LA SELLA, Spain – Canada’s Anna Huang carded a bogey-free eight-under 64 on Thursday to take the opening-round lead at the La Sella Open, a Ladies European Tour event in Denia, Spain.

The 16-year-old from Vancouver sits two shots ahead of a pair at six-under, that includes France’s Natasia Nadaud and Germany’s Leonie Harm.

Huang, who turned professional earlier this year after coming through qualifying school, is in her rookie LET season. She has already posted multiple top-20 results, but this marks the first time she has topped the leaderboard in a tour event.

“I just tried to stay patient out there and stick to my routines,” Huang said. “The putts started dropping and I was able to keep a clean card, which always feels good.”

Huang’s round featured eight birdies, with no bogeys. Her strong start continues a breakthrough year for the teenager, who also won final qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open earlier this summer.

Chasing her at eight under are a cluster of experienced competitors, while a larger group sits two shots back at six under. With three rounds still to play, the leaderboard is tightly packed.

The La Sella Open continues through Sunday.

In golf, par is one of the most familiar — and sometimes misunderstood — terms. It’s more than just a number on a scorecard. Par is the benchmark that helps golfers measure performance, compare scores and set personal goals. Whether you’re logging a casual round with friends or competing in a tournament, knowing what par means can make the game more enjoyable and less intimidating.

What is par?

Par is the standard number of strokes a scratch golfer (a golfer with Handicap Index of 0.0) is expected to achieve on a hole under normal playing conditions. This includes two putts on the green plus the strokes needed to reach it from the tee.

• Par 3: One stroke to the green, two putts.

• Par 4: Two strokes to the green, two putts.

• Par 5: Three strokes to the green, two putts.

Guidelines for establishing par are outlined in the Rules of Handicapping and are determined mainly by hole length for each gender.

Why correct par values matter

With the World Handicap System (WHS), the assigned par for each hole — and for the course overall — carries weight well beyond tradition. Correct par values affect:

1. Course Handicap calculations: par is part of the formula that determines your Course Handicap. Wrong values can mean golfers aren’t receiving the right number of strokes.
2. Posting scores: your maximum hole score (net double bogey) is tied to par. Incorrect values can inflate or deflate a Handicap Index.
3. Tournament play: formats such as Stableford, scoreboards and competition fairness all rely on accurate par values.
4. Enjoyment and expectations: understanding par helps golfers set realistic goals and celebrate achievements.

Net par – a personal benchmark

While par reflects the standard for a scratch golfer, net par adjusts that benchmark for each player’s ability. It is calculated by adding the handicap strokes you receive to the hole’s par.

• A golfer with a Course Handicap of 18 receives one stroke per hole. On a par 4, a score of 5 is considered net par.
• A beginner who receives two strokes on a par 5 can take 7 and still record a net par.

Why net par matters

• Builds confidence: meeting your personal standard is a real accomplishment.
• Creates realistic goals: helps golfers focus on progress at their own pace.

• Makes the game more enjoyable: encourages healthy competition against yourself, not just against par.

Enjoy the game to its fullest

Focusing only on par can discourage newer or higher-handicap golfers. Net par reframes each hole as a personal challenge and allows every golfer to find success.

By understanding both par and net par, you can:

• Track improvement more meaningfully

• Compete fairly with players of different skill levels

• Celebrate the small wins that make golf so rewarding

Take the next step

Par and net par aren’t just numbers. They are tools to help you enjoy the game more. Make sure your club is using correct par values and that you’re posting scores accurately.

If you or your club have any questions about par, reach out to Golf Canada’s Memberships team or visit Golf Canada’s Handicap Resources to learn more.

Understanding par is the first step to playing your best—and enjoying golf to its fullest.

Course Ratings happen quietly in the background, but its impact is felt by every golfer, every day. They provide the foundation for fair handicapping, equitable tournament play, and consistent competition across all skill levels.

While your Provincial Golf Association is responsible for conducting and issuing Course and Slope Ratings, it’s valuable to understand how the process works and why it matters.

Understanding Course Rating and Slope Rating

Course Rating and Slope Rating might not be something golfers think about every day, but they shape the fairness and accuracy of play at your club.

