Houston, Texas – Golf Canada and the United States Golf Association (USGA) wrapped up their two-day international friendly match play event over the weekend at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas. The U.S. National Junior Team emerged victorious by a 16-8 point total.

Team Canada – NextGen was led by Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont., Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta. and Alex Zhang of Richmond, B.C. who all earned three points for the team from their three matches. Antoine Jasmin of Blainville, Que. also earned two points from three matches and Aphrodite Deng of Calgary, Alta. won her individual match on Sunday to also earn a point for Team Canada – NextGen.

“We are very proud of our team from their performances on the course and representing Golf Canada off the course as well,” said Darcy Dhillon, Coach, Team Canada – NextGen Boys. “We are very appreciative of our friends at the USGA for hosting us and providing our team the opportunity to play in more competitive events early in the season. This was a great experience for everyone involved and we look forward to more collaborative opportunities in the future.”

The two-day event featured 12 players (six girls and six boys) representing each team in a mixed competition that was World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) sanctioned. The match play format consisted of mixed Foursome team matches and mixed Four-Ball team matches on Saturday with individual single matches to close the event on Sunday.

The Team Canada – NextGen squad featured 10 current members of the High-Performance program. Two additional U17 players were selected on the boys’ side to round out the team. The roster for the event included:

BOYS

Charlie Gillespie – 18, Calgary, Alta.

Antoine Jasmin – 19, Blainville, Que.

Austin Krahn – 17, Christina Lake, B.C.

*Dawson Lew – 15, Toronto, Ont.

Jager Pain – 16, Woodbridge, Ont.

*Alex Zhang – 16, Richmond, B.C.

Coaches: Darcy Dhillon – Calgary, Alta., Dr. Charles Fitsimmons (Mental Performance Coach) – King City, Ont.

*- denotes selected player

GIRLS

Aphrodite Deng – 15, Calgary, Alta.

Clara Ding – 14, White Rock, B.C.

Shauna Liu – 16, Maple, Ont.

Eileen Park – 15, Red Deer, Alta.

Nobelle Park – 15, Oakville, Ont.

Michelle Xing – 16, Richmond Hill, Ont.

Coaches: Jeff MacDonald – Halifax, N.S., Jennifer Ha – Calgary, Alta.

For more information on Team Canada, please click here.

In addition to the match play competition, there was joint team dinner following practice rounds on Friday and a closing awards ceremony following play on Sunday.

For the full results from the international friendly, please click here.

Oakville, ON – Golf Canada and the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced today that the Team Canada – NextGen program and the U.S. National Junior Team will compete in a two-day international friendly match play event, April 12-13 at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas.

The event will feature 12 players (six girls and six boys) representing each team in a mixed competition that will be World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) sanctioned. The match play format will be as follows:

Saturday, April 12: Foursome Team matches (a.m.) and Four-Ball Team matches (p.m.)

Sunday, April 13: Individual Single matches

“We are excited for our young Canadian athletes to participate in this match play event and give these talented aspiring players another opportunity to compete internationally. We have seen great success with our NextGen players over the past couple years, especially at the World Junior Girls Golf Championship and these matches provide great experience to continue to learn and grow,” said Jeff MacDonald, head coach of the Team Canada – NextGen Girls team. “We also want to extend our thanks to the USGA, as these unique matches help to strengthen an already strong relationship between our two national golf federations.”

The Team Canada – NextGen squad will feature 10 current members of the High-Performance program. Two additional U17 players were selected on the boys’ side to round out the team. The roster for the event will include:

BOYS

Charlie Gillespie – 18, Calgary, Alta.

Antoine Jasmin – 19, Blainville, Que.

Austin Krahn – 17, Christina Lake, B.C.

*Dawson Lew – 15, Toronto, Ont.

Jager Pain – 16, Woodbridge, Ont.

*Alex Zhang – 16, Richmond, B.C.

Coaches: Darcy Dhillon – Calgary, Alta., Dr. Charles Fitsimmons (Mental Performance Coach) – King City, Ont.

*- denotes selected player

GIRLS

Aphrodite Deng – 15, Calgary, Alta.

Clara Ding – 14, White Rock, B.C.

Shauna Liu – 16, Maple, Ont.

Eileen Park – 15, Red Deer, Alta.

Nobelle Park – 15, Oakville, Ont.

Michelle Xing – 16, Richmond Hill, Ont.

Coaches: Jeff MacDonald – Halifax, N.S., Jennifer Ha – Calgary, Alta.

For more information on Team Canada, please click here.

Team USA will be comprised of:

BOYS
Ronin Banerjee – 16, Irvine, Calif.

Luke Colton – 17, Frisco, Texas

Phillip Dunham – 17, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Trevor Gutschewski – 17, Omaha, Neb.

Will Hartman – 18, Marvin, N.C.

Tyler Mawhinney – 17, Fleming Island, Fla. (2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion)

GIRLS

Shyla Brown – 16, McKinney, Texas

Ryleigh Knaub – 18, DeBary, Fla.

Jude Lee – 17, Walnut, Calif.

Nikki Oh – 17, Torrance, Calif.

