Golf Canada is honoured to recognize the winners of its National Facility Awards for Junior Golf presented by Humi from the 2023 season.

The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf is a program designed to acknowledge the crucial contribution of golf facilities and academies to the growth of young golfers throughout Canada. These awards celebrate the facilities that have notably influenced the progression of junior golf within their local communities throughout the 2023 season.

“The 2023 season produced another outstanding number of facilities that are offering exceptional support of junior golf in Canada,” said Laurence Applebaum, Golf Canada’s Chief Executive Officer. “The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf is a program that sets out to recognize the role that facilities and academies play in growing and developing junior golf athletes. Promoting golf engagement while cultivating Canada’s future generation of elite athletes are integral aspects of Golf Canada’s mission. We extend our sincere gratitude to all facilities across Canada that champion and prioritize junior golf in their communities, and we eagerly anticipate the honour of recognizing our 2023 award winners.”

The winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf will be officially recognized at the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony on Tuesday, May 28 during the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

The 2023 winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are:

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

Awarded to the facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs that help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.

Winner: Sawmill Golf Club (Fenwick, Ontario)

Finalist: Revelstoke Golf Club (Revelstoke, British Columbia)

Finalist: Tangle Creek Golf Club (Thornton, Ontario)

Finalist: River Hills Golf & Country Club (Clyde River, Nova Scotia)

Grassroots Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.

Winner: Deep River Golf Club (Deep River, Ontario)

Finalist: Lakewood Golf Resort (Sylvan Lake, Alberta)

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.

Winner: Royal Ottawa Golf Club (Gatineau, Quebec)

Tournament Host of the Year

Awarded to a facility that gives back to youth golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.

Winner: South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club (Bracebridge, Ontario)

Youth on Course Program Location of the Year

Awarded to the facility that hosted the largest number of Youth on Course rounds in the calendar year.

Winner: Shaganappi Point Golf Course (Calgary, Alberta)

First Tee – Canada Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a First Tee – Canada program location that demonstrates excellent enrollment in First Tee programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among youth within its community.

Winner: Fraserview Golf Course (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Nomination and Selection process

From September 1 to October 31, 2023, all individual members and facility members of Golf Canada were able to nominate facilities for each award category.

All nominations were reviewed and feedback about nominees was provided by members of the Golf Industry Advisory Council, Sport Committee, and Amateur Championships Committee. Final award selections were made by Golf Canada staff.

Nominations for the 2024 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are expected to open in September 2024.

SiriusXM Canada announced as title partner of concert series at the
2024 RBC Canadian Open.

Toronto, April 10, 2024 – Golf Canada is pleased to announce a new partnership that welcomes SiriusXM Canada as the title sponsor of the SiriusXM Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open.

Four-time JUNO Award winning Canadian legends Our Lady Peace will be the headliner on Friday, May 31 followed by 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards, ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’, Josh Ross on Saturday, June 1 as part of Canada’s National Open Championship returning to the historic Hamilton Golf and Country Club, May 28 to June 2, 2024.

Hosted by SiriusXM Canada in partnership with Live Nation Canada and Golf Canada, the two-night onsite concert series will shine a spotlight on Canadian talent and artists. Additional headlining artists will be announced for both nights of the SiriusXM Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open in the coming weeks.

“Spotlighting Canadian talent while bringing fans closer to the music, sports and entertainment they love is something we do through our service every day,” said Rob Keen, SVP, Sales & Marketing, SiriusXM Canada. “Our ongoing partnership with Golf Canada allows us to bring two of our biggest content pillars together: music and sports, elevating the entertainment experience, and making it richer and more vibrant.  This year, we’re proud to expand our relationship with Golf Canada by sponsoring the SiriusXM Concert Series, and we are so excited to showcase these artists to new fans, and to create some unforgettable moments.”

