Oakville, ON – Golf Canada and Turkish Airlines are proud to announce a multi-year partnership, naming Turkish Airlines the Official Commercial Airline Partner of the RBC Canadian Open.

The 114^th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship will take place June 4-8, 2025, for the first time ever at TPC Toronto (North Course) at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.

As the Official Commercial Airline, Turkish Airlines will elevate the fan experience with the debut of the Turkish Airlines Lounge — a premium onsite viewing space that blends elevated comfort with authentic Türkiye hospitality and cuisine. The airline will also engage fans through a national contest offering the chance to travel to Istanbul and experience world-class golf in Türkiye.

This partnership underscores Turkish Airlines’ commitment to bringing people together through sport, and reflects its broader investment in the global golf community. In May 2025, the airline will relaunch the Turkish Airlines Open on the DP World Tour — returning to the Race to Dubai after a six-year hiatus. Turkish Airlines also operates the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Antalya, Türkiye, the world’s largest amateur golf tournament, hosted across 117 destinations in 73 countries.

Through this collaboration with Golf Canada, Turkish Airlines aims to connect with Canada’s passionate and growing golf community, nearly six million active participants, including 360,000 Golf Canada members who posted close to 11 million scores in 2024.

“We are happy to partner with Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open as part of our ongoing commitment to building meaningful connections through sport,” said Ahmet Olmustur, Turkish Airlines Chief Commercial Officer. “Golf holds a special place in our global engagement strategy, and we’re excited to deliver a world-class experience to Canadian fans that reflects the warmth of Turkish hospitality.”

“Welcoming Turkish Airlines as a proud partner of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship reflects Golf Canada’s vision of aligning with world-class brands committed to growing the game of golf and supporting the sport’s long-term growth through multi-year collaborations,” said Golf Canada Chief Commercial Officer Mark Palmer.  

2025 NextGen Championship season kicks off at Ledgeview Golf Club

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

Golf Canada’s 2025 championship season kicks off on Friday, May 2, at Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford, B.C. with the NextGen Pacific Championship.

The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Thursday, May 1, and championship rounds beginning on Friday, May 2. 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 4.

The starting field will feature 156 male and female competitors – 114 Junior Boys and 42 Junior Girls – vying for a spot into their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer. Among those competing in Abbotsford include, Team Canada NextGen members, Austin Krahn of Christina Lake, B.C. and Charlie Gillespie of Calgary, Alta. Last season, Gillespie won the 2024 NextGen Western Championship and finished as runner-up at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, August 12-15, at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst, N.B. The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will earn exemptions into the 2025 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, August 13-16, at Sainte-Marie Club de golf in Sainte-Marie, Que.

The Ledgeview Golf Club was established in 1962 and operates as a not-for-profit society. Leasing the land and buildings from the City of Abbotsford, Ledgeview serves both members and guests. The undulating fairways, small and tricky greens, and narrow holes provide an enjoyable experience but also a good test of golf. With a unique and proud history of producing some of Canadas top golfing talents in Ray Stewart, James Lepp, Adam Hadwin, and 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor. Ledgeview continues to be an industry leader in junior golf development and growth. Service, Stewardship, Attention to detail, and Member Experience continue to be the pillars of Ledgeview.

“Ledgeview is proud to be hosting the NextGen Pacific Championship as we continue to support junior golf at all levels and showcase to competitors what makes Ledgeview unique and proud to be ‘Where Legends are Born’. Hosting some of the top junior golfers is exciting for all involved, staff, management, and members as we are proud of what we have to offer,” said Brad Clapp, General Manager, Ledgeview Golf Club. “Players should not underestimate Ledgeview at all when seeing the 6,200 total yardage. Precision tee shots, extremely strong short game, and patience will be needed for all three days in order to be successful. It is what helped develop players such as Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor and it is what will be needed by the eventual winners come Sunday.

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 2025 national junior championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.

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.

Tobin Hayward, Gold Canyon Golf Resort (Sidewinder), Hole #14

It was a 167-yard, 8 iron that took one bounce and into the cup. Was on a guy’s golf trip with mostly old high school friends, seven of us in total. My first hole-in-one. I’m a member at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club just outside of Calgary.

Mark Varah, University Golf Club, Hole #16

Seems like a dream honestly, but it did happen. I’m 59 years olf and have been a keen albeit mediocre golfer for three decades. This is my first hole-in-one. I grew up in Vancouver and my father taught at University of British Columbia. My wife and I moved back to Vancouver in 2023 after living in the United States for many years. I was a USGA member in Texas and Virginia. Hole #16, 158 yards with a seven iron.

Dennis Plamondon, Fairwinds Golf Course, Hole #10

I’m not a great golfer by any means as my handicap sits around the 20 mark. Nonetheless, I had been golfing with my wife and I was 133 yards to the pin, not a lot of wind to speak of and I decided to use a 7 iron (Ping). There was a bunker in front of the pin so when I took my shot, I was just happy that I didn’t land in the bunker, but lost track of my ball as there was a bit of a low spot after the bunker to where the pin was. As I walked towards the green after my shot, I couldn’t see my ball on the green so thought maybe I’d somehow rolled past the green, then decided to check the hole and much to my surprise, there was my ball. My very first hole-in-one! I couldn’t believe it but am very happy to say the least! It can happen to anyone and I hope I can be lucky enough to get more!

Rob Hunt, Walt Disney World Resort (Lake Buena Vista), Hole #7

It was my first hole-in-one and to have it happen at Disney and with five friends is so special.

I was playing in a tournament we started five years ago called the Green Egg Invitational. We typical hold it in Nova Scotia at Cabot but this year we took it on the road to Florida. There were six of us this year.

In my playing group was Richard McInnes, David Wood, and 12-year-old golfer Padraic Schamberger from Buffalo who was paired with us and was doing a practice round as he was in a junior’s tournament the next day. His father Kevin was also with us as he was caddying for Padraic. Directly behind us as part of our tournament were Jacob Howard, Jeremy Wood and Mat Wood (these guys immediately came up to the green to celebrate once we realized the ball was in the hole). Five of us are from Halifax, Nova Scotia and one player is from Charlottetown, P.E.I.

The distance was 115 yards and I used a 9 iron. This hole is surrounded by water as it is an island green. We could not see the ball go in the hole and discovered it was in the hole once we got to the green (hence why I have my putter with me).

Max von Muehldorfer, McKenzie Meadows Golf Club, Hole #7

I’m excited to share that I recorded a hole-in-one during my first round of the year at McKenzie Meadows Golf Club and it was also the first hole-in-one of the season at the course!

It happened on hole #7, a par 3, playing 130 yards to a back-right pin. There was a light wind coming from the right, and I hit a soft pitching wedge toward the right side of the hill beside the green. The ball landed perfectly on the hill to the right of the pin, caught the slope, and started rolling down toward the hole. A few seconds later, it disappeared and sure enough, it had dropped in!

