FootJoy says it has reached the final stage of its footwear development process – a step it calls “TOUR Validation” – as some of the world’s top players begin testing and being fit into two next-generation models: a reinvented Pro/SL and a fully updated Premiere Series.

For the company, getting new shoes onto the feet of Tour players is more than a product milestone. It’s the final check that years of research, testing and iteration have translated into performance that holds up under the demands of elite competition.

“When I think about the essence of who FootJoy is – we are innovators. Our sole focus is to bring performance innovation to the game of golf,” said Chris Lindner, President of FootJoy.

FootJoy says its footwear development journey begins years before prototypes ever reach a tournament range. The process is built around two inputs that run in parallel: lab-driven research and direct player feedback. On the research side, the company points to decades of proprietary work that informs design decisions through mechanical, biomechanical and psychophysical testing. On the player side, FootJoy’s Tour leadership team maintains regular communication with athletes to track evolving needs in key areas such as traction, stability, ground interaction, comfort and fit.

The first public step in this latest validation phase came in late summer 2024, when early prototypes reached players during the PGA Tour Playoffs at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. FootJoy says Sahith Theegala tested early versions of Pro/SL, while Adam Scott worked with prototypes of the Premiere Series, alongside James “Bubba” Kroeger, the company’s senior manager of sports marketing, as the team gathered initial reactions to bring back to its developers.

From there, FootJoy describes four major checkpoints that helped shape the final direction of both models.

At the TOUR Championship in August 2024, Theegala and Scott were among the first to test Round 1 prototypes. “It’s the perfect shoe for me, you really listened to my feedback,” Theegala said.

In January 2025 at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, Will Zalatoris and Keith Mitchell tested a prototype Premiere Series in practice rounds. Zalatoris’ assessment was emphatic: “The performance is a 12 out of 10. I feel like I’m at a competitive disadvantage if I’m not wearing these.”

The next stop came in March 2025 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, where FootJoy says Cam Young, Theegala and Scott tested Round 2 prototypes. Young pointed to what he noticed immediately. “As soon as I picked it up, I could tell the weight difference,” he said. “For me, I need that trail foot to be locked in. I tried to exaggerate my movement and to make it move — but it’s not going anywhere.”

By October 2025, FootJoy says it moved into final performance fittings at Panther National in Jupiter, Florida, with players including Zalatoris, Justin Thomas, Theegala and Davis Riley. Kroeger was joined by Chris Tobias, FootJoy’s vice-president of footwear, and Dan Buonomo, a footwear product manager. “These are the best prototype shoes I’ve ever tested… I’ll be taking these to put in play next week,” Theegala said.

According to FootJoy, those sessions were enough to confirm the 2026 versions of Pro/SL and Premiere Series were ready for competitive play across tours worldwide.

Much of the work behind the scenes, FootJoy says, is supported by the FJ Performance Lab — a dedicated research and engineering hub established in 2020. “Research, design, and development have always been part of our DNA, but opening the FJ Performance Lab gives us day-to-day access to cutting-edge research and direct connectivity with Tour players — right in our own backyard,” Tobias said.

FootJoy says the lab’s testing takes place at the Titleist Performance Institute in Oceanside, California, and the Titleist Performance Center at Manchester Lane, located near the company’s design headquarters. The aim, it says, is continuous testing across golf-specific machines, multiple turf types and varied soil compositions, allowing new designs to be measured and refined long before they ever appear in competition.

“We’re the only company in the world that combines the mechanics of footwear, the biomechanics of the golfer, and the psychophysics of the golfer — the trifecta of performance — to create shoes for the best players in the game,” said Dr. John Swigart, Principal Footwear Innovation Engineer.

FootJoy says its internal protocols can capture more than 500,000 data points per shoe model, with annual testing producing more than 20 million data points across nine performance metrics. The company adds that fit and wear testing includes a panel of more than 1,000 golfers, with shoes evaluated after 12 to 20 or more rounds using 26 measurement criteria.

