Hole in One Report

Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – April, 2026

hole-in-one

Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).

Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.

Alice Wang, University Golf Club, Hole #4

 

During the tournament, I had the pleasure of playing alongside Chloe Zhang and Irene Zhu, which made the experience even more special. The shot was from 130 yards and I used my 8 iron. I felt an immediate sense of excitement, watching it track the hole, land and roll in. It’s something I’ll always remember, not only because of the shot itself, but also because of the people I was able to share it with. Including this opportunity to share this with Golf Canada.

Overall, it was a memorable day and achieving my first hole-in-one made it even more meaningful. Additionally, this round was my first even par finish, this just made it extra special. I’m very grateful for the experience and for the chance to share it.

Lorraine Madigan Farro, Tahquitz Golf Creek, Hole #13

temp alt for theme iandt

I was playing in Palm Springs, California with my husband Ronald Farro, Gary Alexander and Marie. It was 105 yards all carry over a front green side bunker. I hit my 7 iron. It was very exciting! I scored my hole-in-one on the resort’s 13th hole on April 13th. Lucky 13!

Rosalind Hobart, Lakeview Golf Club, Hole #15

temp alt for theme iandt

Hole #15 at Lakeview Golf Club in Delray, Florida is a par 3 over a pond with an elevated green. The forward tees were 98 yards to the pin, but there was a strong head wind and so I used my 8 iron. I didn’t see my hole-in-one because I left my head down, like I am supposed to. But the boys (Josef Ruff and Brian Siegal) told me that I had gotten one, which I still struggle to believe. I was lucky though because I was at a small golf club that didn’t have a bar, so it didn’t cost me a bunch. 

Paul Arsenault, Glacier Greens Golf Club, Hole #15

temp alt for theme iandt

My story is actually rather unique, as this was the fourth hole-in-one on the same hole over the past 31 months! Winter golf in Comox at its best.

Darla Leach, The Okanagan Golf Club, Hole #4

temp alt for theme iandt

This was a very exciting time in my life! I was golfing with my academy team and golf coach. I used my 9 iron at 116 yards!

Eoin Dineen, Knollwood Golf Club , Hole #4

temp alt for theme iandt

I was playing with two of my good friends, Andrew and William. The hole was around 134 yards from the blue tees into wind so I pulled my 9 iron and a custom ProV1 that William had gifted to me prior to the round starting. I hit a great shot directly at the pin but kind of lost the ball in the trees and we heard a loud crack. I had assumed I hit the tree directly behind the pin.

Someone from the next tee-box ran over near the green and shouted something but it was hard to hear what they said. I shouted back, “I think I was long and hit the tree” and didn’t think too much more of it. I hit a provisional just in case I couldn’t find the ball in the leaves. I checked for my original ball but couldn’t find it. I then played my provisional shot. When I finished putting with the provisional, I looked in the hole and saw two custom ProV1 balls looking back at me.

After some initial confusion I chased down the group at the next tee box and asked them what they were shouting to us. They replied that the shot was “absolutely jarred” and made a loud cracking sound. They said they were wondering why there was no celebration at first, before realizing he may have had a better view of the ball and thought they had only imagined it.

I then ran back and celebrated with my friends, taking a few photos to remember the day. It’s been a few days now and I’m still on cloud nine.

Bill Mayuk, Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club, Hole #11

temp alt for theme iandt

Bill scored a hole-in-one on the 139 yard par 3, hole #11 at Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club on April 28th. A big congratulations to Bill from the Golf Canada team!

Handicapping

What golfers should know about Handicapping

bunker

Joining Golf Canada comes with a handful of benefits, one of the biggest being access to a recognized Handicap Index through the World Handicap System (WHS). For new golfers, handicapping can feel like a difficult topic to learn. Think of it as a simple way to gauge your skill level, helping players of all abilities compete more fairly.

What is a Handicap?

At its core, a golf handicap is a numerical measure of a player’s ability. The lower your handicap, the better you are relative to the average golfer. A beginner might have a handicap of 30.0 or higher (54.0 is the limit), while an experienced golfer might be in the single digits.

Why do Handicaps Matter for New Golfers?

As a Golf Canada Member, you have access to an official scoring system. If your new, handicapping might seem like something only “serious” or “good” players worry about. In reality, it’s one of the best tools you can use to track progress and stay motivated. Higher scores aren’t a bad thing, they simply mean there’s more room to improve.

