One of the core principles of the World Handicap System (WHS) is fairness. For golfers of all skill levels to compete equitably, handicaps must reflect a player’s demonstrated ability as accurately as possible. A key part of achieving this is peer review — a principle that promotes transparency, accountability and integrity in the game.

What is peer review?

In the context of handicapping, peer review is the process by which fellow golfers, club members and club officials can view — and, if necessary, question — the scores a player submits for handicap purposes. It ensures that a player’s scoring record is open to reasonable scrutiny, promoting a culture of trust within the club.

The concept is simple: golf is largely self-regulated. With no referee overseeing every round, players are responsible for recording and attesting to scores in a manner that reflects the true spirit of the game. Peer review provides a safeguard within the self-managed system, allowing the golf community to support the integrity of each player’s scoring record.

What’s expected of golfers?

For peer review to work effectively, golfers are expected to:

• Submit all acceptable scores: This includes both competition and casual rounds played under the Rules of Golf, ensuring the Handicap Index is a true reflection of ability.
• Be truthful and transparent: Players should not manipulate scores to influence their handicap.
• Play by the Rules of Golf: Proper rules knowledge and consistent application ensure scores are fairly comparable across players and courses.
• Support fellow members: If there are irregularities or concerns with a player’s scoring record, golfers are encouraged to raise them constructively through the club’s handicap committee.
• Attest when required: In formal competitions, signing a fellow competitor’s scorecard is a direct form of peer review.
• Understand the Rules of Handicapping: A basic understanding of the WHS can help players know what should or shouldn’t be done on course or when posting a score.

Benefits to the club

Peer review strengthens the golfing community at your club in several ways:

• Promotes fairness: By discouraging manipulation and encouraging accountability, it ensures that competitions are won by ability rather than questionable handicaps.
• Builds trust: Knowing everyone is playing on a level field fosters confidence in the system and the club environment.
• Supports the handicap committee: Peer review provides the committee with valuable feedback, helping them address anomalies or investigate unusual scoring patterns.
• Encourages participation: When members trust the system, they are more likely to take part in competitions and club events.

Benefits to the World Handicap System

On a broader scale, peer review is fundamental to the integrity of the World Handicap System:

• It ensures a player’s Handicap Index is portable and meaningful worldwide.
• It provides a consistent, player-driven safeguard against misuse of the system.
• It maintains the reputation of the WHS as a fair and credible measure of golfing ability.

Golf has long been known as a game of honour. Peer review reinforces that tradition within the modern framework of the World Handicap System. By being open, honest and supportive of one another, golfers not only protect the integrity of their own handicap but also help sustain the fairness of the game at their club and around the world.

CALGARY, Alta. — First Tee – Alberta celebrated a milestone moment in 2025, with nearly $200,000 raised through the generosity of its partnership with the Rogers Charity Classic.

Backed by Calgary’s Patron Group of business leaders along with PGA TOUR professional Stephen Ames, the Rogers Charity Classic (formerly the Shaw Charity Classic) is the lone Canadian stop on the PGA TOUR Champions. Since its launch in 2013, the tournament has raised an incredible $137 million for more than 300 charities supporting children and families in need across Alberta.

The generous funding to First Tee – Alberta is helping Golf Canada expand the reach of its youth development program across the province, providing more equity-deserving children access to golf while fostering life skills development, confidence and community connection. Since 2024, First Tee – Alberta has introduced more than 6,000 youth to the sport through programming at schools, community centres, and golf facilities.

“A year like this doesn’t happen without meaningful partners who believe in what we’re building,” said Kelsey Chadwick, development officer of First Tee – Alberta. “The impact of the Rogers Charity Classic and its philanthropic efforts in the community have been transformational. First Tee is proud to be supported by the Rogers Charity Classic and the event’s tremendous commitment to helping the next generation of golfers thrive both on and off the course.”

A highlight for the program’s fundraising activity came during the Rogers Legends of Hockey Shootout, where junior elite golfer Sydney Bisgrove represented First Tee – Alberta in a 100-yard closest-to-the-pin challenge. Bisgrove’s performance helped secure a $115,000 donation, marking a turning point for the chapter.

“Being part of that moment was unbelievable,” said Bisgrove. “To represent First Tee – Alberta in front of so many people and know that it helped raise such a big donation that will have an impact on grassroots golf opportunities across the province is something I’ll never forget.”

