Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off this Friday, May 13, in Nanaimo, B.C. with the NextGen Pacific Championship – fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, captaining the ship.

The 54-hole stroke play competition will begin with a practice round on May 12, before the official tournament gets underway on May 13. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 50 Junior Boys and top 20 Junior Girls, including ties, for the final round which is scheduled to wrap up on May 15.

The starting field will feature 119 male and female competitors – 82 Junior Boys and 37 Junior Girls – vying for a spot in their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer.

The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 6-10, at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links in Kamloops, British Columbia. The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will also earn exemptions into the 2022 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 25-29, at The Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ontario. 

Nanaimo Golf Club, located on Vancouver Island, was designed by the renowned Pacific-Northwest golf course architect A.V. Machan and is widely considered one of the most prestigious clubs on the island. Though its official opening dates back to 1962, it was not until 1968 that it operated as an 18-hole course. From the championship tees, the par-72 course plays long, challenging golfers to muscle it far down the fairway to best set up an opportunity at reaching the green in regulation.

To follow the live leaderboard click here.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Malik Dao

Malik Dao is a name to look out for on the greens of Nanaimo Golf Course this week. As a member of Team Canada’s National Junior Squad, Dao enters the NextGen Pacific Championship with a host of competitive golf experience to his name and a ton of success to boot. The 2020 Quebec Men’s Amateur Champion knows what it takes to win a NextGen Championship, having already done so in 2020, and will be looking for a repeat performance in B.C.

Angela Arora

Angela Arora already has one championship under her belt in the calendar year, claiming the CJGA Western Canadian Championship at Mayfair Lakes in March, where she fired rounds of 72, 72 and 68 to win by one stroke. The Indiana University commit will now be looking to carry the momentum into Nanaimo this week but faces notable competition in fellow Team Canada National Junior Squad members, Ella Weber, Luna Lu and Yeji Kwon.

Lauren Zaretsky

Lauren Zaretsky will be another name to pay attention to when the tournament kicks off on Friday. The Thornhill, Ont., native made big steps in 2021, winning the Ontario Spring Classic and the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, and will be searching for her first title of 2022 in Nanaimo, B.C.

About the NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards

The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2022 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

For more information on the NextGen Pacific Championship, click here:

In a sport as storied and historic as golf, Golf Canada is pleased to recognize the 63 member clubs celebrating significant milestone anniversaries in the 2022 calendar year.

Highlighting the group are five member clubs who have been in operation since 1897, speaking to the cross-country passion that Canadians house for the sport.

All clubs celebrating an anniversary will receive a display plaque from Golf Canada to mark the occasion. Clubs reaching their centennial anniversary will also receive a commemorative framed letter, and clubs reaching the 125-year mark will receive a framed historical print.

125 Years

Calgary Golf & Country Club – Calgary, Alta.

Napanee Golf & Country Club – Napanee, Ont.

Old Lennoxville Golf Club – Sherbrooke, Que.

Peterborough Golf & Country Club – Peterborough, Ont.

The Riverside Country Club – St. John, N.B.

100 Years

Ashburn Golf Club – Halifax, N.S.

Briars Golf Club Ltd. – Sutton, Ont.

Burlington Golf & Country Club – Burlington, Ont.

Cedar Brae Golf Club – Scarborough, Ont.

Cedarhurst Golf Club – Beaverton, Ont.

Cherry Hill Golf Club – Ridgeway, Ont.

Connaught Golf Club – Medicine Hat, Alta.

Dufferin Heights Golf Club – Stanstead, Que.

Dunany Country Club – Wentworth, Que.

Glenboro Golf & Country Club – Glenboro, M.B.

Highland Country Club – London, Ont.

Hollinger Golf Club – Timmins, Ont.

Idylwylde Golf & Country Club – Sudbury, Ont.

Lookout Point Country Club Ltd. – Pelham, Ont.

Marine Drive Golf Club – Vancouver, B.C.

Oakwood Inn & Country Club – Grand Bend, Ont.

Pembroke Golf Club – Pembroke, Ont.

Penticton Golf & Country Club – Penticton, B.C.

Point Grey Golf & Country Club – Vancouver, B.C.

Portage Golf Club – Portage la Prairie, M.B.

Red Deer Golf & Country Club – Red Deer, Alta.

Redstone Golf Resort – Rossland, B.C.

Club de Golf Rosemère (Fontainebleau) – Blainville, Que.

Royal Mayfair Golf Club – Edmonton, Alta.

