Young Canadian Epson Tour golfers learning in every tournament round
The golf course continues to be a classroom for Brigitte Thibault and Brooke Rivers, two of Canada’s up-and-coming players.
Thibault and Rivers were two of the 20 players named to Golf Canada’s men’s and women’s teams last week. Both of them are growing on the second-tier Epson Tour and will play in this week’s IOA Golf Classic.
The 27-year-old Thibault, who turned pro in 2022, said that if she could give her younger self advice, it would be to trust her own judgement.
“This game is really about knowing yourself and being comfortable with yourself because you get tossed into a pool of competition, which is fine, because it drives the game, but it’s also just a game,” said Thibault on Wednesday. “If you can really dial in who you are, how you want to go about it, and really kind of protect that I would have told myself, maybe to invest more in the relationship with myself first, instead of pleasing a lot of people around me.
“There’s no regrets on that, and I’m very open minded, and I love to kind of be a sponge and learn and be open to new ideas but there’s also a part of me that has to follow my gut and what I feel inside, and see if I feel like it is aligned with what I’m feeling or not.”
The 20-year-old Rivers, entering just her second season as a pro, said that figuring out the logistics of her job was one of the biggest lessons of her rookie season.
“I definitely have to learn how to manage my travel, what works for me and what doesn’t work for me, whether I like to practice in the mornings or the afternoons, when do I get a good workout in?” said Rivers. “Just how to really lay out my week to set me up for the best possible golf on the weekend.
“I just learned how to be a better pro golfer, how to practice better, how to play the pro-ams better and make connections where I need to. I just really learned on what works for me and what helps me play the best golf that I can play.”
Thibault, from Rosemere, Que., made the cut in five of her 12 Epson Tour starts last year after a serious head injury in December 2024 derailed her off-season preparation. Her best round was a 67 and her best finish was a tie for 31st at the Four Winds Invitational on Aug. 1.
“I’d say my biggest goal, especially this these next few months, is really building my own recipe of what’s efficient to me,” said Thibault. “I think the last few years, I’ve kind of explored a lot of different things and trying to find my recipe.
“I think I’ve really touched on the right string at the beginning of this year, so I’m really dialing in, just building whatever my recipe is that creates efficient, consistent, repeatable swings more from tee to green.”
Rivers, from Brampton, Ont., made the cut 11 times in 20 starts in her rookie Epson Tour season. She had five top-10 finishes, including finishing third at the Casella Golf Championship on July 18.
She was within range of earning an LPGA Tour card toward the end of the season as she finished in a tie for eighth at the Dream First Bank Charity Classic on Aug. 22, tied for 25th at the Guardian Championship on Sept. 12, and tied for 10th at the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout on Sept. 19.
“It felt great to have some great finishes and to play some great golf, but I try not to be too focused on the end goal,” said Rivers. “I’m just trying to get better every day and last year I proved to myself that I can do it and I’m capable of playing at the highest level.
“It just gives me a lot of confidence going into this year, and I just had so much fun last year, and I enjoy my life as a pro golfer. I’m excited for what’s next.”
Both missed the cut at last week’s Atlantic Beach Classic, the Epson Tour’s season opener, but are eager to start playing at Alaqua Country Club in Longwood, Fla., on Friday.
There are six Canadians in the field at the IOA Golf Classic, with Maddie Szeryk-DiBello of London, Ont., Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont., Megan Osland of Kelowna, B.C., and Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., joining Thibault and Rivers.
Golf Canada Annual General Meeting concludes with Adam Daifallah elected to serve second term as president
2025 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available.
Longtime Rules Official Nancy Layton recognized as
2025 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award
Volunteers Roger Beach and Brenda McIlwaine along with media producer Jamie Reidel recognized with Golf Canada’s 2026 Distinguished Service Award
Long-time Golf Canada contributors Rob MacDonald and Michel St-Laurent appointed
Honorary Life Governors in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the sport.
Alena Sharp, Peter Broome, Pat Bradley and Lee Trevino inducted
into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada’s 2026 Annual General Meeting concluded on Wednesday, March 11 with the election of Adam Daifallah of Montréal, Que. to serve a second term 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 recently concluded his first term as president. Prior to becoming president, he served two consecutive terms as vice president (2023-2024). Daifallah 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.
“Golf Canada remains committed to fostering a sport that is more accessible, more inclusive, more innovative, and more deeply connected to communities across the country. It is an honour to continue to serve as president of Golf Canada and help to lead this vision alongside the board and staff, led by CEO Laurence Applebaum,” said Adam Daifallah, President, Golf Canada. “The energy surrounding Canadian golf has never been stronger, and the opportunities ahead have never been greater. This moment calls for a continued commitment to shaping Canadian golf with intention, innovation, and unity.”
Based on the Report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, Daifallah will be joined on the 2026 Board of Directors by returning Vice President, Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montréal. They will lead the 13-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 Steven Young (Banff, Alta.), Louise Patry (Montréal, Que.), Nafeez Hirji (Calgary, Alta.), Peter Broome (Jupiter, Fla.), Lori Dithurbide (Halifax, N.S.), Pamela Huff (Toronto, Ont.), Katie Mahon (Kingston, Ont.), and Brittany Marchand (Mooresville, N.C.).