Our Lady Peace has been entertaining fans since forming in Toronto in 1992. The band has sold over five million albums, won four JUNO Awards and 10 Much Music Video Awards (MMVA), making them one of the MMVA’s most awarded artists. 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of their debut album “Naveed”, and the 25th anniversary of their third album “Happiness…Is Not A Fish You Can Catch”. Our Lady Peace’s No. 1 hits in Canada include, “Naveed,” “Superman’s Dead,”, “Clumsy,” “Innocent,” “Somewhere Out There,” and “Angels Losing Sleep.”

“The RBC Canadian Open is a world class event. Our Lady Peace is proud to be part of it and look forward to performing at the upcoming tournament,” said Our Lady Peace frontman Raine Maida.

Rising star Josh Ross originally from Burlington, Ont. who now resides in Nashville, made his debut on the country music scene in 2019. He recently released Complicated, on March 29, 2024, an extended play (EP) that includes singles, “Trouble” and “Single Again.” Ross has several other platinum-certified singles including, “Ain’t Doin’ Jack” and “Trouble” and was a SiriusXM Top of the Country Top 3 finalist in 2022. Last year, Ross won ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ at the 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards. Ross has toured with Bailey Zimmerman, Lee Brice, Nickelback, and Brantley Gilbert.

In addition to the SiriusXM Concert Series at the RBC Canadian Open, spectators will enjoy a week-long festival atmosphere at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, highlighted by, The Rink, located at the 13th Hole along with a variety of food and patio experiences at The Fare Way featuring The Keg.

“Live music entertainment has become a staple of the RBC Canadian Open. Fans are in-store for world-class golf followed by incredible performances from two award winning Canadian headline acts,” said Bryan Crawford, tournament director, RBC Canadian Open.

Tickets for Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 include full day access to the tournament and the SiriusXM Concert Series. The concert grounds will be located near admissions and The Fareway featuring The Keg at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. To purchase tickets to the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, please visit RBCCanadianOpen.com/tickets/.

Multi-year partnership includes sponsorship of Golf Canada’s National Open Championships
and support of Golf Canada Member Facilities across the country.

Golf Canada and Humi announced a multi-year integrated partnership that will see Humi become the official payroll, human resources, and benefits partner of Golf Canada.

The partnership extends across Golf Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and the CPKC Women’s Open. In addition, Humi will become the inaugural Presenting Partner of Golf Canada’s National Facility Awards for Junior Golf.

“Golf Canada is proud to announce this multifaceted partnership with Humi, aimed at elevating numerous initiatives to foster inclusive and diverse opportunities throughout the golf season,” said Laurence Applebaum, CEO, Golf Canada. “We have integrated the Humi platform into our People and Culture operation and look forward to their enhanced impact on Canadian golf.”

Humi will also become the presenting partner of the Lodge Hospitality Suites at both the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open. In this capacity, Humi will elevate the experience for all corporate hospitality guests within these exclusive spaces.

Humi’s partnership position will extend to support the CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit, an annual summit during the CPKC Women’s Open that engages influential leaders from both the business and sports world. The CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit embodies Humi’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowerment, by featuring impactful speakers with diverse perspectives on topics such as diversity of thought and women in leadership positions.

“Humi is committed to supporting Canadian businesses, which is why we’re thrilled to partner with Golf Canada – a leading Canadian organization and valued client. They do amazing work to support the spirit of golf for all Canadians, as well as a network of golf courses across the country, which serve as the bedrock of the sport. We look forward to working together with Golf Canada to support hard working Canadians from coast to coast,” said Kevin Kliman, CEO of Humi.

Founded in 2016, Humi launched as a simple cloud-based web app that stored employee data. Today, Humi has become the best all-in-one people operations software solution for Canadian businesses. Creating safe and inclusive environments that embrace diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and opinions remains a core value at Humi. As a part of this commitment, Humi’s partnership will focus on enhancing experiences at Golf Canada’s events that foster inclusive experiences and environments for all.

Through their expertise in people operations solutions, Humi will provide additional support to Golf Canada member golf clubs and facilities via best-practice resources and relevant industry case studies. In addition, their support will extend into the Golf Canada Facility Awards for Junior Golf presented by Humi, with a donation of $1,000 to each winning facility to be invested back into junior golf initiatives. More details on the program can be found here www.golfcanada.ca/national-facility-awards-for-junior-golf/.

