Championship schedule to include ten National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms in addition to Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open

Golf Canada will also conduct qualifiers for several USGA Championships including Local and Regional Qualifying for the U.S. Open as well as the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Men’s and Women’s Amateurs and U.S. Junior Girls and Boys Championships

(March 15, 2023) Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2023 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at venerable golf facilities across Canada.

The 2023 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s two signature National Open Championships — the RBC Canadian Open, June 5-11, at first-time host Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto and the CP Women’s Open to be conducted at Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club Aug. 21-27.  

Golf Canada’s 2023 competition calendar also includes ten National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms.

As the National Sport Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships to support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.

“After a wonderful return to a full championship schedule for 2022, we are pleased to continue that momentum in 2023 and welcome thousands of talented athletes to our national championships,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “Together with our corporate partners, our generous host clubs across the country, and all the volunteers that make these championships possible, we are looking forward to another great season of championship golf.”

Each of Golf Canada’s championships are set to be contested at some of Canada’s top clubs including the Canadian Men’s Amateur heading to The Pulpit Club’s 36 holes (Pulpit Course and Paintbrush Course) in Caledon, Ont. while the Canadian Women’s Amateur will be played at Ashburn Golf Club (New Course) in Halifax.

New for 2023 include the winners of both the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur receiving an exemption into the respective USGA Championships. This marks the inaugural time this is on offer for the winner of the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur, which will be, for the first time, a stand-alone event.

Each of the National Junior and Amateur Championships will include $8,000 purses with $1,200 of that going to the respective champions. Financial Assistance Grants supported by Gary Cowan Heritage Fund and the Canadian Senior Golf Association will once again be available for Juniors competing in the Canadian Junior Championships who meet eligibility requirements which can be found here.

Golf Canada will also conduct several professional and amateur championship qualifiers including five regional qualifiers into the RBC Canadian Open as well as final qualifiers for both the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.

Other notable qualifiers being conducted for USGA Championships on the 2023 schedule include a U.S. Open Local and Final Regional Qualifier and a first-ever U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier in addition to qualifiers for the U.S. Junior Amateur and Girls’ Junior Championships, the U.S. Women’s Amateur, and the U.S. Amateur Championships.  

Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off May 1 with a U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Cherry Hill Club in Ridgeway, Ont. and concludes the week of October 7 with both the NextGen Fall Series West at The Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey, B.C., and the World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms at the Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont.

To view Golf Canada’s 2023 Championship Schedule, including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities, click here.

2023 Championship Season at a Glance…

The 19th playing of the Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO will be held May 29-June 2 at Fire Rock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.

The 109th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO takes place July 31 – Aug. 4 at Ashburn Golf Club in Halifax, N.S. with the champion earning an exemption into the 2023 CP Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. The winner also receives exemptions into the 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2023 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and 2024 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championships, if applicable.

The 68th Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO will be contested July 23-27 at Hampton Golf Club in Hampton, N.B. where the winner will earn an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2024 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.

The 118th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 7-10 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. The event will be played over the Pulpit and Paintbrush 18-hole layouts. A maximum field of 264 players will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes, with the final two rounds contested at Pulpit. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Open, and if applicable, will earn an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Mid-Amateur, 2023 U.S. Senior Amateur or 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championships.

The 84th playing of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 13-17 at North Bay Golf & Country Club in North Bay, Ont.  The champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be held August 20-24 at Algonquin Golf Resort in St. Andrews, N.B.

The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship presented by BDO will be held July 24-27 at Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont., the first year that the championship will be conducted as a standalone event. 

The Canadian Women’s Senior Championship presented by BDO will take place August 29-September 1 at Mill River Golf Resort in O’Leary, P.E.I.  The Senior Champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Senior Championship and 2024 U.S. Women’s Senior Open.

Big Sky Golf Club in Pemberton, B.C. will play host to the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship September 4-8, with the champion earning an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.

The third playing of the Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, a national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, will be held September 13-15 at Kamloops Golf and Country Club in Kamloops, B.C.

The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2023 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. The 2023 NextGen Championship host clubs include: Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club (Roberts Creek, B.C.), Peterborough Golf and Country Club (Peterborough, Ontario), Athabasca Golf Club (Athabasca, Alberta), Evergreen Golf Club (Nipawin, Saskatchewan), Club de Golf Venise (Magog, Quebec), and Avondale Golf Club (Charlottetown, PEI). An additional two Fall Series championships will take place in September and October, where players will compete for exemptions into their respective 2024 national junior championships. 

