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.

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.

Justin Morris, Orangebrook Golf & Country Club, Hole #14

It’s safe to say that it was a good start to the season as it was my first round of the year. I was playing with my grandpa. 105 yards with a 56 degree. I am 17 and I have been golfing my whole life. I always told my parents that getting a hole-in-one is high on my bucket list but I definitely wasn’t expecting it this early! It was also a special moment to share with my grandpa who was so happy for me. Definitely a great moment we will both remember forever. Now I gotta get one on our own turf!

Susan Cowan, Desert Princess Golf Club, Hole #8

I was fortunate to achieve my first hole-in-one at the beautiful Desert Princess Golf Club in Palm Springs, California, where I have been a snowbird for the last 12 years. It took place on the par 3, Lagos course, 8th hole. It was a 104-yard shot with my 8 iron from a highly elevated tee box down to a valley and then up again to the white flag on the green. We all watched my ball hit the green and move forward into the hole, as did the group waiting on the tee and the surrounding residents on their patios. I was playing with my friend Debbie Cunningham from Calgary and two ladies visiting from Kansas. The weather was picture perfect, hot and sunny. We celebrated the occasion on the clubhouse patio, shortly thereafter. The club provided me with a lovely engraved medallion for my golf bag to commemorate the occasion.

Corey Butler, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, Hole #14

It was a guy’s golf trip with 16 buddies. Hit a pure 8 iron and it drew beautifully, landed just pass the rough onto the green and rolled on a path towards the hole. It kept rolling until it dropped down. We saw the entire flight. It was such a surreal moment.

Eric Yuzpe, Ballenlsles Country Club, Hole #6

It is truly one of the most cherished memories I now have.

I was playing that day with my mother-in-law Joy Fielding on the East Course at BallenIsles Country Club (formerly a PGA of America course). I was playing the golf tees 73.0/137. That day the 6th hole (190 yards) was playing 177 yards. Wind gently right to left. I hit a quite perfect 7-iron that on impact I only said,
“be good.” It was a high ball that drew gently and landed four feet in front of the hole. A member of the course staff was in his cart behind me and said, “that looks really good.” He waited and as I walked off the tee he drove up by the green (where I could not see him because the Carr oath is blocked out to the right by a tree and hedge line.

Joy and I both saw it bounce softly and roll. When the ball disappeared, I said it just had just settled behind the ridge.

As I walked toward the cart we saw the marshal walk up onto the green. Joy was incensed and asked what he was doing there. He just happened to be parked there, out of sight when it happened. He walked straight to the hole, peered down, turned down toward the tee and threw both of his arms in the air.

What happened next can only be described as a lunacy. I screamed and began running down the tee decks, along the grass and up onto the green where I almost tackled Mark Taylor (the marshal).

Paul Publow, Reunion Resort – Palmer Course, Hole #16

I registered my second hole-in-one on March 21st at Reunion Resort, Palmer Course, hole #16, par 3.
I used a 5 hybrid for the 155-yard shot, hitting the front of the green and rolling about 10 yards to the pin and into the hole. I was ecstatic with my luck. I am now working on my next one! Hit them long and straight.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Canada will be represented by three players at the Masters this week, with Nick Taylor, Corey Conners and former champion Mike Weir all set to tee it up at Augusta National.

Taylor, Conners and Weir are among a field featuring players from around the world competing in the season’s first major.

Taylor, of Abbotsford, B.C., will play alongside Americans Keegan Bradley and Ryan Gerard in the opening two rounds. Their group is scheduled to tee off at 9:31 a.m. EDT on Thursday and 12:44 p.m. on Friday. Taylor’s best result at the Masters is a tie for 29th, recorded in 2020.

Conners, from Listowel, Ont., is grouped with England’s Harry Hall and American Michael Brennan. They are set to begin play at 12:44 p.m. on Thursday and 9:19 a.m. on Friday. Conners has twice finished tied for sixth at Augusta National (2020, 2022).

Weir, the 2003 Masters champion from Brights Grove, Ont., will play with American Wyndham Clark and Argentina’s amateur Mateo Pulcini. Their tee times are 11:27 a.m. on Thursday and 8:02 a.m. on Friday. Weir’s victory in 2003 remains the best result by a Canadian at the Masters.

The Masters begins Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club.

Every foursome has its own chemistry: an unpredictable blend of personalities, rituals, quirks, and conversations that somehow always gels into something meaningful. While golf is often seen as a game of quiet focus and individual performance, the real health benefits occur between shots, between laughs, and between the people who make up the group.