Scarlett Schremmer – 18, Birmingham, Ala.

Amelie Zalsman – 16, St. Petersburg, Fla.

For more information of the U.S. roster, please click here.

“Team match play has long been an important part of international competition and introducing our nation’s top junior talent to these formats, competitive situations and championship level courses early in their development is crucial to building confidence and preparing them for success on the game’s biggest stages,” said Chris Zambri, head coach of the U.S. National Teams. “We’re thankful to partner with Golf Canada on this initiative in support of friendly competition and development for all of our athletes.”

Champions Golf Club was founded in 1957 by World Golf Hall of Fame members and past Masters champions, Jack Burke Jr. and Jimmy Demaret. The Cypress Creek course opened in 1959 and five years later the Jackrabbit course was built. Champions Golf Club has hosted numerous events including the Ryder Cup (1967), U.S. Open (1969), U.S. Amateur (1993), The TOUR Championship (1990, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003) and the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open.

In addition to the match play competition, there will be a joint team dinner following practice rounds on Friday, April 11 and a closing awards ceremony following play on Sunday, April 13.

Canada well represented at Masters Tournament, Augusta National Women’s Amateur and
Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals

As the calendar turns to April, golf fans worldwide focus their attention on Augusta, Ga. to celebrate a tradition unlike any other and watch in anticipation as to who will be next to don the iconic green jacket.

Canada will be well represented at the 89th Masters Tournament with four Canadians currently set to compete including past Masters champion, Mike Weir (Bright’s Grove, Ont.), Corey Conners (Listowel, Ont.), Taylor Pendrith (Richmond Hill, Ont.) and 2023 RBC Canadian Open winner, Nick Taylor (Abbotsford, B.C.).

Weir will be competing in his 26th Masters Tournament. His iconic win in 2003 was secured on the first playoff hole at Augusta National Golf Club to beat Len Mattiace and become the first Canadian Masters champion and the first Canadian male golfer to win a major.

Conners, who will be competing in his eighth Masters Tournament including 2015 as an amateur, had three consecutive top 10 finishes between 2020 and 2022, with his best finish, T6 coming in 2022. Taylor will be making his third appearance at the Masters, his best finish was T29 in 2020, while Pendrith will be making his Masters debut.

Also returning to Augusta National Golf Club (Augusta National) is Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club’s superintendent, Eric Ruhs, who has been volunteering with the Augusta National Agronomy department since 2014. Ruhs has been the superintendent at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club since 1987 and was honoured as the 2023 Superintendent of the Year by the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association.

Lauren Kim set to compete in second consecutive Augusta National Women’s Amateur

Before the Masters Tournament kicks off, Augusta National will host the sixth annual Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), from April 2-5.

Team Canada member, Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C. will be competing at her second consecutive ANWA, looking to build on last year’s T14 finish. Kim is currently a sophomore at the University of Texas where she has enjoyed a great deal of success throughout her season. She claimed her second collegiate title at the Betsy Rawls Invitational in March and has three additional third place finishes along with a top-five and a top-six.

The ANWA features a field of 72 amateurs competing over 54 holes of stroke play with a cut following 36 holes. The opening rounds will be contested at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. on Wednesday, April 2 and Thursday, April 3. The top 30 players and ties will advance to the final round at Augusta National on Saturday, April 5. The entire field will play a practice round there one day prior on Friday.

The first two rounds of the ANWA will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. ET. NBC will air the final round on April 5 from Noon – 3:00 p.m. ET.

For more information on the ANWA including the full field, click here.

Three Canadians set to compete in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals in Augusta

Following the ANWA, the 11th annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals will be contested on Sunday, April 6 at Augusta National.

Three Canadians will be among the 80 qualified junior golfers that have earned invitations to compete in Augusta. They are:

Allen Kong from Vancouver, B.C. who will be competing in the Boys 7-9 division. Kong earned his spot through a regional qualifying event at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wa., where he gained 133 points, fourth highest in his division among other national final competitors.

Jenny Guo of Langley, B.C. will be competing in the Girls 12-13 division. Guo recorded 143 points at her regional qualifying event at Chambers Bay, where her total was the second highest among other national finalists in the division. Guo also finished second at the inaugural Canadian U15 Championship last August at the Elmira Golf Club in Elmira, Ont.

Riviera Lindholm of Toronto, Ont. will also be competing in the Girls 12-13 Division. Lindholm earned her qualification at a regional event at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa. where she totaled 150 points, the highest total among national finalists in her division. Last season, Lindholm earned a T4 finish at the Canadian U15 Championship and placed second at the 2024 Junior Skills Challenge National Event in the Girls 12-13 division.

Canadians have enjoyed past success at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, with three current Team Canada members having previously won their respective divisions. LPGA Tour member Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont. won the Girls 14-15 division in 2017. Vanessa Borovilos of Etobicoke, Ont. won the Girls 10-11 division in 2018 and Nicole Gal of Oakville, Ont. won the Girls 14-15 division in 2019. Fellow Canadian Alexis Card of Cambridge, Ont. won the Girls 7-9 division in 2021.

