NAPA, Calif. — Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes quietly went about his work with a 9-under 63 on Thursday to lead the Procore Championship. The big crowds followed Scottie Scheffler and the U.S. Ryder Cup team and saw mixed results.

Scheffler, who hasn’t finished lower than eighth place since March, lost one streak on a breezy afternoon in wine country when he was wild off the tee at the par-5 18th and had to settle for par and a 70. That ended 21 consecutive rounds in the 60s.

Ten Ryder Cup players are here for the competition and to try to stay sharp ahead of Bethpage Black in two weeks, and that wasn’t lost on them regardless of the scores.

Russell Henley shot 65 and U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun had a 67. No one else broke 70, though all of them were at par or better. It’s not unusual to see prominent players in the same group for television. The difference here is that they’re all spending time together — same wave of tee times, same mansion to hang out in their spare time.

“I think it was a little different today just knowing that all of us were kind of paired in the same little area of tee times, and we obviously did spend a lot of time with each other this week so it definitely feels slightly different than it would have if this tournament was in March,” he said. “You know, the Ryder Cup is right around the corner.”

Just don’t get the idea this is a social week. Scheffler showed as much when he was visibly frustrated at a shot that defied gravity and stayed in thick rough over a bunker on the par-5 12th. He turned and slammed his club into the ground. The stance was so awkward that when he finally figured out how to play it, he had to jump down into the bunker after he hit it.

Scheffler made par. He made par on all the the par 5s, contributing to his first score that began with a “7” since his 72 in the third round of the Travelers Championship in June.

Hughes is playing for other reasons. He missed out on the top 50 in the FedEx Cup, which would have put him in all the $20 million signature events next year. But anyone finishing in the top 60 are the Fall Series gets into Pebble Beach and Riviera.

The 34-year-old from Dundas, Ont., had nine birdies in 13 holes and allowed his mind to think briefly about a 59, but only because he thought par was a 71. Either way, a pair of bogeys ended that, though he was happy enough with a 63.

“The goal is to get into that top 60 and set up my beginning to the year,” said Hughes, who is at No. 65. “I also won’t play five, six events to try to chase that. I’ve love to just play a few and get some good rest and be home a bunch this fall. That’s the plan right now. But we’ll see what happens.”

Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., shot 3-under 69, Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., went 1-under 71 and Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., was 4-over 76.

Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley was at Silverado, but only as a spectator.

“This is awesome to see,” Bradley said as he stood behind the 13th green watching Scheffler, Henley and Spaun walk side-by-side up the fairway.

Sam Burns had a 71, while the other Ryder Cup players — Justin Thomas, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, Harris English and Collin Morikawa — were all at 72.

Those at 72 were just outside the cut going into Friday. Young is the only Ryder Cup player who has played a tournament with a 36-hole cut in the last five week.

Bryson DeChambeau was not in the field because he’s a LIV Golf player ineligible for PGA Tour events, while Xander Schauffele is home in Florida with a newborn son.

Follows up 63 on Wednesday with a 68 to hold six-shot lead;
Jack Hall leads Super Senior division after third round

NEW MINAS, N.S. – After leading Team Ontario to victory and setting a new tournament course record, Don Martone did not let up on Thursday, shooting a 2-under 68 to take a six-shot lead into the final round at the 2025 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO at KenWo Golf Club in New Minas, N.S.

Martone of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. got off to a solid start opening with four straight pars followed by back-to-back birdies on holes no. 5 and 6 before running into some trouble on no. 7 where he recorded a double bogey.

“I watched my playing partner five putt I think, so it was a scary hole then I bogeyed eight but birdied three in a row coming in, so I was pretty happy I kept it together,” said Martone of his round.

Martone’s back nine got things on track with three straight birdies on holes 11 through 13 to get back under par for the day. Martone hit a good wedge shot into no. 11 to make birdie, on 12 he drained a 25-foot putt for birdie and came inches away from a hole-in-one on the par-3 13th.