Keith Gunson, River Ridge Golf Club, Hole #5

I was playing with some hockey friends while it happened and it was from about 160 yards away so I hit a 8 iron.

Mary Louise Andrea, Cape Breton Highlands Links, Hole #17

On a beautiful day set aside for reflection and unity, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day, I recorded my very first hole-in-one after 38 years of playing the game I love. It happened on the iconic hole #17 at Cape Breton Highlands, a picturesque 155-yard par 3 with an elevated tee box. I chose my 7-wood, teed up, and watched as the ball soared, carried the front bunker, landed softly on the green, and began to roll left, tracking toward the hole.

I didn’t see it drop, but I knew it had a chance. Driving up to the green, the excitement built, and when we saw it had disappeared into the cup, the moment became surreal. It was a special, unforgettable feeling—and even more meaningful because I got to share it with my daughter Genevieve and a few close golf friends, Lois Higgins and Lori LeBlanc.

Brian Emeneau, Twenty Valley Golf Club, Hole #9

I was playing Twenty Valley Golf Club for the first round of local southern Ontario golf with my buds Henry Wilk and Peter Uremovich. Our municipal course was closed, Tyandaga Golf Club. On hole #9, I hit Henry’s hybrid 151 yards over Twenty Mile Creek for a single bounce into the hole. My wife calls it a good omen for the year; she is right, on this my second hole-in-one. Must be those coloured balls! Celebration drink, Birdie Juice IPA!

Simon Hurley, The Okanagan Golf Club, Hole #11

I was playing with Kevin Parnell and Cyrus Gandevia. It was 140 yards and I hit a pitching wedge. 

Darcy Carroll, Don Valley Golf Club, Hole #15

Was playing with friends Matt O’Neill, Jon Lister and Sean Clearihue. It was my first round of the year. Hole #15 at Don Valley Golf Club. Was playing 112 yards to the flag. Used my 56 degree sand wedge. Landed six inches short and one hopped in.

I think the coolest part about it was that I drove the green on the very next hole, par 4, hole #16 and sunk a 25 footer for eagle. I don’t think there’s been many one, two back-to-back eagles in golf history! Despite all that I still only shot a 76. But couldn’t be happier to start my golf season this way.

Graham Picard, Morgan Creek Golf Course, Hole #14

When I hit the shot, I knew it could very well be close, but shadows hanging over the green made it impossible to see. Two pals each hit their shots to within 15 feet of the hole. I thought mine may have had a chance to go in, but I refused to say anything for fear of the 57 year jinx. When we approached the green for our putts, one ball was about eight feet from the hole (Terry Gaines), and the other was maybe 12 feet away, but past the hole and to the right. I momentarily wondered if I had overshot the green, as I normally hit 8 iron at this hole, but today it was into the wind. While the other two guys approached their balls, I thought I would take a glimpse into the hole on my way by, and much to my delight, a Titleist 8 was staring up at me, bedlam ensued, with Terry being way more excited than myself. I think I was just finally relieved to check that box. The staff at Morgan Creek were very happy for me, and made a big thing out of it, so thanks to them, I have been a Player’s Club Member there for several years. Oddly enough, I have witnessed two of my regular golf buddies get hole-in-one’s on this very same hole, Steve Kenwood and the guy who played with me that day, Terry Gaines. Fun stuff for a bunch of guys 60 years old plus!

Frank Cesario, Dragon’s Fire Golf Club, Hole #2

I was playing with three close friends. Hole #2 at Dragon’s Fire Golf Club, 166 yards, front pin, hit a pitching wedge.

Merle Smith, Picture Butte Golf Club, Hole #4

My first ever hole-in-one. Hole #4, on the Homestead course at Picture Butte Golf Club. Using a 6 iron, from 160 yards into a west breeze. Witnessed by Calvin Miller, Todd Petro and Ken Boychuk. After 48 years of golf.

Derwin Hayes, The Okanagan Golf Club, Hole #18

The yardage was 156 and I used a Ping 6 iron with reverse overlap to get the trajectory higher. It was my second hole-in-one, the first in June, 2019. The shot was approximately 183 yards on the Quail hole #4. 

Nolan Dingwall, Chilliwack Golf Club, Hole #3

My name is Nolan Dingwall. I am 15 years old and a member at Meadows Gardens Golf Club. On Thursday, my Dad and I decided to grab a round of golf before our long drive to our family cabin on the Easter long weekend. We always pass by Chilliwack Golf Club on our drive there and thought it would be great to finally stop one day and golf the course. My goal for the day was to beat my Dad so I could talk about it on our drive to the cabin. I ended up beating my dad and scored my first hole-in-one! On hole #3, from the blues at 201 yards, I chose my 5 iron on this elevated par 3. I knew I was close to the pin when I hit my tee shot, but because it was early morning I couldn’t tell with the shade from the trees. I walked up to the pin and saw my ball which is marked with a red dot and a small N. I could not believe it and was in shock! I called my mom, brother and grandparents right away to share the news. Not only did I get a hole-in-one, I scored my best round yet of 78 and beat my dad by 14 stokes. It was a great day and an even better drive!

Robert Ward, Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club, Hole #11

Finally, at the ripe old age of 77, I was fortunate to experience a hole-in-one. Yes, I have been close before at Lionhead, at Lowville and at Hockley Valley but this time there was no doubt.

Date – Thursday, March 27th
Time – 9:40 am EST
Course – Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club
City – Sarasota, Florida
Hole – #11, par 3, 166 yards
Club Used – Callaway 7 wood (given to me by my son James)
Playing – white tees
Playing Partner – John Staniforth

The hole #11 green is flanked on the left with a sand trap and a pond. Another sand trap protects the right entry to the green. I hit a high shot that landed just on the front of the green (between the two traps) and the Titleist #16 ball rolled forward another 15 feet into the bottom of the cup.

From the tee box, the ball disappeared from my sight and my playing partner who stood at a different angle yelled that it went in the hole. I was stunned, shocked and relieved all at the same time. So many of my friends have had the experience of a hole-in-one and I was in disbelief.

As I made my way to the green, it was confirmed when I looked in the hole. There laid my Titleist #16 golf ball. There was some laughing and yelling in celebration and the foursome of ladies who just arrived at the hole #11 tee starting jumping up and down also. It was quite an exciting moment. I have retired that ball and will find a suitable place on my desk at home.

After the game, I announced my great fortune of a hole-in-one in the clubhouse and proceeded to buy a round of drinks. I am very thankful and blessed to play the game of golf and to be surrounded by such positive people.

Adrian Last, Gold River Golf & Country Club, Hole #6

It was a beautiful day in Gold River, B.C. when two grade school friends, both locals, got together for a round of golf. The two had not golfed together before and had both only recently got back into the game. Adrian Last and Lee Jack are both middle – high handicappers and had no great expectations for their round, just to catch up with each other and build skills in on the tight and challenging, par 71 course.