  • Fair competition: You can play against golfers of a higher skill level without feeling outmatched.
  • Progress tracking: Your handicap adjusts as you improve, giving you a clear picture of your growth.
  • Goal setting: Dropping your handicap becomes a tangible goal.

This is why tracking your scores and establishing a handicap right away is best. Waiting until you are “good enough” delays the most useful part of the Golf Canada handicap system.

How is a Handicap calculated?

A common surprise for new golfers is that your handicap isn’t based on your average score, it’s based on your better rounds.

This means:

  • One great round matters more than several mediocre ones.
  • Your handicap reflects what you’re capable of, not what you usually score.
  • Improvement can show up faster than you expect because new scores are immediately taken into consideration.

This is why two golfers who might usually shoot the same, could have vastly different handicaps. If one has the ability to shoot low scores (although less frequently), they will likely have a lower handicap based on their demonstrated ability.

Playing by the Rules

To get the most accurate handicap, you should be doing your best to play by the rules and try to make the lowest score you can.

That means:

  • Putting out (no automatic gimmies)
  • Counting penalty strokes
  • Posting all acceptable rounds
  • Posting scores hole-by-hole (as opposed to total score)
  • No mulligans

It may seem strict if you’re just starting, but it ensures your handicap is as accurate as possible. These are things experienced golfers should be following as well!

Course Rating and Slope: Why Your 95 isn’t always a 95

As a Golf Canada member, your Score Differentials are determined based on course difficulty using Course and Slope Rating. In simple terms, A Score Differential is the relative measure of your round compared to the course and tee being played during a round of golf and used in the handicap calculation.

For example:

  • A 95 on a tough course might be “better” than a 92 on an easier one.
  • The system accounts for difficulty so your handicap adjusts accordingly.

These calculations are done automatically when you post a score but understanding this helps you understand why your handicap moves the way it does.

Your First 20 Scores

In the World Handicap System, your handicap becomes more stable after you’ve posted 20 scores (where your best 8 are averaged). Once you have more than 20 scores posted, your most recent 20 are considered. Before that, fewer of your rounds are taken into account.

So, until you have posted 20 scores:

  • Your handicap may shift quickly
  • Big improvements have a more noticeable impact
  • Your handicap is still being “regulated”

It’s completely normal to see big changes in your handicap prior to posting 20 rounds. It can also be rewarding to see the fast progress!

Final Thoughts

One of the biggest missed opportunities for new (or any) Golf Canada member is not utilizing the ability to establish a Handicap Index.

It’s not just for tournaments, it’s for:

  • Friendly competition
  • Tracking progress
  • Making the game more fun
  • Staying motivated

Golf is one of the few sports where beginners and advanced players can truly compete on a level playing field, and handicapping is the reason why.

PGA TOUR

Inside the field – 2026 PGA Championship

Sudarshan Yellamaraju
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 08: Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Canada hits an approach shot on the second hole during the second round of the Truist Championship 2026 at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 08, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. – The top four ranked Canadians on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) are in the field for the second major of the season as the PGA Championship kicks off Thursday at the Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa.

Corey Conners, Nick Taylor, Taylor Pendrith and Sudarshan Yellamaraju are among the 156 players competing for the Wanamaker Trophy with the 108th playing of the PGA Championship returning to the Aronimink Golf Club for just the second time in tournament history.

Conners of Listowel, Ont. is the lowest ranked Canadian currently at No. 50 and will be making his eighth appearance at the PGA Championship. Conners has earned three top 20 finishes in his career including two of the past three years. His best finish was T12 in 2023. This season, Conners has three top 25 finishes in 11 tournaments on the PGA TOUR. His best finishes came back-to-back with a T13 at The PLAYERS Championship and a T14 at the Valspar Championship in March. After missing the cut at the WM Phoenix Open, Conners has played the weekend in nine consecutive tournaments.

Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. is ranked No. 58 on the OWGR and will be making his sixth PGA Championship appearance. His best finish was T68 in 2015. This season, Taylor has one top 10 and four top 25 finishes on the PGA TOUR, with his best finish coming at the Cadillac Championship, where he was T9. Taylor comes in with momentum after a strong T14 finish last week at the Truist Championship.

Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. is currently ranked No. 86 in the world and will be making his fourth appearance at the PGA Championship. At last year’s PGA Championship at the Quail Hollow Club, Pendrith earned his best finish in a major and the best finish by a Canadian at the PGA Championship, finishing T5. This season, Pendrith has one top 10 in 13 events on the PGA TOUR which came in January at the Sony Open, where he finished T6. He has also earned back-to-back top 40 finishes in Signature events at the Cadillac Championship and Truist Championship the past two weeks.

Yellamaraju has continued to climb the OWGR during his rookie season on the PGA TOUR and is now ranked No. 105. Yellamaraju will be making his first career appearance in a major championship this week in Newtown Square. This season, Yellamaraju has earned a top five, two top 10s and six top 25 finishes in 13 events played. His best finish came at The PLAYERS Championship, where he placed T5, four shots behind the winner, Cameron Young.

The Course
The PGA Championship was last contested at Aronimink in 1962, with Gary Player of South Africa finishing at 2-under (278) to win the first of two Wanamakers in his legendary career. The course has since hosted several prestigious tournaments including the 1977 U.S. Amateur, 1997 U.S. Junior Amateur, 2003 Senior PGA Championship, 2010 and 2011 AT&T National, 2017 BMW Championship and the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Aronimink is the first venue to host all three of the PGA of America’s rotating major championships (PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship).

The Field
The field of 156 athletes features all of the top 50 players on the OWGR as well as the top 25 in the FedExCup Standings, along with several PGA of America club professionals.

Tournament Format
Players will compete over 72 holes of stroke play with a cut following the second round. The top 70 players and ties will advance to the weekend. If there is a tie following 72 holes, the champion will be decided by aggregate played on Nos. 10,17,18, and if still tied then No.18 will be repeated. The last PGA Championship decided by a playoff was in 2022 when Justin Thomas defeated Will Zalatoris in a three-hole aggregate.

Past Champions
14 past champions are in the field, including three multi-time winners

2025 – Scottie Scheffler

2024 – Xander Schauffele

2023, 2019, 2018 – Brooks Koepka

2022, 2017 – Justin Thomas

2020 – Collin Morikawa

2016 – Jimmy Walker

2015 – Jason Day

2014, 2012 – Rory McIlroy

2013 – Jason Dufner

2011 – Keegan Bradley

2010 – Martin Kaymer

2009 – Y.E. Yang

2008 – Padraig Harrington

2003 – Shaun Micheel

Where to watch
TSN and RDS will have extensive coverage of the PGA Championship from Tuesday through Sunday. For the complete broadcast schedule on TSN and TSN+, please click here. For the RDS schedule, click here.

CBS will broadcast from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

*All times are EDT

For the full field and more information on the 2006 PGA Championship, please click here.

CPKC Women's Open Inside Golf House RBC Canadian Open

Golf Canada launches an expanded and elevated merchandise and licensing program

Golf Canada Fan Shop

Rank + Rally becomes Official Retail Operator of the revamped Golf Canada Fan Shop

Fans will experience enhanced retail at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open, with expanded access online through the Golf Canada Fan Shop

Golf Canada welcomes a new class of 13 apparel and accessory brands

CALEDON, Ont. – Golf Canada is proud to unveil a new era of merchandise and licensing that includes a new retail partnership, numerous new Golf Canada merchandise brands and a re-launched online merchandise hub.

With the reimagined strategy, Golf Canada is also pleased to announce a multi-year partnership with Rank + Rally as the Official Retail Operator of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Fan Shop. The partnership will offer an enhanced merchandise platform that will support Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open along with Golf Canada via a revamped ecommerce site, shop.golfcanada.ca, set to launch ahead of the RBC Canadian Open.

“Our new merchandise program reflects Golf Canada’s continued focus on building a world-class event and fan experience across both of our National Open Championships. With an expanded retail space, new shopping locations and a deeper lineup of brands, the merchandise experience will offer fans more opportunities to take home a piece of Canada’s National Opens,” said Mark Palmer, Chief Commercial Officer, Golf Canada. “We are also proud to welcome Rank + Rally as the Official Retail Operator of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Fan Shop. Collectively, we look forward to the launch of our enhanced retail and ecommerce platform that will provide fans across Canada with a year-round opportunity to secure merchandise beyond tournament weeks.”

The reimagined Golf Canada Fan Shop will engage fans on-site at both the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open, featuring a significantly expanded footprint and merchandise selection. The offerings include tournament-exclusive apparel, limited-edition headwear, premium accessories and commemorative items from some of the top brands in golf and sport.

