GUANGLAN, China — Canadian amateur Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont., finished runner-up in a playoff at the GolfJoy Women’s Open on Saturday, narrowly missing out on the title after a strong final-round performance.

Liu, 17, a member of Golf Canada’s Team Canada NextGen squad, carded a bogey-free, six-under 66 to climb into a tie for the lead at 11-under-par 205 alongside China’s Ren Yijia at the CLPG Tour event held on the Olazabal Course at Mission Hills Golf Club Dongguan.

Ren secured the victory on the first playoff hole, converting a birdie from inside eight feet on the par-4 18th after Liu’s birdie attempt from approximately 20 feet slid past.

Despite the playoff loss, Liu impressed in her CLPG Tour debut, staying in contention throughout the week and posting one of the lowest rounds of the day on Saturday.

“Overall, I think I played pretty decent this week,” said Liu. “There were some things I could have done better and some putts I probably could have made, but that’s just golf.”

Liu surged into contention on the back nine, making five birdies over a seven-hole stretch starting at No. 9. She briefly held the outright lead after a birdie at the par-5 15th before Ren matched her with a birdie of her own. Both players closed regulation with three consecutive pars to force a playoff.

“At the playoff hole we both had pretty decent birdie chances,” Liu said. “I was a little bit further away and she made hers and I didn’t.”

The result continues a strong stretch for Liu, the reigning Canadian Junior Girls champion, who is set to compete in next month’s Chevron Championship — the first major of the LPGA Tour season. She has also committed to play collegiate golf at UCLA.

Thailand’s Onkanok Soisuwan and China’s Sui Xiang finished tied for third at six-under, five shots back.

The GolfJoy Women’s Open marked the first full-field event of the 2026 CLPG Tour season.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Sudarshan Yellamaraju’s unconventional journey to the PGA Tour reached another milestone Sunday as the Canadian rookie delivered a breakthrough performance at THE PLAYERS Championship.

Yellamaraju carded a final-round 4-under 68 at TPC Sawgrass to finish tied for fifth at 9 under par, four shots behind winner Cam Young.

The 24-year-old’s finish marked his first career top-10 result on the PGA Tour and the best showing by a rookie at the tournament in more than a decade. It was also the strongest result by a Canadian at The Players since Stephen Ames won the event in 2006.

Yellamaraju said the result reinforced his belief that he can compete at the highest level.

“I know I can compete and contend, and I have a lot of belief in myself, but that results-based confidence is something you can’t match,” he said. “Once you do something, you know you can do that or better.”

Making his tournament debut, Yellamaraju approached the week with modest expectations while still aiming to contend.

“As a rookie you just go out and see what you can do,” he said. “I always want to win every tournament, but that’s not realistically possible.”

Yellamaraju’s final round started quickly. The Canadian made three birdies in his opening four holes and added another at the par-5 ninth to reach the turn in 4-under 32.

A bogey on the short par-4 12th slowed his momentum, but he rebounded with birdies at Nos. 15 and 16 before finishing with a bogey at the difficult closing hole.

Playing in front of the large Sunday crowds at TPC Sawgrass was another new experience for the rookie.

“It was awesome,” Yellamaraju said of the fan support. “Yesterday when I had that run of birdies the crowd started cheering me on and it kept me motivated even when I was getting a little tired.”

The strong finish also reflected a mindset that has helped define his rise through the professional ranks.

“I’m not someone who packs it in,” he said. “I never give up. I’m very resilient.”

Yellamaraju credited that approach for helping him handle the challenge of one of the PGA Tour’s most demanding courses.

“Everything has to be really good on this course,” he said. “You’ve got to drive it well, hit good approach shots, chip it well and putt it well.”

The Canadian earned US$925,000 for the result, the largest payday of his young PGA Tour career.

Corey Conners was the next-best Canadian in the field, finishing tied for 13th after a final-round 74, his third straight top-15 result at The Players Championship.

Nick Taylor shot a 1-over 73 on Sunday to finish tied for 42nd, while Taylor Pendrith also closed with a 73 to tie for 46th.

SINGAPORE — Richard T. Lee delivered one of the strongest performances of his career Sunday at LIV Golf Singapore, finishing runner-up after a dramatic playoff at Sentosa Golf Club.

