The first tee of a new season is more than just a fresh scorecard — it’s a reset. A chance to build better habits, sharpen your edge, and make sure your golf handicap index actually reflects the player you are.

The good news? You don’t need a swing overhaul to see results. A few simple, consistent habits can quietly lower your scores, improve accuracy, and make every game more competitive.

Start here: five easy ways to take control of your scoring and set the tone for your 2026 season.

1. Post Scores Hole-by-Hole

HBH score posting gives you deeper insights into your game and a more accurate handicap index.

It takes approximately 30 seconds.

2. Post Same Day You Play

Waiting to post can impact your handicap accuracy for your next round.

3. Double-Check Before You Post

Confirm the course, tees and score before submitting.

This will help avoid fixes later.

4. Post Every Round

Whether you’re playing during inactive season or abroad, every round matters and adds valuable data to your game.

5. Try New Game Formats

Whether it’s match play, stroke play or skins game, handicapping works for any format. It allows for friendly competition and makes scorekeeping seamless.

All of these features and more are available through the free Golf Canada mobile app. Download it today.

PARKSVILLE, B.C. – Charlotte Tam went wire-to-wire and Tiger Xie needed a playoff to emerge victorious at the 2026 NextGen Pacific Championship at Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, B.C on Sunday.

Tam, of Burnaby, B.C. took the lead during Friday’s opening round and didn’t look back, posting three consecutive rounds of 71 to finish at 3-under, five shots clear of Yeeun (Jenny) Kwon. Tam was also the only player to shoot all three rounds under par in the 156-player field. Tam carded 15 birdies over the course of three days including five in her final round on Sunday.

Xie of Surrey, B.C. entered Sunday, two shots back of defending champion, Maxim McKenzie of Chilliwack, B.C. McKenzie was sitting at even par, one-over on the day through nine with Xie two back at 2-over. On the par-5 10th hole the leaderboard shifted with Xie carding an eagle and McKenzie a bogey to put Xie atop the lead by one.

Xie added birdies on Nos. 11 and 13, before bogeying No. 14 and closed with four straight pars to finish at 1-under for the tournament and a 2-under 70 on the day. McKenzie responded with birdies on Nos. 13 and 16 to pull even and close with two pars to force a playoff with Xie.

The first hole of the playoff solved nothing, but Xie chipped in for eagle on the second playoff hole at No. 10 to win the tournament over the defending champion and card his second eagle of the day at the par-5. Xie finished the tournament at 1-under following rounds of 70-75-70.

NextGen Pacific Championship –
Advancing to 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship

Top 8 plus ties qualify

NextGen Pacific Championship –
Advancing to 2026 Canadian Junior Boys Championship

Top 8 qualify
* – won in playoff

The field of 156 players (111 Junior Boys and 45 Junior Girls) teed off on Friday with a cut following Saturday’s second round.

The circuit continues next week at Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club in Fonthill, Ont. for the playing of the NextGen Ontario Championship. Practice rounds will get underway on Wednesday, May 6, followed by 54-holes of golf set to kick off on Thursday May 7 and wrap up on Saturday, May 9.

For the final leaderboards from the NextGen Pacific 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 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

CALEDON, Ont. – Golf Canada and Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS) are pleased to announce a new partnership that names SKS the official Kitchen Appliances Partner of Golf Canada as well as the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open.

The partnership connects SKS with Golf Canada’s premier national platforms, reaching an engaged audience in a trusted, aspirational environment where performance, craftsmanship and elevated experiences are celebrated.

“We are proud to welcome SKS as the new Official Kitchen Appliances Partner of Golf Canada,” said Mark Palmer, Chief Commercial Officer, Golf Canada. “As SKS continues to expand its presence in Canada, we’re excited to align with a premium brand that shares our commitment to performance, precision and elevated experiences that are hallmarks of both world-class golf and luxury craftsmanship.”

Launched in Canada in 2020, SKS is a luxury appliance brand delivering advanced cooking, refrigeration and ventilation solutions designed to elevate modern culinary experiences. Developed for a new generation of discerning consumers, what SKS calls the Technicurian, the brand blends precision engineering, intelligent innovation and refined design to support a more progressive, forward way of living. Through advanced performance, connected capabilities and thoughtful craftsmanship, SKS empowers those who value both technology and experience to elevate how they cook and live every day.