An accomplished field of international competitors will take on Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont. from October 2-7 for the eighth playing of the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms. Look for 25 countries playing as 3-member squads competing for both a team and individual title. 

GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Golf Canada annually conducts more than 30 golf competitions and qualifiers nation-wide – including nine National Amateur Championships – which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by BDO Canada, Canadian Pacific, Sport Canada, Levelwear, Titleist,  FootJoy and JOURNIE Rewards. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/championships.

Week-long women’s golf festival with competitive and introductory programming for all ages of women and girls across Calgary to run in conjunction with enhanced Digital Commercial Bank Glencoe Invitational.

March 8, 2023 – Golf Canada and The Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary have announced a partnership that will support enhancements to the prestigious Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational, along with the pilot launch of a week-long women’s golf festival taking place across the Calgary region during the week of the championship.

Established in 1992, the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational is one of the premiere golf competitions in Canada with approximately 100 athletes – both professionals and elite amateurs in the women’s division and amateurs only in the men’s division – competing over 54 holes on The Forest Course at The Glencoe Golf & Country Club. The championship runs June 15-17 and will feature an expanded prize purse of at least $60,000 CAD in the women’s division. The winner of the women’s championship will also receive an exemption into the 2023 CP Women’s Open. 

Team Canada athletes will compete in the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational and Golf Canada will assist in recruiting international players to compete in the championship. Team Canada will also conduct training camps in Calgary surrounding the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational with athletes and coaches from the men’s, women’s, and NextGen squads. Following the championship, Golf Canada will host a US Women’s Amateur Qualifier on Monday, June 19 at the Sundre Golf Club in Sundre, Alta.

“The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational is a premier golf competition in this country, and it is exciting to see the enhancements take shape, especially the progressive investment to elevate opportunities for women,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer, Kevin Blue. “We are thankful for The Glencoe and the leadership they are demonstrating to help foster the growth of women’s golf in Canada. We are proud to partner in the enhancement of the women’s championship and deliver additional community golf activities to advance participation among women and junior girls in the Calgary area.”

“We are excited to grow the success of the tournament by partnering with Golf Canada,” said Tournament Chair, Dale Goehring. “This year’s event will enable more elite Canadian male and female players to compete on home soil.  Working alongside with Golf Canada with the tournament and Festival events aligns with the Glencoe Golf & Country Club’s mission to create exceptional experiences and grow the game of golf for both women and men.”

In addition to enhancements to the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational, Golf Canada will pilot a women’s golf festival concept that will take place during the week of the championship. Beginning on June 12, Golf Canada will host several introductory community events at Calgary area golf courses promoting recreational women’s and junior girls’ golf participation with a focus on the fun and social aspects of the game.

Information about new and existing clinics, leagues and programs for women and girls in the Calgary region will be shared throughout the week. The R&A is also providing important support for the Calgary area women’s golf festival pilot.    

“We are proud to have  support from Glencoe and the R&A in helping to pilot the Canadian Women’s Golf Festival with a dedicated focus on programming for women and girls that spans the full participation pathway from first involvement to high performance,” said Laura Wilson, Golf Canada’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Safe Sport. “We see this being a week-long celebration of women’s golf. The enhancements to the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational along with highly visible programming will address participation gaps and bring greater awareness among women of the physical, psychological, and social benefits of golf.”

Activities planned for the Women’s Golf Festival during the week of The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational include:

• Tee it Up Clinics – a first trial opportunity for young girls with introductions to fundamental skills such as driving, chipping, and putting in a fun and relaxed environment filled with music, games, and laughter.

• Team Scramble – a women focused fun and non-traditional nine-hole event for women and junior girls.

• Try Golf Taster – introductory events to encourage women to try golf in a low pressure, unintimidating environment.

• Women in Coaching – women’s only coach education sessions that will present an opportunity to develop leaders and role models in golf, especially focused on community coaching.

Golf Canada will work with Alberta Golf, City of Calgary, golf courses in the Calgary area and community-based organizations to operate the Women’s Golf Festival during the week of The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational as a pilot project with a goal that the concept can draw sustainable funding to support expansion to four Canadian markets in 2024. 

