There’s never been more momentum behind the Levelwear brand on the course and off.

A long-time partner of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open, and the CPKC Women’s Open – along with plenty of male and female Canadian stars in the pro game – Levelwear has entered the new year with a new tagline that encapsulates its awesome brand.

Levelwear’s new tag, “Who’s With You?” speaks to the notion that the journey to do great things means having a supportive team around you that always has your best interests in mind.

The new message hits on its company promise of having premium, quality products that are priced right.

“We’ve earned a lot of business and grown our brand by doing a lot of little things right and having a longer-term viewpoint on things,” says Levelwear brand manager Brett Saunders.

For customers – you’ve likely seen Levelwear’s goodies in the merchandise tent at the RBC Canadian Open, CPKC Women’s Open, and other PGA Tour events and green-grass shops across the country – Levelwear’s new mission also speaks to them. If you want to be the best, you have to surround yourself with the best.

Product-wise in 2025, look for Levelwear to still boast a modern, athletic aesthetic designed to have a broad appeal for both off-course casual closets and on-course style.

New for spring, 50 percent of the products are made from recycled materials. Fabric innovations, Saunders says, have allowed recycled materials to perform as well as conventional fabrics! 

This year, there will be a heavier emphasis on the polo category, which means there is going to be more styles and more colours and richer fabrics that are designed to move with the golfer. All in? Sixteen new polo designs for men and 11 for women for spring 2025.

Finally, Levelwear has also launched a new Luxe Collection, which is a tight drop of elevated, oversized basics – like a hoodie, crewneck sweater, short, and a knit top – that are made from premium recycled fabrics.

On tours around the world, you’ll see 34 athletes wearing the brand in 2025 including 11 on the PGA Tour and 10 on the LPGA Tour. Canadians Adam Hadwin, Corey Conners, and Taylor Pendrith are back as ambassadors along with Aaron Cockerill, Stuart MacDonald, Matthew Anderson, and Etienne Papineau along with Alena Sharp and Maddie Szeryk.

Levelwear also has a new relationship with the PGA Tour, meaning they will be in retail at more than 26 PGA Tour events in 2025! If you’ve watched PGA Tour Live yet this season, you’ll have seen that Levelwear is outfitting all of the talent and crew. The iconic Caddie Lounge is also set to be at between eight and 10 PGA Tour events this year, too.

And, if you’ve happened to check out TGL, the Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy co-founded stadium golf league, you may have noticed that all the referees and grounds crew are wearing Levelwear, while it’s also keeping the fun tradition of the t-shirt toss going in the SoFi Center.

Levelwear has quickly become a brand in golf that cannot be ignored, as it is available for sale in 85 of the top 100 golf courses in the United States and a similar number, if not higher, in Canada.

So, in 2025, no matter if you’re watching the best in the world in person or on screen, or if you’re just hoping to dress like some of the best in the world, Levelwear has got you covered.

This past summer, it was the 50th Anniversary of the Apex Invitational Golf Tournament, founded in 1974 by a young black resident of Truro, Darrell Maxwell. Over the years, this event has grown into a type of homecoming, celebrating the black communities around Truro, and their contributions, and bringing families and friends together from all over.

Darrell Maxwell has fond memories of growing up next to the scenic golf course in the heart of the central Nova Scotia town of Truro, even though he wasn’t allowed to play there because of his race.

The 78-year-old Ottawa resident recalled in a recent interview that some of his earliest memories are linked to the Truro Golf Club, which runs parallel to a small, little-known historical Black community known as “The Island.”

Maxwell’s lifelong love affair with golf began at age five, when he started caddying at the club for a group of white, female golfers, earning 50 cents for nine holes. At the time, being a caddie was the only way for him to access the golf course.

“It was right in our backyard and it was a playground for me, but we were restricted to caddying,” he said. “(Black) people from our community worked at the golf club, but we were forbidden to be members.”

The evolving relationship between residents of The Island and the golf course is the subject of a new documentary by Halifax-based filmmakers Brittney Gavin and Amy Mielke. “Apex: The Black Masters” will begin streaming on CBC Gem on Friday. It describes how the area’s Black community went from being barred from the club to hosting a golf tournament on the greens for the last 50 years.

Directed and produced by Brittney Gavin and Amy Mielke of A+B Roll Films, “Apex: The Black Masters” premiered on CBC Gem on January 31, 2025.

The film is the brainchild of Gavin, who grew up in the Halifax area but spent many summers of her youth visiting her grandmother, who lived in the small community composed of 28 houses along West Prince Street, adjacent to the golf course. The district got its name, The Island, decades ago because it was often isolated by flooding during periods of heavy rain.

As a filmmaker, Gavin said she wants to tell the story of lesser-known Black communities in Nova Scotia after having spent much of her early 20s living in Toronto and Calgary. “I was really shocked at how few people knew that there are Black people in Nova Scotia and that we have these historically Black communities,” she said.

The province has more than 50 historic Black communities established by Loyalists who fled the United States in the decades following the American Revolution.

Gavin said she was looking for a hook to tell the story of The Island and found it during the 50th anniversary of the community golf tournament that Maxwell founded in 1974, and which has become a local institution. Known as the Apex Invitational, the most recent tournament was held in early August 2024.

