Multi-time PGA TOUR winning group join eight in-season winners on PGA TOUR including two-time RBC Canadian Open champion and 2025 Masters champion, Rory McIlroy along with defending champion Robert MacIntyre and 2023 RBC Canadian Open winner Nick Taylors part of week-long festival atmosphere at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

Mike Weir accepts Tournament Exemption into the 114th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship to compete alongside Canadian PGA TOUR winners Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes, Adam Hadwin and Adam Svensson

2026 RBC Canadian Open set to return to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

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Caledon, ON – Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Wyndham Clark and Max Homa have confirmed their commitment to compete June 4-8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in the 2025 RBC Canadian Open.

Lowry, the 2019 Open Championship winner has won three times on the PGA TOUR along with four international wins. Lowry has played in two Ryder Cups; he was part of Europe’s 2023 Ryder Cup winning side and competed on the 2020 team. In addition, he has represented Ireland at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games. The world no. 12 ranked fan favourite will be making his seventh appearance at the RBC Canadian Open. His top finish was T2 in 2019, along with a T10 (2022) and T12 (2018). This season, Lowry finished as runner-up at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and has earned three top 10’s and seven top 25 finishes in 10 events.

Rose is an 11-time PGA TOUR winner and was the 2018 FedEx Cup champion and 2013 U.S. Open champion. The no. 14 ranked player in the world has also won 12 international tournaments and has represented Team Europe at the Ryder Cup on six occasions, winning four (2012, 2014, 2018, 2023). Rose also won the gold medal for Great Britain at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This season, Rose has earned a runner-up, three top 10’s and three top 25 finishes on the PGA TOUR. His runner-up finish came at the Masters Tournament, where he lost on the first hole of a thrilling playoff to Rory McIlroy. He is a three-time runner-up at the Masters. Rose will be making his sixth appearance in tournament history, he has finished T4 twice at the RBC Canadian Open, in 2004 and 2022.

Clark has won three times on the PGA TOUR, including the 2023 U.S. Open. Clark has represented the United States on three occasions including the Ryder Cup in 2023, the Olympic Games in 2024 and was part of the Presidents Cup winning side last September in Montreal. The world no. 15 ranked player will be making his fourth appearance in tournament history, his best finish at the RBC Canadian Open was T7 in 2022. This season, Clark has earned a top 10, and four top 25 finishes in 11 tournaments on tour.

Homa has earned six PGA TOUR victories in his career and has represented the United States on three occasions, at the Presidents Cup (2022, 2024) and the Ryder Cup in 2023. This season, Homa has earned a top 25 finish in 10 events on tour. A fan favourite on the PGA TOUR, Homa will be making his third appearance in tournament history.

“The RBC Canadian Open continues to be a significant event for golf in Canada, driving economic and community impact across the country,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “Each year, we raise the bar around the fan experience, and with a field featuring many of the world’s best golfers and recent champions, we can’t wait to see how this year’s tournament captivates audiences at home and around the world.”

The group is joined by eight in-season winners including, Thomas Detry (WM Phoenix Open), Brian Campbell (Mexico Open at VidantaWorld), Joe Highsmith (Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches), Garrick Higgo (Corales Punacana Championship), Andrew Novak (Zurich Classic of New Orleans), Ben Griffin (Zurich Classic of New Orleans), and previously announced 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor (Sony Open) and two-time RBC Canadian Open champion and three-time winner on the PGA TOUR in 2025, Rory McIlroy (AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, PLAYERS Championship, the Masters Tournament).

A full Canadian contingent will also challenge for the national championship, led by PGA TOUR winners Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., Taylor Pendrith of Richmond, Hill, Ont., Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. Also confirmed is Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont. The group will compete alongside Team RBC ambassadors, Sahith Theegala, Cameron Young and Sam Burns.

2024 RBC Canadian Open champion, Robert MacIntyre will also be defending his title at TPC Toronto. MacIntyre earned his first PGA TOUR victory last year in Hamilton, Ont. finishing at 16-under, one shot clear of Ben Griffin. MacIntyre has won twice on the PGA TOUR and has three international wins. He was part of Europe’s winning side at the 2023 Ryder Cup. This season, MacIntyre has two top 10’s and four top 25 finishes in ten events on the PGA TOUR.

Also accepting an exemption to compete is Canadian golf icon Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove, Ont. who will be competing in his 32nd RBC Canadian Open. By competing this year at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, Weir will tie the all-time record for starts in Canada’s National Open Championship with fellow Canadian Golf Hall of Famer George Cumming.

