This year marked the beginning of an impactful journey for First Tee – Alberta.

In its first year of programming, First Tee – Alberta provided over 1,100 youth with low-barrier access to golf – and to a diverse group of participants. Nearly 40 percent of participants were female, and nearly 75 percent of families identified as part of an equity-deserving community.

As Golf Canada’s youth development program, First Tee – Alberta joins five other chapters across the country to offer affordable golf programming that goes beyond the fairways to develop both golf and life skills. Through valuable partnerships with schools, community centres, and golf courses, First Tee –Alberta offers no-cost try golf events and affordable registered programming. All the necessary golf equipment is provided, and no prior golf experience is needed, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

The goal is to provide a positive association to golf for youth from all backgrounds, especially those who may have otherwise not had the opportunity.

“Our goal is to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to experience golf and all the benefits it has to offer,” said First Tee – Alberta Program Manager, Michael Steele. “We are committed to breaking down common barriers of entry to the sport like affordability, accessibility, or unfamiliarity.”

In its opening season, First Tee – Alberta onboarded four golf courses across Calgary, Edmonton, and Sherwood Park, all of which offered no-cost programming. The children learned golf skills like putting, chipping, and distance control, while simultaneously continuing to build on personal skills like confidence, honesty, and perseverance.

Three schools and five community organizations also offered First Tee programming in 2024, and 13 First Tee coaches were onboarded and certified.

In addition to scheduled programming and events, First Tee – Alberta’s presence was also made known at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open hosted at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, AB.

Chapter staff activated on-site with a 50’ putt challenge in celebration of the tournament’s 50th anniversary. The activation, alongside a record-breaking 50/50 raffle, raised over $150,000 to directly support the continued growth of First Tee across Alberta.

Over 50 youth from the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and the Youth Centres of Calgary also visited the tournament grounds for behind-the-scenes tours and First Tee clinics, where six LPGA professionals made special guest appearances for the children.

Looking ahead, First Tee – Alberta prepares to expand into Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer in 2025, and strives to continue to provide life-enhancing experiences to youth through golf.

First Tee – Alberta’s growth and impact are reliant on a generous network of supporters. For those interested in giving back and growing the game of golf in their community, please reach out to msteele@golfcanada.ca or visit firstteealberta.ca.

Canadian golfers Alena Sharp and Maude-Aimée Leblanc will return to the LPGA Tour in 2025 after earning their cards through the LPGA Tour Qualifying Series. Sharp, from Hamilton, Ont., finished tied for 21st at seven-under, while Leblanc, of Sherbrooke, Que., tied for 24th at six-under.

Sharp continues storied career

Sharp, 43, has been a fixture on the LPGA Tour since 2005. Over her career, she has made 375 official starts, earning $3,086,599 in prize money and recording 16 top-10 finishes. Her best result on the tour came at the 2016 CPKC Women’s Open, where she placed fourth.

In 2024, Sharp made seven cuts in 13 starts, with her best finish a tie for 19th at the Dana Open. She ended the season ranked No. 123 on the Race to CME Globe Points List.

Sharp has also found success on the Epson Tour, where she has two career wins and 14 additional top-10 finishes. Her most recent victory came in 2023 at the Champions Fore Change Invitational.

A three-time Olympian, Sharp represented Canada in Rio in 2016, Tokyo in 2021 and Paris in 2024, with her best Olympic finish a tie for 30th in Rio.

A graduate of New Mexico State University, Sharp continues to be a role model for Canadian golfers.

“I’m really happy walking away with a card and, you know, not sitting on the outside looking in for the first part of the season, Sharp told the LPGA. “Hopefully I’ll get starts right away instead of having to wait until like June to play.  Really excited about that.”

Leblanc builds on strong form

Leblanc, 35, has competed on the LPGA Tour since 2012. In 2024, she made eight cuts in 19 starts, with her best result a tie for 19th at the CPKC Women’s Open.

Leblanc has four career top-10 finishes on the tour, the most recent at the 2022 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, where she tied for eighth.

Leblanc has also had a standout career on the Epson Tour, with 26 top-10 finishes. In her last full season on the developmental circuit in 2021, she made 12 cuts in 17 starts and posted nine top-10 results.