The main Golf Canada Fan Shop at the RBC Canadian Open will be located near the first tee with a secondary location at The Rink (No. 14), a high-energy par-3 hole at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, providing fans with convenient access to official tournament products at one of the most energetic and celebrated spectator environments in Canadian sport.

“We’re thrilled to join with Golf Canada to create next-generation retail experiences that provide unprecedented variety, seamless access and exclusive products to fans across the country, beginning with these two premier tournaments,” said Dan Gillham, Senior Vice President, Rank + Rally. “Our singular goal is to help bring to life the strategic vision that Mark and his team have for the Golf Canada brand as they create new ways for passionate Canadian golf fans to experience this great game.”

Rank + Rally delivers best-in-class merchandise operations across major North American sporting events, venues and team franchises. In Canada, its partners include the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators among many others. The company also serves fans during marquee sports, entertainment and cultural moments and celebrations from NBA and WNBA All-Star Games to the Stanley Cup Final and NBA Finals. In addition to overseeing all merchandise operations at both National Open Championships and online, Rank + Rally will assist in the continued expansion of Golf Canada’s retail strategy and fan engagement opportunities.

New brands strengthen and diversify the Golf Canada lineup

Golf Canada is also proud to welcome 13 new brands who will offer an expanded variety of merchandise options online and on-site at both National Open Championships through the Golf Canada Fan Shop. The new brands include Peter Millar, G/FORE, Nike, Full Wedge, TravisMathew, Breezy, Imperial, New Era, Dormie Workshop, Good Good Golf, Barstool Sports, Johnnie-O and Mustang, who will join current Official Partners Acushnet, Levelwear and YETI.

NextGen Championships

Keisha Han and Alexis Rouleau win 2026 NextGen Ontario Championship

Keisha Han and Alexis Rouleau

THORNTON, Ont. – Keisha Han’s late birdie on 17 gave her the lead and the win and Alexis Rouleau came from behind to cap off the 2026 NextGen Ontario Championship at Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club in Thornton, Ont. on Saturday.

Han of Toronto, Ont. entered the final round one shot back of Sierra Kowalyshyn of Stoney Creek, Ont. and shot a 77 to finish the tournament at 10-over, to win the Girls division. Han recorded rounds of 77-72-77-226 and carded six birdies through three rounds to earn her first win on the NextGen circuit by one shot over Evelyn Ma (Markham, Ont.), Kaprice Park (Oakville, Ont.) and Claire Roberts (Kitchener, Ont.).

Team Canada – NextGen athlete, Rouleau of Montreal, Que. was T21 after Thursday’s opening round, but responded with a 4-under 68 on Friday to jump up the leaderboard into a three-way tie for second. Following a strong second round, Rouleau entered Saturday, two shots back of the leader. Rouleau got off to a hot start recording four birdies on his front nine to finish with a 2-under 70 on Saturday, finishing the tournament at 3-under, three shots clear of Geordie Johnston of Amherstburg, Ont. Rouleau carded rounds of 75-68-70-213 with 10 birdies through three rounds en route to his first win on the NextGen circuit.

NextGen Ontario Championship –

Advancing to 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship

Top 8 plus ties qualify        

Keisha Han (Toronto, Ont.)+10
Evelyn Ma (Markham, Ont.)+11
Kaprice Park (Oakville, Ont.)+11
Claire Roberts (Kitchener, Ont.)+11
Adrianna Salalila (Peterborough, Ont.)+13
Riviera Lindholm (Toronto, Ont.)+13
Sierra Kowalyshyn (Stoney Creek, Ont.)+13
Alexis Card (Cambridge, Ont.)+13

NextGen Ontario Championship –

Advancing to 2026 Canadian Junior Boys Championship Top 8 qualify

Alexis Rouleau (Montreal, Que.)-3
Geordie Johnston (Amherstburg, Ont.)E
Lucas Gilbart (Toronto, Ont.)+1
Matthew Simpson (Toronto, Ont.)+1
Charly Pinel (Beaumont, Que.)+1
Barron Mundy (Mississauga, Ont.)+1
Riley Bentley (Windsor, Ont.)+1
*Cash McDonell (Kingston, Ont.)+2

*Earned in playoff

The field of 156 players (105 Junor Boys and 51 Junior Girls) teed off Thursday with a cut following Friday’s second round.