He closed the round with five straight pars to card a 2-under 68 and maintain his lead atop the leaderboard. Martone said he has received a ton of support from friends back home at Crimson Ridge Golf Club.

“They’re blowing up social…I think I had like 60 text messages by the time I completed the round, and I haven’t even looked at my phone yet today but it’s full right now guaranteed,” he said.

Trailing Martone is first round co-leader Dwight Reinhart of Ottawa, Ont. Reinhart shot a 4-under 66 on Thursday to move up to 2-under for the championship, alone in second. Martone will be paired with Reinhart for Friday’s final round.

“Playing with him, so you kind of look him in the eye and I kind of like that but it’s not going to change. Today I didn’t look at the leaderboard all day and just wanted to keep it in front of me and stay out of trouble and take your chances when you can,” said Martone.

“If you get a good number, you can attack some of these flags, if not you just play to the centre of the green and try to get a two-putt. We’ll see what happens tomorrow,” he added.

Todd Doss of Mandeville, La., and 2024 runner-up Jack Hall of Savannah, Ga. are tied for third at 1-over while a pair of past champions, Gene Elliott of Norwalk, Iowa (2017, 2019) and Rusty Strawn of Eatonton, Ga. (2022) are tied for fifth with Bryan Hoops of Tempe, Az. And Carlos Aranda of Springfield, Va. at 3-over.

Hall leads the Super Senior division by five shots over Lars Melander of Burlington, Ont. James Varnam of Edmonton, Alta. is third at 7-over with Jean-Guy Garnier of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Que. and David Schultz of Calgary, Alta. tied for fourth at 8-over.

The champion will receive exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, 2026 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, 2026 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship (plus a 10-year exemption, if eligible) and the 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.

The national championship was established in 1962 for golfers aged 55-and-over and includes a Super Senior division for golfers 65-and-over that was introduced in 1995. The national championship consists of 72 holes of stroke-play with a cut to the low 70 plus ties and at least five Super Seniors after 36 holes. The Super Senior Championship is contested concurrently over the four rounds of the championship.

For the leaderboard following the third round of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Ontario ends Team Alberta’s bid for five straight team titles at Men’s Senior Championship; Don Martone leads Senior division following round of 63

NEW MINAS, N.S. – Team Ontario has claimed the Inter-Provincial Team Championship, ending Team Alberta’s impressive run at the 2025 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO at KenWo Golf Club in New Minas, N.S.

Don Martone of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. fired a 7-under 63 to lead his team to victory and claim the Inter-Provincial Team Championship for the first time since 2015. Martone’s round has also launched him to the top of the leaderboard in the Senior division and set a new tournament course record at KenWo Golf Club. Ontario finished the tournament with a combined score of 1-under, to win by 11 shots.

“We’re on the back of Don Martone all the way home,” said teammate Ashley Chinner of Brooklin, Ont. who shot a 4-over 74 on Wednesday.

““First time as a senior and first time on a team, all I did was watch Don pull balls out of holes the last hour,” said teammate Mike Kray of Oakville, Ont. with a laugh. Kray’s 3-over 73 counted toward the team score for a second consecutive day.

“It was pretty special, that was one of the goals for the week being a rookie this year. I was looking at the program and Alberta’s been kicking everybody’s butt, so it was nice to bring it home today for Ontario,” said Martone.

With Ontario’s win, Alberta’s run of four consecutive inter-provincial team titles at the Men’s Senior Championship has now come to an end. The defending champs finished tied for second with Team New Brunswick at 10-over. Team Quebec (15-over) and Team Manitoba (16-over) round out the top five.

Martone now leads the senior championship by five shots over Trent Gregory of Wake Forest, N.C. and Carlos Aranada of Springfield, Va. Gregory recorded a 1-under 69 on Wednesday to follow up and even par 70 opening round to sit at 1-under for the tournament. Aranda was equally as hot as Martone, firing a 6-under 64 to jump into red figures after an opening round of 5-over 75.