2022 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available

Golf Canada releases its new five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2027)

Judy Astle recognized by Golf Canada as its 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year

Volunteers Kay Thompson and Nick Marrone along with golf journalist and historian Joe McLean to be recognized with Golf Canada’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award

Golf Canada recognizes 2022 National Junior Facility Award winners

(March 2 – Golf Canada) – Golf Canada’s 2023 Annual Meeting culminated on Thursday, March 2 with the election of David McCarthy of Toronto as the 117^th President of the National Sport Federation.

McCarthy, a senior partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP, has been a volunteer with Golf Canada for more than 20 years across various committees and councils. A member of both the Donalda Golf & Country Club and the St. Andrews Golf Club, McCarthy was part of Golf Canada’s Governors Council (2014-2018) and has served on the Board of Directors since 2018.

“I am extremely honoured that the Nominating Committee has extended its confidence in me to serve as the 117^th President of Golf Canada,” said McCarthy. “There is great momentum for Golf Canada and golf in Canada and I look forward to assisting our sport to grow with pace.”  

Based on the report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, McCarthy will be joined on the 2023 Board of Directors by newly elected Vice-President Adam Daifallah of Montreal, Que. in leading the 13-member Board of Directors who will work closely with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum.

Returnees to the Board of Directors include Susan MacKinnon of Calgary, Alta., Patrick Kelly of Victoria, B.C., Shawn Evans of Kitchener, Ont., Alison Chisholm of Rothesay, N.B., Diane Drury-Clarke of Montreal, Que., Peter Major of Calgary, Alta., Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montreal, Que., and Michelle Collens of Vancouver, B.C. along with new additions Teri Yamada of Toronto, Ont., Kelly Roberts of London, Ont., and Adam Zubak of Vancouver, B.C. 

Liz Hoffman of Wasaga Beach, Ont. concluded her two-year term as the association’s 116^th President and transitions to become an Honorary Life Governor. Two other long-time volunteers – Patricia Thompson of Kelowna, B.C. and Michael Richards of Montreal – were also named by Golf Canada as new Honorary Life Governors in recognition of their longstanding contributions to the association.

As part of its Annual Meeting, Golf Canada also released the association’s 2022 Annual Report including its Financial Statements which are available here.

Golf Canada Releases its New Five-Year Strategic Plan

As part of the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum presented the  new five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2027), a roadmap for the organization’s operational, governance, sport, competitive and commercial areas of focus. The evolution of the Strategic Plan supports the organization’s vision to be a world leader in golf and its mission to better the lives of Canadians through participation and excellence in golf. Click here to see Golf Canada’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

Judy Astle named 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year…

In the continued celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized New Brunswick native Judy Astle as the 2022 recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. Now in its 17^th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community. Click here for more.

Volunteers Kay Thompson and Nick Marrone along Golf Journalist & historian Joe McLean to Receive Golf Canada’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award…

Golf Canada announced that three accomplished golf contributors – tireless volunteers Kay Thompson of St. John’s, N.L. and Nick Marrone of Toronto along with golf journalist and Ottawa Valley golf historian Joe McLean – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2023 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award will be celebrated in person with the recipients later this year. Click here for more.

Golf Canada Recognizes 2022 National Junior Facility Award Winners…

Golf Canada has named the six inaugural winners of the National Junior Facility Awards, a collection of Canadian golf facilities recognized across various areas for their positive contributions to impact and advance junior golf at their club and in their community. Click here for more.

Golf Canada’s 2022 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually on Thursday, March 2 with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and key industry stakeholders participating.

(February 28, 2023) – Golf Canada will host its 2023 Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 2 utilizing a virtual format as the National Sport Federation looks ahead to the 2023 season.

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

The virtual meeting begins at 1:00 pm EST and will include the release of the Association’s 2022 Annual Report & Financial Statements.

During the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada will introduce its 2023 Board of Directors including David McCarthy of Toronto as its 117^th President.

CEO Laurence Applebaum will also present Golf Canada’s new five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2027).

Golf Canada will also celebrate outstanding contributions to the game of golf including a presentation of the 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award and the appointment of three new Honorary Life Governors. Golf Canada will also recognize its 2022 National Junior Facility Award winners and announce the 2023 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.

Click here To watch a live stream of Golf Canada’s Annual Meeting

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 319,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf.