The Canadian fired a 5-under 66 in the final round, surging up the leaderboard with birdies on four of his final six holes to reach 14-under par for the tournament. His late charge forced a playoff with Bryson DeChambeau.

Lee had a chance to extend the playoff on the first extra hole, but his 2-foot par attempt slid past the left edge, leaving DeChambeau to secure the victory with a par.

HEARTBREAK 💔

Richard T. Lee's missed putt means @brysondech wins the playoff and Aramco LIV Golf Singapore 🏆#LIVGolfSingapore @Crushers_GC pic.twitter.com/ORj3HRENko

— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) March 15, 2026

“It was a short putt and I wanted to just hit it hard, and I hit it a little too hard,” Lee said. “I think the adrenaline was pumping a little bit.”

Despite the narrow defeat, the result marked a major milestone for the 35-year-old. Lee earned $2.25 million USD, the largest payday of his career.

Lee also came close to making history as the first wildcard player — one not affiliated with a LIV Golf team — to win an event on the circuit. He earned his place in the Saudi-funded league after winning the LIV Promotions event.

England’s Lee Westwood finished third after closing with a 70, his best result in LIV Golf competition.

Jon Rahm placed fifth, ending a streak of five consecutive tournaments in which he had finished either first or second.

In the team competition, Dustin Johnson’s 4 Aces GC captured their second straight victory.

💬 “The league should be really proud to have him”

❤️ Kind words from @brysondech for Richard T. Lee #LIVGolfSingapore @Crushers_GC pic.twitter.com/BU528W8eNH

— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) March 15, 2026

Oakville, Ont. — Golf Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Newton as the new Tournament Director of the CPKC Women’s Open. 

As Tournament Director, Newton will lead all planning, execution, and stakeholder engagement for the CPKC Women’s Open, working collaboratively with the LPGA Tour, corporate partners, host communities, and internal teams to advance the continued growth and success of Canada’s premier women’s golf championship.

Newton brings a proven track record of leadership in championship operations, most recently serving as Director, Operations – Professional Championships with Golf Canada. Over the past seven years, with both events achieving record growth, he oversaw the full operational delivery of the CPKC Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open, managing budgets, leading national operations teams, and coordinating complex event infrastructure.

The Toronto resident has worked extensively with key tournament partners and stakeholders across Canada’s two National Open Championships, including title sponsors, host clubs, contractors, government funding partners, and both the LPGA and PGA Tours. He has also led major supplier negotiations, developed RFPs for championship services, and supported the integration of sponsor and hospitality programs to ensure an exceptional championship experience for players, fans, volunteers, and corporate partners.

“I am thrilled to step into the role of Tournament Director for the CPKC Women’s Open. The momentum across the LPGA Tour and women’s golf worldwide is incredible, and the excitement around Canada’s National Open Golf Championship has never been stronger,” said Newton. “To help shape and lead a signature Canadian sporting event that brings world-class athletes and passionate golf fans together is truly inspiring, and I look forward to this historic championship continuing to elevate on the global golf stage.”

Prior to joining Golf Canada, Newton held event operations leadership roles with Hockey Canada, overseeing venue operations for the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, as well as with SportBox Entertainment Group, Cabot Links Golf Resort, and the Canadian Junior Golf Association. His experience spans world-class golf and hockey championships, national junior events, and premium guest experience environments.

“Brian has played an integral role in delivering Canada’s National Open Championships, leading the operational planning and execution that underpin both the CPKC Women’s Open and the RBC Canadian Open,” said Golf Canada Chief Operating Officer Garrett Ball. “His deep familiarity with our championships as well as experiences across the broader event management landscape position him exceptionally well to lead the CPKC Women’s Open into its next chapter.”

Newton takes over the role from former CPKC Women’s Open Tournament Director Claire Welsh, who is departing Golf Canada. 

Former Golf Canada Executive Director was globally renowned as one of the foremost authorities in the Rules of Golf, a passionate golf industry leader whose decades of service helped shape the modern era of Canadian golf.

Golf Canada and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Stephen Douglas Ross of Dundas, Ont. — a 2011 inductee into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and one of the most influential administrators in Canadian golf history.

The golf community extends sincere condolences to Stephen’s wife, Janet; his four children – Stephanie (Dan), Andrew, Christopher (Stephanie) and Nicholas; grandchildren Savannah, Scarlett, Samantha, Isaiah, Sadie, Skylee and Sienna; and the entire extended Ross family.