Sean Van Kesteren, executive director of the Rogers Charity Classic, is proud to see the tournament’s impact extend far beyond golf.

“Our mission has always been to showcase the game’s greats while using the tournament to give back,” Van Kesteren said. “The Legends of Hockey event brings fans and families together in a unique way, while also driving real support for charities like First Tee – Alberta.”

Through the 2025 Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink program, donations made between March and August were matched up to 50 per cent, generating additional funding of $17,000 for the Alberta chapter.

First Tee – Alberta also received a $50,000 Charity Champion Grant earlier this season which supported First Nation outreach and provided access to the program for communities that may not otherwise have the opportunity to play.

“The Rogers Charity Classic has become a staple in Calgary’s summer calendar and a great example of what can happen when community and sport come together,” said Van Kesteren.

First Tee – Alberta continues to grow thanks to the generous support of donors, organizations and events such as the Rogers Charity Classic. The support of Calgary’s signature championship in helping the chapter achieve this fundraising milestone demonstrates the power of sport in bringing people together and creating lasting change both on and off the golf course.

To learn more about First Tee – Alberta, visit firstteealberta.ca.

As the leaves turn and temperatures drop across the country, fall is one of the most scenic — and often favourite — times of year to be on the golf course. It also signals the approach of the end of the active season, which varies by province.

Before you pack up your clubs for winter, it’s important to know how fall golf can affect your Handicap Index under the World Handicap System (WHS).

Here are six things to keep in mind:

1. Active seasons vary by Province

The Active Season is the period when scores from your specified area are eligible for handicap purposes. These dates are based on when courses are typically in mid-season condition, as they were when rated.

Weather and course conditions can affect the accuracy of course ratings, which is why scores eventually become ineligible for handicap purposes. Even if the active season is over, you can still post your scores to your Golf Canada account, though they won’t be factored into your Handicap Index.

2. Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC)

Frost delays, soggy lies and swirling winds are all part of fall golf. Conditions can be unpredictable, but the Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) helps account for tougher days.

PCC is an automatic process that compares daily scores against expected scoring patterns. If enough players post scores outside expectations from the same course on the same day, the WHS adjusts score differentials to reflect difficulty. The PCC only activates if at least eight rounds are posted from the same tee/course, so post your score the same day.

3. Preferred lies and wet fairways

When the ground gets damp, many clubs implement preferred lies (lift, clean and place) to ensure fair play. These rounds are still acceptable for handicap purposes under the WHS, as long as the local rule is in place and the round follows the Rules of Golf. When in doubt, check with the pro shop.

4. Shorter days means more 9-Hole and incomplete rounds

With less daylight in the fall, fitting in 18 holes can be a challenge. The WHS supports posting 9-hole rounds and incomplete rounds (10–17 holes).

As long as you play a full front or back nine, your score can be posted. You’ll receive a score differential for the holes played and the system will combine them to produce an 18-hole differential. Twilight nines are still a great way to keep scores in your record.

5. Playing on aerated greens

Many Canadian courses aerate their greens in the fall. While bumps and sand may affect putting, these scores are still valid.

Rounds played on aerated greens are acceptable, and a PCC adjustment may apply. It’s important to post these scores, even if conditions feel less than ideal.

6. Keep posting your scores

Fall golf in Canada can be both stunning and challenging. While the season may be short, those final rounds still matter in maintaining a fair and accurate Handicap Index.

Whether you’re playing competitively or just enjoying the last stretch of good weather, remember the WHS is designed to account for seasonal conditions.

So don’t put your clubs away just yet — post your scores, enjoy the colours and finish your season strong.

Kent State University’s Veronika Kedroňová shot 2-under to secure wire-to-wire victory in individual competition; Clairey Lin nabs win at Team Canada – NextGen Selection Camp

AURORA, Ont. –The Auburn University Tigers shot a field-best 12-under on Tuesday to complete a come-from-behind victory at the inaugural Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont.

The Tigers began the final round trailing the Kent State University Golden Flashes by three strokes after opening the tournament with a collective score of 4-under in wet conditions. On Tuesday, the Tigers pounced on the course’s dry terrain to claim the team championship by six strokes, using a field-best 66 from sophomore Balma Davalos of Castellón de la Plana, Spain to cement their victorious charge up the leaderboard.