 2024 marks first time the historic club will play host to the stars of the LPGA Tour; 50th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship returns to Alberta for the 7th time and first since 2016 

Through Canadian Pacific’s community investment program, CP Has Heart, the event will once again be making a significant contribution to pediatric cardiac care in the host community 

(February 28, 2023) – The stars of the LPGA Tour are headed back to Calgary as Golf Canada and Canadian Pacific (CP) have announced that the 2024 CP Women’s Open will be contested at the historic Earl Grey Golf Club from July 22-28, 2024. 

The 2024 CP Women’s Open will mark the 7th time that the province of Alberta has hosted Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship and first since 2016. The 2024 event will be the 50th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship and the first time that Earl Grey will challenge the stars of the LPGA Tour. 

“Together, with our partners at Canadian Pacific and the LPGA Tour, we are very excited to bring the 2024 CP Women’s Open to the world-class city of Calgary and the prestigious Earl Grey Golf Club,” said CP Women’s Open Tournament Director Ryan Paul. “Calgary and the province of Alberta is home to a tremendously passionate golf community, and we are excited to see the LPGA Tour’s best challenge one of Canada’s premier golf courses.” 

Through its CP Has Heart campaign, CP will once again be making a significant charitable contribution to the host community. In its nine years of title sponsorship from 2014-2022, the campaign has raised more than $16 million for children’s cardiac care in the tournament’s host communities. 

“On behalf of the Canadian Pacific team and our more than 2,000-strong Calgary-based employees, we are proud to be part of such a tremendous event and excited to bring the tournament back to Calgary, an integral city within our rail network and home to CP’s headquarters,” said Keith Creel, CP President and CEO. “We look forward to continuing CP’s significant charitable legacy in our home community through CP Has Heart.” 

A host community beneficiary of the 2024 CP Women’s Open will be named by CP and Golf Canada at a later date. 

Originally founded in 1919 as a five-hole layout and now on its current site overlooking the picturesque Glenmore Reservoir since 1932, Earl Grey is world-class championship facility located in the heart of Calgary. The club, which features an 18-hole championship course as well as a nine-hole Par 3, has hosted numerous major provincial, national and international competitions including the Alberta Men’s Open, the Alberta Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships, the Alberta Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships, The Alberta Junior Boys Championship, and the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, in addition to the Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship, the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, and the former Peter Jackson Championship. 

“We are excited to welcome the very best LPGA Tour players to Earl Grey Golf Club for the 2024 CP Women’s Open,” said Marion Burnyeat, Earl Grey Club President. “Hosting this historic tournament gives us the opportunity to share our championship golf course to challenge the top players in the world. The local golf community will come together in 2024 for this world-class tournament supported by the volunteer spirit for which Calgary is known.” 

The Tournament Partners of the LPGA awarded the CP Women’s Open with Tournament of the Year in 2022. Golf Canada and CP also received Gold Driver Awards for Best Sponsor Activation in 2019 and 2022 as well as Best Community and Charity Engagement in 2017, 2019 and 2022. 

“Hosting this prestigious event is a tremendous opportunity to showcase to the world the outstanding local partners and experiences that make Calgary the Ultimate Host City,” says Cindy Ady, CEO of Tourism Calgary. “It has been a pleasure to work alongside Golf Canada to secure the CP Women’s Open for the city and we are thrilled to welcome world’s best female golfers to Calgary in 2024.” 

Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has traditionally featured one of the strongest fields on the LPGA Tour vying for a total purse of $2.35 million USD. The 2023 CP Women’s Open is being held at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver from August 21-27, 2023. 

First conducted in 1973, Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has allowed the brightest stars of the LPGA Tour to shine on Canadian soil to inspire the nation’s next generation of female golfers. Brooke Henderson’s historic victory in 2018 was the first time a Canadian had won the National Open since golf legend Jocelyne Bourassa 45 years earlier. 

Information about volunteer opportunities and corporate hospitality for the 2024 CP Women’s Open at the Earl Grey Golf Club will be available in the coming weeks. 

Successful nominations will celebrate Samji and Beauchemin for demonstrating excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

(February 27, 2023) – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Fareen Samji of Burlington, Ont. and Bob Beauchemin of Brampton, Ont. have been named the inaugural winners of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award.

Following a national call for nominations to the Canadian golf community in 2022, Samji and Beauchemin were identified by the selection committee as co-recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award, celebrating a pair of individuals who demonstrated excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

“So many spirited and well-intentioned individuals use golf as a platform to contribute to their community and we are extremely proud to celebrate Fareen Samji and Bob Beauchemin as the inaugural recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “Both were nominated by their peers for their wonderful efforts to share the golf experience in their community and I am pleased to congratulate them on this much deserved honour.”