On the product side, FootJoy says the updated Premiere Series is designed to improve comfort and traction while maintaining the stable feel and fit Tour players prefer. Pro/SL, meanwhile, is being positioned as a full redesign timed with the model’s 10th anniversary. FootJoy says the next version is 30 per cent lighter, with improved comfort, a new traction pattern and an updated athletic fit.

“Adding the next-generation versions of Pro/SL and Premiere Series to HyperFlex gives our teams an incredible line-up of performance footwear to meet the attributes our Tour players are looking for to perform their best,” Tobias said.

FootJoy says the models will be introduced more broadly following Tour adoption, with further details expected to be shared at a later date.

HONOLULU — Defending champion Nick Taylor was sharp with his irons and handled the par 3s at Waialae Country Club for an 8-under 62, giving him a share of the lead Thursday with Kevin Roy as the PGA Tour season started at the Sony Open.

This is the latest start to the tour season because The Sentry at Kapalua on Maui was canceled due to water issues. The Sony attracted a strong field, with four of the top 10 in the world.

Taylor, who won last year in a playoff, and the early starters caught a break when the wind didn’t arrive until the afternoon. Only four players from the top 16 on the leaderboard played late.

“I think we got lucky with the forecast this morning. I expected some more wind,” Taylor said. “A lot of the wind is going with the dogleg, so it felt like some of the tee shots maybe weren’t as challenging. I hit it great, but this course fits my eye.”

Taylor made birdie on three of the par 3s. The one par 3 he didn’t birdie produced what he felt was his best swing of the day, a 4-iron to the top shelf on the difficult fourth hole that left a 25-footer he narrowly missed.

The Canadian was pleased, though not surprised with his game despite this being the first event of the year. He played just enough in the offseason to stay sharp and still get rest, playing only in Mexico and then the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa.

Roy had seven birdies in 11 holes at the start, and the finished with a birdie on the par-5 18th.

S.H. Kim played late and birdied his last three holes in a bogey-free round for a 67. He was in a group with Ben Griffin, coming off a three-win season and a Ryder Cup debut, and Scottish Open champion Chris Gotterup.

Vijay Singh, the 62-year-old Hall of Famer who used a one-time career money exemption, had two double bogeys and still shot a 68. Also at 68 was Jordan Spieth, who had six birdies against four bogeys and a late club change that he figures cost him 2 1/2 shots.

Spieth put in a 3-iron instead of his hybrid.

“The problem is I had four months to get ready for this week and I dug five 3-irons out and I hit them the day before I came here and then I brought them all here and then I was trying to figure out which one I liked here and they were all good,” he said. “So then I got to pick one and it just … I just haven’t been playing with it, so I think I’m going to go back to the hybrid.”

Robert MacIntyre of Scotland and Adam Scott were at 67. Scott’s tee shot on the par-5 ninth to end his round hit the net lining the driving range and settled in the mesh at the bottom, inches outside the out-of-bounds stakes. He had to go back to the tee, hit 6-iron to 4 feet and saved par.

Scott was coming from Australia and figured Waialae, one of his favorite courses, was on the way to California for his next two starts. There’s also a feeling this might be the last Sony Open as the tour revamps its entire schedule.

The entire staff at Golf Canada hopes you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season and we extend our best wishes for the New Year.

Please be advised of Golf Canada’s hours of operation during the holidays.

Hours of Operation

Closed beginning Friday, December 19, 2025 at 5 p.m. and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday January 5, 2026. All times EST.

TORONTO – Longtime golf executive Scott Pritchard will join One Eleven Management Group as a vice-president and partner beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

The move follows Pritchard’s departure from the PGA TOUR, where he spent more than a decade in leadership roles with its Canadian and international development tours. Pritchard is concluding his tenure as vice-president of PGA TOUR Americas, a position that included oversight of tournament operations and the continued development of the PGA TOUR pathways system across North and South America.

Pritchard began his career with the PGA of Canada in 2003 before joining the Canadian Tour in 2011. After the PGA TOUR acquired the Canadian Tour, he was appointed director of tournament business affairs in 2013 and promoted to vice-president in 2017.