Sandy Hook Golf Club – Sandy Hook, MB

Club de Golf St-Jean – Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

The Thornhill Club – Thornhill, Ont.

Uplands Golf Club – Vaughan, Ont.

Uplands Golf Club – Victoria, B.C.

Club de Golf Val-Morin – Val-Morin, Que.

75 Years

Cowichan Golf & Country Club – Duncan, B.C.

Pinebrook Golf & Country Club – Calgary, Alta.

50 Years

Ainsdale Golf Course – Kincardine, Ont.

Beauty Bay Golf Club – Kenora, Ont.

Cedar Glen Golf Course – Williamsburg, Ont.

Kedron Dells Golf Club – Oshawa, Ont.

Club de Golf du Parc Kingsway – Aylmer, Que.

Le Grand Vallon – Beaupré, Que.

Club de Golf Le Loup de Baie St-Paul – Baie Saint-Paul, Que.

Club de Golf Les Saules – Rimouski, Que.

Golf & Academy Longchamp – Sherbrooke, Que.

Murray Hills Golf Course – Brighton, Ont.

Nackawic Golf & Country Club – Nackawic, N.B.

Outlook Riverview Golf Club – Outlook, S.K.

Pine View Golf Course – Gloucester, Ont.

Club de Golf Rivière Rouge – Coteau-du-Lac, Que.

Club de Golf Ste-Flore – Shawinigan, Que.

Club de Golf St-Jean-de-Matha – St-Jean-de-Matha, Que.

Club de Golf St-Jérôme – St-Jérôme, Que.

25 Years

Bell Bay Golf Club – Baddeck, N.S.

Dragonfly Golf Links Ltd. – Renfrew, Ont.

ElleGolf – Calgary Women’s Golf Club – Calgary, Alta.

Innisfil Creek Golf Club – Cookstown, Ont.

Club de Golf l’Empress – Rimouski, Que.

Lake Joseph Golf Club – Port Carling, Ont.

Métropolitain d’Anjou – Anjou, Que.

Royal Charbourg – Quebec City, Que.

The Meadows Golf and Country Club – Niagara Falls, Ont.

Golf Canada values its members and we’d love for you to take advantage of exclusive member savings for all your home and auto insurance needs.

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Please see your policy for all terms and conditions. Home and Auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, RBC Insurance does not offer auto insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

Service provided by Aviva General Insurance Company. Clients may call 1-888-885-5915 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, ET). Service not available in Quebec. Quebec residents may call 1-888-563-7119 for questions about their policy and coverages.

An introduction from his daughter, Paige Percy 

Today, Gord Percy was named the 49^th president of the PGA of Canada at the association’s Annual General Meeting. The PGA of Canada, first established in 1911 is the second oldest and third largest professional golf association in the world. 

Percy is an esteemed community member, golf professional, and golf industry leader. I would also say he is the best father in the world. He once said in an article about his career that his primary motivation is his children, so it feels only fitting that his daughter is the one to introduce him as the new President of the PGA of Canada. 

I was lucky enough to work for my dad for many years at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club as a back shop and pro shop employee (since then, my dad has moved to become the Head Professional and General Manager at Smiths Falls Golf Club). 

One of my favourite parts of working for him was our drives to and from work. Sometimes during those drives, we would listen to the news or music, but more often than not we would talk about golf – not just about how he was playing, but about growing the game, changes in the industry, and memories over his lifetime. These conversations brought up industry challenges, dreams of what golf could be in the future, and a lot of nostalgia.

My favourite stories my dad tells are often about his adventures and experiences as a young golfer in his hometown of Verona, Ontario. He was first introduced to golf, not at a course, but at home, by his babysitter while his parents were at work. He transitioned from playing golf around the house to Rivendell Golf Course (although he certainly still plays a lot of golf around the house, even today).

He still holds the course record of an 11-under par, 60 at Rivendell!

Growing up, I often heard stories about him giving golf lessons to senior members, setting course records, and making shots he sometimes still considers his best. 

Although an injury changed his career trajectory, he still aspired to work in the golf industry and ended up getting a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education from Queens University and a Professional Golf Management Graduate Certificate from Humber College. 

His ability to change direction, persevere and still follow his passions are the same qualities he has instilled in my brother and me. He has always emphasized the importance of pursuing education, whether formal or informal, which the PGA of Canada has further supported through their Ian Webb scholarship program for members’ spouses, children, and grandchildren. 

At home and at work, supporting education and professional development is a top priority for my dad.