The NextGen Championship series continues June 4-6 at Wolf Creek Golf Resort in Ponoka, Alta. for the playing of the NextGen Western Championship. Practice rounds will get underway on Wednesday, June 3, followed by 54-holes, set to kick off on Thursday, June 4 and wrap up on Saturday, June 6.

For the final leaderboards from the NextGen Ontario Championship, please click here.

About the NextGen Championships

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2026 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.

Lauren Kim and Anna Huang qualify for 2026 U.S. Women’s Open

Lauren Kim and Anna Huang

CALEDON, Ont.—Team Canada members Lauren Kim and Anna Huang have both earned exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open.

Kim of Surrey, B.C. shot a total 6-under through two rounds, including nine birdies and one eagle to lead the field at the U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier at Rainier Golf and Country Club in Seattle, Wash. on April 28. This will be Kim’s third appearance at the U.S Women’s Open, previously playing in 2022.

Kim, 20, is currently ranked No. 15 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) and is a junior at the University of Texas. Kim won the Jackson T Stephens Cup as a freshman and finished first at the Betsy Rawls Invitational as a Sophomore. This season, Kim has earned five individual top 10 finishes for Texas and competed in her third Augusta National Women’s Amateur, setting the record for appearances by a Canadian. Kim and her teammates will be competing at the NCAA Regional Championship from May 11-13 in Chapel Hill, N.C.

“Her game is well suited to difficult tests, combining a strong golf IQ with a relentless competitive mindset,” said Salimah Mussani, Stollery Family Team Canada Women’s Head Coach. “I’m looking forward to seeing her challenge herself against the best players in the world once again. It will serve as a valuable benchmark as she prepares for her senior season at the University of Texas next year.” 

Huang of Vancouver, B.C. finished the tournament at 1-under carding seven birdies through two rounds to win the qualifier at Somerset Country Club in Mendota Heights, Minn. and book her ticket into the U.S. Women’s Open. This will be Huang’s first appearance at the Women’s U.S. Open.

Huang, 17, is currently ranked No. 83 on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and ranked No. 15 on the Ladies European Tour (LET) with six top 25 finishes this season. Huang has played in 27 tournaments on the LET and has recorded two wins and four top ten finishes.

“She carries herself with a maturity well beyond her years, and her calm, steady demeanour is one of her greatest strengths,” said Mussani. “Her well rounded skill set across every facet of the game is incredibly impressive and reflected in her Rolex world ranking of 83. Anna is excited to return to golf’s biggest stage, a place she knows she belongs. She also brings a strong sense of perspective and appreciation for the opportunities she has earned along the way.”

Kim and Huang along with fellow Canadians, Brooke Henderson and Aphrodite Deng are set to compete at the 81st U.S. Women’s Open from June 4-7 at Rivera Golf Course in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, Calif.

NextGen Championships

2026 NextGen Ontario Championship set for Tangle Creek

course photo

THORNTON, Ont.—The road to the 2026 Canadian junior championships continues with the NextGen Ontario Championship set to kick off Wednesday, May 6 at Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club in Thornton, Ontario.

The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Wednesday, May 6, and championship rounds beginning on Thursday, May 7. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 47 Junior Boys and top 23 Junior Girls, including ties, for the final round which wraps up on Saturday, May 9.

The field is led by Team Canada NextGen member, Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. Pain won the 2024 Ontario NextGen Championship at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. In the girls division, 2025 NextGen Western champion Yeeun (Jenny) Kwon will compete this week. Kwon finished as runner-up last week at the NextGen Pacific Championship. Last season, Kwon had two additional runner-up finishes at the NextGen Prairie and Atlantic championships.

The top eight players in the Junior Boys division of the NextGen Ontario Championship will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 10-14, at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Saskatchewan. The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division of the NextGen Ontario Championship will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, August 10-14, at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (Heathlands Course) in Caledon, Ontario.

The top three players (including ties) per division in the 2026 NextGen Ontario Championship will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian U15 Championship, August 24-27, at Loyalist Country Club in Bath, Ontario, if age eligible.

“Tangle Creek’s championship layout is designed to test every part of your game. The course features rolling fairways framed by natural fescue, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens that demand precision and creativity,” said Richard Edmonds, GM, Managing Partner, Tangle Creek Golf Club. “Each hole offers a unique challenge, blending parkland and links-style elements to create a dynamic and memorable playing experience. With its balance of risk and reward, Tangle Creek rewards smart course management and confident shot-making—qualities that define great competitors.

