Playing recreational golf became one of the go-to activities during the COVID-19 pandemic as the nature of the game made it safe under Canada’s public health measures.

Golf Canada’s 2024 annual report, released on March 6, shows that the pandemic bubble growth wasn’t just a passing fad. Nearly six million Canadians played golf last year, including more than 360,000 Golf Canada members who posted nearly 11 million rounds to the national sport body’s scoring centre.

“This surge that we felt has really stabilized with continued growth,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum on Tuesday. “Technological advancement, the shifting of lifestyles and the work week has really helped the participation side, as has the expansion of new formats for golf, like shorter formats, simulator golf.

“It’s actually all these factors have come together to help continue that growth.”

Golf Canada’s youth and accessibility programs have also fuelled the growth of its participation numbers.

First Tee – Canada, a youth development program that gives children life-enhancing experiences, was rolled out in every province in 2024 with more than 100,000 participants since it was launched in 2021. 

Youth on Course, another program that aims to make golf more financially accessible for kids, expanded across nine provinces with 105 golf courses participating. Over 32,900 rounds of golf at $5 or less were played by 5,382 unique golfers thanks to Youth on Course.

“(First Tee) is a life skills program that uses golf, and they’re having a blast,” said Applebaum. “We were seeing a lot of really strong participation from golfers and our demographics had been getting older but in ’23 and ’24 we saw the demographic ages actually slide younger and skew younger and more female.”

First launched in Calgary in 2023, She Plays Golf festivals were also held in Toronto and Vancouver last year. Organized by Golf Canada, the weeklong events are designed to introduce women and girls to the game in a safe, fun and judgment-free environment.

Applebaum said that these programs that help people try golf when they’ve never picked up a club before, as well as a women’s executive program for professionals in the marketplace that have always wanted to be part of the golf environment, have buoyed those annual participation numbers.

“So it’s not one thing, it’s probably 15 or 20 things that are coming together,” he said. “Golf has hit that moment as an incredible sport for physical and mental health that has really connected with people of all ages and stages.”

Golf Canada also introduced two new championships in 2024: the Canadian U15 Championship and the Canadian Collegiate Invitational, for a total championship schedule that included 36 titles.

The BDO National Golf League, a countrywide, season-long competition created by Golf Canada also encouraged players to get in more rounds over the year. It allows golfers participating in the club’s league to also compete provincially and nationally.

More than 10,000 participants from 107 leagues competed, with 52 pairings qualifying for the league championship at Hamilton Golf and Country Club during the 2024 RBC Canadian Open. 

The champions represented Canada at Royal Troon in Scotland for The R&A 9 Hole Challenge at the 152nd British Open.

The 2025 THE PLAYERS Championship is set to tee off from March 13 to 16 at the iconic TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and Canadian golf fans have plenty to be excited about. A record-tying seven Canadians will be in the field, competing for one of the most prestigious titles in golf.

Dubbed the “fifth major,” THE PLAYERS features a $25 million purse, with $4.5 million awarded to the winner. The field includes 48 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking, making it one of the most competitive tournaments on the PGA Tour schedule.

The Canadians in the Field:

Nick Taylor (World No. 27)

Abbotsford, B.C.’s Nick Taylor is the only Canadian to have won on the PGA Tour this season, claiming victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii back in January. The four-time PGA Tour winner has been a model of consistency, making the cut in all six of his starts in 2025.

Taylor also recorded a T-9 at The Genesis Invitational and a T-12 at The American Express, proving he can compete in elite fields. His aggressive putting style could serve him well on the challenging greens of TPC Sawgrass.

Corey Conners (World No. 30)

Conners, from Listowel, Ontario, is arguably the most in-form Canadian heading into THE PLAYERS. The 32-year-old has had a strong start to 2025, highlighted by a solo third-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and a T5 at The Sentry in January. His precision ball-striking makes him an excellent fit for TPC Sawgrass, where accuracy is crucial.

This will be Conners’ sixth career appearance at THE PLAYERS, with his best finish being T-7 in 2022.

Taylor Pendrith (World No. 41)

Pendrith, from Richmond Hill, Ontario, has continued to build on his breakthrough 2023 season. The long-hitting Canadian has already posted a top-10 finish this year, and his power off the tee could help him attack some of the longer holes at TPC Sawgrass.

Pendrith will need to dial in his approach shots and putting to contend, but if everything clicks, he has the talent to make noise in this elite field.

Mackenzie Hughes (World No. 69)

The pride of Dundas, Ontario, Hughes is known for his strong short game and clutch putting. While he hasn’t posted a top-10 finish yet in 2025, he’s been playing solid golf and will be looking to peak at the right time.

His best career finish at THE PLAYERS came in 2021, when he tied for 16th. If his putter gets hot, he could be a dark horse to contend.

Adam Hadwin (World No. 75)

Hadwin, also from Abbotsford, B.C., has been playing steady golf in 2025, with one top-10 finish so far. The 36-year-old is one of the most experienced Canadians on Tour, with a PGA Tour victory at the 2017 Valspar Championship.

Hadwin has made five cuts in seven starts at THE PLAYERS, with his best finish being T-8 in 2021. If his iron play is sharp, he could make a deep run this week.

Adam Svensson (World No. 151)

The Surrey, B.C. native is still searching for his first top-10 of 2025, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance. Svensson won his first PGA Tour event at the 2022 RSM Classic, proving he has the ability to close out tournaments.

