions. Play a simulated 9- or 18-hole round at a participating facility and record your score as you would for a traditional on-course game.

• Practice sessions also matter. Whether you’re recording a practice bucket, working on your short game indoors, or tracking a particular skill or goal, it’s now possible. Each session adds to your game‑improvement metrics, ensuring your progress remains in focus.

• Stats and goals remain consistent. Your handicap‑related data, scoring history, shot metrics, and personal performance goals are kept current, whether the swing takes place on a fairway or inside a simulator bay.

• Golfers can find nearby simulator facilities using filters like technology platform or amenities, and view details such as the number of simulator bays, booking links, and addresses on an interactive map available on Golf Canada’s website and App.

• The Golf Canada App is your all-in-one platform for managing your golf history, stats, and progress tracking, anytime and anywhere you play.

Indoor simulators are increasingly popular across Canada, especially during the colder months when many outdoor courses close. By supporting indoor facilities, Golf Canada helps golfers develop and track their skills year-round.

This update continues Golf Canada’s effort to provide a comprehensive digital golf experience for Canadian golfers. Earlier updates added features like GPS-based course maps, hole-by-hole scoring, smartwatch integration, score posting for playing partners, and social features. Now, with indoor simulator integration, we connect real-world rounds with simulator play, offering golfers a unified view of their performance.

How to get started

Make sure your Golf Canada App is up to date.

Go to a participating Golf Canada member simulator facility to complete your round or practice session.

Record the round or session in the Golf Canada App as you would for any on-course game; your stats and goals will automatically update.

The Golf Canada App is available as a free download from the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android. Golfers can sign in with an existing Golf Canada account or create one directly in the app to start tracking their game.

For a complete list of Golf Canada App features, visit golfcanada.ca/app.

Just Swing

The 2026 PGA TOUR Americas schedule will feature a strong Canadian presence, with six tournaments staged coast-to-coast as part of the 15-event season announced by the PGA TOUR.

Running April through October and visiting nine countries, the tour’s third campaign again offers a direct pathway to the Korn Ferry Tour, with the top 10 players on the year-end points list earning membership for 2027. The season will conclude Oct. 15–18 at the PGA Oceans 4 Tour Championship in the Dominican Republic.

Canadian golf fans will see the circuit in full force during a nearly two-month stretch beginning in July, marking the largest national footprint on the schedule.

The Explore NB Open in Fredericton, N.B., opens the Canadian swing from July 9–12 at Mactaquac Golf Course. The tour then moves into Ontario for back-to-back weeks: the Commissionaires Ottawa Open presented by Lépine Apartments at The Marshes Golf Club (July 16–19), followed by the Osprey Valley Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley’s Heathlands course (July 23–26).

Competition returns Aug. 20–23 with the Manitoba Open at Elmhurst Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg, one of the longest-running tournaments in Canadian golf. The western portion of the schedule begins Sept. 10–13 as the Digital Commerce Group Open is played at Uplands Golf Club in Victoria. The Canadian segment wraps up Sept. 17–20 in Edmonton, where Blackhawk Golf Club hosts the ATB Classic presented by Building Trades of Alberta.

“The quality of golf courses, sponsors and community support on PGA TOUR Americas continues to rise,” said Alex Baldwin, president of PGA TOUR Americas and the Korn Ferry Tour, in a statement. “We have 15 great tournaments on our 2026 schedule, and each one provides a chance for the future stars of the PGA TOUR to develop the skills needed to succeed at the next level.”

The season opens April 16–19 with the 71st ECP Brazil Open at the Rio Olympic Golf Course, followed by stops in Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia and the United States before the tour shifts north into Canada.

The top 60 players following the ATB Classic will qualify for the season-ending Tour Championship in the Dominican Republic. Beyond Korn Ferry Tour status for the top 10, all 10 will also earn US$15,000 through the Pathways Player Achievement Grant.

PGA TOUR Americas membership for 2026 will be finalized after Q-School, held in March across five U.S. sites. Eligibility includes tournament winners, returning members, top finishers from the 2025 points list and graduates of PGA TOUR University.

Canadian golf executive Peter Broome has been elected an honorary member of the PGA of America in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the game and his support for golf professionals around the world.

Broome, a native of Montréal, becomes only the 13th person to receive the honour. The recognition was formally presented during the PGA of America’s annual meeting in November 2025.

Broome’s connection to the game began at Royal Montreal Golf Club and Club de Golf Mount Bruno, where he played competitively as a junior and collected several local and provincial titles. His early development under PGA of Canada professional Bob Hogarth helped shape his appreciation for the work of club professionals and the business of golf.