Let’s meet said group.

The Analyst – The data-driven dynamo

For the Analyst, golf is equal parts sport and science experiment. Their pre-round routine involves checking three weather apps, calibrating their swing sensor, and stretching with the focus of someone training for the long-drive world championships. At the first tee, they announce the group’s collective step goal for the day. Nobody asked, but everyone nods in agreement anyway.

What they teach us about health:

• Physical: The Analyst embodies consistency—regular movement, measurable progress, and structured warm-ups.
• Mental: Tracking data provides them with a sense of control and motivation, turning golf into a grounding routine.
• Social: They share tips generously… sometimes too generously, but always with good intentions.

The Analyst approaches golf like a beautifully structured experiment. Sometimes the experiment succeeds. Sometimes it ends with them whispering encouragement to their 7‑iron.

The Therapist – The heart of the group

The Therapist shows up carrying two coffees and a calm presence that instantly slows the morning down. By the third hole—or third simulator bay—they’ve checked in on everyone’s week, listened to two minor crises, and somehow convinced the Athlete that perfection isn’t the point.

What they teach us about health:

• Physical: Their relaxed approach helps the group settle into a comfortable, steady pace.
• Mental: They turn each round into a walking (or riding) reset with space to breathe, talk, release.
• Social: They build trust without trying. People open up around them the way bunkers open up around golf balls.

The Therapist is the one who reminds the foursome that golf is less about the score and more about the stories that unfold between shots.

The Athlete – The engine of enthusiasm

The Athlete arrives already warmed up… sometimes alarmingly so. They stride from the parking lot to the tee with the energy of someone who considers 18 holes “light cardio.” Their golf bag contains speed sticks, snacks, and a foam roller that’s seen more greenside use than their wedge.

What they teach us about health:

• Physical: They lead by example: walk more, move more, swing with intention.
• Mental: Their determination rubs off on the group, even when the motivation is simply to keep up.
• Social: They celebrate everyone’s good shots like they’re highlight‑reel moments.

The Athlete doesn’t just play golf; they power the day. And when they suggest doing “extra reps” on the range afterward, the Analyst is the only one who says yes.

The Fourth – The wildcard

The fourth spot changes weekly, making them the most unpredictable and beloved part of the group. The rotation keeps everything fresh, like the final ingredient in a recipe that never tastes quite the same twice.

Sometimes it’s the Social Butterfly – The connector

They show up with a portable speaker, a list of post‑round brunch spots, and three new stories before the first tee shot. The health benefits they bring include laughter, a sense of belonging, and a comforting reminder that movement feels easier when you’re having fun.

Sometimes it’s the Zen Seeker – The calm in the crosswinds

Their backswing is slow, their breathing even slower. They find beauty in bad bounces and wisdom in water hazards. They bring a sense of health through mindfulness, being present, and embracing the gentle art of not taking golf—or anything—too seriously.

Depending on the week, the fourth brings the spark, the serenity, or the soundtrack.

As the foursome moves through their round—whether it’s along sunlit fairways, across a buzzing range, or inside the glow of a simulator—they settle into their familiar rhythm. The Analyst strategizes, the Therapist listens, the Athlete powers ahead, and the ever‑changing Fourth adds their own texture to the day. Pep talks, shared glances, a few overly enthusiastic fist bumps, and at least one debate about whether a mulligan “counts if nobody saw it” weave themselves naturally into the experience. They walk, they swing, they breathe, they banter… and somewhere inside that easy pattern, they carve out a quiet kind of well‑being that stays with them long after the last putt drops.

And when next week rolls around, the ritual begins again. The Analyst will already be studying the forecast, the Athlete will be plotting a dynamic warm‑up, and the Therapist will arrive with coffees in hand. The Fourth will be whoever shows up; and whoever they are, they’ll fit right in.

Because for the foursome, it’s never just a round of golf. It’s a ritual, a rhythm, a story they keep writing together. One shot and one round at a time, proving in their own way that golf really is good for you.

Maria Jose Marin wins the prestigious seventh annual Championship

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Vanessa Borovilos set a new record for best finish by a Canadian at the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) in Augusta, Ga. on Saturday.

Borovilos, 19, of Etobicoke, Ont. finished the tournament T11 at 5-under following rounds of 66-73-72 in her first appearance at the ANWA. Borovilos, currently ranked No. 24 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) passed Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C. and Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont. who were previously tied for the best finish by a Canadian at ANWA at T14, Chun in 2023 and Kim in 2024.

