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.

Sergio Picco, Northlands Golf Course, Hole #14

I was playing with three gentlemen that are regulars at the course, as myself. My playing partners for the round were Stew, Norm and Sass. It was 10:58 am on hole #14 at Northlands Golf Course. It was playing 136 yards with the flag in the middle position of the two tiered green. My club of choice was a smooth 8 iron, which landed on the top tier and rolled down to the lower level and then in the hole. We all watched it go in the hole as I was playing a yellow Srixon ball.

Bryan Sandmaier, PGA West – The Citrus Club, Hole #7

Playing partners were Dallas Sandmaier, Garth Turgeon and Alison Turgeon. Hole #7 from 139 yards and the club used was a pitching wedge.

Philip Wade, Quarry Pines, Hole #6

I got a hole-in-one at Quarry Pines in Tucson. A group of us were visiting Tucson for a few weeks. It was on hole #6 and the pin was left centre. About 176 yards. The green had a high side on the right side. I hit a solid 7 iron but was right of the pin and hit the slope and the ball bounced towards the pin, but we could not see the hole. When we got up to the green we were expecting the ball to be on the green, but it was not there. We looked in the rough and couldn’t find it. Then looked in the cup, and there it was. Great time. My fourth hole-in-one.

Jeanne Glavec, Canoa Ranch Golf Club, Hole #8

Canoa Ranch Golf Course in Green Valley, Arizona on March 6, 2025. Par 3, hole #8 from the Blanco tees and the distance was 95 yards. Blanco tees are the senior men’s white tees. I used a 9 wood and the wind speed was between 15 – 20 kms per hour. My husband Andy Glavac witnessed along with two very good golfing friends from Montana, Cathy and Bob Repnak. Very exciting as this is my fifth hole-in-one.

Fred Mensink, Pestana Golf Resorts (Silves Golf), Hole #13

I was in Portugal and signed up to play the Silves Course in the Algarve. I was playing with two players from Norfolk, Great Britain; Matt and Sarah. It was an overcast day that started to drizzle. The hole was 150 yards and I used an 8 iron. The line looked good but the green was slightly elevated and there is a ridge from the bunker on the right side which I went over. I didn’t see it land or run out. Matt hit a good ball too, but it had a lower trajectory. When we went up to the green we only saw one ball. It was 20 feet past the hole. We both walked up to the ball and it was Matt’s. I knew I hit a higher ball so I walked back to the hole and there it was. Lucky #13! Never did see it go in!

Rob and Carolyn Grinton, Riverstrand Golf Club, Hole #2 and #5

Something quite unique and unusual happened at our Florida golf course. On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, my wife had her fourth hole-in-one at Riverstrand Golf Club Estuary Course hole #2 from 101 yards using an 8 iron. At our club, we have a hole-in-one pot that you can sign up for costing $5 each time a member gets a hole-in-one. We discussed several times that we need to sign up but neglected to do so. The next day, March 12th, I signed us up for the hole-in-one pot before I went out for my usual Wednesday afternoon round with three friends. On our Estuary hole #5 I also got a hole in one, from 195 yards using a 7 wood! I cashed in on the pot for quite a sum. I searched to see what the odds were that a couple made hole-in-one’s on consecutive days on a different hole and they are 1 in 17 million!

Ernie Parent, Mount Brenton Golf Course, Hole #7

I scored my first ever hole-in-one, March 16th at Mount Brenton Golf Course on hole #7. I hit my 6 iron 130 yards to a blue flag straight into the wind on a sunny, blustery morning. My first thought was that my shot had gone a little long and disappeared into the grass behind the green but my playing partners Charles Gallagher, Ted Valleau and Dan Whitelaw assured me that they thought the ball had gone in the hole.
Upon a closer inspection my Wilson Fifty Elite ball had landed six feet in front of the hole and rolled straight in. After high fives all around and a ball mark repair I left the green with a check mark in a box that all golfers hoped to get a chance to do.

Dave Sanders, Copetown Woods Golf Club, Hole #7

Long time golf buds from left to right , Jon, myself with the ball, Nick and brother Herb are pictured in the group photo.

The hole was playing about 160 yards, uphill, with the pin hidden behind a knoll so we didn’t actually see it drop. I used a 6 iron. Jon got to the green first and started hootin’ up a storm once he found it in the hole. This is my sixth hole-in-one, my first was back in 1992.

Nichoulas Hunter, Starfire at Scottsdale Country Club, Hole #14

My mom and I went down to Scottsdale for a trip over spring break and in my first round since October I got my hole-in-one. I was playing with my mom and two guys from Oregon who were there on a trip as well. It was hole #14. I remember shooting 154 yards on the tee box with my range finder. I hit my pitching wedge.

Christopher Love, Northview Golf & Country Club, Hole #11

I was playing with my buddy Brennen Ekelund. I had the hole playing at 140 yards, back pin. I used a 9 iron, dead straight, took two bounces and the ball disappeared into the cup. I just recently purchased a tripod to film a couple of holes per round as I have been pretty blessed to play some amazing courses over the years. Luckily this was one of the two holes I filmed that day so I have a video of it. Hole-in-one while on video and it was my 39th birthday to top it off. Needless to say I bought a lottery ticket that night.