Drive, Chip and Putt is conducted in partnership with the USGA, the Masters Tournament and the PGA of America and is a free youth golf development program. The competition tests the skills of the game, measuring accuracy in driving, chipping and putting. Each competitor is scored on a 30-point system – the player with the best drive is awarded 10 points, the closest cumulative chips, 10 points and the player with nearest cumulative putts, another 10 points. The player with the highest total combined score will be named the winner from each age and gender division.

For more information on the 2025 national finalists and regional qualifying results, please click here. For more information on Drive, Chip and Putt, please click here

RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open honoured at the
2025 Sport Tourism Canada PRESTIGE Awards

Hamilton, Ont. and Calgary, Alta. – Golf Canada was presented with a 2025 Outstanding Business Achievement Award for Tourism Champion of the Year, from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Hamilton at the Hamilton Chamber’s annual awards gala last week.

In addition, the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open were honoured during the 2025 Sport Tourism Canada PRESTIGE Awards, celebrating the best in Canada’s Sport Tourism industry. The ceremony was held during the Sport Events Congress (SEC) 2025 earlier this month in Calgary, Alta.

The CPKC Women’s Open was named Sport Tourism Canada (STC) International Sport Event of the Year: Group A (Budget of $2M to $10M). The award recognizes the overall success of an outstanding international sport event held in Canada in 2024, that includes international participants.

The RBC Canadian Open was named STC Sport Event Partnership of the Year. The award recognizes a collaborative and innovative partnership between a destination, rights holder, venue and/or other industry or community partners to deliver an outstanding sport event held in Canada in 2024.

“We are very honoured to have both of Canada’s National Open Golf Championships recognized by Sport Tourism Canada and their sponsors at this year’s Sport Events Congress. We are equally as proud to be recognized by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Hamilton as the Tourism Champion of the Year for the 2024 RBC Canadian Open,” said Garrett Ball, Chief Operating Officer, Golf Canada. “Additionally, we are extremely thankful to our partners at CPKC, RBC, the Government of Ontario, Tourism Calgary and Tourism Hamilton for helping us break event attendance records and deliver an exceptional experience at two of Canada’s premier annual sporting events.”

The PRESTIGE (Program Recognizing Exceptional Sport Tourism Initiatives, Games & Events) Awards is now in its 17th year, honouring exceptional sport events, people and organizations since their inception in 2007. This year, ten recipients across eight award categories were recognized.

For more information about Sport Tourism Canada, please visit sporttourismcanada.com/. For more information about the PRESTIGE Awards, please visit sporttourismcanada.com/about-prestige-awards/.

For more information about the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce’s 41st Annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards and the winners, please visit hamiltonchamber.ca/2025-obaa-winners/.

The PGA of Canada and Golf Canada are delighted to announce the eight talented coaches selected for the 2025 Women in Coaching program. This initiative, now in its fifth year, is dedicated to increasing the representation of female high-performance coaches to better reflect the diversity of the Canadian golf community.

The 2025 participants are:​

• Jennifer MacKinnon – Earl Grey Golf Club, Senior Associate Golf Professional
• Katie White – Fox Meadow Golf Course, Head Teaching Professional and PEI Provincial Golf Coach
• Elizabeth Stewart – Edmonton Petroleum Club, Associate Golf Professional and Pandas Women’s Golf Coach at the University of Alberta
• Morgan Matchett – Miramichi Golf and Country Club, Assistant Professional
• Katy Rutherford – Silver Springs Golf & Country Club, Manager of Player Development
• Naixin (Sophia) Li – So Golf Academy Inc., Principal & Head Pro
• Kayla Burke – Lambton Golf & Country Club, Assistant Golf Professional
• Anne Balser – Oakfield Golf & Country Club, Associate Golf Professional

“I am truly thrilled to be part of this year’s Women in Coaching program,” said Sophia Li. “Over the years, I have gained invaluable teaching experience through continuous learning and the accumulation of knowledge, which has given me the opportunity to further my studies with national-level coaches. Every effort and dedication along the way has been immensely rewarding. I look forward to elevating my coaching to new heights and sharing the insights I gain with my students, both now and in the future.”

“It’s an honour to be part of this year’s Women in Coaching program. I’ve heard nothing but great things from past participants, and I’m excited for the opportunity to learn from not only the top women in the industry, but some of the best coaches in the country,” said Anne Balser. “I’m looking forward to catching up with two of my Atlantic Zone colleagues and collaborating with all the talented women, from across the country, who will be attending. This will be an invaluable experience, both personally and professionally.”

Each participant will engage in a comprehensive year-long program that includes:​

• Personalized learning plans with guidance from Master Coach Developer Beth Barz.​
• Coach shadowing opportunities with esteemed professionals, including Golf Canada national team coaches Salimah Mussani and Jennifer Greggain.​
• Virtual learning sessions tailored to developing a community of practice for women coaches.
• In-person technical development sessions designed to enhance coaching skills.​

This program is made possible through the generous support of the Jocelyn Bourassa Legacy Fund (JBLF), which is committed to shaping the future of women in golf by creating strong leaders and role models.  