“I think the big things for me are finding ways to get pros into jobs where they can have successful careers and can stay with it,” he says. “You used to hear stories about pros working a ton, not making a lot of money, and not having that work-life balance. I think we’re moving in the right direction but there is still some work to do. The education, continuing being innovative with it, and getting more people interested and using that platform – that is all very important to me.” 

It’s clear that growing the game of golf has always been a passion for my dad. This is particularly evident when he runs junior golf camps or gives junior lessons. During these camps I got to watch so many young people become passionate about golf through his teaching. His ability to inspire and teach is a talent he’s had since the beginning of his career. 

I’m so proud that to him growing the game isn’t just about getting more people to play. Rather, it is about making sure that as the game of golf grows in an inclusive way. Whether it is attending events for military veterans golfing, working with organizations to provide youth memberships, or prioritizing growing the game for women, he works to make sure golf grows inclusively. 

He was instrumental in having Brooke and Brittney Henderson both join the PGA of Canada and is proud he was part of naming our Female Player of the Year award after Brooke.  Having known the family since his early days of being a professional he is proud to have fit Brittney for her first set of Ping Clubs that would later become Brooke’s.  Brooke went on to use an old 46 inch extra stiff driver with his name imprinted on it that she had much amateur success with.  He jokes its his fault she chokes up on her clubs.   

The PGA of Canada has also taken this up through their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, which he was involved with and personally invested in. This extends his commitment to making sure that golf takes care of its professionals. He says priority for him going into his presidency is ensuring golf professionals across Canada have access to support, such as through the Members Assistance Program, the mentorship program, and the Benevolent Fund. 

 “Another thing that really is important to me; I’d like to find a way to help our members more – in sync with the Benevolent Fund – whether it is getting them more benefits from being a golf professional, or more value added so that we can help everybody out,” he says.

Over the last several years, it’s been so exciting to watch my dad take on his board leadership roles, first with the PGA of Ottawa, and most recently with the PGA of Canada. I’ve seen him work with people across the country and globally, making sure the golf industry is not only innovative, but fun. I most recently witnessed this during the 2021 RBC PGA Scramble, which brought professional and amateur golfers from across Canada together in Cape Breton. The event highlighted how golf experiences can change people’s lives and bring people together, something my dad truly appreciates and emphasizes in his work. 

The 2021 season marked his 25th season as a PGA professional. During his career he has won numerous tournaments and has received accolades such as Ottawa Zone Teacher of the Year, Assistant of the Year, and Golf Professional of the Year. Although he has amassed many trophies and awards over the years, he always says he’s most proud of being a father. Likewise, as he becomes President of the PGA of Canada, I am still most proud along with my brother Ethan that he is our father. 

Percy succeeds Teejay Alderdice as President, while Scott Kolb becomes Vice-President of the Association. In addition, Tiffany Gordon becomes the first female Secretary of the Association. 

The full list of Directors of the Association includes: 

For 3 years 
Alberta – Mrs. Tiffany Gordon 
Ontario – Mr. Simon Bevan 
Québec – Mr. Rémi Bouchard 

For 2 Years
Northern Ontario – Mr. Travis Spiess
Manitoba – Mr. Adam Boge 
Ottawa – Mr. Gordon Percy 

For 1 Year 
British Columbia – Mr. Scott Kolb 
Saskatchewan – Mr. Jeff Chambers 
Atlantic – Mr. Gordon Smith

Golf may be an individual sport, but Salimah Mussani believes that collaboration will take Canada’s golfers to the next level.

Mussani was named the head coach of Golf Canada’s women’s team last Friday and the Burlington, Ont. native has already set to work conferring with players and alumni alike. It’s all part of Golf Canada’s stated goal of having a total of 30 golfers on the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour within the next decade.

“How we actually get them there is by making sure they have that support team, making sure they have access to all the things that they need,” said Mussani. “Whether it’s finances, whether it’s a technical coach, whether it’s some specialty, whatever it is, you know, physio, chiro, acupuncture.

“Whatever it is that they need, that we can help them to have to be their best selves, I think is kind of the crux of getting them there.”

Part of Mussani’s process is to acquire as much information as possible from a variety of sources. Golf, like many professional sports, is increasingly data driven with analytics able to show athletes how their play is developing over a season shot-by-shot.

Mussani said she and assistant coach Jennifer Greggain will rely on that hard data but are also looking into anecdotal input. To that end, she has sent a survey to alumnae of Golf Canada’s programs, including Hall of Famers Lorie Kane, Gail Graham and Marlene Streit, to find out what they think could help the current generation of golfers.

