Dear Golf Canada Members & Clubs,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With sincere appreciation,

Adam Daifallah
President
Golf Canada

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

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

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

Why an active/inactive season matters:

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

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

What golfers should do now:

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

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

What changes for your game and club?

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

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

Looking ahead to next season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Perfect weather for pure focus

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

2. Nature’s backdrop at its best

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

3. Courses are quieter — and cheaper

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

4. The ball just feels better

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

5. A season for reflection

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

6. The clubhouse vibe hits differently

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

In the end, it’s golf at its purest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Focus on Enjoyment, Not Score

• Treat your last few rounds as “celebration golf.”
• Play your favorite course or holes, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate your progress from the season.
• Leave the pressure behind, this is your victory lap.

2. Play with Purpose

• Use these rounds to fine-tune specific aspects of your game before the offseason.
• For example: work on driving accuracy one round and short game the next.
• Keep simple, focused goals (e.g., “hit 10 fairways” or “no three-putts”).

3. Optimize for Weather and Course Conditions

• Dress in layers and bring hand warmers if it’s chilly.
• Use colored or matte balls for better visibility in lower light.
• Tee off during midday when greens are softer and temperatures are more comfortable.

4. Capture the Moments

• Take photos or short videos of your favorite holes, shots, or playing partners.
• These make great motivation for winter practice or off-season planning.
• Track your best shots with a rangefinder or GPS app to review later.

5. Plan for the Off-Season

• Use these rounds to identify what to work on indoors (putting mat, swing drills, flexibility).
• Note recurring issues (e.g., distance gaps, chipping inconsistencies).
• Schedule an end-of-season lesson or equipment check before putting the clubs away.

Canadian golf legend and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Mike Weir will captain Team International at the 2025 World Champions Cup supporting Shriners Children’s, set for December 4–7 at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater, Fla.

The event features three six-player teams — Team USA, Team Europe and Team International — competing in a three-day series of nine-hole matches that blend team and singles formats. Former U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk, a back-to-back RBC Canadian Open champion (2006, 2007), will lead the American side, while 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke will guide Team Europe.

Weir, 54, returns to a familiar leadership role after serving as captain of the International Team at the 2024 Presidents Cup in Montréal. The eight-time PGA TOUR winner and 2003 Masters champion is expected to take on a player-captain role again in this competition.

“It’s an honour to lead Team International in this format,” Weir said. “I admired the inaugural event last year and can’t wait to get our name on the trophy.”

The World Champions Cup debuted in 2023 and features players from the PGA TOUR Champions circuit representing their regions. Each team’s six-player roster is determined through a mix of automatic qualifiers, career achievement selections and captain’s picks.

Two players per team automatically qualify based on their position in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, rewarding consistent performance throughout the PGA TOUR Champions season. One or more additional spots are filled by career achievement selections, recognizing players with major victories or significant international resumes. The remaining positions are captain’s picks, allowing leaders such as Weir to select players who best fit team chemistry, strategy and match-play experience.

This structure ensures a balance of current form and proven pedigree, resulting in a competitive and star-studded field.

Weir’s participation continues a strong Canadian presence on the senior stage. He remains one of Canada’s most decorated golfers — the first and only Canadian male to win a major championship — and a key figure in shaping the country’s international golf profile.

Proceeds from the event support Shriners Children’s, with coverage available on ESPN platforms.

Canada’s rising star Anna Huang has written another chapter in her breakthrough season, capturing the Lacoste Ladies Open de France with a two-shot victory at Golf Barrière. The win marks her second consecutive triumph on the Ladies European Tour (LET), just a week after claiming the La Sella Open.

At only 16 years old, Huang carded a brilliant final-round 65 (-6) to finish at 16-under-par, becoming the first Canadian in LET history to record multiple victories and the third player in 2025 to win in back-to-back weeks, joining England’s Mimi Rhodes and Czechia’s Sara Kouskova.

“I’m honestly still in shock,” Huang admitted. “I hadn’t even processed my first win, and now to win again feels unbelievable. I’m so proud of myself—it’s something I never thought would happen. To have two wins in one year is just incredible, and I’m really grateful.”

A Composed Final Round

Starting the day with the lead, Huang wasted no time extending her advantage with birdies at the first and second holes. A bogey at the fourth was her only blemish, but she quickly rebounded with birdies at the fifth, eighth, and 10th.

Germany’s Helen Briem surged into contention with her own string of birdies, briefly pulling level and testing the teenager’s composure. But Huang closed in style, sinking birdies on 16 and 18 to seal her second LET crown.

“It was so much fun playing with Helen—we were trading shots all round,” Huang said. “We were tied until 16, so it got pretty nerve-wracking. Oddly enough, I didn’t feel nervous until my approach on 18, but then it hit me. I’m just glad I pulled it off.”

Looking ahead, Huang plans a rare break: “I’m going home and then to China to see family I haven’t seen in about 10 years. I might even treat myself to something nice. But my mindset stays the same—work hard, stay focused, and keep building on this momentum.”

One of the core principles of the World Handicap System (WHS) is fairness. For golfers of all skill levels to compete equitably, handicaps must reflect a player’s demonstrated ability as accurately as possible. A key part of achieving this is peer review — a principle that promotes transparency, accountability and integrity in the game.