Past participants have praised the program’s impact on their careers. Kat Kennedy, a 2023 participant, remarked, “The Women in Coaching Program has significantly boosted both my confidence and hands-on experience as a coach. Through specialized coaching education, leadership training, and personalized mentorship, I’ve been able to refine my skills, gain valuable insights from other experienced Canadian women coaches, and build a stronger belief in my abilities as a coach.”​

The 2025 program will commence with an in-person session in late March at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta., followed by another in November, where participants will have the opportunity to shadow national team coaches and participate in hands-on technical development sessions.

For more information about the Women in Coaching program, please click here.  

OAKVILLE, ON – Golf Canada is proud to announce the winners and finalists of the 2024 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf, Presented by Humi.

First established in 2022, the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf were created to celebrate and recognize the vital role golf facilities across Canada play in developing young Canadian golfers. The awards focus on facilities that continue to make an oustanding commitment to junior golf by providing access to the first tee, programming, tournament hosting and grassroots development.

“Humi is honoured to present the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf for the second year,” said Kevin Kliman, CEO of Humi. “We’re proud to celebrate these facilities shaping junior golf nationwide and to continue working with Golf Canada as a valued client and partner in supporting hardworking Canadians and their businesses from coast-to-coast.”

The 2024 recipipents each exemplify leadership by providing opportunities for young golfers to play, learn, compete and thrive in the game.

“We are honoured to celebrate six outstanding facilities that have gone above and beyond to create accessible, welcoming, and safe environments for young Canadians to play golf. Their commitment to junior golf has made a lasting impact on their communities, often prioritizing youth access over full-paying revenue opportunities,” said Ryan Logan, Director of External Relations, Golf Canada. “This dedication not only strengthens opportunities for young golfers but also helps cultivate the next generation of avid and elite players.”

The 2024 winners and finalists are as follows:

Youth on Course Location of the Year

Awarded to a facility that demonstrates exceptional commitment to youth golf development by providing extensive course access through Youth on Course, leading to more juniors playing at a subsidized rate throughout the calendar year.

WINNER: Lakeridge Links Golf Club – Whispering Ridge (Whitby, Ont.)

With 677 unique participants and over 160% year-over-year growth, Whispering Ridge has demonstrated success in expanding junior golf participation. The club has successfully embedded Youth on Course alongside their junior programs and generates significant engagement. Whispering Ridge’s performance in growing junior participation highlight its commitment to the program’s success and the future of junior golf with 2,983 total subsidized rounds played in 2024. Led by Ryan Starr, Whispering Ridge’s partner course, El Dorado Golf Club has donated their course for the Ontario Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike three years in a row.

Finalist: Maple Ridge Golf Club (Calgary, Alta.)

Finalist: Cattail Crossing Golf & Winter Club (Edmonton, Alta.)

Tournament Host of the Year
Awarded to a facility that gives back to junior golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.

WINNER: Innisfail Golf Club (Innisfail, Alta.)

Innisfail Golf Club was the host of the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO. The club went above and beyond to provide a world-class experience for the field of competitors. From recruiting an incredibly involved Host Club Committee to tireless fundraising efforts, players and parents alike were welcomed with open arms. The golf course was kept in fantastic condition thanks to the greens staff as well as a team of dedicated volunteers.

Finalist: Pitt Meadows Golf Club (Pitt Meadows, B.C.)

Finalist: Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Club (Kelowna, B.C.)

First Tee – Canada Program of the Year

Awarded to a First Tee – Canada Program Location that demonstrates excellent enrolment in First Tee – Canada programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.

WINNER: Roseland Golf & Curling Club (Windsor, Ont.)

Since becoming a First Tee – Canada Program location in 2023, Roseland Golf and Curling Club has supported the program by providing a dedicated 9-hole par-3 course each week, giving participants the space they need to develop their golf skills. In 2024, Roseland saw a 205% increase in participant engagement, reaching 55 individuals through First Tee programs and Try Golf events. As an RBC Community Junior Golf location, and located near organizations serving equity-deserving communities, Roseland ensures all programming is offered at no cost, making the game accessible to all. The club’s extensive roster of First Tee-certified coaches has been instrumental in driving this growth, offering expert guidance and creating meaningful opportunities for participants. A standout initiative last season was the introduction of “Caddy Nights,” where coaches acted as on-course caddies, guiding First Tee participants through a round of golf to build their confidence and introduce them to individual play, to assist them in transitioning to Youth on Course.

Finalist: Wildwood Golf Club (Saskatoon, Sask.)

Finalist: Country Meadows Golf Club (Indian Mountain, N.B.)

Grassroots Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.

WINNER: NINE Golf Academy (Belleville, Ont.)

Junior golfers at NINE Golf Academy enjoy unlimited access to the golf course, driving range, and practice facilities, with discounted rates aimed at introducing new players. The academy runs programs for local schools and youth teams to offer golf access to those who may not otherwise have it. They also donate memberships to children’s charities like Make a Wish, Children’s Mental Health, and Rotary Loves Kids, contributing over 50 memberships in four years. In 2024, the Academy’s Junior Golf Program had 271 participants, with more girls than boys, and provided additional instruction to 61 children through the Children’s Aid Society. Over 300 local students participated in golf through their schools in partnership with NINE Golf Academy.