An obituary with service details will be shared at a later date, once it becomes available.

—

A respected golf industry leader, Stephen Ross devoted more than 30 years of his life to the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada), shaping the sport’s development in Canada with vision, integrity, and unmatched dedication.

Born on June 22, 1954, in Newmarket, Ont., and a graduate of the University of Western Ontario’s Richard Ivey School of Business, Ross began his career with the RCGA in 1977 as Assistant Amateur Tournament Director. He went on to serve as Director of Amateur Tournaments from 1980 to 1988 before being appointed Executive Director in 1989—a role he held with distinction for 18 years until 2007.

During his tenure, Ross guided the organization through a period of unprecedented growth and major transition. His leadership was instrumental in launching transformative programs and initiatives, including the former Future Links junior golf program, the RCGA Foundation University/College Grant Program (now administered through the Golf Canada Foundation), the RCGA’s high performance program, and significant expansion of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum. He played central roles in landmark moments in Canadian golf, such as the sale of Glen Abbey Golf Club in 1999 and the 2005 amalgamation with the Canadian Ladies Golf Association.

Ross also championed national championships and grassroots golf. He led centennial celebrations for both the RCGA and the Canadian Open; helped safeguard and elevate the Canadian Women’s Open and Canadian Women’s Tour; established the former Canadian Senior Open; negotiated major sponsorships; reintroduced Golf Canada magazine; oversaw the purchase of the former RCGA Golf Centre in Calgary; and organized prominent international events such as the Four Nations Cup.

Internationally, Ross earned a reputation as one of the world’s foremost authorities on the Rules of Golf. He served on the Joint Rules Committee alongside representatives from the R&A and USGA, officiating at many of the game’s most prestigious championships, including The Open Championship, The Masters, the U.S. Open, World Match Play, the Players Championship, the Presidents Cup, the Australian Open, and the Canadian Open.

He introduced the USGA slope rating system in Canada, established national Rules certification programs, and helped organize the 1992 World Amateur Team Championship. He also served on the World Golf Hall of Fame election panel.

In 2012, Ross was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame and in 2013, the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) honoured him with its Distinguished Service Award.

At the time of his passing, Ross and his family owned and operated the Oak Gables Golf Club and Learning Centre in Hamilton, Ont., continuing his lifelong commitment to nurturing the game.

“Stephen Ross’s influence on Canadian golf is immeasurable, a globally respected golf industry champion who changed the landscape of Canadian golf,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “His leadership, intellect, and unwavering passion elevated the sport at every level—from juniors to professionals, from national governance to global standards. His legacy will endure through the programs he built, the championships he shaped, and the countless individuals he mentored and inspired.

Golf Canada and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame extend their heartfelt condolences to the Ross family, Stephen’s industry colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and career.

Calgary, ALTA. – Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is proud to announce that Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation has been chosen as the primary charity partner for the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open, to be held at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Alberta from August 19 – 23, 2026.

“Together with the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, we are focused on raising funds at the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open to advance cardiac care for children and families throughout our home province of Alberta,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. “Support for children’s heart health is a central pillar of our community investment initiative, CPKC Has Heart. This summer, as we welcome some of the world’s most talented golfers to Edmonton, we look forward to leaving a legacy that makes a difference in the lives of children who need it most.”

CPKC’s goal in 2026 is to raise more than $3.9 million in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. These vital funds will support the advancement of their world-renowned pediatric cardiac program by providing state-of-the-art equipment including ultrasound echocardiography machines and neuromonitoring systems. In addition, funds will fuel cutting-edge research through the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute and enhance specialized staff training and family outreach initiatives. Together, this support will make a difference in the lives of children requiring complex heart care for generations to come.

“We are incredibly grateful to CPKC for choosing Edmonton and for their generous support of cardiac care at the Stollery Children’s Hospital,” said Karen Faulkner, President and CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Their commitment will make a real difference in the lives of children and families facing heart conditions which helps us expand critical services, invest in leading-edge technology, and give every child the best chance to live a long and healthy life.”

“CPKC Has Heart has made an extraordinary impact in every community that has hosted our National Women’s Open Championship, and we are thrilled to welcome the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation as the charitable beneficiary of the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Canada. “The return of the CPKC Women’s Open to Royal Mayfair Golf Club and the City of Champions this August is going to be electric. Fans will experience the world’s best players in action while helping drive the incredible, life-changing work of the Stollery Children’s Hospital.”