Al Luomala, Yuma Golf & Country Club, Hole #8

I was golfing with Rod Brady, John McArthur and Jim Story on Wednesday, March 19th. Since Yuma is at sea level, I took one extra club on the par 3. The yardage was around 133 with a left to right cross wind. I hit a smooth 8 iron that was moved left to right and ended up in the hole. Couldn’t see it actually go in the hole but as I approached the green I thought at first I may have hit it long as a playing partners ball was on the green. I approached the hole, looking past the green first to see if it was long, then looked in the hole to find the ball was indeed there. This is my second hole-in-one with the last one being a number of years ago during the Club Championship at Kenogamisis Golf Club.

Darlene Caron, Peoria Pines, Hole #6

My foursome of Laurie Wohlfiel, Kathy Lange, Jeanne Schmidt and myself. The yardage was 82 to front of green. I used a 9 iron. There was a right to left breeze, with the pin in left centre front of an uphill green. I hit my 9 iron on right side of pin, with the ball landing on right side and rolling directly to the pin and disappeared.

Kyle Duggan, Indianwood Golf & Country Club, Hole #11

I was playing in a twosome with my great buddy and fellow caddy for the last three years at Cabot Cape Breton, Curtis Kuzmyk. It was a 183 yard par 3 over water, slight wind down and off the left, middle pin. Hit a high cut with an 8 iron with a touch of spin, landed a few feet past the hole and spun back in. We saw it disappear and before charging the green.

When she was just 17 years old, Monet Chun’s three big goals as an amateur were to win a national title, play collegiate golf in the NCAA and compete in an LPGA Tour event.  Today at 24, the university of Michigan grad has checked off all three – and now has her sights set on a successful career in professional golf.

Having worked with Chun as her personal coach since 2019, Matt Wilson speaks about the qualities that enable her to be successful and achieve her goals on the golf course.

“Monet’s general disposition allows her to be successful in the sport of golf which requires endless patience, tremendous determination, and a very clear vision,” he pointed out.

“She’s also got a healthy dose of curiosity.  You combine that with strong work ethic and you get continual improvement,” noted Wilson.

“Monet is a very steady player.  She’s pretty good at everything and plays a really tight game.  She’s a very special talent.”

Chun put her special talents on full display at the 2022 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in Kitchener, Ont.  She finished the tournament at five under and won her first national title by two strokes over runner up and fellow Richmond Hill, Ont., golfer, Alissa Xu.

“It was huge goal of mine to win a national event and I guess it showed that all the hard work was paying off,” said Chun.

By winning the Canadian Women’s Amateur, Chun received an exemption to compete at the U.S. Women’s Amateur, along with an exemption to compete in her first LPGA event at the 2022 CPKC Women’s Open.

Chun put on an impressive showing at the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur where she made it all the way to the championship match and finished runner up to Saki Baba of Japan.

“That was the year that everything came together. I was playing some of my best golf,” recalled the talented Canadian National Team member.

In 2022, Chun also led the University of Michigan women’s golf squad to their first Big Ten conference title in school history.

“I spent four years there and had a great time with the team and the coaches. My game really improved during that time and it was great being part of the first women’s team to win the Big Ten conference title in 2022,” said Chun, who completed an undergrad in kinesiology.

Having achieved her top goals as an amateur, the University of Michigan grad now has a clear vision for success on the professional ranks.  This year she is competing on the Epson Tour and hopes to continue her learning on route to the LPGA Tour one day.

Wilson says Chun is on the right track and believes that by making continued improvements in her putting and getting it to a world class level, the goal of making it to the LPGA Tour is within reach.

“Her putting is good but by continuing to improve and getting it to a world class level, that’s what is going to get Monet onto the LPGA Tour and have a lot of success once she’s there.”

Chun identifies two former members of the Canadian National Team Program also from the Richmond Hill area who have provided her with a clear vision for success over the years through their success playing the sport at the highest level – specifically Rebecca Lee-Bentham and Taylor Pendrith.

“Growing up, I’ve known about Rebecca and watched her play throughout her junior career in college and on the LPGA; and its pretty cool to be in a position to try to have some of that success,” said Chun.

“I’ve played at Summit Golf and Country Club and I know Taylor has played there also. It’s inspiring to see the success he’s currently having as a professional on the PGA Tour.”

Having been on the National Team Program since her teenage years, Chun is thankful for the continued support and credits the program for playing a significant role in helping turn her vision and goals into reality.

“The program has helped improve not only my techniques, but has helped me improved physical strength and my mental game,” she noted.

“Being part of the program, we have access to so many resources to support us and help us reach our goals on the golf course.”

Brooke Henderson needed only 27 holes to win two matches. The Canadian needs to win one more to be assured of reaching the weekend at the T-Mobile Match Play.