“She has improved so much,” praised Auburn’s head coach Melissa Luellen of her sophomore, Davalos, following the win. “She had a tremendous summer – shooting 22-under par in the European Individual Championship – and her confidence is the biggest difference. Her belief is really high right now and if you believe, you can do great things in this game,” she added.

Davalos got Auburn off to a hot start with three birdies through her opening four holes. She filled the cup with three more on Nos. 10, 16 and 1 while mixing in an eagle at the par-5 12th to negate a pair of consecutive bogeys on Nos. 13 and 14. Her efforts were supported by a 4-under performance from Molly Brown Davidson of Springville, Ala. and a pair of 1-under finishes by Anne Fernandez of Singapore and Anna Davis of Spring Valley, Calif.

Charlotte Cantonis of Tampa, Fla. carded a round of 74 to also help the Tigers clinch their win at the debut championship on Tuesday.

“We have a very young group here,” said Luellen, noting their oldest player at the tournament being Davis, a junior while two of her seniors were out competing at Q School this week. “For the young ones to pull together and shoot some great scores, I couldn’t be more proud.”

In the individual competition, Veronika Kedroňová of Roznov pod Radhostem, Czech Republic was able to convert on her 18-hole lead with a 2-under showing on Tuesday to claim the championship over Davalos by two strokes.

The Czech international kicked off her final round with a birdie at the first to get to 7-under par. A bogey at the third reeled her back a touch but would only cause a brief wobble for Kedroňová, who responded with four consecutive pars and a birdie at the par-3 eighth to hold onto her multi-stroke lead. After the turn, Kedroňová filled the cup with three more birdies, working around dropped shots at Nos. 11 and 16 to put the finishing touches on her first individual victory of the 2025 campaign.  

“It’s amazing. I’ve been struggling a little in the last couple of months and this event was a good turnaround. I’m just so happy,” praised Kedroňová, who struggled to put into words the meaning of Tuesday’s win following her final round.

The victory secures Kedroňová a spot in the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open as well as next year’s Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO. She will be joined in the latter by Davalos, Fernandez, Madison Messimer of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Leon Takagi of Tokyo, Japan and Jaclyn LaHa of Pleasanton, Calif. who all picked up exemptions into the 112th playing of Canada’s oldest female amateur event.

“I never thought I’d get to play in an LPGA Tour event this soon so I’m super excited to see how I’ll do,” said Kedroňová, who has previously teed off in Ladies European Tour events but none to the magnitude of the LPGA Tour.

Additionally, Clairey Lin of Langley, B.C. was able to clinch her third victory of the 2025 campaign with a comeback win at the Team Canada – NextGen Selection Camp. Lin, who started her round on Tuesday in a three-way tie for the top spot of the leaderboard, rallied around a 4-under front nine to secure her place on the 2026 Team Canada – NextGen team and win the event by a trio of strokes with rounds of 73-67-140.

To view the full leaderboard from the final round of the Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational, please click here. For the final leaderboard of the Team Canada – NextGen Selection Camp, please click here.

Kent State’s Veronika Kedroňová leads individual competition at 6-under; three players share top spot in the Team Canada – NextGen Selection Camp

AURORA, Ont. – The Kent State Golden Flashes opened a three-shot lead over the Auburn Tigers in the first round of the Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational with a score of 7-under par. 

Unbothered by the morning’s inclement weather that delayed Monday’s opening round by nearly two hours, the Golden Flashes were able to capitalize on a favourable back nine to help set the pace during the first-ever round of the Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational.  

Beginning her round on the 5th hole of a shotgun start, Veronika Kedroňová of Roznov pod Radhostem, Czech Republic led the charge for the Golden Flashes. Steady throughout the entire round, Kedroňová made seven birdies to pull her way into the outright lead of the individual leaderboard.  

“We have an amazing team culture,” commented Kedroňová following her round of 66 on Monday. “I don’t know how many teams have that kind of friendship we have on our team and we’re really together and playing for each other rather than just trying to post our own scores,” she added.  

Kedroňová, a member of the Czech Republic national golf team and ranked within the top 200 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), started her opening round on the fifth hole and grabbed the outright lead after rolling in back-to-back birdie putts on Nos. 15 and 16 to get to 5-under. A bogey on the 18th would be the only speed bump to Kedroňová’s round, navigating around the blemish with immediate birdies on the par-4 second and par-5 fourth to help take a two-stroke edge over Auburn’s Anne Fernandez of Singapore.  