In his second career start at THE PLAYERS, Svensson will be aiming to improve on his T-13 finish from 2023. His all-around game and confidence on Bermuda greens could be key factors in his performance.

Ben Silverman (World No. 174)

Silverman rounds out the Canadian contingent, making his debut at THE PLAYERS Championship. The Thornhill, Ont., native has been a grinder on the Korn Ferry and PGA Tours, and earning a spot in this field is a huge milestone for his career.

While he’s an underdog, Silverman has shown he can compete against top-tier competition, and contending this week would be a big step forward.

Course Breakdown: TPC Sawgrass

The Pete Dye-designed Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is one of the most recognizable and challenging courses in golf.

Key features include:

• Island Green (Hole 17): The par-3 17th hole is one of the most famous in the world, testing players’ nerves with a tiny, island-shaped green.
• Narrow Fairways & Water Hazards: Precision is crucial, as errant shots can easily find water or deep rough.
• Risk-Reward Par 5s: The 16th hole offers a birdie or eagle chance but can punish aggressive play.

What’s at Stake for the Canadians?

A strong performance at THE PLAYERS could have a huge impact on the Canadian golfers’ seasons. Here’s what’s on the line:

• FedExCup Points: The winner earns 750 points, which could be critical for playoff positioning.
• World Ranking Boost: A top finish could propel a Canadian into the top 25 or better in the Official World Golf Ranking.
• Major Championship Momentum: With The Masters just a month away, a strong showing at THE PLAYERS could set the tone for the first major of the year.

How to Watch

Canadian fans can follow THE PLAYERS Championship on TSN and Golf Channel, with full coverage beginning:

• Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 AM ET (Round 1)
• Friday, March 14 at 7:30 AM ET (Round 2)
• Saturday, March 15 at 9:00 AM ET (Round 3)
• Sunday, March 16 at 9:00 AM ET (Final Round)

Live streaming will also be available on TSN+ and PGA Tour Live.

Final Thoughts

With seven Canadians in the field, 2025 THE PLAYERS Championship promises to be a thrilling event for golf fans across the country. Corey Conners and Nick Taylor lead the charge, but each player in the group has a chance to make an impact.

Can a Canadian contend for the title? Tune in to find out as they take on the world’s best at TPC Sawgrass.

Don’t forget, you can catch the PGA TOUR’s best in-person at Canada’s lone TOUR stop, the RBC Canadian Open, taking place June 4-8 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. Visit www.rbccanadianopen.com for tickets and info.

One of the most exciting parts of Golf Canada’s calendar is when national championships pop up from coast to coast through the golf season. 

Winners get to hold everything from bragging rights to history – like Nick Taylor and Brooke Henderson.

The Golf Canada championship schedule will see 37 professional and amateur championships, and qualifiers, held across eight provinces at 36 different golf courses. 

In 2025, Golf Canada’s championships calendar is chalk full of exciting events at some of the most iconic courses in the country.

Plus, a few new additions as well.

“We look forward to hosting our tournaments at some incredible golf clubs across the country,” said Mary Beth McKenna, the director of amateur championships and rules at Golf Canada. “We could not be more appreciative of the support from each club’s membership and their continued interest and commitment in giving back to the amateur game.”

Here’s nine things to know about the 2025 Championships Schedule!

RBC CANADIAN OPEN DEBUTS AT TPC TORONTO

Set to be contested June 5-8, the RBC Canadian Open will be played for the first time at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley’s renovated North Course. The course will become the 38th layout in the event’s 121-year history to host Canada’s national open. The club underwent a major golf-course renovation project under the guidance of renowned architect Ian Andrew with consultation from the PGA Tour for the venue to host large-scale, global championship level competition.

“We have long envisioned that Osprey Valley would become one of Canada’s greatest golf destinations, and becoming the host venue for our country’s national championship is a tremendous component of that vision becoming a reality,” said Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk.

CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN RETURNS TO MISSISSAUGUA

The 51st playing of Canada’s National Open Championship returns to the Greater Toronto Area for just the third time since 2001, and in hosting the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, Mississaugua Golf & Country Club becomes only the eighth club in history to host Golf Canada’s four premier events: the CPKC Women’s Open, RBC Canadian Open, Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, and the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

MEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP HEADS TO OTTAWA FOR A RECORD TIME

The Royal Ottawa Golf Club will make history in 2025 when the club becomes the first in history to host 10 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championships.

With support from co-host, Club de golf Rivermead, the 264-player field will be put to the test to earn the national championship title and an exemption into the 2026 RBC Canadian Open.  

Royal Ottawa also hosted the 2000 CPKC Women’s Open.

WOMEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP WILL TAKE PLACE IN NEW BRUNSWICK

The 111th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship presented by BDO heads to Riverside Country Club in New Brunswick. Established all the way back in 1897, Riverside is a design from the iconic Donald Ross and hosted the 1929 Canadian Open.

10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS

This year marks the 10th playing of the World Junior Girls Championship, set to be contested in 2025 at St. Catherines Golf & Country Club. The Republic of Korea will return to defend their title after beating Team Canada 1 via a tiebreaker last year. Emerging talent from around the world will once again compete for the team championship and, individually, for a spot in the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open.

Designed by the legendary Stanley Thompson, the club celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024.