Adrian had been verbalizing his shot strategy as part of his goal of being a golfer who breaks 80 this year. When they reached the 185-yard, par 3, hole #6; the flag was barely visible due to a tricky pin placement that hid the hole from view, behind a tree in front of the green. “Okay, aim for the middle of the green.” said Last. “Nice and high, little bit right to left, end up just in the hole,” he joked. The hole is downhill and usually into the wind, probably played about 165 – 170 yards that day. Adrian crushed a perfect 7 iron and got exactly what he asked for.

He told his friends, “the ball came in so high,” and we couldn’t see it behind the tree. There was no room to the left and so when we were driving up to the hole, we weren’t sure if it even held the green. I jumped out of the cart grabbed two clubs and started walking across the green and a saw my mark about a foot from the hole. I exclaimed, “Lee! It’s in!” Not the usual amount of cheering you’d expect from a hole-in-one shot, but a great feeling of excitement for both of the golfers that day.

Adrian would like to thank the staff and volunteers that keep the Gold River Golf Course running and in such good shape. We’re fortunate to have you and this beautiful course. The greenskeeper for that pin placement. Golf Canada for the app and for following up with these kind of achievements by it’s membership. Oh and Lee for putting up with the rest of my shots that round. Yikes.

Bruce Anderson, Cultus Lake Golf Club, Hole #2

My buddies Alex McLean and Zender Katz and I had just started our regular Monday round at Cultus Lake and were on hole #2, a 115-yard, par 3 with a tricky sloping green. I hit a solid 9 iron to the left side of the green and watched the ball disappear over a small hill at the front. I was waiting for the ball to reappear on the right side of the green, which it usually does given the front side slope on this green. It didn’t reappear, so we were all somewhat intrigued about what that meant. As I approached the green the ball was still nowhere in sight (we confirmed that it hadn’t kept moving to the fringe off the right side). Zender was the first to approach the hole, and the first to reply to my statement about not seeing the ball, as he peered into the hole he said, “I see the ball!”

This is my fifth hole-in-one, and second at Cultus Lake since last October, at this rate I may need to get a bigger office with more wall space! A nice thing about this course is that they have recently commissioned an artist, (also a member) to do a high quality rendering of the individual holes, to which they add the details of the hole length, player name and date of the hole-in-one. These look very impressive once framed.

Mark Taylor, Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club, Hole #15

Pretty amazing to get my very first hole-in-one and I saw it go in the hole. I had goosebumps walking up to the green! I was golfing with Dan Burnett during our Wednesday Senior Men’s competition at the golf club. It was hole #15, 167 yards and I used a four hybrid.

Bradley Fulton, Tower Ranch Golf Club, Hole #15

Hole #15 at Tower Ranch Golf Club is a 493 yard, par 5 from the blue tees. On April 24th, it actually played into about a one club wind. It is a difficult hole with a tee shot that requires a good carry over a ravine to a sloped fairway. I hit what was my best drive of the day leaving me about 195 yards to green. You have to clear about 170 yards of fescue then a trap to the green which lies down and left on a severely sloping fairway. I played a 4 hybrid to the right of the green and just tried to let the fairway feed it down to the hole. I hit it exactly where I wanted to but couldn’t see it land or roll, It was a blind shot. When we got to the green we looked for my ball for about three minutes and it was nowhere. It is a crazy sloped fairway so it could be anywhere, including hazards left. Then I checked the hole and there it was. 

• Bradley’s Albatross Story

Gary Dephoure, Lowville Golf Club, Hole #3

I was playing the hole #3 at Lowville Golf Club. Playing about 165 yards into a stiff 20 mph headwind, I used a 4 iron. Happened on April 19th, 2025, the day before my 63rd birthday. So a nice early birthday gift. My second career hole-in-one, last one was in 1997. Playing with Dean Ellis that day who is a fellow Clublink member at Blue Springs Golf Club where we play regularly.

Justin Bowery, Sunningdale Course, Hole #2

I made the hole-in-one at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club on hole #2. It was a 125 yard, par 3, and I decided to use a pitching wedge while playing with my dad, Jonathan Bowery and my two brothers, Ben and Owen Bowery. It was a beautiful day, about 23 degrees and sunny, and one of our first rounds of the season. I had just bogeyed the first hole and was hoping to bounce back. On hole #2, I was the second person to tee off, and as soon as I hit the shot, it looked great right from the start. The ball landed about three feet from the pin and rolled straight in. It was a cool and unforgettable experience, made even more special by getting to share the moment with my family.

Tom Groat, Shannon Lake Golf Club, Hole #16

Living in West Kelowna, right in the heart of the Okanagan, feels like a gift most days, beautiful weather, stunning scenery, and the good fortune of being able to play a few rounds of golf at a course like Shannon Lake.

Our home overlooks hole #16, a tricky par 3 framed by tall pines and the occasional audience of geese. Late April had brought one of those perfect day, warm sun, a soft breeze, and the kind of peaceful afternoon where just being outside feels like enough.

I was playing in our Saturday morning men’s league, a great group of about 40 friends and members. Over the years, someone had the good sense to set up “hole-in-one insurance,” more of a hopeful gesture than an expectation. Nobody really thinks they’ll cash it in.

But on April 26th, 2025, somehow, it happened. I pulled an 8 iron from 158 yards, aiming for a front left pin. The shot felt solid, drifting in with a slight fade, landing short and beginning a slow, uncertain roll. My playing partners, Jeff, Jason and Kim watched it closely, but with the green partly in shadow, it was tough to tell where it finished. Jeff squinted and said, “It disappeared, I think it’s in the hole.”

I didn’t wait for confirmation. Heart pounding, I grabbed my club and sprinted toward the green, leaving Jason and the cart behind. As we approached, we counted three balls on the green, but all four of us had hit it. There was still a chance my ball had slipped off the back. Slowly, almost afraid to believe it, I edged closer to the hole, peeked in, and there it was.

I couldn’t help but let out a yell, loud enough, I’m sure, that anyone within a couple holes knew something had happened. It was a special moment, and even though it wasn’t my first, I was lucky enough to have made aces in 1987 at Lloydminster and again in 2019 at Shannon Lake, it felt every bit as thrilling and surreal as the first time.

For a 12-handicapper like me, I firmly believe that making a hole-in-one is about 1% skill, and 99% pure luck. Later, back at the clubhouse, word spread quickly. I was met with cheers, handshakes, and a lot of smiles from the guys. Thanks to that little bit of foresight (and the hole-in-one insurance fund), nobody minded too much when it came time for a round or two of celebration. It’s a day I’ll never forget, not just because of the shot, but because of all the good people who helped make it feel even more special.