Golf Canada Launches Season-Long Campaign That Highlights
The Many Health Benefits of The Sport

New Golf and Health campaign website along with Golf Canada mobile app enhancements to focus on the sport’s positive physical, mental, and social benefits for participants.

Golf Canada is highlighting the physical, mental, and social benefits that the sport can provide on Canadians through its brand-new Golf and Health campaign.

The campaign – Golf, It’s Good for You – launches this weekend leading into World Health Day April 7. All of the World Health Organization’s key criteria for health enhancing physical activity can be achieved through the sport of golf and Golf Canada is prioritizing communicating health as part of its strategic plan.

“We are proud to launch this campaign ahead of World Health Day to showcase the breadth and depth of mental, physical and social health benefits that the game of golf can provide for all participants,” said Tim McLaughlin, chief marketing officer with Golf Canada. “The campaign brings awareness to what Canadians think they know about golf with the many known health benefits they might not be aware of. We launched a website resource with the latest clinical research focused on golf and health. We are also working with golf clubs across the country to share this impact with golfers who are enjoying the game in record numbers. We have also made it easier for Canadians to track their health progress through new health tracking features and enhancements to our Golf Canada Mobile App.”

The Golf and Health campaign focuses on three key pillars: mental, physical, and social.

The mental benefits of golf include enhanced overall well-being, improved brain health, and helping to reduce the risk of dementia. Golf can also assist to boost confidence, promote increased focus and concentration, and help to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. Being out on the golf course can also help to slow down stress response and induces a feeling of calm.

As published in The R&A Golf and Health Report, and in addition to the mental benefits, the physical benefits of golf are undeniable. Research has shown that playing golf regularly can add five years to your life highlighted by the physical exercise, mental stimulation, and time spent outdoors while playing. As a physical activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime, golf can also help to prevent or lessen the impact of over 40 different chronic illnesses including diabetes, cancer, along with heart attacks and stroke.

Golf is viewed as a moderately demanding form of exercise and is a great way to contribute to daily step goals. The average golfer walks 5,000 steps in a 9-hole round which is the equivalent of three to five kilometres. With nearly 2,300 golf courses in Canada including both public and private facilities, the sport is highly accessible and significant strides have been made in accessible technology to make the game more inclusive for the differently abled people of all ages.

The inherent social nature of the game is also an important factor in helping increase social well-being and is a great way to bond with old friends and meet new ones. It is a sport that welcomes families and partners to be active together and is also an effective way to network and build business relationships.

Operating as small businesses in communities across Canada, golf courses provide players of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to enjoy the game. Golf Canada is collaborating with the Provincial Associations to provide information and assets on the Golf and Health campaign to club operators across the country.

Golf Canada has launched a new website that highlights the benefits of the game including helpful resource information and articles – please visit health.golfcanada.ca to find out more.

The Golf Canada Mobile App continues to be the all-in-one place to track progress and connect with colleagues and friends. In support of the Golf and Health campaign, the app is providing significant health tracking enhancements to the golfer experience. In addition to tracking scores and stats, users can now gain valuable personal insights into how each round positively affects their health. New health stat features include number of steps, distance walked, stand time, calories burned, elevation gained and heart rate. Users will also be able to view health statistics over different periods of time all of which is private and secure within their profile. For more information on the Golf Canada Mobile App, please click here. To download on Apple devices click here, to download on Google Play devices, click here.

“Golf brings people together and has an incredible impact on our personal heath and well being,” added McLaughlin. “Whether through physical activity over a lifetime, mental health improvements or the wonderful social experience shared by family and friends, now is a great moment for the Golf and Health campaign to inspire golfers and new enthusiasts to consider the incredible impact that our sport is having on Canadians.”

The Golf, It’s Good for You campaign will run season long and be featured at Golf Canada championships and events including Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ont. and the CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club Calgary, Alta.

Caledon, Ont. – The Fortinet Cup Championship, an annual PGA TOUR Americas event taking place at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, has selected First Tee – Canada as its Official Charitable Partner for 2024.