SKS will bring an interactive fan activation to life at the RBC Canadian Open at the ninth green at TPC Toronto, offering guests a hands-on opportunity to experience the brand’s precision-driven innovation and connected capabilities through engaging, culinary-inspired demonstrations.

“Golf Canada’s premier events provide an exceptional platform to connect with Canadian audiences who value performance, design and elevated experiences,” said Mareike Greve, Head of Marketing, Signature Kitchen Suite. “At SKS, we design for the Technicurian – those who are driven by curiosity, appreciate innovation and take pride in living ahead of the curve. This partnership allows us to showcase how precision engineering, intelligent features and thoughtful design come together to create meaningful, elevated experiences both in and beyond the kitchen.”

For more information on SKS (Signature Kitchen Suites) and its offerings, please visit sksappliances.com.

The 2026 RBC Canadian Open will take place June 10-14 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here. The 2026 CPKC Women’s Open will take place August 19-23 at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Alta., for more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

156 of Canada’s top junior golfers to compete over 54 holes in Parksville with exemptions into the Canadian Junior Boys and Girls Championships on the line

PARSKVILLE, B.C. – Golf Canada’s 2026 championship season kicks off on Friday, May 1, at Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, B.C. with the NextGen Pacific Championship.

The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Thursday, April 30, and championship rounds beginning on Friday, May 1. 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 wraps up on Sunday, May 3.

The starting field will feature 156 male and female competitors – 111 Junior Boys and 45 Junior Girls – vying for a spot into their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer. Among those competing in Parksville include Team Canada – NextGen member and NextGen Pacific boys defending champion Maxim McKenzie of Chilliwack, B.C. On the girls’ side, 2025 NextGen Western champion Yeeun (Jenny) Kwon will compete this week, looking for her second NextGen title. In addition to her win last season, Kwon finished as runner-up at both the NextGen Prairie and Atlantic championships and fifth at the NextGen Pacific Championship.

The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, August 11-14, at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask. The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, August 11-14, at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (Heathlands Course) in Caledon, Ont. In addition, the top three players in each division who are eligible, will earn exemptions into the Canadian U15 Championship, presented by BDO at Loyalist Country Club in Bath, Ont., August 25-27.

Morningstar Golf Club was established in 1991 and is renowned for its beautifully manicured greens, offering true rolls and exceptional playing conditions throughout the season. Set among natural woodland and gentle elevation changes, the greens are as visually striking as they are strategically designed, rewarding skilled play while remaining enjoyable for golfers of all levels. Beyond the course, Morningstar proudly supports the local community by hosting tournaments, charity events, donating to charities in and around the community, and special gatherings, making the club a welcoming place to connect, celebrate, and give back.

“Morningstar Golf Club is proud to host the 2026 NextGen Pacific Championship and continue our long history or hosting major provincial and national championships across all demographics. Players can expect to be challenged by a wide variety of holes that weave through a dense coastal forest. A good mix of doglegs left, and doglegs right will put a premium on shot shaping and control of the golf ball. Once on the greens players will face small undulating surfaces where finding the right tier will be key,” said Brad Clapp, General Manager, Morningstar Golf Club. “Our members and staff are proud to host and show off their home club which is evident by the overwhelming response to volunteering opportunities.”

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Pacific 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.

CALEDON, Ont. – The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf were established in 2022 to shine a light on the Golf Clubs and facilities across Canada going above and beyond to develop young Canadian golfers. These awards focus on facilities that provide exceptional experiences for their juniors by way of access, programming, development, and competition.

“The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf continue to be an incredible showcase of the country’s top clubs supporting junior golf in Canada,” said Ryan Logan, Director of External Relations, Golf Canada. “This year’s awards program was highlighted by outstanding achievements from coast to coast to coast, further elevating the quality of programming, expanding access, and deepening community partnerships that foster welcoming, accessible, and safe environments for young Canadians. We are honoured to celebrate these 2025 award winners and to shine a spotlight on the remarkable work being done to support junior golf nationwide. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!”

The 2025 winners and finalists are as follows:

Youth on Course Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a facility that demonstrates exceptional commitment to youth golf development by providing extensive course access through Youth on Course, leading to more juniors playing at a subsidized rate throughout the calendar year.

WINNER: South Ajax Golf Club (Ajax, Ont.)