The CPKC Women’s Open community charity partner will be announced in the coming weeks.

Veteran sports journalist dedicated to elevating Quebec’s sports community and its athletes

Sherbrooke, Que. — Golf Canada mourns the passing of Mario Brisebois, a journalist and columnist who died following an illness. A respected voice in Quebec sport for five decades, Brisebois helped raise the profile of golf, skiing and tennis through his reporting and his longstanding support of athletes and the organizations that serve them.

Brisebois spent 36 years at Le Journal de Montréal and also worked in radio, including 98.5 FM, and appeared on television as a commentator on RDS. His knowledge and insight were frequently sought by sport organizations, including Ski Québec, Tennis Canada and Golf Québec, and he worked closely with Golf Canada for many years.

Born in Shawinigan, Que., Brisebois developed an early love of golf. In 1973, he caddied for Jocelyne Bourassa during her victory at the LPGA’s La Canadienne tournament in Montréal, an experience that helped shape his path in sport and journalism.

Brisebois was inducted into the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame in 2018. He received Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award in 2003 in recognition of his contributions to the game in Canada. In 2005, he co-founded the Pierre-Nadon Award, presented annually to recognize individuals who have contributed to the development of golf in Quebec.

His coverage of Quebec athletes in skiing was recognized by the International Ski Federation, which named him an outstanding columnist. In tennis, he was named Journalist of the Year by Tennis Québec and was inducted into the Québec Tennis Hall of Fame as a Builder.

Known for his professionalism, kindness and attention to emerging athletes, Brisebois earned the respect of colleagues and competitors across Quebec’s sport community. His storytelling focused not only on results but also on the work and sacrifice behind them.

Diane Dunlop-Hébert, former president of Golf Canada and Golf Québec and a board member of The R&A, said Brisebois was “a true gentleman” whose career was devoted to elevating Quebec’s top talents.

Brisebois is survived by his partner, Nicole, his daughters, Andréanne and Catherine, and his grandchildren, Olivier, Sara Maude, William, Édouard and Henri. The family thanked the medical teams at the Jewish General Hospital in Montréal and the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke for their care.

A memorial event will be held in the coming weeks. Details will be shared by the family at a later date.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Brooke Henderson will have a new face on her bag for the bulk of the 2026 LPGA Tour season as her sister and longtime caddie, Brittany, prepares for a different kind of delivery.

The Henderson family confirmed that Brittany is pregnant and expecting her first child with husband Zach Sepanik in June. As a result, Canada’s winningest professional golfer will turn to veteran looper John Killeen to handle caddie duties for most of the upcoming campaign.

“Britt and I have worked so well together for the past 10 seasons — and she is my best friend,” Brooke Henderson said in an interview with Sportsnet’s Adam Stanley. “We travel together all the time, so this is going to be a big change, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

The Henderson sisters have formed one of the most formidable and recognizable partnerships in professional golf. Since Brittany took over full-time caddie duties in 2015, she has been on the bag for 12 of Brooke’s 14 LPGA Tour titles, including two major championships.

The transition will not be immediate. Brittany is scheduled to caddie for the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando, which begins Jan. 29. Brooke enters that event as a past champion, having won the tournament with Brittany in 2023.

Following the opener, Killeen will take over the bag as the tour moves to Asia. Killeen brings more than 40 years of experience to the role, having previously worked for Hall of Fame members Juli Inkster and Meg Mallon, as well as major winner Cristie Kerr.

While Killeen handles the yardages, Brittany’s absence will also be felt on the practice range. In addition to her role as caddie, she has long served as Brooke’s de facto swing coach while on the road, acting as the eyes and ears for their father and primary coach, Dave Henderson.

Brittany, a former professional golfer herself and a member of the Coastal Carolina University Athletics Hall of Fame, hasn’t completely ruled out a cameo later in the year. She suggested a return for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship in November remains a “hopeful possibility,” provided the timing and logistics of new motherhood allow.

For the 28-year-old Brooke, the 2026 season represents a major shift in her professional environment, but the Smiths Falls, Ont., native said she is focused on the personal milestone for her sister.

“I’m super excited,” Brooke said. “It’s amazing. I’m really happy for Brittany and Zach and I’m excited to be an aunt as well.”