One day after a 6-and-5 win in the opening round, Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., pulled away late by winning five of the last seven holes Thursday in a 5-and-4 win over Peiyun Chien of Taiwan.

One more day of round-robins matches remain at Shadow Creek before the winner of each of the 16 groups advance to the knockout stage on the weekend. While no one clinched her group, at least 18 players were eliminated on another day of this fickle format.

Nelly Korda, the defending champion and No. 1 player, will have to beat Ariya Jutanugarn to win her group. Korda halved her opening match and she had a few shaky moments in a 1-up win over Jennifer Kupcho.

Korda had a 4-foot putt to go 3 up with three holes to play, missed the putt, and then gave away the the par-5 16th with a bogey. It came down to the 18th, and Kupcho pulled her drive to the left side of the hazard. Her next shot clipped a tree and she stopped watching, only to discover the ball was on the green.

Korda’s approach was 40 feet long, and she did well to lag it to a foot. Kupcho missed her 30-foot birdie attempt and Korda moved on to a decisive match against Jutanugarn. The Thai is 2-0 and would only need a halve against Korda.

“Very questionable by me,” Korda said of her play. “Definitely don’t have my best stuff right now.. That’s the greatest thing about match play, is even if you don’t have your best stuff you have to grind it out.”

Lydia Ko joined Henderson as the only players who have yet to play the 15th hole in either of the two rounds. The difference is Ko lost her first match (6 and 4) before a 6-and-5 victory Thursday over Gabriela Ruffels. Everyone in Ko’s group is 1-1.

If any group ends in a tie, the winner is decided by a sudden-death playoff.

Hyo Joo Kim, coming off a playoff victory last week in Arizona, won the last four holes to rally against Nanna Koertz Madsen for her second win this week. Kim and Maja Stark are 2-0 and will play Friday to see who advances.

Rose Zhang conceded her match against Albane Valenzuela after three holes. Zhang had complained about a neck injury in the opening round. That sets up a strange scenario.

If Zhang can’t play against Meghan Khang, Valenzuela would be eliminated. If Zhang can play and beats Khang, Valenzuela could win the group by beating Nataliya Guseva.

Among those eliminated are Jin Young Ko and Leona Maguire in another bizarre situation. 

Ko needed to win the match to have any shot at the weekend. The match was dormie after 16, meaning Ko was eliminated. But the South Korean won the next two holes to halve the match, and that eliminated Maguire.

Oakville, ON – Golf Canada and the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced today that the Team Canada – NextGen program and the U.S. National Junior Team will compete in a two-day international friendly match play event, April 12-13 at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas.

The event will feature 12 players (six girls and six boys) representing each team in a mixed competition that will be World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) sanctioned. The match play format will be as follows:

Saturday, April 12: Foursome Team matches (a.m.) and Four-Ball Team matches (p.m.)

Sunday, April 13: Individual Single matches

“We are excited for our young Canadian athletes to participate in this match play event and give these talented aspiring players another opportunity to compete internationally. We have seen great success with our NextGen players over the past couple years, especially at the World Junior Girls Golf Championship and these matches provide great experience to continue to learn and grow,” said Jeff MacDonald, head coach of the Team Canada – NextGen Girls team. “We also want to extend our thanks to the USGA, as these unique matches help to strengthen an already strong relationship between our two national golf federations.”

The Team Canada – NextGen squad will feature 10 current members of the High-Performance program. Two additional U17 players were selected on the boys’ side to round out the team. The roster for the event will include:

BOYS

Charlie Gillespie – 18, Calgary, Alta.

Antoine Jasmin – 19, Blainville, Que.

Austin Krahn – 17, Christina Lake, B.C.

*Dawson Lew – 15, Toronto, Ont.

Jager Pain – 16, Woodbridge, Ont.

*Alex Zhang – 16, Richmond, B.C.

Coaches: Darcy Dhillon – Calgary, Alta., Dr. Charles Fitsimmons (Mental Performance Coach) – King City, Ont.

*- denotes selected player

GIRLS

Aphrodite Deng – 15, Calgary, Alta.

Clara Ding – 14, White Rock, B.C.

Shauna Liu – 16, Maple, Ont.

Eileen Park – 15, Red Deer, Alta.

Nobelle Park – 15, Oakville, Ont.

Michelle Xing – 16, Richmond Hill, Ont.

Coaches: Jeff MacDonald – Halifax, N.S., Jennifer Ha – Calgary, Alta.

For more information on Team Canada, please click here.

Team USA will be comprised of:

BOYS
Ronin Banerjee – 16, Irvine, Calif.

Luke Colton – 17, Frisco, Texas

Phillip Dunham – 17, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Trevor Gutschewski – 17, Omaha, Neb.

Will Hartman – 18, Marvin, N.C.

Tyler Mawhinney – 17, Fleming Island, Fla. (2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Champion)

GIRLS

Shyla Brown – 16, McKinney, Texas

Ryleigh Knaub – 18, DeBary, Fla.