Getting off to a good start was key today according to Martone after a tough start to his opening round on Tuesday.

“I was a little nervous but got off to a really good start. Hit it close on one and that kind of settled me down and made a few putts,” said Martone who opened with three birdies through seven holes.

Martone followed up his strong start by adding four more birdies and an eagle on the back nine, closing the final four holes at 4-under thanks to a birdie-par-eagle-birdie finish. While he enjoyed a successful day, he was quick to point out one area that can easily change a round.

“The greens are diabolical here…fast…you get on the wrong side you can make some big numbers here,” he added.

Despite holding a strong lead, Martone won’t change his plans heading into the final 36-holes.

“Not going to worry about what’s going on behind me and focus on what I have to do,” he added.

James Varnam of Edmonton, Alta. sits for fourth with Michael Kennedy of North Vancouver, B.C. at even par. Varnam also leads the Super Senior division by three shots over Jack Hall of Savannah, Ga. and David Schultz of Calgary, Alta. The Super Senior division is for players aged 65-and-older.

The 156-player field has now been cut to the low 66 plus ties (77 players total) at the 2025 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship.

The champion will receive exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, 2026 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, 2026 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship (plus a 10-year exemption, if eligible) and the 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.

The national championship was established in 1962 for golfers aged 55-and-over and includes a Super Senior division for golfers 65-and-over that was introduced in 1995. The national championship consists of 72 holes of stroke-play with a cut to the low 70 plus ties and at least five Super Seniors after 36 holes. The Super Senior Championship is contested concurrently over the four rounds of the championship.

For the leaderboard following the second round of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Former Canadian National Open Championship venues,
Wascana Country Club and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley
to host prestigious national amateur championships

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is excited to announce the host venues for the 2026 Canadian Junior Boys Championship and 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, both presented by BDO and running August 10 – 14, 2026.

The Canadian Junior Boys Championship will take place at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask. and the Canadian Junior Girls Championship will be contested at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (Heathlands course) in Caledon, Ont. The 2018 CPKC Women’s Open, won by Brooke Henderson was contested at Wascana, while the 2025 RBC Canadian Open was held at TPC Toronto on the North course.

“Golf Canada is incredibly proud to hold both of our Canadian Junior Championships at properties with such prestige and experience hosting both the CPKC Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director, Amateur Championships and Rules, Golf Canada. “We appreciate all the work and enthusiasm from both Wascana and TPC Toronto for their continued support of our amateur championships and we are excited for both fields to compete at two of the top venues in our country next summer.”

The Wascana Country Club has a proud history dating back to 1911. Founded by a small group of Regina residents, Wascana was envisioned as more than a golf course, it was created as a true country club, a place for recreation, relaxation, and connection just beyond the growing city.

Today, the lush par-72 Wetlands Course stretches over 6,900 yards from the Championship tees, spanning 170 acres of natural beauty. Designed to both challenge and inspire, the course offers multiple tee options, ensuring an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

“Wascana Country Club is honoured to host the 2026 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, one of Golf Canada’s premier national events and a proud milestone for our club. This championship is a chance to showcase our championship-calibre course, vibrant membership, and commitment to developing Canada’s next generation of golf talent,” said Craig Prentice, General Manager, Wascana Country Club. “We look forward to welcoming players and families to Regina for a true prairie experience, and to delivering a first-class event through the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and entire Wascana community.”

Inspired by Ireland’s Portmarnock Golf Club, the Heathlands course’s fescue-covered dunes, pot bunkers and severely sloped greens pay homage to classic golf design with one of the truest tests in Ontario. 

Opened in 1992, the Heathlands course harkens back to golf’s beginnings and the dune-swept hills of traditional Irish links. Once the carefully guarded secret of local aficionados, the course has become a favourite of those seeking a traditional golf experience and a stirring challenge that pays homage to the simple-yet-brilliant creativity of classic golf design. Heathlands is ranked in the top 25 for public golf courses in Canada and has been the long-time host venue of the Osprey Valley Open, a PGA TOUR Americas event.

