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.

Bryon Baker, Lacombe Golf & Country Club, Hole #3

What a day it was, this is my first hole-in-one too! I was playing with my buddy Chris Hillier at Lacombe Golf & Country Club. It was on hole #3, 125 yards and I used a 50 degree gap wedge. The cool part about the day is we were videoing our round for my YouTube channel. You can find the video of the hole-in-one here.

Pam Simpson, Country Hills Golf Club, Hole #16

I was playing with my husband, Robert Simpson, and another member of Country Hills, Ava Broderick. It was a short par 3 with a front pin placement, so the hole was probably under 105 yards. I used my 5 hybrid which is more club than most people would use, but The Talons hole #16 has been my nemesis hole this year. Lots of balls in the pond and in the front right bunker. If I got over the pond, the ball would roll down from the edge of the green down into the pond. I had one ball hit a rock on the edge of the pond and take a hard left across the cart path landing in a five inch strip between the cart path and the red line marking the penalty area. I even had one tee shot hit a water pump on the edge of the pond and take a left into the penalty area. Fortunately, our superintendent said I did not damage the pump. Needless to say, making a hole-in-one gave me a great deal of pleasure.

Zack Mulvale, Blue Springs Golf Club, Hole #5

Was on hole #5 which was 154 yards and I used an 8 iron. Was playing with Matt Marineau and a member at Blue Springs Golf Club, his name was Jimmy.

Al Zimmerman, Abercrombie Country Club, Hole #5

Hole #5 was a 135 yard, par 3. I used a Callaway Big Bertha 7 iron and a Callaway yellow Supersoft ball. My playing partners were Clem Benteau, John and Mary Acres.

Barry Spratt, West Haven Golf & Country Club, Hole #6

After 50+ years of attempting to hole out on thousands of par 3’s it finally occurred on hole #6 at the West Haven Golf & Country Club playing with Carl Cammaert, Terry Whalen and Jim Carmichael. A newcomer to the bag, a Wilson Staff D7 28 degree hybrid was used. The Taylormade TP5 ball travelled 173 yards with a soft bounce and rolled 10 feet into the cup. Now working on my second!

Josh Huisman, Cambridge Golf Club, Hole #5

My Father, our friend Andre, and a random Cambridge Golf Club member were playing the white tees at Cambridge Golf Club. On hole #5 we were 147 yards out and I used my nine iron. From the tees I couldn’t see the hole, but I knew my shot would be close. As we walked up, we couldn’t see my ball and began to wonder if I had hit a hole-in-one. Sure enough my ball was in the hole! I also shot my lowest round to date with a 79.

Shawn Kasaboski, Deep River Golf Club, Hole #7

I’ve only ever witnessed one other hole-in-one about four years ago. It is something which was on my bucket list, but never fathomed it would happen. I was playing with my lifelong friend Todd Chaput who has one hole-in-one and another friend I golf with, Eric Senohrabek, who does not have one.

I was first to tee off on our hole #7 from the white tee’s. I took a brand new Titleist Pro V1 out of the sleeve. I always play a 4 iron from this tee block. It was 216 yards on my scope. I got it, we watched it fly over a bunker and then rolled up onto the green and all we saw was it stop. My friend Todd says, “did it go in?” Eric immediately scoped it and he said I see it but it must have stopped directly in front of the hole. I took off with my cart and I was checking with my scope as I drove towards the green. I could see the ball partially and when I got to the green, there was my ball, half way in the hole with the flag stick pinching it up against the inside of the cup.

I collapsed on the green screaming. I looked over at the driving range and there was about six folks hitting balls and they were all staring at me. Some said they thought I had taken a heart attack. Eric and Todd were making their way to the green and I yelled, “it’s in the cup.” Todd yelled back, “don’t touch it, take pictures.” So after several pictures, high fives and fist pumps, my friend said, okay, just touch the flag pole, and “plop.” To hear that sound is something I’m never going to forget. I also had a stroke five years ago at age 50 and had to learn to walk again. I took up golf seriously as it helped my with my balance and stamina. Now I have a story to tell for the remainder of my life.