His work with the development tours included building partnerships and improving visibility for emerging professional players.

“We worked together early in our careers, so it will be interesting to see that come full circle,” said Jeff Dykeman, founder and CEO of One Eleven Management Group, who confirmed Pritchard’s appointment.

In a statement, Pritchard said the new role will allow him to continue working closely with athletes and properties across the industry.

One Eleven Management Group represents and manages athletes, media personalities and golf-related properties in Canada.

They are some of Canada’s most renowned golf legends, a list amassed of professional and amateur players, course architects and administrators. They have all contributed to the growth of the game of golf in this country. However, their contributions to golf pale in comparison to their contributions to the fabric of our nation.

November 11 is Remembrance Day. A day we remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces. What better day to remember Canadian golfers of the past who helped our nation during its greatest times of need.

The following are just some of the contributions Canadian golf legends made to the Allied forces during the First and Second World Wars.

Florence Harvey

During World War I, Hamilton, Ont. native Florence Harvey, along with other women golfers in Canada, raised enough money to purchase an ambulance for use in Serbia.

A staunch advocate of women’s golf, Harvey founded and held the position of Secretary of the Canadian Ladies Golf Union – later known as the former Canadian Ladies’ Golf Association (CLGA).

One of the top players of her day, Harvey won the 1903 and 1904 Canadian Ladies’ championship, while capturing the Ontario Ladies Championship on four occasions.

During WWII, the CLGA also raised money, this time their money went towards the purchase of a Spitfire plane.

Karl Keffer

Karl Keffer is best known for becoming the first Canadian-born golfer to win our national championship – the RBC Canadian Open – in 1909. He also won in 1914.

Keffer, from Tottenham, Ont., was a founding member of the PGA of Canada and held numerous positions during his 29-year involvement with the association including; secretary-treasurer, captain and president. Keffer, a war veteran, pleaded with other golf professionals of his day to join the war effort.

Stanley Thompson

Most golf enthusiasts will know Stanley Thompson as a renowned Canadian golf course architect. Thompson, who was born in Toronto, has 200 course designs to his credit throughout an illustrious career as an architect with a majority of them residing in Canada.

However, most don’t know Thompson was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in WWI.

Donald Carrick

Donald Carrick, born in Thunder Bay, Ont., was a standout amateur golfer. A two-time Canadian Amateur champion, Carrick also won the 1924 US Junior Boy’s Championship, several Ontario amateur titles and played for Canada against the British Walker Cup team before retiring from competitive golf in 1933 to focus on his family and law practice. Carrick would become a political figure and also competed as a boxer in the 1928 Summer Olympics.

Carrick also received the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E) for his service in the Royal Artillery during WWII.

Geoffrey Cornish

Winnipeg’s Geoffrey Cornish, one of the legendary Stanley Thompson’s protégés, fashioned a career in golf course architecture. He was one of the best Canada has ever produced. With a career that included more than 200 golf course designs or remodellings, Cornish turned his attention towards chronicling the history of his field, becoming an author and penning several internationally-acclaimed books on golf course architecture in the later part of his career.

Cornish was a Major in the Canadian Army, serving in Europe from 1940-45.

To these and other notable figures in Canadian golf who have supported our troops as well as all of the brave men and women who have served our country – thank you.

The 2025 THE PLAYERS Championship is set to tee off from March 13 to 16 at the iconic TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and Canadian golf fans have plenty to be excited about. A record-tying seven Canadians will be in the field, competing for one of the most prestigious titles in golf.

Dubbed the “fifth major,” THE PLAYERS features a $25 million purse, with $4.5 million awarded to the winner. The field includes 48 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking, making it one of the most competitive tournaments on the PGA Tour schedule.

The Canadians in the Field:

Nick Taylor (World No. 27)

Abbotsford, B.C.’s Nick Taylor is the only Canadian to have won on the PGA Tour this season, claiming victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii back in January. The four-time PGA Tour winner has been a model of consistency, making the cut in all six of his starts in 2025.