“We are incredibly proud to welcome these outstanding young golfers to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley for the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship. Hosting this prestigious event on our Heathlands course is a tremendous honour, and we look forward to showcasing not only our championship venue but also the warm hospitality of our community. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the global growth of the game and inspire the next generation of players,” said Chris Humeniuk, President, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

The Canadian Junior Boys Championship was established in 1938 and has seen those who claimed the Silver Cup go on to serve memorable careers in the game of golf, including Canadian Golf Hall of Famers Doug Silverberg (1950), George Knudson (1955), Gary Cowan (1956) and Doug Roxburgh (1970), as well as current PGA TOUR stars Nick Taylor and Adam Svensson who each won the tournament in 2006 and 2012 respectively. The Juvenile division has featured in the tournament since 1970, with the winner receiving the Jack Bailey Trophy. Only 12 players have claimed both the Juvenile and Junior championship in the same year, with Dawson Lew of Toronto, Ont. the most recent to accomplish the feat last month.

The Canadian Junior Girls Championship was first contested in 1955 and operated by the former Canadian Ladies Association (CLGA) until the amalgamation of CLGA and Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) in 2005. The Canadian Junior Girls Championship has a long list of distinguished past champions that have etched their name on the Brokenshire Trophy. Past champions include Canadian Golf Hall of Famers Sandra Post (1964-66), Betty Stanhope (1956), Judy Darling (1957), Gail Harvey Moore (1958-1960) and Gayle Borthwick (1961). In addition, LPGA Tour players, Alena Sharp (1999), Brooke Henderson (2012) and Maddie Szeryk (2013). Stollery Family Team Canada Women’s Head Coach Salimah Mussani (1996) is also a past Canadian Junior Champion. Last month, Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont. successfully defended her title to become the ninth multi-time winner of the national championship and the first back-to-back winner since Heather Kuzmich in 1982.

The full 2026 Canadian Amateur Championship schedule will be announced in the new year.

In golf, par is one of the most familiar — and sometimes misunderstood — terms. It’s more than just a number on a scorecard. Par is the benchmark that helps golfers measure performance, compare scores and set personal goals. Whether you’re logging a casual round with friends or competing in a tournament, knowing what par means can make the game more enjoyable and less intimidating.

What is par?

Par is the standard number of strokes a scratch golfer (a golfer with Handicap Index of 0.0) is expected to achieve on a hole under normal playing conditions. This includes two putts on the green plus the strokes needed to reach it from the tee.

• Par 3: One stroke to the green, two putts.

• Par 4: Two strokes to the green, two putts.

• Par 5: Three strokes to the green, two putts.

Guidelines for establishing par are outlined in the Rules of Handicapping and are determined mainly by hole length for each gender.

Why correct par values matter

With the World Handicap System (WHS), the assigned par for each hole — and for the course overall — carries weight well beyond tradition. Correct par values affect:

1. Course Handicap calculations: par is part of the formula that determines your Course Handicap. Wrong values can mean golfers aren’t receiving the right number of strokes.
2. Posting scores: your maximum hole score (net double bogey) is tied to par. Incorrect values can inflate or deflate a Handicap Index.
3. Tournament play: formats such as Stableford, scoreboards and competition fairness all rely on accurate par values.
4. Enjoyment and expectations: understanding par helps golfers set realistic goals and celebrate achievements.

Net par – a personal benchmark

While par reflects the standard for a scratch golfer, net par adjusts that benchmark for each player’s ability. It is calculated by adding the handicap strokes you receive to the hole’s par.

• A golfer with a Course Handicap of 18 receives one stroke per hole. On a par 4, a score of 5 is considered net par.
• A beginner who receives two strokes on a par 5 can take 7 and still record a net par.