A graduate of Purdue University, Leblanc was part of the Boilermakers’ NCAA championship-winning team in 2010. The former Team Canada alumna also had a decorated amateur career, winning the Canadian Junior Championship and the International Junior Orange Bowl in 2006.

Canadians ready for 2025

Both Sharp and Leblanc are set to bring experience and consistency to the LPGA Tour in 2025, highlighting the strength of Canadian golf on the global stage.

Their achievements reflect the dedication and determination that have made them role models for the next generation of players. With new opportunities ahead, they will look to build on their careers and inspire golf fans across Canada.

For more information on the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, taking place August 20-24 at Mississaugua Golf & Country Club, click here.

Click here for full results from the final stage of LPGA Tour Qualifying Series.

CALGARY – LaunchPad Golf is set to significantly expand its footprint with the opening of six new locations across Canada.

The new venues will include North Calgary, South Edmonton, Richmond, Markham, Kitchener-Waterloo, and a flagship 60-suite facility at Durham Live in Pickering, Ont. The Pickering site will anchor the company’s expansion, featuring its largest facility yet as part of the Durham Live entertainment district.

“Our Canadian expansion demonstrates our dedication to redefining entertainment through continuously evolving technology and premium social environments,” said Barry Ehlert, CEO of LaunchPad Golf, in a news release.

“Each new location will deliver a world-class blend of interactive gaming, cutting-edge technology, delicious food, and a lively social atmosphere for people of all interests.”

Year-round entertainment

The venues include climate-controlled suites designed for year-round enjoyment. Each location will offer a menu of food and beverages tailored for everything from corporate events to casual outings.

“Our commitment is to provide unforgettable experiences through the seamless integration of technology, guest comfort, and social engagement,” added Ehlert.

Expanding presence across Canada

The six new locations reflect LaunchPad’s ambition to redefine entertainment by blending interactive gaming, advanced technology, and vibrant social atmospheres. The company aims to create spaces that bring people together for memorable experiences.

For more information, visit LaunchPad Golf.

Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).

Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.

Anthony Milles, Tarandowah Golfers Club, Hole #15

I was playing with friends, Mike Machan, Terry Mills, Mark Laskin and Gord Pike. The hole was playing 155 yards and I used an 8 iron.

Rory Matheson, Whistler Golf Club, Hole #14

My wife and I are pass-holders at Chateau Whistler Golf Club. A friend had given us a gift card to Whistler Golf Club and we decided to use it on the last weekend before they closed for the season. We played with a member and a visitor from the Okanagan. Hole #14 is 150 yards and it was playing into the wind so I hit an eight iron. It was a great way to end our Whistler golf season. There was an eleven year drought between my first hole-in-one in 2013 and this one.  

Roger Picard, Castlegar Golf Club, Hole #8

I was golfing with my wife Mary. The yardage was 185 and I used my 5 iron.

Craig Manning, GlenDenning Golf Course, Hole #11

It was on the hole #11, par 3 at my club Glendenning Golf Course. I was playing with a friend, Craig B. and brother-in-law Willie S. I hit an approach wedge, the hole was playing 110 yards and downwind. This is my second ace on this hole!

Zach Pero, Greenhills Golf and Country Club, Hole #12

I made a hole-in-one at my home course, Greenhills Golf and Country Club in London, Ontario with Ryan Ford and John Schlieman. It happened on hole #12, front pin, tucked behind the front-left greenside bunker. Yardage was 158, playing about 170 into the wind (blustery day). I was having a great day in terms of iron play, but I knew I’d have to swing out of my shoes with my 8 iron to clear the bunker, so opted to set up about ten or so feet behind the blocks to take a bit off my 7 iron and avoid flying the green. Smooth swing with a high, tight draw. We knew it was a good shot, but couldn’t see the hole. As we walked up the hill onto the green we couldn’t see any balls on the green. One ended up in the front bunker and one on the back fringe. John pointed out a pitch mark about 18 inches in front of the hole, so I leaned in to take a quick peek, and there it was. My first ace. Not sure if it one-hopped or bounced and zipped back, but man, what an absolute rush.