Gavin said that while golf is the way into the film, it’s not necessarily its main focus. “I don’t know anything about golf, nor am I a golfer, but it (the tournament) is an annual homecoming for the Black communities of Truro.”

The film’s wider focus is made evident by one of the first of several interviews in the 22-minute documentary. Golf tournament committee member Jude Clyke emphatically established that he is not a golfer.

“The first thing he said to me was, ‘I don’t give a damn about golf,’” said Gavin. “He’s like a very community-minded person and so I liked having someone who could represent that social lens.”

In the film, Clyke stresses that in recent years the golf tournament has established a scholarship fund for young Black students from Truro and the wider Colchester County, who want to pursue post-secondary studies. More than 140 scholarships have been given out since 1998 totalling over $113,000.

Maxwell, who was the first to break the golf club’s colour barrier when he became a member in 1961 at the age of 14, said he’s gratified to see how the tournament has evolved since its inception. “We started off pretty humbly and then it proceeded to catch fire and it turned into more than just a golf tournament,” he said. “I’m just thrilled to see the progression and the introduction of the scholarship fund.”

Maxwell said that initially he just wanted to share his love of the sport with younger athletes in the community after a playing career that saw him win the provincial junior championship and Nova Scotia Golfer of the Year in 1965.

“I wanted to encourage the younger ones … to pursue their dreams and let them know that golf was no longer an elitist game or a game that they were forbidden to play,” he said.

Gavin said the film captures a “full circle” moment when the golf club, which was founded in 1905, holds a reconciliation ceremony with the community and makes Maxwell the 16th honorary member in its 120-year history, celebrating him for his talent and contributions to the club.

“I’m just really happy that they helped us tell the story, that they saw the importance of that,” Gavin said. 

Team Canada NextGen member Anna Huang has announced that she has decided to turn professional.

Huang 16, of Vancouver, B.C. has been a member of the Team Canada NextGen program the previous two seasons. She was part of Team Canada’s victory at the 2023 World Junior Girls Golf Championship in Brampton, Ont., the first gold medal for Canada at the tournament since its inception in 2014. She also finished second individually at 4-under.

“This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my incredible family, team, and coaches who have guided and encouraged me every step of the way. I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Golf Canada for providing me with the opportunities and resources to grow as both a person and a player. Thank you to Jen Ha, Jeff MacDonald, and my amazing teammates for the lifelong memories that I will cherish forever,” said Anna Huang. “Competing as a professional golfer has always been a dream of mine, and I am so excited to embark on this new chapter of my journey.” 

Last season, Huang earned a number of top finishes including a T2 finish at the Mizuho Americas Open, a tournament that allows the top 24 ranked junior girls on the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Tour to compete alongside a full field of LPGA stars. Huang also earned a T2 finish at the Nike Junior Invitational, a second-place finish at The Peloton Glencoe Invitational as part of the She Plays Golf Championship Series which earned her an exemption into the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open. She also finished T7 at the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and a T4 at The Elite Invitational. Huang has two additional wins from the Toyota Tour Cup at Oak Valley (2022) and the Stacy Lewis Junior All-Star Invitational (2023).

“Since Anna joined the Team Canada – NextGen squad two years ago she has always carried herself in a professional manner and has impressive skills beyond her years. Anna’s ability to excel under pressure is notable and has led to remarkable finishes including her second-place result at the World Junior Girls Championship, which secured the first ever gold medal for Team Canada in the event,” said Jeff MacDonald, Head Coach, Team Canada – NextGen (Girls). “We are excited to continue our support of Anna as she embarks on her professional career and will be cheering her on as she represents Canada on the Ladies European Tour.”

Last month, Huang competed in the 2024 Lalla Aicha Q-School in Marrakech, Morocco where she earned status to compete on the Ladies European Tour for the 2025 season.

Huang will be making her professional debut on the Ladies European Tour in the coming weeks.

Full selection of ticket options for Canada’s two National Open Championships – the 2025 RBC Canadian Open and
2025 CPKC Women’s Open – are now available

OAKVILLE, Ont. (January 23, 2025) – Golf Canada, in partnership with RBC is pleased to announce that world no.3 Rory McIlroy, a two-time RBC Canadian Open champion, is confirmed to compete in the 114th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont., June 4-8.

“We’re thrilled that one of the best golfers in the world and a two-time champion of the RBC Canadian Open will be making his return. Rory brings the opportunity for Canadian fans to see the highest caliber of talent right on our home soil,” said Mary DePaoli, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “We’re looking forward to the 2025 RBC Canadian Open and hosting the tournament for the first time at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.”

McIlroy, a 26-time winner on the PGA TOUR and three-time FedEx Cup champion, won his first of two RBC Canadian Open titles in convincing fashion at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in 2019. He would go on to successfully defend his title in 2022 at St. George’s Golf and Country Club. McIlroy will be in hunt for his third RBC Canadian Open title, looking to join three-time champions Tommy Armour, Sam Snead and Lee Trevino.