The Czech international looks to keep her game plan the same heading into Tuesday’s final round, maintaining the iron play and putting that led her to a low round on Monday. Her play with the flatstick was the major takeaway for the tournament’s leader through 18 holes, having recently adjusted her putting ahead of the collegiate season. 

“For me it’s just a matter of rolling the ball. [Today] I would get up to the green when it was kind of close and I just tried to roll it somewhere, and it would just end up in the hole,” Kedroňová commented.  

Prior to Kedroňová finishing her opening round at the fourth, her Kent State teammate Leon Takagi of Tokyo, Japan briefly held the clubhouse lead at 3-under, having worked around a double-bogey at the par-5 seventh with birdies on Nos. 9, 12, 14,16 and 4 to turn her day around and stay within striking distance of her teammate.  

Notably, Takagi and Kedroňová are joined in the top ten of the individual leaderboard by another one of their teammates, Isabella Goyette of Medina, Ohio. Goyette pieced together a 2-under 70 to round out the trio of Golden Flashes in the top ten.  

Madison Messimer of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Charlotte Cantonis of Tampa, Fla. will start the final round alongside Takagi at 3-under, three shots off the pace. A group of five players sit a shot behind at 2-under par.  

Playing in the Team Canada Selection Camp running concurrently with this week’s Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational, Nobelle Park of Oakville, Ont., Clairey Lin of Langley, B.C. and Jodie Han of Vancouver, B.C. all pieced together rounds of 73 to each grab a share of the lead heading into Tuesday’s final round.  

The trio will look to separate from one another with a guaranteed spot on the 2026 Team Canada – NextGen team awarded to the event’s winner. Alongside the collegiate players, this group will be part of a 9 a.m. local time shotgun start on Tuesday. 

Due to heavy rain delaying the start of Monday’s opening round, tournament organizers have shortened both tournaments from 54 holes to 36 in an effort to ensure a timely finish.  

Co-hosted by the University of Michigan and Kent State University, the inaugural championship features nine additional NCAA Division I teams and the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds, the latter sitting in 11th through 18 holes at 20-over par.  

The winner of the individual competition on Tuesday will receive an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open, while the top five finishers – including the winner – will nab exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, set to descend on The Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga, Ont. for the 112th playing of the event. 

To view the full leaderboard from the opening round of the Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational, please click here. For an updated leaderboard and tee times from the Team Canada – NextGen Selection Camp, please click here.

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – The R&A has announced the qualification pathways for The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, taking place July 12-19, 2026.

Once again, the RBC Canadian Open will be part of The Open’s qualification series, with three (3) places being awarded to the leading three players who are not already exempt and make the cut. The 2026 RBC Canadian Open will be taking place at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) from June 10-14, 2026.

Each year, international pathways are provided for players to qualify for golf’s original championship through prestigious professional tour events played around the world.

The Open Qualifying Series will begin in October and players will be able to qualify for The 154th Open through 15 events in 13 countries being played on the PGA TOUR, Korn Ferry Tour, DP World Tour, Asian Tour, KPGA Tour, Japan Golf Tour, Sunshine Tour and Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.

On the PGA TOUR, places will be available via the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, the RBC Canadian Open, while the Visa Argentina Open presented by Macro in South America will also offer a spot.

Please click here to view the full list of exemptions for The 154th Open.

Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and its global nature is reflected in the number of outstanding opportunities we offer to golfers to qualify for the Championship through our exemptions and professional tour events held internationally each year.

“The Open Qualifying Series generates great excitement and intrigue each year as players compete to earn a coveted place in the Championship and so we look forward to seeing what stories emerge in the months ahead and the field coming together as we get closer to staging another memorable Open at Royal Birkdale next July.”

Regional and Final Qualifying events, which are open to professional and amateur golfers worldwide who meet the entry criteria, will take place at venues around Great Britain and Ireland in June ahead of the Championship.

A new Last-Chance Qualifier will be played at Royal Birkdale on Monday, 13 July. The field of 12 players competing for the final place in the Championship will be determined using an approach which complements the existing qualification criteria for The Open.