WOMEN’S CANADIAN COLLEGIATE INVITATIONAL ADDED

Added to the calendar for 2025 is the new Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational.

“The excitement is palpable this season with the addition of the new Canadian Collegiate Invitational women’s event,” McKenna said. “The invitational is being held at Beacon Hall Golf Club and will bring together 11 NCAA Division I teams and our 2025 Canadian University/College champions, as they compete for the team title and one 2026 CPKC Women’s Open exemption spot.” 

This unique event merges the top collegiate talent, with several Canadians in the field and our NextGen Junior Girls Selection camp running concurrently.

The Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational will be the final event on the championships calendar for 2025.

The Men’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational will return to Öviinbyrd Golf Club.

JUNIOR BOYS HEAD TO NEW BRUNSWICK

Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club will host its sixth national championship with the Canadian Junior Boys Championship presented by BDO heading to New Brunswick in August. It last hosted a Golf Canada event in 2018 – the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship. The course, opened initially as just a nine-hole club in 1958 but quickly expanded to 18 holes in 1962 by legendary Canadian architect Robbie Robinson, has long been ranked as one of the best in Eastern Canada

JUNIOR GIRLS TEE IT UP IN QUEBEC

The Canadian Junior Girls Championship presented by BDO heads to the Club de golf Sainte-Marie in mid-August. The club, which opened in 1962, is just outside of Quebec City. The club hosted the Canadian Junior Boys Championship all the way back in 1982. 

EASTERN CANADA WITH A BIG SPOTLIGHT IN 2025

Quebec and the Maritimes have prominent hosting duties for Golf Canada National Championships in 2025 with six of the events this year (Women’s Amateur, Men’s Amateur, Women’s Mid-Amateur, Junior Boys, Junior Girls, and Canadian Men’s Senior) being hosted at clubs in the eastern part of the country.

Corey Conners secured a sixth successive appearance at The Open by claiming the sole qualifying place on offer in the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard.

A final-round 71 that featured 17 pars and a crucial birdie on the 16th was enough for Canada’s Conners to finish third in the PGA TOUR event at Bay Hill, part of The Open Qualifying Series.

That was ultimately enough to book a return to The Open – and the scene of his Championship debut in 2019 – as tournament winner Russell Henley and runner-up Collin Morikawa were already exempt.

Conners will now aim to improve on his best Open finish to date, a T15 finish at Royal St George’s in 2021.

2024 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available

Longtime Rules Official Tom Forestell recognized as 2024 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteers Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, and Jean Stone-Séguin along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth to be recognized with Golf Canada’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award

Past President David McCarthy along with Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and the late Teri Yamada appointed Honorary Life Governors in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the sport

Oakville, Ont. – Golf Canada’s 2025 Annual General Meeting concluded on Thursday, March 6 with the election of Adam Daifallah of Montréal, Que. to serve as the 118th President of the National Sport Federation.

A volunteer with Golf Canada since 2013, Daifallah joined the Board of Directors in 2018 and most recently served two consecutive terms as vice president (2023-2024). He is currently a Senior Managing Director at Teneo, the global CEO advisory firm, with responsibility for Teneo’s Montréal office. Previously he was co-founder and Managing Partner of the public affairs firm HATLEY Strategy Advisors, which was acquired by Teneo in 2020. Prior to that, Daifallah practiced law at the Montréal office of Norton Rose Fulbright (then Ogilvy Renault), sat on the editorial board of the National Post, and was Washington correspondent of The New York Sun. He is co-author of two books on Canadian politics. A link to Daifallah’s full bio is here.

“It is an honour to be named the 118^th President of Golf Canada and to represent our member clubs and golfers from coast to coast,” said Adam Daifallah, President, Golf Canada. “Our sport has experienced an incredible resurgence, with strong interest from both avid players and new enthusiasts, as well as sponsors, donors, and supporters getting behind the game in a major way. “There is a great energy driving growth and excitement in Canadian golf and I look forward to the continued success of the organization.”

Based on the Report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, Daifallah will be joined on the 2025 Board of Directors by new Vice President, Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montréal. They will lead the 11-member Board of Directors who will work closely with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum and Golf Canada’s management team.

Returnees to the Board of Directors include Patrick Kelly of Victoria, B.C., Lori Dithurbide of Halifax, N.S., Katie Mahon of Kingston, Ont., Louise Patry of Montréal, Que., Nafeez Hirji of Calgary, Alta., Peter Broome of Jupiter, Fla. and former LPGA Tour player and Team Canada graduate Britanny Marchand of Mooresville, N.C.

New additions to Golf Canada’s Board of Directors include Steven Young of Banff, Alta. and Pamela Huff of Toronto, Ont.

For the biographies of Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, click here.

As part of its virtually conducted Annual General Meeting, Golf Canada also released the organization’s 2024 Annual Report including its Financial Statements which are available here.

Tom Forestell named 2024 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award…

In celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized Tom Forestell of Toronto, Ont. as the 2024 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. Forestell is longtime volunteer with Golf Canada, most recently serving as Chair of the Rules and Amateur Status Committee. He has officiated at countless provincial, national and international golf competitions and has played an impactful role in supporting Golf Canada’s Rules Education program. In 2024, Forestell completed his final year serving as Committee Chair for Golf Canada’s Rules and Amateur Status Committee. Click here for more.