• Course Rating measures the difficulty of the course for a scratch golfer (a player with a handicap of 0) under normal playing conditions.

• Bogey Rating measures the difficulty of the course for a bogey golfer (a player with a Handicap Index of approximately 20.0 -24.0).  The Bogey Rating is not commonly promoted but is essential when calculating the Slope Rating.

• Slope Rating compares the relative difficulty for a bogey golfer versus a scratch golfer.  It is effectively the slope of the line (rise/run) between the Course & Bogey Ratings when plotted on a graph.

Together, these ratings are core components of the World Handicap System, ensuring golfers of different skill levels can compete equitably.

How and When Course Ratings Are Conducted

Course Ratings are administered by trained volunteers from your Provincial Golf Association using standardized procedures from the World Handicap System.

• Ratings are valid for up to 10 years, but most courses are re-rated on an 8–9 year schedule.

• A re-rating is triggered sooner if major changes occur—such as altering yardages, redesigning holes, adding or removing hazards, or making substantial modifications to greens, bunkers, or tee boxes.

During a rating visit (or part of a pre-rating visit), teams:

• Measure and verify yardages for each tee

• Rate each tee for both genders (for both the scratch and bogey golfer)

• Consider factors that impact the effective playing length of the hole, including elevation, roll and doglegs/forced layups.

• Analyze landing zones based on shot distance and accuracy patterns and assess how obstacles affect difficulty.

• Assess obstacles, including bunkers, water hazards, rough, trees, penalty areas, and green speed.

Preparing for a Course Rating Visit & What to Expect Afterwards

Club staff play a key role in supporting a successful rating process. Ahead of the visit:

• Your Provincial Association or a Course Rating Team Leader will reach out to verify information about the course, which could include:

• Any changes made to the course since the last rating,

• Course maintenance practices (mower heights, watering schedules, etc.).

• A date will be scheduled for the Course Rating Team to visit the course (this may also include a pre-visit where initial measurements are collected).

Once the rating is completed:

• The Course & Slope Rating will be calculated for each set of tees (for each gender).

• These ratings are reviewed by the Course Rating Team and Provincial Golf Associations before being released to the club.

• The Golf Canada Score Centre is updated with the new ratings

• As part of the Course Rating process, you will also have access to recommended Stroke Index Allocations, which are based on Course Rating data.

Why Accurate Ratings Matter to Your Club

Course maintenance practices can impact the accuracy of the Course & Slope Ratings, so it is important for course set up and conditions to reflect the normal conditions as much as possible.  Any significant differences should be communicated to the Provincial Golf Associations to determine if an adjustment is required.

Accurate Course and Slope Ratings are more than just numbers—they’re the foundation for fairness, trust, and compliance:

• They ensure handicaps reflect true playing ability, and that a Handicap Index is portable for competition outside of your club.

• Helps Maintain fairness and credibility in tournaments

• Your club stays in good standing with your Provincial Golf Association and the World Handicap System.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your Course & Slope Ratings —or think a re-rating might be necessary—contact your Provincial Association for guidance, clarification and next steps.

TORONTO, Ont. — Canadian golf star Nick Taylor is no stranger to thrilling golf fans and inspiring the next generation of players. All it took was draining a historic 72-foot putt on a fourth playoff hole to become the first Canadian in 69 years to win Canada’s National Open Golf Championship.

Now the five-time PGA TOUR winner and 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion is giving back to youth golf, becoming an official ambassador for First Tee – Canada and taking on a leading role alongside his wife Andie and their family in inspiring children from all backgrounds to experience the sport and its core values.

As the program’s newest ambassador, the 2024 Olympian will carry the First Tee – Canada logo on his TOUR bag in support of the national youth development program delivered by Golf Canada which has introduced nearly 200,000 youth to the sport since launching in 2021.

“Being part of First Tee – Canada is an incredible opportunity to give back to the game that has given me so much,” said Taylor, the only Canadian male golfer to have won the Canadian Junior, Amateur and National Open trifecta. “Golf has shaped my life in many ways, and I want kids across our country to experience the values of discipline, friendship, integrity and the joy of competing which they can carry into everything they do. Andie and I are humbled to be able to support First Tee – Canada through our annual charity event.”