The three-time major winner earned a T4 finish last year in Hamilton following a final-round charge and finished T9 at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. McIlroy has also earned 11 international wins, represented Europe at seven Ryder Cups and has competed in two Olympic Games during his career.

“We are very pleased to confirm that two-time RBC Canadian Open champion Rory McIlroy will be returning to Canada to compete this year at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. Rory is among the top golfers in the world and Canadian golf fans have been extremely supportive of him during tournament week,” said Ryan Paul, Tournament Director, RBC Canadian Open. “We are happy to have Rory join our Canadian PGA TOUR stars including 2023 champion, Nick Taylor, as our field begins to take shape ahead of the 114th playing of our National Open Championship.”

In addition, Golf Canada announced today that the full selection of ticket options is now available for both of Canada’s National Open Championships – the 2025 RBC Canadian Open and 2025 CPKC Women’s Open.

The 2025 RBC Canadian Open will be conducted for the first time ever at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont., from June 4-8. TPC Toronto is quickly becoming one of the premier Canadian golf destinations, with all three courses ranked inside the Top 100 by SCOREGolf Magazine.

Canadian favourites Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Taylor Pendrith, Adam Hadwin and 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor will compete for Canada’s National Open Championship. The Canadian contingent will challenge the defending champion from Scotland, Robert MacIntyre, who finished at 16-under to win at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. and earn the Scotsman’s his first PGA TOUR victory. The official charitable beneficiary of the RBC Canadian Open is First Tee – Canada.

The RBC Canadian Open earned the PGA TOUR’s 2024 Best Marketing Initiative for the reimagined tournament logo, highlighting Nick Taylor’s putter toss during the Tour’s season-ending meetings in Orlando, Fla. last month. The revised brand identity for Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship originally rolled out in 2024 as a one-year tribute to Taylor’s iconic 72-foot winning putt on the fourth playoff hole to defeat Tommy Fleetwood has since been made the permanent tournament mark.

The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will take place at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont., August 20-24. The historic venue is one of only 17 golf clubs in Canada to have hosted both the Men’s and Women’s National Open Championships. The CPKC Women’s Open is one of the top women’s sporting events in Canada and won back-to-back LPGA Tournament of the Year honours in 2022 and 2023.

The Brooke Brigade will be out in full force as 2018 CPKC Women’s Open champion Brooke Henderson will headline a field of the world’s best in Mississauga alongside fellow Canadian LPGA Tour player Alena Sharp, Maude Aimee Leblanc and Savanah Grewal. Defending champion Lauren Coughlin earned her first LPGA Tour win in 2024 at the Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta., an event that set an all-time attendance record for the tournament.

The 2024 CPKC Women’s Open was recently named the Gold Driver Award recipient for Best Volunteer Appreciation at the LPGA’s annual Gold Driver Awards. The CPKC Women’s Open has earned Tournament of the Year honours the previous two years (2022 and 2023). Golf Canada and CPKC also received Gold Driver Awards for Best Volunteer Engagement in 2023, Best Sponsor Activation in 2019, 2022, and 2023 as well as Best Community and Charity Engagement in three of the last five full season campaigns.

Through its CPKC Has Heart campaign, CPKC once again will be making a significant charitable contribution to the host region. Since 2014, the CPKC Women’s Open has helped raise over $22 million in support of children’s heart health in North America. A host community beneficiary of the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be named by CPKC and Golf Canada in the coming weeks.

Along with world class golf, fans can belt out their best rendition of “O’ Canada” and experience the thrills of the iconic “Rink Hole” as well as enjoying premium food and beverage options in The Fare Way at both national open championships. As part of the commitment to junior golf, admission all week is free for youth aged 12-and-under at both tournaments.

Volunteer, sponsorship, and corporate hospitality opportunities for both tournaments are also available. To purchase tickets or for more information on the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, please visit rbccanadianopen.com and for the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, please visit cpkcwomensopen.com.

Sudarshan Yellamaraju, of Mississauga, Ont., took a major step toward his PGA Tour dream on Wednesday by winning the second event of the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour, golf’s premier feeder circuit.

The 23-year-old won The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club by five shots over runners-up Russell Knox and Kensei Hirata. Yellamaraju fired a final-round 64 — the lowest score of the day — and shattered the tournament scoring record by seven shots.

He became the third Canadian to win the event, following Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., in 2018 and Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., in 2023. Starting the final round with a one-shot lead, Yellamaraju pulled away to secure the biggest win of his career.

“It feels great. It feels good that the hard work and all the hours I’ve put in, me and my parents, has paid off,” Yellamaraju told reporters in the Bahamas. 

Yellamaraju was born in India and his family immigrated to Winnipeg when he was four. He moved to the Greater Toronto Area when he was 11. Yellamaraju won the Ontario Amateur at 16 but did not go to college in the United States, saying Wednesday he didn’t get enough money via scholarships to make it work. He instead turned pro immediately after finishing high school. 

Yellamaraju, part of Golf Canada’s National Team, is the second Canadian in three weeks to capture a men’s golf title after Nick Taylor won the Sony Open in Hawaii, the second event of the 2025 PGA Tour season. Taylor took to social media to congratulate his countryman, while fellow Canadian Korn Ferry Tour pros Matthew Anderson and Etienne Papineau were greenside in the Bahamas for a big celebration. 