A 5-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive champion and former golf touring professional, Samji is a respected entrepreneur, speaker, and author who founded the Smashing the Grass Ceiling golf program to engage women and young girls to connect and be inspired on the golf course.

“It’s amazing to see the support from the community around creating access to golf and long drive,” said Samji. “I’m humbled to receive this award and will continue to forge ahead and work to help people use the sport to create meaningful relationships.”

Beauchemin, a PGA of Canada professional and Head Teaching Professional at Oakdale Golf and Country Club, was nominated for his efforts to advance junior golf including First Tee Canada, as well as his mentorship to countless golf industry professionals through the Humber College Professional Golf Management Program.   

“I am very humbled to receive this wonderful honour,” said Beauchemin. “Golf has been an integral part of my life for almost 60 years and has given me so much. If I have, in anyway, been responsible for passing on valuable knowledge or igniting a passion and love for the game of golf to the next generation, I feel it is a privilege.”

Samji and Beauchemin will each receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of their choice.

Submissions for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award were evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.  

Get to Know Fareen Samji….

A 5-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive champion and former golf touring professional, Fareen Samji is a respected entrepreneur, speaker, mentor and author who founded the Smashing the Grass Ceiling golf program to engage women and young girls to connect and be inspired on the golf course. The golf program features a series of events ranging from 9-hole tournaments to clinics and retreats all designed to take the “scary” out of golf. The junior component to the program—Smashing Girls—is designed to give girls without access to golf, aged 11-17 the opportunity to learn golf, meet successful women mentors and learn critical interpersonal skills. Samji is also the Tour Commissioner and coach for ALD Canada Long Drive and works actively to recruit and develop long drivers to represent Canada at international events.

Samji published her book, Smashing the Grass Ceiling in 2017 to empower, motivate and inspire professional women to make meaningful connections. Through the Smashing program she runs workshops and clinics to help professionals increase confidence and learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, the McMaster graduate is an entrepreneur who works in the field of event management, orthotics, orthopedic footwear, compression therapy and bracing.

Samji has been nominated for Citizen of the Year two times and is the winner of a Provincial Canada 150 award as well a recipient of the Leading Women Leading Change award. She is also the founder and creator of Pythons’ Pit, an entrepreneurial pitch contest for high school students that helps to foster innovation and creativity.

Get to Know Bob Beauchemin

A respected PGA of Canada Class A professional, Bob Beauchemin’s contributions to advance the sport of golf have impacted thousands of industry professionals and juniors over a distinguished career in the game. As Head Teaching Professional at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Beauchemin has been a driving force behind the club’s commitment to the First Tee Canada program designed to increase the accessibility of golf for youth in traditionally underrepresented communities. Beauchemin operated two First Tee Canada programs at Oakdale in 2022, providing community youth with no-cost access to experience the sport, using golf as a vehicle to have fun and build confidence.

Beauchemin has also taught more than 1,000 aspiring golf industry professionals over his career through the Humber College Professional Golf Management Program (1997-present) in addition to the development and execution of The Humber PGM Player Development Program (2000-present). He has inspired new generations of industry professionals to become passionate and trusted custodians of the game, providing education and mentorship on the rules, etiquette and proud history of the sport. Prior to the launch of First Tee Canada, Beauchemin taught the former Future Links junior golf program since its inception, supporting hundreds of aspiring junior golfers at Oakdale and from the surrounding community through camps, clinics and lessons. An accomplished former Touring Professional (1975-1986), Beauchemin competed on golf tours around the world including the PGA TOUR, Australian Tour, and the Asian Tour in addition to the former Canadian Tour (now PGA TOUR Canada) with which he later served eight years as Commissioner and CEO (1985-1993). He was honoured by PGA TOUR Canada as a Life Member in 2007 for contributions to the advancement of the Tour and its players.

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award celebrates individuals over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; who have contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or have showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

Launched in the summer of 2022, the recognition was renamed the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards (both the Community Leader Award as well as the Junior Leader Award) as a tribute to the Canadian golf legend’s contributions to advance the sport and charitable initiatives both on and off the golf course.

A call for nominations for the 2023 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards will go out later this year.