Kalen Hellinga, Sarnia Golf & Curling Club, Hole #3

It was quite a special experience. I was playing with my brother and his two young sons (my nephews). They were riding in the cart and hitting a few shots here and there while we played. They are three- and five-years-old. We were looking into the sun as we teed off on the 192 yard, par 3. I hit a six iron to the middle of the green but we couldn’t see the ball land or bounce, due to the sun. As we walked up to the green I noticed there wasn’t a ball in sight, and my brother pointed out a divot about five feet short of the pin he said ” you might have just got a hole-in-one.” He peeked over the hole and looked back at me, shocked. I asked, “did I just make a hole in one?” He exclaimed, “yes!” This was followed by a scream and a jump.

What a moment! We rounded up his boys for a quick picture in front of the hole, and had a group picture together a couple holes later. It was undoubtedly the best day of my life thus far. 31 years old, 20 years of golfing, and that was my first one. Hopefully not the last.

Corey Algar, Picton Golf & Country Club, Hole #4

First round out with my girlfriend Chas and my brother Noah, hole #4 with a 9 iron from 132 yards.

Ethan Sin, Mayfair Lakes Golf Course, Hole #8

I was playing in a highschool tournament round with two other guys from Richmond Cristian and Hugh Boyd. The yardage was 118 to the pin and I used my gap wedge. I remember stepping up to the tee box seeing the hill in front of the green, so I couldn’t get an exact idea of how close the pin was to the front green. I thought I would just go right at it and see what would happen. After I hit we saw two big bounces and I thought, damn my ball probably went over the green. As we were walking up to the hole I didn’t see my ball so I pulled out my phone to record just incase it was in there. Finally I saw the ball in the hole and I was thinking how lucky I was to make a hole in one at Mayfair since its my favourite course in Richmond.

Dan Whalen, Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course, Hole #8

It was hole #8 and I was playing off the white tees, the wind was up a little. I think it was playing 137 yards front and the pin was two yards on. Phil Vicotto hit his 9 iron first and it ballooned on him a little because of the wind and landed just on the front fringe. I hit next and I just de-lofted my 9 iron slightly. It landed just about a yard in front of the green, one hopped about a yard from the flag and rolled the final yard straight into the hole. First one for me ever, felt great. I also played with Denis Sauve, just a threesome.

Graydon McQuibban, Northview Golf & Country Club, Hole #6

This was my first hole-in-one, I was playing with my friends Nathan, Nolan and Nick. We have been golfing together for a few years now and the last round we played we talked about how this would be the summer one of us would make our first hole-in-one. Happened on hole #6 at Northview Canal course, was playing 123 yards with my 52 degree wedge. Landed left and spun in.

Barry Cernick, Galt Country Club, Hole #14

Playing partners were Alan Reston, Kevin Clark and Trevor Franken. It was 154 yards and I used a 5 hybrid rescue club.

Elaine Hays, Uplands Golf Club, Hole #9

Saturday was the first “Pin Round” for the business women at Uplands Golf Club. I had been playing well, holding my own and had some stiff competition in my group. Hole #9, I was last to hit from the grey tees. It was a white flag, about 152 yards. I used my three wood and was pleased to see I had a good line to the pin. I watched as the ball landed short of the green and continued to roll. My group heard me the hit the ball, said, “sounded good,” and continued to walk towards their balls. They couldn’t see my ball continue to roll toward the pin, but I did. I was thinking, “perfect, I should be able to tap that in for a birdie,” and then I saw the ball drop into the hole! I said, “uh, I just got a hole-in-one.” I held on to bogey the next hole and then slowly it all fell apart on the back nine, but it didn’t matter. I got a hole-in-one!

Virginia White, Hope Golf & Country Club, Hole #9

It was 104 yards to the flag. I used 6 iron (as have to clear sand trap in front of green). Playing partners were Mary Loupret, Deb Dixon and Patsy Tait. I am 75 years young and passionate about golfing.

Cole Vardy, Wedgefield Golf & Country Club, Hole #10

It was very surreal as I birdied hole #9 and #11 as well. Hole #10 was a 306 yard, par 4 with a sand trap just short of the green. I hit driver and was playing with two of my best friends Dylan Keats and Antoine Ramia.

Marlene Johnston, Osoyoos Golf Club, Hole #3

Hole #3 is a par 3. On Sunday, playing with husband Ron and friends Roberta and Tim, we were faced
with winds gusting to 38 km and in our face. It was an uphill shot to a front flag. Yardage on the game card is 111 yards to middle, but for me, an arthritic 72 year old, it plays to 130 yards. With the best advice ever given me, when breezy swing easy (which is a good thought on every swing), I took my 5 iron, swung through nicely. My ball was nowhere to be seen on the green, it was in the hole! I hope every golfer gets to experience a hole-in-one! It is truly rejuvenating!

Barbara Nielsen, Kingsville Golf & Country Club, Hole #8

I played with Mary Lou Henderson and Cathy Charette. I used a 9 iron, as the hole was uphill, we only could see top of flag.

Art Graves, Napanee Golf & Country Club, Hole #2

At 64 years old and having golfed most of my life, had almost given up on getting a hole-in-one. The second hole at Napanee Golf & Country Club is a 176-yard, par 3 with a two-tiered green. Club was a 5 iron which carried the front of then green then released and rolled up onto the back tier, to a back left pin. My foursome was Scott Carpenter, Dale Bartlette, Paul Wilson and myself. It was truly the highlight of my golfing career.

For as long as she could remember, Yeji Kwon has dreamed of playing the sport of golf at the highest level. Today, with a strong supporting cast around her, the 19-year-old is closing in on that childhood dream.

Young Yeji grew up following the success of three-time Canadian Women’s Open champion, Lydia Ko, and LPGA star, A Lim Kim.

“You could see they were comfortable in any given situation on the golf course and their success was inspiring. I thought to myself that I really wanted to be able to play at that high level and have that success one day.”

Her father, Do Yoon Kwon, speaks about her determination to succeed from a young age.

“Yeji was practising sometimes over ten hours a day.  She was working on every area of her game and because of her hard work, I could see she was getting better and better,” he said.

“I know she’s a really competitive person and always wants to do her best.”

The Canadian National Team member scored an impressive win as a bright-eyed 14-year-old when she captured the Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship in 2020.

“The weather wasn’t so good that weekend and the third round actually had to be cancelled,” she recalled.

“I really didn’t have any expectations going to into the tournament. I was thinking ‘let’s have fun out there and just try to make the cut’ and I ended up winning the tournament.  I just have a lot of good memories from that weekend.”

Another notable victory came in 2022, when Kwon captured the Canadian Junior Girls championship.

“I was playing with a lot of my friends because it was the Canadian Junior Girls Championship so all the best junior girls from Canada were playing in the tournament. Every aspect of my game was on that week – my irons, driver, short game,” she recalled.

“With both my parents being there, it was so much fun.  It felt great to win it and it seemed like all the practise and hard work was paying off.”

With the childhood dream of one day playing on the LGPA Tour, the amateur standout turned professional last year in its pursuit.

Kwon won her first tournament as a pro last July at the Genesis of Conway Central Arkansas Open.