Golf Canada men’s national team head coach Derek Ingram describes Yellamaraju’s game as “really consistent” from tee to green. Coupled with a solid short game, a deep passion for golf, and a “tremendous work ethic,” Ingram believes Yellamaraju has the makings of another Canadian PGA Tour star.

Yellamaraju played on PGA Tour Americas in 2022 and 2023 before earning Korn Ferry Tour status in 2024. He finished 99th in the season-long points list last year. 

He had to return to the first stage of the tour’s qualifying school in the fall after falling short in the season-long points race. However, he battled his way to the final stage, where he finished tied for 36th. Placing inside the top 40 earned him eight guaranteed starts on the Korn Ferry Tour this year.

It only took him two to take full advantage. 

“There’s tension, there’s pressure, but I just kept my head down, kept playing. One shot at a time. I wanted to play good shots,” Yellamaraju said. “I wasn’t completely calm obviously. Once I saw the scoreboard and I saw I had a five-shot lead heading into the last hole I knew I was fine.” 

Yellamaraju didn’t miss a green or fairway in his tidy final-round effort, going 5-under on his first nine holes before settling into a groove and bringing the trophy home.

“I just wanted to play good shots. I just wanted to shoot as low as possible and I think I did a pretty good job,” Yellamaraju said with a laugh. 

With only 20 PGA Tour cards on the line this year — there were 30 available the last two seasons — Yellamaraju knows that every shot counts this year more than ever. 

It’s been a non-traditional journey for Yellamaraju, who is largely self-taught. He learned the game by watching YouTube and golf on TV, with his father, Suresh, serving as his watchful second set of eyes.

Wednesday, Yellamaraju said, was his father’s birthday. 

“It’s rare to have a tournament, in January, where we play a final round, on his birthday. It just all fell into place,” Yellamaraju said.

“I guess it was just all meant to be.”    

About Sudarshan Yellamaraju

• Captures first career Korn Ferry Tour victory in his 29th start on Tour
• Fourth time the 54-hole leader/co-leader has gone on to win the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club
• Becomes the 20th Canadian to win on the Korn Ferry Tour; third to win The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club (Adam Svensson/2018; Ben Silverman/2023)
• At 25-under 263, breaks the previous 72-hole tournament scoring record of 270; shared by Jared Wolfe (2020), Brandon Harkins (2022) and Zecheng Dou (2022)
• Moves to No. 2 on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List
• Sixth winner under the age of 24 years old to win on the Korn Ferry Tour since the start of the 2023 season
• Secured guaranteed starts in the first eight events of the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season with a T36 finish at Final Stage of 2024 PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry
• As a rookie, finished No. 99 on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour Points List, logging 13 made cuts and one top-10 finish (T7/NV5 Invitational) in 25 starts
• Finished T14 at Final Stage of 2023 PGA TOUR Q-School to earn Korn Ferry Tour membership for the first time
• Previously competed on PGA TOUR Canada (2022, 2023); where he made 12 cuts in 18 total starts with four top-10s
• Turned professional in 2021 and plays from Mississauga, Ontario
• Born in Visakhapatnam, India

Are you ready to take your coaching career to the next level? The PGA of Canada and Golf Canada are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Women in Coaching Program—and this year marks the program’s fifth anniversary!

This groundbreaking initiative is dedicated to increasing the representation of female high-performance coaches, reflecting the diversity of the Canadian golfing community. Since its launch, the program has empowered 32 coaches, and we’re eager to support even more in 2025!

Participants in this year-long program will benefit from:

• Virtual learning sessions tailored to your growth.
• Individualized learning plans with expert guidance from Master Coach Developer Beth Barz.
• Coach shadowing opportunities with top-tier professionals including Golf Canada national team coaches Salimah Mussani and Jennifer Greggain
• An in-person technical development session designed to elevate your skills.

Thanks to the generous support of the Jocelyn Bourassa Legacy Fund (JBLF), this program is shaping the future of women in golf, creating strong leaders and role models who inspire the next generation. To learn more about how the JBLF is positively impacting women’s golf or to make a contribution to the fund, please click here.

Hear from past participants:

The Women in Coaching Program has significantly boosted both my confidence and hands-on experience as a coach. Through specialized coaching education, leadership training, and personalized mentorship, I’ve been able to refine my skills, gain valuable insights from other experienced Canadian women coaches, and built a stronger belief in my abilities as a coach. I now feel equipped to take on greater responsibilities, advocate for change, and pave the way for future generations of women in coaching. – Kristi Roach, 2024 program participant

“The Women in Coaching Program has accelerated the development of my coaching skills by providing valuable knowledge and offering high-level coaching experiences.  Thanks to the incredible support I received from Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada, Team Canada coaches and the women’s golf professional community, the program has significantly boosted my confidence in coaching.”  – Kat Kennedy, 2023 program participant

The 2025 program will launch with an in-person session in March and another in November, location TBD, where participants will shadow national team coaches and take part in dynamic technical development sessions.