Golf Canada Past President David McCarthy along with Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and the late Teri Yamada appointed Honorary Life Governors…

Golf Canada’s immediate past president David McCarthy of Toronto along with Diane Barabé of Granby, Que., Robert Laing of West Vancouver, B.C. and Teri Yamada (posthumously) of Collingwood received the organization’s highest volunteer honour as they were named Honorary Life Governors for their outstanding contributions to the organization. Click here for more.

Volunteers Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, and Jean Stone-Séguin along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth recognized with Golf Canada’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award…

Golf Canada announced that four accomplished golf contributors – long-time Golf Canada volunteers Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont., Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. and Jean Stone-Séguin of Rockland, Ont. along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf. The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated later this season at events and locations to be determined. Click here for more.

Golf Canada’s 2025 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually on Thursday, March 6, 2025, with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and industry stakeholders participating.

2025 Annual General Meeting Recording

Four long-time Golf Canada contributors receive the organization’s
highest volunteer honour

Golf Canada is pleased to appoint immediate past president David McCarthy along with Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and Teri Yamada (posthumously) as Honorary Life Governors for the outstanding contributions to the organization as long-time volunteers.

“On behalf of the Honorary Life Governors Selection Committee, we are pleased to welcome four individuals whose incredible contributions have made a lasting legacy on both the game of golf and on Golf Canada,” said Roland Deveau, Chair, Honorary Life Governors Selection Panel. “David, Diane, Rob and Teri are truly deserving of this prestigious honour, and we thank them for their commitment to the game and to Golf Canada.”

The appointment of an individual as an Honorary Life Governor is the highest honour which can be bestowed upon Golf Canada volunteers. All Past Presidents of Golf Canada including the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association are Honorary Life Governors.

In 2020, a change to Golf Canada’s by-laws permitted individuals who are not past presidents to be named as Honorary Life Governors. Since then, Golf Canada has welcomed Barb Allen and Jim Clark (2022), Mike Richards and Pat Thompson (2023) and Doug Roxburgh (2024) as Honorary Life Governors.

Honorary Life Governors have an individual vote at Golf Canada’s Annual and Special General Meetings. The selection panel will consider the overall service record of those nominated including local, regional, national and international service with prime consideration for service to Golf Canada. In addition, length and level of service are also taken into consideration.

David McCarthy – Toronto, Ont.

David McCarthy most recently served two consecutive terms as president of Golf Canada (2023 and 2024). He has been a volunteer with Golf Canada for more than 20 years across various committees, councils, and championships. McCarthy joined Golf Canada’s Board of Directors in 2018 after having previously served on the Governors Council from 2014 to 2018.

In addition, McCarthy sat on the Governance and Professional Championships Committees and was the Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee. He was the Golf Canada Tournament Chair for the 2019 and 2022 RBC Canadian Open and was the Tournament Chair for the 2017 Men’s Canadian Amateur Championship. McCarthy has been a starter for numerous RBC Canadian Opens and the CPKC Women’s Open as well as a starter and scorer for numerous amateur championships and USGA Qualifiers. He has also provided legal counsel to Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation for over a decade.

McCarthy is a member of the Donalda Golf & Country Club, the St. Andrews Golf Club, and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

Diane Barabé – Granby, Que.

Diane Barabé has been an active volunteer with Golf Canada since 1997 and her involvement with the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association (CLGA) dates to the early 1990’s. Notably, Barabé has served in significant governance roles with Golf Canada, including as the first woman to act as Chair of Golf Canada’s Rules and Amateur Status Committee and serve as Canada’s representative on the Joint Rules of Golf Committee. Sitting with representatives of the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA), this international body is responsible for governing the rules of golf for the world.

She was involved as Captain of the Eastern Township section of the CLGA from 1994 to 2001 and later became Chair of the CLGA Rules Committee (Quebec branch) in 2003 – 2004, and chair of the Rules Committee of Golf Quebec, after the merger with the men’s section (2008 to 2011). She has served on the Golf Canada Rules and Amateur Status Committee for almost 20 years, including as the Chair from 2017 to 2020. She has participated as a referee at countless national and international events, including the U.S. Open (men’s and women’s) – the Masters, the Open Championship, the PLAYERS Championship, and the World Amateur. Her knowledge, experience and dedication allowed her to develop close links on behalf of Canada with golf associations throughout the world, particularly the R&A, the USGA, the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour.

Throughout her tenure on the Golf Canada Rules and Amateur Status Committee, she was very active in promoting rules education both at the national and provincial level. Barabé is still active instructing rules workshops and at referee schools. She has been Chair of Golf Canada’s Rules Translation sub-committee for the last several years and has been a driving force in translating the Rules of Golf and the Official Guide, a significant task which requires countless hours every year. She also served on Golf Canada’s Governors Council for several years and while she continues active involvement with Golf Canada, she has come full circle as president of the Eastern Township regional golf association of Golf Quebec, where it all began some 30 years ago.

Robert (Rob) Laing – West Vancouver, British Columbia:

Rob Laing has served Golf Canada for more than two decades across various volunteer capacities. In addition to being a member of various committees (several of which he has chaired), Laing has fulfilled important governance roles, including as a member of Golf Canada’s Governors Council and the former RCGA Board of Governors.