Ray Frayne, Sturgeon Valley Golf & Country Club, Hole #5

It was a fun day – our annual Brass Monkey tournament to end the season. In Alberta the season is too short. I was playing with three great guys who made it special for me. Owen O’Connor (the Guinness flowed after), Craig Schofield and Brad Sykes. That day, hole #5 was playing about 145 yards uphill and a light breeze slightly in and across from the left. With the pin tucked just over a ridge angling down to the back of the green. I hit as pure an 8 iron as I have hit all year. It looked good all the way and when it pitched into the ridge and trickled over towards the pin we knew it was good. We couldn’t see the hole so we weren’t 100% sure. Hurrying up to the green there was no ball close or at the back. Craig was first to the hole and he showed a thumbs up causing us all to cheer. It was a great experience that I will treasure.

David Wortzman, Donalda Club, Hole #12

I was playing at Donalda Club with Chase McCarthy, Kevin Melhuish and Paul Sadownick, all of whom are better golfers than me. Hole #12 had a middle of the green pin that day and it was 192 yards from the blue tees. I hit a 5 wood that landed in front of the green and rolled up the apron, onto the green and kept going into the hole. It was a totally unexpected outcome but a lot of fun to watch, since it rolled for about four or five seconds. If I can do it, anyone can.

Bruce Anderson, Cultus Lake Golf Club, Hole #17

My regular playing partners Alex McLean and Derrick Moore and I were having our usual Wednesday game at Cultus Lake, a beautiful shorter course nestled in the Columbia Valley not far from the lake. It was a nice day to play, and we were each having our share of success. At #17, which was playing around the scorecard yardage of 120 yards, I was coming off two birdies in the previous three holes, but I never expected what happened here, a great strike with the 8 iron, a flight path on the line of the hole, a landing about six feet short and a ball that scurried straight in!

Celebrations all around for my fourth hole-in-one, and very timely given that Derrick (who just started playing golf a little over a year ago), had already nailed his first ace at Cultus in September (Alex has two there himself). As I said, it is a lovely shorter course, but you still need to hit the shots. My ace also helped with the overall score, obviously, and I posted 59, (on the par 61 tees). Another fantastic day in the golf paradise that is British Columbia.

Suzanne Stier, Rivershore Golf Links, Hole #2

I was golfing with my husband, son and grandson. I used a 7 iron. My ball landed on the green, rolled along and the disappeared. I looked at my husband and said, “I think I just got a hole-in-one,” and he thought no that it just rolled off the other side of the hump. We the got to the green where our grandson ran to find the ball, he got to the hole and yelled, “it’s in there, she got a hole-in-one.” I was so excited! I couldn’t believe it!

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.

Rey Lee, Tower Ranch Golf & Country Club, Hole #12

My first hole-in-one, ever. It was on hole #12 over a gully using a soft 8 iron. Hole was at the back of the green, 138 yards. I didn’t see the ball go in but two of my playing partners saw it go in. Played with Ryan Lawrence from Tower’s pro shop, a guy from Sunset Ranch’s pro shop and another Tower member. Lucky it only cost me $80 in refreshments as it was end the end of season.

Brad Gibson, Markland Wood Golf Club, Hole #2

Hole #2 measured at 152 yards!

Colin Anderson, Anderson Links Golf & Country Club , Hole #3

The hole was #3 on the West course (my 12th hole as we’d already played the East nine and were looping over), playing about 130 yards. I hit a smooth 9 iron that landed a few yards short and right of the hole, then spun left and rolled towards the pin and disappeared. My playing partners and I weren’t sure if it was in or had just rolled over the crest until we made it up to the green and checked in the hole. Sure enough, there it was! High fives all around! Not surprisingly, I also got closest to the pin on that hole for the course’s fall bonus par 3 event. I’ve added the ball to my golf memento box alongside my other hole-in-one from nearly 30 years ago and other reminders of special times playing this mostly humbling, sometimes rewarding and always fun game.

James Watt, Markham Excutive Golf Course, Hole #4

My hole-in-one was at Markham Excutive Golf Course. Hole #4 and the distance was was 202 yards. I used my driver. I was with fellow golfer Joseph Yu and w play in the senior league together. My first hole-in-one was a great finish to the last game of the season.

Nancy Kaiser, The Springs Course, Hole #17

I was golfing with my husband, John and two young men by the name of Ty and Ben, who we were paired with by the pro shop. It just happens that John and Ty worked together at the Copperpoint Golf Course in Invermere.