Part of a tradition that has seen PGA TOUR Americas events at TPC Toronto donate more than $300,000 to local charities since 2018, this year’s event will see proceeds go towards the Golf Canada Foundation, with First Tee – Canada programming as the charitable beneficiary. 

The Fortinet Cup Championship event week will also begin with a special First Tee – Canada Pro-Am Monday, September 8.

First Tee – Canada is a youth development program providing children with life-enhancing golf experiences, offering accessible and inclusive programming at golf courses, schools, and community centres, seeking to ensure that the sport of golf reflects the diversity of Canadians while promoting healthy choices through the game.

Operated by Golf Canada, the First Tee – Canada program has welcomed more than 100,000 youth participants since launching in 2020.

“First Tee – Canada plays such an important role in fostering the growth of golf in Canada, and we’re thrilled to partner with an organization that represents our shared values of promoting diversity and inclusion in the game,” said Tournament Director Brad Parkins. “We look forward to a successful partnership that will be additive to both the tournament and our community this season.”

“As the top cybersecurity vendor in Canada, Fortinet invests in community efforts and organizations that align with our corporate social responsibilities. We are glad to benefit First Tee – Canada this year, a local non-profit organization focusing on helping youth in their personal and athletic development,” said Marc Asturias, Vice President of Marketing and Government Vertical at Fortinet Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. “We’re continuing to drive innovation through our partnership with PGA TOUR Americas initiatives, which will ultimately benefit our customers, the local community, and non-profit organizations across Canada.”

TPC Toronto, which serves as the host organization for the Fortinet Cup Championship, has made a commitment to supporting the growth of golf through First Tee – Canada. In 2022, it announced alongside the Humeniuk family a $1M USD donation to the Golf Canada Foundation to power the advancement of First Tee – Canada, and the facility also serves as host to programming for First Tee – Canada’s Caledon chapter throughout each season.

“We look forward to continuing the momentum we have built over the past several years with First Tee – Canada, striving to provide all children across Canada with access to First Tee and positive experiences through golf,” said Adam Hunter, Golf Canada’s Director, Grow the Game. “Our gratitude goes out to TPC Toronto and the Fortinet Cup Championship for this opportunity to strengthen our growing relationship and reinforce our shared commitment to growing the game in Canada.”

The Fortinet Cup Championship is the 16th and final event on the 2024 PGA TOUR Americas schedule, where 10 future PGA TOUR stars will earn promotions to the Korn Ferry Tour. The event will be played on TPC Toronto’s newly renovated North course from September 2-8.

2023 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available.

Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Member Doug Roxburgh Named an Honorary Life Governor with Golf Canada in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the sport.

CPKC Women’s Open Volunteers Cheryl Lee & Carolyn Naylor recognized as 2023 Co-Recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award

Longtime Volunteer and junior golf supporter Duncan Mills, Industry Veterans Tiffany Gordon, and the late Denzil Palmer along with former SCOREGOLF Publisher Kim Locke to be recognized with Golf Canada’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award

Golf Canada’s 2024 Annual Meeting culminated on Thursday, March 7 with the election of David McCarthy of Toronto to serve a second term as the 117^th President of the National Sport Federation.

McCarthy, who recently retired as a senior partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP, has been a volunteer with Golf Canada for more than 20 years across various committees, councils, and championships. A member of the Donalda Golf & Country Club, the St. Andrews Golf Club, and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, McCarthy has served on the Board of Directors of Golf Canada since 2018.

“I am extremely honoured that the Nominating Committee has extended its confidence in me to serve a second term as President of Golf Canada,” said McCarthy. “We are coming off a remarkable 2023 season of strong participation and incredible performances by our Canadian golfers domestically and on the world stage. We are also excited to introduce this year an initiative to use golf to promote mental health and physical well being. There is a great momentum in Canadian golf and together with the Board of Directors, our industry and provincial association partners and volunteers from coast to coast, I look forward to helping advance our sport in 2024.”

