Oakville, ON – Golf Canada and Turkish Airlines are proud to announce a multi-year partnership, naming Turkish Airlines the Official Commercial Airline Partner of the RBC Canadian Open.

The 114^th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship will take place June 4-8, 2025, for the first time ever at TPC Toronto (North Course) at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.

As the Official Commercial Airline, Turkish Airlines will elevate the fan experience with the debut of the Turkish Airlines Lounge — a premium onsite viewing space that blends elevated comfort with authentic Türkiye hospitality and cuisine. The airline will also engage fans through a national contest offering the chance to travel to Istanbul and experience world-class golf in Türkiye.

This partnership underscores Turkish Airlines’ commitment to bringing people together through sport, and reflects its broader investment in the global golf community. In May 2025, the airline will relaunch the Turkish Airlines Open on the DP World Tour — returning to the Race to Dubai after a six-year hiatus. Turkish Airlines also operates the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Antalya, Türkiye, the world’s largest amateur golf tournament, hosted across 117 destinations in 73 countries.

Through this collaboration with Golf Canada, Turkish Airlines aims to connect with Canada’s passionate and growing golf community, nearly six million active participants, including 360,000 Golf Canada members who posted close to 11 million scores in 2024.

“We are happy to partner with Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open as part of our ongoing commitment to building meaningful connections through sport,” said Ahmet Olmustur, Turkish Airlines Chief Commercial Officer. “Golf holds a special place in our global engagement strategy, and we’re excited to deliver a world-class experience to Canadian fans that reflects the warmth of Turkish hospitality.”

“Welcoming Turkish Airlines as a proud partner of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship reflects Golf Canada’s vision of aligning with world-class brands committed to growing the game of golf and supporting the sport’s long-term growth through multi-year collaborations,” said Golf Canada Chief Commercial Officer Mark Palmer.  

2025 NextGen Championship season kicks off at Ledgeview Golf Club

156 of Canada’s top junior golfers to compete over 54 holes in Abbottsford with exemptions into the Canadian Junior Boys and Girls Championships on the line

Golf Canada’s 2025 championship season kicks off on Friday, May 2, at Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford, B.C. with the NextGen Pacific Championship.

The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Thursday, May 1, and championship rounds beginning on Friday, May 2. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 50 Junior Boys and top 20 Junior Girls, including ties, for the final round which wraps up on Sunday, May 4.

The starting field will feature 156 male and female competitors – 114 Junior Boys and 42 Junior Girls – vying for a spot into their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer. Among those competing in Abbotsford include, Team Canada NextGen members, Austin Krahn of Christina Lake, B.C. and Charlie Gillespie of Calgary, Alta. Last season, Gillespie won the 2024 NextGen Western Championship and finished as runner-up at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, August 12-15, at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst, N.B. The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will earn exemptions into the 2025 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, August 13-16, at Sainte-Marie Club de golf in Sainte-Marie, Que.

The Ledgeview Golf Club was established in 1962 and operates as a not-for-profit society. Leasing the land and buildings from the City of Abbotsford, Ledgeview serves both members and guests. The undulating fairways, small and tricky greens, and narrow holes provide an enjoyable experience but also a good test of golf. With a unique and proud history of producing some of Canadas top golfing talents in Ray Stewart, James Lepp, Adam Hadwin, and 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor. Ledgeview continues to be an industry leader in junior golf development and growth. Service, Stewardship, Attention to detail, and Member Experience continue to be the pillars of Ledgeview.

“Ledgeview is proud to be hosting the NextGen Pacific Championship as we continue to support junior golf at all levels and showcase to competitors what makes Ledgeview unique and proud to be ‘Where Legends are Born’. Hosting some of the top junior golfers is exciting for all involved, staff, management, and members as we are proud of what we have to offer,” said Brad Clapp, General Manager, Ledgeview Golf Club. “Players should not underestimate Ledgeview at all when seeing the 6,200 total yardage. Precision tee shots, extremely strong short game, and patience will be needed for all three days in order to be successful. It is what helped develop players such as Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor and it is what will be needed by the eventual winners come Sunday.

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Pacific Championship, click here

About the NextGen Championships

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six 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 2025 national junior championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.

Professional women’s championship series provides enhanced national qualifying path into CPKC Women’s Open.