“My game was on and everything was really good.  I was feeling really comfortable and confident that week,” she said of her first pro win in Arkansas.

Kwon was asked to described the strengths in her game that has led to her success on the golf course.

“I feel my strengths are my distance off the tee and my iron play,” noted the five-foot six inch Canadian national team member.

The 19-year-old knows it’s still a work in progress and she is constantly learning and eagerly looking for ways to improve.

“I had played in the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship earlier that month and made a few mistakes that I knew I needed to work on.  I felt in Arkansas, I was able to correct those mistakes,” she noted.

“Getting that first win as a pro felt really good and it gave more confidence in my game.”

Kwon says it also gives her a lot of confidence knowing she’s part of Golf Canada’s National Team Program.

“I’ve been on part of the National Team for three years.  It’s been really great for my development as a golfer because we get the opportunity to compete in some of the biggest tournaments and getting that experience is really important,” she pointed out.

“It gives me confidence to see the success of past and current members from the program. I’ve learned a lot from the coaches that I’ve worked with over the years and just very thankful for all the support and all the resources available to me from Golf Canada.”

Kwon says her biggest supporters since day one has been her mom and dad; and it means everything to have them along in the pursuit of her childhood dream.

“My parents got me into the sport and were my coaches from the beginning. It really means so much to have both of them travel with me.  They have sacrificed so much so I could have this opportunity to pursue my dreams, it’s something I’m really grateful for.”

The talented young Canadian has status on the Epson Tour this year and is holding her own – making the cut in two out of her first three tournaments.

As one of her biggest supporters, Do Yoon Kwon believes his 19-year-old daughter is on the right track towards reaching her dream and shares his words on encouragement. 

“Be confident, have fun, work hard and keep doing what you’re doing.”

Professional women’s championship series provides enhanced national qualifying path into CPKC Women’s Open.

Participation festivals are set for Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto in 2025 with an additional participation festival in Atlantic Canada

Oakville, Ont. — Golf Canada is pleased to announce that She Plays Golf is returning for a third year and will see another expansion in 2025 with the addition of a fourth participation festival. Events will return to Calgary, Greater Vancouver and Greater Toronto this summer to align with the She Plays Golf Championship Series, with a fourth festival added for Atlantic Canada.

She Plays Golf is a citywide celebration of women’s golf anchored in three regions by a $60,000 CAD professional golf championship contested over 54-holes with a field of 60 professionals and elite amateurs. The She Plays Golf Championship Series will once again feature three enhanced championships that mark the continued support of a professional women’s golf tour in Canada.

The top finisher in each event from the She Plays Golf Championship Series will earn a direct exemption into the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, set for Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. from August 20-24. Players will also compete for WAGR points if applicable.

The 2025 Championship Series will kick off with the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open at Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler, B.C. from June 5-7. The second stop will be the Peloton Glencoe Invitational in Calgary, Alta. at The Glencoe Golf and Country Club from June 12-14 and the final tournament will be the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada, taking place at Burlington Golf and Country Club in Burlington, Ont. from July 7-10.

Players will earn points for their finishes in the She Plays Golf Championship Series towards a series-long standings. The top finisher on the season-long point standings, who does not already have an exemption through winning a She Plays Golf Championship Series event, will also receive an exemption to the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open. Any Canadian professional who participates in the She Plays Golf Championship Series will be supported by Golf Canada’s Q school bursary program if they enter LPGA Q school in the fall and meet the established criteria.

Last season, six members of the Team Canada program earned direct exemptions in the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open through the She Plays Golf Championship Series. Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C. and Anna Huang of Vancouver, B.C. finished as the top two respectively at the Peloton Glencoe Invitational. Ellie Vorster (then Szeryk) of London, Ont. and Brooke Rivers of Brampton, Ont. finished first and second at the Golf BC Group BC Women’s Open. The final two spots were secured by Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. and Katie Cranston of Oakville, Ont. through the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada. Xing was also the youngest champion in tournament history, at the age of 15.

Complementing the She Plays Golf Championships Series are concurrently held She Plays Golf Festivals, which feature inclusive programming for women and girls who are recreational golfers or exploring the sport for the first time. She Plays Golf Participation Festival events will take place at golf courses across the host city during the same week as She Plays Golf Championship Series tournaments. A new She Plays Golf Participation Festival will take place in Atlantic Canada in the fall of 2025.

“We are very proud to announce the second year of the She Plays Golf Championship Series following a successful first season. The series provided opportunities for accomplished amateur and professional women’s golfers from across the country and internationally to compete and try to earn exemptions into the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Emily Phoenix, Director of High Performance, Golf Canada. “Laying the groundwork to support elite amateurs and developing professionals in Canada is critical to ensure we help create more future LPGA tour prospects. We would like to especially thank our tournament delivery partners at the PGA of Canada, the Vancouver Golf Tour and The Glencoe Golf & Country Club for working with us to support developing this professional women’s golf tour in Canada.”

She Plays Golf was originally successfully piloted across Calgary as part of the Glencoe Invitational in 2023. Additional information about the 2025 festival schedule for each She Plays Golf event will be made available in the coming weeks.

For more information on the She Plays Golf Championship Series or to register for the tournaments, please click here.

Savannah Grewal is still getting used to playing on the LPGA Tour, including normalizing playing in majors.

Grewal, from Mississauga, Ont., is in her sophomore season on the top women’s golf circuit in the world and is one of three Canadians in the field at this week’s Chevron Championship, the first major of the year. Grewal said that after playing in three majors in 2024 she’s learned to take them as just another round of golf.

“I feel every tournament on the LPGA is still a little starry-eyed for me in a sense because this has been my dream since I was eight-years-old and I’m living out my dream,” said the 23-year-old Wednesday during a weather delay during her practice round at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. “It’s always going to be fun and exciting for me, so I think that’s something that hasn’t necessarily changed. 

“I think my approach to things, whether it’s a major or whether it’s not a major, is I try to go into the tournament with the same mindset because I think the moment you try to make it bigger than what it actually is or make it into this huge thing is when you add external pressure to yourself.”

Grewal played in three majors in her rookie LPGA Tour season, missing the cut at the Chevron Championship, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and the Amundi Evian Championship. Although Grewal made the cut at eight of her final nine tournaments last year to finish 97th on the LPGA Tour’s points list, she had to qualify for the 2025 Chevron Championship based on her performance so far this year.

“It feels like honestly an honour,” said Grewal. “I wasn’t guaranteed to be in this event this year, so it feels good to have been able to play my way into the event. 

“Any time you get to compete in a major, it’s really special because that’s the kind of tournament everyone wants to go out and win. It’s also what most people are remembered for, right? How many majors did they win? What did they do in the majors?”

Grewal has played in four events this season, making the cut at the Blue Bay LPGA on March 6, the Ford Championship on March 27, and the JM Eagle LA Championship on April 17.

