SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France — One gold short of the Olympic medal collection, one win away from the LPGA Hall of Fame, Lydia Ko pondered what it would be like to knock out both at the same time and said when she arrived, “It would be a hell of a way to do it.”

What the 27-year-old Kiwi didn’t share was her decision that the Paris Games would be her last Olympics. The goal Saturday in the women’s golf competition was never more clear.

“I knew the next 18 holes were going to be some of the most important 18 holes of my life,” Ko said. “I knew being in this position was once in a lifetime.”

She delivered a dream finish at Le Golf National with a 1-under 71 for a two-shot victory. The win pushed her career total to 27 points for the LPGA Hall of Fame, one of the strictest criteria for any shrine.

Ko watched the documentary of gymnastics great Simone Biles, “Rising,” and was so inspired by one quote from Biles that she wrote it in her yardage book: “I get to write my own ending.”

This final chapter featured Ko building a five-shot lead, watching it cut to one over the final hour and then delivering a steady diet of pars until she made a 7-foot birdie putt at the end to finish at 10-under 278.

Esther Henseleit of Germany finished birdie-birdie for a 66 to make Ko work for it. Henseleit wound up with the silver. Xiyu Lin of China birdied the final hole for a 69 to take the bronze.

In her third Olympic Games appearance, Canada’s Brooke Henderson carded a final round of 71, finishing tied for 13th at 3-under. This marks her second-best finish, following a T7 at Rio 2016 and a T29 at Tokyo 2020.

Fellow Canadian Alena Sharp concluded the tournament tied for 42nd at 9-over.

Ko won the silver medal in Rio de Janeiro. She won the bronze in Tokyo. The missing one turned out to be more valuable than its weight in gold.

This is the latest prize in a remarkable career for Ko, who won her first LPGA title as a 15-year-old amateur and rose to No. 1 in the world for the first time at 17. She began this year with a victory in Florida, leaving her one point short of the Hall, and had a spell this summer when she doubted she would get the last one.

Ko becomes the 35th player to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame, and the second-youngest behind Australian great Karrie Webb to earn the required 27 points — two points for each of her two majors, one point for her other 18 LPGA victories, one point for winning LPGA Player of the Year (twice) and for the Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average (twice).

And one big point for Olympic gold.

Ko needed only two putts from short range to win, and when the putt fell, she stepped away with her hand over her mouth and it wasn’t long before she began to sob.

Henseleit watched from a red sofa in the clubhouse as Ko played the final few holes, never considering going to the practice range in case of a playoff.

“There’s just some players you know they’re not going to mess up coming down the last two holes, and she’s definitely one of them,” said Henseleit, the first European woman to earn an Olympic medal in golf. “I was happy sitting there enjoying my silver medal.”

Lin is the second player from China to win a medal — Shanshan Feng won the bronze in Rio — and she somehow avoided a playoff with the number of players in the mix.

At the end, the stage, the podium — and the shrine — all belonged to Ko.

156 of Canada’s top junior golfers will compete for the Junior title along with a U17 Juvenile division and an inter-provincial team competition

Innisfail, Alta. – The 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO is set for August 13-16 with a field of 156 junior golfers competing over four rounds at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.

This year’s field competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup, features a talented field of Canadian players, including five 2024 NextGen tournament winners, Charlie Gillespie of Calgary, Alta. (NextGen Western), Ryan Mosher of Saskatoon, Sask. (NextGen Prairie), Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. (NextGen Ontario), Bode Stephen of Kingston, Ont. (NextGen Atlantic) and Matthew Wilson of Nanaimo, B.C. (NextGen Pacific).

In addition, five members of Team Canada NextGen will be competing in Innisfail including, Isaiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont., Matthew Javier of Toronto, Ont., Luke Smith of Toronto, Ont., defending champion Alex Zhang of Richmond, B.C. and Eric Zhao of North York, Ont. Last year at North Bay Golf and Country Club, Zhang won the national championship beating out two others by one shot.

“We have a great field ready to compete for our prestigious Canadian Junior Boys Championship,” said Sam Brown, Tournament Director, Golf Canada. “We’d like to thank the staff and volunteers at Innisfail Golf Club for all the work they’ve put in to prepare the golf course as we welcome some of Canada’s best young talent to Innisfail. The club has great experience hosting a number of provincial championships and we are excited to get play underway.”

