The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Canada has released its latest research insights revealing a strong month for Canada’s golf industry.

Rounds Played Up Year-to-Date

For the third month in a row, rounds played nationally have risen compared to 2023, now up 4.8% year-to-date, demonstrating continued enthusiasm for golf across Canada. Atlantic Canada contributed significantly to this growth, with New Brunswick’s exceptional September rounds exceeding the national average by 12%. This boost helped Atlantic Canada surpass the national rounds average in September for the first time in five years. In Quebec, rounds played increased by a modest 1.8%, led by the Eastern Townships region, with a notable year-over-year jump of 46.8%, beating the national average by 24%.

 Improved September Weather Reduces Closures

September weather showed significant improvement over previous months in 2024, allowing operators to achieve higher weather impact scores and reducing the number of course closures. Year-to-date, coastal regions recorded the fewest closures, with slightly over a week of play lost. In contrast, Alberta faced 23 closures, equating to over three weeks of lost play. Central regions such as Ontario and the Prairies were close behind, reporting an average of 21 and 19 closures, respectively.

If you have any questions or would like more insights into the September 2024 Rounds Played and Weather Reports, please contact Al Helmer at ahelmer@ngcoa.ca.

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.

Rick Fesciuc, Royal Regina Golf Club, Hole #17

It was my first hole-in-one after 45 years of golf. I played with Larry Wagman and Ben Ryan. Hole #17 at the Royal Regina play at 144 yards from the silver tees and I used a 7 iron. So unexpected after playing quite poorly all day but one shot can make your round enjoyable.

Brian Damianidis, Summit Golf & Country Club, Hole #15

16 of us played in the “Black and Green” tournament that day. We played from the back in the morning and the front in the afternoon. This was my first hole-in-one. My wife, son and daughter all play golf and my daughter had her first hole-in-one at Summit Golf & Country Club a few years ago. Mine was a nice draw with an 8 iron to 150 yards. What’s even more amazing is another member of the tournament, Nick, was playing in the group ahead of us and got his first hole-in-one 15 minutes later on hole #17.

Charles Fitt, Salmon Arm Golf Club, Hole #5

It was a fun day! I was golfing with Gord Bell and hadn’t been out much. I was three over after three holes and my ball striking was awful, so I put away the Pro V’s and pulled out a Kirkland. I parred the difficult hole #4 and felt a little better. I ranged the pin on hole #5 at 147 yards. With the wind I decided a pitching wedge was the club of choice. I hit a perfect little draw that started at the middle of the green and moved towards the pin on the left. The ball landed about 10 inches long and spun back perfectly centre cup. I was actually in disbelief as I’d never had a hole-in-one previously. I hoped my eyes hadn’t deceived me, but sure enough there was the ball in the hole.

Cindy Gibson, The Hamptons Golf Club, Hole #12

It was very exciting! My golf partner was Jo-Ann Kolodychuk. It was 100 yards and I used my 8 iron. 

Kevin Fitzgerald, Heron Point Golf Links, Hole #11

Hole was 144 yards and I used a 7 iron. Played with Graham Abell, Steve Gendron and Gary James.

Catherine Dorman, Cobble Beach Golf Links, Hole #14

I was playing with Tim and Diane Packer, who are members and Mike Harris, CPGA member. Hole #14 was 117 yards and I used a 5 rescue.

Alana MacLeod, Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, Hole #2

I was playing with my fiend Shearon, just the two of us. It was a beautiful Fall day. Hole #2 is 83 yards from the red tees over water to the green. I used my 9 iron and it was a nice high ball flight. The ball landed next to the hole and immediately disappeared. I made the mistake of not taking the ball out of play immediately and lost it in the woods on the fourth hole. When I played the next day, I found the sacred ball. It’s ready for a display case now. What a joyful exciting experience. I have golfed for 25 years and this is my first hole-in-one.

David Raymer, Ballantrae Golf Club, Hole #4

I was playing with my regular Ballantrae group which includes Wayne Jackson, John Tardella and Bill Grove. Hole was 130 yards and used a pitching wedge. Also it was exactly four weeks after Wayne Jackson got a hole-in-one on hole #17 at Ballantrae Golf Club. It was his first hole-in-one. He waited until he was 74. We witnessed both together.