“We take great pride in maintaining a facility that reflects the best of Canadian golf—where competitive spirit meets community and respect for the game. Over the coming days, we hope you enjoy not only the competition but also the camaraderie, the scenery, and the spirit of the sport that brings us all together,” added Edmonds.

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Ontario Championship, click here.

About the NextGen Championships  

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2026 national junior championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.  

First Tee

More than a game: First Tee – Ontario program helps shape Jayden Cruz’s future

Jayden Cruz

TORONTO, Ont. — What began as a chance to try something new close to home has become a defining part of Jayden Cruz’s life.

When Oakdale Golf and Country Club launched its First Tee – Ontario program in 2022, Cruz and his younger brother Mason were among the first participants to sign up. For the Cruz family, golf was not a sport they had previously considered. Four years later, it has become far more than a game.

Jayden Cruz
Jayden Cruz and his brother, Mason, participating in the First Tee program at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. Photos: Lauren Cruz

Now turning 16, Cruz has grown from one of Oakdale’s pilot First Tee participants, into a mentor for the younger players, reflecting the confidence, resilience and sense of purpose the program has helped foster.

Introduced to golf through First Tee, Cruz quickly developed both his skills and a passion for the sport. What made the program meaningful to him was the welcoming environment created by Oakdale’s coaches, where respect, honesty and perseverance are ingrained in every lesson. It was in that space that Cruz’s confidence began to flourish.

One of the most memorable moments in his journey came in 2023, when Oakdale hosted the RBC Canadian Open. Through First Tee – Canada’s Walk With a Pro experience, Cruz had the opportunity to go inside the ropes alongside one of the world’s greatest, Rory McIlroy — a dream come true, assisted by his younger brother Mason, who gave up his own spot in line so Cruz could meet his golf hero.

Jayden Cruz
Jayden Cruz and Rory McIlroy during First Tee – Canada’s Walk With a Pro experience. Photos: Bernard Brault/Golf Canada

Today, Cruz remains deeply connected to the same program that first introduced him to the game. As Oakdale enters its fifth season of First Tee programming, he now works at the club as a range attendant and volunteers as an assistant coach of the program, while Mason continues as an active participant.

“Jayden was a wonderful student in our program and has developed into an excellent role model for the younger participants,” said Bob Beauchemin, Oakdale’s director of instruction. “He is a respectful, courteous and hardworking young man. We’re fortunate to have him working in golf operations and staying involved in our First Tee program.”

At home, his parents have watched the impact of his First Tee lessons extend well beyond the fairways.

“We’re so grateful to have found the First Tee program at Oakdale,” they said. “The positive impact it has had on Jayden is clear in his desire to stay involved and continue to grow both on and off the course.”

Now enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program — a two-year, challenging curriculum preparing students for university and adult life — Cruz says the focus and discipline he has developed through golf continue to support him in the classroom and in everyday life.

Jayden Cruz
Jayden Cruz receiving his Honour Roll certificate in November 2023. Photo: Lauren Cruz

The support of Oakdale’s membership, covering the cost of program registration so all children could have a chance to play, was integral to Cruz’s golf and life connection. The game has become a way for him to give back.

“I’ve learned a lot through First Tee,” he said. “If I can help younger people, like my brother, enjoy the game and learn those same lessons, that would mean a lot.”

First Tee – Ontario plans to invite Cruz to become a certified coach, giving him the opportunity to pass those lessons on to the next generation.

For a young person who first arrived at Oakdale looking to try something new, Cruz’s journey has come full circle, proving that when access meets opportunity, the impact can last far beyond the course.

PGA TOUR RBC Canadian Open

Five Regional Qualifiers set for 2026 RBC Canadian Open

RBC Canadian Open Flag / Golf Canada
RBC Canadian Open Flag / Golf Canada

CALEDON, Ont. – The 2026 RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifying Series will feature five events across the country as players compete for spots into the Final Qualifier on Sunday, June 7. 

Following changes to PGA TOUR field sizes for the 2026 season, players who finish within the top ten per cent of the field (and ties) at each Regional Qualifying event will earn a spot into Final Qualifying.  

2026 Regional Qualifiers: 

Monday, May 4 – Lookout Point Country Club Ltd. – Fonthill, Ont.
Thomas Code led the field with a 1-under 71 at the first RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Lookout Point Country Club in Fonthill, Ont. on Monday. Code, of Dorchester, Ont. was the lone player under par and recorded two birdies to finish atop the leaderboard and book his place into the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier, along with 21 other players in Fonthill. For the final leaderboard from Monday’s qualifier, click here.