Taylor also recorded a T-9 at The Genesis Invitational and a T-12 at The American Express, proving he can compete in elite fields. His aggressive putting style could serve him well on the challenging greens of TPC Sawgrass.

Corey Conners (World No. 30)

Conners, from Listowel, Ontario, is arguably the most in-form Canadian heading into THE PLAYERS. The 32-year-old has had a strong start to 2025, highlighted by a solo third-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and a T5 at The Sentry in January. His precision ball-striking makes him an excellent fit for TPC Sawgrass, where accuracy is crucial.

This will be Conners’ sixth career appearance at THE PLAYERS, with his best finish being T-7 in 2022.

Taylor Pendrith (World No. 41)

Pendrith, from Richmond Hill, Ontario, has continued to build on his breakthrough 2023 season. The long-hitting Canadian has already posted a top-10 finish this year, and his power off the tee could help him attack some of the longer holes at TPC Sawgrass.

Pendrith will need to dial in his approach shots and putting to contend, but if everything clicks, he has the talent to make noise in this elite field.

Mackenzie Hughes (World No. 69)

The pride of Dundas, Ontario, Hughes is known for his strong short game and clutch putting. While he hasn’t posted a top-10 finish yet in 2025, he’s been playing solid golf and will be looking to peak at the right time.

His best career finish at THE PLAYERS came in 2021, when he tied for 16th. If his putter gets hot, he could be a dark horse to contend.

Adam Hadwin (World No. 75)

Hadwin, also from Abbotsford, B.C., has been playing steady golf in 2025, with one top-10 finish so far. The 36-year-old is one of the most experienced Canadians on Tour, with a PGA Tour victory at the 2017 Valspar Championship.

Hadwin has made five cuts in seven starts at THE PLAYERS, with his best finish being T-8 in 2021. If his iron play is sharp, he could make a deep run this week.

Adam Svensson (World No. 151)

The Surrey, B.C. native is still searching for his first top-10 of 2025, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance. Svensson won his first PGA Tour event at the 2022 RSM Classic, proving he has the ability to close out tournaments.

In his second career start at THE PLAYERS, Svensson will be aiming to improve on his T-13 finish from 2023. His all-around game and confidence on Bermuda greens could be key factors in his performance.

Ben Silverman (World No. 174)

Silverman rounds out the Canadian contingent, making his debut at THE PLAYERS Championship. The Thornhill, Ont., native has been a grinder on the Korn Ferry and PGA Tours, and earning a spot in this field is a huge milestone for his career.

While he’s an underdog, Silverman has shown he can compete against top-tier competition, and contending this week would be a big step forward.

Course Breakdown: TPC Sawgrass

The Pete Dye-designed Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is one of the most recognizable and challenging courses in golf.

Key features include:

• Island Green (Hole 17): The par-3 17th hole is one of the most famous in the world, testing players’ nerves with a tiny, island-shaped green.
• Narrow Fairways & Water Hazards: Precision is crucial, as errant shots can easily find water or deep rough.
• Risk-Reward Par 5s: The 16th hole offers a birdie or eagle chance but can punish aggressive play.

What’s at Stake for the Canadians?

A strong performance at THE PLAYERS could have a huge impact on the Canadian golfers’ seasons. Here’s what’s on the line:

• FedExCup Points: The winner earns 750 points, which could be critical for playoff positioning.
• World Ranking Boost: A top finish could propel a Canadian into the top 25 or better in the Official World Golf Ranking.
• Major Championship Momentum: With The Masters just a month away, a strong showing at THE PLAYERS could set the tone for the first major of the year.

How to Watch

Canadian fans can follow THE PLAYERS Championship on TSN and Golf Channel, with full coverage beginning:

• Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 AM ET (Round 1)
• Friday, March 14 at 7:30 AM ET (Round 2)
• Saturday, March 15 at 9:00 AM ET (Round 3)
• Sunday, March 16 at 9:00 AM ET (Final Round)

Live streaming will also be available on TSN+ and PGA Tour Live.