Why net par matters

• Builds confidence: meeting your personal standard is a real accomplishment.
• Creates realistic goals: helps golfers focus on progress at their own pace.

• Makes the game more enjoyable: encourages healthy competition against yourself, not just against par.

Enjoy the game to its fullest

Focusing only on par can discourage newer or higher-handicap golfers. Net par reframes each hole as a personal challenge and allows every golfer to find success.

By understanding both par and net par, you can:

• Track improvement more meaningfully

• Compete fairly with players of different skill levels

• Celebrate the small wins that make golf so rewarding

Take the next step

Par and net par aren’t just numbers. They are tools to help you enjoy the game more. Make sure your club is using correct par values and that you’re posting scores accurately.

If you or your club have any questions about par, reach out to Golf Canada’s Memberships team or visit Golf Canada’s Handicap Resources to learn more.

Understanding par is the first step to playing your best—and enjoying golf to its fullest.

Defending champions, Team Alberta tied with Team Ontario in
inter-provincial team competition

NEW MINAS, N.S. – David Schultz and Dwight Reinhart are tied atop a crowded leaderboard, following the opening round of the 2025 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO at KenWo Golf Club in New Minas, N.S.

Schultz of Calgary, Alta. and Reinhart of Ottawa, Ont. both recorded rounds of 1-under 69 and were the lone players under par following Tuesday’s opening round in New Minas.

Schultz began his round on the back nine with a split-tee format and after carding an opening bogey, he got on a roll, recording four birdies over ten holes to get to 3-under on his round before dropping shots on holes no. 6 and 9 to finish 1-under.

Reinhart’s opening nine holes opened and closed with bogeys with two birdies sandwiched in-between to stay at even par through the turn. He opened his second nine with birdies on holes no. 1, 4 and 6 to get to 3-under before back-to-back bogeys to close out his day at 1-under.

They hold a one-shot lead over seven golfers, who are at even par following rounds of 70. Another group of six golfers are just two back at 1-over (71) making for a very full leaderboard following the opening round.

Schultz also leads the Super Senior Division over Lars Melander of Burlington, Ont. The Super Senior competition runs concurrently with the senior championship and is for golfers aged 65-and-over.

In the battle for the Inter-Provincial Team Championship, Team Alberta and Team Ontario are tied at 3-over, ahead of Team Manitoba and Team New Brunswick by two shots. For Alberta, Schultz’s 1-under 69 and Brian Laubman’s (Edmonton, Alta.) 4-over 74 counted towards the team total on Tuesday. For Ontario, Don Martone’s (Sault Ste Marie, Ont.) 1-over 71 and Mike Kray’s (Oakville, Ont.) 2-over 72 contributed for the team. Schultz and Laubman are returning from last year’s championship team, as Alberta is seeking its fifth consecutive team championship at the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship. Alberta is also represented by Kevin Temple of Calgary, while Ontario is represented by Ashley Chinner of Brooklin, Ont.

The 2025 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship features a field of 156 golfers that will be cut to the low 70 and ties following Wednesday’s second round.

The champion will receive exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, 2026 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, 2026 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship (plus a 10-year exemption, if eligible) and the 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.

The national championship was established in 1962 for golfers aged 55-and-over and includes a Super Senior division for golfers 65-and-over that was introduced in 1995. The national championship consists of 72 holes of stroke-play with a cut to the low 70 plus ties and at least five Super Seniors after 36 holes. The Super Senior Championship is contested concurrently over the four rounds of the championship.

For the leaderboard following the opening round of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Course Ratings happen quietly in the background, but its impact is felt by every golfer, every day. They provide the foundation for fair handicapping, equitable tournament play, and consistent competition across all skill levels.

While your Provincial Golf Association is responsible for conducting and issuing Course and Slope Ratings, it’s valuable to understand how the process works and why it matters.

Understanding Course Rating and Slope Rating

Course Rating and Slope Rating might not be something golfers think about every day, but they shape the fairness and accuracy of play at your club.