Based on the report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, McCarthy will be joined on the 2024 Board of Directors by returning Vice-President Adam Daifallah of Montréal, Que. in leading the 13-member Board of Directors who will work closely with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum and Golf Canada’s management team.

Returnees to the Board of Directors include Susan MacKinnon of Calgary, Alta., Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montréal, Que., Michelle Collens of Vancouver, B.C. Kelly Roberts of London, Ont. and Patrick Kelly of Victoria, B.C.

New additions to Golf Canada’s Board of Directors include Lori Dithurbide of Halifax, N.S., Katie Mahon of Kingston, Ont., Louise Patry of Montréal, Que., Nafeez Hirji of Calgary, Alta., Peter Broome of Jupiter, Fla. and former LPGA Tour player and Team Canada graduate Britanny Marchand of Mooresville, N.C.

For the biographies of Golf Canada Board members, click here.

Golf Canada also announced during its Annual General Meeting that Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Doug Roxburgh of Vancouver, B.C. has been named an Honorary Life Governor of Golf Canada in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the association and the sport.

As part of its Annual General Meeting, which was conducted virtually, Golf Canada also released the organization’s 2023 Annual Report including its Financial Statements which are available here.

Cheryl Lee and Carolyn Naylor named 2023 Co-Recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award…

In the continued celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized Vancouver natives Cheryl Lee and Carolyn Naylor as the 2023 recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. The duo served as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Player Services Committee for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.  Now in its 18^th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth for consideration in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community. Click here for more.

Volunteer Duncan Mills, Industry Veterans Tiffany Gordon, and the late Denzil Palmer along with former publisher Kim Locke to Receive Golf Canada’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award…

Golf Canada announced that four accomplished golf contributors – volunteer and junior golf supporter Duncan Mills of Edmonton, Alta., respected PGA of Canada professional Tiffany Gordon of Calgary, Alta., former SCOREGOLF Publisher Kim Locke of Toronto and the late Denzil Palmer, the longtime respected club manager who spent nearly 30 years as General Manager and Secretary of Royal Montreal Golf Club – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2024 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award will be celebrated in person with the recipients later this year. Click here for more.

Golf Canada’s 2024 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually on Thursday, March 7 with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and industry stakeholders participating.

The four recipients will be celebrated later this summer for their outstanding contributions to Canadian golf.

Four accomplished contributors to Canadian golf will be acknowledged for their dedicated efforts in and around the game as the 2024 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. 

Long-time Golf Canada volunteer Duncan Mills of Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders Tiffany Gordon of Calgary, Alta. And the late Denzil Palmer of Montréal, Que. along with former golf publisher Kim Locke of Toronto, Ont. will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf.

“Golf Canada is proud to honour the long-time contributions of Duncan Mills, Tiffany Gordon, the late Denzil Palmer and Kim Locke, as our 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said Golf Canada President David McCarthy. “The effort and collective dedication of this year’s honourees has been influential and impactful to the game in their communities as well as the provincial and national level. We are proud to recognize and honour each for the indelible mark they have had on golf in Canada.”

Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually since 1993 to recognize individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Canadian golf either nationally or within their community.

The announcement of the 2024 Distinguished Service Award honourees coincides with Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually on Thursday, March 7 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees as well as the Palmer family will be celebrated later this season at event locations to be determined. 

Golf Canada 2024 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:

Duncan (Dunc) Mills (Volunteer) – Edmonton, Alta.

Dunc Mills’ contributions to the growth of golf in Alberta have been exceptional as a volunteer and administrator, and in the media space as the creator and lead contributor for the Alberta Golfer Magazine. Dunc began volunteering at Alberta Golf events in 1991 and for more than 25 years, has been the driving force behind the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour where he began serving as the Tour’s Executive Director in 1996. Over the years, he has spent time on the Alberta Golf Executive Committee, volunteered at many Alberta Golf and Golf Canada events as well as other professional tours when they visited Alberta. His impact on junior golf in the province through the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour has been incredible, having been a part of more than 600 events through its history. Dunc Mills’ outstanding contributions to the sport earned him nomination to the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame in 2023.