Applications close on Monday, February 5, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. ET.

Don’t miss your chance to join this transformative program. Apply Now!

For questions or more information, contact Emily Phoenix at ephoenix@golfcanada.ca.

Let’s shape the future of coaching—together!

Oakville, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the addition of the Canadian Collegiate Invitational women’s tournament that will take place at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont. from September 21 – 23, 2025.

The tournament will be conducted by Golf Canada and co-hosted by Kent State University and the University of Michigan. The tournament will feature NCAA Division I women’s golf teams along with the winners of the 2025 Canadian University/College Championship.

The inaugural Canadian Collegiate Invitational men’s tournament was conducted this past September at Öviinbyrd Golf Club in MacTier, Ont. and was co-hosted by Kent State and Penn State University.

Kent State is led by head coach Casey VanDamme, who is currently in his fourth season with the Golden Flashes. In his first three seasons at Kent State, the team has won three Mid-American Conference titles, extending the program’s streak to 25 consecutive conference titles.

Michigan is led by head coach Jan Dowling of Bradford, Ont. Dowling is currently in her 12th season as head coach and during her tenure, the Wolverines have won six tournaments and have had 13 medalists. The team won the 2022 Big Ten Conference Championship for the first time in program history and has earned four trips to the NCAA Finals under Dowling’s direction. Dowling won the 2000 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and had a Hall of Fame career playing at Kent State (1998-2002).

Joining the co-hosts from Kent State and Michigan will be Auburn University, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Purdue University, Rutgers University, Texas A&M University, University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia. The 2025 Canadian University/College Women’s Team champions – who will be crowned this spring – will also compete in the inaugural event.

In addition, the selection camp tournament for the Team Canada – NextGen Girls squad will be contested concurrently with the Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational at Beacon Hall Golf Club as Canada’s top junior girls look to qualify for the 2025 Team Canada – NextGen Girls squad. Invitation criteria for the selection camp will be made available in the coming weeks.

“We are thrilled to add a women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational to our Amateur Championship schedule for this season. This tournament will bring together some of the best collegiate women’s golfers and coaches from top programs to compete alongside our national champions,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director, Amateur Championships and Rules, Golf Canada. “We extend our thanks to the membership and staff of Beacon Hall for hosting the inaugural women’s tournament as well as a special thanks to Jan Dowling at Michigan and Casey VanDamme at Kent State for their efforts as event co-hosts.”

Beacon Hall was the inspiration of Bryan Leggett and Bill Carruthers, and its mission is to deliver a premier standard of excellence across all aspects of its membership experience. The Bob Cupp designed course opened on July 1, 1988, and since 1990 has ranked as one of the top 10 courses in Canada by SCOREGolf Magazine. In addition, Beacon Hall is consistently ranked as one of the top 100 courses outside the US.

Beacon Hall is known for its distinctively different front and back nine. The front nine features strands of pine trees giving a similar feel to courses in the Carolinas and Georgia. The back nine features fescue and waste bunkers, giving a feel of traditional Scottish links style courses.

“We are thrilled to showcase Beacon Hall during the inaugural Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational, celebrating the future of amateur golf. This event provides an incredible opportunity to support some of the finest young female golf athletes from Canada, the U.S., and around the world,” said Sean DeSilva, General Manager, Beacon Hall Golf Club. “We are proud to offer these talented players the chance to experience our wonderful golf course and enjoy the same exceptional environment our members do every day. It’s a privilege to give back to the game we love and help foster the growth of amateur and Canadian golf.”

The inaugural championship will be contested over 54 holes in two days, with 36 holes played in the opening round and 18 holes in the final round. The team component will feature five members per team with the top four scores for the round counting towards the overall team score. The individual competition will be stroke-play with the winner receiving an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open and the top five receiving exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

The full 2025 Amateur Championship schedule will be announced at a later date.

ABOUT THE TEAMS…

Kent State Golden Flashes (Co-Host)

The Golden Flashes have earned three top-four finishes in five tournaments during the fall season, including a pair of third-place finishes at the Boilermaker Classic and the Marilynn Smith Sunflower Invitational. Sophomore Veronika Kedronova from Czechia won two individual titles during the fall season at the Marilynn Smith Sunflower Invitational and the Red Raider Invitational. Kent State currently has two Canadians on the roster, senior Jennifer Gu of West Vancouver, B.C. and freshman Aryn Matthews of Little Britain, Ont.
Fall Ranking – 57

“Kent State is very proud of its connection and many players from Canada. We are excited to co-host the first women’s college event at Beacon Hall. Golf Canada has produced many incredible golfers, and we are excited to be a part of showcasing a first-class collegiate event!” – Casey VanDamme, Head Coach, Kent State Golden Flashes Women’s Golf Team

Michigan Wolverines (Co-Host)

The Wolverines earned four top-10 finishes during the fall season, including a sixth-place finish at the Mary Fossum Invitational. The Wolverines feature a younger team this season with four freshman, two sophomores and two juniors. Team Canada member, Monet Chun (Richmond Hill, Ont.) recently graduated from Michigan having won four individual titles during her collegiate career including the Big Ten Championship Conference title in 2022 and was co-medalist in her Senior year in 2024.