• Course Rating measures the difficulty of the course for a scratch golfer (a player with a handicap of 0) under normal playing conditions.

• Bogey Rating measures the difficulty of the course for a bogey golfer (a player with a Handicap Index of approximately 20.0 -24.0).  The Bogey Rating is not commonly promoted but is essential when calculating the Slope Rating.

• Slope Rating compares the relative difficulty for a bogey golfer versus a scratch golfer.  It is effectively the slope of the line (rise/run) between the Course & Bogey Ratings when plotted on a graph.

Together, these ratings are core components of the World Handicap System, ensuring golfers of different skill levels can compete equitably.

How and When Course Ratings Are Conducted

Course Ratings are administered by trained volunteers from your Provincial Golf Association using standardized procedures from the World Handicap System.

• Ratings are valid for up to 10 years, but most courses are re-rated on an 8–9 year schedule.

• A re-rating is triggered sooner if major changes occur—such as altering yardages, redesigning holes, adding or removing hazards, or making substantial modifications to greens, bunkers, or tee boxes.

During a rating visit (or part of a pre-rating visit), teams:

• Measure and verify yardages for each tee

• Rate each tee for both genders (for both the scratch and bogey golfer)

• Consider factors that impact the effective playing length of the hole, including elevation, roll and doglegs/forced layups.

• Analyze landing zones based on shot distance and accuracy patterns and assess how obstacles affect difficulty.

• Assess obstacles, including bunkers, water hazards, rough, trees, penalty areas, and green speed.

Preparing for a Course Rating Visit & What to Expect Afterwards

Club staff play a key role in supporting a successful rating process. Ahead of the visit:

• Your Provincial Association or a Course Rating Team Leader will reach out to verify information about the course, which could include:

• Any changes made to the course since the last rating,

• Course maintenance practices (mower heights, watering schedules, etc.).

• A date will be scheduled for the Course Rating Team to visit the course (this may also include a pre-visit where initial measurements are collected).

Once the rating is completed:

• The Course & Slope Rating will be calculated for each set of tees (for each gender).

• These ratings are reviewed by the Course Rating Team and Provincial Golf Associations before being released to the club.

• The Golf Canada Score Centre is updated with the new ratings

• As part of the Course Rating process, you will also have access to recommended Stroke Index Allocations, which are based on Course Rating data.

Why Accurate Ratings Matter to Your Club

Course maintenance practices can impact the accuracy of the Course & Slope Ratings, so it is important for course set up and conditions to reflect the normal conditions as much as possible.  Any significant differences should be communicated to the Provincial Golf Associations to determine if an adjustment is required.

Accurate Course and Slope Ratings are more than just numbers—they’re the foundation for fairness, trust, and compliance:

• They ensure handicaps reflect true playing ability, and that a Handicap Index is portable for competition outside of your club.

• Helps Maintain fairness and credibility in tournaments

• Your club stays in good standing with your Provincial Golf Association and the World Handicap System.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your Course & Slope Ratings —or think a re-rating might be necessary—contact your Provincial Association for guidance, clarification and next steps.

Final national championship of the season features a field of 156 golfers competing for the senior title along with a super senior division and an inter-provincial team competition

NEW MINAS, N.S. – The 2025 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO is set for September 9-12 with a field of 156 amateur golfers competing over four rounds at KenWo Golf Club in New Minas, N.S.

The field competing for the John Rankin Memorial Trophy features four past champions including Doug Hanzel of Savannah, Ga. (2023), Rusty Strawn of Eatonton, Ga. (2022), Darren Ritchie of St. John, N.B. (2021) and two-time winner, Gene Elliott of Norwalk, Iowa (2019, 2017).