Denzil Palmer (Industry / Posthumous) – Montréal, Que.

The late Denzil Palmer is synonymous with excellence in Canadian golf club management. He spent more than 40 years as a leading figure in Canadian golf club management including nearly 30 years as General Manager and Secretary of The Royal Montreal Golf Club. He was a great supporter of Golf Canada as well as the RBC Canadian Open during his tenure when the club hosted Canada’s National Open Championship. Denzil also played a major role in the success of the 2007 President’s Cup at Royal Montreal, helping to solidify Royal Montreal’s historic standing as a signature hosting venue in Canada. Prior to his passing in 2022, Denzil was long-renowned as one of the premier club managers in Canada, having earned the highest honours of the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) including the President’s Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Excellence in Club Management Award Program. He was named an honorary member of both Royal Montreal and CMAC prior to his passing.

Tiffany Gordon (Industry) – Calgary, Alta.

Tiffany Gordon is a 30+ year member of the PGA of Canada and has contributed greatly to the advancement of the game as a Head Professional, General Manager, Director of Clubhouse Operations, and ambassador for golf in Alberta and at a national level. A past president and board member with the PGA of Alberta, Tiffany has also supported the game as a past member of both the NGCOA Canada and the Canadian Golf Superintendent’s Association. Tiffany has also been recognized as a past winner of the Alberta PGA Club Professional of the Year and the PGA of Canada Professional of the Year. A great support of Golf Canada championships including junior events and the (former) Canadian Women’s Tour, Tiffany has also served on the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Now working as Director of Clubhouse Operations and Membership Ambassador with Carnmoney Golf Club, Tiffany also serves as Secretary and Incoming Vice-President on the PGA of Canada National Board.

Kim Locke (Media) – Toronto, Ont.

As the former longtime owner and publisher of SCOREGolf, Kim Locke was a major driving force for the growth of SCOREGolf media properties into a trusted voice for Canadian golf. Prior to selling the SCOREGolf brand to a partnership between Torstar Inc. and Golf Town, Kim was a strong supporter for the game of golf and created a path for numerous writers, editors, and contributors to chronicle Canadian golf, both through SCOREGolf Magazine and other print properties including Golf Canada magazine. Those editorial contributions also impacted Golf Canada’s National Open Championships along with other professional golf properties through souvenir programs and other partner storytelling engagements across SCOREGolf print, digital and broadcast channels. The annual SCOREGolf Awards became an annual recognition of Canadian golf excellence among amateur players, professionals, and industry contributors nationwide. The argument can be made that without Kim Locke as the financial and editorial driving force for SCOREGolf, there would not have been a platform for respected voices such as Bob Weeks, Jason Logan, John Gordon, Lorne Rubenstein, Rick Young, and others to become such trusted voices in Canadian golf. SCOREGolf was honoured by the PGA of Canada as the 2019 recipient of the George Cumming Distinguished Service Award and Kim’s contributions to Canadian golf were also recognized by the Canadian Golf Journalists Association as a past recipient of their Dick Grimm Award.

The duo from Vancouver played a key role in the success of the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open, Lee and Naylor will be recognized during Golf Canada’s 2024 Annual General Meeting

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Cheryl Lee and Carolyn Naylor of Vancouver have been named the co-recipients of the 2023 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year award.

“Golf Canada could not operate its tournaments, events, or initiatives without volunteers, and we are very proud to recognize both Cheryl Lee and Carolyn Naylor for their contributions to the success of the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open,” said Golf Canada President David McCarthy. “Cheryl and Carolyn were instrumental in overseeing the Player Services Committee at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club and went above and beyond to ensure the players felt welcome, comfortable and were treated to an exceptional experience in Vancouver.” 

The Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award is named in recognition of Toronto native Bruce Mitchell who, in 2017-18, was the first Canadian to serve as captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A). Born in Victoria and raised in Edmonton, the former President of the Toronto Golf Club and R&A member since 1988 was just the ninth internationally appointed captain of the R&A, one of the most prestigious volunteer positions in the world of golf. Duties as captain included representing the R&A as a global ambassador and aiding in the R&A’s effort to develop golf around the world.