Finalist: Humber Valley Resort (Little Rapids, Nfld.)

Finalist: Bowen Island Golf Club (Bowen Island, B.C.)

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

Awarded to a facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs to help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.

WINNER: Ledgeview Golf Club (Abbotsford, B.C.)

Ledgeview Golf Club provides junior golfers with free evening access when playing with an adult and offers a clear progression pathway through affordable programs and memberships. The club supports juniors through fundraising efforts like the Ledgeview Legacy Fund and bursaries, with local businesses sponsoring tournament fees and apparel. Programs are designed to be accessible, with a focus on encouraging female participation and community involvement. Additionally, the club offers a caddy program and works with the City of Abbotsford to expand opportunities for underprivileged youth.

Finalist: Dufferin Heights (Stanstead, Que.)

Finalist: Fraser Edmundston Golf Club (Edmundston, N.B.)

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.

WINNER: Marine Drive Golf Club (Vancouver, B.C.)

Marine Drive has a rich history of developing elite golfers and fosters an environment that attracts talented players. Juniors can join as official members starting at age 10, with the program open to both members’ children and non-member juniors, and a capacity of up to 165 juniors. The club has also introduced a Junior Development Fund, which encourages members to actively support and invest in the growth and success of the junior golfers. Established five years ago, it supports junior clinics and high-performance programs and thereby developing competitive standards that attract top players from the lower mainland of British Columbia.

Finalist: Summit Golf Club (Richmond Hill, Ont.)

Finalist: Glencoe Golf & Country Club (Calgary, Alta.)

Golf Canada extends its congratulations to all winners and finalists for their dedication to junior golf. Their efforts continue to shape the future of the sport, ensuring young golfers across the country have the opportunities and resources available to succeed.

For more information about the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf Presented by Humi, please visit golfcanada.ca/national-facility-awards-for-junior-golf/.

If you have any questions regarding the awards or nomination process, please feel free to email NFAJG@golfcanada.ca.

2024 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available

Longtime Rules Official Tom Forestell recognized as 2024 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteers Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, and Jean Stone-Séguin along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth to be recognized with Golf Canada’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award

Past President David McCarthy along with Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and the late Teri Yamada appointed Honorary Life Governors in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the sport

Oakville, Ont. – Golf Canada’s 2025 Annual General Meeting concluded on Thursday, March 6 with the election of Adam Daifallah of Montréal, Que. to serve as the 118th President of the National Sport Federation.

A volunteer with Golf Canada since 2013, Daifallah joined the Board of Directors in 2018 and most recently served two consecutive terms as vice president (2023-2024). He is currently a Senior Managing Director at Teneo, the global CEO advisory firm, with responsibility for Teneo’s Montréal office. Previously he was co-founder and Managing Partner of the public affairs firm HATLEY Strategy Advisors, which was acquired by Teneo in 2020. Prior to that, Daifallah practiced law at the Montréal office of Norton Rose Fulbright (then Ogilvy Renault), sat on the editorial board of the National Post, and was Washington correspondent of The New York Sun. He is co-author of two books on Canadian politics. A link to Daifallah’s full bio is here.

“It is an honour to be named the 118^th President of Golf Canada and to represent our member clubs and golfers from coast to coast,” said Adam Daifallah, President, Golf Canada. “Our sport has experienced an incredible resurgence, with strong interest from both avid players and new enthusiasts, as well as sponsors, donors, and supporters getting behind the game in a major way. “There is a great energy driving growth and excitement in Canadian golf and I look forward to the continued success of the organization.”

Based on the Report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, Daifallah will be joined on the 2025 Board of Directors by new Vice President, Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montréal. They will lead the 11-member Board of Directors who will work closely with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum and Golf Canada’s management team.

Returnees to the Board of Directors include Patrick Kelly of Victoria, B.C., Lori Dithurbide of Halifax, N.S., Katie Mahon of Kingston, Ont., Louise Patry of Montréal, Que., Nafeez Hirji of Calgary, Alta., Peter Broome of Jupiter, Fla. and former LPGA Tour player and Team Canada graduate Britanny Marchand of Mooresville, N.C.

New additions to Golf Canada’s Board of Directors include Steven Young of Banff, Alta. and Pamela Huff of Toronto, Ont.

For the biographies of Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, click here.

As part of its virtually conducted Annual General Meeting, Golf Canada also released the organization’s 2024 Annual Report including its Financial Statements which are available here.

Tom Forestell named 2024 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award…

In celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized Tom Forestell of Toronto, Ont. as the 2024 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. Forestell is longtime volunteer with Golf Canada, most recently serving as Chair of the Rules and Amateur Status Committee. He has officiated at countless provincial, national and international golf competitions and has played an impactful role in supporting Golf Canada’s Rules Education program. In 2024, Forestell completed his final year serving as Committee Chair for Golf Canada’s Rules and Amateur Status Committee. Click here for more.