Laing has also represented Golf Canada internationally. First, as Chair of Amateur Status Committee from 2010 to 2014, he represented Canada on the R&A Amateur Status Committee. Along with related meetings of the R&A and USGA Joint Rules of Amateur Status Committee, he played an important role with the international body which governs and sets the Rules of Amateur Status for the golf world.

Laing is an accomplished amateur golfer and was Non-Playing Captain for Canada at the 2010 World Junior Championship. In addition to chairing various Golf Canada national championships, Laing also acted as Chair of the RBC Canadian Open (2011) and Co-chair of the CPKC Women’s Canadian Open (2012).

Teri Yamada – Collingwood, Ontario (posthumously):

One of Canadian golf’s leading voices in agronomy, turfgrass and environmental research, Teri Yamada served the Canadian golf industry for nearly 40 years, including the past 16 years as owner of TY Environmental Strategic Ltd. supporting golf courses’ use of science to minimize their environmental impact. She was a leading voice in the agronomic and business analysis of golf course operations and specialized in government relations, industry communication and interpreting complex scientific information.

Yamada spent 18 years with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) across several senior leadership roles. She served as the association’s tournament agronomist for National Open and Amateur Championships, working with host clubs and their superintendents to set up and condition golf courses hosting all national championships.

Yamada returned to Golf Canada as a volunteer in 2021, serving three years a member of the Governance Committee, two years as a member of the Governors Council (2022-2023) and two years on the Human Resources Committee. In 2023, she joined Golf Canada’s Board of Directors becoming one of the few individuals to have served the association in both a staff and Board of Directors capacity. She was also one of three Canadian women members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland.

Yamada passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, after a brief illness and this is the first posthumous honour bestowed by the Honorary Life Governor Selection Panel.

The four recipients will be celebrated later this summer
for their outstanding contributions to Canadian golf

Oakville, ON – Four accomplished contributors to Canadian golf will be acknowledged for their dedicated efforts in and around the game as the 2025 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. 

Long-time Golf Canada volunteers Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont., Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. and Jean Stone-Séguin of Rockland, Ont. along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf.

“Golf Canada is proud to honour the outstanding contributions of Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, Jean Stone-Séguin and Muncie Booth, as our 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said David McCarthy, President, Golf Canada. “The incredible dedication that these four honourees have for the game is truly outstanding. The impact they have had in both their home communities and across the country has left an indelible mark on golf in Canada and we are proud to honour and recognize them.”

Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually since 1993 to recognize individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Canadian golf either nationally or within their community.

The announcement of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award honourees coincides with Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually on Thursday, March 6 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated later this season at events and locations to be determined. 

Golf Canada 2025 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:

Lee Griffin (Volunteer) – Cambridge, Ont.

For more than 30 years, Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont. has supported the Rules of Golf provincially in Ontario and nationally at a countless number of championships. She has served as a member of the Rules & Amateur Status Committee (2020-2023) and has been an active contributor to Golf Canada’s Rules Education Subcommittee. She created a webinar series in Ontario for prospective Referees in 2010 which is still in use today. She participated in the development of the curriculum and presentations for Level 2 and Level 3 Rules Education and has served as an instructor for both levels. Griffin has also served Golf Ontario as a member and past Chair of the Rules Committee having been a referee for the past 25 years and previously with the former Ontario Ladies Golf Association. Griffin is a member of the Galt Country Club and has refereed at the U.S. Women’s Open as well as countless National Amateur Championships and Qualifiers. Her outstanding contributions to the game have also been recognized by the (former) Canadian Ladies Golf Association as its 2003 Volunteer of the Year, as well as Golf Ontario as its 2009 and 2020 Volunteer of the Year, 2011 Honorary Life Director and 2017 Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Jack McDonald (Volunteer) – Kamloops, B.C.

Jack McDonald’s contributions to the growth of golf in British Columbia and across Canada have been exceptional as a volunteer and most impactfully as a Rules Official. He has been actively involved as a golf volunteer dating to 1987 when he started with British Columbia Golf (B.C. Golf) has also volunteered at his home golf clubs (Elmwood Golf Club, Prince George Golf and Curling Club, Kamloops Golf and Country Club, Rivershore Golf Links) in various roles including the Board and various golf committees. McDonald is an accomplished player having competed in several Saskatchewan, B.C. and Canadian Amateur events. He served as president of B.C. Golf (1997-98) and would go on to join Golf Canada as a volunteer in 1998 serving on several committees including Junior Golf, Greens, Player Development, Amateur Championships, and the Rules of Golf. McDonald served as Golf Canada’s Rules Chair (2005-2008) and in 2000 became a member of The R&A. He is also an honoured member of both the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame. In 2010, McDonald served as the 107th President of Golf Canada and to this day, continues to be an active rules official with Golf Canada serving annually on the championship duty roster.

Jean Stone-Séguin (Volunteer) – Rockland, Ont.