With 494 unique participants, South Ajax Golf Club had another outstanding Youth on Course season, with juniors playing a total of 2,712 rounds during the 2025 golf season, up from 1,433 rounds the previous season. Youth on Course is integrated alongside the club’s existing junior programs, ensuring it complements the offerings already in place. By allowing participants to play at any time and actively tracking rounds through the Youth on Course portal, South Ajax Golf Club maintains strong operational standards. The club’s ongoing engagement with juniors highlights its commitment to supporting Youth on Course and fostering a thriving junior golf environment.

Finalist: The Nest at Cabot Cape Breton (Inverness, N.S.)

Finalist: Meridian Hills Golf Club (Surrey, B.C.)

Tournament Host of the Year
Awarded to a facility that gives back to junior golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.
 
WINNER: Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club (Bathurst, N.B.)

Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club was the host of the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO. The club staff, led by Adam Chamberlain and the Host Club Committee, led by Shawn Patterson, both excelled in the planning and execution stages of what was an incredible championship. The club recruited upwards of 150 volunteers to ensure that competitors and guests alike were welcomed with typical East Coast hospitality. Despite an unusually dry and hot summer, the golf course remained in impeccable condition thanks to the tireless efforts of the greens staff. The event had a professional feel from start to finish, and Gowan Brae shined as a national championship host club.

Finalist: Pitt Meadows Golf Club (Pitt Meadows, B.C.)

Finalist: Club de Golf Sainte-Marie (Sainte-Marie, Que.)

First Tee Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a First Tee – Canada Program Location that demonstrates excellent enrolment in First Tee – Canada programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.
 
WINNER: Antigonish Golf Club (Antigonish, N.S.)

Antigonish Golf Club has fully embraced First Tee in their second season offering programming. By developing meaningful relationships within their community, and creating unique fundraising opportunities, they were able to increase participation from 12 juniors in their first season, to 120 in 2025 – an increase of 900 percent. They offered six, six-hour First Tee programs at maximum capacity, and an additional six-hour, all girls session in the fall. Antigonish Golf Club’s dedication to accessibility and fostering a safe environment has created life-enhancing golf experiences for youth from all backgrounds in Atlantic Canada.

Finalist: Broadmoor Public Golf Course (Sherwood Park, Alta.)

Finalist: Cultus Lake Golf Club (Cultus Lake, B.C.)

Grassroots Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.

WINNER: Bowen Island Golf Club (Bowen Island, B.C.)

A returning finalist from 2024, Bowen Island continued to grow their impressive programming into 2025. In addition to free golf and club rentals for juniors, the club has connected with schools and youth programs in the area, as well as hosting various community events throughout the summer, making the club as accessible as possible for young golfers in the area. In 2025, Bowen Island registered over 1,500 rounds played by juniors, all free of charge.

Finalist: The Oaks of St. George Golf Club (Paris, Ont.)

Finalist: Paragon Golf & Country Club (Kingston, N.S.)

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

Awarded to a facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs to help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.

WINNER: Glendale Golf & Country Club (Winnipeg, Man.)

With programming available for children as young as three, Glendale Golf & Country Club offers a stellar, well-rounded junior golf experience. From first swings and introductory clinics to summer camps and family events for recreational players, season-long challenges and competitive opportunities, Glendale supports juniors at every stage of their development. The club’s commitment to access and growth ensures young golfers not only build golf skills but develop a lasting love for the game.

Finalist: Club de golf Lotbinière (Saint-Gilles, Que.)

Finalist: The Marshes Golf Club (Ottawa, Ont.)

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.

WINNER: Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu (Sainte-Julie, Que.)

Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu demonstrates a deep commitment to developing young athletes into high-performing golfers. Supported by a foundation dedicated solely toward growing their junior programming, the club provides a comprehensive training environment that combines targeted on-course practice with off-course specialists in physical training, nutrition and sport psychology. This dedication is evident in their golfers’ successes, with many juniors competing provincially, and an impressive nine players representing the club at the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys and Girls Championships.

Finalist: Summit Golf Club (Richmond Hill, Ont.)

Finalist: Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club (Surrey, B.C.)

Golf Canada extends its congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all winners and finalists for their dedication to junior golf. Their efforts continue to shape the future of the sport, ensuring young golfers across the country have the opportunities and resources available to succeed.

For more information about the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf, please visit golfcanada.ca/national-facility-awards-for-junior-golf/.

If you have any questions regarding the awards or nomination process, please feel free to email NFAJG@golfcanada.ca.