Golf Canada Past President David McCarthy along with Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and the late Teri Yamada appointed Honorary Life Governors…

Golf Canada’s immediate past president David McCarthy of Toronto along with Diane Barabé of Granby, Que., Robert Laing of West Vancouver, B.C. and Teri Yamada (posthumously) of Collingwood received the organization’s highest volunteer honour as they were named Honorary Life Governors for their outstanding contributions to the organization. Click here for more.

Volunteers Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, and Jean Stone-Séguin along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth recognized with Golf Canada’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award…

Golf Canada announced that four accomplished golf contributors – long-time Golf Canada volunteers Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont., Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. and Jean Stone-Séguin of Rockland, Ont. along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf. The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated later this season at events and locations to be determined. Click here for more.

Golf Canada’s 2025 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually on Thursday, March 6, 2025, with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and industry stakeholders participating.

2025 Annual General Meeting Recording

Four long-time Golf Canada contributors receive the organization’s
highest volunteer honour

Golf Canada is pleased to appoint immediate past president David McCarthy along with Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and Teri Yamada (posthumously) as Honorary Life Governors for the outstanding contributions to the organization as long-time volunteers.

“On behalf of the Honorary Life Governors Selection Committee, we are pleased to welcome four individuals whose incredible contributions have made a lasting legacy on both the game of golf and on Golf Canada,” said Roland Deveau, Chair, Honorary Life Governors Selection Panel. “David, Diane, Rob and Teri are truly deserving of this prestigious honour, and we thank them for their commitment to the game and to Golf Canada.”

The appointment of an individual as an Honorary Life Governor is the highest honour which can be bestowed upon Golf Canada volunteers. All Past Presidents of Golf Canada including the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association are Honorary Life Governors.

In 2020, a change to Golf Canada’s by-laws permitted individuals who are not past presidents to be named as Honorary Life Governors. Since then, Golf Canada has welcomed Barb Allen and Jim Clark (2022), Mike Richards and Pat Thompson (2023) and Doug Roxburgh (2024) as Honorary Life Governors.

Honorary Life Governors have an individual vote at Golf Canada’s Annual and Special General Meetings. The selection panel will consider the overall service record of those nominated including local, regional, national and international service with prime consideration for service to Golf Canada. In addition, length and level of service are also taken into consideration.

David McCarthy – Toronto, Ont.

David McCarthy most recently served two consecutive terms as president of Golf Canada (2023 and 2024). He has been a volunteer with Golf Canada for more than 20 years across various committees, councils, and championships. McCarthy joined Golf Canada’s Board of Directors in 2018 after having previously served on the Governors Council from 2014 to 2018.

In addition, McCarthy sat on the Governance and Professional Championships Committees and was the Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee. He was the Golf Canada Tournament Chair for the 2019 and 2022 RBC Canadian Open and was the Tournament Chair for the 2017 Men’s Canadian Amateur Championship. McCarthy has been a starter for numerous RBC Canadian Opens and the CPKC Women’s Open as well as a starter and scorer for numerous amateur championships and USGA Qualifiers. He has also provided legal counsel to Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation for over a decade.

McCarthy is a member of the Donalda Golf & Country Club, the St. Andrews Golf Club, and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

Diane Barabé – Granby, Que.

Diane Barabé has been an active volunteer with Golf Canada since 1997 and her involvement with the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association (CLGA) dates to the early 1990’s. Notably, Barabé has served in significant governance roles with Golf Canada, including as the first woman to act as Chair of Golf Canada’s Rules and Amateur Status Committee and serve as Canada’s representative on the Joint Rules of Golf Committee. Sitting with representatives of the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA), this international body is responsible for governing the rules of golf for the world.

She was involved as Captain of the Eastern Township section of the CLGA from 1994 to 2001 and later became Chair of the CLGA Rules Committee (Quebec branch) in 2003 – 2004, and chair of the Rules Committee of Golf Quebec, after the merger with the men’s section (2008 to 2011). She has served on the Golf Canada Rules and Amateur Status Committee for almost 20 years, including as the Chair from 2017 to 2020. She has participated as a referee at countless national and international events, including the U.S. Open (men’s and women’s) – the Masters, the Open Championship, the PLAYERS Championship, and the World Amateur. Her knowledge, experience and dedication allowed her to develop close links on behalf of Canada with golf associations throughout the world, particularly the R&A, the USGA, the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour.

Throughout her tenure on the Golf Canada Rules and Amateur Status Committee, she was very active in promoting rules education both at the national and provincial level. Barabé is still active instructing rules workshops and at referee schools. She has been Chair of Golf Canada’s Rules Translation sub-committee for the last several years and has been a driving force in translating the Rules of Golf and the Official Guide, a significant task which requires countless hours every year. She also served on Golf Canada’s Governors Council for several years and while she continues active involvement with Golf Canada, she has come full circle as president of the Eastern Township regional golf association of Golf Quebec, where it all began some 30 years ago.

Robert (Rob) Laing – West Vancouver, British Columbia:

Rob Laing has served Golf Canada for more than two decades across various volunteer capacities. In addition to being a member of various committees (several of which he has chaired), Laing has fulfilled important governance roles, including as a member of Golf Canada’s Governors Council and the former RCGA Board of Governors.