New additions to Golf Canada’s Board of Directors include former CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie (Toronto, Ont.), Kendra Koss (Calgary, Alta.) and Ron Lloyd (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 2025 Annual Report including its Financial Statements which are available here.
Nancy Layton named 2025 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year
In celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized Nancy Layton of Ayer’s Cliff, Que. as the 2025 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. A dedicated advocate for the Rules of Golf, Layton is longtime volunteer with Golf Canada and Golf Quebec and currently serves as Chair of the Rules Education Subcommittee. Layton has contributed countless hours and is considered a mentor to many, both on a national and provincial level, through her work in the Rules of Golf. For the full story, click here.
Roger Beach, Brenda McIlwaine, and Jamie Reidel recognized with Golf Canada’s 2026 Distinguished Service Award
Golf Canada announced that a trio of accomplished contributors – long-time volunteers Roger Beach of Oakville, Ont. and Brenda McIlwaine of Belvedere, P.E.I. along with media producer Jamie Reidel of Kitchener, Ont. – have been named the 2026 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf. Click here for more.
Rob MacDonald and Michel St-Laurent appointed Honorary Life Governors
Rob MacDonald of Winnipeg, Man. and Michel St-Laurent of Longueuil, Que. 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.
Alena Sharp, Peter Broome, Pat Bradley and Lee Trevino named as 2026 inductees into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame announced on Tuesday that accomplished professional golfer Alena Sharp, global industry executive Peter Broome and former professional golfers Pat Bradley and Lee Trevino have been selected for 2026 induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. Sharp will be inducted into the players category and Broome will be inducted into the Builder category, while Bradley and Trevino will be inducted into the new international category. The group becomes the 90th, 91st, 92nd and 93rd honoured members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. For more information, click here.
Golf Canada’s 2026 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and industry stakeholders participating.
Rob MacDonald and Michel St-Laurent appointed Honorary Life Governors by Golf Canada
Long-time Golf Canada contributors receive the organization’s highest volunteer honour
OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to appoint Rob MacDonald and Michel St-Laurent 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 proud to welcome two individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on both the game of golf and on Golf Canada,” said Roland Deveau, Chair, Honorary Life Governors Selection Panel. “Rob and Michel are truly deserving of this prestigious honour, and we thank them for their long-time 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), Doug Roxburgh (2024), and Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and Teri Yamada (2025) 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.
Rob MacDonald – Winnipeg, Man.
Rob MacDonald has been an active volunteer with Golf Canada since 2011 but his service to the game in Canada spans more than three decades at the club, provincial and national levels.
Following his appointment to the Governors’ Council in 2011, MacDonald joined Golf Canada and served on the Council until 2013, including Provincial Council which he Chaired in 2014 and 2015. MacDonald served on Golf Canada’s Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020 and played a key role in strengthening Golf Canada’s governance and financial oversight during his tenure. In addition, he served on the Audit & Risk Committee from 2013 to 2020 which included Chairing the Committee for five consecutive years (2016-2020). MacDonald also functioned as Chair of the Investment Committee in 2014 and 2015 and currently serves on the Nominating Committee, since 2023. His leadership has contributed to the long-term stewardship of Golf Canada’s financial assets.
MacDonald has been an active volunteer with Golf Manitoba since 1992. At the provincial level, he has served as President of the Manitoba Golf Association (2000-2001) and as President of Golf Manitoba (2011-2013). MacDonald is a long-time member of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg, Man. where he has served as Club President, member of the Board of Directors as well as various committees with the Club.
Michel St-Laurent – Longueuil, Que.
For over 20 years, Michel St-Laurent held important governance roles for the former Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) on its Board of Governors and Executive Committee along with Golf Canada’s Governors Council and Board of Directors.
St-Laurent has also functioned as Chair of the Amateur Status Committee (2006-2009), Treasurer (2008), and represented Canada on The R&A’s Amateur Status Committee (2008-2009), a committee which governs and sets the Rules of Amateur Status for the golf world. In addition to his extensive executive work, St-Laurent holds Canada’s highest referee certification and has officiated tournaments across provincial, national, and international levels for 35 years.
He has served as a volunteer at all levels of tournaments and as Chair of both national and international championships. He was Chair of both the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships when they celebrated their respective 100th anniversary, both won by 15-year-olds – the 2004 Men’s Amateur at Beaconsfield Golf Club won by Darren Wallace and the 2013 Women’s Amateur at Club de golf Beloeil won by Brooke Henderson. St-Laurent also served as a Tournament Chair for both the 2011 CPKC Women’s Open at Hillsdale Golf Club and the 2014 RBC Canadian Open at Royal Montreal Golf Club.
St-Laurent has also served on Golf Quebec’s Board of Directors, including a term as President in 2001 and currently serves on the Selection Committee for the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame. St-Laurent served two terms as President at Beloeil Golf Club in Beloeil, Que. (1985-86 and 2004-05) and as Club Captain (2013-14). He currently volunteers at Club de Golf La Vallée du Richelieu in Sainte-Julie, Que. as men’s captain and continues to serve on the tournament duty roster for Golf Canada competitions.
Golf Canada to recognize Volunteers Roger Beach, Brenda McIlwaine and Media Producer Jamie Reidel with it’s 2026 Distinguished Service Awards
The three recipients will be celebrated later this season
for their outstanding contributions to Canadian golf
Oakville, ON – Three accomplished contributors to Canadian golf will be acknowledged for their dedicated efforts to the game as the 2026 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.