First Tee – Canada, a program designed to make golf more accessible by providing equipment, coaching and inclusive spaces, has quickly expanded into schools, community centres and golf facilities nationwide. Many of the program’s nearly 200,000 youth participants have joined from communities that would not otherwise have the opportunity to play the sport. Along with golf instruction, participants learn about perseverance, integrity, teamwork and respect — skills that reach beyond the fairway.

With First Tee – British Columbia as one of the charitable beneficiaries of the Nick Taylor Charity Classic since 2024, Taylor strives to make the sport he loves more accessible and inclusive for youth. His support for the program has helped the BC chapter expand no-cost programming to Cultus Lake Golf Club, reaching hundreds of participants near his hometown of Abbotsford, B.C.

Fundraising for First Tee – Canada is led by the Golf Canada Foundation, and the program is proudly supported by RBC and other contributing partners.

As a member of Team RBC, Taylor’s ambassador role also builds on his involvement with the RBC Community Junior Golf initiative, launched by RBC in partnership with Golf Canada in 2022, which brings affordable and community-based golf opportunities to children across Canada.

“Golf Canada has been fortunate to know Nick and the Taylor family since he was a young teenager,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “He has excelled at every level of golf, from junior through his amateur young pro career and now being one of the top professionals on the PGA TOUR. What has been equally amazing to witness is Nick’s commitment to making an impact when he’s off the golf course. In becoming a First Tee – Canada ambassador, it further demonstrates Nick’s incredible contribution to golf, to Canada and to the youth and families whose lives he will shape and inspire.”

With the shared commitment of Taylor as a proud ambassador, Golf Canada will continue to expand the First Tee – Canada program across the country, encouraging more equity-deserving youth to discover the game, embrace its values and develop skills for life.

For more information about First Tee – Canada, visit firstteecanada.ca.

Heritage Pointe Golf Club will serve as co-host of the prestigious national championship

CALGARY, Alta. – Golf Canada is excited to announce that the playing of the 121st Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be held at the Mickelson National Golf Club and Heritage Pointe Golf Club in Calgary, Alta. July 27 – 30, 2026.

The Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship returns to Alberta for the first time since 2008, where the nation’s best amateur talent competed at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort in Lethbridge, Alta. for the playing of the 104th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

“Golf Canada is extremely proud to hold one of our country’s most prestigious amateur events at Mickelson National Golf Club and Heritage Pointe Golf Club,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director, Amateur Championships and Rules, Golf Canada. “We are thrilled to be able to work with Mickelson National and Heritage Pointe’s hospitable staff and volunteers ahead of and during the tournament and can’t wait to see some of the best amateur talent in the world compete next year in Calgary,” she added.

Mickelson National Golf Club will host play during all four rounds of the national championship. Mickelson National has rapidly become a popular space for recreational and professional golfers since opening its doors in 2020, having already hosted Canada’s elite competitors at the 102nd playing of the PGA Championship of Canada in 2024. Hailing its name and design from six-time Major winner Phil Mickelson, the course features a 25,000 square foot clubhouse as well as Canada’s largest 18-hole putting course, known as The Crater.

The property boasts a raw, natural aesthetic, nestling its operations between prairie vistas, rolling hills and snow-capped mountains to accurately capture the course’s identity in western Canada. Oscillated elevations – including a 90-foot drop between the tee box and the green on the par-4 16th – makes the course a championship-level test and forces players to get creative with their shot making choices.

Heritage Pointe Golf Club will serve as the co-host venue to help accommodate for the tournament’s larger field and will host play for the opening two rounds of the championship. Heritage Pointe has previously hosted a wide array of professional and amateur events since opening in 1992.

The competition will be held on the Desert and Heritage courses, frequently ranked as one of SCOREGolf’s Top 59 Public Courses in Canada. The Desert Course, a traditional links style course with ample length and challenge, weaves back and forth across the plateau overlooking the Bow River, Calgary and the Rocky Mountains beyond. Players will then make the dramatic drop down to the Pine Creek Valley floor for the Heritage Course, a parkland style course renowned for its peaceful surroundings and challenging green sites. Every round culminates on the famous 18th hole, a risk reward par 5, complete with a full island green.