112^th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship will feature the return of the RBCxMusic Concert Series on Friday & Saturday of tournament week

Today, Golf Canada in partnership with title sponsor RBC, is pleased to release a full selection of ticket options for the 2023 RBC Canadian Open. Included in all Friday and Saturday tickets are access to the RBCxMusic Concert Series.     

Following one of the most exciting championships in the event’s history, the 2023 RBC Canadian Open will take place June 6-11, contested for the first time ever at the historic Oakdale Golf & Country Club – a Stanley Thompson classic located in the heart of Toronto.

CLICK HERE to secure your tickets before they sell out!

Taking place in early June, and a week prior to the US Open, this PGA TOUR event is a week-long summer festival and highlight on the Canadian sports calendar.

“Together with RBC we are incredibly excited to kick off summer with the 2023 RBC Canadian Open,” said RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director, Bryan Crawford. “We are extremely proud to welcome Oakdale Golf & Country Club to our championship host venue rotation and with deep interest in golf at all levels of the game, the return of the RBC Canadian Open is sure to be another can’t miss celebration.”

Oakdale will challenge the stars of the PGA TOUR as a 7,460-yard composite championship routing that integrates elements from each of the course’s three nines (Thompson, Homenuik, Knudson).

Building on the multi-day sellout that thrilled fans in 2022 and culminated with Rory McIlroy’s impressive defense of his RBC Canadian Open title, fans of all ages will once again experience the energy of world-class PGA TOUR golf and exciting activities all week long including the return of the RBCxMusic Concert Series on Friday and Saturday (musical acts to be announced in the coming weeks), The Rink on the 14 hole at Oakdale, and a variety of food and patio experiences at the Recipe Unlimited Fare Way.

“We are thrilled to bring the RBCxMusic Concert Series back at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open and to build on the incredible momentum of last year’s event,” said Shannon Cole, Vice-President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “This tournament continues to attract golf and music fans alike, and we look forward to announcing our headliners in the coming weeks.”

In addition to the full suite of RBC Canadian Open tickets now available, youth aged 12-and-under get free general admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult. All Friday and Saturday tickets will include access to the RBCxMusic Concert Series.

One of Canada’s premier annual sporting events, the RBC Canadian Open features miles of front row seating for golf fans to experience the thrill of live professional golf.

General admission tickets provide access to the golf course—get an up-close look at your favourite PGA TOUR stars, enjoy fan activations throughout the property and experience the thrill of major professional golf.

Upgraded ticket experiences including corporate hospitality packages and premium guest hosting are also available.    

Visit www.rbccanadianopen.com/tickets to secure your tickets before they sell out.

Click here to sign up for the RBC Canadian Open newsletter and be among the first notified for upcoming RBCxMusic Concert Series announcements and updates.

Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2023 NextGen Championship schedule. The 2023 season includes six regional competitions hosted across the country culminating with two Fall Series Championships, on each of Canada’s coasts.

NextGen Championships are open to players who are 18 years of age and under (as of Aug. 1, 2023) and attract the country’s most talented junior golfers.

Golf Canada’s NextGen Championship season kicks off from May 4-7 with the NextGen Pacific Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards at Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club in Roberts Creek, B.C. Golf Canada is proud to return to Sunshine Coast after the club hosted a successful 2018 NextGen Fall Series Championship. Sunshine Coast presents players with a classic west coast golf experience—given its unique Salish Sea influenced climate, the course is open 12 months a year and challenges players with fantastic year-round playing conditions.

The schedule then shifts east to Peterborough Golf and Country Club for the NextGen Ontario Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards from May 25-28. With a history dating back to 1897, Peterborough consulted legendary Canadian course architect Stanley Thompson to design what is now their 18-hole layout in 1929. Having hosted several prestigious amateur competitions including the2015 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, Peterborough has a proven track record of challenging the country’s best golfers.

From June 8-11, the NextGen Western Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards heads to Athabasca Golf and Country Club in Athabasca, Alt. Set amidst the boreal forest in the Athabasca River Valley, the venue is a challenging yet fun 18-hole layout. Named one of the most scenic golf courses in Alberta, the club’s setting adds to its difficulty and creates a visually stunning and unobtrusive test of golf. 

The NextGen schedule continue its Prairie swing as Evergreen Golf Course is set to host the NextGen Prairie Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards from June 15-18. Situated in Saskatchewan’s vacation capital of Nipawin, Evergreen is nestled between two spectacular lakes where the open prairie meets the boreal forest. Nipawin is one of Saskatchewan’s most attractive outdoor recreation destinations offering world class golf, as well as superb fishing, camping, and boating opportunities.