In addition to world class golf, fans at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open will be treated to the two-night SiriusXM Concert Series onsite at TPC Toronto featuring an all-Canadian line-up. As previously announced, multi-time JUNO Award winning bands Billy Talent and Sam Roberts Band will headline the concert series, with JJ Wilde and Ruby Waters set to open the two-night concert series.

Golf Canada is also proud to announce that TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley will host the 115th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship in 2026. The Doug Carrick designed North course underwent a major golf course renovation in 2023 led by architect Ian Andrew with consultation from the PGA TOUR for the course to host large-scale, global championship level competition. TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is also the site for the future Home for Canadian Golf that will include Golf Canada’s national headquarters, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, First Tee – Canada national headquarters and a community accessible 18-hole putting green.

“We are incredibly excited to add four of the top players on the PGA TOUR to a growing field that will compete along side Rory McIlroy, defending champion Bob MacIntyre and a great Canadian contingent for our National Open Championship,” said Ryan Paul, Tournament Director, RBC Canadian Open. “We are equally as excited to announce that TPC Toronto will also play host to the 2026 RBC Canadian Open. The venue has established itself as one of the premier facilities in the country and as we look to build on the momentum of what will be a special championship in 2025, we are grateful to Chris Humeniuk and the staff at TPC Toronto for their commitment to hosting our prestigious National Men’s Open Championship.”

Tickets for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open are available here. Children aged 12-and-under get free admission with a ticketed adult.

Abbotsford B.C. – Yanling (Elaine) Liu of Vancouver, B.C. put the finishing touches on her wire-to-wire victory on Sunday while Maxim McKenzie of Chilliwack, B.C. secured a come-from-behind win to each take the 2025 NextGen Pacific Championship at Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford, B.C.  

Buoyed by a three-under 33 during Friday’s opening nine, Liu didn’t take her foot off the gas over the weekend, firing rounds of 68-69-70 to finish seven strokes better than her closest chaser, Amy Seung Heung Lee of Surrey, B.C.  

“I try my best to just stay in my own bubble and not think about it… I’m really proud of myself for trying to stay in my own bubble and not let other distractions get to me,” said Liu following her final round.  

Liu kept her composure on Sunday to claim an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Junior Girls Championship set to take place Aug 16-18 at Club de golf Sainte-Marie in Sainte-Marie, Que.  

After posting birdie at the difficult par-3 second, Liu flipped her name into red figures, before dropping back to even-par on her round with bogey at the fifth. The blemish went on to be just one of two mistakes Liu made in her final round on Sunday, playing the next 12 holes at one-under par despite finishing with bogey on 18.  

Liu used the word “meaningful” to describe what Sunday’s victory meant to her. Committed to taking her talents to the university level in a year’s time, Liu has eyes on grabbing more victories as a junior golfer in the near future.  

“Playing events like Golf Canada really affect me,” said Liu. “Ledgeview is a wonderful golf course and when I look back [on today] I won’t have any regrets.”  

The margin of victory was much slimmer in the Junior Boys division however, with McKenzie battling Manpreet Lalh of Nanaimo, B.C. for the title in the final pairing. The two British Columbians took turns with the lead despite Lalh sitting in a tie for first place alongside Team Canada NextGen member Austin Krahn of Christina Lake, B.C. when the day began.  

Starting his final round at even-par and two strokes behind the co-leaders, McKenzie vaulted all the way up the leaderboard with three birdies in his first five holes to lead Lahl by two strokes after the latter stalled out with an early bogey on the fifth hole.  

Meanwhile, Krahn, who also teed off in the final group, was unable to build around the 66 he carded in the second round, following a pair of bogeys on the front nine. The opening allowed Lalh to make a move on the back nine, grabbing a birdie at the 11th to move into solo first before being derailed by bogeys at holes 12 and 14.  

McKenzie definitively capitalized on his playing partners’ miscues with a timely birdie at the par-4 13th to regain his two-stroke lead. The back nine separated McKenzie from his chasers on Sunday to secure his first win in the NextGen Championship series, playing six of the nine hardest holes on the property at one-under par and taking advantage of the tournament’s most scorable conditions.  

“It means a lot to me,” commented McKenzie on his win Sunday at his home course. “All the hard work I put is paying off so just keep doing what I’m doing. Coming from behind is obviously great,” he added.  

The win is a long time coming for McKenzie at his home NextGen Championship after finishing back-to-back years in the top ten of the leaderboards including a T3 finish in 2024 at Summerland Golf & Country Club in Summerland, B.C. His final round four-under 66 is his best performance at the tournament and grants him automatic exemption into the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship set to take place Aug 11-15 at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst, N.B.  