Participation festivals are set for Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto in 2025 with an additional participation festival in Atlantic Canada

Oakville, Ont. — Golf Canada is pleased to announce that She Plays Golf is returning for a third year and will see another expansion in 2025 with the addition of a fourth participation festival. Events will return to Calgary, Greater Vancouver and Greater Toronto this summer to align with the She Plays Golf Championship Series, with a fourth festival added for Atlantic Canada.

She Plays Golf is a citywide celebration of women’s golf anchored in three regions by a $60,000 CAD professional golf championship contested over 54-holes with a field of 60 professionals and elite amateurs. The She Plays Golf Championship Series will once again feature three enhanced championships that mark the continued support of a professional women’s golf tour in Canada.

The top finisher in each event from the She Plays Golf Championship Series will earn a direct exemption into the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, set for Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. from August 20-24. Players will also compete for WAGR points if applicable.

The 2025 Championship Series will kick off with the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open at Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler, B.C. from June 5-7. The second stop will be the Peloton Glencoe Invitational in Calgary, Alta. at The Glencoe Golf and Country Club from June 12-14 and the final tournament will be the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada, taking place at Burlington Golf and Country Club in Burlington, Ont. from July 7-10.

Players will earn points for their finishes in the She Plays Golf Championship Series towards a series-long standings. The top finisher on the season-long point standings, who does not already have an exemption through winning a She Plays Golf Championship Series event, will also receive an exemption to the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open. Any Canadian professional who participates in the She Plays Golf Championship Series will be supported by Golf Canada’s Q school bursary program if they enter LPGA Q school in the fall and meet the established criteria.

Last season, six members of the Team Canada program earned direct exemptions in the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open through the She Plays Golf Championship Series. Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C. and Anna Huang of Vancouver, B.C. finished as the top two respectively at the Peloton Glencoe Invitational. Ellie Vorster (then Szeryk) of London, Ont. and Brooke Rivers of Brampton, Ont. finished first and second at the Golf BC Group BC Women’s Open. The final two spots were secured by Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. and Katie Cranston of Oakville, Ont. through the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada. Xing was also the youngest champion in tournament history, at the age of 15.

Complementing the She Plays Golf Championships Series are concurrently held She Plays Golf Festivals, which feature inclusive programming for women and girls who are recreational golfers or exploring the sport for the first time. She Plays Golf Participation Festival events will take place at golf courses across the host city during the same week as She Plays Golf Championship Series tournaments. A new She Plays Golf Participation Festival will take place in Atlantic Canada in the fall of 2025.

“We are very proud to announce the second year of the She Plays Golf Championship Series following a successful first season. The series provided opportunities for accomplished amateur and professional women’s golfers from across the country and internationally to compete and try to earn exemptions into the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Emily Phoenix, Director of High Performance, Golf Canada. “Laying the groundwork to support elite amateurs and developing professionals in Canada is critical to ensure we help create more future LPGA tour prospects. We would like to especially thank our tournament delivery partners at the PGA of Canada, the Vancouver Golf Tour and The Glencoe Golf & Country Club for working with us to support developing this professional women’s golf tour in Canada.”

She Plays Golf was originally successfully piloted across Calgary as part of the Glencoe Invitational in 2023. Additional information about the 2025 festival schedule for each She Plays Golf event will be made available in the coming weeks.

For more information on the She Plays Golf Championship Series or to register for the tournaments, please click here.

Sacramento, Calif. – Leah John secured her spot in the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open after finishing in a tie for first in open qualifying at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, Calif. on Monday.

The Team Canada member from Vancouver, B.C. fired rounds of 65-70 (135) to finish at 7-under for 36 holes and earn one of three spots available along with her former University of Nevada teammate Gabby Kano. John became overwhelmed with emotion once she finished her second round, knowing she secured her spot.

“It was a really long day and hard to hold the lead for 36 holes and I honestly just sort of broke down a bit, so happy to have done it and I am beyond beyond beyond excited.

“It probably felt like one of the best days of my life, I was over excited and proud and also super excited to see my teammate Gabby also qualified as well. I had some former teammates there, my caddy this year is really wonderful, so to share that with them and reassuring that I trust my process, trust who I am and the things that I am working towards,” said John.