Innisfail Golf Club is hosting the Canadian Junior Boys Championship while celebrating its centennial year. Established in 1924, the Bill Robinson designed course features 27 holes with three different 9-hole courses each with a scenic and diverse experience. The tournament will be contested on the Aspen and Spruce nines. Innisfail Golf Club has previously hosted the Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship on three occasions as well as the Alberta Senior Ladies Championship.

“We are so proud to be hosting an event like this with the best young talent in the field from across the nation.  The club has been around for 100 years and can be challenging for many. Diligent strategy is required to play well here or may find some of the tough shots out there in a hurry. Subtle, yet distinct…pictures don’t the contours or elevation changes justice,” said Jeff McDowall, Head Professional, Innisfail Golf Club. “We hope those who are playing enjoy the experience at Innisfail Golf Club and all competitors do their best in the pursuit for a national championship title.”

Established in 1938 with the first championship played at London Hunt and Country Club in London, Ont., the Canadian Junior Boys Championship has given Canadians a glimpse into the future glory that many of its champions have gone on to enjoy. Canadian Golf Hall of Famers Doug Silverberg, George Knudson, Gary Cowan, and Doug Roxburgh have all won the Silver Cup before moving on to amateur and professional careers.

2023 RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor won the Junior in 2006, the only Canadian male golfer to win the trifecta of national championships comprised of the Canadian Junior Boys, Canadian Men’s Amateur, and Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. Brooke Henderson who is the lone female Canadian golfer to win the Canadian Junior Girls, Canadian Women’s Amateur, and the CPKC Women’s Open.

In addition to the 18-and-under Junior Championship, the 17-and-under Juvenile Championship was added in 1970, with the winner receiving the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only 11 golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger, Christopher Vandette and Alex Zhang.

There will be a final qualifier held on Friday, August 9 at Innisfail Golf Club where 45 golfers will be competing for the final four spots into the national championship. Following the qualifier, practice rounds will take place on Saturday, August 10. The Junior and Juvenile championship rounds are played concurrently over four rounds, with the low 70 players plus ties in the Junior division and a minimum of ten players in the Juvenile division advancing to the final 36 holes. The Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship will be played over the first 36 holes, where teams will compete for the Junior Inter-Provincial Championship Trophy. Last year, Team Ontario finished three shots clear of Team British Columbia to win the championship.

The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

For the full player field competing in the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Mawhinney’s late charge enough to hold off
defending champion Ashton McCulloch

Saskatoon, Sask. – The final round of the 119^th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO was one to remember on Thursday at Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.

The leaderboard had more twists and turns than a rollercoaster throughout the day with five players holding a piece of the lead at various points and numerous lead changes on the back nine. In the end, the name a top the leaderboard is the one that was there all week as Tyler Mawhinney of Fleming Island, Fla claimed the Earl Grey Cup as the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion.

“Don’t have much to say right now, kinda sinking in but proud I could finish it off after some great golf,” said a visibly emotional Mawhinney.

Mawhinney began the day one ahead of defending champion Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. He began his round with a birdie and followed it up with an eagle to pull three shots ahead. However, a triple bogey on the par 4 third hole saw McCulloch pull ahead by one following a birdie of his own.

Mawhinney pulled level with McCulloch on the fifth hole at 12-under. The two matched birdies on six before Mawhinney took the solo lead with another birdie on the eighth hole. Making a charge in front of the lead group was Garrett Rank of Waterloo, Ont. Rank, an NHL referee during the season, collected three birdies and a par to close the front nine one back of Mawhinney who sat at 14-under.

The back nine continued to provide drama fitting of a national championship as Rank and Mawhinney were joined by Rylan Shim of Centreville, Va. as co-leaders at 13-under through 11 holes. Mawhinney birdied no. 12 to move back to a one-shot lead but bogeyed no. 13, bringing Shim back into the co-lead.

More twists and turns following no.14 as Rank birded to get to 13-under to pull level with Mawhinney and joining them was Declan O’Donovan from New South Wales, Australia following his birdie on 14. The co-lead was short lived as both Rank and O’Donovan bogeyed no. 15, giving the lead back to Mawhinney with three to play.

Rank birdied no. 16 as Mawhinney approached the tee, where a crucial decision was made.

“Decided to hit 3-wood off 16 which was the first time we did that this week and that kept us back and didn’t have to turn it around the corner and you could still make birdie that way. I think I had 205 into the green and hit it middle of the green and two-putt,” said Mawhinney on his birdie to retake the lead by one.

Rank closed with two pars to take the clubhouse lead at 13-under. Mawhinney responded with what he described as “the greatest shot I’ve ever hit in my life” on no. 17 as he stuck it to within one foot from 178 yards out and tapped in for birdie to move to 15-under and a two-shot lead.