A longtime volunteer and Past President of the Ottawa Valley Golf Association, Jean Stone-Séguin’s contribution to the game of golf have been outstanding. A member of Camelot Golf and Country Club, her history of volunteerism with Golf Canada dates to 2006-07 when she served as Vice President of the RCGA Women’s Division – Ottawa District. Stone-Séguin would go on to become President of the RCGA Women’s Division – Ottawa District and supported the amalgamated Ottawa Valley Golf Association (OVGA). She served as the first President of the newly amalgamated OVGA (2010-11) and is also a Past President of her home club, Camelot (2009-10). A certified referee, Stone-Séguin’s contributions to Golf Canada’s Rules Committee dates to 2012 and is also a past Chair of Golf Canada’s Amateur Status Committee. In 2017 and 2022, she served as Tournament Chair of the CPKC Women’s Open at Ottawa Hunt and Country Club and has also worked as a Rules Official at both Golf Ontario and Golf Quebec championships. She is a past Chair of Golf Canada’s Governors Council and served as a past member of Golf Canada’s Board of Directors. Presently, she is involved in Golf Canada’s Rules Education Subcommittee preparing the program to teach those who wish to pass the R&A exam to become nationally certified referees.

Muncie Booth (Industry) – Vancouver, B.C.

Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. is a long-time PGA of Canada professional and former head professional at McCleery Golf Club who retired at the end of 2024 following a distinguished 40-year career. Booth, a former competitive player with experience working at Mission Golf and Country Club as well as Chilliwack Golf Club, is renowned across the B.C. golf community as a leader in making the game of golf more accessible to Vancouver inner city youth at municipal golf facilities, McCleery Golf Course and Langara Golf Course. For nearly 30 years, he partnered with local community centres in operating the Inner City Youth Golf program, bringing community youth to experience golf at McCleery and Langara. Through his leadership, thousands of juniors experienced the game of golf through free clinics, instruction, and fun drills complimented by lunch in the clubhouse. Booth’s contributions to the game were recognized by his peers as a past recipient of the PGA of Canada’s Warren Crosbie Community Leader Award for his work with Inner City Youth Golf. He is a former BCPGA Junior Promoter of the Year, a past recipient of the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer of the Year Award and upon his retirement, was extended a Lifetime Membership at all of the Vancouver City Golf Courses.  

Just five tournaments into the Korn Ferry Tour season, and Matthew Anderson has rocketed up the second-tier men’s golf circuit rankings. 

You wouldn’t be able to tell from his demeanour, however.

Anderson, from Mississauga, Ont., shot a 3-under 69 in Sunday’s final round of the 118 Visa Argentina Open to tie for seventh. That propelled the 24-year-old Anderson 72 spots up the rankings to sit 49th on the Korn Ferry Tour’s points list. 

Although Anderson was happy to have a strong showing after missing the cut in the first three tournaments of his rookie KFT season, he was reluctant to get too excited.

“I think that finite goals or long-term goals can make you judge your season based on simply success or failure, when the real goal is more short term,” said Anderson. “They’re more day to day In terms of just getting better, and not necessarily something finite like a finish line, per se.”

That day-by-day approach helped carry Anderson to a third-place finish on last year’s PGA Tour Americas rankings with one win and six top-10 finishes to graduate to the second-tier Korn Ferry Tour. 

He missed the cut at The Bahamas Golf Classic on Jan. 15, The Bahamas Great Abasco Classic on Jan. 22, and The Panama Championship on Feb. 2, but found his footing at the Astara Golf Championship where he tied for 49th on Feb. 9.

“Obviously, the goal, 100 per cent, is to make the PGA Tour this year, right?” said Anderson. “I know I can do it, and that is obviously something that I really want to do, but I can’t control it. 

“What I can do is focus on the process day to day, getting better, all that, y’know, somewhat cliché stuff, but it’s true.”

Anderson credited Adrienne Leslie-Toogood, a psychologist who works with Golf Canada’s men’s teams on their mental conditioning, with helping him stay grounded while playing against elite competition. He’s also an avid reader of performance-based books like “Greenlights” by A-list actor Matthew McConaughey, “Win in the Dark” by Joshua Medcalf, and “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.

Leslie-Toogood said that every athlete is different in terms of what they embrace to strengthen their mental conditioning.

“A lot of times what they do off the course will really impact how much ability they have to focus and stay composed on the course,” said Leslie-Toogood. “A lot of times it is finding ways to quiet your mind or do things to get your head out of the game when you’re on the road. 

“Some athletes love reading, some athletes love podcasts, some athletes like going to a local coffee shop. But that’s all part of the experience is figuring out how you want to focus.”

Sudarshan Yellamaraju, also from Mississauga, is the top-ranked Canadian on the Korn Ferry Tour after winning The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic, sitting sixth on the points list. But he’s not playing in this week’s Astara Chile Classic, meaning Anderson could gain ground on him.

Myles Creighton (54th) of Digby, N.S., Etienne Papineau (97th) of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., Roger Sloan (105th) of Merritt, B.C., Vancouver’s Stuart Macdonald (128th) and Toronto’s Sebastian Szirmak are also in the field at Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago, Chile.

BAY HILL — Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., is the highest ranked Canadian at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a signature event on the top men’s tour in the world. Taylor is fifth in the FedEx Cup standings heading into the reduced 72-player field event at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., is 29th, Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., is 35th, Adam Hadwin, also from Abbotsford, is 83rd and Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., is 127th.

PR OPEN — David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., will play in his first PGA Tour event since last year’s RBC Canadian Open when he tees it up at the Puerto Rico Open on Thursday. He’ll be joined by Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., and Max Sear of Markham, Ont., in the opposite field event at Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande.