Geoffrey Osborne, Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club, Hole #9

I was playing with my father-in-law, Rob McConnell and his friends. Unfortunately, I was having a particularly challenging round. I can’t recall hitting a fairway leading up to hole #9 that morning. I decided to hit a low “fairway finder” half-swing with my trusty 4 iron. Somehow, it went in! It was a very special moment for both Rob and I, as he has also had a hole-in-one on the same hole. It was a very cool experience to share together. Rob and I were on opposing teams that morning, despite that, I remember him yelling, “go in for him” just before the ball sank into the cup. It was probably my only useful contribution to my partner Rob McClelland all day. But we had a lot of fun! It was a 190 yard, par 3.

Carl Culloty, Shelburne Golf & Country Club, Hole #9

My first ever hole-in-one. I was playing a weekly nine holes with my wife and kids. Amazing to have them there for such a cool moment and experience.

Hole #9, 130 yards to the pin, I hit a pitching wedge, two hops and it went in. None of us actually saw it going in because we were looking into the sun but there were people on the clubhouse balcony and they were jumping up and down.

In August 2023, the small town of Gladstone, Manitoba joined forces with the newly launched First Tee – Prairies program to create more accessible pathways to junior golf and make a positive impact on youth in their community.

Ivan Milne, the president of Gladstone Golf and Country Club, recognized the potential of First Tee – Prairies programming and was a huge part of bringing this initiative to life.

“I’ve always loved golf, and when I saw First Tee was coming to Canada, I knew it was something our community needed and could benefit from,” Milne shared.

The Westlake – Gladstone area has a population of 3,100 and faces unique challenges such as limited access to organized sports, proper equipment, and certified coaches.

That is where First Tee – Prairies stepped in.

There are currently six schools, Austin Elementary, Langruth Elementary, Plumas Elementary, Isaac Beaulieu Memorial School, Gladstone Elementary, and William Morton Collegiate, delivering First Tee – Prairies programming to students through their phys. Ed curriculum.

First Tee – Prairies provides online training for teachers, necessary equipment and turnkey lesson plans to deliver programming, all at no cost to the schools or participants.

Additionally, in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, Recreational Director and First Tee – Prairies coach, Jesse Spence, has witnessed firsthand the positive impact First Tee has made on the community.

“Being a part of this program is so rewarding,” said Spence. “Without First Tee, many kids would not be exposed to golf or think of golf as a sport for them. My goal is to introduce them to golf here at school and make it fun and inviting so that they want to try it again.”

Sandy Bay’s Councillor, Jason Starr, and Educational Director, Rene Roulette have also helped grow the program within Sandy Bay.

In addition to Spence, four other dedicated coaches from the Westlake – Gladstone area including Darcy Zairwney, Mirv Spence, Morris Pelletier and Jason Lucas attended First Tee coach training administered by the PGA of Canada this spring.

“This is different than your regular junior golf program, it’s bigger than golf,” said coach Zairwney. “Each lesson plan integrates valuable life lessons learned through golf. We discuss the value of honesty when teaching them about scoring, perseverance after you hit a bad shot, self-confidence to believe you can sink that putt, the importance of respect and etiquette on the course, and more.”

Gladstone Golf and Country Club offers registered on-course programming and field trips for local schools and community organizations.

“We hope that many children can call First Tee – Prairies and Gladstone Golf Club home,” said Milne. “We want to ensure that kids from all backgrounds feel welcome here and find a sense of comfort on the course.”

First Tee came to Canada in 2021 and is Golf Canada’s youth development program that provides life-enhancing experiences through golf to children from all backgrounds. First Tee – Prairies is one of six chapters operating programming in its respective regions across the country.

Although newer to the Prairies, First Tee has engaged over 30,000 youth with free golf programming since last summer, across nearly 40 program locations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

This is only the beginning of a lasting impact First Tee – Prairies aims to have on this community.

“Who knows, the next Brooke Henderson or Corey Conners may come out of Gladstone,” said Milne. “If not, hopefully we created a golfer for life, or at the very least provided a positive impact on a child’s development through the sport we love.”

The growth of First Tee across the Prairies is made possible by a network of generous individuals and corporations who champion youth. If you are interested in donating to help First Tee – Prairies’ mission, please click here.

Canadian golfers on tour have demonstrated exceptional skill and precision on the course this year. In this article, we’ll highlight the remarkable hole-in-ones scored by Canadian players during recent tournaments, celebrating their achievements.

