This year marked the beginning of an impactful journey for First Tee – Alberta.

In its first year of programming, First Tee – Alberta provided over 1,100 youth with low-barrier access to golf – and to a diverse group of participants. Nearly 40 percent of participants were female, and nearly 75 percent of families identified as part of an equity-deserving community.

As Golf Canada’s youth development program, First Tee – Alberta joins five other chapters across the country to offer affordable golf programming that goes beyond the fairways to develop both golf and life skills. Through valuable partnerships with schools, community centres, and golf courses, First Tee –Alberta offers no-cost try golf events and affordable registered programming. All the necessary golf equipment is provided, and no prior golf experience is needed, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

The goal is to provide a positive association to golf for youth from all backgrounds, especially those who may have otherwise not had the opportunity.

“Our goal is to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to experience golf and all the benefits it has to offer,” said First Tee – Alberta Program Manager, Michael Steele. “We are committed to breaking down common barriers of entry to the sport like affordability, accessibility, or unfamiliarity.”

In its opening season, First Tee – Alberta onboarded four golf courses across Calgary, Edmonton, and Sherwood Park, all of which offered no-cost programming. The children learned golf skills like putting, chipping, and distance control, while simultaneously continuing to build on personal skills like confidence, honesty, and perseverance.

Three schools and five community organizations also offered First Tee programming in 2024, and 13 First Tee coaches were onboarded and certified.

In addition to scheduled programming and events, First Tee – Alberta’s presence was also made known at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open hosted at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, AB.

Chapter staff activated on-site with a 50’ putt challenge in celebration of the tournament’s 50th anniversary. The activation, alongside a record-breaking 50/50 raffle, raised over $150,000 to directly support the continued growth of First Tee across Alberta.

Over 50 youth from the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and the Youth Centres of Calgary also visited the tournament grounds for behind-the-scenes tours and First Tee clinics, where six LPGA professionals made special guest appearances for the children.

Looking ahead, First Tee – Alberta prepares to expand into Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer in 2025, and strives to continue to provide life-enhancing experiences to youth through golf.

First Tee – Alberta’s growth and impact are reliant on a generous network of supporters. For those interested in giving back and growing the game of golf in their community, please reach out to msteele@golfcanada.ca or visit firstteealberta.ca.

Canadian golfers Alena Sharp and Maude-Aimée Leblanc will return to the LPGA Tour in 2025 after earning their cards through the LPGA Tour Qualifying Series. Sharp, from Hamilton, Ont., finished tied for 21st at seven-under, while Leblanc, of Sherbrooke, Que., tied for 24th at six-under.

Sharp continues storied career

Sharp, 43, has been a fixture on the LPGA Tour since 2005. Over her career, she has made 375 official starts, earning $3,086,599 in prize money and recording 16 top-10 finishes. Her best result on the tour came at the 2016 CPKC Women’s Open, where she placed fourth.

In 2024, Sharp made seven cuts in 13 starts, with her best finish a tie for 19th at the Dana Open. She ended the season ranked No. 123 on the Race to CME Globe Points List.

Sharp has also found success on the Epson Tour, where she has two career wins and 14 additional top-10 finishes. Her most recent victory came in 2023 at the Champions Fore Change Invitational.

A three-time Olympian, Sharp represented Canada in Rio in 2016, Tokyo in 2021 and Paris in 2024, with her best Olympic finish a tie for 30th in Rio.

A graduate of New Mexico State University, Sharp continues to be a role model for Canadian golfers.

“I’m really happy walking away with a card and, you know, not sitting on the outside looking in for the first part of the season, Sharp told the LPGA. “Hopefully I’ll get starts right away instead of having to wait until like June to play.  Really excited about that.”

Leblanc builds on strong form

Leblanc, 35, has competed on the LPGA Tour since 2012. In 2024, she made eight cuts in 19 starts, with her best result a tie for 19th at the CPKC Women’s Open.

Leblanc has four career top-10 finishes on the tour, the most recent at the 2022 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, where she tied for eighth.

Leblanc has also had a standout career on the Epson Tour, with 26 top-10 finishes. In her last full season on the developmental circuit in 2021, she made 12 cuts in 17 starts and posted nine top-10 results.

A graduate of Purdue University, Leblanc was part of the Boilermakers’ NCAA championship-winning team in 2010. The former Team Canada alumna also had a decorated amateur career, winning the Canadian Junior Championship and the International Junior Orange Bowl in 2006.