DP WORLD TOUR — Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., is the lone Canadian competing in the Joburg Open. He moved seven spots up to 109th in the European-based tour’s rankings heading into play at Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

CHAMPIONS TOUR — Calgary’s Stephen Ames and Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., will tee it up on Friday at the Cologuard Classic. Ames is ranked 26th on the Schwab Cup’s points list and Weir is tied for 64th.

LPGA TOUR — Hamilton’s Alena Sharp and Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont., are representing Canada in this week’s Blue Bay LPGA. Sharp is tied for 74th on the Race to CME Globe standings heading into play at Hainan Island in Hainan, China. Grewal is tied for 103rd.

EPSON TOUR — Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., leads the Canadian contingent into the Atlantic Beach Classic. She’s ranked 62nd on the Race for the Card standings heading into play on Friday. Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont., is 68th. They’ll be joined by Vancouver’s Leah John, Yeji Kwon of Port Coquitlam, B.C., Josee Doyon of Saint-Georges, Que., and Brooke Rivers of Brampton, Ont., at Atlantic Beach Country Club in Atlantic Beach, Fla.

Long-time Rules Official has been instrumental in Rules Education as well as officiating at the amateur and professional ranks

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Tom Forestell of Toronto, Ont. has been named as the 2024 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year award.

A passionate golfer and enthusiast for the Rules of Golf, Forestell is a longtime volunteer with Golf Canada, most recently serving as Chair of the Rules and Amateur Status Committee. He has officiated at countless provincial, national and international golf competitions and has played an impactful role in supporting Golf Canada’s Rules Education program.

In 2024, Forestell completed his final year serving as Committee Chair for Golf Canada’s Rules and Amateur Status Committee.  

“The Rules of Golf are an integral part of the game and Tom Forestell is among the very best when it comes to Rules education and their implementation,” said Golf Canada President David McCarthy. “Tom has proudly represented Golf Canada for years at our Amateur Championships and National Open Championships and has offered valuable council to many over the years. He is a truly deserving recipient and as he concludes his term as Rules Chair, Golf Canada is proud to name Tom the 2024 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year.”

The Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award is named in recognition of Toronto native Bruce Mitchell who, in 2017-18, was the first Canadian to serve as captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A). Born in Victoria and raised in Edmonton, the former President of the Toronto Golf Club and R&A member since 1988 was just the ninth internationally appointed captain of the R&A, one of the most prestigious volunteer positions in the world of golf. Duties as captain included representing the R&A as a global ambassador and aiding in the R&A’s effort to develop golf around the world.

Now in its 19th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community.

Tom Forestell

A longtime member of the Emerald Hills Golf Club, Tom Forestell of Toronto is a passionate supporter for the Rules of Golf and has served as the Golf Canada Rules & Amateur Status Committee Chair. As Chair, he has represented Canada on the R&A Rules of Golf Committee and sits on the Joint Rules Committee with representatives from the R&A and USGA.

He is a member of Golf Canada’s Audit & Risk Committee and sits on the Amateur Competitions Committee.

Forestell has represented Golf Canada internationally at numerous high-profile events including The PLAYERS Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the World Amateur Team Championships. He has represented Golf Canada on the Rules Committee at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open and has served as Tournament Rules Chair and on the Rules Committee at the World Junior Girls Championship, Canadian Women’s and Men’s Amateur Championships, the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier, the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier, the U.S. Open Local Qualifier, the U.S. Open Final Qualifier, the Canadian U15 Championship and the BDO National Golf League Finals.

Committed to sharing his passion for the Rules of Golf, Forestell has been an instructor at the Golf Canada Regional Referee School. His involvement with Golf Canada’s Rules Education program includes the creation of mock exams, updating presentations and instruction on the 8-week instructional program.

Always willing to share his expertise, Forestell frequently responds to Rules questions from other officials across the country. He has done an incredible amount of work to support Golf Canada’s Amateur Championships and the Rules of Golf. He travels extensively to officiate at tournaments and his deep expertise has had a meaningful impact at Golf Canada.

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.

Nelson Craig, Zellwood Station & Country Club, Hole #8

My hole-in-one was on hole #8, playing 141 yards on a sunny day with just a little breeze and I used my 6 iron. I was hitting a Srixon Q-Star Tour Divide. It was an early birthday present as my birthday is on February 8th. This was my fourth hole-in-one.

Stephen Webb, Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club (Osprey South), Hole #18

It was hole #18 from 148 yards and I used an 8 iron. I was playing with Kevin Olsen, Manny O’Quinn and Dave Ferguson. The shot landed three inches right of the hole, went by and spun back into the hole.

Kimmo Lucas, Cave Creek Golf Course, Hole #3

It was the first par 3 of Cave Creek Golf Course (North side of Phoenix). I was playing with the “Dust Devils,” a group established about 50 years ago, comprised of approximately 40 guys and who play year-round in the Phoenix Valley.

It was early morning, so a little cool yet it was approximately 16 °C. There was a slight headwind of approximately six miles per hour. Some chickadees were chirping in the background. The flag was up front at 145 yards and I hit a TaylorMade 8 iron, playing a TaylorMade Distance Plus ball. The ball went straight at the flag, hit the front of the green and kicked up about three feet. It made one more small hop of a few inches, then settled down and ran a few inches straight in the hole. I was a little in shock and asked the boys if they thought the ball was behind the flag. They responded that it was in the hole and the “eagle juice” was flying! 