Jude Lee – 17, Walnut, Calif.

Nikki Oh – 17, Torrance, Calif.

Scarlett Schremmer – 18, Birmingham, Ala.

Amelie Zalsman – 16, St. Petersburg, Fla.

For more information of the U.S. roster, please click here.

“Team match play has long been an important part of international competition and introducing our nation’s top junior talent to these formats, competitive situations and championship level courses early in their development is crucial to building confidence and preparing them for success on the game’s biggest stages,” said Chris Zambri, head coach of the U.S. National Teams. “We’re thankful to partner with Golf Canada on this initiative in support of friendly competition and development for all of our athletes.”

Champions Golf Club was founded in 1957 by World Golf Hall of Fame members and past Masters champions, Jack Burke Jr. and Jimmy Demaret. The Cypress Creek course opened in 1959 and five years later the Jackrabbit course was built. Champions Golf Club has hosted numerous events including the Ryder Cup (1967), U.S. Open (1969), U.S. Amateur (1993), The TOUR Championship (1990, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003) and the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open.

In addition to the match play competition, there will be a joint team dinner following practice rounds on Friday, April 11 and a closing awards ceremony following play on Sunday, April 13.

Lauren Kim’s first time playing in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur was a singular experience. Not just because it’s one of the most historic golf courses in North America, but because she played the final round of the elite tournament alone.

Kim had made the cut at Augusta last year but, because there was an odd number of competitors, she wound up playing her final round alongside a marker. Effectively playing by herself worked because she fired a 71 — one of the few to score under par that day — to tie for 14th.

“I wasn’t comparing myself to another player in the field,” she said. “I think that’s what made it more fun, because I was by myself, and I had no idea what was going on in other groups, and I was just playing golf, and I had crowds with me.

“I almost made a hole-in-one on No. 16, which is very exciting, because I had a lot of friends and people watching me on that hole, and I almost pulled it out and made the crowd go wild. That round in general was so fun and special, I think it’s pretty hard to forget.”

Kim, from Surrey, B.C., will get another chance to make memories on Wednesday when she tees off at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur for a second consecutive year.

“It’s such an amazing feeling. It’s Augusta National. Everybody wants to go there, and not everyone can,” Kim said. “But I’m playing there as well and I got the opportunity to play there last year, play a competitive round after making the cut. 

“That was a very magical feeling and I’m just so excited to go back. They run that tournament so well and treat us very well.”

Kim earned her Augusta return with one of the best seasons in U.S. collegiate golf this year in her sophomore year with the Texas Longhorns.

She’s earned six top-10 finishes since September 2024, most recently winning the Betsy Rawls Invitational. That performance anchored Texas’s 18-stroke team victory at the event in the Longhorns’ home tournament.

Laura Ianello, the head coach of the women’s golf team at Texas, said that Kim deserves the honour of being invited to Augusta.

“She has earned the right to be here, being the number 1 player out of Canada year after year the last couple of years,” said Ianello. “Lauren Kim is, without a doubt, a person that could easily win the Augusta National Women’s Amateur if she gets off to a good start, hits her fairways, greens and makes some putts early.”

Kim agreed with her university coach that her solid play all season should carry over to the storied course.

“With the momentum I have right now, it’s helping me head into events with the mindset that I am a great player, I can perform, and all I need to do is really just focus on that shot that I’m about to hit, instead of worrying about technical things or how I’m going to play or perform,” said Kim, who will be joined at Augusta by Longhorns teammates Farah O’Keefe and Cindy Hsu.

“Having all parts of my game clicking right now that really did help my mentality, keep me in it during tournaments.”

LPGA TOUR — Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., faces Ireland’s Leona Maguire in the first round of the T-Mobile Match Play event. Henderson, ranked No. 25 on the top women’s tour, is the only Canadian in the field at Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas, Nev.

PGA TOUR — Two-time Valero Texas Open champion Corey Conners will return to TPC San Antonio this week. He’s seventh in the FedEx Cup standings, the highest-ranked Canadian on the PGA Tour. The player from Listowel, Ont., will be joined at the Texas Open by Ben Silverman (153rd) of Thornhill, Ont., and Adam Svensson (156th) of Surrey, B.C.

KORN FERRY TOUR — Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont., will return to action at this week’s Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in Savannah, Ga. He hasn’t played in a competitive tournament since he missed the cut at the Astara Golf Championship but is still No. 8 on the points list, making him the highest ranked Canadian on the second-tier circuit. No. 23 Matthew Anderson, also from Mississauga, Myles Creighton (62nd) of Digby, N.S., Etienne Papineau (109th) of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., Roger Sloan (118th) of Merritt, B.C., and Vancouver’s Stuart Macdonald (136th) are also in the field.

AMERICAS TOUR — Ten Canadians are in the field at the 70th ECP Brazil Open this week, the second tournament of the third-tier circuit’s schedule. Anderson won it last year, paving the way for his promotion to the Korn Ferry Tour this season.