Long-time Golf Canada volunteers Roger Beach of Oakville, Ont., Brenda McIlwaine of Belvedere, P.E.I. and media producer Jamie Reidel of Kitchener, Ont. will be acknowledged for their contributions to Canadian golf.
“Golf Canada is proud to honour Roger Beach, Brenda McIlwaine and Jamie Reidel as our 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said Adam Daifallah, President, Golf Canada. “Their commitment and dedication to supporting our sport is truly impactful and is felt across our country. Their work continues to leave a remarkable impact on golf in Canada, and we are proud to honour and recognize them for their significant contributions.”
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 2026 Distinguished Service Award honourees coincides with Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually on Wednesday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m. EDT.
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:
Roger Beach (Volunteer) – Oakville, Ont.
Roger Beach has been an instrumental contributor to Golf Canada Heritage Services since joining as a volunteer in 2015. His most notable contribution has been helping to restore, curate and digitize the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, devoting one to two days a week over the past decade. He has also been a valued contributor in planning and executing external Hall of Fame events, including the annual Induction Ceremony. His commitment to volunteerism is also made evident in his creation of a database that incorporated the past 28 years of Golf Canada volunteers from across the country along with their related committee memberships. In addition to his work with Heritage Services, Beach has served on several Golf Canada standing committees including the Investment Committee (2017-2021), Human Resources Committee (2018-2020) and Governance Committee (2021-2024). In 2020, Beach was appointed a Governor of Golf Canada and was a member of the organization’s Diversity and Inclusion Alliance. He later joined the Audit and Risk Management committee in 2025. On leaving school, Beach joined the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), in St. Lucia which ultimately led to a 42+ year career with the bank that included posting to South America, other Caribbean islands and London, England. He was transferred to Toronto in 1985. Beach is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Certified General Accountant (CGA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and holds the internationally recognized Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA) professional accounting designations from the United Kingdom (UK). Beach is also the recipient of the Order of Niagara for his volunteer work and community outreach with St. Jude’s Anglican Church in Oakville, Ont.
Brenda McIlwaine (Volunteer) – Belvedere, P.E.I.
Brenda McIlwaine’s contributions as a volunteer to the growth of golf in Atlantic Canada have been exceptional and most impactful through her work in Handicap and Course Rating. McIlwaine has been an active volunteer and course rater with the Prince Edward Island Golf Association (PEIGA) since 2007. She was later invited to join the Association’s Board of Directors, serving as a Board member from 2008-2018, including two terms as President (2015-2017). In addition, she served as a member of Golf Canada’s Governors Council and the National Course Rating Committee. McIlwaine was a mentor to members of the PEIGA Course Rating team during her time on the Committee. She attended multiple national and regional training courses where she shared her valued knowledge and experience. McIlwaine has also been an avid supporter of advancement of the women’s game, coordinating the PEIGA Senior Ladies Tour from 2010-2017. While coordinating the tour, she also focused on promoting the sport for women and partnered with member courses to allow the tour to play across P.E.I. As a champion for women’s golf and development, she started the “Girls Golf Camp” in 2016. What initially started with one facility and 20 participants has now grown to multiple locations across the province. McIlwaine’s extensive volunteer resume has seen her serve on numerous committees over the years and her love for the sport has directly led to membership growth, particularly in female participation in her home province. In addition, McIlwaine served two terms as president of the women’s branch at Belvedere Golf Club in Charlottetown (2012-13 and 2025-26). Today, McIlwaine remains dedicated to her passion in handicapping and course rating and continues to support members and golf facilities within the PEIGA.
Jamie Reidel (Media) – Kitchener, Ont.
For more than 25 years, Jamie Reidel has been an influential force for golf coverage in Canada. Working as a lead producer with TSN/Bell Media, Reidel has played a pivotal role in bringing the game to life for Canadian audiences, delivering in-depth coverage of the sport’s biggest moments and its top players. Leading a team of talented hosts, reporters, camera operators and production staff, Reidel has shaped the way golf is covered and presented across a number of platforms including television, radio and social media. His work brings Canadians in-depth coverage of both the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open and golf’s most prestigious events, highlighted by TSN’s extensive coverage of The Masters, as well as The Players Championship, PGA Championship, U.S. Open and The Open Championship. Together with Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Weeks, the duo has covered more than 100 golf championships for TSN/Bell Media. Beyond live event coverage, Reidel has produced thousands of reports for TSN SportsCentre and Golf Talk Canada ensuring Canadians stay informed about the game’s biggest names and stories. He has been instrumental in showcasing Canadian golf talent, providing coverage of legends like Mike Weir and Lorie Kane and today’s stars including Brooke Henderson, Nick Taylor, Corey Conners and many others. In addition to his extensive production work, Reidel has demonstrated a strong commitment and collaboration with Golf Canada. Whether producing or adjusting content to highlight Canadian success stories, Reidel has been a trusted partner dedicated to elevating the profile of Canadian golf. While his work is largely behind the scenes, his impact is undeniable and his contributions have profoundly shaped how golf is consumed in Canada.