Alena Sharp

• July 18, 2024
• Dana Open
• Highland Meadows Golf Club, Sylvania, OH
• Round 1, Hole #14

Alena Sharp on her hole-in-one:

“It was 165 yards. I hit a 6 iron. It landed on the front of the green and then rolled into the cup”

Maddie Szeryk

• August 17, 2024
• Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic
• Wildhorse Golf Course, Pendleton, OR
• Round 2, Hole #4
  

Sarah-Eve Rheaume

• June 14, 2024
• Peleton Glencoe Invitational
• The Glencoe Golf & Country Club, Calgary, AB.
• Round 1, Hole #13

Sarah-Eve Rheaume on her hole-in-one:

“On hole #13 of the Forest, front pin 101 yards I hit 54 degree. Landed probably like 6-8 feet past a little left and spun back right off that slope, just hit the flagstick and dropped. Was a pretty fun moment on a hard golf day for me. My first hole-in-one in a tournament and second one ever but first that I could actually see go in as my first was on an uphill par 3.”

Joey Savoie

• PGA TOUR Americas
• July 27, 2024
• Commissionaires Ottawa Open
• Eagle Creek Golf Club – Ottawa, ON.
• Round 3, Hole #15

Joey Savoie on his hole-in-one:

“I had just made birdie in the third round of the Ottawa Commissionaires Open and I arrived to hole #15. I was not having a particularly remarkable day at that point. It was slightly downwind, pin in the front, 186 yards and I took my 7 iron. I decided to hit a three quarter shot and as soon as it left the club face it was heading straight at it. As I stared it down, my playing partner Alex Weiss said in the air, “do it.” It landed about a yard in front of the flag and rolled in. Looking at the green, I saw the ball disappear and a volunteer raised in his two arms on the back of the green. I turned around to Alex while letting go of my 7 iron in celebration. We gave each other high fives, laughed and then proceeded to give high fives to my caddie, my friends and spectators around the tee box! Turned around the day and started my second hole of a 98 hole stretch without a bogey.”

Chris Crisologo

• PGA TOUR Americas
• August 15, 2024
• Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open
• Elk Ridge Resort
• Round 1, Hole #17

Chris Crisologo on his hole-in-one:

“134 yard 56 degree. It was downwind and downhill. Hit it into the slope behind and it spun back into the hole.”

Deadline of December 6 for Canadian golf community to submit nominations for Community Leader Award & Future Leader Award to recognize individuals’ impact through golf.

October 24, 2024 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that nominations for the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards are now being accepted through to Friday, December 6.

The inaugural Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were launched in the summer of 2022 and the Canadian golf community is invited to submit nominations for one of two signature recognitions – the Community Leader Award as well as the Future Leader Award.

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award celebrates individuals over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; who have contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or have showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

The recipient of the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of their choice.

To recognize youth who are making an impact in their community, the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award will honour an individual 19 years of age or younger who embodies community leadership; has a history of sportsmanship or demonstrated activities to make the game more inclusive; or an individual who has used golf to create a meaningful impact in their community.

The recipient of the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award will be awarded a $5,000 donation towards their post-secondary education.

The Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were named to honour the Canadian golf icon for a longstanding commitment to advancing the sport, charitable work and giving back to the game that defined her Hall of Fame career. Kane is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Canada Sports Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada.

“On behalf of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation, we are pleased to begin accepting nominations from the Canadian golf community for the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirt Awards,” said Golf Canada President David McCarthy. “Lorie Kane is a Canadian golf icon who has given back so much to numerous communities across Canada through her charitable work. She is a role model to many and has made significant contributions to the continued growth of our sport. We look forward to recognizing individuals who share a similar commitment with their positive contributions to the game in their communities.”

In 2022, Fareen Samij of Burlington, Ont. and Bob Beauchemin of Brampton, Ont. were named the inaugural co-recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

A five-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive champion and former golf touring professional, Samij is a respected entrepreneur, speaker, and author who founded the Smashing the Grass Ceiling golf program to engage women and young girls to connect and be inspired on the golf course.

Beauchemin, a PGA of Canada professional and Head Teaching Professional at Oakdale Golf and Country Club, was nominated for his efforts to advance junior golf including First Tee Canada, as well as his mentorship to countless golf industry professionals through the Humber College Professional Golf Management Program.

In 2023, Simeon Pompey of Montréal, Que. and Rosie Allen of Corner Brook, Nfld. were named the 2023 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

Pompey earned the 2023 Lorie Kane Community Leader Award for his long-time support of First Tee which led him to be at the heart of the program’s success in Montréal since the launch of First Tee – Premier départ Quebec in 2021. He has also played a key role in the launch of golf programming in the Indigenous community of Kahnawake, on the south shore of Montréal.