Regardless of the result at the 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Lauren Kim has already carved out a little piece of history as she is just the second Canadian in the event’s history to play in back-to-back seasons.  

But make no mistake – Kim, of Surrey, B.C., isn’t just there to hit a few shots, enjoy the walk, and add another note to her life’s scrapbook. After a breakthrough collegiate victory at the University of Texas in early March, Kim can’t help but smile and say, well, sure, she’s thinking about what it might be like to win the thing.

“It’s on my mind,” Kim told Golf Canada in a recent conversation from Austin as she prepared for this year’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur. “Everyone in this field is capable to win it but with where my game is at right now it’s not something I haven’t been thinking about – winning this championship. I’ve just got to keep chopping wood and keep thinking about what’s here and not end results.” 

Kim is a sophomore at the University of Texas and Canada’s top-ranked female amateur. The Augusta National Women’s Amateur field has always carved out a spot for a Canadian, and Brigitte Thibault – who played the first two editions of the championship – is the only other to play it more than once.  

There’s a chance Kim will be the first to play it three times, as she is No. 20 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking – 20 spots ahead of Vanessa Borovilos at No. 42 (Borovilos is 60 spots ahead of the next-highest ranked Canadian).  

Kim, who is in her fifth year as part of Golf Canada’s national team, finished T14 at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur last year after shooting 71 in the final round at Augusta National itself. Lottie Woad, the world’s top-ranked female amateur, won the title by one shot over Bailey Shoemaker.  

Kim’s T14 tied Monet Chun for the best result by a Canadian at the event.  

Kim’s Texas connection has been extremely beneficial for her as a member of the club, with Texas ties has taken her and some teammates to Augusta National for a bonus practice round two years in a row. She said the greens are much more challenging than you’d think they would be with “tiny breaks” that aren’t really seen by the naked eye.  

“It all comes down to the experience,” Kim said. “Having played there and having a local caddie – that was clutch. He knew the ins and outs and where Rae’s Creek was and all the different things that changed. Augusta changes their course every year.  

“To see the differences and my caddie to tell me, it’s really helpful.” 

Kim captured the Betsy Rawls Invitational for her first win of 2025 and second of her collegiate career. She was named the SEC Women’s Golfer of the Week in the process – about three weeks out from the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

She said her game is “really solid” and is very pleased with all the work she did through the wintertime.   

“I’ve made a lot of swing changes and gained a lot of strength and speed. That’s what has helped me with my ball striking. I’ve never had an issue with it but now it’s more consistent than ever and all the training that I’ve done is really paying off,” Kim said. 

The Augusta National Women’s Amateur will once again consist of two rounds at nearby Champions Retreat Golf Club before the top 30 (and ties) will have a chance to play Augusta National.  

There are 72 players in the field to start the week. The event began in 2018.  

Kim knows that the week is unique and just because she is playing well and made the cut in 2024, the same success is not promised for 2025. But Kim has a solid game plan, and plenty of experience to lean on, for this year.  

“You definitely don’t want to think too far ahead of the end result and especially because there is qualifying to get onto Augusta National – it’s a big deal,” Kim said. “It can definitely captivate your entire mindset of thinking. Like, ‘I have to play well. I have to make the cut.’  

“For me it’s just thinking about what’s in front of me and what to deal with versus the whole big picture.”  

As her maturity shines through, Kim knows that a straightforward plan to her week will hopefully result in another good finish. Who knows – maybe there will be another Canadian to win at the famed fairways of Augusta National.  

“Right now,” Kim said, “My eyes are set on the trophy at Augusta.”  

Canada well represented at Masters Tournament, Augusta National Women’s Amateur and
Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals

As the calendar turns to April, golf fans worldwide focus their attention on Augusta, Ga. to celebrate a tradition unlike any other and watch in anticipation as to who will be next to don the iconic green jacket.

Canada will be well represented at the 89th Masters Tournament with four Canadians currently set to compete including past Masters champion, Mike Weir (Bright’s Grove, Ont.), Corey Conners (Listowel, Ont.), Taylor Pendrith (Richmond Hill, Ont.) and 2023 RBC Canadian Open winner, Nick Taylor (Abbotsford, B.C.).

Weir will be competing in his 26th Masters Tournament. His iconic win in 2003 was secured on the first playoff hole at Augusta National Golf Club to beat Len Mattiace and become the first Canadian Masters champion and the first Canadian male golfer to win a major.

Conners, who will be competing in his eighth Masters Tournament including 2015 as an amateur, had three consecutive top 10 finishes between 2020 and 2022, with his best finish, T6 coming in 2022. Taylor will be making his third appearance at the Masters, his best finish was T29 in 2020, while Pendrith will be making his Masters debut.

Also returning to Augusta National Golf Club (Augusta National) is Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club’s superintendent, Eric Ruhs, who has been volunteering with the Augusta National Agronomy department since 2014. Ruhs has been the superintendent at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club since 1987 and was honoured as the 2023 Superintendent of the Year by the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association.