Alena Sharp, Peter Broome, Pat Bradley and Lee Trevino to be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
Foursome will become the 90th, 91st, 92nd and 93rd inductees to receive the highest honour in Canadian golf as part of Hall of Fame Day Ceremony in May
OAKVILLE, Ont. – The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame announced today that accomplished professional golfer Alena Sharp, global industry executive Peter Broome and former professional golfers Pat Bradley and Lee Trevino have been selected for 2026 induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
Sharp will be inducted into the Players category, Broome into the Builder category, and Bradley and Trevino into the new International category. The group becomes the 90th, 91st, 92nd and 93rd honoured members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
“The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce the selection of Alena Sharp, Peter Broome, Pat Bradley and Lee Trevino for election to the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame,” said Harry Brotchie, Chair, Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Selection Committee. “All four nominations received unanimous support and endorsement from the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Alena, Peter, Pat and Lee have all made significant contributions to golf in Canada throughout their careers and are all very deserving of this honour.”
Sharp, Broome, Bradley and Trevino will officially join the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony that will take place later this spring.
ALENA SHARP (Player)
Hamilton, Ont. (Phoenix, Ariz. resident)
Alena Sharp has been synonymous with Canadian women’s golf for more than three decades.
Sharp’s career began as an accomplished amateur player in her home province, winning four provincial titles in three years. Including the Ontario Junior Girls Championship (1997, 1998), the Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Championship in 1998 and the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship in 1999. That same year, Sharp added her first national championship, winning the Canadian Junior Girls Championship.
Sharp attended New Mexico State University and won the 2002 New Mexico State Invitational, as well as the 2000 Big West Conference Championship and the 2001 and 2003 Sun Belt Conference Championships with her team. She earned the Edith Cummings Munson Golf Award in 2003, given annually to a top female collegiate golfer who excels in academics.
Sharp turned pro in 2003 and competed and won on the Canadian Women’s Tour (two wins), Westcoast Ladies Tour (four wins) and Cactus Tour (two wins). Sharp has also won the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada on four occasions, winning in 2004, 2011, 2012 and 2023, which ranks second all-time to fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, Lorie Kane, with five wins.
Sharp has competed in 389 LPGA Tour events since making her debut on Tour in 2005, earning 16 top 10’s and 68 top 25 finishes. She has competed in the CPKC Women’s Open on 20 occasions with her top finish coming in 2016 when she finished fourth. In addition, Sharp has earned two career wins on the Epson Tour, the first in 2014 at Visit Mesa Gateway Classic and again in 2023 at the Champions Fore Change Invitational.
Sharp has represented Canada throughout her career, including appearances at three consecutive Olympic Games. She competed at Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 alongside Brooke Henderson. Sharp earned the bronze medal at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile for Canada. She also competed at the 2008 Women’s World Cup of Golf and 2000 World Amateur Team Championship.
In 2025, Sharp was inducted into the Golf Ontario Hall of Fame.
“I am incredibly honoured and grateful to be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2026. Wearing the maple leaf and representing Canada throughout my career has meant everything to me and this recognition is deeply humbling. I share this honour with my family, coaches and everyone who supported me along the way. This is an honour I will cherish forever.” – Alena Sharp
PETER BROOME (Builder)
Montreal, Que. (Jupiter, Fla. resident)
Peter Broome’s extraordinary impact and contributions to the game span his entire life.
His journey in golf began as an accomplished junior player at the Royal Montreal Golf Club and Mount Bruno Country Club before becoming an assistant professional in his hometown.
From there, Broome began a successful career in golf operations, including 30 years as a senior global executive with Acushnet Company, where he served in many different roles, most recently as the senior vice president of Titleist Brand Management and Acushnet Industry Relations, a portfolio that included overseeing partnerships with the PGA TOUR and Governing Bodies. In addition, Broome led Acushnet’s operations in Canada and Latin America, ensuring continued growth for the game at home and around the world.
Following his distinguished career, Broome was invited to join the Board of Directors of Golf Canada in 2024 as a director at large. He currently Co-Chairs the Golf Industry Advisory Council and is a member of the Compensation Committee.
In 2025, Broome’s devotion and impact on the game was recognized with a number of prestigious awards. Broome was bestowed as an Honorary Member of the PGA of America for his outstanding contributions to the game of golf and support to PGA of America Golf Professionals in November. He joined an exclusive group including three U.S. Presidents as only the 13th person to receive the honour in PGA history.
Broome was honoured as the 10th recipient of the George Cumming Award from the PGA of Canada and also received the Legacy Award from the Golf Canada Foundation for being a philanthropic champion of the game in Canada. Earlier this year, he was named as the 45th inductee into the Québec Golf Hall of Fame.
In 2024, Broome was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Following his diagnosis Broome and his family launched the ALS Bridge Foundation with the goal of accelerating the development of effective treatments for ALS, by providing crucial funding for early-stage drug trials and improving access to early diagnostics for individuals living with the disease in Canada and the United States.
“This is a lot to process. I’m literally speechless. In a life dedicated to the game and having grown up in awe of the hall of fame members, I could not imagine being part of this illustrious community. Being a part of this is beyond a dream because it is truly unimaginable and was included in my dream sequence. To be with my life-long friend Bob Vokey is surreal and adds to this extreme honour. I find my myself humbled by this honour and the continued love and support of the golf community. There are truly no strangers in golf, there is only friends we haven’t met yet.” – Peter Broome
PAT BRADLEY (International)
Westford, Mass.
Pat Bradley stands as one of the most decorated players in the history of the LPGA Tour.