Elizabeth Young, The Glencoe Golf & Country Club, Hole #12

I was playing with three others, Judy Forshner who happens to be our Director of Golf at the Glencoe Golf and Country Club, Barb Widdowson and Judy Peacock. I was playing the Slopes/Bridges combination from the gold tees. It was a par 3, measuring on the Bridges course, 78 yards. It was in the back corner. I played a Callaway pitching wedge. I must say it was perfect, landed short and rolled to the hole. This is my fourth hole-in-one. It was a lovely sunny day, I was playing well, being totally inspired by the play of our Director of Golf.

Chantal Balash, Sandpiper Golf & Country Club, Hole #4

I was golfing with my 23-year old-son and we were paired with two men that were regulars on that course. We were playing from the yellow tees. This happened on hole #4, a 130 yard, par 3. I used my 6 hybrid to tee off. We were facing the sun set and I didn’t see it go in. The one gentleman that we were paired with later said he thought he saw it roll in but didn’t say anything because he was unsure. After everyone tee’d off and were on the green, we went to putt. I couldn’t find my ball and the same gentleman walked to the hole and said, “I figured it went in!” Was quite the celebratory moment with high fives all around.

Rick Shrum, Galt Country Club, Hole #8

I joined a twosome from the club, Kevin and Brian were their names I believe. It was on hole #8 at Galt Country Club, a 182 yard, par 3. I used a 6 iron.

Five members of Team Canada NextGen Girls team finish in the top four; Jager Pain finishes T3 in Boys competition

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – Clara Ding defeated Michelle Xing on the second playoff hole to win the 2024 Elite Invitational at Marsh Landing Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. on Sunday.

Ding, 13, of White Rock, B.C. fired rounds of 67-72-71-210 to sit at 6-under for the tournament and jumped into a playoff with her Team Canada NextGen teammate Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. who posted rounds of 69-72-69-210. After trading pars on the opening playoff hole, Ding tapped in for par on the second playoff hole to earn her third victory on the year having won the Lake Charles AJGA Jr. and RLX Ralph Lauren Jr. titles this year.

Xing who finished as runner-up was in search of her fifth title of the year. Aphrodite Deng of Calgary, Alta. finished in third at 3-under following rounds of 71-70-72-213. Nobelle Park of Oakville, Ont. and Anna Huang of Vancouver, B.C. finished tied for fourth at 2-under.

In addition, Team Canada NextGen members Clairey Lin of Langley, B.C. finished T7 at 1-under. Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont. finished 15th at 4-over, Swetha Sathish of Oakville, Ont. finished T18 at 6-over, Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta. finished 23rd at 9-over and Ruihan Kendria Wang of Vancouver finished T30 at 14-over.

In the Boys competition, Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. and Austin Krahn of Christina Lake were the lone Team Canada NextGen Boys team members competing. Pain finished the tournament at 3-under to finish T3 following rounds of 70-68-69-207, finishing four back of the winner, while Krahn finished T42 at 11-over.

For the final leaderboards, click here for the Girls Leaderboard and click here for the Boys Leaderboard.

Richard T. Lee finally ended his long and frustrating seven-year wait for a third victory on the Asian Tour today when he recorded a fine four-shot wire-to-wire win at the BNI Indonesian Masters.

After dozens of opportunities to win again following his success at the 2017 Shinhan Donghae Open he was relieved to prevail here at Royale Jakarta Golf Club after firing a closing two-under-par 70 for a four-round total of 23-under.

Chinese-Taipei’s Chang Wei-lun and Phachara Khongwatmai from Thailand secured second place, after both carding 64s.

Zimbabwean Kieran Vincent finished fourth, a shot further back, following a 67.

Richard T. Lee. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Lee was six in front at the start of day and in cruise control after lying seven ahead at the turn. A one-and-a-half-hour weather delay, which began when he was on hole 10 failed to unsettle him, before an unexpected double-bogey on the 16^th, where he took two to get out of a greenside bunker and missed a six-foot bogey putt, led momentarily to some uncertainty. It meant his lead was cut to four over Chang, who was in the clubhouse, but he steadied the ship with a brave five-foot putt for par on the next hole followed by a par on the last.

“It’s been a while,” said an elated Lee, who turned 33 last Tuesday.

“The last one was 2017 and it was at one of the courses that I like to play on. This is one of the courses that I really like to play as well. I had a good finish here last year and had a good chance to win it. I think I know the course pretty well, and I feel like I can defend my trophy next year.