Canadians ready for 2025

Both Sharp and Leblanc are set to bring experience and consistency to the LPGA Tour in 2025, highlighting the strength of Canadian golf on the global stage.

Their achievements reflect the dedication and determination that have made them role models for the next generation of players. With new opportunities ahead, they will look to build on their careers and inspire golf fans across Canada.

For more information on the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, taking place August 20-24 at Mississaugua Golf & Country Club, click here.

Click here for full results from the final stage of LPGA Tour Qualifying Series.

Golf Canada is deeply saddened by the loss of Past President and Honorary Life Governor, The Honourable James (Jim) Andrews Grant PC, CM, KC of Montreal, Que. who passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024 at the age of 87.

Grant served as President of Golf Canada in 2003 and supported the organization across a multitude of volunteer committees and councils.

A longtime member of both Royal Montreal Golf Club and Mount Bruno Golf Club, he had an accomplished history of service to the sport of golf both in his home province of Quebec and nationally. A Past President of Golf Quebec (1992), Grant was also a supporter of the Golf Canada Foundation in helping to advance its efforts to raise funds in support of Canadian golf.

A brilliant and accomplished lawyer who was called to the Bar of Quebec in 1962, Grant was a Partner and Chairman of the law firm, Stikeman Elliott, LLP.

In 1996, he was named to the Security Intelligence Review Committee and was summoned to the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada.

On May 8, 2003 he was made a member of the Order of Canada.

Grant received a Bachelor of Civil Law in 1961 from McGill University and in 2009 was awarded Faculty of Law’s James A. Robb Award which celebrates those who nobly give of their time and efforts to support the Faculty of Law in its academic endeavours.

Outside of golf, Grant also served his community as a deeply committed volunteer. He was a past Chair of the Montreal Youth Network, headed numerous youth-oriented agencies, and has made major contributions to the development of child welfare services. Countless other organizations have also benefited from his extraordinary leadership abilities and his concern including CARE Canada, the Centaur Theatre, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, McGill University and the Montreal General and Children’s hospitals.

During his distinguished career, Grant also served on the Board of Directors of CAE Inc. as well as CIBC.

He strongly supported his community with contributions to education, politics, sports, health and the arts which left an indelible mark. He was an exceptional athlete in a variety of sports which he enjoyed with family and friends. He will be remembered for his intelligence, loyalty, and humour – those who knew him would say he showed up, aimed high, tried hard, was loyal, and made others better.

Grant touched the lives of many across his personal and professional network and is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy and daughters Katherine (Michael Harding), Jennifer (Mark Coombs), Christy (Gregor Andrew) and grandchildren Elizabeth, Zach, Madeline, Robbie, Riley and Sarah. He is also survived by his sister Nancy (William Daly).

A celebration of life will be held in 2025. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

A link to the obituary notice in the Montreal Gazette is below:

https://montrealgazette.remembering.ca/obituary/james-grant-1092361502

Golf Canada offers 2025 bundled ticket package to watch the stars of the
PGA and LPGA Tours compete for Canada’s National Open Championships

(November 27, 2024) – Two National Open Golf Championships combined into one great ticket as Golf Canada is pleased to introduce The Opens Flex Pass for a limited time, starting Black Friday (November 29) through to Cyber Monday (December 2).

The Opens Flex Pass will provide golf fans and event enthusiasts of the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open with the ultimate flexibility in a bundled ticket offer to watch the stars of the PGA and LPGA Tours compete for Canada’s National Open titles.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER

In 2025, both events will be hosted in the Greater Toronto area with the RBC Canadian Open taking place June 4-8 at TPC Toronto (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the CPKC Women’s Open running August 20-24 at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Cost of The Opens Flex Pass is $147 (plus taxes and fees) and golf fans can choose their preferred day to attend each of the tournaments through this limited time offer. Any one-day tickets are valid for one scan during tournament week, there is no need to pre-select your preferred date.

The 2025 RBC Canadian Open will be conducted for the first time ever at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. TPC Toronto is quickly becoming one of the premier Canadian golf destinations, with all three courses ranked inside the Top 100 by SCOREGolf Magazine. Cheer on Canadian favourites Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Taylor Pendrith, Adam Hadwin and 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor as they compete for Canada’s National Open Championship. The Canadian contingent will challenge the defending champion from Scotland, Robert MacIntyre, who finished at 16-under to win at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and earn the Scotsman’s his first PGA TOUR victory.