John couldn’t have asked for a better start as she opened the day with a hole out for eagle from 97 yards out. She went on to add five birdies to finish with an opening round of 6-under 65. She was happy that there wasn’t a long break in between rounds.

“I didn’t want time to think, I just wanted to get back to doing and the mindset was to just be joyful. That was my goal, my focus for the entire round, the whole day, I just wanted to enjoy my time on the golf course with my caddy and that was it, so really just joy and embracing the moments, the pressure, the nerves knowing that’s exactly where I want to be,” she said.

John describes herself as a conservatively aggressive player who likes to play bold. “I tend to stick to what my gut tells me to do and if we do need to change things we talk about it, but for the most part I keep my foot on the gas and just go. I’m just playing for me and whatever happens happens.”

That mindset certainly helped, as she opened her second round with an eagle on the par five first hole. She went on to complete her second round bogey-birdie-bogey to record a 1-under 70 and secure her spot into the U.S. Women’s Open.

“On the 18th hole I was in the rough, I knew where I was in the rankings, and on this particular hole you cannot miss short, missing long isn’t amazing but you absolutely cannot miss short so I ended up bogeying my last hole and I just had to be ok accepting that even a bogey can be good enough.”

Good enough indeed as John will be making her U.S. Women’s Open debut and playing in her second career LPGA Tour event, having played in the CPKC Women’s Open last summer in Calgary.

“I am over the moon and so excited, I have not been able to sleep, it’s been tough to focus, I am just so excited and really excited to share it with people.”

There is no time to rest as John is back in action this week on the Epson Tour at the IOA Championship in Beaumont, Calif. John has made three starts this season, her second season on Epson. She will play a practice round on Wednesday, followed by the pro-am on Thursday before tournament play begins on Friday.

Even after a hectic travel day from Sacramento to Beaumont, John is still riding high.

“Feeling pretty pumped, it’s so nice to be with some awesome friends over here celebrating, so looking forward to bringing that momentum with me and just keep working on the simple things of how I want to be and my values and enjoying the game. I really think things are more meaningful when you can share it with those who care about you so just happy to be doing all this.”

The 2025 U.S. Women’s Open is taking place May 28 – June 1 at Erin Hills in Erin, Wis.

On March 6, during Golf Canada’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, Adam Daifallah of Westmount, Que. was elected as the organization’s 118th President. He most recently served as vice president for consecutive terms and has been a board member since 2018.

Golf Canada sat down with Daifallah to talk about a range of topics, from his early days as a competitive golfer, where he became a provincial champion, his wide-ranging career path, what led him to join Golf Canada and eventually becoming the youngest president in the organization’s history. We also discuss his thoughts on the strength of Canadian golf and much more.

You grew up in Peterborough, Ontario…what sports or activities were you drawn towards as a child? Was golf always high on your list?

I wasn’t interested in any sports until I found golf at age 10. My parents didn’t play but my grandfather did, though wasn’t playing anymore. I sort of caught the “golf bug” channel flipping the TV one day. The Skins Game was on, and I saw Lee Trevino make a hole-in-one, then proceed to jump up and down and hug his caddie, Herman. I said to my parents that I really want to try that game! I asked them to go to the bookstore and I picked up an instructional book. It was called The Golfer’s Bible. I spent that winter in the basement copying the swing movements in the book’s photos, so that in the spring, I would be ready to play for the first time. I started that year and totally loved it.  

That is a perfect segway into my next question, you were a competitive junior golfer and won the Ontario Bantam Boys’ Championship in 1992. What are your memories from that win? Do you still have the trophy or medal?

(Laughing) Yes, I still have the trophy. I also still have the prize that the OGA (now Golf Ontario) used to give for provincial winners, which was a Tudor watch. My main memory of it was playing with [eventual PGA tour member] David Hearn and defeating him by eight shots. That was the first and last time I ever beat David! We became good friends.

Shifting gears if I may to your studies. You hold a BA with honours in history and political studies from Queen’s University, and began working as a Washington correspondent at the New York Sun. From there you joined the editorial board of the National Post and wrote two books on Canadian politics. You’ve also contributed pieces for SCOREGolf. What about the journalism world interested you to pursue that early on in your career?

I have always loved writing. I was always interested in public policy and public debate, and I saw journalism as a way to advance the ideas and the causes I believed in. I liked the idea of getting those ideas out to a wider audience.