Bradley’s career was highlighted by 31 LPGA Tour wins, which included six major championships. She is one of seven women to win the LPGA Tour’s Career Grand Slam in the 75-year history of the organization. Three of her majors came on Canadian soil, having won the du Marier Classic in 1980 and back-to-back in 1985 and 1986. The former du Maurier Classic (now CPKC Women’s Open) was considered a major on the LPGA Tour from 1979 to 2000.
Bradley went on to add her second major in 1981 at the U.S. Women’s Open. In 1986, she enjoyed arguably her most successful season on Tour. In addition to successfully defending her Canadian Open title, Bradley added two additional major wins that season, winning the Nabisco Dinah Shore and LPGA Championship. In doing so, Bradley became only the third woman to win three majors in a single season, joining Babe Zaharias (1950) and Mickey Wright (1961). That season, Bradley was named as the LPGA Tour Player of the Year and Vare Trophy Recipient, she would earn both honours again in 1991. Her 31 LPGA Tour wins places her 17th on the LPGA’s all-time wins list.
Bradley was also a member of the United States Solheim Cup Team on three occasions as a player (1990, 1992, 1996), winning in 1990 and again in 1996. She also served as Team Captain in 2000.
Bradley remains the only player in history to have won the du Maurier Classic three times while it held major championship status. In addition, she is one of only two players to have successfully defended her Canadian Open Championship in tournament history, with fellow three-time winner Lydia Ko accomplishing the same feat in 2012 and 2013.
Bradley was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame in 1991.
“I always looked forward to playing in Canada 🇨🇦 most importantly the tournaments were Majors on the LPGA. The Great Sandra Post and Jocelyne Bourassa were wonderful role models to me. Growing up in Massachusetts the courses I won on, St. George’s Golf Club, Beaconsfield
Golf Club and Board of Trade Country Club reminded me of home. I so enjoyed my playing day’s with Canadians Dawn Coe-Jones, Gail Graham and Lori Kane.” – Pat Bradley
LEE TREVINO (International)
Dallas, Texas
Lee Trevino is one of golf’s most beloved and charismatic figures.
Trevino’s career includes 29 wins on the PGA TOUR, 29 wins on the PGA TOUR Champions and many international championships. Trevino is a six-time major winner having won the U.S. Open in 1968 and 1971, The Open Championship in in 1971 and 1972 and the PGA Championship in 1974 and 1984. He added the prestigious Players Championship in 1980. On the Champions Tour, Trevino added four more majors including the U.S. Senior Open in 1990, The Tradition in 1992 and the PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1992 and 1994.
Trevino’s accomplished career includes a memorable chapter in Canada, having won the Canadian Open on three occasions (1971, 1977 and 1979). He is one of three players to have won the Canadian Open three times joining Tommy Armour and Sam Snead. The trio are tied for second all-time trailing only Leo Diegel who won four times for the most in tournament history.
His first Canadian Open victory in 1971 marked a historic year for Trevino. That season, Trevino achieved a remarkable “Triple Crown” by winning the Canadian Open, U.S. Open and The Open Championship in the same season. Since then, only Tiger Woods has accomplished the same feat, doing so in 2000.
Trevino is also a two-time winner of the PGA of Canada Championship, earning his first title in 1979 at The National Golf Club as well as the 1983 championship at Royal Quebec Golf Club.
Trevino was also part of the United States Ryder Cup Team on six occasions, winning five times and tying once. He also served as Team Captain in 1985. In addition, Trevino competed in five editions of the World Cup of Golf, winning team and individual honours in 1969 and team honours again in 1971.
Trevino was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981.
“I am honoured to be recognized by the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. Playing in Canada was something that I always enjoyed, especially with my many Canadian friends, including Moe Norman.” – Lee Trevino
The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame celebrates the outstanding individuals of Canadian golf from players, both amateur and professional, to the builders, architects and others who have been fundamental to the evolution of the game in this country. Operated by Golf Canada, the Hall of Fame, museum, and library are open to visitors to discover more about the game and the inductees. For more information, please visit heritage.golfcanada.ca/.
Nancy Layton named the recipient of the 2025 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award by Golf Canada
Long-time Rules Official has played significant role in Rules Education
and referee mentorship for Golf Canada and Golf Quebec
OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Nancy Layton of Ayer’s Cliff, Que. has been named as the 2025 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year award.
A dedicated advocate for the Rules of Golf, Layton is longtime volunteer with Golf Canada and Golf Quebec and currently serves as Chair of the Rules Education Subcommittee. Layton has contributed countless hours and is considered a mentor to many, both on a national and provincial level, through her work in the Rules of Golf.
“Nancy Layton’s exceptional work within the Rules of Golf as Subcommittee Chair, an instructor and as a Referee, makes her truly deserving of the prestigious Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award,” said Adam Daifallah, President, Golf Canada. “Nancy is considered a mentor to many referees across Canada and her tireless work in Rules Education is appreciated and she is a wonderful representative of Golf Canada.”
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, B.C. and raised in Edmonton, Alta., 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 20th 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.
Nancy Layton
A longtime member of Dufferin Heights Golf Club, Nancy Layton of Ayer’s Cliff, Que. is a valued mentor to countless Referees in her home province of Quebec and across Canada.