Allen was the recipient of the 2023 Lorie Kane Future Leader Award. She played an instrumental leadership role in helping to develop the First Tee – Canada program at her home course, Blomidon Golf Club in Corner Brook, Nfld. Allen has devoted her time to First Tee programming as well as helping to plan and run events for her club’s junior girls’ program.

The Canadian golf community is invited to submit individual nominations for the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards through an online nomination form. The nomination period will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, December 6.

Click here to nominate an individual for the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award.

Click here to nominate an individual for the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award.

At the conclusion of the nomination period, all Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award submissions will be compiled and evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.

Oakville, Ont. – Golf Canada is proud to announce the names of 29 amateur athletes named to the 2025 men’s and women’s Team Canada and Team Canada – NextGen squads.

Golf Canada’s National Team program supports a group of experienced amateurs on the path towards playing professional golf along with a group of young professional golfers building their careers as touring pros. The program provides individualized training and competition support with a goal to help advance 30 Canadian athletes to the LPGA and PGA TOUR by 2032.

Athletes are selected based on results from the previous season (September 2023-August 2024), with the Team Canada – NextGen program also considering performance at Golf Canada’s annual Selection Camps. Professional players that will be part of the 2025 Team Canada squad will be announced at a later date, upon the completion of Qualifying Tournaments.

“Golf Canada is proud to announce the amateur athletes that will be part of our 2025 Team Canada and Team Canada – NextGen squads and we look forward to supporting their continued development in the journey to competing on the LPGA and PGA TOUR,” said Emily Phoenix, Director, High Performance, Golf Canada. “Our collective heartfelt thanks as well to the generous Golf Canada Foundation donors who continue to support the player development program as well as our corporate partners who play a critical role in allowing Canada’s top golfing athletes to compete at the highest levels of our sport.”

National Team coaches work with Team Canada athletes and their personal support teams to develop annual training plans and identify areas to impact athlete growth in all areas of their game. Athletes are also supported by a comprehensive sport science team that includes mental performance, physical conditioning, and mental health supports. Players are brought together regularly for training camps with national team coaches and sport science staff. The Team Canada – NextGen program also supports juniors and young amateurs who are pursuing collegiate golf as a competitive pathway.

The coaching staff for the men’s and women’s Team Canada squads will return in full for the 2025 season. Team Canada – Men will be led by Derek Ingram (Winnipeg, Man.) and Assistant Coaches Louis Melanson (Moncton, N.B.) and Benoit Lemieux (Montréal, Que.). They will be joined by Mental Performance Coach Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood (Winnipeg, Man.) and Strength & Conditioning Coach Greg Redman (Kelowna, B.C.). Team Canada Women will be led by Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach Salimah Mussani (Vancouver, B.C.) along with Associate Coach Jennifer Greggain (Vancouver, B.C.), Strength & Conditioning Coach Andrea Kosa (Calgary, Alta.) and and a mental performance coach that will be added following an ongoing recruitment process. 

The Team Canada – Women’s and Men’s squads provide support to developing professionals and amateur players who are on track to turn professional in the near future. The Women’s Amateur Team is led by 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur champion, Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C. Kim won The Peloton Glencoe Invitational as part of the She Plays Golf Championship Series this summer, earning a spot in the field at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open. Katie Cranston and Nicole Gal, both of Oakville, Ont. return for their fifth seasons with the program. Lauren Zaretsky of Thornhill, Ont. returns for her fourth season while there are three newcomers for 2025. Tillie Claggett (Calgary, Alta.) joins the team and is in her Junior year at Vanderbilt University. Making the jump up from Team Canada – NextGen (Girls) are Vanessa Borovilos (Etobicoke, Ont.) and Vanessa Zhang (Vancouver, B.C.). Both Borovilos and Zhang were part of Team Canada’s historical win at the 2023 World Junior Girls Golf Championship. Borovilos is in her first year at Texas A&M University, while Zhang finished T3 at the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship this summer and is currently in her first year at Harvard University.

The 2025 Men’s squad will be composed of a group of professionals to be named later in 2024 and features two amateurs, 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion, Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. and Hunter Thomson of Calgary, Alta. This past season, McCulloch won the Johnnie-O at Sea Island as well as finishing as runner-up at the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and third at the inaugural Canadian Collegiate Invitational. McCulloch, a Senior at Michigan State University, also competed at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open and the 2024 U.S. Open. Thomson won individual honours at the 2024 Canadian Collegiate Invitational earning an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open. Thomson also won the Palmas del Mar Collegiate tournament in February and moves up from the NextGen squad to the Men’s Team for 2025.