The 2026 LPGA season features a record-breaking schedule, with Henderson expected to remain a central figure in the hunt for her 14th career victory and a climb back up the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

Canada’s Brooke Henderson has been named to the inaugural group of LPGA Tour players committed to WTGL, a new tech‑driven women’s team golf league launching in the winter of 2026‑27. The LPGA and TMRW Sports announced the first five confirmed athletes on Monday, a group that includes World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, England’s Charley Hull, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, U.S. standout Lexi Thompson and Henderson, the winningest professional golfer in Canadian history.

Henderson, 26, enters the league with a résumé unmatched in Canadian golf: 14 LPGA Tour victories, including two majors, three Olympic appearances and multiple season‑ending honours such as the LPGA Founders Award. Her inclusion places her alongside both the current world No. 1 and several established global champions as WTGL positions itself as a modern, entertainment‑oriented showcase for the women’s game.

WTGL will feature short‑form, team‑based match play inside the custom‑built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., the same venue that hosts TGL presented by SoFi, the men’s league co‑founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

“WTGL will be a global stage to showcase LPGA Tour stars, and this first wave of committed players represents that opportunity with some of the world’s best,” said Mike McCarley, founder and CEO, TMRW Sports. “These players will thrive in WTGL’s competitive environment as fans will witness their skill and connect more deeply with their personalities through the unprecedented access the league delivers with every player mic’d in the modern match play team format.”

Additional WTGL player announcements and team information are expected in the coming months. More details are available at WTGLGolf.com.

_{Source: LPGA}

First Tee, Golf Digest honour 2025 network award winners advancing youth through golf

MONCTON, N.B. — What began as a routine school day ended in celebration for Michelle Phillips LeBlanc.

Last September, colleagues, students and members of First Tee – Atlantic gathered at Forest Glen School to surprise Phillips LeBlanc with the news that she had been named the 2025 First Tee Teacher of the Year, a networkwide honour presented annually by First Tee in partnership with Golf Digest.

The award recognizes educators who excel in implementing the First Tee School Program and fostering connections between their schools and the local First Tee chapter. Phillips LeBlanc was selected for her efforts in increasing access to golf and life skills for hundreds of students in one of Moncton’s most culturally diverse communities.

“Michelle goes above and beyond every day,” said Heather Davis, principal of Forest Glen School. “She inspires teachers and students alike and has built a phys. ed. program unlike anything I’ve seen before.”

Since introducing First Tee at Forest Glen in 2021, Phillips LeBlanc has engaged more than 400 students, many of whom are new to Canada and unfamiliar with golf. Through multilingual signage, adaptive equipment and flexible lesson plans, she has created an inclusive environment where all students can participate in the program’s character-building activities.

Her impact extends beyond the school. Phillips LeBlanc organized field trips for Grade 3 and 4 students to a local First Tee facility, giving many their first experience on a golf course. These visits sparked increased interest and enrolment in on-course programming.

To meet growing demand, Phillips LeBlanc and a colleague completed First Tee Assistant Coach training and volunteered as on-course coaches to promote ongoing learning. She also coordinated transportation and centralized pickup locations to reduce barriers for families.

“Michelle is humble, kind, and passionate about everything she does,” said Kiley MacDonald, coordinator of First Tee – Atlantic. “She embodies the mission and values of First Tee.”

Phillips LeBlanc believed the September 10 visit was for filming program content. As students took part in activities in the gym, they were quietly informed of the real reason for the visit and invited to share what made their teacher special. When the announcement was made, the room filled with tears and applause.

“Mrs. Phillips is very nice and always makes sure no one misses out,” said a Grade 4 student.

Phillips LeBlanc was officially named Teacher of the Year on November 5, 2025, as part of First Tee’s network awards. Each recipient receives a $25,000 award from First Tee and Golf Digest, with $12,500 supporting the local First Tee chapter and $12,500 awarded to the facility where the program is delivered. In Phillips LeBlanc’s case, the funding will support First Tee – Atlantic and Forest Glen School.

For First Tee – Atlantic, the recognition highlights the powerful role educators play in growing the game and using golf as a tool for positive youth development — benefiting students’ lives one swing at a time.

Learn more or get involved at firstteecanada.ca.

See the 2025 First Tee network award recipients receive their awards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISuI8oTAeQc

Read the articles from First Tee and Golf Digest.