Fall Ranking – 67

“As a proud Canadian, this is truly an honour for us to bring the University of Michigan Women’s Golf Team across the 49th parallel to compete in the first female collegiate event hosted in Canada! Additionally, to have Beacon Hall as the host golf course will be a tremendous experience for all the players and coaches. Golf Canada has been a proud partner to countless collegiate golfers and coaches, and it’s very exciting to partner up for a prestigious women’s collegiate tournament.” – Jan Dowling, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines Women’s Golf Team

Auburn Tigers

The Tigers had a successful fall season earning one championship, along with three consecutive top-five finishes to close the fall season. Auburn won their first tournament of the year at the Cougar Classic. They followed up with a second-place finish at the Schooner Fall Classic, then a third-place finish at the Illini Women’s Invitational at Medinah and fourth at The Ally. Team Canada member Katie Cranston of Oakville, Ont. is in her junior year at Auburn and earned a T6 finish at the Cougar Classic followed by a top-20 at the Schooner Fall Classic and a top-25 at The Ally. Cranston was also a member of the 2023-24 Tigers team that was a national quarterfinalist. Teammate Anna Davis of Spring Valley, Calif. is in her sophomore year and earned one individual title (Illini Women’s Invitational at Medinah), two second-place finishes and a third-place finish in four tournaments during the fall season.

Fall Ranking – 20

Central Michigan Chippewas
The Chippewas earned three top-fives during the fall season. They opened the season with a third-place finish at the A-Ga-Ming Invitational, where freshman Ella Zanatta of Hamilton, Ont. finished tied for first individually before losing in a playoff in her first collegiate tournament. Zanatta also added a second-place finish, T9 and 22nd in four tournaments. Two other Canadians are on the roster including graduate student, Hailey Katona of Tilbury, Ont. During the fall season, Katona earned three top five finishes. Alexis McMurray of Oakville, Ont. is in her junior year with the Chippewas.

Fall Ranking – 206

Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans earned three top-fives and a top-10 finish during the fall season. Michigan State opened with a T4 at the Folds of Honor Collegiate along with a pair of second-place finishes at the Mary Fossum Invitational and the Tar Heel Invitational. The Spartans have two Canadians on their roster, Taylor Kehoe from Strathroy, Ont. and sophomore Ella Weber from Burlington, Ont. Kehoe is in her junior year and has earned a top-10, two top-20’s and a top-25 individually this season.

Fall Ranking – 22

Ole Miss Rebels

The Rebels won twice during the fall season including back-to-back tournaments at the Mary Fossum Invitational and the Illini Women’s Invitational. The team also added a fourth-place finish at the Landfall Invitational to close the fall campaign. Senior Caitlyn Macnab won individual honours at the Mary Fossum Invitational. Team Canada member, Nicole Gal of Oakville, Ont. is currently in her Junior year at Ole Miss. Gal has earned one top-five, one top-10 and two top-20 finishes so far this season.

Fall Ranking – 19

Purdue Boilermakers

The Boilermakers opened the fall season with a successful title defence of the Boilermaker Classic on home soil. They added a T6 finish at the Mary Fossum Invitational and closed the fall season with a second-place finish at the White Sands Bahamas Invitational. Senior Natasha Kiel opened and closed her fall season with individual titles, winning the Boilermaker Classic and finishing as co-medalist at the White Sands Bahamas Invitational. Current Canadian LPGA Tour member Maude-Aimee LeBlanc is an alumna of Purdue.

Fall Ranking – 33

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Scarlet Knights opened the fall season with three consecutive top-10 finishes including a tie for fourth at the Cardinal Cup. Rutgers features two Canadians on its roster, sophomore Krystal Li of Richmond Hill, Ont. and freshman Joline Truong of Mississauga, Ont. Truong has enjoyed a successful debut season earning one top-five and a pair of top-10 and top-20 finishes in five tournaments played.

Fall Ranking – 112

Tennessee Volunteers

The Lady Vols finished the fall season with three consecutive top-five finishes. They earned a third-place finish at the Cavalier Regional Preview followed by a fifth-place finish at the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational and a T2 finish at the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship.

Fall Ranking – 40

Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies earned three top-five finishes and closed the fall season with a runner-up finish at the Charles Schwab Women’s Collegiate Challenge. At the same tournament, Aggie sophomore Cayetana Fernandez Garcia-Poggio won her first collegiate tournament and Team Canada member, Vanessa Borovilos of Etobicoke, Ont. finished tied for second. Borovilos is in her freshman year with the Aggies and also earned a T12 finish in her first collegiate tournament in August 2024 at Pebble Beach.
Fall Ranking – 17

Virginia Cavaliers

The Cavaliers won the Pan-Pacific UGSL Tournament to open their fall season in Mishima, Japan. They also added a second-place finish as the host team at the Cavalier Regional Preview, and a fourth-place finish to close the fall season at the Stanford Intercollegiate. Senior Amanda Sambach won the fifth individual title of her collegiate career at the Pan-Pacific and finished second at the Cavalier Regional Preview.