Team Canada – Women

Professionals to be added following LPGA Q-Series.

Team Canada – Men

 Professionals to be added following PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry.

The Team Canada – NextGen coaching staff is led by Boys Head Coach Robert Ratcliffe (Qualicum Beach, B.C.) and Assistant Coach Darcy Dhillon (Calgary, Alta.). They will be joined by Mental Performance Coach Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons (King, Ont.) and Strength & Conditioning Coach Dr. Mike Kay (Phoenix, AZ).

Jeff MacDonald (Chester, N.S.) has been promoted to Team Canada – NextGen Girls Head Coach and will be supported by Assistant Coach Jennifer Ha (Calgary, Alta.). Over the past two years, MacDonald has led Team Canada to back-to-back podium finishes at the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, winning in 2023 and finishing as runners-up earlier this month. They will be joined by Mental Performance Coach Justin Fredette (Winnipeg, Man.) and Strength and Conditioning Coach Dr. Emily Wiggin (Dartmouth, N.S.). Tristian Mullally of Dundas, Ont. will continue as the Head of National Talent Identification overseeing the national talent identification system that was established in 2022. In this role, Mullally provides support to a promising group of younger junior golfers (11 – 16 years old) and their existing coaching teams to grow the pool of future Team Canada prospects.

Team Canada – NextGen (Boys) features four returning players including 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship winner, Isaiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont., Golf Ontario Men’s Amateur and Golf Ontario Spring Classic winner Matthew Javier of North York, Ont., B.C. Amateur back-to-back winner Cooper Humphreys from Vernon, B.C. and Ethan Wilson of St. Albert, Alta. They will be joined by six newcomers who were all victorious this season including Charlie Gillespie of Calgary, Alta. (NextGen Western Championship), Antoine Jasmin of Blainville, Que. (Golf Performance Center Killington Junior Golf Championship), Austin Krahn of Christina Lake, B.C. (Team Canada – NextGen Selection Camp, B.C. Indigenous Championship, B.C. Junior Boys Championship), Braxton Kuntz of Winnipeg, Man. (Manitoba Men’s Amateur Championship), Justin Matthews of Little Britain, Ont. (RBC Canadian Open Ontario Regional Qualifier) and Jager Pain from Woodbridge, Ont. (NextGen Ontario Championship).

Team Canada – NextGen (Girls) features five members of Team Canada from the 2024 World Junior Girls Golf Championship. Shauna Liu from Maple, Ont., captured the title at the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO and the Team Canada -NextGen Selection Camp tournament to secure her place on the 2025 NextGen squad. Liu added a third title of the year at the AJGA’s CDW Girls Junior All-Star Championship. Joining Liu are her World Junior Girls Team Canada teammates Clairey Lin of Langley, B.C. and Aphrodite Deng of Calgary, Alta. Both Lin and Deng have won twice this season on the AJGA. Nobelle Park of Oakville, Ont. joins the program after winning ten tournaments this season including the inaugural U15 Canadian Championship and three Ontario provincial titles. Park was part of Team Canada 2 at the WJG Golf Championship. Teammate Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta. returns for her second year in the program and won the NextGen Pacific Championship and once on the AJGA. Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. returns for her second year and won four times in 2024 including the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship as part of the She Plays Golf Championship Series, the NextGen Ontario Championship and two AJGA tournaments. Two other players return this year including Anna Huang of Vancouver, B.C. and Swetha Sathish of Oakville, Ont. Two new additions include two-time AJGA winner, Clara Ding of White Rock, B.C. and Ruihan Kendria Wang of Vancouver, B.C. who won once on the AJGA in 2024, and finished T3 at the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO.

Team Canada – NextGen (Boys)

Team Canada – NextGen (Girls)

For full Team Canada athlete and coach bios along with additional information, please click here.

Team Canada is proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Hilton, Puma, Foresight, Golf Canada Foundation and Sport Canada.

2024 was a year of evolution and growth for Golf Canada’s She Plays Golf festival and the related Championship Series.

Fuelled by a successful pilot across the city of Calgary in June of 2023, She Plays Golf expanded to two further sites – BC and Ontario – in 2024. June and July saw a total of 23 events at 18 golf facilities across the cities of Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto.

When all was said and done, She Plays Golf reached over 800 Women and Girls from coast to coast. This included:

585 direct participants in festival programming, of which 152 were junior girls. 61 volunteers and 28 coaches had the opportunity to make their mark as well, introducing women and girls to the sport and supporting all facets of the operation.