From windswept fescue to dramatic elevation changes and lush parkland, Heritage Pointe rewards a combination of power and precision and will be an excellent test for the competitors of the 121st Canadian Amateur Championship.

“Windmill Golf Group is honoured to host the 121st Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at Mickelson National Golf Club and Heritage Pointe Golf Club.,” said Barry Ehlert, CEO, Windmill Golf Group. “This prestigious event showcases some of the finest amateur golfers from around the world, and we are excited to welcome them to our facilities next summer for an exceptional week of championship golf.”

The Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship is the third oldest amateur championship in the world, having debuted at the Ottawa Golf Club – modernly known as The Royal Ottawa Golf Club – in 1895. Initially contested as a match play competition, Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George S. Lyon won the Amateur eight times between 1898 and 1914 while fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Sandy Somerville captured six championships between 1924 and 1938.

The 1969 championship marked the event’s initial shift to stroke play and was held under that format until 1994 when it reverted to match play in honour of the Royal Canadian Golf Association and the championship’s centennial in 1995. In 2010, the tournament adopted to a double-field format to account for larger field sizes and held its last match play competition in 2007, where five-time PGA TOUR winner Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. claimed the title at Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.

Other Canadians currently playing on the PGA TOUR have secured victories at the prestigious championship as well, including Mackenzie Hughes of Hamilton, Ont. winning back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012. Declan O’Donovan of Sydney, Australia claimed the 120th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club in July, becoming the first Australian to accomplish the feat in 32 years.

More than 30 girls from local schools and communities were introduced to the game of golf last month during an all-girls clinic at Le Parcours du Cerf, in Longueuil, Q.C.

Hosted by First Tee – Quebec and She Plays Golf, the event was made possible through support from RBC Community Junior Golf, RBC’s national initiative providing underserved youth with inclusive and low-barrier pathways into the sport.

Among the participants were students from École Adrien-Gamache, a school implementing the First Tee School Program within its physical education curriculum this fall. Since the program does not begin until September, the all-girls clinic marked the students’ first experience on a real golf course and their introduction to the life skills the sport promotes.
“What a positive first experience at a real golf club!” said a group of students from École Adrien-Gamache. “We love hitting with the driver – it makes golf feel easy.”

As part of a growing hub of facilities supported by RBC Community Junior Golf, students who attended the clinic can continue their on-course golf journey at no cost. RBC’s initiative opens the door to new opportunities by covering First Tee program registration fees and equipment for participants.
“We were notified by the school about the event,” said the mother of 11-year-old Sarah Boutchich. “Sarah really enjoyed the clinic and having the opportunity to spend time with her friends in a new setting.”

Led by a team of five First Tee coaches, most of whom were women, the clinic offered a welcoming and supportive environment. The girls rotated through putting and full-swing stations, and older players from the Advanced Golf Academy joined as additional mentors.

“Passing on the passion for golf to young people and teaching them values such as discipline and perseverance is extremely gratifying,” said First Tee coach Miguel Garcia.

The day wrapped up with a hotdog lunch and a friendship bracelet activity, giving the girls time to connect and celebrate the start of summer.

First Tee – Quebec and She Plays Golf share a goal of growing girls’ participation in golf. Their programs and initiatives are designed to foster safe, inclusive spaces where girls can build confidence, develop new skills and feel empowered to stay engaged with the game.

“What I find most rewarding is seeing the participants progress,” said First Tee coach Angélique Maire. “Through our coaching, we help them develop not just golf skills, but life values and a positive attitude towards others.”
Following First Tee – Quebec’s spring season that introduced nearly 3,500 girls to golf across the province, the Longueuil clinic helps build momentum by teeing up a summer filled with expanded program offerings.

With continued support from RBC Community Junior Golf, First Tee – Quebec and She Plays Golf remain committed to breaking down barriers and empowering young girls through the sport.

About RBC Community Junior Golf
RBC Community Junior Golf is an initiative led by RBC in partnership with Golf Canada that is building greater inclusion in golf by providing affordable access for youth across Canada.