After completing a degree in education at McGill University, Broome began working in golf operations before joining the Acushnet Company — the parent company of Titleist and FootJoy. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, he rose to senior vice-president of brand management and industry relations. He oversaw business operations in Canada and Latin America and built partnerships with many of golf’s leading governing bodies and associations.

“Both Adam and I were thrilled to learn of this incredible honour bestowed on our colleague Peter Broome. Being named an Honorary Member of the PGA of America is a testament not only to his remarkable career but also to the countless individuals whose careers he has profoundly influenced. Peter’s contributions to the game are immense, reflecting his deep love for golf and his unwavering commitment to its growth and success in Canada. We are overjoyed for Peter and his family,” said Laurence Applebaum, Golf Canada’s chief executive officer.

Golf Canada president Adam Daifallah echoed Applebaum’s remarks, adding that Broome’s recognition “underscores the lasting impact of his leadership and dedication to advancing the sport both in Canada and internationally.”

Broome joined the Golf Canada board of directors in 2024 as a director-at-large. He currently co-chairs the Golf Industry Advisory Council and serves on the organisation’s Compensation Committee. His experience and insight have strengthened Golf Canada’s collaboration with manufacturers, facilities and professional bodies across the country.

In 2024, Broome was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The following year, he and his family established the Bridge Foundation to support ALS research, treatment and patient care. His courage and continued involvement in golf have inspired many within the sport.

From promising junior to global industry leader, Broome’s career has reflected a deep respect for the game and the professionals who make it possible. His election as an honorary member of the PGA of America stands as a testament to his contributions and to the lasting impact of Canadian leadership within the sport. Golf Canada congratulates Peter Broome and his family on this achievement.

Dear Golf Canada Members & Clubs,

With another remarkable golf season winding down, I want to share my heartfelt thanks to our 360,000 members and more than 1,550 member clubs for making 2025 such an extraordinary year for golf in Canada.

Golf’s popularity here and around the world continues to reach new heights, including multi-year successive growth in rounds played. A record number of scores are being tracked through the Golf Canada Score Centre — a reflection of the vitality of our game and the enthusiasm of Canadian golfers. Scores posted to date are up 6% from last year’s record-setting result (11M+ scores) and up an incredible 54% over pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The sport’s continued rise in participation speaks volumes about the engaging environment presented by our member clubs and the passion of golfers who invite others to share in the game.

And the future looks even brighter. The sport is seeing a wave of new enthusiasts of all ages. Programs such as First Tee – Canada have inspired more than 200,000 young people in chapters across the country, helping to shape the next generation of golfers. The expansion of She Plays Golf is also engaging more women and girls across a series of fun and inviting festival golf experiences.  

Canadian athletes have given us plenty to cheer about on the world stage. What an outstanding year for Aphrodite Deng, the Calgary-born 15-year-old who became the first Canadian ever to win the U.S. Junior Girls Championship and then finished T20 at the CPKC Women’s Open in August. We’ve seen stellar performances by rising talents such as Sudarshan Yellamaraju – a 24-year old who just qualified for his PGA Tour card – Myles Creighton, Anna Huang and others, reflecting the talent and growing reputation of Canadian golf around the globe. Nick Taylor’s win at the 2025 Sony Open reminds us that Canadian depth on the PGA TOUR continues to impress, and of course, no player captivated us more than 14-time LPGA Tour winner Brooke Henderson, whose victory at the CPKC Women’s Open – her second victory at the event – furthers her standing as one of this country’s all-time great athletes.

Both the RBC Canadian Open in its first-ever visit to TPC Toronto and the CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club delivered incredible moments, showcasing top international fields, emerging Canadian talents and passionate Canadian golf fans. These championships, along with our national amateur competitions, are made possible through the unwavering support of our host clubs and the tireless contributions of volunteers — the true heartbeat of our sport. To those thousands of volunteers who give back to the game at their club, in the community or in support of golf championships nationwide, your wonderful contributions to the game are immeasurable.

I also want to recognize the invaluable partnership of our Provincial Golf Associations and the many national golf organizations who share in the leadership and advancement of the sport across the country. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive golf community. Our gratitude also extends to Golf Canada’s corporate partners along with the donors and trustees of the Golf Canada Foundation, whose generous support is elevating investment in the game and creating meaningful impact at every level. Thanks to the continued support of the membership and our multitude of partners, Golf Canada is well positioned for continued investment into the growth of the sport.

Thank you again to our members and member clubs for being the driving force behind golf’s continued success in this country. Your passion for the game and support of Golf Canada make everything we do possible.

With sincere appreciation,

Adam Daifallah
President
Golf Canada

As the leaves turn and golf courses across the country begin preparing for winter, we mark the end of the “active posting season” for many Canadian golfers. Under the Golf Canada Handicapping system, an active season is the period during which scores from rounds played on regional courses may be submitted for a golfer’s Handicap Index® and officially count.