A further 170 female players partook in the She Plays Golf Championship Series, with six being granted exemption into the CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club.

Festival programming was carefully designed to deliver a safe, welcoming and judgment-free environment for female players right from first picking up a club, and the championship series was intended to address gaps in the high-performance area of the participation pathway.

“I was very impressed with the quality of the event – from how well organized it was, to the quality of instruction, to the extent of the volunteers and how friendly and supportive they were” – Tanya Kensington, Vancouver.

While much of the core tenants remained intact from the original 2023 festival, there were a handful of notable additions for 2024.  

The She Plays Golf Championship series was a compelling introduction in 2024. Like with the Glencoe Invitational in the 2023 pilot, each festival was anchored by a 54-hole women’s golf championship, with a field of 60 professionals and elite amateurs. They included the GOLFBC Group BC Women’s Open at Pitt Meadows Golf Club and the Ororo Women’s Championship of Canada at TPC Toronto. These two championships, along with the 2024 Glencoe Invitational, formed the inaugural She Plays Golf Championship series and constituted the high-performance portion of the festival. She Plays Golf festival participants at each site were extended invitations to the final round of their local tournament, allowing them to witness the skill level of the women competing.

The top two finishers at each of the series stops received an exemption into the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open. All six were Team Canada members– Lauren Kim (A) and Anna Huang (A) at the Calgary event, Ellie Szeryk and Brooke Rivers in Vancouver and Michelle Xing (A) and Katie Cranston (A) in Toronto.

Also new for 2024 was the introduction of the RBC Women’s Leadership Networking Series. Each event was held at an indoor golf facility within the three festival regions, providing participants with an opportunity to gain insight from fellow female leaders via panel discussions and to build connections through golf in an enjoyable, low-pressure environment. The overarching theme was networking through the sport and instilling confidence to participate in future corporate golf events. 250 female leaders participated across the three sites, along with an impressive selection of moderators and panelists throughout the Canadian sport industry. 

After a successful scramble event during the 2023 pilot, the Learn to Scramble events were also implemented in 2024 at all three festival sites. The initiative was designed to allow female golfers to transition from the Try Golf stage to the golf course in a low-pressure, 9-hole team scramble. Each Learn to Scramble session took place on a Par-3 Course with volunteers on each hole to support participants with rules and course etiquette, and encourage skill and confidence building alongside peers at a similar golf level.

“This event was absolutely First Class. I’m so happy I got the opportunity to attend, and wouldn’t hesitate to attend a future event. Loved it” – Julie Ingram, Vancouver.

For the second consecutive year, the Calgary festival hosted a Women in Golf Leadership Luncheon, bringing together industry leaders for an afternoon of networking, brainstorming and community-building.

Following the lead of the pilot festival in 2023, each 2024 site featured 2-3 Jr. Girls Tee it Up and Women’s Try Golf clinics. Each beginner golf clinic. included programming tailored to junior girls and adult women respectively, introducing the fundamental skills of putting, chipping and full swing in a fun and social setting. Community partners such as Girls in Sport and Fast and Female were brought into Jr. Girls Tee it Up sessions to focus on the importance of participation in sport as a means of building confidence and self esteem.

“This was a very fun experience for my daughter and great for her to play golf with other girls!” – Jennifer Klinger, Calgary.

The first multi-festival season brought forth an influx of positive feedback and takeaways. Post event survey results indicated that clinics were successful in terms of creating a welcoming, judgment free environment where participants were able to give the sport a try and connect with other women. 98% of participants polled stated that they felt comfortable and welcome at She Plays Golf events.

In addition to providing a positive experience, the festival was also successful in terms of securing future interest in the sport. 76% of respondents indicated that they would be very likely to participate in golf post-event, while 77% would be very likely to attend a future She Plays Golf festival. A further 60% of participants felt they connected with other participants during or after the event they attended, speaking to the effectiveness of the community building element of She Plays Golf.

“This was truly a special event. Golf has been so insular and exclusionary for so long that seeing events like this to change the narrative and expand the game is so important in developing the growth of the game and the world in general. So I thank you so much for putting this together, I can see how much this means to these women,” Jamaal Edwards, Ontario.

Looking ahead to 2025, the program rollout in 2024 opens the door to continued growth, including opportunities to add festival sites, engage provincial golf associations and member clubs, introduce merchandise and continuing to build a community of female golfers and industry leaders in Canada.