RBC Community Junior Golf supports the operation of both First Tee and Youth on Course at 36 municipal and publicly accessible golf courses across Canada. Since 2021, RBC Community Junior Golf has engaged over 55,000 participants by offering no-cost First Tee programming, and has provided over 65,000 subsidized rounds of golf to Canadians 18 and under.

Learn more at golfcanada.ca/rbc-community-junior-golf.

About First Tee – Quebec
First Tee – Quebec is one of six regional chapters of First Tee – Canada, Golf Canada’s youth development program providing life-enhancing experiences through golf for children from equity-deserving communities.

Since 2021, First Tee – Quebec has provided over 40,000 youth across the province with low-barrier pathways to golf through programming at schools, community centres, and golf facilities.
Learn more at firstteequebec.ca.

About She Plays Golf
Launched in 2023, She Plays Golf is Golf Canada’s multifaceted women’s participation strategy, leading several key initiatives to grow the game across the country from grassroots participation to professional development. She Plays Golf initiatives include Festivals designed to introduce women and girls to golf in a welcoming, supportive environment; a Championship Series (professional tour) that provides aspiring Canadian women golfers competitive guidance on the path to the LPGA Tour; and a Women in Coaching program aimed at increasing gender diversity among high-performance coaches.

Learn more at golfcanada.ca/sheplaysgolf.

OTTAWA, Ont. – The National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA Canada) board of directors has announced that Chief Operating Officer Nathalie Lavallée will be promoted to Chief Executive Officer, effective Dec. 31, following the retirement of long-time CEO Jeff Calderwood.

Lavallée’s appointment follows a 25-year career with NGCOA Canada, where she has held several senior roles including director of membership, director of communications, and most recently COO. She has overseen day-to-day operations, led a national team, and played a key role in the Association’s growth over the past two and a half decades.

Her professional background includes experience in hotel management and work on Parliament Hill for a federal cabinet minister. Fully bilingual, Lavallée is recognized for her strong leadership skills and broad industry perspective.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nathalie as our next CEO,” said NGCOA Canada president Richard Edmonds. “She is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader whose experience aligns perfectly with our ongoing strategic goals serving Canadian golf course operators from coast to coast.”

Lavallée expressed excitement about her new role.

“I am honoured and energized by the opportunity to lead the NGCOA Canada into its next chapter,” she said. “With the strength of our team, the continued support of our dedicated board, and the foundation built over the past 34 years, I’m confident this will be a smooth and seamless transition

“Having had the privilege of working alongside Jeff Calderwood for the past 25 years, I want to express my sincere appreciation for his visionary leadership and mentorship. His passion and dedication have shaped the NGCOA Canada into what it is today, and I am committed to building on that legacy.”

Lavallée will remain based at the NGCOA Canada head office in Ottawa and will travel as needed to lead its national membership and eight regional chapters.

Canadian golfers were busy racking up numbers this summer — and not just on their scorecards.

July 2025 set a new record for scores entered into the Golf Canada Score Centre, with members logging a whopping 2,082,814 rounds for the month.

That’s a 6.6 per cent jump over the previous July high of 1,953,807 set in 2024. Compared with 2019, July score entries are up more than 44 per cent — a sign that more golfers than ever are tracking their play and keeping their Handicap Index® current.

The mid-summer surge came as golfers across the country took advantage of long daylight hours, prime course conditions and a busy stretch of club, provincial and national events. With the Golf Canada app and web platform making score entry quicker than ever, members are keeping their stats up to date from the clubhouse, the parking lot — even right on the 18th green.

July has traditionally been the biggest month for score posting in Canada, but 2025’s total pushes the benchmark to new heights. The upward trend in recent years shows no signs of slowing, with steady growth in score entries across nearly every province.

With August and September still ahead — and plenty of fairways yet to be played — there’s every chance golfers will post another banner stretch before the season wraps.

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Epson Tour sophomore Leah John drained her final putt on the 18th green at South Bend Country Club to claim the first professional victory of her career. John started the week with a new personal best, posting a 9-under bogey-free 63 on Friday, making the celebratory moment even more meaningful.