The yardage on hole #17 is listed on the score card as 101 from the gold tees. I used my nine iron, teed it down a bit, swung and hoped for the best. At that time of day, late afternoon, the sun was directly in my eyes so I couldn’t track the ball too well. I just knew I had hit the green but couldn’t tell where the ball ended up. My playing partners had gone over the ravine to their tee boxes and none of us could see the hole, just the pin. When we got to the green, we located everyone’s ball but mine, until I looked in the hole. There was a bright pink ball looking up at me!

The funny thing is, as we were going up one of the earlier fairways, we were talking about hole-in-one’s and how none of us had had one and some of us had never seen one. Well, I still haven’t seen one but I have had one now!

Linda Heaslip, Penticton Golf and Country Club, Hole #10

It was from the silver tees on hole #10. The shot was 155 yards with a three wood. I was playing with Janet Bremner, Caroline Palmer and Angela Turnbull.

Andy Gee, Carrying Place Golf and Country Club, Hole #12

While golfing with my two guests, Gord Tanner and Dave Fleming, I put a good swing on my 56° wedge on the par 3, hole #12 and scored a hole-in-one. To my delight and the astonished look on my guests faces, I watched my ball soar very high in the air towards the pin. The ball landed softly, bouncing about four feet up and landing with a small six inch hop and a very short roll and in. I tossed the club when I raised my arms I delight. All my friends could do was hold their hands up while I slapped them. This was a long time coming and by my very rough calculation, it took something like 34,200 holes of golf played to get a hole-in-one. I expect the next one will be a lot sooner.

Jeff Saunders, Shannon Lake Golf Club, Hole #2

Finally made my third hole-in-one. It had been 25 years since my last one. I wore a shirt that morning that belonged to my best friend’s father (George) who had passed away recently. I told my wife I was going to channel my inner George on the course. Hole #2, gap wedge, playing 128 yards downhill. Struck it pure and it looked good in the air.

Mark Pretty, Indian Hills Golf Club, Hole #11

This was my first hole-in-one and the first of anyone in my group that day. In fact, none of us had ever witnessed a hole-in-one before. I was with my good friends, Justin Turnbull, Mike Meadows and Matt Webb and we were playing Indian Hills Golf Course in Lambton Shores. We were on hole #11, playing the blue tees, about 135 yards from the pin. I hit a 9 iron, and said while the ball was still in the air, that it was, “A little left and a little long.” Justin said as the ball hit the ground, “No, I think it’s really good.” The ball hit the fringe on left side of the green and spun to the right and roll back down the green and into the hole. It was very exciting! Something I will never forget!

Mollie Marcoux Samaan is resigning in January as LPGA commissioner, a surprise announcement Monday after record growth in prize money along with criticism the LPGA wasn’t gaining in popularity during the surge in women’s sports.

Marcoux Samaan is leaving on Jan. 9, three weeks before the LPGA begins its 75th season. Liz Moore, the chief legal and technology officer, will be interim commissioner until a search committee hires a new one.

Marcoux Samaan did not cite a specific reason for resigning except to mention spending more time with her three children. She will serve the third-shortest stint among nine LPGA commissioners dating to 1975, behind only Jim Ritts (1996-99) and Bill Blue (1988-90).

“With the LPGA positioned for continued growth, it’s time for me to have more time to cheer on our three amazing children as they live their dreams while I continue to pursue my passion for building leaders, uniting communities and creating value through sports, particularly women’s sports,” Marcoux Samaan said in a statement.

The LPGA said prize money increased by more than 90% under Marcoux Samaan, a big part of that the major championships. The five majors had a combined prize fund of $23.4 million in 2021. Next year, the majors combine to offer at least $47.8 million in prize money.

She announced the end of her tenure a week after the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship awarded $4 million to the winner, Jeeno Thitikul, from an $11 million purse.

“Since joining the LPGA in 2021, Mollie has been instrumental in solidifying our position as the global leader in women’s professional golf, realizing record growth in player earnings and fan engagement,” said John B. Veihmeyer, chairman of the LPGA board. “Mollie has been a steadfast advocate for equity in the sport and has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for women and girls through the game.”

The LPGA said the average earnings for the top 100 players topped $1 million this year, compared with an average of just over $570,000 in 2021.