The Open is golf’s original championship. Played since 1860 on iconic links golf courses, it is the sport’s most international major championship with qualifying events on every continent. For one week each year, the pursuit of the famous Claret Jug trophy is the focus of the sporting world, followed globally by millions of fans.

Please click here to view the full schedule of events.

VICTORIA, B.C. — Drew Nesbitt delivered a career-defining performance Sunday at Uplands Golf Club, rallying to defeat fellow Canadian A.J. Ewart in a playoff and capture the 2025 Times Colonist Victoria Open presented by Andrew Sheret Limited.

Nesbitt erased a four-shot deficit with a 5-under 65 in windy conditions, pulling level with Ewart at 20-under 260 after regulation play. The 30-year-old from Horseshoe Valley, Ont., sealed the victory on the third extra hole, draining a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-3 ninth.

“I’ve been out here a little longer than some other guys, but I’ve dug deep internally and really tried to show myself that I can do this, that I’m able to play to my potential,” said Nesbitt, reflecting on a victory that underscores years of persistence on the professional circuit.

The win vaulted Nesbitt to No. 7 in the Fortinet Cup standings, setting up a pivotal week at the season-ending Fortinet Cup Championship at Morgan Creek Golf Course in Surrey, B.C. The top 10 players in the standings will earn Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026.

“Job’s not done,” said Nesbitt, who had his father, Dave, on the bag this week. “Just because you’re in a position to earn Korn Ferry Tour membership doesn’t mean anything is guaranteed. This tour is strong, there are good players, and anything can happen. My goal is to go out next week, play the best I can, and let the results take care of themselves.”

Nesbitt’s victory is his first in 21 PGA TOUR Americas career starts. He becomes the first Canadian to win this season and the fourth across the Tour’s two-year history, joining Matthew Anderson, Stuart MacDonald and A.J. Ewart as national champions.

It continues a strong campaign that already includes three top-10 finishes in nine starts — highlighted by a solo third at the Explore NB Open and a T4 at the ECP Brazil Open. A long-time professional, Nesbitt has never played a Korn Ferry Tour event. His lone previous PGA TOUR-sanctioned win came at the 2019 Mexico Open on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, where he also carded the Tour’s first-ever 59 in 2018.

He has also appeared six times on the PGA TOUR, including three RBC Canadian Open starts. His most memorable moment came at the 2019 Honda Classic, where he famously saved par from the water with his pants rolled up and shirt off, making the cut on the number.

Ewart, who began Sunday with a four-stroke cushion, settled for a runner-up finish after being denied a second career PGA TOUR Americas title. The 25-year-old from Coquitlam, B.C., still moved up to No. 12 in the Fortinet Cup standings, just outside the top 10.

Elsewhere, Costa Rica’s Paul Chaplet recorded a career-best solo third at 17-under, while Florida’s Brett Roberts finished solo fourth, improving from No. 60 to No. 39 in the standings.

Fortinet Cup leader Michael Brennan added another top-10 with a T5 finish at 16-under. Already a three-time winner this season, Brennan has clinched his Korn Ferry Tour card for next year.

Huang wins her maiden LET title at 16 years, 10 months and 22 days
The Canadian jumps up to 22^nd in the LET Order of Merit

Canada’s Anna Huang Claims Historic First LET Title at La Sella Open

Canada’s Anna Huang captured her maiden Ladies European Tour (LET) victory in commanding style at the 2025 La Sella Open, finishing with a remarkable 20-under-par total at La Sella Golf Resort.

Just 16 years, 10 months, and 22 days old, Huang displayed maturity well beyond her age as she completed a wire-to-wire win, firing rounds of 64-66-69-69 to secure a seven-shot triumph. Her victory makes her the youngest winner on the LET in 2025 and only the second Canadian ever to claim a title on the Tour. The first was Brooke Henderson, who triumphed at the 2022 Amundi Evian Championship, a major. Huang, however, is the first Canadian to win a non-major LET event.

“Honestly, I’m really shocked right now! I can’t believe I just won,” Huang said, still in awe of her achievement. “It feels crazy. I tried to stay in the moment all week and focus on each shot, instead of letting the scores distract me. Sticking to my game plan really paid off.”