“I just switched putters, I think, three weeks ago and it’s really working. I mean, it’s built my confidence up a lot, and I think if I just maintain that putting, I think I’ll play pretty well in the next few events.”

The victory continued a brilliant run of form as he tied for second in last week’s International Series Thailand, finished joint ninth in the Black Mountain Championship, and came home in equal 10^th at the Yeangder TPC.

Richard T. Lee. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

He was also third in the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in May and has eight top 15 finishes in 11 starts this season.

He added: “I did feel pressure. I haven’t been in last group for a while and playing with two-time US Masters Bubba Watson also added to it. When I doubled 16 I told myself to pull things together and finish well.”

It is Lee’s first victory on The International Series, as this week’s event is the seventh of 10^th stops on the Series – the multi-million-dollar tournaments that earns The International Series Rankings winner a place on the ensuing season’s LIV Golf League.

Lee is now very much in contention to achieve that after moving to second place on both The International Series Rankings and the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

American John Catlin, who closed with a 69 here and tied for sixth, leads both rankings.

For Lee it is all a lifetime away for a player who played in the 2007 US Open as a 16-year-old, shot an opening round 79, was forced to withdraw due to a wrist injury, and turned professional straight after that week. It wasn’t until 2013 that he surfaced on the Asian Tour, finishing second at Qualifying School, before winning for the first time at the following year’s Solaire Open in the Philippines.

Chang Wei-lun. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

He becomes the fourth player to win from start to finish this season. Catlin was the first at the Saudi Open presented by PIF, before Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai did so at the Yeangder TPC and his countryman Rattanon Wannasrichan at the SJM Macao Open, later in the year.

For Lee’s Malaysian caddie Eddy the victory meant a double celebration as his brother Agus was on the bag for Chinese-Taipei’s Lee Chieh-po when he claimed last weekend’s International Series Thailand.

Chang and Phachara both enjoyed far away their best performances of the season. For Chang it is particularly important as he was 97^th on the Asian Tour Merit list.

“I did better than I expected,” said Chang, who moved up into 27^th on the Merit list.

“My goal was to finish inside top-10, top-five would be a bonus but now I should be inside top-three! Wasn’t even thinking of catching Richard as I know he has a good game and is leading by so much. Very happy with the way I played. To be honest, the pressure of keeping my card coming into this week was quite big as I don’t have many events left to play. But I told myself to stay focused and keep working hard. I’m glad it paid off. Seeing Lee Chieh-po win last week was a huge motivation as well.”

Said Phachara: “You know, starting on 11 under today and then I just went to play, made a lot of birdies, and made a lot of long putts. Now my golf is coming back to basics.”

The Asian Tour heads to the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open the week after next, where Suteepat will attempt to defend his title. The US$400,000 event tees off at Taifong Golf Club on November 17.

Four more events remain on the Asian Tour this season, and three on The International Series. The PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers is the final event of the year.

Yeji Kwon’s life is unusual, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The 18-year-old Kwon has spent the past five months on the road with her parents, playing golf on the Women’s All Pro Tour, sharpening her skills to become Canada’s next top player. That hard work paid off last week as she was the top Canadian at the qualifying stage of the LPGA Tour’s Q-Series, tying for 10th to advance to the final level.

“Definitely different from regular teenagers who go to school every day,” said Kwon on Wednesday from her home in Port Coquitlam, B.C. “I’m definitely missing out on that side but I’ve gotten used to it, and honestly, I love this life. 

“I travel with my parents everywhere, we take the van, and I’ve had a lot of fun this summer. It’s been busy, it’s been very busy, but I’ve been enjoying every single moment of it.”

The qualifying stage at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla., was certainly a highlight.

Kwon had a rough start to the four-round tourney on Oct. 22, shooting a 2-over 74 on the club’s Panther Course. But she bounced back the second day, reeling off five consecutive birdies to finish the day with an 8-under 64 card on the Bobcat Course.

“Going into the first round, I was definitely a little bit more nervous. I had a lot more thoughts going on,” said Kwon, noting she was more comfortable in the second round. “I was a lot more confident. I wasn’t thinking a lot. 

“I wasn’t hitting the ball really, really great, but my putting was amazing. I was making everything from almost everywhere, and made almost every par save.”