In July, the NextGen schedule returns east, beginning with the NextGen Quebec Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards. Club de Golf Venise in Magog, Que. will host this championship from July 3-6. The Club was founded in 1977 and operates two 18-hole courses, with one in Sherbrooke and one in Magog. The Magog course will present a stiff test for NextGen competitors while also providing fantastic views of Lake Magog and Mount Orford.

In July, the NextGen schedule will wrap up in Vernon River, P.E.I. as Avondale Golf Course will host the NextGen Atlantic Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards from July 17-20. Known for its challenging bent grass greens, Avondale is poised to test the short game skills of the country’s best junior golfers.

The 2023 NextGen Championship schedule concludes with two Fall Series  Championships, open to any junior golfers aged 18 and under as of August 1, 2024. 

The NextGen Fall Series East Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards will be hosted by Club de Golf Milby in Sherbrooke, Que. from September 21-24. Founded in 1965, Milby has hosted several provincial and national championships, most recently the 2014 Canadian Women’s Senior Championship. 

The season wraps up Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 with the NextGen Fall Series West Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards as course still to be determined in British Columbia or Alberta.

REGISTER

Long-time professional golf standout as well as legendary golf writer to become the 84^th and 85^th inductees into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame

Inductees to receive the highest honour in Canadian golf as part of RBC Hall of Fame Day in June during the 2023 RBC Canadian Open

The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame today announced that long-time professional and PGA of Canada member Jim Rutledge as well as celebrated writer Robert Stanley Weir have been selected for 2023 induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

Rutledge, 63, from Victoria, B.C. will be inducted in the player category while Weir – who was born in 1856 and died in 1926 – will be inducted as a builder for his over two decades of writing on golf. Weir, considered by many to be Canada’s first golf writer, is most famous for writing the English lyrics to ‘O Canada.’

With their inductions, the pair become the 84^th and 85^th honoured members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

“The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame is thrilled to welcome Robert S. Weir and Jim Rutledge as our newest honoured members,” said Ted Fletcher, Chair of the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee. “Jim was – and continues to be – an accomplished player at the professional level while Mr. Weir was a pioneer in golf writing, golf psychology, and a wonderful wordsmith on a variety of subjects beyond golf. I speak on behalf of the entire selection committee as well as the honoured members to say they are deserving of their appointments.”

“My initial reply to Ted’s phone call took me completely off guard. After it all settled in, I flashed back to my career and of how fortunate I have been to represent Canada and travel the world doing what I loved for so many years,” said Rutledge. “I am truly honored and thank all involved in my nomination.”

With his induction, Mr. Weir becomes the 26^th person inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame’s builder category and 18^th to be inducted posthumously.

“Weir was a Renaissance man of golf, and beyond golf, given that he was a highly respected judge and poet, and that he wrote the English lyrics to O Canada,” said fellow Hall of Fame member Lorne Rubenstein of Weir. “Of course, I am focusing on what he did for golf as Canada’s first golf writer. He set the stage for all of us who have read his work in a variety of publications. Canadian golf writers stand on Weir’s shoulders and at his side, learning from him and enjoying his work.”

Weir and Rutledge will officially join the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony taking place on Tuesday, June 7 during the RBC Hall of Fame Day as part of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.

JIM RUTLEDGE…
Jim Rutledge is one of Canada’s most accomplished touring professionals – and continues to compete to this day.

Born in Victoria, Rutledge was a celebrated junior and amateur golfer in British Columbia before winning the 1975 Canadian Juvenile Championship and the 1977 Canadian Junior Championship. He turned professional in 1978 and has spent the better part of the next four decades competing on golf tours all around the world.

Rutledge was a member of the European Tour (now DP World Tour) in 1990 where he finished a career-high 55th in the Order of Merit. He also competed in the 1990 and 1991 Open Championships. He made the cut in 1990 and finished tied for 57th.

Fast forward a decade and Rutledge was a member of the Nationwide Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour) from 2001-2009. He won his first event on that Tour in 2006 and finished 14th on the money list which earned him PGA TOUR status for 2007. Rutledge earned the distinction of being the second-oldest rookie in PGA TOUR history when he teed it up that season.

After turning 50, Rutledge has made several appearances on PGA TOUR Champions.