“I knew I was close,” said McKenzie. “Actually, getting it done last year, coming in third, getting the win this week is pretty big in the right direction.”  

NextGen Pacific Championship – Advancing to 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship 

*Top 8 qualify 

NextGen Pacific Championship – Advancing to 2025 Canadian Junior Girls Championship 

*Top 8 plus ties qualify 

The circuit continues next week at Black Bear Ridge Golf & Resort in Belleville, Ont. for the playing of the NextGen Ontario Championship. Practice rounds will get underway on Wednesday, May 7, followed by 54-holes of golf set to kick off on Thursday May 8 and wrap up on Saturday, May 10.  

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

About the NextGen Championships  
The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.  

A.J. Ewart understands that golf is not a game that you could perfect, but it’s a game where you could learn and work hard to make continual improvements. Having that mindset has helped the talented young golfer achieve an impressive list of accomplishments as an amateur – and now, he is focused on translating that success onto the professional ranks.

Reflecting on his journey in golf, the soon to be 26-year-old is grateful to his father, Brad Ewart, for introducing him to the sport during his early childhood years and teaching him the fundamentals.

“My dad had me swinging the golf club as soon as I could walk.  He was a pro golfer and was also a golf instructor – so I guess you could say I was born into it. It’s always something I’ve been around,” the Golf Canada National Team member recalled.

“My earliest memory was playing in a tournament at the age of five or six and I remembered that I really enjoyed playing outdoors.”

Young A.J. found his passion in golf and worked hard to better his game.

“It’s like anything you do, if you want to get good at it, you have to give it a lot of time. But putting in that work was always something I enjoyed.  It didn’t seem like work because I always enjoyed the process of getting better,” he noted.

“Obviously, golf isn’t a game you could perfect but you want to get as good at it as possible.”

Ewart would enjoy success as a junior golfer but says he first realized he might be able to play the sport at a high level after being selected to Golf Canada’s amateur squad back in 2017.

“Golf Canada provides us with so many resources and tools that we are fortunate to have.

I credit Golf Canada for a lot of my success,” he pointed out.

Ewart also credits his time at Barry University in Miami, Florida for a big part of his development as a golfer.  During his time at Barry, the Canadian National Team member won a school record 14 times.  And in 2022, he earned the Jack Nicklaus award as the number one golfer in NCAA Division II.

“Barry University has a good program and it worked for other guys so I went out for a visit and talked to the coach there and was thankful that I did – and I think everything happens for a reason,” said Ewart, who graduated with a major in communications and a minor in sports management.

“My collegiate coach instilled a strong work ethic; and the warm weather meant we were able to compete year round,” he added about his time at Barry University.

“Winning a regional championship was cool. We never won a national championship but had a couple of good runs.”

Another notable accomplishment came at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship in 2021 where he recorded a runner up finish to champion, Max Sekulic.

“It was definitely a bright spot in my amateur career. It’s always cool to compete for your national title.  I was competing against a couple of my good friends down the stretch so was a lot of fun,” Ewart noted.

Someone very familiar with Ewart’s game is Team Canada Assistant Coach, Louis Melanson.

“A.J. is eager to learn and works very hard. He’s also a very intelligent and mature young man and applies that to his advantage on the golf course,” said Melanson.

“A.J. won’t out drive you but he’s very consistent. He doesn’t quit. He’s good at adapting and finding his own way and does his best to get the job done.  He plays a similar style to Nick Taylor.”

Melanson adds that the five foot 11 inch Ewart is a student of the game and has the right attitude and all the skills to succeed as a professional. He notes that Ewart has already won twice as a professional in 2024 – at the Sandpiper Open and at the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open.

“Winning last year was huge for A.J. as it gave him the confidence that he could win as a professional.  And now it’s just about playing in more tournaments, learning and gaining that experience.”

Ewart also acknowledged the significance of his wins as a professional last year.

“It meant a lot and it gave me confidence in knowing that when I play my best golf, I’m just as good as anybody.”

With the goal of playing on the PGA Tour one day, the talented young golfer says it gives him added confidence to see the success of so many Canadian players who have gone through the program.

“Seeing so many Canadians having success on the PGA Tour proves that the program works,” said Ewart.

“Obviously, we want to be where those guys are one day and it gives us motivation to continue to work hard to get to that point.”