Despite having a three-shot lead heading into Championship Sunday, the Canadian felt some nerves after bogeying the first hole. The 25-year-old carded four birdies on the day to hold her 36-hole lead and finish the tournament with a total of 9-under par.

“I was super excited to play with Melanie (Green) and Leo today, so I was just looking forward to the day and learning from her and her experiences, and just prioritizing joy, sticking to my game plan, and just seeing where the day takes me,” said John. “I was ready for anything that came.”

The University of Nevada graduate settled in quickly, making three birdies in a row on holes five, six, and seven, posting a 1-under 36 on her opening nine. The nerves got the best of John as she made a bogey and double-bogey to start out her back nine, but dug deep to find a birdie on 16  in her final stretch to post a 2-over 74.

Melanie Green and Jennifer Chang started the day just three shots back of John, ultimately finishing in a share of second place. Green, the winner of the Island Resort Championship presented by Delta County Chamber, put an eagle and one birdie on her card during the round but posted an even par 72 and was unable to secure her second victory.

Chang couldn’t get things to fall her way on Sunday, carding an even par 72 and a combined 8-under for the tournament. Despite not being in the final pairing, the 25-year-old made two birdies, posting an even par front side. The University of Southern California alumna, found a birdie and a bogey on her finishing nine to secure her runner-up finish.

John, a first-time Epson Tour champion, jumped 77 spots in the Race for the Card standings after receiving 500 points from her win at the Four Winds Invitational. This is John’s highest rank of the 2025 season, number 22, putting the Canadian in a good spot to climb her way into the top 15 with five tournaments remaining.

“It’s super special,” John said of the win. “I said earlier that I love golf because of the game, but I think I love it more because of the people in it. It’s just nice to have a day like this, to represent all the hard work and the communities that have helped me along the way.”

As the final week of the Northeast stretch comes to a close, the Epson Tour will enjoy a well-deserved week off before traveling to Pendleton, Oregon, for the fourth playing of the Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic at Wildhorse Golf Course from August 15-17.

The leaderboard was stacked with red numbers and ties after the first round of the 14th annual Four Winds Invitational. The field of 144 athletes took advantage of the cooler temperatures and pure conditions at South Bend Country Club in round one of the final leg in the Northeast Stretch.

Kaitlyn Papp Budde was the first leader in the clubhouse of the day, posting a 5-under 67. Papp Budde started off strong, sinking four birdies on her opening nine. The Texas native settled into her round carding a 1-under 34 on the back nine to tie her low round of the 2025 Epson Tour season.

Monet Chun followed closely behind Papp Budde, tying her 5-under round of 67 to start off the morning wave. Chun made six birdies and was bogey-free until her 16th hole, breaking her record for the lowest round in her professional career. The University of Michigan alumna is finding her spark at no better venue than in rival territory of South Bend, Ind., as she looks forward to continuing a weekend of solid golf in hopes of securing the best finish of her young professional career.

Epson Tour sophomore Leah John had a number to chase by the time she teed off in the afternoon and started off strong with three consecutive birdies on holes one, two, and three. The Canadian continued her string with birdies on holes five, six, seven, and nine to shoot a 7-under 30 on her front nine.

“I had a very unexpected beginning to my round,” said John. “I made a couple of putts in the beginning, and I was like, ‘Hey, this is great.’ And then it just kept happening and sort of felt like it was out of my control a little bit, but it was pretty exciting. The girls I was playing with were super nice, so I could keep myself distracted just chatting, but it was a pretty epic day.”

John rounded the turn, making two pars before sinking a birdie putt on the par-5 12th hole. The 25-year-old settled into her back nine with five pars before hitting the green on the par-5 18 in two to finish off her round with a birdie. The University of Nevada alumna carded a bogey-free round of 63, finding herself at the top of the leaderboard and leaving round one having tied the 18-hole tournament record along with her new career low round.

“I think that’s the coolest part about golf, it’s about playing against yourself and the golf course, so you’re always striving for more,” said John. “It’s just hard. You never really see yourself as good or a record person, so it’ll be just a nice thing to have in my pocket to remember.”