Borovilos found herself one shot back of the lead following Wednesday’s opening round with a bogey free, 6-under 66. Her final round on Saturday got off to a hot start with three birdies through the first four holes before a double bogey on No. 7. Borovilos grabbed two more birdies on Nos. 12 and 15 before finishing bogey-double bogey on the final two holes to finish even par for the day and 5-under for the championship.

Aphrodite Deng, 16, of Calgary, Alta. (No. 12 WAGR) was also making her ANWA debut and recorded rounds of 72-69-73 to finish the tournament T19 at 2-under.

Lauren Kim, 20, of Surrey, B.C. (No. 14 WAGR) finished with rounds of 68-71-78 to finish alone in 30th at 1-over. Kim also set a new record for number of ANWA appearances by a Canadian, with her third this year.

Maria Jose Marin, 19, of Cali, Colombia entered the day one shot back of Asterisk Talley of Chowchilla, Calif. but fired a 4-under 68 to finish 14-under to win by four and become the first Colombian to win the ANWA.

Marin grabbed four birdies on her first nine with one bogey. She birdied No. 13 before getting into some trouble on the Par-5 15th but escaped with bogey and followed up with a birdie-par-par finish to secure the title.

Marin (No. 7 WAGR), a junior at the University of Arkansas has enjoyed a successful run since winning the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Individual title last May. In addition to collegiate honours, Marin won the South American Women’s Amateur and the Women’s Amateur Latin America title, as well as making the cut at both the U.S. Women’s Open and the Amundi Evian Championship.

Marin was making her fourth appearance at ANWA with previous finishes including a missed cut in 2025, T30 in 2024 and T14 in 2023.

With her win, Marin has earned an exemption into the next five ANWA Championships, provided she remains an amateur. In addition, she has earned exemptions into four major championships on the LPGA Tour this season including the Chevron Championship, U.S. Women’s Open, Amundi Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s Open.

Talley got off to a roaring start with three birdies from her first four holes to move to 14-under heading into the second nine. However, a score of 42 on the second nine brought her to 3-over for the day, finishing T4 at 8-under. Talley was runner-up last year, narrowly missing out of the title by one shot to Carla Bernat Escuder of Spain.

Andrea Revuelta (No.3 WAGR) of Spain finished in second at 10-under, Soomin Oh (No. 10 WAGR) of Republic of Korea finished third at 9-under. Four other golfers were tied with Talley in fourth at 8-under including Yunseo Yang (Republic of Korea), Meja Örtengren (Sweden), Raegan Denton (Australia) and World No. 1 (WAGR), Kiara Romero (United States).

The 72-player field competed over 54 holes of stroke play with a cut following the second round. The opening 36 holes were contested on the Island and Bluff nines at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta. On Friday, the full field played a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club, followed by Saturday’s final round contested at Augusta National.

For the final leaderboard of the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, please click here.

OAKVILLE, Ont. — First Tee – Canada has announced a renewed partnership with PING Canada aimed at increasing access to youth golf programming and providing opportunities for young people to develop valuable skills both on and off the golf course.

PING has long contributed to the growth of the First Tee program worldwide. Since 2024, PING International and PING Canada have supported First Tee – Canada by providing more than $75,000 in donations to accelerate the expansion of the program from coast to coast.

“PING Canada’s support over the past two years has made a meaningful difference for the young people we serve,” said Adam Hunter, executive director of First Tee – Canada. “Their support has helped us expand access to our programs and strengthened the opportunities we can provide to youth across the country. We’re proud to continue building this partnership and reaching even more young people in every province.”

The new agreement marks the beginning of a three-year partnership between First Tee – Canada and PING Canada, including value-in-kind (VIK) support and financial contributions amounting to $120,000 from 2026 to 2028.

The partnership will help offset the costs of coach training and will aid program delivery at First Tee locations across the country. Additionally, PING Canada’s generous VIK support will provide First Tee – Canada participants and coaches with high-quality golf equipment, ensuring that more young people from all backgrounds have access to the sport and the life lessons it teaches.

“We are proud to stand behind a program that provides youth with affordable and inclusive access to the game we are all passionate about,” said Dave Wilson, general manager of PING Canada. “Junior development, at every level, is an important part of who we are at PING, and we’re dedicated to developing equipment that helps grow the game from a young age. It’s great to have the opportunity to support an organization that excels at creating these life-long golfing experiences.”

With the help of PING Canada, First Tee – Canada will continue impacting the lives of equity-deserving youth by providing inclusive, character development golf programs that help participants build confidence, resilience and healthy habits that extend beyond the fairways.