On Sunday, Huang opened her final round with a birdie at the third and added another at the ninth. The back nine tested her resilience—she dropped shots at the 13th and 15th but immediately bounced back with birdies at 14 and 16. She sealed her victory in style, sinking a final birdie at the 18th for a closing 69 (-3).

Sharing the moment by her father Alex’s side, who has caddied for her since the beginning of her golfing journey, made the win even more meaningful. “It’s super special to have my dad on the bag,” she said. “Winning at 16 feels unreal. I never thought this would happen, but I’m so proud of myself. I can’t wait to reply to all the messages from friends and family.”

Huang’s journey makes her breakthrough even more remarkable—she began the season without a full LET card and entered some events as a reserve. “At the start of the season, I didn’t even have a full card. I was just a reserve at the Wistron Ladies Open and the Aramco China Championship,” she explained. “To be standing here as a winner now is absolutely insane.”

With her first professional trophy already secured, Huang has announced herself as one of golf’s brightest rising stars.

England’s Charlotte Naughton holds on to win individual honours with crucial par save on 18

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – The Republic of Korea (Korea) battled the swirling winds but successfully defended their title, becoming the first back-to-back champions in tournament history at the 2025 World Junior Girls Golf Championship at St. Catharines Golf & Country Club in St. Catharines, Ont., on Saturday.

Korea opened the final round with a 10-shot cushion but dropped a couple strokes early in the day to bring the field back into contention. In the end, they persevered through the elements to win the world championship for a record fourth time in the tournament’s ten-year history.

“This week they performed very well, especially the first one for Yeonseo Kim, it was her first time to come to Canada and the first time for a national team event but still she played tremendously,” said Korea Coach Min Naon. “Today, they knew their score, so they tried to not make big numbers, and it worked. It wasn’t an easy day for us, but they hung on to the end.”

On Saturday, Yun Seo Yang’s even par 72 and Seojin Park’s 1-over 73 counted towards the team’s total, with Korea finishing the tournament at 20-under (141-135-135-145-556), winning by seven strokes over past champions, Team Canada 1 and Spain.

This was the third year for both Naon and Park representing Korea at the World Junior Girls Golf Championship and the coach was reflective on her time working with Park and last year’s individual champion, Soomin Oh.

“Very special to me. Seojin and Soomin were my first girls that I worked with, and they really love to come to Canada and Golf Canada, and we really appreciate it every year and I can see they’re growing up so that’s very good,” she said.

The win gives Korea two championships along with a runner-up finish in the three years that Naon has coached the team.

“We play many big tournaments but for me, this event is very special. Three years ago, when I came here, it was the first event, and winning again is very special for me.”

As Korea battled on Saturday, Team Canada 1 shot up the leaderboard led by Clairey Lin of Langley, B.C.’s 3-under 69 and Shauna Liu’s even par 72. Canada continued to chip away at the lead, pulling to within five shots of the leaders as they made the turn on Saturday.

“We got off to a pretty good start today and when we made the turn we got it to 15-under and all the girls were playing really well and I looked and saw Korea was coming back maybe a little bit so there was a second there I thought maybe we could get this done, because I know the girls are capable of shooting a really low number,” said Team Canada 1 Coach Jeff MacDonald.

Like Naon, MacDonald was coaching in his third tournament with Team Canada 1 and have earned three successful podium finishes, winning gold in 2023 and consecutive runner-up finishes.

MacDonald praised his team’s depth and resiliency this week, “they’re great teammates. They really play for each other, which is great. Canada 2 had a great result this week, which is so encouraging for our program, it shows the depth that we have, and things are looking good.” Team Canada 1 was also represented by Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont.

Xing and MacDonald will also represent Canada at the World Amateur Team Championship in Singapore next month along with Vanessa Borovilos of Etobicoke, Ont. and Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C.

Team Canada 2 had their best finish in tournament history finishing in sixth place at 8-under and were led by Clara Ding of White Rock, B.C. who finished the tournament at 9-under and as runner-up in the individual component. Ding’s 1-under 71 and Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta.’s even par 72 counted for the team on Saturday. Team Canada 2 was also represented by Ruihan Kendria Wang of Vancouver, B.C.

Two-time champions, Spain shared runner-up honours with Canada 1 at 13-under. France and England tied for fourth at 9-under. Mexico (6-under), Italy (2-under), Colombia and Sweden (even par) rounded out the top 10 and all receive exemptions into next year’s championship.