The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will take place at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont., one of 17 golf clubs in Canada to have hosted both the Men’s and Women’s National Open Championships. The CPKC Women’s Open is one of the top women’s sporting events in Canada and won back-to-back LPGA Tournament of the Year honours in 2022 and 2023. The Brooke Brigade will be out in full force as 2018 CPKC Women’s Open champion Brooke Henderson will headline a field of the world’s best in Mississauga. Defending champion Lauren Coughlin earned her first LPGA Tour win in 2024 at the Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta., an event that set an all-time attendance record for the tournament.

Along with world class golf, fans can belt out their best rendition of “O’ Canada” and experience the thrills of the iconic “Rink Hole” as well as enjoying premium food and beverage options in The Fare Way at both national open championships.

Don’t miss out on this limited time offer to secure your spot at both of Canada’s National Open Championships through The Opens Flex Pass.

Globally experienced Canadian sports executive returns home to lead new chapter for Canada’s National Women’s Open

(November 26, 2024) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Claire Welsh of Barrie, Ont., has been appointed as the new tournament director of the CPKC Women’s Open.

Welsh spent 10 years working for The R&A in St Andrews, Scotland, holding progressively senior roles with The Open and the AIG Women’s Open championships. Most recently, Welsh served as the head of player relations for The R&A, where she developed and implemented a player relations strategy focusing on all areas of the player experience. In that role, she was responsible for critical elements including player engagement and retention, travel and accommodation, accreditation, ticketing, and player facilities, while building trusting relationships with players and their support teams at both major championships.

In addition, Welsh developed a comprehensive player survey and benchmarking program, delivering The Open Clubhouse, considered to be the best-in-class for a player facility in professional golf. She worked closely with the LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour, and IMG on all player relations aspects of the AIG Women’s Open following The R&A’s merger with the Ladies Golf Union.

Welsh also worked within The R&A’s Commercial and Communications departments, focusing on media relations, digital content, broadcast, and partnership agreements all while leading a team and supervising event staff and volunteers. She also worked with the International Golf Federation supporting golf’s return to the Olympic programme at Rio 2016.

“We are incredibly excited to add Claire to our team at Golf Canada and bring home a globally experienced golf industry executive to lead a new chapter for the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Golf Canada Chief Operating Officer Garrett Ball. “Claire’s experience working with The R&A along with all facets of building a successful and memorable tournament for the players, staff, partners, and fans was exceptional. We spoke with talented candidates both internally and externally and it was Claire’s extensive international experience in the global golf space that positions her as the ideal lead for Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.”

For Welsh, returning home to lead Canada’ National Women’s Open Championship, one of Canada’s premier women’s sport properties is an ideal opportunity.

“It’s a true honour and privilege to serve as Tournament Director for the CPKC Women’s Open, an event that celebrates the very best of golf in Canada. Coming home to help shape the next chapter of our National Women’s Open feels incredibly special, especially at a time when women’s sports are experiencing remarkable growth and recognition,” said Welsh. “I know how important this historic event is for golf’s top players, and I’ve also seen its ability to inspire communities right across the country. I’m really looking forward to collaborating with the incredible teams at Golf Canada and CPKC to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, players, volunteers and partners alike.”

After studying Communications and Media Studies at Carleton University, Welsh began her career in sports at her hometown newspaper, The Barrie Examiner, as a freelance sportswriter before serving as Director of the Tim Horton’s Charity Golf Tour and founding the Thursday Night Lights high school football series. She also worked at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games as an event services team lead for the men’s and women’s hockey competitions.

Prior to joining The R&A, Welsh spent six years working with Golf Ontario as the marketing and communications manager overseeing championship media coverage and the organization’s digital channels.

Welsh will begin her new role remotely this week before returning to Canada in January and will report to Golf Canada’s Chief Operating Officer Garrett Ball. She takes over from former CPKC Women’s Open Tournament Director Ryan Paul who was appointed tournament director of the RBC Canadian Open in August.

The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be conducted August 19-24 for the first time at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

For many children, golf is often seen as a sport that is unattainable to them. Whether it’s cost, finding a way to get to a course, or even the perception of the sport not being inclusive. First Tee – British Columbia (First Tee – BC) aims to break down those barriers and make golf more accessible for children of all backgrounds.

Since launching in 2021, First Tee programming has been delivered to over 33,000 youth across the province at nearly 70 locations including golf courses, schools and community centres, with a coaching
staff of over 55 coaches.