Two-night concert series featuring all-Canadian headliners part of week-long festival atmosphere at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

JJ Wilde and Ruby Waters join performance line-up
for two-night concert series

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Toronto, ON – Golf Canada and SiriusXM Canada are pleased to announce that Billy Talent and Sam Roberts Band will headline the SiriusXM Concert Series at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

JUNO Award winning Canadian band, Billy Talent will be the headliner on Friday, June 6 followed by fellow JUNO Award winner, Sam Roberts Band on Saturday, June 7 as part of Canada’s Men’s National Open Championship. In addition, JJ Wilde will be opening night one and Ruby Waters will perform on night two of the concert series.

Hosted by SiriusXM Canada in partnership with Live Nation Canada and Golf Canada on location at the RBC Canadian Open, the two-night onsite concert series will continue to shine a spotlight on Canadian talent and artists.

“We’re proud to champion Canadian artists and to deepen connections between fans and the music, sports, and entertainment that define our culture,” said Rob Keen, SVP, Sales & Marketing, SiriusXM Canada. “These are core to who we are and what we do every day. Our continued partnership with Golf Canada gives us a uniquely Canadian opportunity to bring two national passions—music and sports—together in a way that truly resonates. The SiriusXM Concert Series is a great way to celebrate homegrown talent and create unforgettable moments both on and off the course.”

Billy Talent has been entertaining fans worldwide since forming in Mississauga, Ont. in 1993. The band has produced six studio albums and has won seven JUNO Awards along with earning 22 nominations. Billy Talent was among the top awarded artists in the history of the Much Music Video Awards (MMVA) with 10 awards. Billy Talent’s first two studio albums, Billy Talent and Billy Talent II both reached quadruple platinum certification from Music Canada, while Billy Talent III earned triple platinum certification.

“RBC Canadian Open is a world class event. As a couple of us are huge golf fans and golfers, we’re stoked to be able to perform at this year’s event which is bound to be a good one!” said Billy Talent frontman, Benjamin Kowalewicz.

Sam Roberts Band originally began in 2002 in Montreal, Que. and has performed across North America, Europe, Australia and Japan and at a number of festivals. In 2003, Sam Roberts released his first full-length album, We Were Born in a Flame, it went on to be certified Double-Platinum and won JUNO Awards for Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year and Artist of the Year. Additional albums won JUNO Awards for Rock Album of the Year, including Chemical City (Platinum-certified) and Love at the end of the World (Gold-certified). The band has since release five additional studio albums, for eight in total with many singles toping the Canadian rock charts.

“The band and I are really looking forward to a great Saturday night and rocking out with music and golf fans alike,” said Sam Roberts.

JJ Wilde from Kitchener, Ont. won the Rock Album of the Year at the 2021 JUNO Awards, becoming the first female artist to win the award since Alanis Morissette in 1996. Wilde has released two studio albums, Ruthless (2020) and Vices (2024) along with three EP’s, Wilde Eyes, Steady Hands (2019), Wilde (2021) and Best of Me (Pt.1) in 2024.

Ruby Waters, a native of Shelburne, Ont, is a powerful artistic force set on a path that is wholly her own creation. Ruby’s music is an extension of her truest self—good times, good friends, and honest storytelling. As an independent artist, Ruby has amassed over 50 million streams, with her singles and two EPs, Almost Naked (2019) and If It Comes Down To It (2020), as well as a JUNO Award nomination for Alternative Artist of the Year in 2022 and 2024. Touring is where Ruby thrives, having previously sold-out headline shows across the US, Canada, Europe and the UK. Looking ahead to 2025, Ruby Waters is captivating fans with her full-length debut, What’s The Point, summer festival appearances, and headline tours, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Along with the SiriusXM Concert Series and world class golf, fans will enjoy a week-long festival atmosphere at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. Highlighted by the iconic “Rink Hole,” fans can belt out their best rendition of “O’Canada” while watching the world’s best players up close. As well as enjoying premium food and beverage options and patio experiences in The Fare Way featuring The Keg.

“We are excited to announce an award winning all-Canadian line-up for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open,” said Ryan Paul, RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director. “Live music is a staple of the RBC Canadian Open and fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a day of world class professional golf followed by incredible live performances from Billy Talent, Sam Roberts Band, JJ Wilde and Ruby Waters at TPC Toronto this year.”

Tickets for Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 include full day access to the tournament and the SiriusXM Concert Series. The concert grounds will be located on the southwest side near the Heathlands course clubhouse at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. To purchase tickets to the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, please visit RBCCanadianOpen.com/tickets/.

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.