In practical terms, this means that for provinces such as Ontario and Quebec, the active posting window typically runs from about April 15 to October 31.

With that window now closing, golfers at clubs across Canada must shift their thinking. Here’s what this seasonal change means—and what to keep in mind as the clubs wind down for winter.

Why an active/inactive season matters:

The rationale behind the delineation is simple: golf courses in the off-months often play under very different conditions—frost-hardened fairways, slower greens, shorter roll-out, tree leaf fall, wet spots—that diverge significantly from the “mid-season” conditions assumed when course ratings and slope ratings were set. Allowing scores from such conditions to count would risk distorting players’ handicap indexes—either inflating or deflating them unfairly.

For that reason, rounds played on courses that are in their inactive season will still be recorded (in many cases) but won’t be included in handicap calculations. This ensures a fairer reflection of a golfer’s ability under more typical playing conditions.

What golfers should do now:

With the active posting season ending in many regions, now’s the time to make sure all your rounds played during the window are posted if you haven’t already. Since every player is responsible for submitting acceptable scores during the active season, missing a late-season round could leave your record incomplete.

If you plan to travel to warmer climates or play somewhere with a year-round active season (for example some clubs in British Columbia or in the southern U.S.), those rounds can still be submitted—provided the host course is in its active season. So even as your home club closes out, your golf doesn’t necessarily have to stop.

What changes for your game and club?

From the club’s side, this time of year often signals the winding-down phase—fewer tournaments, course maintenance ramps up, tees and greens may be adjusted for winter conditions, and the pace of play may shift. For players, the focus may turn from competitive rounds to skillrefinement: indoor putting, swing work, lessons, or planning for next season.

Also, with posted rounds now finalised for the year, your Handicap Index® heading into winter is set. That gives you a baseline to work from for next season. During the “inactive” period you might still play—it’s just that those rounds typically won’t contribute to the index, so they serve more as practice or fun rather than ranking rounds.

Looking ahead to next season

With the active season behind us, it’s a good moment for reflection: review your stats for the year, set goals for next year (e.g., stroke reduction, improved short game, more fairways hit), and perhaps identify indoor or offseason training opportunities. Many clubs open lessons, simulator access or special winter programs precisely because the outdoor competitive calendar is winding down.

In short: the close of the active posting season isn’t the end of your golfseason life—it’s just the signal that for handicapping and official scoretracking purposes, the “clock” has been paused. Use the next months wisely: maintain your swing, play off-course golf, stay “dialled” so when Spring 2026 rolls around—you’re ready to hit the ground running.

TAOYUAN, Taiwan — Canada’s Anna Huang is putting together a rookie season to remember on the Ladies European Tour (LET).

The 16-year-old from Vancouver has already claimed two titles this fall, winning the La Sella Open in Spain and the Lacoste Ladies Open de France to become a two-time LET champion.

“It’s been such a surprise and a really big shock to me,” Huang said ahead of this week’s event at Sunrise Golf & Country Club in Taoyuan. “I didn’t think I would win two times back-to-back, so it’s been crazy. It’s been such an exciting time and a big learning process.”

Despite skipping last week’s Hero Women’s Indian Open, Huang has a chance to make it three consecutive victories as she continues her strong run of form in her debut season.

“To win three in a row would be really cool,” she said. “I’m so grateful for two wins, but three would definitely be the cherry on top.”

Huang currently sits 10th on the LET Order of Merit with just three tournaments remaining in the 2025 season — an impressive achievement for one of the youngest players on tour.

The teenager, who has represented Canada in international competition through Golf Canada’s national team program, credits her family for keeping her grounded during a whirlwind year. Her father continues to serve as both her caddie and coach.

“Ever since I started playing, he’s been my caddie and also my coach,” said Huang. “He definitely knows my game the best. We sometimes argue a little bit here and there, but we work really well as a team. Being 16 and playing on tour can get pretty stressful, so having my family with me is great.”

Born and raised in Vancouver, Huang said European-style courses tend to suit her game.

“The courses over here are a bit different compared to Europe,” she said. “Growing up in Vancouver, I think European-style golf courses suit my game more — it’s a pretty similar climate — but we’ll see what happens this week. With the wind here, it’s all about staying patient and making smart decisions.”

Huang isn’t putting added pressure on herself heading into the season’s final stretch.

“It would be great to get another win, but I try not to think too far ahead,” she said. “I’m just taking one tournament at a time and seeing how things go. After winning in Spain and France, it’s given me a lot of confidence for the last events of the season, so I’m just really excited.”

Huang’s rapid rise adds to a growing wave of young Canadian talent making an impact on the global stage — a promising sign for the continued development of women’s golf in Canada.