Lauren Kim set to compete in second consecutive Augusta National Women’s Amateur

Before the Masters Tournament kicks off, Augusta National will host the sixth annual Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), from April 2-5.

Team Canada member, Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C. will be competing at her second consecutive ANWA, looking to build on last year’s T14 finish. Kim is currently a sophomore at the University of Texas where she has enjoyed a great deal of success throughout her season. She claimed her second collegiate title at the Betsy Rawls Invitational in March and has three additional third place finishes along with a top-five and a top-six.

The ANWA features a field of 72 amateurs competing over 54 holes of stroke play with a cut following 36 holes. The opening rounds will be contested at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. on Wednesday, April 2 and Thursday, April 3. The top 30 players and ties will advance to the final round at Augusta National on Saturday, April 5. The entire field will play a practice round there one day prior on Friday.

The first two rounds of the ANWA will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. ET. NBC will air the final round on April 5 from Noon – 3:00 p.m. ET.

For more information on the ANWA including the full field, click here.

Three Canadians set to compete in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals in Augusta

Following the ANWA, the 11th annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals will be contested on Sunday, April 6 at Augusta National.

Three Canadians will be among the 80 qualified junior golfers that have earned invitations to compete in Augusta. They are:

Allen Kong from Vancouver, B.C. who will be competing in the Boys 7-9 division. Kong earned his spot through a regional qualifying event at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wa., where he gained 133 points, fourth highest in his division among other national final competitors.

Jenny Guo of Langley, B.C. will be competing in the Girls 12-13 division. Guo recorded 143 points at her regional qualifying event at Chambers Bay, where her total was the second highest among other national finalists in the division. Guo also finished second at the inaugural Canadian U15 Championship last August at the Elmira Golf Club in Elmira, Ont.

Riviera Lindholm of Toronto, Ont. will also be competing in the Girls 12-13 Division. Lindholm earned her qualification at a regional event at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa. where she totaled 150 points, the highest total among national finalists in her division. Last season, Lindholm earned a T4 finish at the Canadian U15 Championship and placed second at the 2024 Junior Skills Challenge National Event in the Girls 12-13 division.

Canadians have enjoyed past success at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, with three current Team Canada members having previously won their respective divisions. LPGA Tour member Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont. won the Girls 14-15 division in 2017. Vanessa Borovilos of Etobicoke, Ont. won the Girls 10-11 division in 2018 and Nicole Gal of Oakville, Ont. won the Girls 14-15 division in 2019. Fellow Canadian Alexis Card of Cambridge, Ont. won the Girls 7-9 division in 2021.

Drive, Chip and Putt is conducted in partnership with the USGA, the Masters Tournament and the PGA of America and is a free youth golf development program. The competition tests the skills of the game, measuring accuracy in driving, chipping and putting. Each competitor is scored on a 30-point system – the player with the best drive is awarded 10 points, the closest cumulative chips, 10 points and the player with nearest cumulative putts, another 10 points. The player with the highest total combined score will be named the winner from each age and gender division.

For more information on the 2025 national finalists and regional qualifying results, please click here. For more information on Drive, Chip and Putt, please click here

RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open honoured at the
2025 Sport Tourism Canada PRESTIGE Awards

Hamilton, Ont. and Calgary, Alta. – Golf Canada was presented with a 2025 Outstanding Business Achievement Award for Tourism Champion of the Year, from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Hamilton at the Hamilton Chamber’s annual awards gala last week.

In addition, the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open were honoured during the 2025 Sport Tourism Canada PRESTIGE Awards, celebrating the best in Canada’s Sport Tourism industry. The ceremony was held during the Sport Events Congress (SEC) 2025 earlier this month in Calgary, Alta.

The CPKC Women’s Open was named Sport Tourism Canada (STC) International Sport Event of the Year: Group A (Budget of $2M to $10M). The award recognizes the overall success of an outstanding international sport event held in Canada in 2024, that includes international participants.

The RBC Canadian Open was named STC Sport Event Partnership of the Year. The award recognizes a collaborative and innovative partnership between a destination, rights holder, venue and/or other industry or community partners to deliver an outstanding sport event held in Canada in 2024.

“We are very honoured to have both of Canada’s National Open Golf Championships recognized by Sport Tourism Canada and their sponsors at this year’s Sport Events Congress. We are equally as proud to be recognized by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Hamilton as the Tourism Champion of the Year for the 2024 RBC Canadian Open,” said Garrett Ball, Chief Operating Officer, Golf Canada. “Additionally, we are extremely thankful to our partners at CPKC, RBC, the Government of Ontario, Tourism Calgary and Tourism Hamilton for helping us break event attendance records and deliver an exceptional experience at two of Canada’s premier annual sporting events.”

The PRESTIGE (Program Recognizing Exceptional Sport Tourism Initiatives, Games & Events) Awards is now in its 17th year, honouring exceptional sport events, people and organizations since their inception in 2007. This year, ten recipients across eight award categories were recognized.