What is peer review?

In the context of handicapping, peer review is the process by which fellow golfers, club members and club officials can view — and, if necessary, question — the scores a player submits for handicap purposes. It ensures that a player’s scoring record is open to reasonable scrutiny, promoting a culture of trust within the club.

The concept is simple: golf is largely self-regulated. With no referee overseeing every round, players are responsible for recording and attesting to scores in a manner that reflects the true spirit of the game. Peer review provides a safeguard within the self-managed system, allowing the golf community to support the integrity of each player’s scoring record.

What’s expected of golfers?

For peer review to work effectively, golfers are expected to:

• Submit all acceptable scores: This includes both competition and casual rounds played under the Rules of Golf, ensuring the Handicap Index is a true reflection of ability.
• Be truthful and transparent: Players should not manipulate scores to influence their handicap.
• Play by the Rules of Golf: Proper rules knowledge and consistent application ensure scores are fairly comparable across players and courses.
• Support fellow members: If there are irregularities or concerns with a player’s scoring record, golfers are encouraged to raise them constructively through the club’s handicap committee.
• Attest when required: In formal competitions, signing a fellow competitor’s scorecard is a direct form of peer review.
• Understand the Rules of Handicapping: A basic understanding of the WHS can help players know what should or shouldn’t be done on course or when posting a score.

Benefits to the club

Peer review strengthens the golfing community at your club in several ways:

• Promotes fairness: By discouraging manipulation and encouraging accountability, it ensures that competitions are won by ability rather than questionable handicaps.
• Builds trust: Knowing everyone is playing on a level field fosters confidence in the system and the club environment.
• Supports the handicap committee: Peer review provides the committee with valuable feedback, helping them address anomalies or investigate unusual scoring patterns.
• Encourages participation: When members trust the system, they are more likely to take part in competitions and club events.

Benefits to the World Handicap System

On a broader scale, peer review is fundamental to the integrity of the World Handicap System:

• It ensures a player’s Handicap Index is portable and meaningful worldwide.
• It provides a consistent, player-driven safeguard against misuse of the system.
• It maintains the reputation of the WHS as a fair and credible measure of golfing ability.

Golf has long been known as a game of honour. Peer review reinforces that tradition within the modern framework of the World Handicap System. By being open, honest and supportive of one another, golfers not only protect the integrity of their own handicap but also help sustain the fairness of the game at their club and around the world.

CALGARY, Alta. — First Tee – Alberta celebrated a milestone moment in 2025, with nearly $200,000 raised through the generosity of its partnership with the Rogers Charity Classic.

Backed by Calgary’s Patron Group of business leaders along with PGA TOUR professional Stephen Ames, the Rogers Charity Classic (formerly the Shaw Charity Classic) is the lone Canadian stop on the PGA TOUR Champions. Since its launch in 2013, the tournament has raised an incredible $137 million for more than 300 charities supporting children and families in need across Alberta.

The generous funding to First Tee – Alberta is helping Golf Canada expand the reach of its youth development program across the province, providing more equity-deserving children access to golf while fostering life skills development, confidence and community connection. Since 2024, First Tee – Alberta has introduced more than 6,000 youth to the sport through programming at schools, community centres, and golf facilities.

“A year like this doesn’t happen without meaningful partners who believe in what we’re building,” said Kelsey Chadwick, development officer of First Tee – Alberta. “The impact of the Rogers Charity Classic and its philanthropic efforts in the community have been transformational. First Tee is proud to be supported by the Rogers Charity Classic and the event’s tremendous commitment to helping the next generation of golfers thrive both on and off the course.”

A highlight for the program’s fundraising activity came during the Rogers Legends of Hockey Shootout, where junior elite golfer Sydney Bisgrove represented First Tee – Alberta in a 100-yard closest-to-the-pin challenge. Bisgrove’s performance helped secure a $115,000 donation, marking a turning point for the chapter.

“Being part of that moment was unbelievable,” said Bisgrove. “To represent First Tee – Alberta in front of so many people and know that it helped raise such a big donation that will have an impact on grassroots golf opportunities across the province is something I’ll never forget.”

Sean Van Kesteren, executive director of the Rogers Charity Classic, is proud to see the tournament’s impact extend far beyond golf.

“Our mission has always been to showcase the game’s greats while using the tournament to give back,” Van Kesteren said. “The Legends of Hockey event brings fans and families together in a unique way, while also driving real support for charities like First Tee – Alberta.”

Through the 2025 Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink program, donations made between March and August were matched up to 50 per cent, generating additional funding of $17,000 for the Alberta chapter.

First Tee – Alberta also received a $50,000 Charity Champion Grant earlier this season which supported First Nation outreach and provided access to the program for communities that may not otherwise have the opportunity to play.

“The Rogers Charity Classic has become a staple in Calgary’s summer calendar and a great example of what can happen when community and sport come together,” said Van Kesteren.

First Tee – Alberta continues to grow thanks to the generous support of donors, organizations and events such as the Rogers Charity Classic. The support of Calgary’s signature championship in helping the chapter achieve this fundraising milestone demonstrates the power of sport in bringing people together and creating lasting change both on and off the golf course.

To learn more about First Tee – Alberta, visit firstteealberta.ca.