“The winds we think switched and it was 178 downhill. I have to change for elevation because I am sea level, and it was about a 72 shot with the wind and a perfect 8-iron and hit it right at the flag and it was the right number,” said Mawhinney.

McCulloch was making the finish even more interesting as he continued to battle and moved to 13-under following another eagle on no. 16, his third consecutive day doing so. McCulloch went on to birdie the 18th to finish at 14-under.

Mawhinney played no. 18 as he had all week with a 3-iron off the tee followed by a pitching wedge into the green and two-putted for the win. Mawhinney shot rounds of 65-69-70-69-273 to claim the national championship.

As he finished speaking with the media, the 16-year-old asked what was next?

“A couple people said I’ll see you at Hazeltine, so I guess that’s what’s next, but we’ll figure it out when we get there,” he responded.

With the win, Mawhinney receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. from August 12-18. He will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship and $1,200 CAD.

McCulloch finished solo second at 14-under and Shim and Braxton Kuntz of Winnipeg, Man. finished tied for third at 12-under. Rank finished the tournament at 13-under which was solo third place but was unfortunately disqualified following his round for signing an incorrect score card.

On Tuesday, Team British Columbia claimed the Willingdon Cup as Inter-Provincial Team champions. Team British Columbia shot a collective 9-under and was represented by Wyatt Brook of Heffley Creek, B.C., James Fahy of Vancouver, B.C. and Team Canada NextGen member Cooper Humphreys of Vernon, B.C. Team Ontario finished second with a collective 5-under, with Team Manitoba rounding out the top three at even par.

For the final leaderboard following the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Defending champion Ashton McCulloch and Braxton Kuntz both one back following thrilling third round at Riverside Country Club

Saskatoon, Sask. – The final round of the 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO is setting up for quite the finish on Thursday at Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.

Following an exciting battle on the back nine, Tyler Mawhinney of Fleming Island, Fla. maintains his lead by one-shot over defending champion Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. and Braxton Kuntz of Winnipeg, Man.

Mawhinney held the lead for most of the day but temporarily found himself on the outside looking in. Heading to the par 5 16th hole, Kuntz was one behind Mawhinney while McCulloch was two back. Both Canadians would card eagles to jump the leaderboard with Kuntz grabbing the lead at 12-under ahead of Mawhinney and McCulloch at 11-under. It marked the second consecutive day McCulloch earned an eagle on no. 16.

“I hit a cut and it’s a cutters tee ball for sure and luckily both days were down wind so you can take advantage of a par five, but really it was two good second shots,” said McCulloch.

From there he went on to record pars on his final two holes to shoot a 5-under 67 and sit at 11-under for the tournament. McCulloch was handed an additional two strokes to his second round score following a ruling that was changed Wednesday morning, resulting in a double bogey on no. 14. “Keep on going, there’s nothing you can do about it, it was the right ruling, you just take it in stride,” said the defending champion.

Kuntz meanwhile eventually dropped a stroke following bogey on no. 18, the lone blemish on a solid back nine, giving him a 3-under 69 to also sit 11-under for the tournament.

“Couldn’t really get momentum going but played really solid on the back nine, put myself on fairways and on greens and didn’t really put too much stress on myself, so overall I am really happy with how I’ve been hitting it this week and hopefully keep it going tomorrow,” said Kuntz.

The Canadians sat as co-clubhouse leaders as Mawhinney collected four consecutive pars following a bogey on no. 13. Mawhinney narrowly missed holing out on the 18th and was able to tap-in for birdie to regain his lead at 12-under with a 2-under 70.

Mawhinney said it was much of the same for him on Wednesday, keeping patient and allowing the birdies to fall to him, as he now holds the 54-hole lead.

“I’m just going to keep playing how I’ve been playing and just play for tomorrow and not the whole thing and see where I end up,” said a calm Mawhinney following his round.

Many are within striking distance of the lead group, including Rylan Shim of Centreville, Va. and Garrett Rank of Waterloo, Ont. both tied for fourth at 9-under. Mackenzie Bickell of Richmond, B.C. and Declan O’Donovan of New South Wales, Australia are tied for sixth at 8-under.

Play was delayed for three hours on Wednesday due to smoke that caused poor air quality in the area. Eventually the first groups teed off at 11 a.m. CST.