There’s something about fall golf that feels almost poetic. The air turns crisp, the crowds thin out, and the course itself seems calmer — as if it’s exhaling after a long, hot summer. Ask seasoned golfers and many will tell you: fall is the secret sweet spot of the season. Here’s why golf in fall isn’t just good — it’s the best there is.

1. Perfect weather for pure focus

Gone are the sweltering afternoons and sunburnt shoulders. Fall brings ideal playing conditions — cool, comfortable air and lower humidity that make walking 18 holes a pleasure rather than a grind. The crisp mornings sharpen your senses, and that slight chill gives your swing an extra spark of energy. You can focus more on your game and less on battling the heat.

2. Nature’s backdrop at its best

Few sports give you a front-row seat to nature quite like golf, and fall turns every round into a moving postcard. Golden fairways, deep red maples, amber roughs — it’s sensory bliss. Even a mediocre round feels elevated when you’re surrounded by scenery worthy of a magazine cover. The early morning mist rising off the fairway? That’s the kind of thing you remember all winter.

3. Courses are quieter — and cheaper

When summer ends, many casual players pack up their clubs, which means fewer tee-time battles and more peaceful rounds. You can often find premium tee times at reduced rates, and many top courses offer fall deals before closing for winter maintenance. Fewer crowds mean less waiting, faster play and a rhythm that feels as natural as the season itself.

4. The ball just feels better

There’s something about fall air — the dense, dry feel makes solid contact even more satisfying. Sure, the ball might not travel quite as far in cooler temperatures, but that’s part of the charm. You’re forced to think, to adjust, to truly play golf. The turf tends to be softer too, giving your irons that perfect, crisp sound. Fall golf rewards feel over force, precision over power.

5. A season for reflection

Golf and reflection go hand in hand, and fall is the sport’s most introspective season. Each round feels like a quiet nod to the year behind you — a chance to appreciate progress, savour moments and close out the season on your own terms. There’s a rhythm to it: the crunch of leaves underfoot, the slower pace, the long shadows on the 17th fairway. It’s golf stripped to its essence — simple, serene and deeply satisfying.

6. The clubhouse vibe hits differently

When the last putt drops, there’s nothing better than heading inside for something warm — chilli, cider or a post-round pint by the fire. Fall golf extends beyond the course; it’s about community and comfort. The conversations last longer. The laughs come easier. It’s the part of the game that reminds you why you love it in the first place.

In the end, it’s golf at its purest

Fall golf doesn’t need fanfare or flashy tournaments. It’s about peace, precision and perspective. Whether you’re chasing one last personal best or soaking in the scenery before the frost arrives, this is golf in its most honest form — quiet, beautiful and full of heart.

So pack an extra layer, grab a hot coffee and head for the first tee. Fall is calling — and it’s playing your favourite course in perfect light.

Canada’s Sudarshan Yellamaraju is heading to the top tour in men’s golf.

The 24-year-old Yellamaraju, from Mississauga, Ont., earned his PGA TOUR card for next season by finishing 19th in the Korn Ferry Tour season standings after Sunday’s final round of the KFT Championship in French Lick, Ind. The top 20 in the season standings go to the PGA TOUR.

Yellamaraju entered the week ranked 20th. He moved up to 19th by shooting his third consecutive round of 1-under 71 on Sunday to finish 2 under for the tournament, good for a tie for 24th.

The Canadian had to sweat it out, though. He was off to a great start before bogeying three consecutive holes from Nos. 14-16. Yellamaraju got pars on the final two holes to hang on to a top-20 spot after all the golfers finished their rounds.

Yellamaraju was in his second season on the Korn Ferry Tour. He won the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic in January to vault himself into PGA TOUR contention.

Yellamaraju has taken a unique path to the PGA TOUR. He was born in India, and his family immigrated to Winnipeg when he was four. He moved to the Greater Toronto Area when he was 11. Yellamaraju won the Ontario Amateur at 16 but did not go to college in the United States, saying earlier this year he didn’t get enough money via scholarships to make it work. He instead turned pro immediately after finishing high school. 

Yellamaraju played on the PGA TOUR Americas in 2022 and 2023 before earning Korn Ferry Tour status in 2024. He finished 99th in the season-long points list last year. 

Meanwhile, Stuart Macdonald of Vancouver tied for sixth at the KFT Championship at 8 under. Three back of the lead entering the final round, Macdonald needed to win to get into the top 20 for the season.

Myles Creighton of Digby, N.S., also fell short of the top 20 after tying for 43rd at this event.

Both players got entry into the final stage of PGA TOUR Qualifying School later this year for finishing in the top 50 on the Korn Ferry Tour.

American Chandler Blanchet won the season-ending event at 14 under.