Laing has also represented Golf Canada internationally. First, as Chair of Amateur Status Committee from 2010 to 2014, he represented Canada on the R&A Amateur Status Committee. Along with related meetings of the R&A and USGA Joint Rules of Amateur Status Committee, he played an important role with the international body which governs and sets the Rules of Amateur Status for the golf world.

Laing is an accomplished amateur golfer and was Non-Playing Captain for Canada at the 2010 World Junior Championship. In addition to chairing various Golf Canada national championships, Laing also acted as Chair of the RBC Canadian Open (2011) and Co-chair of the CPKC Women’s Canadian Open (2012).

Teri Yamada – Collingwood, Ontario (posthumously):

One of Canadian golf’s leading voices in agronomy, turfgrass and environmental research, Teri Yamada served the Canadian golf industry for nearly 40 years, including the past 16 years as owner of TY Environmental Strategic Ltd. supporting golf courses’ use of science to minimize their environmental impact. She was a leading voice in the agronomic and business analysis of golf course operations and specialized in government relations, industry communication and interpreting complex scientific information.

Yamada spent 18 years with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) across several senior leadership roles. She served as the association’s tournament agronomist for National Open and Amateur Championships, working with host clubs and their superintendents to set up and condition golf courses hosting all national championships.

Yamada returned to Golf Canada as a volunteer in 2021, serving three years a member of the Governance Committee, two years as a member of the Governors Council (2022-2023) and two years on the Human Resources Committee. In 2023, she joined Golf Canada’s Board of Directors becoming one of the few individuals to have served the association in both a staff and Board of Directors capacity. She was also one of three Canadian women members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland.

Yamada passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, after a brief illness and this is the first posthumous honour bestowed by the Honorary Life Governor Selection Panel.

The four recipients will be celebrated later this summer
for their outstanding contributions to Canadian golf

Oakville, ON – Four accomplished contributors to Canadian golf will be acknowledged for their dedicated efforts in and around the game as the 2025 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. 

Long-time Golf Canada volunteers Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont., Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. and Jean Stone-Séguin of Rockland, Ont. along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf.

“Golf Canada is proud to honour the outstanding contributions of Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, Jean Stone-Séguin and Muncie Booth, as our 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said David McCarthy, President, Golf Canada. “The incredible dedication that these four honourees have for the game is truly outstanding. The impact they have had in both their home communities and across the country has left an indelible mark on golf in Canada and we are proud to honour and recognize them.”

Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually since 1993 to recognize individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Canadian golf either nationally or within their community.

The announcement of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award honourees coincides with Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually on Thursday, March 6 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated later this season at events and locations to be determined. 

Golf Canada 2025 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:

Lee Griffin (Volunteer) – Cambridge, Ont.

For more than 30 years, Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont. has supported the Rules of Golf provincially in Ontario and nationally at a countless number of championships. She has served as a member of the Rules & Amateur Status Committee (2020-2023) and has been an active contributor to Golf Canada’s Rules Education Subcommittee. She created a webinar series in Ontario for prospective Referees in 2010 which is still in use today. She participated in the development of the curriculum and presentations for Level 2 and Level 3 Rules Education and has served as an instructor for both levels. Griffin has also served Golf Ontario as a member and past Chair of the Rules Committee having been a referee for the past 25 years and previously with the former Ontario Ladies Golf Association. Griffin is a member of the Galt Country Club and has refereed at the U.S. Women’s Open as well as countless National Amateur Championships and Qualifiers. Her outstanding contributions to the game have also been recognized by the (former) Canadian Ladies Golf Association as its 2003 Volunteer of the Year, as well as Golf Ontario as its 2009 and 2020 Volunteer of the Year, 2011 Honorary Life Director and 2017 Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Jack McDonald (Volunteer) – Kamloops, B.C.

Jack McDonald’s contributions to the growth of golf in British Columbia and across Canada have been exceptional as a volunteer and most impactfully as a Rules Official. He has been actively involved as a golf volunteer dating to 1987 when he started with British Columbia Golf (B.C. Golf) has also volunteered at his home golf clubs (Elmwood Golf Club, Prince George Golf and Curling Club, Kamloops Golf and Country Club, Rivershore Golf Links) in various roles including the Board and various golf committees. McDonald is an accomplished player having competed in several Saskatchewan, B.C. and Canadian Amateur events. He served as president of B.C. Golf (1997-98) and would go on to join Golf Canada as a volunteer in 1998 serving on several committees including Junior Golf, Greens, Player Development, Amateur Championships, and the Rules of Golf. McDonald served as Golf Canada’s Rules Chair (2005-2008) and in 2000 became a member of The R&A. He is also an honoured member of both the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame. In 2010, McDonald served as the 107th President of Golf Canada and to this day, continues to be an active rules official with Golf Canada serving annually on the championship duty roster.

Jean Stone-Séguin (Volunteer) – Rockland, Ont.