He has won on the PGA Tour of Australasia and on the Asian Tour, but most of Rutledge’s success has come in Canada. He is a six-time winner on the Canadian Tour (now PGA Tour Canada) along with the 1984 PGA of Canada championship and the PGA of Canada Senior Championship seven times including most recently in 2022.

Rutledge has also represented Canada at the World Cup three times and the Dunhill Cup twice.

He was inducted in the BC Golf Hall of Fame in 2011 and the PGA of Canada’s Hall of Fame in 2022.

ROBERT S. WEIR…
Robert Stanley Weir was Canada’s first golf writer who wrote on the subject for over two decades.

Ninety articles have been uncovered so far while not all his works have been found. Weir wrote about golf as the sport established itself in Canada and the United States at the turn of the century and as World War I ended. His early work on golf could be found in Canadian Golfer, Golf Magazine (in both the U.K. and U.S.), Golfer’s Magazine, and Golf Illustrated.  A collection of his golf writing is available here.

Weir joined esteemed golf writers such as Bernard Darwin, Jerome Travers, and Harold Hilton in the inaugural issue of Golf Illustrated. Darwin once said of Weir: “He has an easily intelligible method of explaining something, which is horribly difficult to explain.”

Weir’s work also appeared in Vanity Fair and Harpers Bazaar. He published two books of poetry, plenty of legal works and is perhaps best known for penning the English lyrics to Canada’s national anthem. Outside of his work chronicling the game, Weir was also a member of Royal Montreal Golf Club and Outremont Golf Club as well as a founding member of Kanawaki Golf Club where he served as the club’s first president in 1902. As a competitive player, he represented Canada as a team member at the 1920 International Match. Weir also served as a Board member with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) in 1905. 

Former Right to Play Chief People Officer to lead Golf Canada’s People & Culture functions in addition to core activities that support the organization’s commitment to DEI & Safe Sport

Golf Canada announced that experienced people and culture executive Niki da Silva has joined the organization as its new Chief People Officer, beginning January 23, 2023.

Da Silva joins the Executive Team of the National Sport Federation after a successful five-year chapter with Right to Play International in Toronto, most recently serving as their Chief People Officer, Global.

In the newly created role, da Silva will collaborate with the Executive Team, Board of Directors, staff, and national volunteer network to lead all people operations strategy, programs and functions including employment practices, recruitment, talent management, performance management, compliance, administration, training, benefits and compensation, and health and safety.

As CPO, da Silva will also work closely with Golf Canada’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Safe Sport to advance the organization-wide commitment to DEI and Safe Sport. Da Silva will also have oversight for all staff and HR functions for Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation and First Tee Canada.

“Niki is going to be an amazing partner and resource for every area and department of Golf Canada’s operations. Her infectious enthusiasm and energy will drive a world-class people function for our organization,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Niki is an exceptional leader in global sport and will bring tremendous experience and leadership developed at Right to Play and previous executive roles.”

Da Silva is enthusiastic about reimagining the future of work, inspired by the challenge of developing high-performing organizations and energized by building a world-class employee experience.

“I am thrilled to be joining Golf Canada, supporting our people and the critical work happening across the organization to advance our vision to be a world leader in golf,” said da Silva. “Throughout my career, I have had a first-hand view of the transformative power of sport and I look forward to helping grow the game and make it accessible for even more Canadians.”

As a member of the global executive team at Right to Play, da Silva’s responsibilities included developing the vision for a five-year strategic plan and driving two organizational redesigns that aligned talent and strategic operation from two regional offices to one global office. The Toronto resident led a transformation and scaling of the People and Culture function including talent acquisition and performance management along with learning and talent development programs. During da Silva’s tenure, Right to Play was recognized as “Top for Culture and Values” by Glassdoor and received its first-ever Global Staff Award nomination for “Team of the Year” and three consecutive years of “Great Place to Work” Certifications™.

Da Silva earned a Masters Business Administration with the Rotman School of Management     and BA, Honours Business Administration with the Ivey School of Business. Da Silva is also a Certified Leadership Coach with the Third Factor 3×4 Program and is in progress to become a Certified Human Resource Executive (CHRE) with the Human Resource Professional Association.

Married with two children, da Silva has also contributed to several community groups including the Islington Rangers Soccer Club, Brampton Minor Lacrosse Association, and Toronto Ski Club in addition to past Board positions with Sunnylea Childcare Centre and the YWCA.