“Everybody’s working toward the same goal and the same vision, which makes it that much more fun.”

Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee, a member of Team Canada’s young pro squad, said she appreciates Mussani’s collaborative approach. Lee believes that a healthy team-first culture will lead to strong results, even for a sport like golf which ultimately comes down to individual performances.

“(Mussani) wants to come in here and make a difference,” said Lee. “She’s not just coming here with her own ideas of what she wants to do and what she thinks it’s going to be best for the team. She’s reaching out to alum and asking what their opinions are of the program and what they felt could have been changed while they were on the team.

“I think that’s a testament to who she is, how she’s taught us, and gives a little bit of insight of how she’s going to run this team going forward.”

Mussani is a two-time Ontario junior champion, a two-time Canadian junior champion, and a key member of an NCAA runner-up golf team at Stanford University. She also competed as a professional on the Epson and LPGA Tours, as well as the former Canadian Women’s Tour.

She has held assistant coaching roles with Stanford University, University of British Columbia, and Team Canada.

Mussani believes that her background as a player and experience working with varsity athletes gives her valuable insight as a coach. She also said that being a woman coaching young women may be helpful to building relationships.

“I think, for a player to relate to a female coach, I think it’s a lot easier,” said Mussani, who noted she’s working primarily with young women between the ages of 17 and 25. “I think of myself when I was a 19-year-old girl. It would have been hard for me to pick up a phone and call an older guy and be vulnerable.

“I’ll have that closer path for the girls to get to know them and to forge that relationship in a little closer knit way.”

Maddie Szeryk agrees with Mussani. The young pro squad member from London, Ont., said that she’s looking forward to building a relationship with her new head coach.

“I think that’s part of what makes her relatable, we all feel comfortable in talking with her,” said Szeryk. “She’s just really helpful and I think just very easygoing but also is a great coach and is firm with things. She’s very encouraging.

“She’s just really eager to get going and wants to know how she can help us, looking at stats and coming out to tournaments. I know she’s really excited for the role and I think we’re all really happy for her.”

The PGA TOUR’s long-awaited return to Canada is on the horizon and what better way to get started than by shopping the official gear of the 2022 RBC Canadian Open by Levelwear, available online today.

From polos and outerwear to accessories and headwear, the RBC Canadian Open e-store is stocked with everything you need as Canada prepares to welcome the world to St George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ont., on June 6-12.

Coast-to-coast

Whether on-site at the RBC Canadian Open or watching from afar, we’ve got you covered with all your favourite items. Thinking about teeing it up in the morning before watching the pros compete down the stretch on Sunday? Stay warm with this Men’s Firstlite Vest by Levelwear.

One-stop shop

The RBC Canadian Open is the lone stop north of the border on the PGA TOUR this year, so don’t miss your chance to get your hands on some of the hottest apparel online at the eStore. These Women’s Chance Polo shirts are going fast, so get yours while supplies last to stay cool in the summer sun as you cheer on a strong Canadian contingent from The Rink on 16.

Tip of the cap

No time to do your hair in the morning after rocking out to Flo Rida and Maroon 5 at the RBCxMusic Concert Series? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a full range of headwear, including this Razor Visor in honour of Team RBC member and two-time Master’s champion Bubba Watson.

Lazy Sundays

Comfort is key on the tee and at home. Sit back, relax and enjoy the RBC Canadian Open in this Women’s Loop Pullover sweater as Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes bid to win the coveted title on home soil.

To shop the official gear of the RBC Canadian Open by Levelwear click here.

Golf Canada and STALK&BARREL Handcrafted Canadian Whisky announced today a multi-year partnership that will see STALK&BARREL become the official Canadian Whisky Partner for Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

Through its partnership position which runs through 2025, STALK&BARREL Handcrafted Canadian Whisky will be poured exclusively at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open hospitality and concession locations with fan activations planned at the Recipe Unlimited Fare Way food and beverage experience onsite at both championships.

“Welcoming a premium, locally crafted whisky to our corporate hospitality and concessions offering will further enhance the festival experience of our National Open Championships and we are pleased to introduce STALK&BARREL as our Official Canadian Whisky for the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open,” said John Sibley, Chief Commercial Officer of Golf Canada.

STALK&BARREL is a handcrafted Canadian Whisky, made locally at a craft distillery in Ontario with a true ‘grain to glass’ commitment.  It’s a small batch, single malt that is 100% Canadian owned and operated and aspires to inspire new traditions among Canadians. 