“(There have) just been some little things here and there that I want to improve on,” said Grewal of her season so far. “You’re always striving to improve and to get better, so I definitely feel like it’s headed in the right direction. 

“I just haven’t felt like I’ve seen myself put together four rounds yet. If I’m able to do that, it’ll feel a little more like a success.”

Grewal will be joined by Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., and Hamilton’s Alena Sharp on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course this Thursday. Henderson is 42nd on the Race to CME Globe points list, Sharp is 104th and Grewal is 107th.

U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN — Vancouver’s Leah John earned a spot in this year’s U.S. Women’s Open, the third  major of the year, after tying for first in a qualifying round at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, Calif. on Monday. John will be making her major debut on May 29 and will be playing in her second career LPGA Tour event, having played in the CPKC Women’s Open last summer in Calgary.

The national team member from Vancouver fired rounds of 65-70 (135) to finish at 7-under for 36 holes and earn one of three spots available along with her former University of Nevada teammate Gabby Kano. John became overwhelmed with emotion once she finished her second round, knowing she secured her spot.

EPSON TOUR — Josee Doyon of Saint-Georges, Que., is 23rd on the Race for the Card points list heading into Friday’s first round at the IOA Championship. She’ll be joined on the Champions Course at Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon in Beaumont, Calif., by Maddie Szeryk (25th) of London, Ont., Monet Chun (40th) of Richmond Hill, Ont., Yeji Kwon (77th) of Port Coquitlam, B.C., Brooke Rivers (98th) of Brampton, Ont., and John (unranked).

PGA TOUR — The all-Canadian paring of Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin, who grew up together in Abbotsford, B.C., face Garrick Higgo and Ryan Fox in the first round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., will team with Finland’s Sami Valimaki and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., pairs with Australia’s Cam Davis at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La. Taylor is 20th in the FedEx Cup standings, Hadwin is 110th, Svensson is 148th and Silverman is 163rd.

DP WORLD TOUR — Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., is the lone Canadian at the Hainan Classic. He’s 122nd on the European-based tour heading into play this week at the Blackstone Course of Mission Hills Resort Haikou on Hainan Island in China.

CHAMPIONS TOUR — Calgary’s Stephen Ames and Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., will tee it up on Friday at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic. Ames is a three-time champion at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Ga., having won in 2017, 2023 and last year. He’s 41st on the Schwab Cup money list and Weir is 81st.

KORN FERRY TOUR — Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga leads the Canadian contingent into this week’s Veritex Bank Championship. He’s 12th on the second-tier tour’s points list. He’ll be joined at Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington by Matthew Anderson (31st), also from Mississauga, Myles Creighton (51st) of Digby, N.S., Roger Sloan (101st) of Merritt, B.C., Etienne Papineau (116th) of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., and Vancouver’s Stuart Macdonald (132nd).

AMERICAS TOUR — Toronto’s Drew Nesbitt is the top-ranked Canadian on the PGA Tour Americas. Nesbitt is tied for 11th on the third-tier circuit’s points list. He’s one of 11 Canadians playing in the KIA Open at Quito Tenis & Golf Club in Ecuador this week.

EVANS SCHOLARSHIP — A pair of high school students from Victoria have been awarded the Western Golf Association’s Chick Evans Scholarship. Connor Meir from Oak Bay High School and Joe Harris from Reynolds Secondary School have earned a full four-year housing and tuition scholarship for golf caddies.

Sacramento, Calif. – Leah John secured her spot in the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open after finishing in a tie for first in open qualifying at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, Calif. on Monday.

The Team Canada member from Vancouver, B.C. fired rounds of 65-70 (135) to finish at 7-under for 36 holes and earn one of three spots available along with her former University of Nevada teammate Gabby Kano. John became overwhelmed with emotion once she finished her second round, knowing she secured her spot.

“It was a really long day and hard to hold the lead for 36 holes and I honestly just sort of broke down a bit, so happy to have done it and I am beyond beyond beyond excited.

“It probably felt like one of the best days of my life, I was over excited and proud and also super excited to see my teammate Gabby also qualified as well. I had some former teammates there, my caddy this year is really wonderful, so to share that with them and reassuring that I trust my process, trust who I am and the things that I am working towards,” said John.

John couldn’t have asked for a better start as she opened the day with a hole out for eagle from 97 yards out. She went on to add five birdies to finish with an opening round of 6-under 65. She was happy that there wasn’t a long break in between rounds.

“I didn’t want time to think, I just wanted to get back to doing and the mindset was to just be joyful. That was my goal, my focus for the entire round, the whole day, I just wanted to enjoy my time on the golf course with my caddy and that was it, so really just joy and embracing the moments, the pressure, the nerves knowing that’s exactly where I want to be,” she said.

John describes herself as a conservatively aggressive player who likes to play bold. “I tend to stick to what my gut tells me to do and if we do need to change things we talk about it, but for the most part I keep my foot on the gas and just go. I’m just playing for me and whatever happens happens.”

That mindset certainly helped, as she opened her second round with an eagle on the par five first hole. She went on to complete her second round bogey-birdie-bogey to record a 1-under 70 and secure her spot into the U.S. Women’s Open.

“On the 18th hole I was in the rough, I knew where I was in the rankings, and on this particular hole you cannot miss short, missing long isn’t amazing but you absolutely cannot miss short so I ended up bogeying my last hole and I just had to be ok accepting that even a bogey can be good enough.”

Good enough indeed as John will be making her U.S. Women’s Open debut and playing in her second career LPGA Tour event, having played in the CPKC Women’s Open last summer in Calgary.

“I am over the moon and so excited, I have not been able to sleep, it’s been tough to focus, I am just so excited and really excited to share it with people.”

There is no time to rest as John is back in action this week on the Epson Tour at the IOA Championship in Beaumont, Calif. John has made three starts this season, her second season on Epson. She will play a practice round on Wednesday, followed by the pro-am on Thursday before tournament play begins on Friday.

Even after a hectic travel day from Sacramento to Beaumont, John is still riding high.

“Feeling pretty pumped, it’s so nice to be with some awesome friends over here celebrating, so looking forward to bringing that momentum with me and just keep working on the simple things of how I want to be and my values and enjoying the game. I really think things are more meaningful when you can share it with those who care about you so just happy to be doing all this.”

The 2025 U.S. Women’s Open is taking place May 28 – June 1 at Erin Hills in Erin, Wis.

On March 6, during Golf Canada’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, Adam Daifallah of Westmount, Que. was elected as the organization’s 118th President. He most recently served as vice president for consecutive terms and has been a board member since 2018.

Golf Canada sat down with Daifallah to talk about a range of topics, from his early days as a competitive golfer, where he became a provincial champion, his wide-ranging career path, what led him to join Golf Canada and eventually becoming the youngest president in the organization’s history. We also discuss his thoughts on the strength of Canadian golf and much more.

You grew up in Peterborough, Ontario…what sports or activities were you drawn towards as a child? Was golf always high on your list?