Along with the past champions, among those in the field are Ronnie Clark of Renfrewshire, Scotland. Clark is a two-time Scottish Senior Men’s Open champion (2018, 2022) and recently won the 2025 Italian Senior Men’s Open Championship and the French Senior Men’s Open Championship in 2024. Rupert Kellock of Basingstoke, England will also be in the field. Kellock won the 2020 English Senior Men’s Amateur Championship and progressed into the semifinals of this year’s event. In addition, the 2024 Ontario Senior Men’s champion, Dave Bunker of Ridgeway, Ont., who has four consecutive top 10 finishes at the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship will also be in the field.

“We are very excited to welcome a strong field featuring four past champions and a number of accomplished players competing for our Canadian Men’s Senior Championship this week at KenWo Golf Club,” said Daniel Suppa, Tournament Director, Golf Canada. “We appreciate everything that the staff, volunteers and host committee at KenWo have done to ensure the field experiences a great test and a memorable Maritime experience.”

Located in the heart of the beautiful Annapolis Valley, KenWo Golf Club was formed in 1921. This member-owned course has been welcoming guests to its championship location for years and continues to be recognized as one of the friendliest places to play in the Maritimes. Being one of the oldest clubs in Nova Scotia, KenWo boasts a challenging 18-hole layout over 6,300 yards.

In recent years, the club has played host to the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, recognizing its reputation as a challenging course. KenWo hosts the annual Apple Blossom Invitational in May, a tournament that attracts several of the province’s top male amateurs. KenWo has a course rating of 71.7 and a slope of 137 from the Championship tees.

The immaculately groomed and tree-lined traditional layout originally consisted of 6-holes in 1921 and by 1924, a 9-hole course was in operation. KenWo grew to an 18-hole course in 1964 and now plays host to approximately 40,000 rounds annually. KenWo Golf Club prides itself on delivering golfers of all levels a very welcoming and enjoyable experience. It has been recognized by the golfing community as “a must-play in the Maritimes” for many years.

“We are incredibly proud to welcome the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship to KenWo—our sixth national championship and a proud moment in our club’s storied 104-year history. It’s an honour to host the country’s top senior players, along with some international players, and provide them with the true test of golf that our golf course is known for,” said Rene MacKay, Director of Golf & Operations, KenWo Golf Club. “We look forward to showcasing not only our challenging layout, but also the warm hospitality and strong community that make KenWo so special.”

The Canadian Men’s Senior Championship was established in 1962 for golfers aged 55-and-over and includes a Super Senior division for golfers 65-and-over that was introduced in 1995. The national championship consists of 72 holes of stroke-play with a cut to the low 70 plus ties and at least five Super Seniors after 36 holes. The Super Senior Championship is contested concurrently over the four rounds of the championship. In addition, the Senior Inter-Provincial Team Championship was added in 1977 and runs concurrently through the first 36 holes of the tournament.

Team Alberta will be seeking its fifth consecutive Inter-Provincial Team Championship and seventh in the past eight playing’s of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship. Brian Laubman of Edmonton, Alta. and David Schultz of Calgary, Alta. are returning to defend the team title and are joined this year by Kevin Temple of Calgary.

A trio of Canadian Golf Hall of Famers lead the way having won the most Canadian Men’s Senior Championships in tournament history including, Bob Wylie of Calgary, Alta. with seven (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1995). Nick Weslock of Oakville, Ont. with six (1973, 1974, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983) and Graham Cooke of Hudson, Que. with four (2001, 2002, 2008 and 2009).

The champion will receive exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, 2026 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, 2026 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship (plus a 10-year exemption, if eligible) and the 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.

For the full player field competing in the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Caledon, Ont. – Between Wednesday and Friday at The Pulpit Club, the PGA of Canada claimed all three of their possible ‘Match Points’ at the Four Nation’s Cup, beating New Zealand on Wednesday, South Africa on Thursday and Australia on Friday to claim the championship for the second time in as many efforts. 

Canada’s team consisted of Kevin Stinson (BC), Yohann Benson (Quebec), Craig Stefureak (ONT – Ottawa), and Mitchell Fox (Alberta), and were led by PGA of Canada staffer Matt Mueller. 