The first major of the LPGA Tour season always carries a different weight — and in 2026, the Chevron Championship feels even more significant. A new venue, a world-class field, and a compelling Canadian storyline set the stage for a week that could define the early season narrative.

A major with a new look — and familiar stakes

For the first time, the Chevron heads to Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, marking a fresh chapter for the championship. The move brings a municipal, fan-friendly setting into the spotlight while maintaining the tournament’s stature as the LPGA’s season-opening major.

The fundamentals remain unchanged: 132 of the world’s best competing over 72 holes for an $8 million purse, with the winner claiming $1.2 million. And as always, this is where momentum is built — or lost — heading into the heart of the major season.

Brooke Henderson: Canada’s proven contender

For Canadian fans, all eyes naturally turn to Brooke Henderson — and with good reason. Few players in the field bring a deeper history at this championship.

Henderson’s record here tells a story of persistence and near-misses:

• Best finish: T2 (2020)
• Recent peak: T3 (2024)
• Last year: T44 (2025)

She’s been in the mix multiple times, particularly in 2020 and again in 2024, proving she can contend on this stage. What’s intriguing this week is the reset: a new course removes some of the institutional knowledge edge and could level the playing field. For Henderson, that’s an opportunity.

At her best, she thrives in major conditions — demanding setups that reward ball-striking and resilience. If she finds early rhythm at Memorial Park, don’t be surprised to see her name climb the leaderboard quickly.

Shauna Liu: a Canadian debut to watch

There’s also a fresh storyline for Canada in Shauna Liu, who tees it up as an amateur in her major championship debut.

Liu earned a sponsor exemption into the field — a significant nod to her potential — and steps onto one of the biggest stages in women’s golf with nothing to lose.

For Canadian golf, this is more than just a one-week appearance. It’s a glimpse at the next generation. Playing alongside major champions and world No. 1 talent offers invaluable experience — and occasionally, these debuts turn into breakout moments.

The global stage — and the challenge ahead

The Chevron rarely lacks star power. The 2026 field includes names like Nelly Korda, Jeeno Thitikul and Lydia Ko, underlining just how deep the competition runs.

Add in defending champion Mao Saigo and a host of recent winners, and it becomes clear: contending here requires world-class form.

Why this week matters for Canada

The Chevron Championship often sets the tone for the year’s majors — and for Canada, it presents a dual narrative:

• A proven star in Henderson looking to convert contention into a title
• A rising amateur in Liu gaining experience on golf’s biggest stage

One represents consistency and expectation. The other, possibility.

And that’s what makes this week compelling.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is proud to announce the first nationally sanctioned pathway connecting simulator golf to an on-course national competition.

Off-Course Member Facilities of Golf Canada now have the opportunity to host and participate in the inaugural BDO National League indoor qualifier. Players who compete in facility-run simulator leagues will have the opportunity to advance to outdoor Provincial Finals as part of the BDO National Golf League.

“We are excited to offer this new pathway for players that compete in off-course leagues,” said Tim McLaughlin, Chief Marketing Officer. “This new pathway brings great value to off-course member facilities and offers their customers a competitive pathway tied to a national championship. This opportunity also creates greater connectivity between off-course and on-course facilities.”

Off-Course Member Facilities must host a simulator league that concludes by August 31 to be eligible. Competition is facility-defined while being supported by the standardized league guidelines provided by Golf Canada. Following the season of simulator league play, the top player at each participating facility will be eligible to advance to an outdoor Regional Final in their home province.

Top Regional Final teams advance to the National Championship, held the Saturday prior at the host venue of the RBC Canadian Open.

Golf Canada Off-Course Membership connects facilities to Golf Canada’s national off-course strategy, giving access to recognized leagues, marketing exposure, and programs that promote participation, engagement and the growth of off course golf.

To become an Off-Course Member Facility, click here. For more information on facility membership and the new player pathway please contact offcoursegolf@golfcanada.ca.

At the 2026 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club, Canada’s four representatives delivered a mix of composure, clutch moments and valuable experience on one of junior golf’s biggest stages. 

In the Girls 12–13 division, Audrey Lu showed flashes of the putting confidence that helped her reach Augusta. Competing against an elite field, the Woodbridge, Ont., native held her own across all three skills, with her performance on the greens standing out as she battled through the pressure of the final. 