She then had a 3-under third round and a 1-under fourth round to finish 10-under overall. That put her four shots back of co-winners Mimi Rhodes of England and French amateur Adela Cernousek.

“Yeji came in very prepared, had spent lots of time playing the courses and getting used to them leading up to the event,” said Salimah Mussani, Golf Canada’s women’s head coach, who was in attendance at Plantation. “She has always been a very composed golfer, from watching over the last couple years.

“She carries herself with a high sense of confidence, and complements that with a strong work ethic.”

Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont., Maddie Szeryk of London, Ont., and Josee Doyon of St-Georges-de-Beauce, Que., tied for 31st at 4-under overall. All four Canadians will play in the LPGA Tour’s Q-Series final stage on Dec. 5-9 at Magnolia Grove Golf Club in Mobile, Ala.

“It’s super cool, because obviously, all these girls I look up to and you’re going to advance the final stage along with them,” said Kwon. “It means a lot.

“I’m not really gonna think much about it, though, just play my own game.”

Mussani said she has high hopes for Kwon, who is a member of Golf Canada’s 2024 NextGen girls team.

“To continue to grow, continue to develop her skills and learn more about herself,” said Mussani in text messages to The Canadian Press. “She is still quite young, so I hope she finds time to enjoy her youth as well, while also following her dreams and working towards her goals.”

Golf Canada is committed to ensuring that golf reflects the strengths of Canada’s diversity. First Tee – Ontario continues to strengthen its allyship and existing bonds with Indigenous communities across the province to collaboratively provide meaningful experiences to Indigenous youth through golf.

To date, First Tee – Ontario has partnered with seven Indigenous schools and community centres across the province, including Akwasasne Mohawk School, Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre, Six Nations of the Grand River Community (Dajoh Facility), Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, Anishnabeg Outreach Centre, Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, and Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.

In addition, four partnered golf courses, including Roseland Golf Club, MontHill Golf and Country Club, Archies Family Golf Centre, and Briar Fox Golf Club are serving Indigenous youth through on-course programming.

“Having the First Tee program at MontHill Golf and Country Club provides youth on Six Nations of the Grand River with opportunities to learn the game of golf,” said First Tee – Ontario Coach, Melanie Burgess. “Being Indigenous owned, we take pride in reducing the barriers to participation in this sport.”

First Tee – Ontario builds out community “hubs” made up of partnered community centres or organizations, schools and nearby golf courses.

The intention is to first introduce children to golf through no-cost events or programming at partnered community centres and schools, then transition them to affordable on-course programming at nearby golf courses.

Thanks to the support of RBC and corporate donors, more than half of the First Tee – Ontario golf course locations serving Indigenous communities offer programming at no cost.

“Parents don’t need to worry about the financial commitment of typical junior golf programs or purchasing equipment,” said Program Coordinator, First Tee – Ontario, Kyarra Hasmatali. “The kids can show up as they are, with no experience, and have fun. Whether they have never held a golf club or are familiar with the sport, First Tee welcomes everyone.”

First Tee – Ontario has also received generous support from Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario (IWSO) through hosting Try Golf events and advocating for First Tee within their network. The ISWO’s efforts have helped build awareness and connections, onboard more program locations, and reach more Indigenous youth.

First Tee – Ontario programming primarily serves youth ages seven to 13 – a key stage in development, and programming is unique in the way it incorporates a curriculum that helps progress both golf skills and life skills simultaneously.

While participants learn how to swing a golf club and practice distance control, they are also learning about goal setting and how to be the most confident version of themselves.

“Improving golf skills is just one aspect of our program. The real goal is to build confidence and connections,” said First Tee – Ontario Coach, Steve Pronger. “As kids develop their golf skills on the course, they also gain self-assurance, learn to connect with others, and grow more comfortable with who they are each week.”

Looking ahead, First Tee – Ontario is excited to strengthen existing relationships and create new connections with Indigenous communities across the province.

First Tee – Ontario aims to expand programming in 2025 to include ages 14 to 16, providing additional opportunities for adolescents to discover and develop through the game of golf.

The reach of First Tee – Ontario across the province, and within Indigenous communities, 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 – Ontario visit https://firstteeontario.ca/giving/.

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.