Randall Robinson, Strathcona Golf Course, Hole #6

The day after my brother’s 60th birthday, I made my third career hole-in-one, the second one on the par 3 hole #7 at the Strathcona Golf Course in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It was playing 165 yards and I used an 8 iron. My witnesses were Craig Vieira, Jamie Philp and Dan Robinson. Then the highlight of the year occurred later in the year on the par 4, hole #6, once again at Strathcona Golf Course. A high, soaring driver bounded towards the flag stick and found the bottom of the cup some 305 yards away for another hole-in-one! Double eagle or albatross, take your pick because whatever you call it, it is still a one! My brother Dan had to be a witness again along with Rich Ciponi.

Corrine Bukowski, Larters at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, Hole #7

The hole-in-one happened on hole #7, a 110 yard par 3. I used a 5 hybrid club and my witness was Vikki Erlandson.

Brian Semkiw, Quail West Golf & Country Club (Preserve Course), Hole #16

The wind was blustery and straight into my face. The pin was in the toughest part of the green, top right on a severe undulation. The match was with Scott Bachly. I was down one with three to play and he had just hit his shot to three feet (easy birdie). I focused on just making a smooth backswing and transition and I hit it pure. The ball disappeared and I thought that I hit it long over the back. Scott said that he thought that it went in. I did not believe him because in 70 years I had never had a hole-in-one. Scott went on to shoot 73 and I shot 71.

Mel Turgeon, Longbow Golf Club, Hole #7

Smooth 8 iron into a slight breeze from 123 yards. I thought it was going to be short but it made the green and rolled in. It was my third hole-in-one. Playing partners were my wife, Kathy Turgeon along with Jim and Ellen Farley who I just met that day.

Audrey Johansson, Maui Nui Golf Club, Hole #7

My husband Bruce and I have been vacationing in Maui, Hawaii for 15 years. We love the people, the climate and the golfing. On this occasion we were golfing at Maui Nui Golf Club in Kihei with friends from back home, Dave and Carmel Edison. Our home club in Canada is The Hills at Portal (formerly Peace Portal Golf Club) in Surrey, B.C.

As a group we had been having a difficult time choosing the best club for the par 3’s on this course due to the prevailing winds and bounce from the Bermuda grass. This particular 115-yard, par 3 had a middle pin. Everyone in our group were witnesses to my TaylorMade Tour Response ball respond to my 5 hybrid as it bounced on the green and rolled up to the pin. A big cheer erupted. I have been playing with a variety of soft balls, but my latest choice has been the TaylorMade Tour Response ball. Now my favourite.

Stephen Cundy, Mission Hills Country Club (Pete Dye Challenge), Hole #17

My father-in-law, David Carruthers, member of Summit Golf Club in Richmond Hill, ON. and I went down to Palm Springs on the Family Day long weekend to join Summit Golf Club and Mission Hills Country Club member David Pennycook for a few rounds of golf. In our first round, we headed out on the Pete Dye Challenge course at Mission Hills to play a match against David Pennycook and Mike Sanford (also a Summit Golf Club member).

After a back and forth battle going two down to all square on the front nine, we were again facing an uphill battle being one down through 16 holes. With the honour, we continued to the 17th hole, par 3. Hole #17 is 140 yards off the whites and is heavily guarded by water and a bunker. The green is wider than it is long, and is defined by a ridge that splits the green left and right. The pin was 143 yards and was on the lower left level of the green. It was my turn to hit and I stepped up and hit a crisp 9 iron landing pin high, 12 feet from the pin. Mike called it early with a “this has a chance” comment. We looked on as the ball slowly made its way down towards the hole, what felt like a minute the ball finally approached the hole and to my delight, disappeared into the cup. Celebrations then ensued. Special thanks for David Pennycook for hosting us at Mission Hills Country Club.

Allen Chapman, Barefoot Resort (Fazio Course), Hole #6

It was a great day, I was playing with Mario Salvagna from Lindsay Golf Club, Jim Plypus from Coburg and Al Leblanc from Coburg. The hole was 151 yards and I hit an 8 iron and it flew right into the hole taking out the right side of the hole which we had to repair. It was a slam dunk!

Diane Gomes, Indian Canyons Golf Resort (South Course), Hole #15

Hole-in-one occurred while playing with friends Ron and Cindy Johnson from my home course in Edmonton and at my favourite course in Palm Springs, Indian Canyons South. After two double bogey’s, at hole #15 with a front pin location (90 yards), I used a seven iron and hit it pure, saw a bounce onto the green and roll toward the hole but didn’t see it go past the pin. With the sun in our eyes we couldn’t tell, we walked up to the hole and there is was! Goosebumps! I then birdied hole #16 which is also a first! Great day!

Rob Lucas, Lakewood National, Hole #6

I was playing with my wife, Judy Lucas, and a couple from St. Louis, our friends Gary and Nancy Douglass. We were on hole #16, a par 3 from the gold or friendly tees on Commander course at Lakewood National.

The yardage was 89 and I used a 52 degree wedge knock down shot. Landed on the green and with two bounces, rolled into the hole. This was my second hole-in-one. The first was almost ten years ago, also in Florida (Naples area).

Jim Graszat, Heritage Landing Club, Hole #17

It was very exciting. First hole-in-one I have ever seen, never mind my first! I was golfing with my wife Joanne McPhail along with my good friends Adam and Tina Bazuk. Yardage was 112 and I used an 8 iron.