“The STALK&BARREL team is ecstatic to be aligned with a great Canadian institution like Golf Canada.  We’re proud to affiliate ourselves with an organization that embodies the same Canadian spirit and values as ours and Golf Canada was the clear choice. We look forward to working together with them through their partner clubs, members, and marquee events for 2022 and beyond.” said Steven Ciccolini, President, CIVC.

The 2022 RBC Canadian Open will be held June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto, Ont. with nearby Islington Golf serving as the official practice facility. The 2022 CP Women’s Open will be contested August 22-28 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.  

TORONTO – Corey Conners is ready to hear the roar of Canadian golf fans for the first time in three years.

Conners, from Listowel, Ont., is currently the top-ranked Canadian in the field at this summer’s RBC Canadian Open. The national men’s golf championship has been cancelled the past two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but will return on June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Toronto.

“I think the Canadian fans travel as well as anyone. I feel a lot of Canadian love week in and week out,” said Conners, who is No. 32 on the FedExCup rankings. “But to have the crowd made up of pretty much all Canadians is going to be amazing.

A full Canadian contingent will join Conners at the only PGA Tour event north of the border. Former PGA Tour winners Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., as well as Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor, both from Abbotsford, B.C., have already signed on.

Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., Michael Gligic of Burlington, Ont., and Roger Sloan of Merritt, B.C., are also set to compete. Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., currently ranked No. 32 on the European-based DP World Tour, has been given a tournament exemption to compete at the PGA Tour event.

“It’s going to certainly be a lot of fans out there cheering us on,” said Conners, who noted that the tournament will be in Toronto for the first time in 12 years since St. George’s also hosted the event in 2010. “I think there’s going to be a lot of cool things for people to do away from the golf course.

“You know, we’re there to take care of business but you can explore the sights in Toronto. I think a lot a lot of people and families that travelled there with the players will be excited about that.”

LIV Golf, a new men’s professional golf tour that hopes to rival the PGA Tour, will hold its first-ever tournament the same week as the Canadian Open at the Centurion Golf Club outside of London, England.

Canadian Open tournament director Bryan Crawford said that the LIV event did not make it any more difficult to assemble a competitive field.

“We’re very fortunate to have a great home-field advantage with all of our Canadians that people come out to see and can win a tournament any given week,” said Crawford, noting that this year’s field is just as strong as the 2019 edition at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. “We’ve been able to attract the very best players in the world.”

World No. 4 Cameron Smith, No. 18 Matt Fitzpatrick, and No. 19 Tony Finau, were added to the event’s field on Monday.

They’re joining an already stacked field that includes defending Canadian Open champion and world No. 7 Rory McIlroy, world No. 1 and reigning Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and world No. 11 Dustin Johnson.

Mary DePaoli, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer of title sponsor RBC, said that more player announcements were to come in the weeks before the Canadian Open.

“I am very confident when I say this: any global golf fan who tunes into the weekend of June 9 through 12 to watch great golf is going to be watching the RBC Canadian Open that weekend,” said DePaoli.

The RBCxMusic concert series and The Rink feature hole, two staples of the Canadian Open weekend, will return in 2022. Flo Rida and Maroon 5 will perform after the second and third rounds at nearby Richview Collegiate Institute. The Rink, a featured hole that includes hockey boards around the tee box, will be at No. 16 at St. Georges.

“I think it’s a really cool feature, sort of a Canadian hockey reference and I think your fans will be excited, the players, I think, are going to like it,” said Conners. “I think the atmosphere there is really cool.

“It’s something a little extra special about the event and hopefully I get some good shots on the Rink.”

Mackenzie Hughes withstood windy, wet and cold conditions to finish 2-under par and tied for 9th at the Wells Fargo Championship in Potomac, Maryland over the weekend.

After an opening round 4-under 66, Hughes, paired with fellow Canadian Corey Conners who finished two back at even par, carded a final round bogey-free 67 to move into the top 10 at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm – his third finish of that nature this season.

Nick Taylor put in a gutsy performance facing inclement weather conditions and finished in a tie for 15^th, while Michael Gligic managed a T37 result.

Traditionally hosted by the Quail Hollow Club, the event was moved this year as the course in Charlotte, North Carolina undergoes preparations for the 2022 President’s Cup in September.  

For Max Homa, it didn’t matter where the tournament was happening. For the second time since 2019 (the event was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19), Homa was crowned champion of the Wells Fargo Championship, finishing at 8-under par, two strokes ahead of runners-up Matt Fitzpatrick, Cameron Young and Keegan Bradley.