The individual championship provided much drama in the final round as England’s Charlotte Naughton held on to win the gold medal and with it an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open.

“It feels amazing, I am actually speechless,” said Naughton shortly after having water dumped on her by her teammates on the 18th green. “I am really excited to play against the top golfers in the world,” she added in regard to her exemption.

Naughton opened the day with a two-shot lead over Kim but opened with bogey on No. 1 to tighten the leaderboard although not for very long. She carded back-to-back birdies on Nos. 2 and 3 to open a four-shot lead over Kim who bogeyed the third. Naughton’s lead increased to five with another birdie on No 6. Playing ahead of Naughton was Ding who moved into solo second and within four of the leader following a birdie of her own on No. 8.

Ding’s birdie at No. 12 coupled with a bogey from Naughton on 14 trimmed her lead to two with only few holes remaining. Ding later dropped a stroke on 18 to finish at 9-under. Naughton’s double bogey on the par 3 17th meant she was only carrying a one-shot lead heading to the 18th.

On the final hole, Naughton’s approach found a green side bunker. As the crowd watched in muted anticipation, Naughton’s perfect sand save gave her an opportunity to make par and win the title.

Putting had been the strongest part of her game all week in St. Catharines, and the flat stick did not fail her on 18 as she coolly rolled it in for the win.

“It was very stressful out there. I made a lot of up and downs and holed a few putts but towards the back nine I had a lot of chances, but the ball just wouldn’t go in the hole. So, when I knew I had to hole out it was a nice straight up hill putt, so it was good,” said a relieved Naughton.

Naughton finished the tournament at 10-under following rounds of 70-66-68-74-278 and while she has enjoyed a successful season, this win has moved to a prominent spot in her young career, “definitely number one,” she said with a big smile.

There won’t be much rest for Naughton as she will now head to the 2025 Junior Ryder Cup at Nassau Country Club and Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y. next week to represent both England and Europe.

Adriana Garcia Terol (Spain), Lin and Park finished tied for third at 7-under. Nagore Martinez (Spain) and Kim finished tied for sixth at 6-under.

In total, a field of 23 teams and 69 players in total competed for team and individual honours. Naughton, Ding, Garcia Terol, Lin and Park will also earn exemptions into the 112th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, taking place at The Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga, Ont., July 20-24, 2026.

Several players who have competed in the World Junior Girls Golf Championship have gone on to great success on the LPGA Tour. Canadian Brooke Henderson, a 14-time LPGA Tour winner and Canada’s winningest professional golfer, finished fourth in the individual competition at the inaugural championship in 2014.

Other notable competitors who went on to become LPGA Tour winners include Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand who won back-to-back World Junior titles in 2018 and 2019 as well as Yuka Saso of the Philippines who won the 2016 World Junior title. 2023 CPKC Women’s Open winner, Megan Khang of the United States competed in the inaugural tournament in 2014. Other former World Junior competitors who have gone on to win on the LPGA Tour include Hannah Green of Australia and Maja Stark and Linn Grant of Sweden. Hye-Jin Choi from the Republic of Korea won both the 2015 team and individual championship at the World Junior Girls Golf Championship and has earned several top five finishes on the LPGA Tour.

For the final team and individual leaderboard, following the 2025 World Junior Girls Golf Championship, please click here.

England’s Charlotte Naughton maintains individual lead, Yunseo Kim
two back after setting women’s competitive course record on Friday

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – The Republic of Korea (Korea) are looking to become the first country to repeat as champions, following another strong performance on Friday. Korea will take a 10-shot lead into the final round at the 2025 World Junior Girls Golf Championship at St. Catharines Golf & Country Club in St. Catharines, Ont.

For the second straight day, Korea was led by Yeonseo Kim who recorded a 7-under 65 to set the new women’s competitive course record at St. Catharines Golf and Country Club.

All three Korean players were under par again on Friday, with Yun Seo Yang’s 2-under 70 contributing to the team total of 9-under on the day, pushing the defending champions to 21-under overall and leading France by 10 strokes. Teammate Seojin Park carded a 1-under 71; the two lowest scores of the day count towards the team total.

“I am really proud of my team,” said Republic of Korea Coach Min Naon. “Some girls played their best round, and some did not but they hung on to the end and try to make no bogeys and wait for birdies.”