Women’s sports across the landscape has seen a spike in money and interest, though Marcoux Samaan was criticized for the LPGA not getting enough attention behind remarkable story lines this year. Nelly Korda tied an LPGA record with five straight wins, and Lydia Ko won Olympic gold to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame, and then won another major at the Women’s British Open at St. Andrews.

The Americans also won the Solheim Cup, but not without a transportation mess on the opening day at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia when there were not enough buses for spectators and many of them waited hours before they could get in, missing the opening tee shots that typically feature packed grandstands and raucous cheering.

Marcoux Samaan pointed to growth in defending her job when some of the criticism was raised at the season-ending tournament.

“I focus every day on trying to support the athletes, to try to grow the tour, and to try to make this the best place in the world to play and to give additional opportunities to girls and women. So I feel like the statistics really speak for themselves,” she said at the Tour Championship.

“I think we’re experiencing enormous growth. That’s really what my job is.”

Along with huge increases in earnings, Marcoux Samaan announced full subsidized health care for the LPGA for the first time in its history. She also was behind stipends for missing the cut and domestic travel in a bid to make sure players were adequately compensated.

Official prize money for the LPGA in 2025 is $127.5 million.

Terry Duffy, the chairman and CEO of CME Group, signed a two-year extension of the LPGA deal. In an interview with Golfweek, he gave Marcoux Samaan high marks.

“I don’t know how you could not give A++ to where the tour is at today under her leadership,” Duffy said. “I run markets. I don’t care if you’re running a business at a hardware store or an exchange or professional golf, there’s ebbs and flows to everything in life and everything in business. … If you’re worth more today than you were 10 years ago or three years ago, you’re doing the right things.”

Marcoux Samaan was the ninth commissioner — and second female commissioner — when she left her role as athletic director at Princeton. Marcoux Samaan replaced Mike Whan, who took over in 2010 when players revolted and ousted Carolyn Bivens.

Whan brought high energy and a big personality during his 11 years, making him the longest-serving LPGA commissioner in history.

The LPGA board will work with an executive search firm to conduct a global search for the organization’s next commissioner.

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The LPGA Tour visits Canada for the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, scheduled to take place at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont., from August 20 to 24. Visit cpkcwomensopen.com for more into.

Golf Canada is deeply saddened by the loss of Past President and Honorary Life Governor, The Honourable James (Jim) Andrews Grant PC, CM, KC of Montreal, Que. who passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024 at the age of 87.

Grant served as President of Golf Canada in 2003 and supported the organization across a multitude of volunteer committees and councils.

A longtime member of both Royal Montreal Golf Club and Mount Bruno Golf Club, he had an accomplished history of service to the sport of golf both in his home province of Quebec and nationally. A Past President of Golf Quebec (1992), Grant was also a supporter of the Golf Canada Foundation in helping to advance its efforts to raise funds in support of Canadian golf.

A brilliant and accomplished lawyer who was called to the Bar of Quebec in 1962, Grant was a Partner and Chairman of the law firm, Stikeman Elliott, LLP.

In 1996, he was named to the Security Intelligence Review Committee and was summoned to the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada.

On May 8, 2003 he was made a member of the Order of Canada.

Grant received a Bachelor of Civil Law in 1961 from McGill University and in 2009 was awarded Faculty of Law’s James A. Robb Award which celebrates those who nobly give of their time and efforts to support the Faculty of Law in its academic endeavours.

Outside of golf, Grant also served his community as a deeply committed volunteer. He was a past Chair of the Montreal Youth Network, headed numerous youth-oriented agencies, and has made major contributions to the development of child welfare services. Countless other organizations have also benefited from his extraordinary leadership abilities and his concern including CARE Canada, the Centaur Theatre, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, McGill University and the Montreal General and Children’s hospitals.

During his distinguished career, Grant also served on the Board of Directors of CAE Inc. as well as CIBC.

He strongly supported his community with contributions to education, politics, sports, health and the arts which left an indelible mark. He was an exceptional athlete in a variety of sports which he enjoyed with family and friends. He will be remembered for his intelligence, loyalty, and humour – those who knew him would say he showed up, aimed high, tried hard, was loyal, and made others better.

Grant touched the lives of many across his personal and professional network and is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy and daughters Katherine (Michael Harding), Jennifer (Mark Coombs), Christy (Gregor Andrew) and grandchildren Elizabeth, Zach, Madeline, Robbie, Riley and Sarah. He is also survived by his sister Nancy (William Daly).