Fall Ranking – 11

Of the many congratulatory messages Nick Taylor received after his fifth PGA Tour win, there was one from Canadian golf legend Mike Weir.

Weir was the Presidents Cup captain who omitted Taylor from the International Team last September, instead picking fellow Canadians Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes and Taylor Pendrith to play at Royal Montreal Golf Club.

“There’s certainly no ill will there,” Taylor said in a media conference on Tuesday after winning the Sony Open in dramatic fashion on the weekend. “I’m sure there are people saying things about it, but no. Mike’s always has been great, and it was very nice for him to reach out.”

The 36-year-old Taylor claimed victory on the second event of the season in Waialae, Hawaii on Sunday, winning on the second playoff hole with a birdie against Colombia’s Nico Echavarria.

Taylor drilled home a 60-foot pitch shot for a 72nd-hole eagle to get into a playoff.

A chip-in eagle to tie the lead!@NTaylorGolf59 comes up clutch at the last @SonyOpenHawaii. pic.twitter.com/tNeTa9xQKM

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 13, 2025

“Mike sent me a nice message of congratulations, and we talked a bit about the pitches,” Taylor said.

Taylor didn’t do himself any favours in his bid to make the International team. After he captured the Waste Management Phoenix Open last February, Taylor checked in with only one top-10 result, and that was a tie for 10th with fellow Canadian Adam Hadwin in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event.

But this was the third year in a row the Abbotsford, B.C.-raised golfer has won on the PGA Tour with a playoff. Taylor joins an elite group, as Bubba Watson (2010-12), Ernie Els (2002-04), Phil Mickelson (2000-02) and Tiger Woods (1999-01) are the only others to accomplish the feat.

In his latest three wins, Taylor has demonstrated a flair for the dramatic. Before his clutch chip-in eagle on Sunday, Taylor finished with three birdies in the final four holes and then birdied the first two holes of the playoff to defeat Charley Hoffman on Super Bowl Sunday in Phoenix last year.

The playoff run began with his 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth extra hole of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open to prevail over Tommy Fleetwood.

“For whatever reason, I see the shot I want to hit and trust it,” Taylor said. “It’s something I’m trying to figure out to be more consistent to get in those situations more often and pull off the shots I want to do.”

The Sony Open victory was the first with his parents in attendance and sets up Taylor nicely as he will play two more courses he’s had success on before the Players Championship in March and the Masters in April.

The Phoenix stop is three weeks away, preceded by the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Taylor won at Pebble Beach in 2020.

“There are a lot of golf courses in the next few months that are on top of my favourites’ list,” said Taylor, who will play in this week’s American Express in La Quinta, Calif.

“Hopefully, I keep playing great and the putts keep rolling in to set up the rest of the year. It’s always nice to get off to a good start in a new season, especially this year with the win.”

Taylor hopes to employ last week’s good vibrations as inspiration to play better in the four majors. He’s missed the cut in his past nine major starts, seven in a row dating back to the 2023 U.S. Open.

“I don’t know how to explain it,” he said. “Seven in a row missed isn’t that great.

“A lot has been missing the cut by a shot or two. Two shots can make a big difference in those big events. So yeah, I’m not going to go in thinking too much. I’m trying to get a little bit better and more comfortable in those situations.”

Golf Canada is deeply saddened by the loss of former colleague and recent Board member Teri Yamada of Collingwood, Ont. who passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at the age of 66 following a difficult battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

A personal obituary written by Teri Yamada along with visitation details is available here:

https://www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com/memorials/teri-yamada/5536387/index.php

Golf Canada’s Board of Directors along with staff both current and past extend its sincere condolences to Teri’s partner, Doug Moxon, along with her family and the extensive personal and professional network of friends and golf industry peers who knew and admired her genius, expertise, work ethic, friendship and incredible generosity to charitable causes that meant so much to her. 

One of Canadian golf’s leading voices in agronomy, turfgrass and environmental research, 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.

She joined the organization in 1990 as National Director, Greens Section (1990-98), which at the time was Golf Canada’s turfgrass research and consulting division providing the Canadian golf industry with turfgrass information and best practices. In 1993, she authored the Environmental Guidelines for Canadian Golf Courses following an 18-month consultative process with regulators, environmental interest groups and the golf industry leaders.

Yamada then spent 10 years (1996-2006) as the association’s Managing Director, Golf Programs and Services supporting Golf Canada member club programs and services (handicapping, junior golf, amateur status, heritage, etc.) in addition to turfgrass and environmental research.

From 2005-2008, the role evolved into Managing Director, Communications and Government Relations, serving as a leading government liaison on issues affecting the Canadian golf industry. During this period, she also spent two years (2006-2008) as Executive Director of the RCGA Foundation (now Golf Canada Foundation) and has since supported the Foundation as a generous donor.

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 HR 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. 

During her accomplished career, Yamada served the Canadian and global golf community in a variety of roles including an invitation to participate in the development of the Environmental Principles for Golf Courses in the United States and was referenced in An Environmental Strategy for Golf in Europe.

She spent 14 years (2009-2023) as Executive Director of the IPM Council of Canada (Integrated Pest Management) which administered the IPM Accreditation program for golf courses, public works (hydro and railway corridors) and specialty turf.