You were a Sauvé Scholar at McGill University and enrolled into law school at Université Laval. You later became a member of the Quebec Bar and practiced law at Norton Rose Fulbright (then Ogilvy Renault) in Montréal. What was the draw for you to transition from the journalism world into practicing law?

I was interested in politics from a young age and someone I idolized was Brian Mulroney. I always wanted to be near him, and he was a lawyer at Ogilvy Renault in Montréal. He was the primary reason that drove me to do that.

You later co-founded HATLEY Strategy Advisors, which was then acquired by Teneo in 2020, where you currently work as a senior managing director. Teneo offers corporate consulting, strategy and advising. On paper, those are three different paths in your career from journalism to law to consulting, but I have to feel there would be many similarities in each profession?

Absolutely. The corporate consulting work I did at HATLEY and now at Teneo allows me to draw on the skills developed from past experiences in politics, journalism and law. I use them daily in my work.

In addition to your role with Teneo and serving as president of Golf Canada you’ve also given your time as a volunteer to Dunham House in Dunham, Que. a residential treatment centre specializing in mental health and addiction recovery. What drives your passion to give back to your community?

It really boils down to wanting to get directly involved in causes you believe in. When you have a personal interest, and you’re invested in it on an emotional level, you do more. In the case of Dunham House, it’s an institution that founded by a very good friend who was touched by the issues of addiction and mental health. So, I am happy to contribute and support that cause.

Let’s talk about how you joined Golf Canada. Your journey originally began in 2013 as a volunteer. Was there something or someone that drew you or spoke to you about joining?

I had always wanted to get involved and I was fortunate to have a friend, Norman John Hébert, whose mother, Diane Dunlop Hébert, was then president of Golf Canada. She is the one who opened the door to help me get involved as a volunteer.

In your time with Golf Canada, you have sat on the committees across a number of areas including Compensation, Investment, Governors Council, People and Culture, Heritage Services and Volunteer Services Working Group, and volunteered on duty rosters, including as a starter at the RBC Canadian Open. You were then elected to the Board of Directors in 2018, became vice president for consecutive terms in 2023 and 2024, and are now the 118th president. I would have to think, that amount of experience across a number of committees has helped you ahead of joining the board and eventually becoming VP and now president?

Without a doubt. I think it’s important to know the organization well if you’re going to lead the board. I’ve benefited from being involved in a lot of areas of the organization which has allowed me to not only understand how it works operationally but also get to know a lot of the key staff, which is nice.

There has been a shift in governance at Golf Canada in compliance with Sport Canada best practices, recently the addition of an athlete category on the board and many working professionals have taken positions. In your opinion, what makes for an effective board for a national sports federation.

I think there are two things. One is people who bring a passion to the cause and a deep affection for the sport in question. And two, a diversity in range and skill sets so that everything required to govern effectively — things like legal background, accounting, human resources, etc…is covered. You need people who represent all the different skill sets and backgrounds needed.

You were on the board when the current strategic plan launched. What are your thoughts on the operational and commercial success of the organization coming out of the pandemic and the strength of the organization’s financial performance in recent years?

We’re so fortunate to be in such a strong position. We’ve been the beneficiaries of strong leadership by our CEO, Laurence Applebaum, combined with good fortune. A lot of new people have picked up the game due to the pandemic, and many who had quit have come back. The numbers keep on increasing even though we’re a few years out of the pandemic. So I think it’s a combination of good leadership and the positive impacts of external factors. There’s that saying that “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

People across Canada are engaged in golf. Record numbers of participation, 11 million scores posted on the Golf Canada App. There is great strength in Canadian golf and programming from First Tee – Canada, She Plays Golf, the Team Canada High Performance program and those competing professionally on the world stage. It’s all been a point of pride for Golf Canada, what are your thoughts on the state of Canadian golf today?

I would say we’re in an enviable position. I’m not sure that anyone could have predicted where we would be right now, both in terms of the amateur game and the pro game, a few years ago. Tee sheets are jam packed at public courses. Private clubs have waiting lists. We had four Canadians participate in The Masters.

If you could pick one event or moment during your time with Golf Canada thus far that would be your fondest, what would it be?