Nathan Khera, competing in Boys 10–11, demonstrated a well-rounded game that has defined his junior rise. The Oakville, Ont., product delivered steady results across driving, chipping and putting. While he fell short of the top of the leaderboard, his consistency kept him competitive throughout the event. 

In the Boys 7–9 division, Yien Li of Aurora, Ont., embraced the moment in his Augusta debut. One of the youngest competitors in the field, Li showcased his strength off the tee and a fearless approach, gaining valuable experience against top North American talent and proving he belongs at this level. 

Evelyn He rounded out the Canadian contingent in the Girls 10–11 division with an energetic showing. The Toronto golfer displayed her trademark enthusiasm and power, particularly in the driving portion, while gaining insight into the precision required to contend at Augusta. 

The Drive, Chip and Putt competition tests young golfers across driving, chipping and putting, with finalists earning their place through a multi-stage qualifying process.  

While none of the Canadians reached the podium this year, all four left Augusta with something equally valuable — experience, confidence and a glimpse of what it takes to compete on one of golf’s most iconic stages. 

The Masters marks the unofficial start of spring for Canadian golfers, but Golf Canada’s chief executive officer is hopeful that it could mean a little bit more this year.

Laurence Applebaum says watching the first major of the men’s golf season at Augusta National Golf Club is traditionally a signal to recreational players that it’s time to start playing again. But with Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., and Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., in the field, he likes the chances of a Canadian winning the event.

“Canadians feel like this is a special week, because it’s sort of the unofficial start of our outdoor season,” said Applebaum in a phone interview as he travelled to Georgia. “So many Canadians are now playing all year round, but as we watch the Masters on TV, we find that this is our chance to get ready to swing clubs outside.”

Weir is the only Canadian man to win one of golf’s majors, earning the green jacket at the 2003 Masters. Although it inspired the current generation of golfers like Conners and Taylor, no one has replicated the feat at Augusta, the U.S. Open, the British Open or the PGA Championship.

Applebaum said he thinks the time is right for a Canadian man to once again win a major. He said that it’s partly because Toronto’s Vanessa Borovilos, Calgary’s Aphrodite Deng and Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C., all did so well at last week’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur and set the tone for their fellow Canadians.

It was the first time that three Canadians participated in the elite event and all three of them made the cut, with Borovilos tying for 11th.

“We’ve had a really special start already with three of our Team Canada athletes playing in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and our best finish ever by Vanessa Borovilos,” said Applebaum. “But to the main event, which is the Masters tournament, I just think the world of both Nick Taylor and Corey Conners. 

“I think we are primed for maybe a breakout week for one of them at the tournament this year.”

Of any Canadian, Conners has come the closest to winning at Augusta recently. He’s cracked the top 10 four times over the past six years, tying for 10th in 2020, tying for eighth in 2021, tying for sixth in 2022 and tying for eighth again last year.

“I love the golf course, love how it sets up,” said Conners. “I feel like my iron play has been on a number of those years and that’s an important aspect of the game.

“You need everything to be working to contend here, but the iron play has been sharp and that’s definitely helped me.”

It’s become a special Masters tradition that Weir invites whatever Canadians make the field to play a practice round with him on the Tuesday of tournament week. Taylor said he relishes the ritual.

“You get the text from Mike a month or two out and schedule it in,” said Taylor after this year’s practice round. “It was a lot of fun. The weather is awesome. The golf course is somewhat receptive, but knowing the forecast, it’s going to only get firmer.

“It’s always just a great stroll around Tuesday morning.”

Taylor will tee off with Americans Keegan Bradley and Ryan Gerard on Thursday morning then Weir will play with American Wyndham Clark and Argentine amateur Mateo Pulcini. Conners is in an afternoon group with England’s Harry Hall and Michael Brennan of the United States.

It was another memorable Canada Night in Augusta — a spring tradition like no other.

Hosted by Golf Canada during Masters week, the evening brought together the game’s rich history and its bright future in a fun and intimate celebration. PGA TOUR player Corey Conners, competing this week at Augusta National, joined as a special guest alongside Canadian Golf Hall of Famers Gary Cowan, Judy Darling Evans, and Bob Weeks.

The event also welcomed four Canadian participants from this year’s Drive, Chip and Putt competition, along with distinguished members of the Canadian golf industry.

A fantastic event and a strong start to what promises to be an exceptional week.