Yamada also served as President, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System of Canada Inc. (1996-2007); Executive Secretary and past Board member with the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation (CTRF) (1992 – 2008); was a past Board Member of the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation (2009-2012); member of the Halton-Hamilton Source Protection Committee (2007-2025); was a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and Environmental Programs committee member, Environmental Institute for Golf, Kansas (2003-2007); served as a USGA Turfgrass & Environmental Research Committee member (1996-2004); member and Past Chair of the Ontario Pesticide Advisory Committee (2009-2020); Chair, Scientific Program Committee for 9th International Turfgrass Research Conference (2000-2001); and was an Advisory Committee member with the Selkirk College Golf Management Program – Nelson, BC (1996-2001).

She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture and Environmental Horticulture).

A passionate golfer and proud member of Mad River Golf Club (as well as the York Downs Golf and Country Club prior), Yamada was a very active volunteer giving back to both clubs across a variety of roles including four years on the Member Board of Directors with Mad River (2019-2023) as well as the Grounds Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee. She also served four years on the Board of York Downs as well as two years as the club’s Green Committee Chair. 

Yamada was also one of three Canadian women members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland.

A visitation will be held on January 23 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm with tributes taking place at 3:00pm at Fawcett Funeral Home at 82 Pine Street in Collingwood. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

HONOLULU — Nick Taylor never looked more clutch than when he birdied the 18th hole three times in the WM Phoenix Open, first to force a playoff and the last to win it. 

And then he went 23 starts over 11 months without a top 10.

Who can forget that 70-foot eagle putt to win the Canadian Open before a delirious home crowd? During the next seven months and 12 tournaments, he had only one top 10.

The trade-off for the 36-year-old Canadian are the trophies — one in each of the last three years and five overall.

The latest came Sunday when he least expected it. Taylor chipped in from 60 feet for eagle on the last hole, made a 10-foot birdie putt to stay in the game and won it with a perfectly clipped wedge to just inside 3 feet for birdie to beat Nico Echavarria in a playoff.

And no, he wouldn’t trade them.

“I really love the trophies,” Taylor said. “But I would also love to be more consistent.”

Taylor, from Abbotsford, B.C., plays practice rounds often with another Canadian, Corey Conners, and their history oddly runs deep. Conners played with him in the weekday rounds when Taylor won in Canada and Hawaii, and Taylor played with Conners the opening two rounds when Conners won in Texas.

Conners has been a greater model of consistency, with only one win since 2020.

“I’ve played with Corey a lot in practice rounds and tournaments. He’s somebody I aspire to be with his consistency. He’s phenomenal,” Taylor said. “That being said, I really enjoy being in moments and being able to close the deal and to win tournaments is ultimately what we’re trying to do. Again, yeah, consistency. I would love to get there to his level.”

Last year was particularly discouraging because so much was at stake — battling for a spot in the Olympics, and the Presidents Cup being held at Royal Montreal with Canadian Mike Weir as the International captain.

Taylor looked like a shoo-in when he won the Phoenix Open, only to go into a funk — only one finish in the top 20 (tie for 12th at Bay Hill), missed cuts in all four majors and a disappointing phone call when Weir left him off the team.

He also failed to finish in the top 50 in the FedEx Cup, which would have assured Taylor played in all the $20 million signature events.

“Not making top 50 I knew would make the next year just not where I wanted to be. Not making the Presidents Cup definitely hurt,” Taylor said. “I had more myself to blame. I felt like I put Mike in a tough situation. On top of that, I had to play more in the fall than I had originally planned and be away from family a few times.”

Taylor put in some work in the short off-season — and was eager to start a West Coast that featured some of his favourite courses and three signature events at least staying (barely) in the top 60 in the FedEx Cup.

Now he can bank on a return to the Masters and a spot in all the signature events. 

“To have this good of a start is awesome,” he said.

So was the finish.

Taylor was two shots behind when he missed 4-foot birdie putts on the 15th and 16th holes and figured that was his last chance.

But then he chipped in for eagle, the leaders behind him — Stephan Jaeger and J.J. Spaun — each dropped a shot and failed to birdie the 18th. That left Taylor and Echavarria, a promising Chilean who has been on a tear recently.

Echavarria, who had some clutch moments of his own on the closing four holes, had the upper hand in the playoff until Taylor made a touch pitch up a steep slope and made a 10-foot birdie. Echavarria again had the advantage on the second playoff hole, 40 feet away on the fringe, while Taylor was back in the fairway 46 yards away.

The pitch was perfect by Taylor. The putt by Echavarria came off soft, stopped 7 feet away and he missed the birdie putt.

Taylor’s last three PGA Tour victories were all in a playoff — four extra holes in Canada, two in Phoenix, two in Hawaii.

“I think I enjoy being in those moments. For whatever reason my mind gets clear in those situations of the shot I’m just trying to hit,” he said. “I’ve worked on that the last couple years, why in those situation am I good and the other situations where I’m not consistent if I’m in 30th or something. We’ll work on that. But nice start to the year, obviously.”