For more information about Sport Tourism Canada, please visit sporttourismcanada.com/. For more information about the PRESTIGE Awards, please visit sporttourismcanada.com/about-prestige-awards/.

For more information about the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce’s 41st Annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards and the winners, please visit hamiltonchamber.ca/2025-obaa-winners/.

The PGA of Canada and Golf Canada are delighted to announce the eight talented coaches selected for the 2025 Women in Coaching program. This initiative, now in its fifth year, is dedicated to increasing the representation of female high-performance coaches to better reflect the diversity of the Canadian golf community.

The 2025 participants are:​

• Jennifer MacKinnon – Earl Grey Golf Club, Senior Associate Golf Professional
• Katie White – Fox Meadow Golf Course, Head Teaching Professional and PEI Provincial Golf Coach
• Elizabeth Stewart – Edmonton Petroleum Club, Associate Golf Professional and Pandas Women’s Golf Coach at the University of Alberta
• Morgan Matchett – Miramichi Golf and Country Club, Assistant Professional
• Katy Rutherford – Silver Springs Golf & Country Club, Manager of Player Development
• Naixin (Sophia) Li – So Golf Academy Inc., Principal & Head Pro
• Kayla Burke – Lambton Golf & Country Club, Assistant Golf Professional
• Anne Balser – Oakfield Golf & Country Club, Associate Golf Professional

“I am truly thrilled to be part of this year’s Women in Coaching program,” said Sophia Li. “Over the years, I have gained invaluable teaching experience through continuous learning and the accumulation of knowledge, which has given me the opportunity to further my studies with national-level coaches. Every effort and dedication along the way has been immensely rewarding. I look forward to elevating my coaching to new heights and sharing the insights I gain with my students, both now and in the future.”

“It’s an honour to be part of this year’s Women in Coaching program. I’ve heard nothing but great things from past participants, and I’m excited for the opportunity to learn from not only the top women in the industry, but some of the best coaches in the country,” said Anne Balser. “I’m looking forward to catching up with two of my Atlantic Zone colleagues and collaborating with all the talented women, from across the country, who will be attending. This will be an invaluable experience, both personally and professionally.”

Each participant will engage in a comprehensive year-long program that includes:​

• Personalized learning plans with guidance from Master Coach Developer Beth Barz.​
• Coach shadowing opportunities with esteemed professionals, including Golf Canada national team coaches Salimah Mussani and Jennifer Greggain.​
• Virtual learning sessions tailored to developing a community of practice for women coaches.
• In-person technical development sessions designed to enhance coaching skills.​

This program is made possible through the generous support of the Jocelyn Bourassa Legacy Fund (JBLF), which is committed to shaping the future of women in golf by creating strong leaders and role models.  

Past participants have praised the program’s impact on their careers. Kat Kennedy, a 2023 participant, remarked, “The Women in Coaching Program has significantly boosted both my confidence and hands-on experience as a coach. Through specialized coaching education, leadership training, and personalized mentorship, I’ve been able to refine my skills, gain valuable insights from other experienced Canadian women coaches, and build a stronger belief in my abilities as a coach.”​

The 2025 program will commence with an in-person session in late March at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta., followed by another in November, where participants will have the opportunity to shadow national team coaches and participate in hands-on technical development sessions.

For more information about the Women in Coaching program, please click here.  

OAKVILLE, ON – Golf Canada is proud to announce the winners and finalists of the 2024 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf, Presented by Humi.

First established in 2022, the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf were created to celebrate and recognize the vital role golf facilities across Canada play in developing young Canadian golfers. The awards focus on facilities that continue to make an oustanding commitment to junior golf by providing access to the first tee, programming, tournament hosting and grassroots development.

“Humi is honoured to present the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf for the second year,” said Kevin Kliman, CEO of Humi. “We’re proud to celebrate these facilities shaping junior golf nationwide and to continue working with Golf Canada as a valued client and partner in supporting hardworking Canadians and their businesses from coast-to-coast.”

The 2024 recipipents each exemplify leadership by providing opportunities for young golfers to play, learn, compete and thrive in the game.

“We are honoured to celebrate six outstanding facilities that have gone above and beyond to create accessible, welcoming, and safe environments for young Canadians to play golf. Their commitment to junior golf has made a lasting impact on their communities, often prioritizing youth access over full-paying revenue opportunities,” said Ryan Logan, Director of External Relations, Golf Canada. “This dedication not only strengthens opportunities for young golfers but also helps cultivate the next generation of avid and elite players.”

The 2024 winners and finalists are as follows:

Youth on Course Location of the Year

Awarded to a facility that demonstrates exceptional commitment to youth golf development by providing extensive course access through Youth on Course, leading to more juniors playing at a subsidized rate throughout the calendar year.

WINNER: Lakeridge Links Golf Club – Whispering Ridge (Whitby, Ont.)