Thursday’s final round at Riverside tees off at 8 a.m. CST, with the lead grouping of Mawhinney, McCulloch and Kuntz teeing off at 10:20 a.m. CST. For final round pairings, please click here.

The 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. from August 12-18. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship. In addition, the winner will receive $1,200 CAD.

For the leaderboard following the third round of the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Levelwear, CPKC, Sleeman Breweries and Golf Canada have announced that a combined donation of $120,000 will be made to The Canadian Red Cross Alberta Wildfires Appeal.

As previously announced last week during the CPKC Women’s Open, Levelwear and Golf Canada would commit 100 per cent of the net proceeds from the tournament’s merch tent at Earl Grey Golf Club over the weekend in addition to online sales from July 27 -31.

“The wildfires in Alberta and B.C., and particularly Jasper, are devastating for all Canadians and affect so many families.  With the CPKC Women’s Open hosted in Calgary, we felt compelled to extend a helping hand.  Partnering with Golf Canada and CPKC, we are thrilled to make this monetary donation to the Red Cross Alberta Wildfires Appeal,” said Hester Ngo, Chief Executive Officer, Levelwear. “Additionally, 4,650 units of Levelwear apparel are on their way to designated Alberta locations for distribution to those impacted by the fires.”

Sleeman Breweries have also made a financial contribution to the combined effort to help those impacted by the wildfires across the province.

“The devastation from these fires is a significant test on Jasper’s resiliency. Being able to support those affected as they cope with these losses and in rebuilding is an important part of Sleeman Breweries’ commitment to community,” said Lorne Zweig, Vice-President, Sales, Sleeman Breweries.

In addition to the record $4.3 million raised for heart health in Alberta during the CPKC Women’s Open, CPKC has matched the combined donations from Levelwear, Sleeman Breweries and Golf Canada. CPKC will also be donating a number of unused water bottles and sunglasses that were available at Earl Grey during tournamnet week.

“As railroaders, we are passionate about giving back,” said Chad Becker, chief of staff at CPKC. “Thank you to Golf Canada, Levelwear and Sleeman Breweries for joining together with us to bring more aid to our neighbors in Jasper. Big thanks also to all those who attended the CPKC Women’s Open in Calgary who made this support possible.” 

Along with the combined financial contribution, Levelwear will also be donating 4,650 pieces of brand new apparel in various sizes in men’s, women’s and youth.

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners at Levelwear, CPKC and Sleeman for leading this incredible initiative and the significant financial contribution being made following the CPKC Women’s Open in Calgary,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer, Golf Canada. “We are certainly thinking of everyone in Jasper and across the province of Alberta who have been affected.”

For more information on the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Wildfires Appeal or to donate, please click here.

Tyler Mawhinney takes solo lead by two following second round
in Saskatoon

Saskatoon, Sask. – The battle for the Willingdon Cup came down to the wire as Team British Columbia pulled away from Team Ontario to claim the Inter-Provincial team title at the 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO in Saskatoon, Sask.

Team British Columbia was led by Wyatt Brook of Heffley Creek, B.C. who shot a 4-under 68 on Tuesday to help push his team to a collective 9-under, four shots clear of Team Ontario.

“The putter made everything, I couldn’t miss it felt like, it was just one of those days and you just ride it out until the end and finished four under, so it was good,” said Wyatt.

James Fahy of Vancouver, B.C. enjoyed the team experience and competing for his home province while developing new friendships that can be made while playing at the national championships.

“I think it’s important for a team situation even though golf is very individual, but we’ve seen each other in the clubhouse and our tee times were close together and seeing each other on the range and wishing each other luck, I think that makes a difference,” said Fahy.

Team Canada NextGen member Cooper Humphreys of Vernon, B.C. shot rounds of 66-73 to have also have his scores count both days for Team British Columbia fittingly added on to Fahy’s comments.

“Good vibes on and off the course,” he said as he held the Willingdon Cup with his teammates right beside him.

Team Ontario finished second with a collective 5-under, with Team Manitoba rounding out the top three at even par. The teams battling for the inter-provincial title played their rounds at Riverside Country Club (Riverside) on Tuesday after opening at Saskatoon Golf and Country Club (Saskatoon). The two lowest scores from the teams of three counted towards the team total each day.

In the battle for the Earl Grey Cup, first round co-leader, Tyler Mawhinney of Fleming Island, Fla. has taken the solo lead following a 3-under 69 on Tuesday to move to 10-under. The 16-year-old birdied three of his final four holes to take a two-shot lead into Wednesday’s third round.