As the final pairing on Sunday, Homa and Bradley seesawed through the closing round, with lead changes throughout the front nine before Homa seized control down the stretch en route to his fourth career PGA TOUR victory and third in the last 15 months.

Drew Nesbitt, Adam Svensson and Roger Sloan were also in the field at TPC Potomac but did not make the cut.

For the full leaderboard click here.

Next up: The TOUR heads south to Texas for the AT&T Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch from May 12-16. Hughes, Gligic, Sloan, Svensson, Taylor and Adam Hadwin are slated to tee it up for Canada.

Did you know there’s a Canadian connection to the most anticipated golf video game in recent memory?

HB Studios, based in Nova Scotia, was recently acquired by iconic sports video-game company 2K – which inked a long-term, exclusive partnership with Tiger Woods. 2K purchased HB Studios, the developers of PGA TOUR 2K21 as well as its ‘The Golf Club’ franchise.

“I am looking forward to making my return to the video game landscape, and with 2K and HB Studios, I’ve found the right partners to make it happen,” said Woods last year. “I’m honoured to take part in this opportunity and look forward to sharing my expertise and insights as we build the future of golf video games together.”

With Woods’ injury, the release of the next 2K game has been postponed, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate some big-time golf releases from the past.

Whether it’s an all-time classic or merely a nostalgic game that prompts some fun memories with friends, here are the top give golf video games of all time.

Golden Tee

Released in 1989, the Golden Tee machine has become a staple in bars (and some lucky homes!) for more than 30 years. Originally the project was meant for a large-scale golf simulator, but it was scrapped by the developer. The programmer decided to press on with the idea – after having already written the software to create virtual golf courses – and since then the machine has become as synonymous with bars as cold beer and nachos. The simple game-play format – pulling back that iconic trackball and flying it forward – remains a joy.

Wii Sports – Golf

The Nintendo Wii, when released in 2006, had a pack-in game included with each system. Alongside tennis, baseball, bowling and boxing, there was golf.

The Wii allowed for its users to have fun with the motion-sensing capabilities of the Wii remote which means, yes, you can absolutely swing the remote like you would a real golf club.

Other video game franchises would take advantage of the Wii’s capabilities (Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12, for example, allowed for users on the Wii to swing the control) but the original Wii Sports golf effort was fun, different, and set the stage for other motion-controlled games moving forward.

Links

Before there were gaming systems, there were games played on your desktop computer and Links: The Challenge of Golf, set off a well-received and incredibly exciting PC-based franchise.

Links was first developed by Access Software and then later purchased and developed by Microsoft. The Challenge of Golf even won Computer Gaming World’s Action Game of the Year award… in 1991. It featured basic enough game play, but some fun destinations for courses and allowed users to play as Arnold Palmer.

The last game in the Links franchise came in 2004 and was available on Xbox.

Mario Golf

It should come as no surprise as the perhaps the most iconic character in video game history tees it up. The first game to feature Mario as a golfer was NES Open Tournament Golf, released in 1987. Mario Golf, as a title, made its debut for the Nintendo 64 in 1999 and received critical acclaim. The latest edition, Mario Golf: Super Rush, was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2021.

There was a variety of gameplay modes (a staple of the franchised that continued with the Super Rush release last year) and it’s equally fun for novice golfers (and gamers) but serious enough for golf lovers, too. 

Tiger Woods PGA Tour

The greatest of all time also has his name tied to the greatest golf video game of all time.

1999 marked the first year that Tiger Woods’ name was featured alongside EA Sports’ golf game and for more than a decade it was on the cutting-edge of golf video game play. There were plenty of iconic years (like 2012, when Augusta National made its debut) but the consensus online is that 2004 was the best. That version featured 20 courses – the most in a Tiger Woods game to that point, continued to build on the 2002 introduction of the ‘analog stick’ game play, and had a banging soundtrack.  

Of note: Originally set for this year, EA Sports and the PGA Tour have announced a pivot in their launch strategy for the latest EA Sports golf title (which will not have Woods’ name attached to it). The new game will be released in 2023 and will feature all four men’s major championships, the FedExCup playoffs, courses like Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass, PGA and LPGA Tour pros, multiple amateur events, plus ShotLink and TrackMan data.

“EA Sports PGA Tour is our first HD golf game in seven years and we wanted to give it the time to make the best game possible,” a spokesperson from EA Sports told Sports Illustrated in March.