Stinson and Benson were undefeated in the competition, with Benson winning five matches and halving one, and Stinson winning four matches and halving two. 

Stinson, PGA of Canada’s Captain and the only player in history to win the PGA of Canada Championship, Assistants’ Championship and Head Pro Championship, was also on the team that won in South Africa in 2022 – as was Mueller. 

Overall Standings: 

• Canada: 3 Match Points (13 Game Points)
• New Zealand: 2 Match Points (10.5 Game Points)
• South Africa: 1 Match Point (7.5 Game Points)
• Australia 0 Match Points (5 Game Points) 

Canada’s overall point leaders (Benson/Stinson, Stefureak/Fox were partners in Fourball each morning. All players competed in Singles each afternoon): 

• Yohann Benson: 5.5 points (5-0-1)
• Kevin Stinson: 5 points (4-0-2)
• Craig Stefureak: 4 points (4-2-0)
• Mitchell Fox: 2 points (2-4-0)
  

Full results

TORONTO, Ont. — Canadian golf star Nick Taylor is no stranger to thrilling golf fans and inspiring the next generation of players. All it took was draining a historic 72-foot putt on a fourth playoff hole to become the first Canadian in 69 years to win Canada’s National Open Golf Championship.

Now the five-time PGA TOUR winner and 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion is giving back to youth golf, becoming an official ambassador for First Tee – Canada and taking on a leading role alongside his wife Andie and their family in inspiring children from all backgrounds to experience the sport and its core values.

As the program’s newest ambassador, the 2024 Olympian will carry the First Tee – Canada logo on his TOUR bag in support of the national youth development program delivered by Golf Canada which has introduced nearly 200,000 youth to the sport since launching in 2021.

“Being part of First Tee – Canada is an incredible opportunity to give back to the game that has given me so much,” said Taylor, the only Canadian male golfer to have won the Canadian Junior, Amateur and National Open trifecta. “Golf has shaped my life in many ways, and I want kids across our country to experience the values of discipline, friendship, integrity and the joy of competing which they can carry into everything they do. Andie and I are humbled to be able to support First Tee – Canada through our annual charity event.”

First Tee – Canada, a program designed to make golf more accessible by providing equipment, coaching and inclusive spaces, has quickly expanded into schools, community centres and golf facilities nationwide. Many of the program’s nearly 200,000 youth participants have joined from communities that would not otherwise have the opportunity to play the sport. Along with golf instruction, participants learn about perseverance, integrity, teamwork and respect — skills that reach beyond the fairway.

With First Tee – British Columbia as one of the charitable beneficiaries of the Nick Taylor Charity Classic since 2024, Taylor strives to make the sport he loves more accessible and inclusive for youth. His support for the program has helped the BC chapter expand no-cost programming to Cultus Lake Golf Club, reaching hundreds of participants near his hometown of Abbotsford, B.C.

Fundraising for First Tee – Canada is led by the Golf Canada Foundation, and the program is proudly supported by RBC and other contributing partners.

As a member of Team RBC, Taylor’s ambassador role also builds on his involvement with the RBC Community Junior Golf initiative, launched by RBC in partnership with Golf Canada in 2022, which brings affordable and community-based golf opportunities to children across Canada.

“Golf Canada has been fortunate to know Nick and the Taylor family since he was a young teenager,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “He has excelled at every level of golf, from junior through his amateur young pro career and now being one of the top professionals on the PGA TOUR. What has been equally amazing to witness is Nick’s commitment to making an impact when he’s off the golf course. In becoming a First Tee – Canada ambassador, it further demonstrates Nick’s incredible contribution to golf, to Canada and to the youth and families whose lives he will shape and inspire.”

With the shared commitment of Taylor as a proud ambassador, Golf Canada will continue to expand the First Tee – Canada program across the country, encouraging more equity-deserving youth to discover the game, embrace its values and develop skills for life.

For more information about First Tee – Canada, visit firstteecanada.ca.