In 2025, Layton became Chair of the Rules Education Subcommittee for Golf Canada, where she leads a group of volunteers who work alongside Golf Canada staff to ensure Level 2 and Level 3 Rules Education materials and seminars are organized, meet required standards and continue to evolve with the program.
In addition to her role as Chair, Layton instructed the Level 3 Rules Education Program in 2024 and 2025. She also instructed the 2025 Golf Canada Referee School and served as a mentor to new Referees in the 2025 Mentoring Program.
Along with her commitments in leading a national subcommittee and mentorship, Layton served on multiple duty rosters for Golf Canada’s Amateur Championships in 2025. Including serving as Tournament Rules Chair at the 111th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2025 Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Layton also served as a Referee at the RBC Canadian Open Quebec Regional Qualifier, the inaugural Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship last year. Layton has also represented Golf Canada as a Referee at the CPKC Women’s Open and the U.S. Women’s Open.
A lifelong learner, Layton consistently shares her knowledge, kind spirit and passion for the game with her colleagues at Golf Canada and Golf Quebec and fellow Referees across Canada.
Six Canadians set to compete at THE PLAYERS Championship for 2026
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Six Canadians will be in the field this week as the PGA TOUR’s flagship event, THE PLAYERS Championship, returns to the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass from March 10–15.
Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C., and Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont., are all part of the 123-player field announced Monday.
The tournament features 47 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking and competitors representing 24 countries.
Conners enters the week as Canada’s highest-ranked player in the field and continues to be one of the PGA TOUR’s most consistent tee-to-green players. The two-time PGA TOUR winner has established himself as a regular contender in golf’s biggest events and will look to build on another steady start to the season.
Pendrith returns to TPC Sawgrass after breaking through for his first PGA TOUR title in 2024. One of the longest hitters on TOUR, the Richmond Hill native has continued to climb the FedExCup standings and remains a regular presence near the top of leaderboards.
Taylor, who won the 2023 RBC Canadian Open in dramatic fashion to become the first Canadian to win the country’s national men’s open in 69 years, is also back in the field. The five-time PGA TOUR winner has been one of Canada’s most consistent performers in recent seasons.
Hughes, a two-time PGA TOUR winner, returns to THE PLAYERS after another solid start to the campaign. Known as one of the TOUR’s strongest putters, the Dundas native has repeatedly contended in big events and will look to navigate the demanding Stadium Course.
Two Canadians will be making their tournament debuts this week.
Ewart, a PGA TOUR rookie and former standout at Barry University, earned his place in the field as part of his first full season on TOUR. Yellamaraju, another rookie, will also make his first appearance at THE PLAYERS after earning status on the PGA TOUR.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy headline the field and will both be seeking a third career PLAYERS Championship title. Scheffler won the event in 2023 and 2024, while McIlroy captured the title in 2019 and again in 2025.
Past champions Justin Thomas, Si Woo Kim, Jason Day, Rickie Fowler and Adam Scott are also in the field for the PGA TOUR’s premier event, often referred to as golf’s “fifth major.”
Think handicaps are confusing? They don’t have to be
Understanding how golf handicaps work is essential for fair play and for tracking your improvement. The World Handicap System™ (WHS), administered by Golf Canada, provides a unified and accurate way to measure your scoring potential. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key terms you’ll see when managing your handicap.
Handicap Index: Your Scoring Potential
Your Handicap Index represents your demonstrated ability and allows you to compete fairly on any rated course. It’s a standardized number calculated from your scoring history.
How it’s calculated:
- Based on the best 8 of your last 20 Score Differentials
- Calculated to one decimal place
This system reflects your potential rather than your average score, ensuring that strong rounds have the most influence.
Course Handicap: How Many Strokes You Get
Your Course Handicap tells you how many strokes you’ll receive for a specific round. Because every course — and every set of tees — plays differently, this number changes depending on where you play.
Course Handicap is based on:
- Course Rating
- Slope Rating
- The tees you choose
This adjustment ensures a fair comparison of scores between courses of varying difficulty.
Playing Handicap: For Competitive Formats
Your Playing Handicap is used in events where handicap allowances apply. It adjusts your Course Handicap based on the format being played, helping maintain fairness across team and individual competitions.
Playing Handicap considers:
- Event or competition format
- WHS Handicap Allowances
You’ll encounter this number most often in tournaments, leagues, and organized play.
Score Differential: The Engine Behind Your Index
A Score Differential allows scores from different courses to be compared equally. It accounts for course difficulty and forms the basis of your Handicap Index.
It includes:
- Your Adjusted Gross Score
- Course Rating
- Slope Rating
- Potential Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC)
This creates a consistent, course‑adjusted value for every round you post.
How to Establish Your Handicap Index
Getting your first Handicap Index is simple. You need scores totalling 54 holes, which can be completed as:
- Three 18‑hole rounds
- Six 9‑hole rounds
- Any combination adding up to 54 holes
Once posted, your Handicap Index will be generated automatically through the WHS.
How to Post Scores with Golf Canada
Once you have a Handicap Index, keeping your handicap accurate means posting your scores after every round. Golf Canada offers two easy options.