Even with a sizeable lead, Naon will talk to her team tonight and said they will “perform like it’s the first day” going into Saturday.

Spain got off to a hot start in the morning to pull even with Korea through the opening five holes, until Korea regained the lead through six and did not look back, increasing it to six strokes through the opening nine and eventually making it 10 as the third round came to a close.

Behind the leaders is a crowded leaderboard with France currently sitting second at 11-under, Team Canada 1 jumped into a tie for third with Spain at 10-under after firing a team combined 6-under on moving day. Team Canada 1 was led by Clairey Lin of Langley, B.C. who shot a 4-under 68 and Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont.’s 2-under 70. Team Canada 1 is also represented by Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont.

England was also hot on Friday, firing a combined 7-under to move to 10-under overall and into a tie with Canada 1 and Spain. Team Canada 2 currently sits in sixth at 7-under and was led by Clara Ding of White Rock, B.C., who recorded seven birdies on her way to a 6-under 66. Team Canada 2 is also represented by Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta. and Ruihan Kendria Wang of Vancouver, B.C.

Ding is enjoying the experience of her first World Junior Girls Championship, after a busy summer having played in the CPKC Women’s Open last month in Mississauga, Ont.

“Playing a lot of different of events has given me a lot more experience and confidence which hopefully I can use to go forward,” said Ding. “It’s been a lot of fun, it’s really nice to have teammates and also Jenn being out here with us.”

Korea will play with France and England in the final three groups on Saturday, click here for the final round groups and tee times.

One day after tying the women’s competitive course record at St. Catharines, England’s Charlotte Naughton carded a 4-under 68 on Friday to move to 12-under for the championship and takes a two-shot lead over Kim into Saturday’s final round.

Naughton shook off an early bogey on No. 3 with back-to-back birdies on Nos. 5 and 6 and went on to add three more on the back nine. The bogey on three was the only blemish on her scorecard over the past two days.

The flat stick was working again for Naughton on Friday, holing two very large birdie putts as she continued to have good control over her pace.

“It was a bit of a different round today I think…didn’t hit as many greens so short game was very good today, so I saved myself a lot,” added Naughton as early morning winds made for some tougher conditions for the field.

Heading into the final round, Naughton will focus on “sticking to her game plan and trying her best.”

In hot pursuit of the leader is Kim, who’s record-setting round was highlighted by seven birdies including five straight from Nos. 5 through 9. The round of 65 was also a personal best for Kim who is representing Korea for the first time in her young career.

“She is really proud of herself and to represent Korea,” said Kim through coach Min Naon.

Naon added that Kim “felt good about her putting” and that coupled with hitting a lot of greens through solid iron play and her focus contributed to her low round.

While chasing Naughton and the individual lead, nothing will change for Kim heading into Saturday, “she will not think about the result and just do her best until the end,” added Naon.

The duo will be playing together in the final group off the first tee at 10:20 a.m. on Saturday.

Ding and Park are tied for third at 8-under, with Nagore Martinez of Spain in fifth at 6-under.

In total, a field of 23 teams, 69 players in total are competing for the team and individual championships. The individual champion will receive an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open, taking place at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Alta., August 17-23, 2026. The top three players and ties will also earn exemptions into the 112th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, taking place at The Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga, Ont., July 20-24, 2026.

Several players who have competed in the World Junior Girls Golf Championship have gone on to great success on the LPGA Tour. Canadian Brooke Henderson, a 14-time LPGA Tour winner and Canada’s winningest professional golfer, finished fourth in the individual competition at the inaugural championship in 2014.

Other notable competitors who went on to become LPGA Tour winners include Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand who won back-to-back World Junior titles in 2018 and 2019 as well as Yuka Saso of the Philippines who won the 2016 World Junior title. 2023 CPKC Women’s Open winner, Megan Khang of the United States competed in the inaugural tournament in 2014. Other former World Junior competitors who have gone on to win on the LPGA Tour include Hannah Green of Australia and Maja Stark and Linn Grant of Sweden. Hye-Jin Choi from the Republic of Korea won both the 2015 team and individual championship at the World Junior Girls Golf Championship and has earned several top five finishes on the LPGA Tour.

For the both the team and individual leaderboard, following the third round of the 2025 World Junior Girls Golf Championship, please click here.