Right behind Mawhinney are four golfers at 8-under, including Nathaniel Gray-Lamont of Guelph, Ont. who was co-leader with Mawhinney after round one. Also tied for second are Mackenzie Bickell of Richmond, B.C., Braxton Kuntz of Winnipeg, Man. and defending champion, Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. who posted a second consecutive round of 4-under 68.

Four others are tied for sixth at 7-under including Owen Kim of Oakville, Ont. who fired a 6-under 66 at Saskatoon on Tuesday. Along with Daniel Choi of Westlake, Texas, Sam Easterbrook of Tomworth, England and Baron Szeto of Moraga, Calif.

Rylan Shim is among five golfers tied for ninth at 6-under, after tying for the low round of the day with a 7-under 65 at Saskatoon. Harrison Davis of Fort Payne, Ala. also posted a 65 at Saskatoon on Tuesday and is tied for 14th at 5-under with four others.

Play was delayed 45 minutes on Tuesday due to early morning lightning in the area. The first two rounds of this year’s tournament were contested on both courses with the 264-player field playing each course once. The field has now been reduced to the top 90 players following a cut line of 1-over, a total of 55 players are currently at 1-under or better. Wednesday and Thursday’s rounds will both played at Riverside Country Club.

The 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. from August 12-18. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship. In addition, the winner will receive $1,200 CAD.

For the leaderboard following the second round of the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

Three business leaders in Quebec alongside the Presidents Cup make
major philanthropic contributions to First Tee in Quebec and across Canada

MONTREAL, QUE. (August 6, 2024) – The Presidents Cup, Golf Canada and Golf Canada Foundation are proud to announce First Tee – Canada has been named as one of the 2024 charitable beneficiaries of the upcoming Presidents Cup and will receive a $250,000 donation from the event, returning to The Royal Montreal Golf Club Sept. 24-29.

In conjunction with being named a beneficiary of the Presidents Cup, philanthropists Paul Desmarais Jr., Jean C. Monty and Rémi Racine have each made $1 million USD gifts to support the continued growth of First Tee in Quebec and across Canada.  

Today, at the Presidents Cup media day, two lucky First Tee – Québec participants had the opportunity to caddie for Montreal Canadiens players Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Suzuki and Caulfield put their golf skills to the test as they went head-to-head in a three-hole match play competition, followed by a cheque presentation to Golf Canada Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Martin Barnard.

“Gifts of this nature are pivotal for our program,” said Barnard. “They allow us to implement more programming across all six Canadian chapters, introduce more children to golf and make a bigger impact in local communities. The pace of growth for First Tee in Canada has been incredible and that’s owed to likeminded individuals who share the vision of championing youth.”

First Tee – Canada is Golf Canada’s youth development program that provides accessible and inclusive life-enhancing experiences through golf for children who may have otherwise not had the opportunity.

The launch of First Tee in Canada was announced in 2020 by PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan at a global press conference which revealed the 2024 Presidents Cup would be returning to Montreal.

“It feels like a full circle moment as we celebrate the new announcements today in collaboration with the Presidents Cup and reflect on the growth of First Tee in Canada over the last few years,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer, Golf Canada. “We are now proudly operational in every province and earlier this year, surpassed 100,000 participants. First Tee – Canada’s success would not be possible without a generous network of supporters like Paul Desmarais, Jr., Jean C. Monty, Rémi Racine and the PGA TOUR.”

The program is delivered at golf courses, schools and community centres and provides accessible pathways of participation for children from all backgrounds. First Tee – Canada combats typical barriers of entry including affordability, transportation and perception or unfamiliarity to the sport. First Tee – Canada proudly offers over 70 per cent of programming at no cost to participants and over 50 per cent of participants identify as equity-deserving.

By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that continue to foster life skills like inner strength, self-confidence, resilience, honesty, and respect.

“The impact First Tee has on the future of our sport is crucial,” said Ryan Hart, Executive Director, Presidents Cup. “The Presidents Cup is a proud supporter of First Tee and is pleased to showcase First Tee – Canada on our international stage. First Tee – Canada’s focus on making golf courses accessible, inclusive and empowering spaces for children and families is so important. As the Presidents Cup moves on to new stages in 2026 and beyond, we are grateful to have played a role in the greater development of the First Tee – Canada through this year’s event in Montreal and will be proud to see this chapter continue to flourish for years to come.”

The Presidents Cup will be taking place September 24-29 at The Royal Montreal Golf Club. Following the event, on Monday, September 30^th, Laval-sur-le-Lac will play host to the third annual First Tee – Québec Cup, an exclusive fundraising event to help meet the growing demand for programming across the province. More information about the fundraising event can be found at the First Tee – Québec Cup website.