Final Thoughts

With seven Canadians in the field, 2025 THE PLAYERS Championship promises to be a thrilling event for golf fans across the country. Corey Conners and Nick Taylor lead the charge, but each player in the group has a chance to make an impact.

Can a Canadian contend for the title? Tune in to find out as they take on the world’s best at TPC Sawgrass.

Don’t forget, you can catch the PGA TOUR’s best in-person at Canada’s lone TOUR stop, the RBC Canadian Open, taking place June 4-8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. Visit www.rbccanadianopen.com for tickets and info.

Netflix’s hit docuseries Full Swing returns for its third season, and this time, Canadian golf fans have even more reason to tune in. The show follows the journeys of some of the biggest names in the sport, and among them are two of Canada’s own—Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin.

The pair, both hailing from Abbotsford, B.C., have been linked throughout their careers, from their early junior golf days to their rise on the PGA Tour. The new season delves into their long-standing friendship, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their bond both on and off the course.

Their episode captures a mix of competitive spirit and camaraderie, with moments ranging from high-stakes tournament play to lighthearted scenes—like an attempt to track down a Vancouver Canucks game while on the road. The series showcases Taylor’s incredible success, including his unforgettable RBC Canadian Open victory, while also highlighting Hadwin’s pursuit of his own breakthrough moments.

Executive producer Chad Mumm describes this season as deeply character-driven, aiming to appeal not just to golf enthusiasts but to a broader audience as well. The inclusion of Taylor and Hadwin adds a unique Canadian angle to the show, emphasizing their journey, challenges, and the mutual support that has defined their careers.

While the season builds towards the drama of the Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal, the journey itself is what makes their story compelling. Whether it’s the thrill of competition or the shared moments along the way, Full Swing provides an intimate look at what it takes to succeed at the highest level—while never forgetting where it all began.

CALGARY – LaunchPad Golf is set to significantly expand its footprint with the opening of six new locations across Canada.

The new venues will include North Calgary, South Edmonton, Richmond, Markham, Kitchener-Waterloo, and a flagship 60-suite facility at Durham Live in Pickering, Ont. The Pickering site will anchor the company’s expansion, featuring its largest facility yet as part of the Durham Live entertainment district.

“Our Canadian expansion demonstrates our dedication to redefining entertainment through continuously evolving technology and premium social environments,” said Barry Ehlert, CEO of LaunchPad Golf, in a news release.

“Each new location will deliver a world-class blend of interactive gaming, cutting-edge technology, delicious food, and a lively social atmosphere for people of all interests.”

Year-round entertainment

The venues include climate-controlled suites designed for year-round enjoyment. Each location will offer a menu of food and beverages tailored for everything from corporate events to casual outings.

“Our commitment is to provide unforgettable experiences through the seamless integration of technology, guest comfort, and social engagement,” added Ehlert.

Expanding presence across Canada

The six new locations reflect LaunchPad’s ambition to redefine entertainment by blending interactive gaming, advanced technology, and vibrant social atmospheres. The company aims to create spaces that bring people together for memorable experiences.

For more information, visit LaunchPad Golf.

OTTAWA – The National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA Canada) has announced the election of its new board of directors following the successful conclusion of its 2024 annual general meeting, held during the Golf Business Canada Conference and Trade Show in Calgary.

Richard Edmonds, owner of Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club, has been named president of NGCOA Canada. Known for his dedication to the golf industry, Edmonds is expected to provide strong leadership over the next two years, building on the work of his predecessors.

Outgoing president Daniel Pilon, owner of Club de Golf St-Zotique, was recognized for his contributions during his two-year term, which saw significant advancements for golf course operators across Canada.

The board of directors, elected by acclamation, will serve until November 2026.