A celebration of life will be held in 2025. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

A link to the obituary notice in the Montreal Gazette is below:

https://montrealgazette.remembering.ca/obituary/james-grant-1092361502

Golf Canada offers 2025 bundled ticket package to watch the stars of the
PGA and LPGA Tours compete for Canada’s National Open Championships

(November 27, 2024) – Two National Open Golf Championships combined into one great ticket as Golf Canada is pleased to introduce The Opens Flex Pass for a limited time, starting Black Friday (November 29) through to Cyber Monday (December 2).

The Opens Flex Pass will provide golf fans and event enthusiasts of the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open with the ultimate flexibility in a bundled ticket offer to watch the stars of the PGA and LPGA Tours compete for Canada’s National Open titles.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER

In 2025, both events will be hosted in the Greater Toronto area with the RBC Canadian Open taking place June 4-8 at TPC Toronto (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the CPKC Women’s Open running August 20-24 at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Cost of The Opens Flex Pass is $147 (plus taxes and fees) and golf fans can choose their preferred day to attend each of the tournaments through this limited time offer. Any one-day tickets are valid for one scan during tournament week, there is no need to pre-select your preferred date.

The 2025 RBC Canadian Open will be conducted for the first time ever at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. TPC Toronto is quickly becoming one of the premier Canadian golf destinations, with all three courses ranked inside the Top 100 by SCOREGolf Magazine. Cheer on Canadian favourites Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Taylor Pendrith, Adam Hadwin and 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor as they 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 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will take place at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont., one of 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. 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.

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.

Don’t miss out on this limited time offer to secure your spot at both of Canada’s National Open Championships through The Opens Flex Pass.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida and SURREY, B.C. – PGA TOUR Americas announced Tuesday that Morgan Creek Golf Course in Surrey, British Columbia, will host the Fortinet Cup Championship in 2025. The 16th and final event of the PGA TOUR Americas season will include the top 120 players in the season-long Fortinet Cup and will be contested September 22-28, 2025. The 72-hole event will determine the Fortinet Cup Champion and the season’s top 10 players who will earn Korn Ferry Tour cards for the 2026 season.

“We’re delighted to partner with Morgan Creek and their fantastic team and look forward to contesting the Fortinet Cup Championship in the greater Vancouver area, for the first time in the history of the event,” said Scott Pritchard, Vice President of PGA TOUR Americas. “It’s been a mutual goal of ours and Fortinet to play the Fortinet Cup Championship in the Greater Vancouver Area since the inception of our partnership and we are looking forward to an amazing competition at one of British Columbia’s premier venues.”

Designed by Thomas McBroom, Morgan Creek has earned the reputation as one of the top golf courses in Canada since it opened in 1995. The course plays as a par 72 and just under 7,000 yards. For the Fortinet Cup Championship, players will play the course as a par 70, as two par 5s will be converted into par 4s. The Fortinet Cup Championship will be the first PGA TOUR-sanctioned tournament hosted by Morgan Creek, however the club is no stranger to hosting national and international tournaments and has hosted Golf Canada, PGA of B.C. and Maple Leaf Junior Tour events. Additionally, Morgan Creek has hosted Open Qualifiers for the RBC Canadian Open and the LPGA’s CPKC Women’s Open.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the Fortinet Cup Championship to Morgan Creek,” said Tom Doull, Director of Golf Operations at Morgan Creek Golf Course. “This prestigious event is the perfect match for our commitment to excellence in golf, and we are thrilled to showcase our course on an international stage. We can’t wait to celebrate the season’s top players and create a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

The Fortinet Cup Championship has proven to be a pivotal stop for the future stars of the PGA TOUR. Past participants of the Fortinet Cup Championship include PGA TOUR member and 2023 Fortinet Cup Champion Hayden Springer, Tony Finau, Jake Knapp and 2024 Presidents Cup International Team members Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes and Taylor Pendrith.

“We are very excited about the arrival of the Fortinet Cup Championship in British Columbia for 2025,” stated Gordon Phillips, Vice President of Western Canada at Fortinet. “This event will be the perfect opportunity to bring together our customers and partners and provide them with the best golf in Canada, as well as experience Fortinet’s industry-leading cybersecurity technology and commitment to the local community, built on more than 2,000 Fortinet employees based in the lower mainland in BC. Fortinet has strong ties with BC, home to our largest R&D facility and the FortiGuard´s threat intelligence team.”