With 677 unique participants and over 160% year-over-year growth, Whispering Ridge has demonstrated success in expanding junior golf participation. The club has successfully embedded Youth on Course alongside their junior programs and generates significant engagement. Whispering Ridge’s performance in growing junior participation highlight its commitment to the program’s success and the future of junior golf with 2,983 total subsidized rounds played in 2024. Led by Ryan Starr, Whispering Ridge’s partner course, El Dorado Golf Club has donated their course for the Ontario Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike three years in a row.

Finalist: Maple Ridge Golf Club (Calgary, Alta.)

Finalist: Cattail Crossing Golf & Winter Club (Edmonton, Alta.)

Tournament Host of the Year
Awarded to a facility that gives back to junior golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.

WINNER: Innisfail Golf Club (Innisfail, Alta.)

Innisfail Golf Club was the host of the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO. The club went above and beyond to provide a world-class experience for the field of competitors. From recruiting an incredibly involved Host Club Committee to tireless fundraising efforts, players and parents alike were welcomed with open arms. The golf course was kept in fantastic condition thanks to the greens staff as well as a team of dedicated volunteers.

Finalist: Pitt Meadows Golf Club (Pitt Meadows, B.C.)

Finalist: Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Club (Kelowna, B.C.)

First Tee – Canada Program of the Year

Awarded to a First Tee – Canada Program Location that demonstrates excellent enrolment in First Tee – Canada programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.

WINNER: Roseland Golf & Curling Club (Windsor, Ont.)

Since becoming a First Tee – Canada Program location in 2023, Roseland Golf and Curling Club has supported the program by providing a dedicated 9-hole par-3 course each week, giving participants the space they need to develop their golf skills. In 2024, Roseland saw a 205% increase in participant engagement, reaching 55 individuals through First Tee programs and Try Golf events. As an RBC Community Junior Golf location, and located near organizations serving equity-deserving communities, Roseland ensures all programming is offered at no cost, making the game accessible to all. The club’s extensive roster of First Tee-certified coaches has been instrumental in driving this growth, offering expert guidance and creating meaningful opportunities for participants. A standout initiative last season was the introduction of “Caddy Nights,” where coaches acted as on-course caddies, guiding First Tee participants through a round of golf to build their confidence and introduce them to individual play, to assist them in transitioning to Youth on Course.

Finalist: Wildwood Golf Club (Saskatoon, Sask.)

Finalist: Country Meadows Golf Club (Indian Mountain, N.B.)

Grassroots Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.

WINNER: NINE Golf Academy (Belleville, Ont.)

Junior golfers at NINE Golf Academy enjoy unlimited access to the golf course, driving range, and practice facilities, with discounted rates aimed at introducing new players. The academy runs programs for local schools and youth teams to offer golf access to those who may not otherwise have it. They also donate memberships to children’s charities like Make a Wish, Children’s Mental Health, and Rotary Loves Kids, contributing over 50 memberships in four years. In 2024, the Academy’s Junior Golf Program had 271 participants, with more girls than boys, and provided additional instruction to 61 children through the Children’s Aid Society. Over 300 local students participated in golf through their schools in partnership with NINE Golf Academy.

Finalist: Humber Valley Resort (Little Rapids, Nfld.)

Finalist: Bowen Island Golf Club (Bowen Island, B.C.)

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

Awarded to a facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs to help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.

WINNER: Ledgeview Golf Club (Abbotsford, B.C.)

Ledgeview Golf Club provides junior golfers with free evening access when playing with an adult and offers a clear progression pathway through affordable programs and memberships. The club supports juniors through fundraising efforts like the Ledgeview Legacy Fund and bursaries, with local businesses sponsoring tournament fees and apparel. Programs are designed to be accessible, with a focus on encouraging female participation and community involvement. Additionally, the club offers a caddy program and works with the City of Abbotsford to expand opportunities for underprivileged youth.

Finalist: Dufferin Heights (Stanstead, Que.)

Finalist: Fraser Edmundston Golf Club (Edmundston, N.B.)

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.

WINNER: Marine Drive Golf Club (Vancouver, B.C.)

Marine Drive has a rich history of developing elite golfers and fosters an environment that attracts talented players. Juniors can join as official members starting at age 10, with the program open to both members’ children and non-member juniors, and a capacity of up to 165 juniors. The club has also introduced a Junior Development Fund, which encourages members to actively support and invest in the growth and success of the junior golfers. Established five years ago, it supports junior clinics and high-performance programs and thereby developing competitive standards that attract top players from the lower mainland of British Columbia.

Finalist: Summit Golf Club (Richmond Hill, Ont.)

Finalist: Glencoe Golf & Country Club (Calgary, Alta.)

Golf Canada extends its congratulations to all winners and finalists for their dedication to junior golf. Their efforts continue to shape the future of the sport, ensuring young golfers across the country have the opportunities and resources available to succeed.

For more information about the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf Presented by Humi, please visit golfcanada.ca/national-facility-awards-for-junior-golf/.

If you have any questions regarding the awards or nomination process, please feel free to email NFAJG@golfcanada.ca.