Golf Canada and Golf Canada Foundation are continuously pursuing gifts to deliver programming to more children across Canada. To date, First Tee – Canada has received nearly $16 million in donations to support the launch and growth of six chapters and the onboarding of over 80 golf facilities, 80 community centres, and 200 schools.

“We are excited the Presidents Cup is coming back to Canada at Royal Montreal Golf Club,” said Paul Desmarais Jr. “As a proud supporter of the event and First Tee I am thrilled that the tournament is giving back to benefit youth in Quebec and across Canada.”

To learn how to support First Tee – Canada, please email Adam Hunter. To find a chapter near you, visit firstteecanada.ca.

Brooke Henderson set to tee off at 4:11 a.m. ET, Alena Sharp will tee off at 6:28 a.m. ET on Wednesday

Women’s golf will be getting underway on Wednesday morning at Le Golf National in Paris, France at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Team Canada is represented by Brooke Henderson (Smiths Falls, Ont.) and Alena Sharp (Hamilton, Ont.) for the third consecutive Olympic Games. Henderson will tee off at 4:11 a.m. ET and is grouped with Hyo Joo Kim (Republic of Korea) and Xiyu Lin (China). Sharp will begin her first round at 6:28 a.m. ET and will be playing with Ana Belac (Slovenia) and Sara Kouskova (Czechia). On Thursday, Sharp’s group will begin play at 4:33 a.m. ET and Henderson’s will tee off at 6:06 a.m. ET.

Henderson is Canada’s winningest professional golfer of all time, with 13 LPGA Tour wins, including two major titles. Henderson is a graduate of Golf Canada’s national team program and is the only female athlete to win Canada’s national Junior (2012), Amateur (2013) and National Open Championship (2018 CPKC Women’s Open). This season, Henderson has earned seven top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour including three third place finishes, she finished T8 at the CPKC Women’s Open last month. Henderson previously finished T7 at Rio 2016 and T29 at Tokyo 2020. For Henderson the experience of Paris has been memorable thus far.

“Rio was really fun, for me and I think for both of us it was a really great week.  It was the first Olympic Games that golf was involved.  It was really cool just to be part of the whole experience and learning the ins and outs of everything in the Olympics, which was pretty cool. Tokyo was a very different experience with no fans and very secluded and just went to the hotel and to the course. It’s fun to be at a Games where there’s so many people and there’s so much excitement surrounding it.  I feel like so far it has been the best one, yeah,” said Henderson.

Sharp, a long-time LPGA Tour member most recently earned a bronze medal for Team Canada at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in Chile last November. Sharp has won twice on the Epson Tour and has earned 16 top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour in her career. Last month, Sharp earned back-to-back top-20 finishes at the Dana Open (T19) and CPKC Women’s Open (T14). Sharp previously finished 30th at Rio 2016 and 49th at Tokyo 2020. Sharp will draw on her experience winning bronze at the Pan Am Games to help her in Paris.

“I think being in contention with nine holes to go and knowing I could finish, I could maybe get a medal.  And being in that pressure situation, I can still remember it because it was only in November, and I feel like that’s going to help me. I feel like this time that the other two Games — like Rio I was feeling good about my game.  Tokyo, not so good. This week, I feel like coming here, I could actually win now. Tokyo, I didn’t think that. I wasn’t coming to — not participate but do my best.  The last two weeks playing before here were really solid.  I had two really good finishes and coming into my stride at the right time.  I feel like I’m more confident as the week goes on and had good prep.  So ready to get started,” said Sharp.

Henderson and Sharp will look to become the first Canadian to win an Olympic golf medal since George Lyon’s gold medal at St. Louis 1904. Henderson’s T7 at Rio 2016 is the best recent finish by a Canadian since golf returned to the Olympics in 2016. Last week the men’s golf wrapped up with Corey Conners finishing T9 and Nick Taylor T30.

For a live leaderboard, click here.

To watch the free live stream of women’s golf on CBC Gem, click here.

Team British Columbia and Team Ontario tied at 6-under in battle for the Willingdon Cup

Saskatoon, Sask. – Tyler Mawhinney and Nathaniel Gray-Lamont lead a crowded leaderboard following opening rounds of 7-under 65 on Monday at the 119th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, co-hosted by Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon, Sask.