Be sure to follow Golf Canada socials to remain up to date on exciting announcements for 2025.

Located on the shores of Lac St-Jean, Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac has been a proud First Tee – Premier départ Québec location for three consecutive years.

Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac partnered with First Tee – Premier départ Québec in 2021 to provide accessible pathways to golf and make a positive impact on youth in their community. Since launching, Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac has engaged over 140 First Tee participants.

First Tee – Premier départ Québec strives to break down typical barriers of participation such as affordability, transportation and perception or unfamiliarity of golf. By partnering with golf courses, schools, community centres in underrepresented areas across the province, First Tee – Premier départ Québec reaches a diverse range of golfers and provides a welcoming and empowering golf experience.

Special to this location, all participants can put skills they have learned to the test and experience two rounds of golf at a nearby par 3, 9-hole course, for no extra cost. Thanks to the generous support of Canadian Tire Jump Start, First Tee – Premier départ Québec provides transportation from Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac to the par 3 golf course for all participants.

The impact of First Tee would not be possible without the dedication of coaches striving to make a difference in children’s lives. Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac has four First Tee Level II trained coaches who serve as incredible role models.

“I’m passionate about the values First Tee – Premier départ Québec teaches children,” said First Tee – Premier départ Québec Coach, Lucas Dupérré Vanden Hecke, who has been a part of the program for over three years. “They learn how to handle challenges and setbacks, which are valuable lessons both on and off the golf course. I’ve seen kids grow in so many ways — physically, emotionally, and socially.”

First Tee – Premier départ Québec has close to 100 program locations at golf courses, schools and community centres across the province, with a dedicated staff of over 45 coaches and volunteers.

“Our focus is to create an environment where kids can discover the joys of golf, build lasting friendships, and continue to develop valuable life skills that extend far beyond the golf course,” said First Tee – Premier départ Québec Program Coordinator, Giana Veneziano. “It’s about encouraging their excitement for golf while equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life.”

Looking ahead, First Tee – Premier départ Québec and Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac aim to provide local schools with field trips to the course and host no-cost events to introduce more children to the sport.

The reach of First Tee – Premier départ Québec across the province, and the community of Lac St-Jean, is made possible by a generous network of supporters who believe and share the mission of championing youth and growing the game of golf.

To get involved in your community, or to donate to First Tee – Premier départ Québec, please visit https://firstteequebec.ca/en/giving/.

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.

Shaun Denholm, Cornwall Golf and Country Club, Hole #18

I was playing with Kibby Lutz, Tilton Donahee and Andre Poirier. It happened on hole #18 at Cornwall Golf and Country Club, a 135 yard, par 3 with a 7 iron. Pitched on front of green and rolled 12 feet into the hole.

Kelly Bleau, Storey Creek Golf Club, Hole #13

My first ever hole-in-one at Storey Creek Golf Course. Hole #13 from about 108 yards out and I used an 8 iron. I was playing with Shelly Boates and Laurel Scott. As the ball hit the fringe of the green and started to roll toward the pin we started yelling for it to go in, and it did, prompting a fair amount of celebration on the tee box!

Jacob Robinson, Sturgeon Valley Golf & Country Club, Hole #12

I was playing in the final of our season long match with my partner Stu Murphy. It was on hole #12 from 169 yards. I hit an 8 iron and was lucky enough to see it one hop into the hole.

Anthony Squarciotta, Scarlett Woods Golf Club, Hole #5

It was truly an astonishing day. Played 36 holes that day. My first 18 holes was at Don Valley, finished around 1:20 pm and decided to check the tee sheet at Scarlett Woods (haven’t played any city courses up to this point, other than Dentonia). I got the 2:40 pm tee time and headed on down to Scarlett Woods. Joined as a single, played with three others. Walking up to the fifth, the wind was pretty calm. 97 yards to the pin from the back tees, hit a perfect 58 degree wedge, one hopped, side spin and the ball disappeared. A lot of disbelief but it was amazing. My group were mostly beginners so they thought they had to buy me drinks, sadly I had to treat!

Paul Leslie, Cordova Bay Golf Course, Hole #4

Hole #4 at Cordova Bay Golf Course is a moderately downhill par 3. On this day it was playing 176 yards to a pin cut in the centre right side of the green. I hit a 5 iron well but not pure directly at the pin. It took two hops on the front of the green and tracked directly into the hole. I saw the ball disappear but refused to believe it was in the hole until I confirmed it was in the bottom of the cup. I’m only a tiny bit superstitious but what a day to score my first hole-in-one! My playing parters on the day were Lindsay Hall and Owen Taylor.