“As the Title Sponsor for the Fortinet Cup Championship, we are proud to partner with PGA TOUR Americas to host this prestigious event at Morgan Creek Golf Course in Surrey, BC,” said Marc Asturias, Vice President of Marketing and Field CISO for Government at Fortinet Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. “For the last 25 years, Fortinet has been a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. This sponsorship allows us to further our commitment to excellence in cybersecurity, fostering community engagement, promoting young golf talent, and helping the local communities.”

Since Fortinet became the Cup sponsor and season-ending Fortinet Cup Championship title sponsor, the tournament has partnered with deserving charities, including the Corey and Mallory Conners Family Fund, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids and most recently the First Tee of Ontario. Giving back to the community remains an integral pillar to this event and Fortinet will be announcing the charity partner in the coming months.

The 16-event PGA TOUR Americas season will consist of six events in Latin America, and 10 in North America, nine of which are in Canada. PGA TOUR Americas will announce the complete 2025 schedule in the coming weeks.

Globally experienced Canadian sports executive returns home to lead new chapter for Canada’s National Women’s Open

(November 26, 2024) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Claire Welsh of Barrie, Ont., has been appointed as the new tournament director of the CPKC Women’s Open.

Welsh spent 10 years working for The R&A in St Andrews, Scotland, holding progressively senior roles with The Open and the AIG Women’s Open championships. Most recently, Welsh served as the head of player relations for The R&A, where she developed and implemented a player relations strategy focusing on all areas of the player experience. In that role, she was responsible for critical elements including player engagement and retention, travel and accommodation, accreditation, ticketing, and player facilities, while building trusting relationships with players and their support teams at both major championships.

In addition, Welsh developed a comprehensive player survey and benchmarking program, delivering The Open Clubhouse, considered to be the best-in-class for a player facility in professional golf. She worked closely with the LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour, and IMG on all player relations aspects of the AIG Women’s Open following The R&A’s merger with the Ladies Golf Union.

Welsh also worked within The R&A’s Commercial and Communications departments, focusing on media relations, digital content, broadcast, and partnership agreements all while leading a team and supervising event staff and volunteers. She also worked with the International Golf Federation supporting golf’s return to the Olympic programme at Rio 2016.

“We are incredibly excited to add Claire to our team at Golf Canada and bring home a globally experienced golf industry executive to lead a new chapter for the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Golf Canada Chief Operating Officer Garrett Ball. “Claire’s experience working with The R&A along with all facets of building a successful and memorable tournament for the players, staff, partners, and fans was exceptional. We spoke with talented candidates both internally and externally and it was Claire’s extensive international experience in the global golf space that positions her as the ideal lead for Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.”

For Welsh, returning home to lead Canada’ National Women’s Open Championship, one of Canada’s premier women’s sport properties is an ideal opportunity.

“It’s a true honour and privilege to serve as Tournament Director for the CPKC Women’s Open, an event that celebrates the very best of golf in Canada. Coming home to help shape the next chapter of our National Women’s Open feels incredibly special, especially at a time when women’s sports are experiencing remarkable growth and recognition,” said Welsh. “I know how important this historic event is for golf’s top players, and I’ve also seen its ability to inspire communities right across the country. I’m really looking forward to collaborating with the incredible teams at Golf Canada and CPKC to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, players, volunteers and partners alike.”

After studying Communications and Media Studies at Carleton University, Welsh began her career in sports at her hometown newspaper, The Barrie Examiner, as a freelance sportswriter before serving as Director of the Tim Horton’s Charity Golf Tour and founding the Thursday Night Lights high school football series. She also worked at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games as an event services team lead for the men’s and women’s hockey competitions.

Prior to joining The R&A, Welsh spent six years working with Golf Ontario as the marketing and communications manager overseeing championship media coverage and the organization’s digital channels.

Welsh will begin her new role remotely this week before returning to Canada in January and will report to Golf Canada’s Chief Operating Officer Garrett Ball. She takes over from former CPKC Women’s Open Tournament Director Ryan Paul who was appointed tournament director of the RBC Canadian Open in August.

The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be conducted August 19-24 for the first time at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.