Thursday, May 7 – Highland Pacific Golf – Victoria, B.C.
Luke Bogdan led the field shooting a 3-under at the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Highland Pacific Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. on Thursday. Bogdan, from Langley, B.C. finished the round with four birdies and qualified for the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier, along with nine other players in Victoria. For the final leaderboard from Thursday’s qualifier, click here.

Monday, May 11 – Oshawa Golf & Curling Club – Oshawa, Ont.
Kyle Gordon led the field shooting 5-under 66 at the RBC Canadian Open Qualifier at Oshawa Golf and Curling Club in Oshawa, Ont. on Monday. Gordon, of Whitby, Ont. opened his round with a bogey but quickly turned things around going bogey free the rest of the way, carding six birdies to earn his place into the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier, along with 13 other players in Oshawa. For the final leaderboard from Monday’s qualifier, click here.

Wednesday, May 13 – Elm Ridge Country Club – Île-Bizard, Que.
Samuel Breton Gagnon led the field shooting 3-under 69 at the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Elm Ridge Country Club in Île-Bizard, Que. on Wednesday. Breton Gagnon, from Quebec City, Que. finished the round with an eagle and five birdies to book his spot into the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier, along with 15 other players in Île-Bizard. For the final leaderboard from Wednesday’s qualifier, click here.

Thursday, May 28 – Northern Bear Golf Club – Sherwood Park, Alta. 
Will Holan led the field with a 5-under 67 at the final RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier at Northern Bear Golf Course in Sherwood Park, Alta. on Thursday. Holan of Edmonton, Alta. finished the round with six birdies to earn his spot into the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier, along with 6 other players in Sherwood Park. For the final leaderboard from Thursday’s qualifier, click here.

The Final Qualifier will take place on Sunday, June 7 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. The top four finishers will earn an exemption into the 2026 RBC Canadian Open, taking place June 10-14 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. For the current field competing in the Final Qualifier, please click here.

PGA TOUR RBC Canadian Open

Matt Fitzpatrick, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, Brooks Koepka, Tony Finau and more top players join field for 2026 RBC Canadian Open

2026 RBC Canadian Open Players Confirmed

Multi-time PGA TOUR winning group joins Max Homa, Jacob Bridgeman, defending champion Ryan Fox and Team RBC ambassadors Shane Lowry, Sam Burns and Sahith Theegala among early commitments

Mike Weir accepts tournament invitation into the 115th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship to compete alongside 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor, Canadian PGA TOUR winners Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin, Adam Svensson and rising Canadian PGA TOUR stars
Sudarshan Yellamaraju and A.J. Ewart

RBC Canadian Open returns to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in 2027

CALEDON, Ont. – The field for Canada’s National Open Championship continues to strengthen as PGA TOUR stars Matt Fitzpatrick, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, Brooks Koepka, Tony Finau, Max Homa and Jacob Bridgeman have confirmed their intention to compete June 11-14 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in the 2026 RBC Canadian Open.

Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion, has won five times on the PGA TOUR and has nine international wins in his career. He has also competed in four Ryder Cups (2016, 2020, 2023, 2025) winning twice most recently, in addition to competing at the 2024 Olympic Games. The world No. 4 ranked player has enjoyed a successful start to the 2026 season, most recently winning consecutive weeks, the RBC Heritage for the second time in his career (2023) followed by the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside his brother Alex. Fitzpatrick’s first win of the season came in March at the Valspar Championship. He also finished runner-up at THE PLAYERS Championship. Fitzpatrick also has four top-fives, five top-10s and eight top-25s in ten events this season. Fitzpatrick will be making his fourth appearance at the RBC Canadian Open; his best finish was T10 in 2022.

Morikawa is a seven-time winner on the PGA TOUR and two-time major champion. The No. 6 ranked player in the world has competed in two Presidents Cup winning sides for the U.S. (2022, 2024) and three Ryder Cups (2020, 2023, 2025) winning once (2020). He has also represented the U.S. at two Olympic Games (2020, 2024). This season, Morikawa won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am in February and has three top-fives and five top-10s in nine events. Morikawa will be competing in his second RBC Canadian Open; he finished T14 at his lone appearance in 2019.