I wasn’t interested in any sports until I found golf at age 10. My parents didn’t play but my grandfather did, though wasn’t playing anymore. I sort of caught the “golf bug” channel flipping the TV one day. The Skins Game was on, and I saw Lee Trevino make a hole-in-one, then proceed to jump up and down and hug his caddie, Herman. I said to my parents that I really want to try that game! I asked them to go to the bookstore and I picked up an instructional book. It was called The Golfer’s Bible. I spent that winter in the basement copying the swing movements in the book’s photos, so that in the spring, I would be ready to play for the first time. I started that year and totally loved it.  

That is a perfect segway into my next question, you were a competitive junior golfer and won the Ontario Bantam Boys’ Championship in 1992. What are your memories from that win? Do you still have the trophy or medal?

(Laughing) Yes, I still have the trophy. I also still have the prize that the OGA (now Golf Ontario) used to give for provincial winners, which was a Tudor watch. My main memory of it was playing with [eventual PGA tour member] David Hearn and defeating him by eight shots. That was the first and last time I ever beat David! We became good friends.

Shifting gears if I may to your studies. You hold a BA with honours in history and political studies from Queen’s University, and began working as a Washington correspondent at the New York Sun. From there you joined the editorial board of the National Post and wrote two books on Canadian politics. You’ve also contributed pieces for SCOREGolf. What about the journalism world interested you to pursue that early on in your career?

I have always loved writing. I was always interested in public policy and public debate, and I saw journalism as a way to advance the ideas and the causes I believed in. I liked the idea of getting those ideas out to a wider audience.

You were a Sauvé Scholar at McGill University and enrolled into law school at Université Laval. You later became a member of the Quebec Bar and practiced law at Norton Rose Fulbright (then Ogilvy Renault) in Montréal. What was the draw for you to transition from the journalism world into practicing law?

I was interested in politics from a young age and someone I idolized was Brian Mulroney. I always wanted to be near him, and he was a lawyer at Ogilvy Renault in Montréal. He was the primary reason that drove me to do that.

You later co-founded HATLEY Strategy Advisors, which was then acquired by Teneo in 2020, where you currently work as a senior managing director. Teneo offers corporate consulting, strategy and advising. On paper, those are three different paths in your career from journalism to law to consulting, but I have to feel there would be many similarities in each profession?

Absolutely. The corporate consulting work I did at HATLEY and now at Teneo allows me to draw on the skills developed from past experiences in politics, journalism and law. I use them daily in my work.

In addition to your role with Teneo and serving as president of Golf Canada you’ve also given your time as a volunteer to Dunham House in Dunham, Que. a residential treatment centre specializing in mental health and addiction recovery. What drives your passion to give back to your community?

It really boils down to wanting to get directly involved in causes you believe in. When you have a personal interest, and you’re invested in it on an emotional level, you do more. In the case of Dunham House, it’s an institution that founded by a very good friend who was touched by the issues of addiction and mental health. So, I am happy to contribute and support that cause.

Let’s talk about how you joined Golf Canada. Your journey originally began in 2013 as a volunteer. Was there something or someone that drew you or spoke to you about joining?

I had always wanted to get involved and I was fortunate to have a friend, Norman John Hébert, whose mother, Diane Dunlop Hébert, was then president of Golf Canada. She is the one who opened the door to help me get involved as a volunteer.

In your time with Golf Canada, you have sat on the committees across a number of areas including Compensation, Investment, Governors Council, People and Culture, Heritage Services and Volunteer Services Working Group, and volunteered on duty rosters, including as a starter at the RBC Canadian Open. You were then elected to the Board of Directors in 2018, became vice president for consecutive terms in 2023 and 2024, and are now the 118th president. I would have to think, that amount of experience across a number of committees has helped you ahead of joining the board and eventually becoming VP and now president?

Without a doubt. I think it’s important to know the organization well if you’re going to lead the board. I’ve benefited from being involved in a lot of areas of the organization which has allowed me to not only understand how it works operationally but also get to know a lot of the key staff, which is nice.

There has been a shift in governance at Golf Canada in compliance with Sport Canada best practices, recently the addition of an athlete category on the board and many working professionals have taken positions. In your opinion, what makes for an effective board for a national sports federation.

I think there are two things. One is people who bring a passion to the cause and a deep affection for the sport in question. And two, a diversity in range and skill sets so that everything required to govern effectively — things like legal background, accounting, human resources, etc…is covered. You need people who represent all the different skill sets and backgrounds needed.

You were on the board when the current strategic plan launched. What are your thoughts on the operational and commercial success of the organization coming out of the pandemic and the strength of the organization’s financial performance in recent years?

We’re so fortunate to be in such a strong position. We’ve been the beneficiaries of strong leadership by our CEO, Laurence Applebaum, combined with good fortune. A lot of new people have picked up the game due to the pandemic, and many who had quit have come back. The numbers keep on increasing even though we’re a few years out of the pandemic. So I think it’s a combination of good leadership and the positive impacts of external factors. There’s that saying that “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

People across Canada are engaged in golf. Record numbers of participation, 11 million scores posted on the Golf Canada App. There is great strength in Canadian golf and programming from First Tee – Canada, She Plays Golf, the Team Canada High Performance program and those competing professionally on the world stage. It’s all been a point of pride for Golf Canada, what are your thoughts on the state of Canadian golf today?

I would say we’re in an enviable position. I’m not sure that anyone could have predicted where we would be right now, both in terms of the amateur game and the pro game, a few years ago. Tee sheets are jam packed at public courses. Private clubs have waiting lists. We had four Canadians participate in The Masters.

If you could pick one event or moment during your time with Golf Canada thus far that would be your fondest, what would it be?

That’s a tough one. Probably being a first tee starter at the RBC Canadian Open. Meeting the players, introducing the players –especially the Canadians and the ones you’re personally a fan of –that’s a really neat experience. Another that comes to mind is meeting Lee Trevino, who originally sparked my golf interest. He came to the RBC Canadian Open a few years ago and we spoke for about two hours!

In your first year as president of Golf Canada. Are there any particular goals you hope to achieve or see continue this year?

Capitalizing on the growth of the game and the gains of recent years is top of mind. We need to keep the momentum going. Also, good governance and modernization of our volunteer infrastructure. Over the years, people have asked whether I have enough time to volunteer for Golf Canada because I worked full time. We must continue to make our organization friendly to those who work and who have other commitments, like young families.  

During your time as president, Golf Canada will transition its national headquarters to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, home of the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, how exciting is that and another new chapter for Golf Canada?

Tremendously exciting. It’s a project that I’ve seen go from a mere concept to now almost being a reality. There’s been a lot of work and commitment from staff to make this happen and I think everyone is just excited now to see it come to fruition and to be ready. It will be a new era for Golf Canada.

You have been a generous donor to the fundraising activities of the Golf Canada Foundation – how impactful have the efforts of the foundation and its network of donors been to the advancement of Canadian golf?