Bilal Haffejee, Lake Joseph Golf Club, Hole #15

Hole #15, scoped at 176 yards and used a 6 iron. Played with and witnessed by Paul Laverne and Bob Mongia.

Chris Wheaton, Memramcook (Parc de la Vallee de), Hole #17

I was golfing with my 13-year-old son Liam. It was on hole #17 at the Memramcook Valley Golf Course. I hit an 8 iron from 165 yards, a slight draw that slammed into the hole on the second bounce. Liam was so excited that he sprinted to the green to make sure it was in the hole! What made it even cooler is that it helped me play my best round of the year, a two under 70. It was also the first time this year I beat Liam, who shot 72. Super special moment to have him witness it.

Matthew Abrahams, Bayview Golf & Country Club, Hole #12

The hole was 204 yards and I used a 5 iron. I was playing with my dad and Riley O’Brien. The crazy coincidence is that my dad, who has been playing golf for 30+ years, got his first hole-in-one a few months ago on the same hole! 

Jess Murray, CFB Borden Golf Club, Hole #11

I was playing as part of the LPGA Amateur – Barrie Chapter league. This round was our final round of the season, so it was well timed to get a hole-in-one and with a great group of women. Hole #11 at Borden was playing about 134 yards from the red tees and I played my Titliest 8 iron. While we thought the ball went in the hole, we weren’t sure until we walked up (it was very sunny). I had a few spectators, including a group of men that came over from the 14th green, which was fun. We had peach schnapps to celebrate (not my drink of choice but Kim my playing partner had some, so thanks Kim!)

Fraser MacKenzie, Islington Golf Club, Hole #10

My first hole-in-one was on hole #10 at Islington Golf Club which just so happens to be the club I work at as an assistant professional! I was playing with my best friend who moved to Florida about two years ago to become a commercial pilot. We grew up playing golf together which made this moment even more special. Hole #10 at Islington, in my opinion, is one of the best par three’s in the Greater Toronto Area. It was playing 225 yards which is a perfect number for my 4 iron, sure enough it was the perfect shot and ended up dropping in the cup with my boss on the patio hearing the whole thing. Very surreal experience and a moment I will remember forever!

Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada have launched a new online coaching module, “Introducing Golf to Individuals with Disabilities.”

The development and roll-out of the new coaching module is part of a shared commitment from both organizations to promote a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment across Canadian golf.

As part of this commitment, the PGA of Canada and Golf Canada are also collaborated with EDGA (formerly the European Disabled Golf Association) to provide coach training that will demystify adaptive golf.

The “Introducing Golf to Individuals with Disabilities” module will assist PGA of Canada golf instructors and other trained individuals, coaches, and health practitioners in creating inclusive programs that welcome individuals with disabilities into introductory golf experiences. The coaching module will guide instructors in designing adaptive programs, modifying golf equipment and activities to meet participants’ needs, and communicating effectively and respectfully with and about individuals with disabilities.

The module is designed for golf instructors and coaches, healthcare professionals, community leaders, parents, volunteers, and golfers.

“Through this coach training module, Golf and Canada and our partners at the PGA of Canada are eager to increase support for golfers of all abilities and make our sport more inclusive for all Canadians,” said Laura Wilson, Director of Inclusion Programs and Safe Sport for Golf Canada. “The contents of the module have been thoughtfully constructed with objectives and learning outcomes to help provide coach training towards an inclusive golf experience for individuals with disabilities.”

The goal of the module is directed three-fold towards golf instructors, healthcare professionals and volunteers: To increase the inclusivity and adaptiveness of golf programs for individuals with disabilities; utilize adaptive golf opportunities for rehabilitation activities; and provide an introductory pathway for individuals to support at introductory golf clinics and first involvement programs for participant with disabilities. 

Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada wish to recognize the Government of Canada and their support in providing funding for the coaching module through the Community Sport for All Initiative which seeks to remove barriers and increase sport participation rates for underrepresented groups. Its key objective is to support community sport initiatives for equity-deserving groups, particularly Black, Indigenous,  2SLGBTQI+, and newcomers to increase participation and retention in sport.

The module content was written by Katherine Hale, Golf Canada’s Manager of Inclusion Programs, and a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competency. It  was produced in partnership with the PGA of Canada, whose teaching and coaching programs are widely respected around the world.

The “Introducing Golf to Individuals with Disabilities” coaching module can be accessed by clicking here.