Golf Canada’s Mobile App
- Post hole‑by‑hole or total scores
- Track stats
- View your Handicap Index, Course Handicap, and Playing Handicap
Golf Canada’s online Score Centre
- Log in from any device to record scores and view your scoring history
Golf Canada’s Weekly Leaderboard powered by Titleist
PGA TOUR
Akshay Bhatia erased a five-stroke deficit with nine holes to play and made par on the first playoff hole to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational. It is his third PGA Tour win and all three have come in playoffs. It was also the first playoff to decide the tournament since 1999 – three years before Bhatia was even born. His victory in the $20 million signature event moves him into the top 20 in the world rankings. Daniel Berger finished atop the leaderboard after all 72 regulation holes were played but missed a seven foot par putt on the first extra hole that would have extended the playoff. He was attempting to become the first wire-to-wire winner of the event in 10 years. His second place finish comes with a British Open invitation and he’s likely to play in the Masters next month after moving into the top 40 in the world rankings. Ludvig Aberg notched his best finish on the PGA Tour after tying for third with Cameron Young, who was one of only two players to play the final round bogey free. Collin Morikawa finished fifth for his third straight top-10 result. Scottie Scheffler finished in a tie for 24th, the first time he has finished outside the top-20 since last year’s Phoenix Open. …Corey Conners, who has a pair of third place finishes at this tournament, finished outside the top-25 for the first time in six starts. …Nick Taylor finished outside the top-30 for the first time in six worldwide starts this year. …Taylor Pendrith finished first this week in Green in Regulation, 2nd in Shots Gained: Approach to Green and was top-10 in Shots Gained: Off The Tee.
| POS | SCORES | TOTAL | |
| T33 | Corey Conners | 69-74-72-72 | -1 |
| T38 | Nick Taylor | 72-72-75-69 | E |
| T38 | Taylor Pendrith | 73-73-71-71 | E |
Ricky Castillo made back-to-back birdies at No. 13 to take over the lead on the way to a one-stroke victory at the Puerto Rico Open. It is his first career title in his 35th tour start. He becomes the second first-time winner this season. The win earns Castillo an invitation to the PGA Championship but not the Masters as it was played opposite the Arnold Palmer tournament, which he just missed qualifying for by 11 FedEx Cup points. Chandler Blanchet, who led the field in birdies, finished runner-up and just missed becoming only the third player in the last three seasons to win in their first made cut on tour. Eighteen-year-old Blades Brown was leading with six holes to play before a triple-bogey at No. 13 ended his chances of becoming the youngest PGA Tour winner in 95 years and the first teenager to win since Jordan Spieth in 2013. …Ben Silverman recorded his best result of the season and first top-20 finish in his last nine starts. …Adam Hadwin, playing without full status on the PGA Tour this season, picks up his second top-25 result in four starts
| POS | SCORES | TOTAL | |
| T16 | Ben Silverman | 72-67-69-70 | -10 |
| T21 | Adam Hadwin | 68-70-71-70 | -9 |
| T26 | Adam Svensson | 72-68-71-69 | -8 |
| T26 | A.J. Ewart | 72-67-71-70 | -8 |
| T37 | Sudarshan Yellamaraju | 73-69-69-70 | -7 |
NEXT EVENT: THE PLAYERS Championship (Mar 12)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Corey Conners, A.J. Ewart, Mackenzie Hughes, Taylor Pendrith, Nick Taylor, Sudarshan Yellamaraju
KORN FERRY TOUR
Doc Redman made four birdies over five holes at the turn and not even a late round stumble with back-to-back bogeys over his final four holes could derail his five stroke victory at the Astara Chile Classic for his first win on the Korn Ferry Tour. His winning margin of victory is the largest on tour since a seven-stroke win by Adrien Dumont de Chassart last year. Redman is the fourth first-time winner on tour this season and moves up to No. 4 on the points list. Cooper Dossey, with his best career result, and Michael Johnson, who matches his best result on tour, both finished tied for second. Argentine amateur Segundo Oliva Pinto finished tied for fourth, becoming the first amateur to record top-10 finishes in consecutive Korn Ferry Tour events. …Drew Nesbitt snaps a streak of five missed cuts to start the year and records his best finish since winning on PGA Tour America’s last September. …Matthew Anderson records his second top-30 finish in six starts this season
| POS | SCORES | TOTAL | |
| T26 | Drew Nesbitt | 70-69-70-67 | -8 |
| T26 | Matthew Anderson | 72-68-67-69 | -8 |
| T34 | Stuart Macdonald | 69-69-69-70 | -7 |
| MC | Myles Creighton | 71-70 | |
| MC | Roger Sloan | 71-74 |
NEXT EVENT: Club Car Championship (Mar 26)
PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS
Zach Johnson recovered from an early bogey to play blemish-free golf the rest of the way to win the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational by four shots, winning in his Champions Tour debut. Johnson, a two-time major winner on the PGA Tour, became eligible to play on the senior circuit two weeks ago when he turned 50. He’s the 22nd player to win his tour debut and the fourth youngest winner in tour history. It is his first win on any PGA sanctioned tour since the 2015 Open Championship. Johnson is the 24th player to win on the Korn Ferry, PGA and Champions tours. Stewart Cink and George McNeill finished tied for second. Cink was looking to win for the third straight start while McNeill has finished in the top-5 in both of his starts this season. …Stephen Ames recorded his third straight top-20 result to start the season
| POS | SCORES | TOTAL | |
| 12 | Stephen Ames | 71-72-70 | -3 |
NEXT EVENT: Cologuard Classic (Mar 20)
EUROPEAN TOUR
Dan Bradbury withstood a chaotic finish and saved par on the final hole for a one-shot victory at the Joburg Open. It is his third European Tour win and the second time he has won this event in four years. At least four players had a chance to win the tournament over the final closing holes. Hennie Du Plessis held a three-stroke lead before a bogey-double bogey at Nos. 15 and 16 ended his hopes. He went on to finish fourth. Casey Jarvis bogeyed the penultimate hole to deny him a chance at joining Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros as the only players in tour history to win three straight events. He finished in a tie for second with Brandon Robinson Thompson, who held a one-shot lead with one hole to play, only to bogey No. 18. There were no Canadians entered in the event.
