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.

Five members of Team Canada NextGen Girls team finish in the top four; Jager Pain finishes T3 in Boys competition

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – Clara Ding defeated Michelle Xing on the second playoff hole to win the 2024 Elite Invitational at Marsh Landing Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. on Sunday.

Ding, 13, of White Rock, B.C. fired rounds of 67-72-71-210 to sit at 6-under for the tournament and jumped into a playoff with her Team Canada NextGen teammate Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. who posted rounds of 69-72-69-210. After trading pars on the opening playoff hole, Ding tapped in for par on the second playoff hole to earn her third victory on the year having won the Lake Charles AJGA Jr. and RLX Ralph Lauren Jr. titles this year.

Xing who finished as runner-up was in search of her fifth title of the year. Aphrodite Deng of Calgary, Alta. finished in third at 3-under following rounds of 71-70-72-213. Nobelle Park of Oakville, Ont. and Anna Huang of Vancouver, B.C. finished tied for fourth at 2-under.

In addition, Team Canada NextGen members Clairey Lin of Langley, B.C. finished T7 at 1-under. Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont. finished 15th at 4-over, Swetha Sathish of Oakville, Ont. finished T18 at 6-over, Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta. finished 23rd at 9-over and Ruihan Kendria Wang of Vancouver finished T30 at 14-over.

In the Boys competition, Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. and Austin Krahn of Christina Lake were the lone Team Canada NextGen Boys team members competing. Pain finished the tournament at 3-under to finish T3 following rounds of 70-68-69-207, finishing four back of the winner, while Krahn finished T42 at 11-over.

For the final leaderboards, click here for the Girls Leaderboard and click here for the Boys Leaderboard.

Golf Canada is committed to ensuring that golf reflects the strengths of Canada’s diversity. First Tee – Ontario continues to strengthen its allyship and existing bonds with Indigenous communities across the province to collaboratively provide meaningful experiences to Indigenous youth through golf.

To date, First Tee – Ontario has partnered with seven Indigenous schools and community centres across the province, including Akwasasne Mohawk School, Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre, Six Nations of the Grand River Community (Dajoh Facility), Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, Anishnabeg Outreach Centre, Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, and Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.

In addition, four partnered golf courses, including Roseland Golf Club, MontHill Golf and Country Club, Archies Family Golf Centre, and Briar Fox Golf Club are serving Indigenous youth through on-course programming.

“Having the First Tee program at MontHill Golf and Country Club provides youth on Six Nations of the Grand River with opportunities to learn the game of golf,” said First Tee – Ontario Coach, Melanie Burgess. “Being Indigenous owned, we take pride in reducing the barriers to participation in this sport.”

First Tee – Ontario builds out community “hubs” made up of partnered community centres or organizations, schools and nearby golf courses.

The intention is to first introduce children to golf through no-cost events or programming at partnered community centres and schools, then transition them to affordable on-course programming at nearby golf courses.

Thanks to the support of RBC and corporate donors, more than half of the First Tee – Ontario golf course locations serving Indigenous communities offer programming at no cost.

“Parents don’t need to worry about the financial commitment of typical junior golf programs or purchasing equipment,” said Program Coordinator, First Tee – Ontario, Kyarra Hasmatali. “The kids can show up as they are, with no experience, and have fun. Whether they have never held a golf club or are familiar with the sport, First Tee welcomes everyone.”

First Tee – Ontario has also received generous support from Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario (IWSO) through hosting Try Golf events and advocating for First Tee within their network. The ISWO’s efforts have helped build awareness and connections, onboard more program locations, and reach more Indigenous youth.

First Tee – Ontario programming primarily serves youth ages seven to 13 – a key stage in development, and programming is unique in the way it incorporates a curriculum that helps progress both golf skills and life skills simultaneously.

While participants learn how to swing a golf club and practice distance control, they are also learning about goal setting and how to be the most confident version of themselves.

“Improving golf skills is just one aspect of our program. The real goal is to build confidence and connections,” said First Tee – Ontario Coach, Steve Pronger. “As kids develop their golf skills on the course, they also gain self-assurance, learn to connect with others, and grow more comfortable with who they are each week.”

Looking ahead, First Tee – Ontario is excited to strengthen existing relationships and create new connections with Indigenous communities across the province.

First Tee – Ontario aims to expand programming in 2025 to include ages 14 to 16, providing additional opportunities for adolescents to discover and develop through the game of golf.

The reach of First Tee – Ontario across the province, and within Indigenous communities, is made possible by a generous network of supporters who believe and share the mission of championing youth and growing the game of golf.

To get involved in your community, or to donate to First Tee – Ontario visit https://firstteeontario.ca/giving/.