2024–2026 NGCOA Canada Board of Directors

Executive Committee

• President: Richard Edmonds, Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club

• Vice-president: Slade King, Play Golf Calgary

• Secretary-treasurer: Doug Breen, GolfNorth Properties

• Past-president: Daniel Pilon, Club de Golf St-Zotique

Directors

• Ryan Garrett, PEI’s Finest Golf

• Carole Bergeron, Club de Golf La Tempête

• Rob Howell, Metcalfe Golf Club

• Gail Burrows, Sequin Valley Golf Club

• Doug Quick, Kingsville Golf & Country Club

• Rick Kindrachuk, Wakaw Lake Regional Golf Course

• Chris McNicol, Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club

• Bryan Ewart, Osoyoos Golf Club

• Brent Miller, ClubLink

• Nada Di Menna, Centre de Golf Le Versant

• Brian Schaal, Copper Point Golf Club

“We are excited to welcome our 2024–2026 board of directors and sincerely thank Daniel Pilon for his outstanding service over the past two years,” said NGCOA Canada CEO Jeff Calderwood. “We look forward to working with Richard Edmonds and the new board as we continue to support our members and enhance the Canadian golf industry.”

Edmonds expressed his enthusiasm for the role.

“I am honoured to serve as president of NGCOA Canada and to work with such an exceptional team of industry leaders,” he said. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Daniel Pilon and previous boards, advocating for golf course operators, and driving growth, innovation, and sustainability in our industry.”

This leadership transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for NGCOA Canada, combining a legacy of dedicated service with a focus on innovation and growth.

For more information on NGCOA Canada and its initiatives, visit ngcoa.ca.

An Active Season is the period of time when acceptable scores from a specified area should be submitted for handicap purposes.  The Rules of Handicapping stipulates that every player is responsible for submitting all acceptable scores into one’s scoring record for rounds played on courses during the active season.

It is the responsibility of authorized provincial golf association to declare active and inactive seasons, with area clubs and players required to observe these dates for score posting purposes. To make this process easier, the Golf Canada Score Centre automatically considers the active season of the course being played when a score is posted and whether it should be included in calculating a player’s Handicap Index.

In Canada, the active season in each province is as follows:

BC =     Mar.1 – Nov.15
AB =     Mar.1 – Oct.31
SK =     Apr.15 – Oct.31
MB =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
ON =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
QC =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
NS =     Apr.15 – Oct.31
NB =     Apr.21 – Oct.31
PE =     Apr.16 – Nov.14
NL =     Apr.1 – Nov. 30

(NOTE:  Some Lower mainland and Vancouver Island courses may observe a year-round active season). For a list of clubs observing a year-round active season, please contact BC Golf

Scores made at any golf course observing an inactive season are not acceptable for handicap calculation purposes. This is because course conditions during inactive seasons are not consistent with the way that the Course & Slope Ratings were determined, which can impact the accuracy of a player’s Handicap Index.

Scores made at a golf course in an area observing an active season must be posted for handicap purposes, even if the golf club where the player is a member is observing an inactive season. The club’s Handicap Committee must make it possible for a player to post these away scores at the beginning of the active season.

It’s important to note that if you are travelling to other countries or regions, you should confirm their active seasons to ensure all acceptable scores are posted. Your home club needs all acceptable scores (even if played during a Canadian “off-season”) to ensure that your Handicap Index is accurate and reflects your demonstrated ability.

For example, if a player belonging to a golf club in Ontario plays golf in Florida (which observes a year-round active season) during January, any score(s) made in Florida are acceptable and must be submitted to the player’s scoring record. If the player is also a member of a golf club in Florida and Ontario, it is important to remember that all acceptable scores must be posted to each scoring record.  The Golf Canada Score Centre has tools available to link Canadian and USGA accounts, so that a score posted to one account is automatically transferred to the other.  For more information, or to set up this link, please contact members@golfcanada.ca or phone 1-800-263-0009 X399.

For a detailed list of active and inactive schedule in the United States, click here.

For more information on handicapping, click here.

TO ENTER YOUR SCORES FOR AN OFFICIAL HANDICAP, BECOME A GOLF CANADA MEMBER HERE.