The goal is to introduce as many children as possible to golf, particularly those who might not otherwise have the chance, and to offer them empowering and positive experiences through sport.

A key contributor of the program’s reach and success is establishing meaningful partnerships with community and youth organizations.

First Tee – BC has partnered with nearly 20 community centres across the province. Additionally, youth organizations including Big Brothers BC, KidsPlay Foundation, the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS), and Extreme Outreach Society have come onboard.

Through these valuable community partnerships, First Tee – BC has already introduced over 4,000 children to golf through affordable programming offered in-house or through field trips and events at
nearby partnered golf courses.

The connections being built in these communities are bigger than golf.

First Tee blends fundamental golf skills with life lessons. While children learn how to swing the club and about distance control, they also continue to develop skills like goal setting, perseverance, and self-
confidence.

Perry Monych, First Tee – BC coach, encapsulates the personal impact this program can make.

“The most rewarding part is seeing kids, who might not have initially been interested in golf, return week after week with enthusiasm and willingness to take on more challenges,” said Monych. “The life skills they continue to develop through the program are invaluable and often more impactful than the golf skills themselves.”

One impactful way First Tee – BC strives to expose more youth to the sport is through try golf events.

These events are offered at no cost to community partners and participants and provide all the necessary equipment. It is an opportunity to introduce golf to children in a no-pressure, fun an inclusive environment.

In August, First Tee program location Highland Pacific Golf in Victoria, BC, hosted a try golf event for over 20 youth from the Extreme Outreach Society, an organization striving to break the cycle of
addiction, poverty and homelessness.

Scott Stefani, program manager, First Tee – BC speaks to the importance of connections with community organizations.

“Community partnership is such a valuable resource, helping us to provide disadvantaged children and youth with opportunities they may not otherwise have,” said Stefani. “We are so grateful for community
partners like the Extreme Outreach Society.”

The goal is for children to associate a positive experience with golf. Hopefully they make new friends, have fun with their coaches, learn more about the sport and discover more about themselves.

The next step would be to offer registered programming opportunities at a nearby golf course to children who are eager to stay connected to the game.

Through a supportive network of generous donors, First Tee – BC can provide no-cost events and programming and offer financial assistance opportunities to families in need.

To contribute and help First Tee – BC continue to make a meaningful impact, please visit https://firstteebc.ca/giving/.

Daytona Beach, Fla. – The 2024 CPKC Women’s Open was named as the Gold Driver Award recipient for Best Volunteer Appreciation at the LPGA 2024 Gold Driver Awards on Tuesday in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Volunteerism was a critical part of the success of the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta. The tournament was conducted for the first time at Earl Grey and saw 1,300 dedicated volunteers, whose positions were filled ahead of schedule, help to deliver an exceptional experience in Calgary. This year’s tournament also set a new record with 73,290 fans attending as Lauren Coughlin won for the first time on the LPGA Tour.

To help recognize the work of its volunteers, the tournament hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Day. The day included a complimentary breakfast, happy hour and gifts that were given to all volunteers to celebrate the 50th playing of Canada’s National Women’s Open.

In addition to winning the Gold Driver Award for Best Volunteer Appreciation this year, the CPKC Women’s Open has earned Tournament of the Year honours in the previous two years (2022 and 2023). Golf Canada and CPKC also received Gold Driver Awards for Best Volunteer Engagement in 2023, Best Sponsor Activation in 2019, 2022, and 2023 as well as Best Community and Charity Engagement in three of the last five full season campaigns.

The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be contested at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. from August 20-24, 2025. Volunteer registration is now open, for more information or to apply, click here.

Rory McIlroy finished the 2024 DP World Tour season in style by winning his sixth Race to Dubai crown following victory at the DP World Tour Championship.

After a third placed finish at last week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, only South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence could deny McIlroy from claiming his sixth Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex of his career.

Lawrence needed to win and for the World Number Three to finish in 12th or worse for him to overturn McIlroy’s huge advantage, but his challenge never materialised as he carded a one-under-par total at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The Northern Irishman shared the lead after the first and third rounds, and looked in total control when he burst three shots clear thanks to a run of four straight birdies from the second.

Rasmus Højgaard remained in touch and capitalised on bogeys at the ninth and 13th from McIlroy to sit alongside him at the summit at 13 under.

However, birdies at the 16th and 18th paid dividends for McIlroy as he secured his third triumph on the Earth course by two shots to complete a season-finale double.