That’s a tough one. Probably being a first tee starter at the RBC Canadian Open. Meeting the players, introducing the players –especially the Canadians and the ones you’re personally a fan of –that’s a really neat experience. Another that comes to mind is meeting Lee Trevino, who originally sparked my golf interest. He came to the RBC Canadian Open a few years ago and we spoke for about two hours!

In your first year as president of Golf Canada. Are there any particular goals you hope to achieve or see continue this year?

Capitalizing on the growth of the game and the gains of recent years is top of mind. We need to keep the momentum going. Also, good governance and modernization of our volunteer infrastructure. Over the years, people have asked whether I have enough time to volunteer for Golf Canada because I worked full time. We must continue to make our organization friendly to those who work and who have other commitments, like young families.  

During your time as president, Golf Canada will transition its national headquarters to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, home of the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, how exciting is that and another new chapter for Golf Canada?

Tremendously exciting. It’s a project that I’ve seen go from a mere concept to now almost being a reality. There’s been a lot of work and commitment from staff to make this happen and I think everyone is just excited now to see it come to fruition and to be ready. It will be a new era for Golf Canada.

You have been a generous donor to the fundraising activities of the Golf Canada Foundation – how impactful have the efforts of the foundation and its network of donors been to the advancement of Canadian golf?

It really makes a difference. The Golf Canada Foundation under the leadership of Martin Barnard must be lauded for the growth we’ve seen in fundraising in the last number of years – particularly when it comes to the First Tee – Canada program, lining up a lot of major gifts across the country to fund provincial First Tee chapters. It’s going to take a while for us to see the fruits of that because it’s a fairly new program, but I am confident it’s going to pay huge dividends down the road.

I’d like to ask a couple personal questions. How do you maintain relationships? I am sure there are many areas, places and people you’d like to connect with, or re-connect with. How do you achieve that? How do you maintain relationships?

At a basic level it’s about reaching out and keeping frequent contact. Emails, calls, text messages, playing golf together, you have to keep the effort going through touchpoints to keep relationships alive. It does take effort, and it has to be a mutual effort.

You live in Westmount, Quebec with your wife and two young sons. Are they golf enthusiasts?

Everyone plays, including my wife. We have a family membership at Knowlton Golf Club and the boys and I play nine holes almost every weekend there in the summer. They’re showing a keen interest, which is exciting.

I am sure that your responsibilities as a father and husband take you in many different directions. On-top of that you work full-time and volunteer your time extensively. With that, how important is it to maintain a good work-life balance?

It’s very challenging, but it’s essential. There’s always a tension between the two and you just have to do the best that you can. It’s a juggling act. It helps if you have a supportive spouse or partner, and I am lucky to have that.

How would you describe your golf game today?

(Laughs) I’d say that I am pleased with it, considering my age and how often I play. I am very happy to break 80 on any given day.

Finally, what is something that we should know about you, beyond reading your bio?

I am a very communicative and open person. I am an open book. I want to be accessible so if anybody ever wants to reach me, please do not be shy. Pick up the phone or send the email if I can help with anything.

Oakville, ON – Golf Canada and Stalk&Barrel Whisky are proud to announce a multi-year partnership extension that will see Stalk&Barrel remain the official Canadian Whisky partner of Golf Canada and both the RBC Canadian Open and the CPKC Women’s Open.

The new agreement will run through 2027 and will see Stalk&Barrel Handcrafted Canadian Whisky poured exclusively at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open in hospitality and concession locations at both championships.

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Stalk&Barrel, a premium Canadian whisky as we collectively continue to deliver exceptional experiences for fans at both of our National Open Championships,” said Mark Palmer, Chief Commercial Officer, Golf Canada.

Stalk&Barrel is a handcrafted Canadian whisky, produced locally at a craft distillery in Ontario. Stalk&Barrel’s commitment to a ‘grain to glass’ process offers a small-batch, single malt that is 100% Canadian owned and operated.

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Golf Canada as the Official Canadian Whisky. Over the past few years, this collaboration has grown into something truly special – built on shared values of excellence, integrity, and a deep appreciation for the Canadian spirit. Like a great round of golf, Stalk&Barrel Whisky is all about patience, precision, and celebrating the moment. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help us toast the best of Canadian sport and culture,” said Karen Lai Drake, Senior Brand Manager, Stalk&Barrel Whisky.

The 2025 RBC Canadian Open takes place June 4-8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be contested, August 20-24 at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

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/.