Fleetwood won his first PGA TOUR title last August, capturing the FedExCup at the 2025 TOUR Championship. The current world No. 7 ranked player also has nine international wins during his career. Fleetwood has represented Europe at four Ryder Cups (2018, 2020, 2023, 2025), winning three times and won the silver medal for Great Britain at the 2024 Olympic Games, his second Olympic Games appearance. This season, Fleetwood has one top-five, four top-10s and five top-25s in eight events played. Fleetwood will be competing in his fourth RBC Canadian Open; his best finish came as runner-up in 2023 when he lost to Nick Taylor in a four-hole playoff at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.

Koepka, a five-time major champion has won nine times on the PGA TOUR along with seven international wins. Koepka has represented the U.S. at one Presidents Cup, winning in 2017 and four Ryder Cups (2016, 2018, 2020, 2023) winning twice (2016, 2020). Koepka is one of seven players to win five major championships including the PGA Championship three times (2018, 2019, 2023) and two U.S. Open titles (2017 and 2018). This season, Koepka has competed in eight events on the PGA TOUR with one top-10 and four top-25 finishes. Koepka will be competing in his fourth RBC Canadian Open and first since 2019. His best finish came in 2015 when he finished T18.

Finau is a six-time winner on the PGA TOUR and has earned three top-25 finishes in 12 events played this season. The fan favourite has represented the U.S. at three Presidents Cups, winning all three (2019, 2022, 2024) and two Ryder Cups (2018 and winning in 2020). Finau will be making his sixth appearance at the RBC Canadian Open and first since his runner-up finish in 2022 at St. George’s Golf Club.

Homa is also a six-time winner on the PGA TOUR and has earned one top-10 and two top-25 finishes in 11 events this season. Homa has won two Presidents Cups as part of the U.S. Team (2022, 2024) and also competed at the 2023 Ryder Cup. Homa will be making his fourth appearance at the RBC Canadian Open.

Bridgeman currently sits fifth in the FedExCup standings and won his first PGA TOUR event at The Genesis Invitational in February. In addition to his win, Bridgeman has three top-fives, four top-10s and has finished in the top 25 in eight of the 11 tournaments he’s played this season. Bridgeman, the No. 19 ranked player in the world will be competing in his second RBC Canadian Open after finishing T14 in 2024.

“Marking nearly 20 years as title sponsor, RBC is proud to have helped shape the RBC Canadian Open into a renowned event that brings together golf’s greatest champions, Canada’s world-class hospitality, and the game’s most passionate fans, all while generating significant economic impact,” said Shannon Cole, Chief Brand Officer, RBC. “We look forward to welcoming many of the world’s top golfers and our Team RBC ambassadors to this year’s field as our tournament continues to elevate the profile of golf across our country and inspire millions of fans around the globe.”

Canadian contingent, Team RBC and defending champion ready to challenge…

The group is joined by a full Canadian contingent challenging for the National Open Championship, led by PGA TOUR winners including 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion, Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. Also confirmed are Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., and PGA TOUR rookies Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont. and A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C.

The Canadian contingent will compete alongside Team RBC ambassadors, Shane Lowry of Ireland (World No. 35), Sam Burns of Shreveport, La. (World No. 31) and Sahith Theegala of Chino Hills, Calif. (World No. 75).

2025 RBC Canadian Open champion, Ryan Fox of New Zealand (World No. 55) will return to Canada to defend his title at TPC Toronto. Fox earned his second PGA TOUR victory last year in Caledon, Ont. in a four-hole playoff over Team RBC Ambassador Sam Burns. Just one month prior, Fox won his first PGA TOUR event in a playoff at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. This season, Fox has one top-10 and five top-25 finishes in eight events played. He will be making his third RBC Canadian Open appearance this year.

Also accepting an exemption to compete is Canadian golf icon Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont. who will be competing in his 33rd RBC Canadian Open, one back of fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George Cumming on the all-time list.

Exciting Fan Activations and post-play entertainment in The Fare Way…

Fans at the RBC Canadian Open will also enjoy premium experiences with food and beverage options on-site in The Fare Way, featuring The Keg. On Friday, June 12, a FIFA World Cup watch party will take place showing the Canada – Bosnia and Herzegovina match at 3:00 p.m. EDT. In addition, post round entertainment will be taking place within The Fare Way on Friday and Saturday evening immediately following the conclusion of play. More information on the artist line-up will be available in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the 2026 RBC Canadian Open are available here. Children aged 12-and-under get free admission with a ticketed adult.