It really makes a difference. The Golf Canada Foundation under the leadership of Martin Barnard must be lauded for the growth we’ve seen in fundraising in the last number of years – particularly when it comes to the First Tee – Canada program, lining up a lot of major gifts across the country to fund provincial First Tee chapters. It’s going to take a while for us to see the fruits of that because it’s a fairly new program, but I am confident it’s going to pay huge dividends down the road.

I’d like to ask a couple personal questions. How do you maintain relationships? I am sure there are many areas, places and people you’d like to connect with, or re-connect with. How do you achieve that? How do you maintain relationships?

At a basic level it’s about reaching out and keeping frequent contact. Emails, calls, text messages, playing golf together, you have to keep the effort going through touchpoints to keep relationships alive. It does take effort, and it has to be a mutual effort.

You live in Westmount, Quebec with your wife and two young sons. Are they golf enthusiasts?

Everyone plays, including my wife. We have a family membership at Knowlton Golf Club and the boys and I play nine holes almost every weekend there in the summer. They’re showing a keen interest, which is exciting.

I am sure that your responsibilities as a father and husband take you in many different directions. On-top of that you work full-time and volunteer your time extensively. With that, how important is it to maintain a good work-life balance?

It’s very challenging, but it’s essential. There’s always a tension between the two and you just have to do the best that you can. It’s a juggling act. It helps if you have a supportive spouse or partner, and I am lucky to have that.

How would you describe your golf game today?

(Laughs) I’d say that I am pleased with it, considering my age and how often I play. I am very happy to break 80 on any given day.

Finally, what is something that we should know about you, beyond reading your bio?

I am a very communicative and open person. I am an open book. I want to be accessible so if anybody ever wants to reach me, please do not be shy. Pick up the phone or send the email if I can help with anything.

Oakville, ON – Golf Canada and Stalk&Barrel Whisky are proud to announce a multi-year partnership extension that will see Stalk&Barrel remain the official Canadian Whisky partner of Golf Canada and both the RBC Canadian Open and the CPKC Women’s Open.

The new agreement will run through 2027 and will see Stalk&Barrel Handcrafted Canadian Whisky poured exclusively at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open in hospitality and concession locations at both championships.

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Stalk&Barrel, a premium Canadian whisky as we collectively continue to deliver exceptional experiences for fans at both of our National Open Championships,” said Mark Palmer, Chief Commercial Officer, Golf Canada.

Stalk&Barrel is a handcrafted Canadian whisky, produced locally at a craft distillery in Ontario. Stalk&Barrel’s commitment to a ‘grain to glass’ process offers a small-batch, single malt that is 100% Canadian owned and operated.

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Golf Canada as the Official Canadian Whisky. Over the past few years, this collaboration has grown into something truly special – built on shared values of excellence, integrity, and a deep appreciation for the Canadian spirit. Like a great round of golf, Stalk&Barrel Whisky is all about patience, precision, and celebrating the moment. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help us toast the best of Canadian sport and culture,” said Karen Lai Drake, Senior Brand Manager, Stalk&Barrel Whisky.

The 2025 RBC Canadian Open takes place June 4-8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be contested, August 20-24 at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Ryan Paul grew up just down the street from Glen Abbey Golf Club and his father, Bill Paul, was an instrumental part of the RBC Canadian Open for more than three decades. He started working at the tournament as a summer job while in college and has moved up the ladder at both Golf Canada and Wasserman before returning full time to Golf Canada in 2016.

Now Paul is in the leadership chair at Canada’s National Men’s Open as tournament director and this year is set to be bigger than ever – as the RBC Canadian Open makes its debut at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley – but Paul is more than up to the task.

Paul had spent the last six years at the helm of the CPKC Women’s Open and was the tournament director when Brooke Henderson made history in Regina in 2018. He also oversaw the event as it won back-to-back Tournament of the Year awards at the LPGA Tour’s year-end award ceremony in both 2022 and 2023.

He says one of the biggest things he’s excited about for 2025 as the championship makes its debut at TPC Toronto is watching the spectator journey unfold from plan to practice.

Paul has been used to getting to a course for the first time (each of the CPKC Women’s Open events in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024 took place at first-time venues although Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in 2023 had hosted the RBC Canadian Open in the past) so he and the team are no strangers to this effort.

“It’s fun to put together a plan that we think will work great for spectators and players and volunteers and just to really see that come to life when we open the gates on June 2 will be unbelievable,” Paul says.

Paul knows how cool an opportunity it is for the golfing public in Canada to have the RBC Canadian Open once again on a public course.

“We’ve seen it at Glen Abbey and my hope is that you have those ‘where-were-you moments like a Nick Taylor putt to win, or a Tiger Woods bunker shot. Those things become the ‘moment’ at TPC Toronto and we get people who throw a ball in a bunker or try to drain a long putt. It just makes (the Canadian Open) that much more special,” Paul says. “When you have that opportunity and you can see the fans where they’re like, ‘I hit my drive here!’ And all the players are just so far ahead, it’s really cool.

“TPC Toronto is such a special property where it’s got teeth to host a PGA TOUR event but it’s such a great golf course to just play as a public golfer. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Paul spent a good amount of time at THE PLAYERS Championship in March introducing himself to plenty of golfers who will make up the RBC Canadian Open field. He says speaking to the Canadian contingent has been super helpful as he gets a better understanding of what they’re excited about for TPC Toronto and all the venues they’ve been to – what’s been good and what can be improved on.

On the PGA TOUR, the Canadians (and, thankfully, this country has never had a bigger or more successful group all playing week-in and week-out) are the tournament’s biggest ambassadors.

“Having (the Canadians) also do my job a little bit, walking the range and telling players how great it’s going to be in Canada this year is certainly important. We’re always striving to have the best field we can and having Rory McIlroy back again, as well, is incredible and really shows what the player experience means and if we’re putting on a good show, taking care of these players, they’re always going to come back,” Paul says. “Rory, outside the Canadians, has been our biggest ambassador celebrating this as a National Open and how important that is and what it’s like to play in Canada and with our fans. It’s been remarkable and those things go a long way.”

The RBC Canadian Open has undergone an impressive evolution over the last half-decade or so with even more fun on-site activities than ever before. Paul remembers when The Rink hole, for example, was just an idea – and all we had were hockey boards and a Zamboni. Now it’s a “must-visit” destination at any RBC Canadian Open, and despite the fact that the tournament travels each year, The Rink gives the tournament a signature hole, even though it’s at a different course every time.

With the new date in 2019 the RBC Canadian Open really launched into this new era, Paul says, of being more than a golf tournament. It was all about food and music and was more of an outdoor festival than just a golf tournament.

As the snow melts, Paul says, he’s just excited to get up to TPC Toronto and see all the building unfold. The tournament is around the corner.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how it all plays out,” Paul says, “and I know it’s going to be a great week.”