Mawhinney, of Fleming Island, Fla. played Saskatoon Golf and Country Club (Saskatoon) in the morning flight for his opening round and bogeyed the opening hole. He quickly made up for it with a birdie on hole no. 2, followed by seven more birdies in his round to take a one-shot lead into the second round. The 16-year-old said he kept the ball in front of him and made some putts when he needed to on Monday with a slight wind to contend with.

“Just playing smart and knowing where the wind is at and using that to guide the ball closer to the hole. I’m from Florida so I get the beach wind so it’s not unusual and I’ve had some rounds under my belt,” said Mawhinney.

Gray-Lamont of Guelph, Ont. played Riverside Country Club (Riverside) in the afternoon and recorded an eagle and five birdies in a bogey-free round to grab a piece of the lead on Monday evening. Gray-Lamont was able to hit a lot of fairways and greens and says that will be key to keep momentum riding tomorrow.

“I really just have to try to do the same thing with the rough being so long, I just need to keep it in the fairway and have opportunities to make birdies,” he added.

Team Canada NextGen member, Cooper Humphreys also played Saskatoon on Monday and finds himself tied for third with Mackenzie Bickell of Richmond, B.C. who played Riverside following rounds of 6-under 66, to both sit one back of the leaders.

Humphreys has enjoyed a successful season having defended his British Columbia Amateur Championship successfully last month at Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford, B.C. He credited his short game for his solid round on Monday, specifically his wedge play early in the round.

“Picking good targets going into greens, lately I’ve been getting too aggressive trying to go at pins and today I just tried to stay patient and hit to middle greens and it worked out well,” said Humphreys following his round Monday.

The stacked leaderboard includes four golfers tied for third at 5-under including Garrett Rank of Waterloo, Ont. (Riverside), Sam Easterbrook of Tomworth, England (Saskatoon), Maguire Lines of Victoria, B.C. (Saskatoon) and Maxim McKenzie of Chilliwack, B.C. (Saskatoon).

Defending champion, Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. is tied for ninth with four others at 4-under 68. In total 52 players recorded under par rounds on Monday.

In the battle for the Willingdon Cup, Team Ontario and Team British Columbia are tied with a combined score of 6-under. Michael Weber of Burlington, Ont. shot a 4-under 68 while Justin Matthews of Little Britain, Ont. shot 2-under 70 for their scores to count on day one. Team Ontario is also represented by Team Canada NextGen member, Matthew Javier of North York, Ontario. In addition to Humphreys, Team British Columbia consists of Wyatt Brook of Heffley Creek, B.C. who shot an even par 72 and James Fahy of Vancouver, B.C. Team Prince Edward Island sit third at three shots back with the host province, Team Saskatchewan at 2-under.

The first two rounds of this year’s tournament are being contested on both courses with the 264-player field playing each course once. Following the opening 36-holes of the championship, the field will be reduced to the low 70 players plus ties. Wednesday and Thursday’s rounds will both played at Riverside Country Club.

The 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. and the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship taking place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. from August 12-18. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship. In addition, the winner will receive $1,200 CAD.

For the leaderboard following the opening round of the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

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.

Sean Hannon, Myrtle Point Golf Club, Hole #6

Here’s me with my first hole-in-one after 30+ years of golfing. Hole #6 from 148 yards. Used a 7 iron and shot from the blue tee box. Took once bounce and went in. Played with two other members who were decidedly more excited than me. I was just kinda shocked by it.

Bruce Fairles, RiverBend Golf Community, Hole #12

The yardage on #12 at RiverBend was 105. I used a pitching wedge and played with my wife, Brenda.
This was my ninth career hole-in-one over the past 50-some years. Coincidentally, I had previously had an hole-in-one on the same hole on the first day we joined RiverBend in 2008.

Nathan Graff, Stratford Municipal Golf Club, Hole #7

I was playing with two of my buddies named Spencer and Jack. Yardage was 136 and I used a pitching wedge. It was a pretty crazy round and it was my best nine hole score ever. I started -2 through 6 which was the lowest I had ever been at that point, then when I hit the hole-in-one I think I blacked out for the rest of the round. Two bogeys in a row to finish hurt a bit but I was still happy to shoot -2. What was crazy was that it happened the same day as my grandfathers funeral which was very special for me. I like to think he helped me out with that shot.

Joyce Lingg, Predator Ridge Golf Resort, Hole #13

My second hole-in-one was equally special on August 11, 2024 at noon. With my new Qi TaylorMade 9 iron, a 90 yard front pin location at Predator Course hole #13, my ball hit the slope behind the pin, and slowly rolled back in the hole. Of course there was a lot of encouragement, (AKA yelling) from the tee box by my number one supporter husband Grant Lingg, and our good friends Wendy Lim and Rick Dunn. What a special day!