Antoine Rozner, who shared the third-round lead with McIlroy and Højgaard, birdied the opening hole to take the outright lead at 13 under, which turned into a two-shot advantage after the final group bogeyed the same hole.

The Frenchman slid a putt by at the second which would have improved his score and McIlroy and Højgaard responded by birdieing the same hole to return to 12 under.

McIlroy gained momentum and put his approach inside four feet at the third, which he rolled in to rejoin Rozner at the summit.

The birdie trail continued for the World Number Three at the fourth to become the first player to reach 14 under and when he followed suit at the fifth, he was two clear.

Before McIlroy teed off at the sixth, Rozner bogeyed the same hole to inflate the Northern Irishman’s advantage to three.

Rory McIlroy joins Seve Ballesteros with six Race to Dubai titles:

Rozner and Højgaard replied with a birdie at the next, however, McIlroy continued to keep his nose out in front despite a bogey to close his front nine.

It became a two-way tussle with Højgaard following his birdie at the seventh, while Rozner slipped back after a double bogey at the ninth.

McIlroy narrowly missed chances to extend his lead at the start of his back nine and when he bogeyed the 13th, there were two at the top.

The 35-year-old showed his quality at the 16th by landing his approach inside a foot for his first birdie in 11 holes, which Højgaard could not match.

Aaron Cockerill stole the early moments of first round action from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The Canadian had turned in a 33, but was in danger of letting a strong start slip when he made a double-bogey at the tenth and dropped another shot on the 12th.

But an ace on the 159-yard next saw him return to three under for the day as his nine-iron from the tee landed slightly right of the pin before feeding down to the cup.

Cockerill’s ace meant he had a scorecard containing every number from one to six in his first 13 holes.

Coming into the week lying 47th on the Race to Dubai Rankings in, with the top 50 progressing to next week’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship, the 32-year-old finished with five consecutive pars to complete an opening 69 in the opening event of the DP World Tour postseason.

Cockerill is the 31st different player to have made a hole-in-one on the DP World Tour on the 2024 Race to Dubai.

This summer, nearly 50 golfers raised over $80,000 to provide 10,000 subsidized golf rounds to youth across the country.

The 100 Hole Hike is a challenging opportunity where participants play 100 holes of golf on foot in one day, raising funds for Youth on Course, a program that offers green fees of five dollars or less to Canadians 18 and under.

Golf Canada partnered with Youth on Course in 2019 and has since offered nearly 70,000 subsidized rounds to junior golfers.

Golf Canada members 18 and under receive complimentary Youth on Course memberships to play affordable rounds of golf at participating golf courses across Canada.

“The 100 Hole Hikes are instrumental fundraising events for us,” said Golf Canada’s Manager, Grow the Game, Justin McKenzie. “The support we received was amazing. Through people’s willingness to take on the 100-hole challenge and help fundraise, we can provide more affordable access to the game for juniors across the country.”

Out east, the Atlantic’s 100 Hole Hike had a special participant. Canadian U15 Boys Champion, Carter Lavigne, of Moncton, New Brunswick, helped fundraise and led the group of hikers alongside his father. Lavigne has been an active Youth on Course participant since the program expanded to the Atlantic provinces in 2023.

“It was cool to give back to a program and the game that has done so much for me,” said Lavigne. “I was fortunate to grow up playing golf, so to help give more kids the chance to play and contribute to the growth of the sport across Canada is awesome. I look forward to helping Youth on Course make a positive impact in 2025.”

Golf Canada and Youth on Course also hosted the first Canadian Premier 100 Hole Hike, where individuals who raised a minimum of $10,000 experienced an all-inclusive stay and play at the world-renowned Cabot Cape Breton. The hikers tackled 100 holes on the Nest par-3 course and played a bonus round at the top-ranked Cabot Cliffs 18-hole course.

There are over 100 participating golf courses offering Youth on Course in Canada and plans to grow that number next year with the expansion into Quebec, making the program operational in every province.

“Together, we are helping break down financial barriers to accessing the sport,” said McKenzie. “Thanks to the individuals and communities who support this great cause, Youth on Course will provide deserving youth with opportunities to learn more about golf and build their confidence in the sport. We are excited for the exponential growth of Youth on Course across the country in 2025.”

To learn more about Youth on Course in Canada, how to participate in a 100 Hole Hike, or how to donate, please visit https://www.golfcanada.ca/youthoncourse/ or email yoc@golfcanada.ca.