Now in its 18th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community.

CHERYL LEE AND CAROLYN NAYLOR

Cheryl Lee and Carolyn Naylor served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Player Services Committee for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club and played an instrumental role in the success of the championship.

The duo was responsible for pairing 74 LPGA players and seven caddies with billet families in the host community. They were successful in recruiting 54 billet families to fulfill the requests during tournament week.

The lengthy process included canvassing the club for interest, reviewing every application, and eventually connecting the billet families with the player or caddie.

A significant amount of time was required to ensure that the billet families met and completed all necessary screening requirements, and a considerable amount of time and effort went into communication with the players and families.

Carol and Cheryl were also responsible for recruitment and oversaw a strong group of volunteers during the tournament.

During their recruitment they made a concerted inclusive effort to have volunteers on their committee that spoke different languages such as Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese. This was a very considerate and thoughtful touch that made the players feel welcome and comfortable.

The duo kept the care and comfort of the players top of mind. Gestures like ensuring players had access to snacks in the locker room, having extra stashes of bug spray and sunscreen, managing all requests for items to be signed, and ensuring that extra ticket requests were actioned quickly were just some of the things that ensured a positive impact for those competing in Vancouver.

Cheryl and Carolyn were outstanding volunteers who represented Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, Golf Canada, and the Vancouver community exceptionally well.

Golf Canada will host its 2024 Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 7 utilizing a virtual format as the National Sport Federation looks ahead to the 2024 season.

The Annual Meeting brings together Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers as well as representatives from Canada’s provincial golf associations and other industry stakeholders.

The virtual meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. EST and will include the release of the Association’s 2023 Annual Report & Financial Statements.

During the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada will introduce its 2024 Board of Directors including David McCarthy of Toronto serving a second term as the Association’s 117^th President.

Golf Canada will also celebrate outstanding contributions to the game of golf including a presentation of the 2023 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award and the appointment of a new Honorary Life Governor. Golf Canada will also announce the 2024 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award

To watch a live stream of Golf Canada’s Annual Meeting, click here.

Get ready to tee off in style as PUMA Golf unveils the latest PUMA Golf x Arnold Palmer Collection.

Known for his unparalleled charisma and impeccable fashion sense, The King himself continues to inspire generations of golfers and style mavens alike.

In a celebration of Arnie’s enduring legacy, this collaboration pays homage to The King’s iconic influence on the game and its fashion evolution, blending timeless charm with a dash of contemporary flair.

Designed to turn heads on and off the course, the PUMA Golf x Arnold Palmer Collection features sleek and sophisticated looks that redefine golf fashion. From classic polos to stylish caps and limited-edition footwear, each piece exudes the essence of Arnie’s signature style.

PUMA athlete Rickie Fowler, who shared a special bond with the late Mr. Palmer, will proudly sport the collection at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, honoring The King’s unparalleled legacy with every swing.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Arnold Palmer team to bring the AP Collection to life,” said Chris MacNeill, Team Head of PLM – Golf Apparel & Accessories at PUMA Golf. “Our aim is to capture the essence of Mr. Palmer’s timeless style, blending classic colors and premium materials to create pieces he’d be proud to wear himself.”

The 2024 Spring/Summer PUMA Golf x Arnold Palmer collection features a stunning lineup of six polos, a sleek full-zip jacket, pleated shorts, stylish caps, a chic golf visor, and four limited-edition footwear styles. Each piece bears the iconic umbrella logo, celebrating The King’s lasting legacy and setting the LE shoes apart with their unique flair.

Among the highlights are the PHANTOMCAT NITRO™ version, boasting cutting-edge technology, and the Avant version, crafted from premium waterproof leather and sporting a sophisticated color palette.

Get ready to elevate your golf game and channel your inner Arnie because the Arnold Palmer Collection hits online and retail stores on March 4, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to score these stylish pieces and make a statement on the green!

For more information on the 2024 PUMA GOLF x Arnold Palmer Collection, visit ca.pumagolf.com.