Mike Maric, The Rise Golf Course, Hole #16

Hole #16 at The Rise is a shorter par 3, but it’s a tough hole with forced carry over water and bunkers behind. The pin was near the back left of the green, which made it play about 160 yards with not a breath of wind to contend with. I have a draw on my irons, so it suited my ball flight. Just before I swung, I jokingly told my playing partners that I was going to hit a little draw with my 7 iron and put her tight. Lo and behold, after I hit the ball, it was tracking right at the pin in the air, landed about five feet short on a little upslope, bounced forward, danced around the pin and disappeared!

For the next few seconds it was all a fog. Our group was jumping around and high-fiving like fools, and even the group on the 15th green who had a great view were screaming. It was unreal.

I live close to the course, so I usually squeeze on as a single. Therefore, I had just met my playing partners that day. Unfortunately, I lost my scorecard at the end of the round, so I have already forgotten two of the fellas’ names. But, Greg, (a retired police officer) was with me in my cart and took the picture to commemorate the hole-in-one.

I played the course again three days later and was sharing my story with one of the young shuttle cart crew members that works at the course. He asked me when it was, and I told him roughly when I was on that hole. He said he was on the course that day, and he remembers hearing a bunch of screaming and yelling at about that time and was wondering what it was. Yeah, that was me.

Trent McClure, Duncan Meadows Golf Club, Hole #7

I was playing with my father, Randy, and friend, Max Wellington. The hole was playing 130 yards. I used a 50 degree wedge.

Tom Van Landschoot, Beverly Golf & Country Club, Hole #7

My first ever hole-in-one at 26 years old. I am a member at Beverly Golf and Country Club, I brought my three best friends out as guests on Saturday, August 10th for a nice day of golf. Earlier in the round the group behind us almost got a hole-in-one on our first par 3, hole #4, as we were on the tee box of hole #5. I jokingly told my friends if we can manage one today we get $450 worth of drinks at the clubhouse after.

We proceeded to play out hole #5 then #6 then get to hole #7 tee box, the next par 3 on the front nine. My three friends all tee off leaving me last to go, a group on the back nine are coming off of hole #11 (you have to cross over hole #7 to get to hole #12). As I get to the tees they are nearing me so I kindly offer them to cross before I hit my shot. They told me they will wait and I can shoot. I look over to my friends and say, “pressures on.” I line up my shot, swing and pray.

The flight was perfect, it was tracking the entire way, the ball lands about six feet right of the pin and spins left then disappears. I look over to my group in shock not saying a word. They all start screaming in joy. The group that was waiting raises their hands up. The group behind us now approaching hole #6 green also starts clapping as they have a perfect view of hole #7 green. I start running up to the green still in shock. I get to the pin and look down and there it is in the cup.

A dream come true. Something I will remember my entire life.

Hole #7, playing 177 yards from the black tees. I used my 7 iron. Kind of funny how it’s hole #7 with a 7 iron playing 177. I guess the lucky sevens are true!

Leslie Harbison, Creston Golf Club, Hole #6

I got my hole-in-one on August 11, 2024, hole #6 with an 83 yard shot using a soft pitching wedge at the Creston Golf Club. It hit the green and jumped hit the flagstick hard and dropped. It was a very fun experience and shared it with friends Yvonne Larsen who had a hole-in-one on that same hole. Also played with her husband Derrick and my husband Don. A very fun day.

Andrew von Teichman, Lora Bay Golf Club, Hole #12

Hole #12. A par 3, 225 yards using a 3 hybrid. Golfing with Marc Belcourt and Michael Belcourt.

Mark Farrow, Millwoods Golf Club, Hole #7

It was hole #7 at Millwoods Golf Club in Edmonton, Alberta. Par 3, 177 yards and I used a 4 iron. I was playing with a good friend of mine Ken and his son and cousin.

Ty Rouault, Barrhead Golf Club, Hole #14

I was playing with my friends Conan McInnes and Chris Neitling. I believe the hole was playing 142 yards and I used a 9 iron. The pin was in the front right corner of the green and located slightly over the right side front bunker. After making contact with the ball I heard Conan say, “oh that’s going in!” My ball cleared the bunker and tracked right into the hole. We all started jumping and chest bumping. What a feeling and a great memory to have with my friends.