A longtime volunteer and Past President of the Ottawa Valley Golf Association, Jean Stone-Séguin’s contribution to the game of golf have been outstanding. A member of Camelot Golf and Country Club, her history of volunteerism with Golf Canada dates to 2006-07 when she served as Vice President of the RCGA Women’s Division – Ottawa District. Stone-Séguin would go on to become President of the RCGA Women’s Division – Ottawa District and supported the amalgamated Ottawa Valley Golf Association (OVGA). She served as the first President of the newly amalgamated OVGA (2010-11) and is also a Past President of her home club, Camelot (2009-10). A certified referee, Stone-Séguin’s contributions to Golf Canada’s Rules Committee dates to 2012 and is also a past Chair of Golf Canada’s Amateur Status Committee. In 2017 and 2022, she served as Tournament Chair of the CPKC Women’s Open at Ottawa Hunt and Country Club and has also worked as a Rules Official at both Golf Ontario and Golf Quebec championships. She is a past Chair of Golf Canada’s Governors Council and served as a past member of Golf Canada’s Board of Directors. Presently, she is involved in Golf Canada’s Rules Education Subcommittee preparing the program to teach those who wish to pass the R&A exam to become nationally certified referees.

Muncie Booth (Industry) – Vancouver, B.C.

Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. is a long-time PGA of Canada professional and former head professional at McCleery Golf Club who retired at the end of 2024 following a distinguished 40-year career. Booth, a former competitive player with experience working at Mission Golf and Country Club as well as Chilliwack Golf Club, is renowned across the B.C. golf community as a leader in making the game of golf more accessible to Vancouver inner city youth at municipal golf facilities, McCleery Golf Course and Langara Golf Course. For nearly 30 years, he partnered with local community centres in operating the Inner City Youth Golf program, bringing community youth to experience golf at McCleery and Langara. Through his leadership, thousands of juniors experienced the game of golf through free clinics, instruction, and fun drills complimented by lunch in the clubhouse. Booth’s contributions to the game were recognized by his peers as a past recipient of the PGA of Canada’s Warren Crosbie Community Leader Award for his work with Inner City Youth Golf. He is a former BCPGA Junior Promoter of the Year, a past recipient of the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer of the Year Award and upon his retirement, was extended a Lifetime Membership at all of the Vancouver City Golf Courses.  

Long-time Rules Official has been instrumental in Rules Education as well as officiating at the amateur and professional ranks

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Tom Forestell of Toronto, Ont. has been named as the 2024 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year award.

A passionate golfer and enthusiast for the Rules of Golf, Forestell is a longtime volunteer with Golf Canada, most recently serving as Chair of the Rules and Amateur Status Committee. He has officiated at countless provincial, national and international golf competitions and has played an impactful role in supporting Golf Canada’s Rules Education program.

In 2024, Forestell completed his final year serving as Committee Chair for Golf Canada’s Rules and Amateur Status Committee.  

“The Rules of Golf are an integral part of the game and Tom Forestell is among the very best when it comes to Rules education and their implementation,” said Golf Canada President David McCarthy. “Tom has proudly represented Golf Canada for years at our Amateur Championships and National Open Championships and has offered valuable council to many over the years. He is a truly deserving recipient and as he concludes his term as Rules Chair, Golf Canada is proud to name Tom the 2024 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year.”

The Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award is named in recognition of Toronto native Bruce Mitchell who, in 2017-18, was the first Canadian to serve as captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A). Born in Victoria and raised in Edmonton, the former President of the Toronto Golf Club and R&A member since 1988 was just the ninth internationally appointed captain of the R&A, one of the most prestigious volunteer positions in the world of golf. Duties as captain included representing the R&A as a global ambassador and aiding in the R&A’s effort to develop golf around the world.

Now in its 19th 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.

Tom Forestell

A longtime member of the Emerald Hills Golf Club, Tom Forestell of Toronto is a passionate supporter for the Rules of Golf and has served as the Golf Canada Rules & Amateur Status Committee Chair. As Chair, he has represented Canada on the R&A Rules of Golf Committee and sits on the Joint Rules Committee with representatives from the R&A and USGA.

He is a member of Golf Canada’s Audit & Risk Committee and sits on the Amateur Competitions Committee.

Forestell has represented Golf Canada internationally at numerous high-profile events including The PLAYERS Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the World Amateur Team Championships. He has represented Golf Canada on the Rules Committee at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open and has served as Tournament Rules Chair and on the Rules Committee at the World Junior Girls Championship, Canadian Women’s and Men’s Amateur Championships, the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier, the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier, the U.S. Open Local Qualifier, the U.S. Open Final Qualifier, the Canadian U15 Championship and the BDO National Golf League Finals.

Committed to sharing his passion for the Rules of Golf, Forestell has been an instructor at the Golf Canada Regional Referee School. His involvement with Golf Canada’s Rules Education program includes the creation of mock exams, updating presentations and instruction on the 8-week instructional program.

Always willing to share his expertise, Forestell frequently responds to Rules questions from other officials across the country. He has done an incredible amount of work to support Golf Canada’s Amateur Championships and the Rules of Golf. He travels extensively to officiate at tournaments and his deep expertise has had a meaningful impact at Golf Canada.