NEXT EVENT: Hainan Classic (Mar 19)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Aaron Cockerill (alternate)
LIV GOLF
Jon Rahm birdied four of his last six holes to win the LIV Golf Hong Kong event by three shots. It is his fifth career win on the Saudi-backed tour but his first in 539 days, snapping a 26-match worldwide winless streak for the Spaniard. He had finished runner-up in each of the first two tournaments this season. Thomas Detry finished runner-up while Thomas Pieters was third. Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC took the team title, ending a stretch of 974 days since they last won a team event. …Richard T. Lee carded his second top-20 finish in three starts this season.
| POS | SCORES | TOTAL | |
| T18 | Richard T. Lee | 67-68-67-67 | -11 |
NEXT EVENT: LIV Golf Singapore (Mar. 12)
LPGA TOUR
Mi Hyang Lee rebounded from a pair of front-nine double bogeys and sank a two-foot birdie on the final hole to win the Blue Bay LPGA by a single stroke. It is her third LPGA title but first in more than eight years. Lee is the fourth different winner through four events this season. Zhang Weiwei of China appeared on track to win, but a bogey on the penultimate hole left her settling for her second career runner-up finish. Auston Kim made three birdies over her final five holes to finish in a tie for third, her second top-three result in the last two weeks. Aditi Ashok birdied the final hole to also finish tied for third. The LPGA takes a week off before returning to North America for the Founders Cup.
| POS | Column 1 | SCORES | TOTAL |
| MC | Leah John | 74-81 |
NEXT EVENT: Fortinet Founders Cup (Mar. 19)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Leah John, Maude-Aimee Leblanc, Savannah Grewal (Reserve #24), Alena Sharp (Reserve #25)
LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR
Hometown favourite Kelsey Bennett made three birdies over five holes down the stretch to win the Australian Women’s Classic by four shots. It is her first career LET win, and it moves her to the top of the Order of Merit while earning an invitation to the AIG Women’s Open later this year. Bennett was one of only three players to play the final round under par as wind and rain made for challenging conditions. Meghan MacLaren, the 2022 champion, and rookie Caley McGinty finished tied for second…Anna Huang recorded her second straight top-10 finish and third of her career.
| POS | SCORES | TOTAL | |
| T10 | Anna Huang | 70-72-70-73 | -3 |
NEXT EVENT: Women’s Australia Open (Mar. 12)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Anna Huang
EPSON TOUR
Isabella Fierro carded six birdies including three over the final five holes for a four stroke victory at the Atlantic Beach Classic, the season-opening event on the Epson Tour. It is her first win and her 13-under winning score broke the previous 54-hole tournament record by five strokes. LPGA and Epson Tour veteran Maria Fassi finished in a three-way tie for second, giving Mexican players a 1-2 finish. Kaitlyn Papp-Budde and Annabelle Pancake-Webb, who birdied her last three holes, were also tied for second. For Papp-Budde, it’s her ninth career top-10 result. …Savannah Grewal, who spent the past two years on the LPGA Tour, recorded her first career top-20 result on the Epson Tour.
| POS | SCORES | TOTAL | |
| T14 | Savannah Grewal | 69-72-68 | -4 |
| T23 | Maddie Szeryk-DiBello | 69-70-72 | -2 |
| T57 | Monet Chun | 70-75-73 | +5 |
| MC | Alena Sharp | 75-73 | |
| MC | Brooke Rivers | 77-74 | |
| MC | Megan Osland | 73-79 | |
| MC | Brigitte Thibault | 80-77 |
NEXT EVENT: IOA Golf Classic (Mar 13)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Brooke Rivers, Maddie Szeryk-DiBello, Monet Chun, Megan Osland, Savannah Grewal, Brigitte Thibault, Mary Parsons (Reserve #4), Yeji Kwon (Reserve #27), Josee Doyon (Reserve #30)
Golf Canada set to host its 2026 Annual General Meeting
Golf Canada will host its 2026 Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, utilizing a virtual format as the National Sport Federation looks ahead to the 2026 season.
The Annual Meeting brings together Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers as well as representatives from Canada’s provincial golf associations and other industry stakeholders.
The virtual meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. EDT and will include the release of the Association’s 2025 Annual Report & Financial Statements.
During the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada will introduce its 2026 Board of Directors led by Golf Canada President Adam Daifallah of Montreal, Que., who will enter his second year as president.
Click here to see Golf Canada’s (current) 2025 Board of Directors along with the three new (proposed) Board members brought forward by Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee for 2026.
Golf Canada will also celebrate outstanding contributions to the game of golf including a presentation of the 2025 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award and the appointment of new Honorary Life Governors. The Association will also announce the 2026 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.
To watch a live stream of Golf Canada’s Annual Meeting, click here.